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1. New co-op in Westborough! Visit
TODAY
Dear Homeschool Families,
We’re excited to share something new with our local homeschool community!
Grace & Truth Homeschool Enrichment Co-op is a new Christ-centered, biblically grounded homeschool community meeting on Wednesdays in Westborough, Massachusetts. With a family membership model. Serving all ages through high school.
Our desire is to come alongside homeschool families through education, discipleship, fellowship, and enrichment—helping equip parents and encourage children as together we raise up the next generation in the truth of God’s Word.
YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR GRAND OPENING LAUNCH!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Come meet our teachers, see the classes live and in person, learn about membership, ask questions, and see whether Grace & Truth might be a good fit for your family. We would love to meet you!
ABOUT GRACE & TRUTH
Grace & Truth is a membership-based, parent-involvement Christian homeschool enrichment cooperative.
Family membership includes the individual classes offered through the co-op. We currently plan to offer three terms throughout the school year, with a summer break and opportunities for field trips, special events, and community activities along the way.
Our cooperative model is built around families learning and serving together. Each participating family contributes to the community by teaching or volunteering for two class blocks during the co-op day.
Please note: Grace & Truth is not a drop-off program. Our Member Handbook explains the cooperative structure, parent participation, Family Membership Fee, policies, and other important details.
OUR WEDNESDAY
Our regular co-op day runs from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM on Wednesday’s:
9:30 — Arrival & Check-In
9:40 — Opening Assembly
10:25 — Block 1 Classes
11:30 — Lunch & Recess
12:05 — Block 2 Classes
1:10 — Snack
1:30 — Block 3 Classes
2:35 — Closing Assembly
2:50–3:00 — Dismissal & Check-Out
FALL TERM 2026
September–November
September 9 — Co-op
September 16 — Co-op
September 23 — Co-op
September 30 — Field Trip
October 7 — Co-op & Open House for Winter Term
October 13 — Winter Term New Classes Announcement
October 14 — Co-op
October 21 — Co-op
October 28 — Co-op
November 4 — Field Trip
November 11 — Co-op
November 18 — Grace & Truth Thanksgiving Celebration & Geography Bowl
FALL 2026 CLASS OFFERINGS
EARLY LEARNERS | Infant–4 Years
A play-based, hands-on learning environment focused on foundational social skills, sensory exploration, and early academic readiness.
BLOCKS 1 & 2 — GEOGRAPHY
Our 50 States | K–2nd
Ms. Alysha & Ms. Megan
An exciting journey across America through stories, songs, literature, maps, and hands-on activities.
Homework: None
Our 50 States | 3rd–5th
Mr. Dave
Students explore the United States through stories, literature, maps, songs, and engaging hands-on activities.
Homework: None
Geography | 6th–12th
Ms. Shelly
Students go beyond the surface to experience the culture, folklore, history, and lesser-known wonders of the states.
Homework: None
BLOCK 3 — ENRICHMENT
Art | K–6th
Ms. Megan
Students explore fundamental art concepts while exercising their creativity, culminating in an Eric Carle-style project.
Homework: None
Creative Writing | 7th–12th
Ms. Paula
Students develop their creative writing through reading, writing exercises, revision, and workshops, with the potential opportunity to publish their work in a literary magazine.
Homework: Light
Walk Worthy | K–12th
Mr. Dave
A character-development and outdoor-skills class inspired by Colossians 1:10, encouraging students to bear fruit, grow in knowledge, and develop spiritual maturity.
Homework: “Real World Application” Rather than traditional worksheets, assignments may include experiential activities, observation, applying concepts to everyday situations, and personal reflection.
WE’D LOVE TO CONNECT WITH YOU
If you are looking for additional homeschool enrichment and a community centered around Christ, biblical truth, education, discipleship, & family participation, we would love for you to consider joining us.
Please feel free to contact either of us with questions. We hope you’ll consider joining us.
Pastor Dave
508-755-7467
PastorDaveJ@gracetruthco-op.org
Shelly Johnson
508-762-9624
Grace.Truth.Cooperative@gmail.com
Blessings,
Grace & Truth Homeschool Enrichment Co-op
A Christian Homeschool Community
Hosted at Mission of Grace Church
85 E Main St.
Westborough, MA 01581
2. Free! Handcrafted model of the Tabernacle
A handcrafted model of the Old Testament tabernacle is looking for a new home, having been set up many times by Sunday School and ancient history classes. Fabric coverings, dowel pillars, and furniture are all cut to scale except the courtyard/base. Tapestry curtains are embroidered, and wooden sides and pillars are painted gold, silver, and bronze to imitate the real thing. Free to someone who can use it, and directions/instructions provided. For more information or picture, contact
shoreyfamil7@gmail.com
.
3. Speaker vault for September – Vicki Bentley
The MassHOPE website features a
CURATED LIBRARY OF RECORDED WORKSHOPS
from past conventions. Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting hundreds of inspiring speakers, and we regularly showcase some of their most encouraging presentations in this section. For September, we invite you to listen to a thought-provoking message by Vicki Bentley from our 2010 convention.
Vicki Bentley is a veteran homeschooling mother, conference speaker, and author who has encouraged thousands of families with practical, biblical advice for managing the challenges of home education. Known for her warm humor and realistic approach, Vicki equips homeschool parents with tools to simplify life, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most.
In this workshop, Organized (Well, Almost!) – Time Management for Busy Moms, Vicki shares practical strategies for bringing order to the often chaotic world of homeschooling and family life. You'll discover simple, effective techniques for prioritizing responsibilities, making the most of your time, and reducing the feeling of constantly being behind. Whether you're juggling lesson plans, household tasks, or ministry commitments, this encouraging session will help you develop routines that work for your family while leaving room for flexibility and grace. You'll come away with practical ideas to help you accomplish more, and enjoy the journey along the way.
4. Field trip fun in Marblehead
Marblehead’s
ABBOT HALL
is a dual-function building, serving both as the current town hall and office building and as the home of two museums: the
M
ARITIME MUSEUM
and the
SIGN MUSEUM
. Find more information
HERE
and
HERE
.
There are also several other art and historical museums in town. See their descriptions
HERE
.
5. For your encouragement: watching the news together
Yes, the author and her husband read The New York Times daily, but do not be put off by that! (They also view the Christian video series
WORLD WATCH
most mornings.) This is an
EXCELLENT ARTICLE
about building kids’ critical thinking/reasoning skills.
6. In the news: Charlotte Mason in government schools?
According to the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, “Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) may be the homeschooling community’s best-kept secret, but her theories and teachings could also dramatically improve the much wider population of government-run schools.” Read about it
HERE
.
7. Chuckles
Q. What’s the difference between a cat and a comma?
A. One has claws at the end of its paws, and one is a pause at the end of a clause.
8. Ballet Magnificat!’s “Anchored: The Pilgrim Story”
Beautifully choreographed and performed by
BALLET MAGNIFICAT!
, “Anchored: The Pilgrim Story” will inspire audiences with its portrayal of the courage and faith of the Pilgrims, their perilous crossing, and the friendship that developed with Native Americans. The timing is especially fitting for America's 250th anniversary, since the Pilgrims' Mayflower Compact was a governing document that directly influenced the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Ballet Magnificat! is the nation’s top Christian ballet company, and their faith is shared sincerely. “Anchored” is a perfect event to invite friends and family to. Presented by
FirstLoveWorks
. Three performances are scheduled in Massachusetts: September 23 in Andover, September 25 in Worcester, and September 26 in Plymouth.
In conjunction with the Ballet, FirstLoveWorks is arranging for Leo and Nancy Martin, and/or Paul Jehle, to give presentations about the Pilgrims and their connection to the Declaration and Constitution at schools and for homeschool groups during the weeks prior to the performances, as their schedules permit. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, you should contact
Ann@firstloveworks.org
. Also, there will be a presentation about the Pilgrims and the Declaration at Plymouth Memorial Hall on the afternoon of September 26, ahead of the performance itself at 6:30. The presentation is free of charge (as are all presentations scheduled within a week or two prior to the performances), but folks will be asked to register. There will be more details coming in future issues of the MassHOPE Messenger.
Discounts for homeschoolers, students at Christian schools, and groups
Homeschoolers and students from Christian schools, and their families and friends, will receive a 25% discount on tickets. They should contact Anne Smith at
volunteer@masshope.org
for information.
Groups of 25 or more receive a 25% discount. A representative of the group will need to contact Tom at
tom@firstloveworks.org
in order to receive the discount code for group members to register with.
Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. This will happen automatically at the website for the Andover and Plymouth performances, but not for Worcester’s, as Mechanics Hall does its own ticketing. If your group will be attending there, a representative should email
Tom@firstloveworks.org
and he will arrange for the discount.
All other tickets may be purchased at
pilgrimballet.com
.
Also, there are many, many volunteer opportunities available for the events, carrying different levels of compensation ranging from complimentary tickets to 10% discounts. If interested, please contact Tom at tom@firstloveworks.org or Anne at
ann@firstloveworks.org
.
9. Trails & Sails in Essex County
TRAILS & SAILS
is coming! This annual event will run from September 12 through September 27, featuring free events throughout the North Shore and the Merrimack Valley. Included are historical tours, art programs, music performances, interactive exhibits, and more. Here is a link to all of the events included. Literally
HUNDREDS
of great field trip opportunities.
10. Music classes and ensembles for homeschoolers
Thayer Conservatory in Lancaster is offering the following classes in the fall:
Thayer Homeschool chorus
Wednesdays 9/23-12/16 from 12:30-1:30
Beginner Violin Class for homeschoolers
Wednesdays 9/16-12/9 from 1:30-2:30
Fiddle Group -
Rose, Thorn and Fiddle
Wednesdays starting 9/16 from 4:30-5:30
Come join us in playing Celtic, early American and ancient tunes. Instruments include violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, ukulele, flute, tin whistle, and others. All levels are welcome.
Youth Ensemble of New England - Youth Orchestra
Wednesdays starting 9/16 from 5:45-7:15
Instruments include violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn, trumpet, trombone. Intermediate to advanced levels. Audition dates August 26 and Sept. 9. Email
yeofne@gmail.com
to request an audition time.
Email
thayermedia.dd@gmail.com
if you are interested or need more information about any of the groups.
11. TeenPact returning to Connecticut and New Hampshire
TeenPact Connecticut
invites you to join them at next year's dynamic leadership camp from
March 29- April 2, 2027
at the Capitol in Hartford. TeenPact inspires youth in their relationship with Christ and trains them to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend the Christian faith, and engage the culture around them. There is a four- or five-day camp for ages 13-19, one day for ages 8-12, and a one-day Political Communication Workshop for ages 13-19. The overnight camp will be held at the beautiful Holy Family Retreat Center in West Hartford. Learn more about all the details and the new exciting location for overnight camp option by emailing jenjen632@yahoo.com, calling (860)779-3999 (home #) or going to
TEENPACT
.
Registration opens September 1, 2026 and the best prices are from September 1-30. Here’s how the savings work:
Double Early Bird — Save $30
Register during the month of September and receive
$30 off tuition
.
Early Bird — Save $15
After September, the savings continue at
$15 off tuition
until 60 days before your class begins.
Can’t make it to Connecticut? The same classes (also offering student housing) will be held in
New Hampshire on May 3-7.
For the first time in many years, these New Hampshire dates
do not conflict
with the MassHOPE Convention in Sturbridge.
Register
HERE
for Connecticut and
HERE
for New Hampshire.
Don’t know
what
TeenPact is, and
why
you should attend?
The
WHAT
: here’s a
QUICK LOOK
at what it’s all about. [Bonus for attending a state class: you’re eligible for Alumni Events. My kids loved them!]
The
WHY
: read this
INSPIRING STORY
about the huge impact TeenPact had on one student.
Here is the testimony of an alumnus:
The godliest peers I had growing up were those I knew through TeenPact. Going to TeenPact classes and alumni events strengthened me spiritually, shaped my growth and maturity as a person, and sparked a passion for influencing government and culture and gave me a venue to put that into practice. The educational experiences TeenPact offered were not only challenging and impactful but also loads of fun.
ONE-DAY TeenPact for 8-12-year olds
For many students, TeenPact begins with a simple but meaningful experience — a day spent learning, exploring, and connecting with new friends who share their
curiosity and excitement.
These one-day state classes (sometimes affectionately referred to as “TeenyPact”) are created especially for students
ages 8–12
, giving younger students a chance to experience TeenPact in a fun, welcoming environment where relationships form naturally and confidence begins to grow.
Throughout the day, students will:
• Join together in worship and prayer
• Participate in prayer walks
• Discover how laws are made
• Take part in an engaging mock legislature
Students don’t just learn about leadership at TeenPact — they experience it firsthand alongside new friends, building skills and memories that last long after the day ends. To reserve your student’s spot,
CLICK HERE
.
12. Folk song event in Topsfield
V is the Valley
: A Concert-Conversation featuring New England Folksongs from the Helen Hartness Flanders Ballad Collection
with singer-storyteller Jack DesBois
Enjoy a vibrant tour through the landscape of traditional folk songs!
-
Enter into the living history of traditional New England folk music
-
Learn about Helen Hartness Flanders, song-catcher (1890–1972)
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Hear the songs – and learn to sing one yourself
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Join in a conversation about this rich musical heritage
When:
Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Where:
Topsfield Town Library, 1 South Common Street
Run-time: approx. 90 minutes
Free and open to the public
Recommended for audiences ages 8 through adult
To learn more,
click
HERE
or visit
www.DesBoisTutoring.org
RSVP optional (drop-ins welcome) at:
www.TopsfieldLibrary.org
Celebrate America’s Folk History & Culture!
And a testimonial from the mouth of a babe: At Jack’s "V is the Valley" event at Nevins Library in Methuen last May, there was a homeschooling mother and her three elementary-age children in the audience. These children were attentive and fully engaged, were familiar with some of the songs, and enjoyed singing the refrain to "Carrion Crow." Afterwards, when asked what they thought, the 7-year-old immediately responded, "It was
really
good!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack DesBois
Singer ~ Actor ~ Storyteller
jackdesbois.com
Jack is always looking for organizations to host this and his other educational enrichment programs. If a homeschooling family would like him to bring a program to a library, homeschool co-op, historical society, museum, performing arts venue, church, etc., near them, they can suggest an organization for him to contact. You can find his contact info, and more information about the educational enrichment offerings from DesBois Tutoring & Enrichment, at
www.desboistutoring.org
.
13. Speaker vault for August – Seann Dikkers on the development of government schools
The MassHOPE website features a
CURATED LIBRARY OF RECORDED WORKSHOPS
from past conventions. Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting hundreds of inspiring speakers, and we regularly showcase some of their most encouraging presentations in this section. For August, we invite you to listen to another thought-provoking message by Seann Dikkers from our 2026 convention.
Dr. Dikkers is a husband and father with over thirty years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, professor, pastor, curriculum designer, researcher, and author. A passionate advocate for faith-based education, purposeful play, balanced use of digital media, and individualized learning, Seann serves as Executive Director of Portals Education.
In this workshop, The Hidden Agenda Behind Mass Education, Dr. Dikkers takes a historical look at 150 years of government schooling in America, contrasting its development with the tradition of freedom centered Christian education. He examines key legislation, influential educational leaders, and the philosophies that shaped the modern public education system. Along the way, he explores questions such as: What were government schools originally designed to accomplish? Where did they go wrong? How has the system itself contributed to declining educational outcomes? Most importantly, Dr. Dikkers highlights how home discipleship offers a fundamentally different and deeply biblical approach to educating the next generation.
14. Field trip fun in Waltham
Explore technology from the Industrial Revolution through the present at the
CHARLES RIVER MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY & INNOVATION
.
From Tripadvisor.com (which gives a rating of 4.5/5): “Located in the Francis Cabot Lowell Mill, an icon of the American Industrial Revolution, the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation brings together intriguing artifacts, cultural insights, and inspiring stories to delight people of all ages, enabling them to see the past and envision the future. The Museum's Main Gallery, displaying artifacts from industries and technologies spanning over 200 years of American innovation, is housed in the final boiler house of the Boston Manufacturing Company, a textile mill founded in 1813 and America's first modern factory. This site would become the model for the mills that formed the City of Lowell and is one of the most important locations of the American Industrial Revolution.”
15. For your encouragement: the “worst candidate” for the job
How God transformed this former teacher’s
HOMESCHOOL
.
16. In the news: USA Today
This
OPINION PIECE
in USA Today is a beautiful defense of homeschooling.
17. Chuckles: mounting evidence
For those days when you can only cry or
LAUGH
.
18. Recordings from the 2026 convention
Did you miss a session because there were too many great workshops to choose from? Or, sadly, did you miss the entire convention? No problem. Order session recordings individually, or get the whole set. Just click
HERE
.
19. Know someone who doesn’t receive the Messenger?
We share important information about MassHOPE, and other items of interest to homeschooling families. So spread the word! Encourage your friends to sign up now to ensure they receive all this, especially upcoming convention info.
All they need to do to receive it is to send full name and email address to
info@masshope.org
.
Help them stay informed!
Also,
while you’re at it, why don’t you start thinking about volunteering at our next convention? We need you!
20. Choose “MassHOPE” when purchasing from Christian Book
MassHOPE has been approved for the GiveBack affiliate program at Christian Book and will receive a 4% cashback donation on any orders that are placed with MassHOPE as the beneficiary! Look for a box at checkout that says to find your church (which actually includes Christian schools and 501(c)(3) organizations as well as churches).
21. Social media triple play
We’re on each of the Big Three: X
, Facebook, and Instagram. Our Facebook and Instagram accounts are linked, so you can follow us on Instagram and get some of the same info we post there. Go to our link -
https://www.instagram.com/massachusetts_homeschool/
-
and click “Follow.”
22.
Discounts from SchoolhouseTeachers.com
Homeschooling can be challenging.
It can be expensive, time-consuming, and confusing to choose classes and curricula for multiple students. We are writing to tell you that
SchoolhouseTeachers.com
will provide all the courses you need for homeschooling each of your preschool through graduating 12th-grade students at the discounted annual price of $179 (you save $90)
.
With hundreds of online courses, lesson plans, quizzes, tests, answer keys, certificates of completion, and streaming videos, your annual
SchoolhouseTeachers.com
membership will ensure you have a full-spectrum, non-Common Core curriculum platform to confidently educate your children at home.
Membership is good for your whole family—including grandparents—no matter how many children you have. Because everything is included online, there is no need to buy textbooks. PLUS, there are no per class, no per child, nor any other hidden fees. You can also generate quarterly report cards for each student and access help with transcript creation for your high schoolers.
SchoolhouseTeachers.com contains nearly every subject imaginable—art history, drawing, computer technology, foreign languages, history, language arts, math, music, science, and loads of electives. Let your kids help pick out their own courses!
23. MassHOPE Facebook groups
Did you know that MassHOPE has two private Facebook groups in addition to its main Facebook page? If you would like to join the MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Discussion and Support Group (described in Item #25) or the MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Marketplace and UCS group (described in Item #26), or if you invite anyone to join these groups, please note that there are questions you will need to answer in order to be approved. If you don't get approved soon after your request to join, perhaps you didn't answer the required questions.
24. MassHOPE advertising opportunities
MassHOPE has a variety of advertising options available at reasonable rates in several media paths – MassHOPE website, dedicated email, Facebook, MassHOPE Messenger. If interested, please send an email to advertising@masshope.org. All ads are subject to availability and space. MassHOPE reserves the right to accept or reject ads as we must apportion limited space and evaluate relevance to our audience.
25. MassHOPE Facebook discussion group
Connect with us on Facebook at
MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Discussion and Support Group
. This group provides support and encouragement for homeschoolers pursuing privately-funded, parent-led home education. Its purpose is to encourage and equip homeschool parents to disciple and educate their children for the Lord, and to connect families within our state to give them opportunities to gather together for educational and recreational experiences. Join at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MassHOPEDiscussion/
26. MassHOPE’s Facebook marketplace
Couldn’t make it to the used curriculum sale? Connect with other buyers and sellers on MassHOPE’s homeschool marketplace and UCS in order to buy and sell used curriculum! Join at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MassHOPEUCS
.
27.
The MassHOPE Educator ID Card
Educator IDs are available for benefits such as potential discounts at retailers. Order them from our website
HERE
.
28. Your news items wanted
Do you know of an event or activity in or near Massachusetts that would edify or interest the homeschool community? Email Anne Smith at
volunteer@masshope.org
and we will review it for possible inclusion in the MassHOPE Messenger.
29. Remember to "Like" MassHOPE on Facebook
"Like" MassHOPE's
FACEBOOK PAGE
.
You'll be encouraged in your homeschooling journey and will receive all updates for upcoming events.
30. Are you on our mailing lists?
If you are receiving this e-newsletter, you are on our email list! May we also add you to our “snail mail” list to receive occasional information via the U.S. Postal Service? If Yes, please send your full name and complete mailing address to
newsletter@masshope.org
.
31 How to homeschool legally in Massachusetts
This video features Michael Donnelly, formerly HSLDA's designated counsel for Massachusetts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmELLON4OFI&list=PLe7Gz-9V5xsWzxwNhyZUNrdz0K-tbkz9a&index=21
.
The link referenced for further Massachusetts-specific articles is
https://hslda.org/legal/massachusetts
.
32. Special education resources
Here are two valuable resources for homeschooling parents of special needs children.
FREE DOWNLOADS
provides IEP templates, therapy resources, a Getting Started guide, and more.
EMPOWERING HOMESCHOOL CONVERSATIONS
, which covers a wide range of issues.
33. Videos and webinars from HSLDA
T
hree-part video series on getting started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVOzkYx2vcA&list=PLe7Gz-9V5xsWAtvLTz1gA1CYyPLBBe-Ke
.
How to Start Homeschooling with Special Needs
:
https://hslda.org/teaching-my-kids/special-needs
.
And many, many more
:
https://hslda.org/community/webinars
.
34. Get started homeschooling in Massachusetts
Check out this MassHOPE site for
getting started
.
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