Calendar of future MassHOPE events

  ­­ April 24-26: Annual Christian homeschool and parenting convention

Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

June 7: Formal graduation ceremony, Holden Chapel,

Holden, Massachusetts

June 28: Used Curriculum Sale

Chapel of the Cross, Westborough, Massachusetts

you can click on the image, print the handout, and bring it with you to the convention. Handouts may also come in handy when listening to a recording. 

7. We're still accepting convention volunteers

It’s not too late to sign up as a convention volunteer. Attendees aged 12 and up can serve anywhere from just one hour to...the sky’s the limit. And you’ll receive four (4) MassHOPE bucks for every hour you help out, spendable in the exhibit hall.

To volunteer, either email Anne Smith at volunteer@masshope.org and tell her you’d like to volunteer, OR just drop by the MassHOPE table at the convention, and see what slots we have available.

Exhibit hall volunteers  make continuous rounds of the hall, bringing help and cheer to the vendors. Offering to fetch coffee, tea, or water, or watching a table for a couple of minutes while the vendor runs to the restroom.

Badge checkers  make sure those who are entering the exhibit hall are registered for the convention, and direct them to Registration if they are not.

Registration workers  hand out name badges to those who are pre-registered for the event, and help others register and pay onsite.

Workshop monitors  DO NOT have to introduce the speaker! They simply help people find seats if the room is crowded. Suggest that folks with noisy little ones step out of the room for a bit. Hold up time cards to let the speaker know how much time is left.

What do you think? We do need you, so consider checking “YES” on your registration when asked if you would be willing to volunteer. Even for one hour! Oh, and you’ll receive four (4) MassHOPE bucks for every hour you help out, spendable in the exhibit hall. Or, if you’d rather, just email Anne Smith at  volunteer@masshope.org  and tell her you’d like to volunteer.

Thanks in advance!

8. Family game night fun at the convention

All welcome to the Danforth room on Friday night, 6:30-8:00. Come for the whole time or just part of the time, and enjoy playing your favorite games with other families. We encourage you to bring some games. MassHOPE will have a limited supply of games available, but we would like to see what your family enjoys! Won't you join us? It should be a fun time.

9. Eat up!

Find Your People… Lunch Meetups by State

Looking to reconnect with old friends or meet new homeschoolers from your neck of the woods? During lunchtime at the convention, we’ll have a designated room set up with tables grouped by state. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or new to the homeschool community, this is a great chance to network, share experiences, and fellowship with families from your home state.

Affordable Dining Right at the Host

In addition to the many off-site dining options around Sturbridge, the Sturbridge Host offers convenient and affordable meals right on site. A concession stand will be open during key hours throughout the weekend (including breakfast!), serving a variety of budget-friendly meals and snacks—perfect for families on the go. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between sessions or picking up a snack to keep everyone energized, there are affordable options just steps away!

Eat a Slice and Support MassHOPE

Head over to UNO Pizzeria & Grill (just a couple of miles east on Route 20) on Saturday, April 26, and enjoy delicious food while supporting MassHOPE at the same time! UNO's will donate up to 20% of your check to MassHOPE when you dine in or order takeout using a special Dough Raiser ticket. These tickets are required and will be available at the MassHOPE booth during the convention. Bring your appetite and help raise some dough for a great cause!

10. Register now for the Big E homeschool program

The Education Department at the Big E (the Eastern States Exposition, in West Springfield) is bringing back their Homeschool Program (previously called The Big E Field Trip Program) for a second year. This program provides homeschool families with year-round curriculum-aligned content to support learning in the promotion and development of agriculture, education, industry, and preserving New England heritage, which are the pillars of their mission. 

The Homeschool Program will kick off in August and includes activities for each month of the year. Storrowton Village Museum's Homeschool Program gives families a 19th century experience both at home and onsite through experiential learning. Activities are geared toward children ages 6-12, but can be modified for older learners. Highlights include: 

• Admission to Family Camp Day, August 4, 2025.
• Admission to one day at The Big E in September.
• Hands-on activity session during your visit to the fair - or select our post-fair, sensory-friendly option in October. This will include a personalized visit to the blacksmith shop and two exclusive hands-on activities.
• 10 curriculum-based activities to do with your children. Unique supplies not found in your home classroom will be provided.
• A book for family reading sessions with additional activities .
• Special activities for home school families at our Yuletide & Maple Harvest Day events.

Please use this  REGISTRATION LINK   to read our FAQs and register for the program. These rates remain will be in effect through May 31; starting June 1, the rate will increase by 15%. Registration will close on July 31. 

11. Need a photographer for a special event?

From K.C. Gaudet at Kenneth Coburn Photography:

Let me save your most precious moments. Looking for affordable photography for Weddings, Engagements, or Senior Pictures? I provide quality work without the overpriced and stressful experience that can often accompany hiring a photographer. I love working with people and helping save the special moments of life for a lifetime to come.

Phone: (508) 282-2156

Email: kennethcoburnphotography@gmail.com

Website:  kennethcoburnphotography.com

12. Field trip fun in MetroWest You couldn’t make it to the 250 ^th anniversary of the Shot Heard Round the World in Lexington and Concord? Next best thing: visit those same sites and many more, with a visit to MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK . Spend a day immersing your kids in the history of American independence - without the massive jostling crowds from last weekend.

13. From our keynote speaker: toddler training 101

From Heidi St. John’s blog, a little help on DEALING WITH TODDLERS .

14.  From two of our convention speakers

PREPARING TEENS FOR POST HIGH SCHOOL LIFE is the subject of a Cedarville University podcast featuring Heidi St. John and Shellie Doub.

15. Speaker vault for April

Our newest section of 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 periodically showcase some of their presentations on this page. For April, we invite you to listen to an inspiring message by  Gregg Harris:   How to Stay Engaged with the One You Marry.  Gregg draws from his decades of experience as a husband and father to offer practical and biblically grounded advice for maintaining a vibrant, lasting marriage. With a focus on intentional companionship, he emphasizes the importance of aligning marital relationships with God’s design.

16.  Good Company Tutorials (GCT) classes in Attleboro, Mass. and Cranston, R.I.

Wondering what subjects you will delegate? Come observe some classes this spring to help you decide. GCT provides students in grades 5-12 the option to have some of their classes outside the home in a Christian environment. Our priorities are a Biblical worldview, a healthy social environment, and a challenging academic atmosphere. It's often more feasible to continue to homeschool through the middle and high school years if your students have the option to take a single class, a few, or most of their classes in this setting. Attleboro, Mass. classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Cranston, R.I. classes are on Fridays. Classes are in place and registration begins in June but the time for a visit is now. Email Julie Shorey at  shoreyfamily7@gmail.com . See website for more information:        

https://www.goodcompanytutorials.com/

SPEECH NIGHT – Good Company Tutorials

Tuesday April 29 – The public speaking class will be presenting their speeches this evening beginning at 6:30. The students cover a variety of topics and styles in their speeches, including informative and interpretive. You will be encouraged by their content and inspired by their hard work. They will be delighted to have your support. For inquiries, call Bree Brasil 781-838-2127 or email  breebrasil@hotmail.com  Drama performance is Friday, May 9. 

17. Field trip fun in Stockbridge

Love Norman Rockwell? The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge has the world’s largest collection of his original art. See  HERE  for hours and directions.

18. It all started with TeenPact

“TeenPact pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Read about Gracie Cooper’s  AMAZING JOURNEY  from painfully shy teen to Deputy Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives - at the age of 22!

There is still time for YOU to register for a New England class. The dates for the Concord, New Hampshire TeenPact class are April 21-25. Register at  https://teenpact.com/states/new-england/ . Student housing is available at Camp Berea!

19. Homeschool track meet May 10

Homeschool families, mark your calendars! The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is hosting a special track meet on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Whitinsville Christian School. This exciting event is designed for Christian homeschool students  of all skill levels , providing a fun, encouraging opportunity for students of all ages. You can register for the event  HERE .

20 .  Calling all parents of graduating seniors

Surely you know right now if you have a graduating senior this year. If so, do you also know that MassHOPE holds a formal cap and gown graduation ceremony each year?

This year marks our 20th formal graduation ceremony, and it will be held at Holden Chapel on June 7 at 2:00 PM. If you are interested in learning more, please send an email (including your graduate's name) to Susan Jacobsen - graduation@masshope.org .  She will be happy to send you the graduation packet providing more info including how to sign up.

Please NOTE: There are deadlines in order to participate, so don't delay: email Susan today!  

21. For your encouragement: Don’t follow your heart

“Want to be miserable? Follow your dull, dithering, divided, and depraved heart.” From the Colson Center’s  BREAKPOINT .

22. Homeschooling in the News:  Confessions of an educator

In  Psychology Today , a college professor   EXPLAINS WHY SHE CHOSE HOMESCHOOLING .

23. 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.”

24. Check out our new Resources page

We are excited to have recently launched a brand-new  Resources  section on the MassHOPE website! This dedicated space features carefully curated recommendations for homeschooling and parenting books to support you on your homeschooling journey. Whether you are seeking guidance on curriculum choices, encouragement, or inspiration for fostering a Christ-centered home, you’ll find helpful materials. Visit the   RESOURCE PAGE   today to explore these new resources, and check back for new additions!

25. Partner with MassHOPE?

We invite you to partner with MassHOPE in supporting Christian homeschooling families across Massachusetts. As a non-profit organization, your generous donations enable us to continue providing encouragement, resources, events, and advocacy to strengthen and equip local homeschoolers. Every gift, big or small, makes a lasting impact. Please prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible   DONATION   today and join us in building up families in the year ahead. 

26. Friends don’t let friends miss out on...

...important information about MassHOPE. So spread the word! Help us share the news about our upcoming convention and so much more! Tell all your homeschooling friends about  The MassHOPE Messenger , MassHOPE's bi-weekly e-newsletter, filled with opportunities and items of interest for homeschooling families. 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 convention? We need you!

27. 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!

28. Convention recordings available

Recordings are available from our 2024 convention. If there was a particular session you'd like to hear again or share with others, or if there is a subject you wish you had been there to hear, go to  ALLIANCE RECORDINGS .

29. 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 #31) or the  MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Marketplace and UCS group , 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MassHOPEDiscussion/

32.   The MassHOPE Educator ID Card

Educator IDs are available for benefits such as potential discounts at retailers. Order them from our website   HERE .

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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 .

36. 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 .

37. 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 .

38. Get started homeschooling in Massachusetts  Check out this MassHOPE site for   getting started .