From: CtHmschlNtwk@aol.com [mailto:CtHmschlNtwk@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2000 1:27 PM
To: CtHmschlNtwk@aol.com
Subject: CHN - 10/00 - Important Legislative Update/Information


Fellow Homeschoolers,

The information below addresses the Enumeration Law.  This law requires us, 
IF ASKED by the local school system, to answer as explained below by Alison 
Brion of CtsCure.  Capitol letters are Alison "speaking".  (THANKS, ALISON !

Please take a moment to read it and possibly save it.  There will be an 
article written about this issue in the next copy or Hearthnotes, CHEA's 
hardcopy newsletter publication.  This is for CHEA members and can be 
subscribed to for annual dues of $20 by going to: 
http://www.cthomeschoolers.com/membership.htm and printing out the form to 
mail in.

The newly formed legislative group met with success, and will be continuing 
to learn and assist CtsCure in a cooperative manner.  If you are interested 
in helping/learning with this group, contact Diane and Mark at 
CtHmschlNtwk@aol.com.  

Have a Sparkling Day,
Diane

-----CURE's Response to the school's letter follows------

<<<28 Sep 00
Dear -----
Thanks for contacting CT's CURE. We appreciate the
support you give us.
The letter that the South Windsor school system is
mailing to some of the homeschooling families in your
area encourages me. 
Please pass my comments on to the members of your
group. As always, Debi and I are available if there
are further questions.
Keep up the good work.   
Regards,
Alison

-----The school's letter with CURE's commentary follows------
Dear (Parent)
It has come to my attention that a notice of intent to
home instruct your child for the 2000-2001 school year
has not been filed with my office.
THIS IS A STRAIGHTFORWARD, NON-THREATENING STATEMENT. 
IF A FAMILY RECEIVING THIS LETTER HAS IN FACT FILED A
NOTICE OF INTENT FOR THE 2000-2001 SCHOOL YEAR, THEY
SHOULD CONTACT THE SCHOOL IN WRITING AND ASK THAT THE
SCHOOL CORRECT ITS RECORDS. 

 I am well aware of the fact that the filing of this
form with my office is not a requirement of
Connecticut State Statute. 
THIS STATEMENT IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.  THE FILING OF A
NOTICE OF INTENT FORM IS NOT REQUIRED BY CONNECTICUT
LAW. IT WOULD BE GREAT IF ALL SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
AND PARENTS RECOGNISED THIS.
 
However, I have been advised to contact you and
request notification of the status of your child's
educational program for the 2000-2001 school year.

THIS LETTER DOES NOT REFER TO ANY STATUTES SO I
SUSPECT THAT SOMEONE HAS GIVEN THIS SUPERINTENDENT
GOOD ADVICE UNINTENTIONALLY. 
SCHOOL DISTRICTS SPEND A LOT OF TIME COUNTING PEOPLE,
MONEY, HOURS, ABSENCES, ETC.  
CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE SEC. 10-249 ENUMERATION OF
CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY AGE IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND BY
STATE DEPARTMENTS HAVING JURISDICTION OVER SUCH
CHILDREN. REQUIRES THE ENUMERATION OF ALL CHILDREN OF
COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE WHO RESIDE IN THAT BOARD'S
DISTRICT AS OF JANUARY FIRST, EACH YEAR.  
   
CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE SEC.10-250 REPORT SHOWING
NUMBER OF CHILDREN, REQUIRES SUPERINTENDENTS FILE A
FORM BY JUNE FIFTEENTH, EACH YEAR. THE STATE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FORM ASKS FOR THE NUMBER OF
CHILDREN ENROLLED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL, THE NUMBER
ATTENDING PRIVATE SCHOOL, AND THE NUMBER BEING
HOMESCHOOLED. 

CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE SEC.10-251. PENALTY FOR
REFUSING TO GIVE AGE OF CHILD., OUTLINES THE PENALTY
FOR A PARENT'S REFUSAL TO GIVE THE CHILD'S NAME, AGE,
AND INFORMATION CONCERNING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. 

If you wish, you may notify my office by calling
Lorraine at 291-1210.
RESPONDING IN WRITING AND MAILING YOUR LETTER WITH A
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID
MISUNDERSTANDINGS. 

Please let me know your intentions no later than
Friday, October 6, 2000.

Steven A. Wlodarczyk

HOW MIGHT HOMESCHOOLERS RESPOND TO THIS LETTER? 
AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, THIS LETTER DOES NOT INDICATE
THE STATUTORY BASIS FOR A REQUEST OF INFORMATION.
IT WOULD BE WELL WITHIN A PARENT'S RIGHT TO ASK FOR
THE STATUTORY BASIS OF THE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE'S
REQUEST.
YOU MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT GET AN ACCURATE RESPONSE.
WE ALSO DISCUSSED THE ENUMERATION LAWS WHICH DO GIVE A
SCHOOL DISTRICT THE AUTHORITY TO ASK PARENTS THEIR
CHILD'S NAME, AGE, AND INFORMATION CONCERNING THE
CHILD'S SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.  CONNECTICUT LAW REQUIRES
THAT PARENTS ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS.
THE LETTER FROM SOUTH WINDSOR'S SCHOOL SYSTEM CONTAINS
ONE QUESTION FOR PARENTS. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF YOUR
CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE 2000-2001 SCHOOL
YEAR?

A SIMPLE RESPONSE FROM HOMESCHOOLERS MIGHT BE:

DEAR ______,
I AM IN RECEIPT OF YOUR LETTER DATED _____.
MY CHILD________WILL BE RECEIVING INSTRUCTION AT HOME
IN ACCORDANCE WITH C.G.S. SEC.10-184. FOR THE
2000-2001 SCHOOL YEAR.

SINCERELY,
____________