Statement of Purpose and Objectives

Mississippi Homeschool Life exists to inform, encourage, and aid Christian homeschooling families in Desoto, Tate and Marshall Counties in Mississippi and surrounding areas as they seek God’s will in training and educating their children. The membership shares information with each other concerning issues related to home education, encourages families to pass down their Christian faith and values, and provides opportunities for family recreation and educational activities.

Statement of Understandings

Mississippi Homeschool Life (MSHL) is a Christian organization, and has an unchanging standard, God’s Word, the Holy Bible. All group activities, publications, and conduct are to be consistent with the teachings and principles of the Bible.
MSHL does not provide textbooks, curriculum, or teachers.
MSHL does not give legal advice concerning any issues. All legal questions concerning home education should be addressed to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) or other legal expert of member’s choosing.
MS Homeschool Leadership is governed by a Leadership Board.
MSHL does not divulge member information to anyone, with the exception of other MSHL members.
Continued participation in MSHL events is contingent upon membership in MSHL. Opportunities will always be presented to members first.
MSHL does not take responsibility for the acts of any individuals within the group. Adult members must be accountable for their own actions and the actions and safety of their own children.
Members (and their children) agree to be considerate of those around you and limit public displays of affection. We want to foster an environment of friendship and fun.
No members of MSHL of any age should present sexual content to any other members, nor are they allowed to proposition each other at MSHL events or engage in any sexual conduct whatsoever.
When it comes to abuse, if you see something, you have a responsibility to say something. We are a community and part of our responsibility to each other is to keep all kids safe. If you see a child being presented with sexual content, being bullied, being harassed, doing drugs, etc., there is an expectation that you will let their parents know. Parents are the ultimate authority for their children. Laws for notifying police or authorities of abuse are still applicable.
No student may possess any weapon at any MSHL event. MSHL defers to Mississippi law and rules of the event site for adult possession of a weapon at our events.
MSHL’s dress code policy does not rigidly define the word "modest." Instead, we ask that all members consider others when choosing their attire. Consider if the attire provides adequate coverage when bending over or lifting arms. In the spirit of loving our Christian brothers and sisters well, we want to honor those with stricter understandings of modesty by thinking of our clothing through their eyes. Please be aware that our chaperones have the right to ask your student to cover up, or for you to bring a change of clothing, if they feel their attire does not honor the dress code.
Parents are always allowed and welcome at MSHL events and are never discouraged from attending events. Parents are always responsible for their own children.
Registrations for paid events cannot be canceled or refunded. If you are unable to attend an event that you already paid for, please notify the coordinator. Events canceled by MSHL will be refunded.

Membership Eligibility, Length, Dues, Acts of Service, and Attendance Guidelines

MS Homeschool Life membership is open to parents or grandparents actively home educating.
Members must accept the MS Homeschool Life Membership Agreement, indicated by the online acceptance of the Membership Agreement, which includes Statement of Understandings, Membership Policies and Guidelines, Privileges of Membership, and Membership Dues.
Members must accept the MS Homeschool Life Statement of Faith, acknowledging that they understand that all MSHL activities will be in alignment with those values. They must agree to uphold those values when participating in MSHL.
Members must accept the MS Homeschool Life Liability Release, indicated by the online acceptance of the Liability Release.
Members agree to allow Mississippi Homeschool Life to use photographs and/or videos of themselves and/or their children and/or their grandchildren in publications, online, or in other communications related to the mission of Mississippi Homeschool Life.
MS Homeschool Life membership must be renewed annually.
MS Homeschool Life, LLC requires an annual $35.00 membership fee per family. The dues are used to defray the costs of the MS Homeschool Life website, parties, meetings, administrative fees, among other things. Membership is confirmed after payment is received.
MS Homeschool Life members are required to do one of the following each year of membership:

Perform at least one Act of Service

Pay a $25 Service Charge

Any family member may perform an Act of Service. Members who fail to complete an Act of Service or pay a $25 Service Charge will be ineligible for membership renewal for one calendar year.
Children should be accompanied by at least one parent (or adult designated by the parent) to each MS Homeschool Life function attended unless otherwise approved by the responsible coordinator. No less than three adults must be present at any MS Homeschool Life event where children are being dropped off. These three adults may not all be from the same family.
MS Homeschool Life parents and children are expected to honor God through appropriate attitude and actions at all MS Homeschool Life events.
All MS Homeschool Life activities and events are tobacco and alcohol free.
The MS Homeschool Life Leadership Board has the right to refuse any activities, events or clubs that do not align with our Statement of Faith or our Membership Agreement.

Privileges of Membership

MS Homeschool Life membership card, which may entitle families to teacher discounts at Memphis-area businesses.
The MS Homeschool Life website, Facebook page, and periodic announcements from group leaders.
An MS Homeschool Life Family Directory, to help families interact with and support one another.
Opportunities to participate in specially planned field trips, clubs, activities, and events.
Opportunities to develop friendships with and learn from other Christian home educators in various settings.
Group discount for Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) membership
Optional participation in MSHL kindergarten/high school graduation

I/We have read and understand the MS Homeschool Life Membership Agreement. I/We agree to support these principles and guidelines along with any MSHL policies, procedures, etc. found in the member handbook during the full duration of our membership in this support group with our cooperation and our service. By checking this box on the Membership Application, we agree with the Membership Agreement.