Back in the Homeschool Classroom: ‘Snowflake’ Bentley … studying the beauty of winter

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The view out our window on February 6, 2010.

“Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind.” —Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley (1865-1931), Jericho, Vermont

Back in the home school classroom … one of our favorite winter interests during the years we educated at home was the study of “Snowflake” Bentley. He took the cold of winter and exposed the beauty of individual ice crystals that made up snow, teaching us that no two snowflakes are alike. Each is different … each is unique … each is special … all are beautiful.

This was the view out our window in February 2010 as we looked into the world of “Snowflake” Bentley….

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 6, 2010

Rob Bell’s ‘Tebow Bill’ goes to Senate committee Thursday

Del. Rob Bell

By Lynn R. Mitchell

After passing the House, Delegate Rob Bell’s “Tebow Bill” will be heard in committee this week. From Del. Bell:

We just received word that the Tebow Bill will be before the Senate Education and Health Committee this Thursday, February 12th! The committee meets at 8:30am in Senate Room B in the General Assembly Building.  You can find information about directions and parking here.

I hope you can come — it would help to have a big crowd!  We will want to have homeschoolers who can testify, and everyone else can provide moral support.

I strongly encourage you to contact your senator and express your support–especially if he or she serves on the Senate Education and Health Committee.  You can find a list of the committee membership here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Hope to see you on Thursday!

Back story:

Will 10th time be charm for Rob Bell’s ‘Tebow Bill’?

By Lynn R. Mitchell

For the tenth year, Delegate Rob Bell (R-58 Charlottesville) has submitted House Bill 1626, also known as the “Tebow Bill,” that would allow homeschoolers to participate in activities and sports at their local high schools.

Delegate Bell expressed optimism that the bill will fare better this year with the state senate in Republican hands. However, in 2012 with Republicans in control of House, Senate, and Governor with the best chance in seven years for passage, Republican Senator Harry Blevins, a retired public school principal, voted with the Democrats against the Tebow Bill, defeating it. Blevins retired from the state senate in 2013. This year Republicans control the House and Senate but not Governor.