November - December 2024

The Holidays are upon us…

Thanksgiving and Christmas mean so many different things for each of us. These holidays can be reminders of joyous times, family times, old and new traditions; but they can also be reminders of loss, sadness, and even loneliness. Whatever the holidays remind you of, God wishes us all to walk in His peace. In the upper room, Jesus told His disciples many troubling things; but He finished His talk by telling them, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”(John 16:33). It may be easy for you to have peace when the holidays are a joyous time for you, if so, consider being a peaceful presence around those who don’t have that joy. The apostle Paul wrote, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). When you are full of His peace, you can easily “be” peace for those around you. I pray that you find peace this holiday season. ~ Julie Blank, Academy Director

The magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence. Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work, Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all three this Christmas and many blessings throughout the New Year. ~ HCCA staff

ENJOY THIS fun & easy Holiday RECIPE WITH YOUR FAMILY

Holiday Cornflake Wreaths

Ingredients

  • 30 large marshmallows

  • 1/4 cup butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 2 tsp green food coloring

  • 4 cups cornflake cereal

  • red decorating sprinkles or sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Place the marshmallows and butter in a large microwavable-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute in the microwave.

  2. Stir until butter and marshmallows are completely melted.

  3. Add in vanilla and green food coloring and stir until the color is mixed throughout.

  4. Add in 4 cups of cornflakes and stir until completely coated.

  5. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased sheet of wax paper.

  6. While still warm, add red sprinkles or sanding sugar for the holly berries.

HCCA IMPORTANT DATES

Oct 1 - Dec 31 Second Quarter

Now - Nov 31 Early Bird Graduation Ceremony Rate ($150)

Dec 1 - Jan 1 Regular Graduation Ceremony Rate ($195)

Dec 31 End of Second Quarter (Reports due by Jan 10)

CONTACT US 

Julie Blank, Academy Director academydirector@hche.org

Ratri (Teri) Maynez, Academy Manager academymanager@hche.org

Georgia Wolf, Academy Database Asst. academydatabase@hche.org

Phone: (719)278-9135 x4

We do our best to respond to emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours Monday-Friday

All HCCA families receive three hours of consultation for free! To schedule a consultation, please email Julie at academydirector@hche.org

GOOD TO KNOW - TEXTBOOK APPROACH VS. LOGGING HOURS

For high school students we recommend using the textbook approach whenever possible rather than logging hours. When you use the logging hours approach you must keep a record of all the hours spent on a subject, and the student must complete 75 hours for a half credit and 150 hours for a full credit for core classes. It is simpler to use the textbook approach because once 80% of a textbook is complete a half or full credit is earned (depending on the textbook). Also, some students move through material quicker than others, and therefore will not meet the hours requirement when they have finished the textbook. The logging hours approach is helpful for PE courses and courses that do not utilize textbooks. If you choose to use the logging hours approach, you must input the completed hours each quarter, topics/units/chapters covered, and upload the hourly log sheet when the course is completed.

Graduation Information

The HCHE graduation ceremony has been scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025. Registration for the graduation ceremony has opened. If you register before the end of November, you will receive an early bird discount, and registration will be $150 per student. December registration will be at the regular rate of $195 per student. After January 2, 2025, if space is available, registration will be $220 per student. To register now, click HERE

Potential HCCA graduate parent(s) are required to 1) fill out an Intent to Graduate form and 2) meet with the HCCA Director for a graduation consultation. Email Julie to make an appointment.

 HOLIDAY HOURS

The HCCA staff will be enjoying Thanksgiving with their families November 23-30; please allow extra time for responses from staff. The office will be closed from December 9 - January 5 for Christmas break. We will not be returning emails or calls during that time. If you anticipate the need for a high school transcript during the break, please make your request as soon as possible (REQUEST)

LOOKING AHEAD

Each school year HCCA offers standardized testing for homeschooling families with students in grades three, five, seven, nine, and eleven. Registration for testing will open January 2, 2025. For more information visit our Testing & Evaluations page.