We, the parents, serve and volunteer our time to plan, lead and execute activities for the benefit and blessing of the NJHSA families and the glory of our heavenly Father.
We are so glad you you were able to attend our conference. We pray it was a blessing and that you were encouraged on your homeschool journey. You will find the activities we will be offering for the 2025/26 year. Membership registration begins on July 1st. Activity registrations will open after August 1st. Take this opportunity to browse our activities and we hope this will help you plan for the new school year.
EVERY ACTIVITY IN NJHSA IS PARENT LED, PARENT DRIVEN
The Youth Leadership Program is a workshop consisting of (9) ninety-minute sessions that enable those between the ages of 13 and 18 to develop their communication and leadership skills through practical experience.
Young people will learn how to:
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Evaluate their own speaking ability
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Prepare and deliver speeches
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Give impromptu talks
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Control their voice, vocabulary, and gestures
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Reduce anxiousness around public speaking
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Give constructive feedback and more.
Day and Time: The class runs for 10 weeks
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Wednesdays
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3:00 to 4:30
Participant Ages
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Students ages 13 to 18
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Class max 20 students
Class facilitator, Gina Mongiello
The Aspen Charlotte Mason Co-op seeks to create a space where children are inspired to engage deeply in the rich ideas God has given us and to grow in character. We treasure the opportunity to come alongside other NJHSA Charlotte Mason families in spreading a feast of learning before our children.
Rooted in the principles of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, we believe in educating the whole child as a unique creation of God, as they grow in knowledge and wisdom with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Together, we journey in faith, learning through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, as we shape minds, hearts, and lives for the glory of God.
Families accepted into the co-op are required to have a parent reading through Charlotte Mason‘s volumes on Home Education and to use her method in their home school. Co-op parents will have support for the classes they lead for the co-op. Depending on parent participation our gatherings may include:
Art Study Composer Study
Nature Studies (outdoors) Shakespeare
Recitation Solfa
Drill Poetry
Handicrafts Folk songs/Hymns
Day and Time
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Our group meets weekly on Wednesdays
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12:30-3:30pm
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Every first Wednesday of the month we will meet for outdoor nature studies at pre-arranged locations, and will meet indoors at TBD for the following Wednesdays of each month.
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The co-op year includes two terms; mid September to the first week of December, and mid January to the end of May.
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An orientation date TBD in August to meet and greet with co-op parents .
Participant Ages
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Grades 1-8 (form 1-3)
Our Nets name refers to our calling in Christ, found in Matthew 4:19 "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Our coaching philosophy is based on 5 C’s:
Character
Commitment
Competence
Chemistry
Capacity
Above all of the "C's" is a greater "C" and that is Christ!
Day and Time
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JV: Tuesday 3:30 - 4:30 pm & Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 am
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Varsity: Tuesday & Thursday 4:00 - 6:00 pm & Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Participant Ages
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JV Students ages 10-14
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Varsity 14 -18
Our God made a beautiful world. Our kids explore this beautiful creation by exploring History, Science, Spanish as well as learn different Life Skills.
The Explorers is a Learning Co-op, where parents are involved in every aspect. Our kids are divided into 3 groups, according to their ages.
We also have different events, like Read Across America in March. The kids get a diploma and prize for achieving their personal reading goals. As well as special Reading Classes.
The kids also have the opportunity to spend some time together in our Field Trips.
Day and Time
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Mondays From 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Participant Ages
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8 to 13 year old (younger siblings will have a class as well)
Come engage your curiosity and showcase your learning by entering an unjudged science project or a competitive experiment.
Day and Time
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Event takes place on Mid March, 2026
Participant Ages
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Grades 1 - 12
The Geography Fair provides a creative approach to learning geography. Explore the culture of different countries as you travel from station to station.
This is an opportunity for students to learn geography and express their creativity by providing a showcase of their country of choice, which can include food and drink samples to share with the general public.
The concept is simple - each student researches a country or region and reports to the group. Using displays and posters, the presenters report their findings regarding their country's geographic location, physical attributes, currency, cultural artifacts, musical instruments, etc.
Day of the Geography Fair, students and families gather together to showcase a display of the country of their choice and interact with families visiting their table.
Day and Time
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Event takes place on January 24 2026
Participant Ages
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All ages & grades. It can be a project where the whole family participates.
Arete Speech and Debate is a Christian Speech and Debate Club, affiliated with NCFCA, a National Organization that allows students the opportunity to compete with one another. We are a parent sponsored, student lead, homeschooled club. Our goal is for high school students ages 12-18 years old, to effectively learn to communicate with truth and integrity,
Day and Time
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Tuesdays
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1:00- 5:00pm
Participant Ages
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Students 12 years and up
CALVARY Co-op was formed in 2000 as a result of a vision to aid homeschooling parents in providing a consistent, quality, Christian classical education. CALVARY Co-op provides academically challenging opportunities in a group setting. Courses that require a group or an audience, and are student-centered, hands-on, and activity-based are the focus of the classes. We provide a co-op setting where parents join together to use their God-given gifts and talents to teach the children of other families. This lightens the “load” for the homeschooling parent. Classes are provided for each family member, from Nursery through High School. We also provide opportunities for our children to be enriched by the expertise of other parents, and to benefit from the accountability and perspectives held by other teachers. Although structured learning is provided in the classroom weekly, the majority of the student’s learning takes place daily at home. The goal of the co-op is to aid parents, not replace them, in the task of homeschooling their children.
Day and Time
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Every Tuesday
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From early September to mid May
Participant Ages
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Pre-K to 12th Grade
CONTACT INFO
A nature lore reading, a nature walk, and time for nature journaling. This is a relaxed time for younger years and elementary children to learn about the Wonders of God's Creation along with friends! It's also an opportunity to meet other homeschoolers for those just starting out. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, shoes for walking in the woods, and bring a nature journal and your lunch to eat afterwards.
Day and Time
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2nd and 4th Friday of the month
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10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Participant Ages
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5 - 11 years old
The Bowling league is a great opportunity for students to gather at a weekly sport and foster new friendships. Students are grouped together on a team with others in their age range. Each week their team will play another team in the league.
Weekly bowling includes a warm up session and practice time in addition to three games.
Our Season runs from Sept.-May with a month break between Christmas and January. We conclude the regular season with our annual awards ceremony and pizza party.
Afterwards we host a family fun night
Day and Time
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Every Friday 1:45pm-3:45pm
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Holiday Bowl, 29 Spruce St., Oakland, NJ
Participant Ages
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5 yrs. through 12th grade
Frisbee is designed for teenagers to come and enjoy their time with other teenagers. It is a competitive sport with lots of fun. Frisbee is like flag football, non tackle, just drive frisbee into the zone! We have taken 1 Corinthians 10:31 and applied it to our frisbee game “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do ALL for the Glory of God.”
Day and Time
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Tuesdays
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2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Participant Ages
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8th grade to 12th grade
The overall mission of Joyful Steps is to create a Christ-Centered environment, where dancers can utilize their gift of dance, as a pure and powerful expression of worship, as well as a creative tool to spread the Gospel.
Every class offers age appropriate technical dance training, while maintaining the heart of the mission.
"To know HIM and make HIM known." JSCDA
Day and Time
10 classes
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Three main sessions: Fall, Winter, Spring
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Wednesdays, Classes are 50 min each
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2:00 - 2:50 p.m. (younger class) & 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. (older class)
Participant Ages
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2:00 - 2:50 p.m. - Pre-ballet/Creative movement, ages 5-7 yr.
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3:00 - 3:50 p.m. - Lyrical Worship class, ages 8-13 yr.
Dance Instructor
Christine Super
A fitness class that not only enhances your physical body, but also strengthens your spiritual well being.
The class starts with prayer, and health tips. Class would incorporate flexibility, light cardio and some strength training. All to Christian music.
"To know HIM and make HIM known." JSCDA
Day and Time
6 - 8 week introductory class.
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Day TBD
Instructor
Christine Super
The Drama program is open to students from 2nd grade- 12th grade and focuses on core basic techniques. Students learn through various exercises including but not limited to storytelling, improv, theater games, characterization exercises & learning how to break down a script.
Day and Time
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1st, 3rd & 5th Thursdays of each month 3:30-5:30pm
Participant Ages
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8yrs-19yrs
Discover the World of Photography!
Join Digna Toledo for an 8-week beginner photography course designed to help you master your camera and take stunning photos.
What You'll Learn:
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Understand Camera Settings: Shutter Speed, aperture, and ISO
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Improve your photo composition (rule of thirds, framing)
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Capture portraits, landscapes, and action shots
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Basic Editing tips to enhance your photos
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Hands-on practice each week
Day and Time
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Start Date: September 10, 2025
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End Date: October 29, 2025
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Day: Wednesdays
Participant Ages
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8th to 12th grade
Info Genesis Chorale is the ministry branch of the NJHSA Choir Program. They share music and testimonies at local churches, perform benefit Concerts for Christian organizations,, and travel on an annual ministry tour offering concerts, work projects, time and supplies to faith based ministries..
Day and Time
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Thursdays 9:00am-12:30pm
Participant Ages
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Students ages 14-19
Junior High Choir is an opportunity to sing for the Lord, develop vocally and build Music Skills
Senior High Concert Choir is for students of all skill levels who want to learn how to read music, sing better and study famous composers and musical styles.
Day and Time
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Meets BiWeekly on Thursdays
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3:15pm-5:30pm
Participant Ages
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Junior High Chorus Ages 11-14
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Senior High Concert Coir Ages 14-19
CONTACT INFO
Junior High Chorus
Betty Ann Yates
Beth Prins
Senior High Concert Choir bethdprins@gmail.com
Music day offers Instrument and Choral instruction to students on a weekly basis. It is a great opportunity to gather with other families while instilling the arts into our youth. Students can receive individual or group lessons. Instrument lessons start at the age of 5 years old for Piano & Violin. While some of our other instruments are offered to older students or by assessment only.
Our choirs are broken into three age groups starting at:
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3-7 years old for our Cherubs
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2nd grade-6th grade for our Children's Choir
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7th grade-12th Grade for our Concert Choir
Day and Time
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Every Thursday
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Lesson times vary but can be scheduled anytime between 9am-4pm
Choirs:
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Cherub: 12-12;30pm
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Childrens: 12:00- 12:45 pm
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Concert: 1:00-1:45 pm
Participant Ages
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3 years old-19 years of age
CONTACT INFO:
Apryllee DelConte- Director 973-951-2411
Rachel Parks- Schedule Coordinator
NJHSA holds an 8th grade graduation for its homeschooled students. It is a time to celebrate the transition point for parents and students having laid the groundwork for the high school years. Each family with a student participating must also sign-up for a job. Announcements are made using the Classifieds.
Day and Time
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First Tuesday of June
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7:00 pm
Participant Ages
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8th graders
Schedule of Events
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Opening Ceremony
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Guest Speaker
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Student Presentations and Performances
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Celebratory Reception
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Participating students are joined by parents, friends, family and guests
NJHSA holds a 12th grade graduation for our homeschooled students.
Celebrating your homeschool graduate marks a significant milestone, and now they’ve come to the end of high school. How are you going to celebrate?
12th grade Homeschool Graduation it’s a night where each graduate gets to shine and the families get to celebrate together. This special occasion is about a lovely, personalized celebration with a group of homeschooled friends and their families thanking God for His blessings and faithfulness through this journey together. It is a time to celebrate the culmination of the hard work and accomplishments made by both parents and students alike with a special evening that will be remembered for the years to come.
Each family with a student participating must also sign-up for a job. Ensuring the involvement of both the family and students to participate in this great event. Announcements are made using the Classifieds.
Day, Time and place
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Second Tuesday of June
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7:00 pm
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Hawthorne Gospel Church, Hawthorne, NJ
Participant Ages
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12th grade students
Schedule of Events
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Opening Ceremony
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Guest Speaker
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Student Presentations and Performances
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Celebratory Reception
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Participating students are joined by parents, friends, family and guests
The yearbook is an annual tradition that has served both graduating families and the activities of NJHSA for over 20 years. It is a memorable keepsake that gives each graduate a full page highlight and every NJHSA Activity and their affiliates a page highlighting the year.
The committee will start meeting in August with any interested students who would like to join. Students will be encouraged to attend NJHSA events to take pictures and work with one another to choose and create a layout along with the head editors.
Day and Time
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Varies and will be set as the committee forms.
Participant Ages
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7th grade-12th grade Students.
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Parents of students can also join.
The Young Friends Club is a social group aimed at creating a fun space for kids to play and cultivate new friendships.
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Each meetup has different activities to engage in such as nature walks, park play, arts and crafts, group games and more.
Day and Time
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Fridays - Twice a month
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10am-12pm
Participant Ages
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Students from Pre-k to 6th grade
The Travelers Club exists to cultivate wonder, knowledge and connection among homeschooling families through thoughtfully planned field trip trips. Our goal is to nurture the whole child by engaging with the world, firsthand, encouraging, deep observation, meaningful experiences, and a lifelong love for learning. Every month we step out together (parents and children) placing ourselves in contact with living ideas, real places and the wonder of God’s creation and story. We embrace the habit of attention in the travelers club and that’s a mindset that turns every outing into an opportunity for discovery and growth. This habit means being fully present, observing with curiosity, and appreciating both the big picture and the small details.
Whether we're exploring a local park, a museum, or a historical site, members of the club are encouraged to:
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Stay curious – Ask questions and wonder about the world around you.
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Be observant – Notice your surroundings, from the landscape to the signs, sounds, and people.
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Engage respectfully – Listen carefully to guides, peers, and nature itself.
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Record and reflect – Jot down thoughts, sketches, or reflections in a field journal or club notebook.
The Habit of Attention helps us travel not just with our feet, but with our minds and hearts. It’s how we make every trip meaningful and memorable.
Day and Time
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Our field trips are typically during the weekdays.
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Times vary.
Participant Ages
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Open to families with children of all ages as most activities are selected with flexibility . Parents are active participants as we believe in learning together.
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We also have some trips that can be geared towards specific age groups, but it will be noted beforehand.
Do you ever wonder how to turn that all-alone-feeling that sometimes creeps in, into a gift?
Or how to turn your anxious feeling into a deep peace?
Or how to turn your anger into forgiveness?
In Storytelling Club you’ll learn how to turn these everyday struggles into stories ...
…stories that connect you to your audience, and your audience to you. Dive into the twelve key ingredients of storytelling, one per month, to transform even the most seemingly insignificant events in your life into powerful life-changing stories.
Stories can be used for connection, for teaching, and for impact in your relationships, whether at home or in the workplace. And most importantly, becoming a better storyteller follows in the footsteps of Christ, the greatest storyteller of all time.
Christ didn’t lecture, beg, plead, or keep quiet to reach the masses. He told stories.
And you can too!
The class format for these classes is:
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a guided lesson, including examples
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a guided journal activity to turn what you just learned into a powerful story
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storytelling break-out groups to practice what you learn
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helpful, kind, honest feedback for how to improve your storytelling
Day and Time
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Wednesdays
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Once per month
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In the afternoon after 4:40. Exact time TBA
Participant Ages
This class is being offered to:
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Parents and high schoolers
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Max number of participants 20
Class facilitator, Gina Mongiello, has been fascinated by stories ever since she started teaching in 2005, seeing stories were the surest way to deliver information to students in a way they’d remember. Gina is a Distinguished Toastmaster, a Life Coach for Highly-Sensitive Over-thinkers, and a faith-filled follower of Christ Jesus.
She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in environmental education.
The Charlotte Mason Mothers Book Club is an online, monthly gathering for NJHSA mothers who desire to study the life-giving, relational, and gospel-permeated principles and methods laid out by Charlotte Mason.
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Mothers new to Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and those who have been using it for years are welcome! Members of this group will find support, encouragement, and fellowship as they strive to understand and apply this philosophy for life and learning.
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In the inaugural year of this book club, group members will begin their study with Charlotte Mason’s foundational principles followed by her first book, Volume One: Home Education. Required reading assignments (about 40 pages/month) and other optional study suggestions will be read prior to each monthly discussion.
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Mothers joining the book club are required to show their commitment by signing a group agreement.
Day and Time
To accommodate the needs and time limitations of most mothers, this book club will:
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Meet online via Zoom (contact Annette for details)
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Meet the last Saturday morning of each month, September 2025 - June 2026 (we will not meet during the month of December)
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Meet for discussion 7am-9am, with the online chat opening up at 6:45am for optional meet and greet time
Orientation Meeting:
NJHSA mothers interested in the book club will have an opportunity to meet online together in August, prior to the book club’s first meeting in September. The orientation meeting will allow everyone to meet, to go through book club info/requirements, receive the reading schedule, and ask outstanding questions.
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Interested NJHSA members should contact Annette Dionisio via email for information required to join and for the orientation date
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Orientation date TBA (August)
Participant Ages
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This club is for NJHSA mothers.
Club Facilitator: Annette Dionisio
Annette has been an avid student of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy since she and her husband Mike met Miss. Mason thirteen years ago. They have used the Charlotte Mason Method to home educate all of their children. Annette has led and moderated various CM groups, shared about CM’s method through podcasts, conferences, and workshops, and has spent the last eight years leading other mothers through CM’s volumes. She loves coming alongside others on their CM journey, and cannot wait to serve, and continue learning alongside, her NJHSA sisters in Christ.