Last week homeschool families from around Florida gathered in Tallahassee to attend FPEA’s Day at the Capitol activities. Homeschool parents and children received legislative updates, participated in meetings with state representatives, enjoyed a special re-enactment of the Lincoln-Douglas debate, and had an opportunity to meet with and hear an address from Governor Rick Scott. To further demonstrate his appreciation and support for homeschool families Governor Rick Scott presented this proclamation announcing Homeschool Education Week in Florida.
We will be sharing photos, videos and stories about the many Day at the Capitol activities, so please be sure to check back here to learn more about this informative and educational event.
Full text of the Homeschool Education Week proclamation:
Rick Scott
Governor
Homeschool Education Week
WHEREAS, the state of Florida is committed to excellence in education and public policy that strengthens the family, recognizes and protects parental choices for their children’s education, and honors and encourages the parents’ wisdom, leadership, and involvement in the pursuit of that excellence; and
WHEREAS, from the earliest days of our nation, there have been prominent Americans who were home educated, including George Washington, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, and many others; and
WHEREAS, home education has excelled as a statutorily-protected education option in Florida since 1985, providing parents the ultimate authority and responsibility for the care, character development, and educational opportunities for their children; and
WHEREAS, home education promotes high academic achievement, positive social development, deepened familial spiritual commitments, and quality mentoring relationships with adult professionals in a highly-nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, in support of home education, Florida extends and embraces the opportunity for home-educated students to participate in and benefit from scholarship programs, college courses, and state-sanctioned extracurricular activities; and
WHEREAS, more than two decades of studies indicate that most home-educated children exhibit self-confidence, good citizenship, exceptional academic test scores, above-average college attendance and success, and many show proven devotion to their country by faithfully serving in the armed forces of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Florida and its citizens benefit from substantially reduced educational expenditures and classroom crowding each year, made possible by the selfless, daily sacrifices of thousands of home schooling parents.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the state of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and continued support to all those who observe January 8-14, 2012 as Homeschool Education Week.
