If you have any questions or suggestions,
contact one of our Board Members or Board of Directors
Kelly Lepine, President, Director~
368-4936 or 912-3812 cell phone
Josie Valdivia, Vice President, Director~251-0524
Allen Martin, Secretary, Director ~656-7605
Charlene Martin, Treasurer, Director ~656-7605
Beth Billiot, Membership Coordinator
Debra O., Researcher, Craft Coordinator
Stephanie J., Craft Coordinator
Kim Lewis, Director
KEY’S PERSONAL EMAIL:
keyhomeschoolassociation@yahoo.com
KEY’S EGROUP EMAIL:
Key_Homeschool_Association@yahoogroup.com
http://keyhomeschool.org/
Make all checks payable to:
KEY Homeschool
Mailing address:
1020 Teakwood Drive
Harvey, La 70058
Membership Includes
 When joining KEY you will receive a membership card.
 Each child will receive a student ID card.
 Membership will allow you to participate in field trips, our
many activities, our Graduation and promotion ceremony
and much more…
 Some of our events, we will allow members to bring
friends and family to participate.
Hours of the activities and events KEY organizes:
KEY Homeschool Association Inc. field trips are held between the
hours of, 8 am-3 pm.
Our classes like yearbook club, poetry class, P.E. bowling are held
between the hours of, noon-4pm.
Events which are held at night:
Monthly meetings (6-8 pm), Graduation and Promotion
Ceremony(6-10pm), KEY Idol(4-6pm), Kids Dance (6-8pm)
Teen Dance(5-9pm), Teen Night(6-9pm).
Changes to these times are made when needed. Always check the
emails for changes.
Louisiana Legal Analysis (2009-2010 EDITION)
 LOUISIANA
 Compulsory Attendance Ages: From the child’s “7th
birthday until his 18th birthday.” West’s Louisiana Revised
Statutes Annotated § 17:221(A).
 Required Days of Instruction: 180 days. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §
17:236.
 Required Subjects: A “curriculum of a quality at least equal
to that offered by public schools at the same grade level,”
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236, including the Declaration of
Independence (elementary) and the Federalist Papers (high
school). La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:268.
 Teacher Qualifications: None.
 Standardized Tests: Parents have three options which only apply if the homeschool is
operating under the home study law (Option 1 above). La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(D).
 A renewal application “shall be approved” if (in lieu of submitting the materials
mentioned above):
 1. child receives passing score on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP)
test;
 2. or the child scored at or above his grade level on a California Achievement Test or
other standardized test approved by the board or has “progressed at a rate equal to one
grade level for each year in [the] home study program;”
 3. or a teacher certified to teach at the child’s grade level writes a statement that the child
“is being taught in accordance with a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to
public schools” or “at least equal to that offered by public schools to a child of similar
disabilities.”
 Copyright 2009, HSLDA, all rights reserved. May be reproduced only by permission. THIS ANALYSIS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE GIVING OF LEGAL ADVICE. Call or write to receive a free copy of
HSLDA’s newsletter and membership application. HSLDA, P.O. Box 3000 Purcellville, VA 20134 •
Phone: (540) 338-5600 • Fax: (540) 338-2733 • Website: www.hslda.org
Home Schoolers
have two option
Home Study Program
 Pursuant to R.S. 17:221.3, 17:232 (C) and (D), and 17:236, 17:236.1, and 17:236.2, the
State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education provides for an approved home
study program. An SBESE approved Home Study Program must offer a sustained
curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by the public schools, consist of an
adequate physical plant, and operate a minimum session of not less than one hundred
and eighty (180) days.
NOTICE:
TOPS ELIGIBILITY
Students enrolled in an SBESE Approved Home Study Program may be eligible to apply
for the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) scholarships. The Louisiana
Department of Education does not administer the TOPS program. Parents should contact
the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid (LOSFA) at 800-259-5626, extension 1012
for questions concerned with TOPS eligibility.
It should be noted that R.S. 17:3048.1.Q(1)(a) indicates that students in an SBESE
Approved home study program must have successfully completed the twelfth grade and
have begun their studies in the approved home study program no later than the
conclusion of the tenth grade. You should also note that there is currently no provision
for early exit of students from an SBESE Approved Home Study Program.
 Option 1: Home School Statute. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236. “[A] child who participates in
a home study program approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education”
is exempt from the compulsory attendance law. To qualify, homeschool parents must
comply with the following:
 1. Parents must apply to the Board of Education for approval of the home study program
within fifteen days after commencement. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(A).
 2. “The initial application…or renewal application, shall be approved if the parent
certifies that the home study program will offer a sustained curriculum of quality at least
equal to that offered by public schools.” La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(B). The initial
application must include a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate This, however, is
not required for the renewal.
 3. A renewal application must be submitted by Oct. 1 of the school year or twelve months
after initial approval, whichever is later. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(A).
 4. A renewal application “shall be approved” if the parents submit “satisfactory evidence
that the program has in fact offered a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to
that offered by public schools at the same grade level.” Parents must submit “with the
renewal application a packet of materials which includes such documents as”: (a) a
complete outline of each subject taught, (b) a list of books and materials, (c) copies of the
student’s work, (d) copies of standardized tests, (e) statements of third parties who have
observed the child’s progress. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(C)(1)(emph. added).
 5. The phrase “shall be approved” removes the board’s arbitrary discretion in
the approval process.
 6. Homeschool students who enroll in a home study program no later than the
end of 10th grade may be eligible for a Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program
for Students (TOPS) award. Home study students could be eligible for the
following awards based on a minimum ACT score of: TOPS Tech – 19; TOPS
Opportunity – 22; TOPS Performance – 24; TOPS Honors – 28.

Copyright 2009, HSLDA, all rights reserved. May be reproduced only by permission. THIS
ANALYSIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE GIVING OF LEGAL ADVICE. Call or write to
receive a free copy of HSLDA’s newsletter and membership application. HSLDA, P.O. Box
3000 Purcellville, VA 20134 • Phone: (540) 338-5600 • Fax: (540) 338-2733 • Website:
www.hslda.org
Private Homeschool (Letter of Intent)
 Letter of Intent

Jackie Bobbett, Ph.D.
 Section Supervisor
 Division of Curriculum Standards
 Ancillary Resources Section
 1201 North 3rd Street
 P.O. Box 94064
 Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Dear Section Supervisor:
We are writing to inform you that, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statues 17:232
(C) (D), (name of your homeschool) began classes on (dates) for the school year 20092010. The school will operate at least 180 days of the year. Total enrollment is (# of
children).
Sincerely,
Signed Name,
Address (or place address in body of letter)
 Option 2: Alternate Statute. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236
 (Home-based Private Schools)







1. A homeschool can operate as a private school in lieu of the above, if it meets the following requirements:
has an “adequate physical plant” (i.e., a home);
has “instructional staff members” (i.e., parents);
operates 180 days;
receives no Federal or State funds, “either directly or indirectly;”
“shall meet such requirements as prescribed by the school or the church;” and
f. meets the definition of school: “an institution for the teaching of children.” The Department of Education
unofficially recognizes that homeschools fit this definition and accepts annual reports from home-based private
schools.

2. Such home-based private schools which receive no local, state, or federal funds must “report to the state
Department of Education their total attendance as of the 30th day of their school term...” La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §
17:232(c).


3. Students who are withdrawn from public school during the school year, or who attended public school the year
before enrolling in a private school, must provide a written notification of enrollment to the public school he
attended within 10 days of enrollment. This notification must include:
Student’s legal name;
Date of birth;
Gender; and
Race.

In addition, the notification may include a request for the student’s transcript. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:221.3.



HOMESCHOOLING FORMS LOUISIANA BOARD OF EDUCATION
http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/curr/1650.html
A.C.T. TEST DATE AND INFORMATION
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html
G.E.D. INFORMATION
http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/family/1577.html
TAYLOR OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS
http://www.osfa.state.la.us/schgrt6.htm
LOUISIANA OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
http://www.osfa.state.la.us/
HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION SUPPLIES
http://www.homeschooldiploma.com/
HOME SCHOOL LEGAL DEFENSE ASSOCIATION
Home School Legal Defense Association
is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of
parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual
memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a
strong voice when and where needed.
HSLDA advocates on the legal front on behalf of our members in matters which include
conflicts with state or local officials over homeschooling. Each year, thousands of member families
receive legal consultation by letter and phone, hundreds more are represented through
negotiations with local officials, and dozens are represented in court proceedings. HSLDA also
takes the offensive, filing actions to protect members against government intrusion and to
establish legal precedent. On occasion, HSLDA will handle precedent-setting cases for
nonmembers, as well.
HSLDA advocates on Capitol Hill by tracking federal legislation that affects homeschooling and
parental rights. HSLDA works to defeat or amend harmful bills, but also works proactively,
introducing legislation to protect and preserve family freedoms.
http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1
What is the Group Discount Program?
The Group Discount Program was established to encourage and
promote home schooling groups by offering their members HSLDA
services at a discount. Families who belong to an HSLDA discount
group save on our membership fee ($95 instead of $115).
How does my group qualify for the Group Discount Program?
In order to qualify for the Group Discount program the following is
required: 10 HSLDA member families - these families can be either
current members or applying members.
Have regular communication (at least twice a year) with
your families via newsletter, personal letters, or meetings, etc.
Maintain an enrollment/membership list.
Make HSLDA membership materials available to your families.
You will be given KEY’s discount number , when you join KEY.
Stanford Achievement Testing
MUST BE A MEMBER OF KEY HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION INC.
BY NOVEMBER 31, 2009 TO TEST WITH US
Money for testing is due no later than January 18, 2010.
(Non-refundable)
The Stanford Achievement Test Series,
The Stanford 10 (SAT 10) multiple-choice assessment will help
educators find out what students know and are able to do.
This technically excellent instrument provides the
valid and reliable tool needed for objective measurement of achievement.
Areas tested:
Listening (K5-gr. 8)
Spelling (gr. 1-12)
Word analysis (K5-gr. 2)
Mathematics (K5-gr. 12)
Reading skills/comprehension (K5-gr. 12)
Vocabulary (gr. 2-12)
Study skills (gr. 4-12)
Social science/Science (K5-gr. 12)
Language mechanics and usage (gr. 1-12)
Stanford results provide:
Scaled, percentile, grade equivalent scores, achievement percentiles graphed,
content cluster skills evaluations, skills performance rating.
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test
KEY Homeschool Association Inc. will also be hosting the OLSAT
(Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) the costs of the two Tests are $68.50
(non-refundable)
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, the OLSAT will assess developed reasoning and
problem-solving abilities important for learning. When the combination tests are given,
the results will allow the parent/teacher to compare the student's ability with his actual
school achievement. Combined testing is recommended once about every 2-3 years. The
approximate testing time is 1 hour for the OLSAT.
Areas tested: Listening, Mathematics, Language mechanics and usage, Reading
skills/Comprehension, Social science/Science, Study skills, Spelling, Vocabulary, Word
analysis, Verbal comprehension and verbal reasoning (OLSAT), Figural reasoning and
quantitative reasoning (OLSAT).
We will have teachers available for testing.
KEY Homeschool Association Inc. will test on April 12-April 16.
Test results should be in around May 28, 2010
We will also schedule some testing 2 weeks prior for others who need special
consideration testing. March 29 - April 2, 2010.
Test results are not needed for your child to participate in the
promotion & graduation ceremony.
The cost for testing is $50.00.
August 6, 2009, 6-8 pm: Back to school meeting
September 10, 2009, 6-8pm: Back to school meeting
October 8, 2009, 6-8 pm: Halloween Party
BRING FOOD AND FUN HALLOWEEN TREATS
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST (bring pumpkin decorated)
COSTUME CONTEST (DRESS IN COSTUME, NOTHING TO SCARY FOR A CONTEST) AGES 0-7, 8-13, 14-18,
ADULTS
November 12, 2009, 6-8 pm: Team Lego Competition; paint ornaments for
Celebration in the Oaks Christmas Tree.
December 10, 2009, 6-8 pm: Christmas Party
KEY WILL SUPPLY FINGER SANDWICHES AND CHIPS
CHRISTMAS PARTY, EACH CHILD WHO ATTENDS WILL RECEIVE A GIFT, FROM THE BOARD OF KEY.
DOOR PRIZES FOR ADULTS, DIRTY SANTA (FOR ADULTS) steal presents from another.
FAMILY ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
January 14, 2010, 6-8 pm: Chinese New Years Celebration
Bring a Chinese dish, MANDARIN ORANGE, STIR FRY, SWEET AND SOUR, TERIYAK, SPRING
ROLLS, EGG ROLLS, ETC… CHOP STICKS GAME, CHINESE CRAFTS AND DRESS IN CHINESE
ATTIRE.
February 11, 2010, 6-8 pm: KEY WILL SUPPLY A KING CAKE IF AVAILABLE
YEAR 1: VALENTINE EXCHANGE (bags will be set up for each child attending the meeting,
drop your cards, candy etc… in the bags) ALSO, MARDI GRAS: HANDKERCHIEF AND
UNBRELLA DECORATING CONTEST, bring decorated,
AGES 0-7, 8-13, 14-18, ADULTS
March 11, 2010, 6-8 pm: “Under the Big Top” Carnival Time
SILLY SOCK/FUNNY HAT CONTEST (GAMES AND PRIZES ALSO BRING CARNIVAL FOOD)
HOT DOGS, COTTON CANDY, PEANUTS, POPCORN, CORNDOGS, CANDY APPLES, FUNNEL
CAKE, PRETZELS, CRACKER JACKS ETC…
March 22, 2010, 12-3 pm: Easter Egg Hunt/Field Day:
KEY will hide 6 eggs for the children to find, after the child will receive a bag of candy.
Field day will follow Easter egg hunt, with many fun activities and games.
April 8, 2010, 6-8pm: SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY FAIR
(BRING A PROJECT, NO RULES HAVE FUN, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO STAND AND PRESENT
YOU PROJECT TO THE MEMBERSHIP PRESENT AT APRIL’S MEETING)
May 13, 2010, 6-8 pm: AUTOGRAPH SESSION/LUAU:
bring a Hawaiian dish, PEANUT BUTTER AN BANANA SNADWICHES, COCONUT, PINEAPPLE,
TROPICAL FRUITS, TROPICAL NUTS, VOLCANO CAKE ETC… and dress in Hawaiian attire
(Craft)
HOMESCHOOL BOYSCOUT TROOP 19
(5th grade and up)
Meetings are every Monday at 1 pm
(Call Mandie Ezelle for directions 491-5985)
Email: mre@ezelle.com
(MEETINGS LAST 1 ½ HOUR)
Ms. Ezelle is a volunteer Scouter in good standing with the local
council and the Boy Scouts of America. She is working with our
council staff on the westbank to help organize a Boy Scout Troop for
eligible youth in the home schooling community. In that role, Ms.
Ezelle is trying to contact parents to inform them about this
opportunity for their children to get involved in Scouting. If any
youth is interested in joining the Scouting program, please contact
Mandie Ezelle. mre@ezelle.com - 504.491.5985
Thank you
John Cabeza
Scout Executive/CEO
Southeast Louisiana Council
Boy Scouts of America
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
LIGO Livingston Observatory
(SCHEDULED)
19100 LIGO Lane, Livingston, LA 70754
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm
Deadline to sign up: AUGUST 7, 2009
FREE FIELD TRIP , 90 MAX.
Gretna Historical Field Trip
(SCHEDULED)
The Gretna Historical Society
205 Lafayette Street , Gretna, LA 70053
Saturday, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
TIME : 10 AM
$1.50 per PERSON, 10 MIN
Deadline to sign up: AUGUST 30, 2009
MONEY DUE: AUGUST 30, 2009
The Myrtles Plantation (SCHEDULED)
September 20, 2009
12:30 pm
25 or more, $6.50 per person
$3.50 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER
Less than 25, $8.00 per person
$4 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER
7747 U.S. Highway 61
St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775
Louisiana Children’s Museum
(SCHEDULED)
420 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
504-586-0725 ext 210
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Time: 12:30 – till
$3.50 per person, 15 MIN.
Deadline to sign up: SEPTEMBER 11, 2009,
Money Due: SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
ROSE TREE GLASS (SCHEDULED)
446 Vallette Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70114
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2009
TIME: 1-4 PM
Deadline to sign up: OCTOBER 8, 2009
FREE FIELD TRIP, 30 MAX.
Westwego Historical Society (SCHEDULED)
275 Sala Avenue, in the Salaville Historic District
Westwego, Louisiana 70094
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
TIME: 11am-1pm (20 or more)
$1.00 child $1.50 adult
Deadline to sign up: OCTOBER 8, 2009
Money Due: OCTOBER 8, 2009
TAKE CARE CLINIC (SCHEDULED)
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: 10-30-2009
PLACE: Walgreens
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
TIME: 11:30-12:30 PM
4600 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, LA 70072
FREE FIELD TRIP, 30 MAX.
Brownie Troop #789
Grade 2nd & 3rd, ages 6,7,8,9
Meeting days, times and location to be determined
If your interested please contact
Troop Leader Kristy Montalbano 504-220-3713
or email her at moonflwr613@ yahoo.com
Scholastic Book Clubs are the easiest and most affordable way to find and
order the books kids love.
Age Appropriate, High Quality Books
Nice & Easy Pricing
Titles as Low as $1
Reading Level Information for Every Book
Honeybee GRADE TODDLERS TO 4
Firefly GRADE PRE K
SeeSaw GRADE K-1
Lucky GRADE 2-3
Arrow GRADE 4-6
TAB GRADE 7 & UP
Click PRE K-8
KEY has available each month Scholastic Book Club.
This book club is optional.
If you choose to place an order, orders are due at each meeting for that month.
Make payment to: KEY
KEY sometimes receives free books. These books are used for prizes to our many contests.
For more information about Scholastic Book Clubs email
keyhomeschoolassociation@yahoo.com
Allen Martin will dissect a frog.
Monday, November 2, 2009, 1pm
Harvey Vol. Fire Department
639 Maple Ave, Harvey, La
This class is being offered to all high school
KEY members, free of charge.
Participation in this class is optional and
is not a requirement of High School Biology or of KEY.
The Board Members of KEY will supervise this class.
If anyone would like to perform their own dissection,
they may do so by purchasing their own frog and dissection equipment.
The cost for each is inexpensive.
We will make a group order once we have everyone signed up.
If you do not wish to do the actual dissection,
you are more than welcomed to observe.
If you feel that your child can benefit from this class, please feel free to sign up or contact
Allen Martin for more information.
(504) 656-7605 home phone
Biskitus4@bellsouth.net
A certificate of participation will be given
COST PER CHILD FOR SUPPLIES $12.00
(Literary Book Volume 2)
(Charlene Martin is in charge of this project)
Literary Book will be distributed at our end of the year, promotion ceremony.
(One per family contributing to MUSE)
Additional books will be sold for $8.00 each.
Guidelines for MUSE
(Literary and Visual Arts book Volume 2)
________ Pictures of any Painting
________ Drawings you may have done
________ Pictures taken with camera_ sunset, pets, nature, etc
________ Poems
________ Short Stories
________ Other: _______________________________
Please turn in by March 19, 2009, are any time before this date.
Any child and adult of KEY may participate.
You may also email to Charlene (she will proof read)
biskitus4@bellsouth.net
KEY Yearbooks
KEY Homeschool
PAYMENT DUE NO LATER THAN APRIL 1, 2010
Paper Yearbook $25.00 each
THE PAPER YEARBOOK WILL BE PRINTED IN
COLOR WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME ON THE
COVER.
DVD Yearbook $15.00 each
WILL BE ON A DVD-R, CAN BE PLAYED IN MOST,
DVD UNITS, SET WITH MUSIC
Both $35.00
KEY Homeschool Association Inc.
Reading Program for 2009-2010
(Deadline to turn in Reading Logs is April 1, 2010)
(Free Program)
Reading Program for children to Pre-K:
Reading program for grades 1-5th Grade:
Reading program 6th-12th Grade:
Guidelines for all programs:
Bronze 8- 17 books; Silver 18- 25 books:
Gold 26 books and up.
KEY Idol & Literary Event
Elks Lodge, Gretna
Date: Saturday,
March 27, 2010
Time: 4-6 pm
(FREE Event)
Must be a member of
KEY to participate
Kids Dance
Elks Lodge, Gretna
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 6-8 pm
$5.00 for members of KEY
$8.00 for non-members
(parent must stay)
ages 6-12
Teen Dance
Semi-formal
April 24, 2010
Elks Lodge, Gretna
5-9 pm
“Music of the Night”
Phantom of the Opera
$8.00 for members
$12.00 for non-members
Ages 12 to 18
We may have a photographer
available for the dance
More information soon.
KEY Homeschool Association Inc. will host its Third Annual Promotion,
Graduation Ceremony and Banquet. All children of KEY Homeschool
Association Inc. may participate in this event. Children in kindergarten, 8th and
12th grade may participate in cap and gown.
The price is $24.00. (This includes the cap, gown, tassel and shipping charges)
Other children of KEY will promote to the next grade.
Our school colors are
(12th grade)Blue, (8th grade) Green and (Kindergarten) light Blue.
Money for cap and gown is due on February 26, 2010.
A group order will be placed in March 2010.
Semi-Formal function:
Dress Sunday best, please.
Please be on time.
6-6:30 pm Photo’s will be taken
6:30 pm ceremony starts
Banquet to follow (KEY will supply main dishes)
Thanks to everyone who
has made
KEY Homeschool
a success.
WELCOME TO ALL OUR
NEW MEMBERS