By Les and Gina Payton, FPEA Region One Representatives

Every person’s educational journey is unique. Every child is different. Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made. When it comes to your child’s education, leave no stone unturned. We began home education 20 years ago, when our oldest turned two. The Marine Corps moved us to six different states and the District of Columbia. I left the Marine Corps at the end of my service, and stayed home with our first born. Since then, we’ve added three more children and they’ve all been home educated.

During the last two years, many parents have realized the benefits of home educating their children. With concerns about kids’ health and wellness, many parents have turned to bringing their children home. Some of the benefits include extra family time and remarkable progress tailoring their work to their child’s individual learning style. Building good character in our kids at a young age will help them to be disciplined young learners with everything we ask our kids to do in our home. We must teach them to prioritize time management and establish discipline because, honestly, aren’t we all still learning every day?

The new challenge in home education, compared to when we began 20 years ago, is the abundance of resources. There is so much to choose from for every type of learner. By joining local support groups, parents and children can also stay informed of regional events and field trips.

As regional representatives of our state organization, the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA), we volunteer to keep families informed about homeschool legislation, current laws and building community. One way we recommend families do this is by joining a support group. You can email the local Destin support group at panhandleche@gmail.com.

FPEA puts on many family field trips throughout the year such as trips to Key West and the Space Coast. Families can join us on February 19 for Homeschooling 101 and a Highschool Homeschool Seminar (https://fpea.com/events/6216/yes-you-can-home-educate-florida-style). For questions about this event, write to regionalrep1@fpea.com.

FPEA also holds one of the nation’s best conventions at the end of May every year in Orlando. This year’s theme is “Gather” and will be held at the Rosen Shingle Resort. All the details can be found at www.fpea.com or contact us, regionalrep1@fpea.com, so we can answer your questions before you register.

New homeschoolers or homes with growing families have so much to choose from! There are child-led studies, unit studies, as well as robust and complete curriculums. We educate our kids from a biblical perspective, which helps us to hone in on particular curriculums. No matter whether you choose to home educate your kids for faith-based, academic or physical health and wellness choices, visiting a homeschool convention will help you and your child appreciate how large the homeschool movement has grown and you’ll know you’re not alone.

It’s been during the last two years only that my husband and I have felt able to dive in as volunteers. Our oldest joined the Marine Corps at 17, four years ago, and is now at the United States Naval Academy. Our oldest daughter is 19 and a sophomore in Industrial Engineering at Liberty University. With 16- and 10-year-old’s still in the home, we continue our homeschool adventure in this beautiful area. We have finally been able to live where we want after husband Les has been in uniform for 27 years. With FPEA we have found a community, found a support group and can enjoy the many field trips to include traveling to the yearly convention in Orlando.

Whether you are new to homeschooling or are a veteran homeschooler, everyone questions their ability to homeschool successfully. Each home can define what success looks like for their own children. Each person’s educational journey is unique. Every child is different. Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made. When it comes to your child’s education, leave no stone unturned. In order to get started now, send in your letter of intent to your local district superintendent’s office.

FC Dallas Emerald Coast announces the hiring of Tim Seketa as the Director of Coaching and Player Development. Tim has been serving the club since 2013 and has contributed greatly to the success of the club during his time on staff.

Prior to working with FC Dallas Emerald Coast, Tim was a member of the MLS’s Real Salt Lake Academy staff in 2012 and 2013 and worked under Martin Vasquez who was a US Men’s National Team Assistant Coach at the time. “I am grateful & eager to have an individual with Tim’s professional experience and dedication leading our coaching staff and players,” said Executive Director Louis Richard. “He has a wealth of knowledge and ideas and I look forward to his implementation of these concepts into all areas of the FC Dallas Emerald Coast organization.”

Tim began his soccer career playing in Niceville with PAL in 1992. He graduated from Niceville High School in 2003 and went on to play NCAA Division 1 soccer at Jacksonville University. He currently holds a U.S. Soccer Federation National “C” License and United Soccer Coaches Level III Goalkeeping Diploma.

“I am very excited to take on the role of Director of Coaching,” stated Tim about his new appointment. “It is an honor and a privilege to be in a position to shape the soccer experience for so many young players in our area. I think it means that little bit more when you get the opportunity to take the reins of your childhood club. I look forward to helping advance the club by applying what I learned working for an MLS academy and find pathways for all of our players to reach their sporting and life goals.”

FC Dallas Emerald Coast is Northwest Florida’s Soccer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Center of Excellence and a primary provider of soccer opportunities for youth athletes across the Emerald Coast region since 2007. It supports more than 600 kids aged 4-18 with our recreational, academy and competitive programs as well as providing excellent learning and character-building experiences with a broad impact on the local economy.

Nine dogs that had been kept confined in rusty wire crates their entire life have been rescued from a South Alabama property. Alaqua Animal Refuge answered a call from a rescue partner seeking help with the neglected animals in freezing and filthy conditions.

Alaqua’s team discovered the dogs cramped and cowering in outside cages covered with tarps. “These dogs were cold, fearful and in need of attention. Their frail bodies indicated they have lived their entire lives in these restricted, small crates,” said Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood. “One of the dogs was literally slumped over with an arched back indicative of never being given the opportunity to stand up straight or run around. Sadly, he will be forever deformed.”

Another dog was found relentlessly barking and scared with an embedded collar in her neck. There was no fresh food or water in any of the crates and there were feces all around. All of them were hungry, and most of their noses were scraped and raw at the top where they had been bumping them on the rusted cages.

When crates are used properly, they can be a safe and cozy haven. However, for these sweet dogs that was not the case. Animals still need proper exercise, medical care, food and water—not to mention a loving, warm home environment for them to thrive and live.
With loving care, Alaqua helped persuade all of the animals out of their caged environment and comforted each of them before transfer. Five of the dogs were taken to local rescue groups that had space to help them, and Alaqua took in four that needed the most attention. Each is being treated and cared for by Alaqua, and it is expected that they all will most likely recover and be able to be adopted.

Taking in animals like these presents a challenge for rescue organizations as there are so many obstacles the dogs have to overcome before they are ready to be adopted to a new family. Alaqua’s team works with each of them and doesn’t rush their journey to well-being. It is a slow but worthy process to ensure the animals aren’t uncomfortable at any time while being cared for and socialized. Alaqua recognizes the emotional triggers and works with them until the animals are finally ready to find their forever home. “It’s heartbreaking to imagine living in such a confined space. Sometimes the wounds you can’t see are the hardest ones to heal. Emotional scars are real – for us and for animals,” Hood iterated. “Dogs are pack animals. They enjoy being part of a family. Being cooped up is mentally bad for them. They deserve to enjoy life, love, exercise, and company…just like all of us do.”
For more information on Alaqua’s services or to donate to the care for animals like these, please visit www.Alaqua.org.