FALL FUND RAISER

cOATS 4 KIDS

Mission Statement

Homeschool Support Services (HSS): Valuing Individuality and Mutual Respect

HSS is a private organization that firmly believes in the rights of parents and ​families to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, including the right to ​raise and educate children according to their own values and beliefs. Our ​main objective is to provide support for learning and group activities during ​our operating hours. Our approach is to encourage children to grow at their ​own pace, while nurturing their kindness, love, generosity, and curiosity.

One of our director's favorite stories is about a maintenance worker ​shoveling snow off the stairs while students waited to get into the building. ​A student in a wheelchair wisely suggested that the snow should be cleared ​from the ramp first so that everyone could enter the building together. At ​HSS, we promote this kind of innovative thinking, even among those who ​hold different opinions, spiritual beliefs, or values. We strive to find ​common ground that benefits everyone.

Our Founder and Director

Theresa LaCasse: A Nurse's Journey to the Art World and Homeschooling Support

Theresa LaCasse is the proud owner of The Windows Art Gallery in Danielson, Connecticut. Her gallery ​offers crafting for both adults and children, and opened its doors in 2018. Prior to this, Theresa had worked ​as a registered nurse for 40 years, specializing in Oncology.

After launching the art business, Theresa ran a variety of events such as paint parties, weaving, leather, ​soap making, silk scarf painting, drawing, among many others. However, when the pandemic struck, she ​realized that she could offer more. The Windows Art Gallery started offering supervised distance learning ​in Theresa's studio to support working parents. As the culture shifted, she recognized the need for ​supporting like-minded homeschooling families.

Theresa believes in our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This encompasses the ​right to raise and educate children as the parent sees fit. The Fall of 2023 marks the fourth year of her ​business's growth into this idea, and they are now preparing to offer this service at satellite locations as ​enrollment grows. The current brand name of her business is Homeschool Support Services (HSS), and she ​invites anyone to visit her gallery or call to arrange a tour/visit soon.

The Windows Art Gallery LLC theresa@homeschoolsupportservices.org 860-382-5095 Putnam, CT

Staff

Laura Barlow

Kayla Lambert

Jocelyn Exarhoulias

Ann Lambert

The Windows Art Gallery LLC theresa@homeschoolsupportservices.org 860-382-5095 Putnam, CT

Tuition and Hours

• Pricing and Payment Information for Classes
• 
  
• Classes are available for active members from the day after Labor Day until the first week of June.
• These prices do not apply to founding members who have paid for 23/24.
• The yearly registration fee is $250 per family at the time of enrollment and is non-refundable.
• Classes run from Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, but pre and post-care can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Enrollment is open for any combination of days until the program is full. However, there is a 2-day minimum.
• The following annual tuition rates apply:
• 2 days = $4600.00
• 3 days = $7,000.00
• 4 days = $9,200.00
• 5 days = $10,000
• Payments and Discounts
• Payments can be made weekly, monthly, or yearly, although prices are calculated per year.
• Sibling discounts are available based on the number of siblings. Please contact the administrator for more ​information.
• A 10% discount is available for full payment of the yearly tuition.

The Windows Art Gallery LLC theresa@homeschoolsupportservices.org 860-382-5095

Here are some essential details to keep in mind regarding our programs and policies:

• Tuition for the academic year covers the day after Labor Day until the end of the first week of June. Enrollment is based on ​space availability and is open till full.
• Starting in June 2024 we will be continuing our regular programming throughout the summer at your current rate.
• Our summer camp program runs from 10 am to 4 pm, and costs $250 per week if you choose only a few weeks.
• We require upfront payment for all our services, and they are non-refundable. However, if you experience temporary ​hardship, please reach out to us, and we can work together to minimize any disruption to the services you receive.
• We understand that student absences can be challenging, but you can make up for missed days or apply them to one ​week of summer camp if days are available.
• We appreciate your understanding and support of our 30-day notice policy should your circumstances change, and you ​need to withdraw your student.
• We observe major holidays, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day. We are closed the Friday ​after Thanksgiving. We don't have typical vacations, except when there is a major illness outbreak or if all staff is sick.
• Snow days are common in our New England climate during the winter. We will add makeup days in June to make up for ​any missed days, up to one week. We will only close if it is unsafe to travel; please note that threats of storms are not the ​same as an actual storm. The director will contact you early in the morning via text or phone call if we need to close.

Top Reasons Why Our Clients Choose Our Service

• We care about your privacy. We understand the importance of protecting your children's images and acquiring ​special permissions for commercial use. Therefore, we do not post pictures of children on the web or social ​media.
• We are proud of our reputation. We believe that our work speaks for itself. If you need references from our ​existing clients, we will be happy to provide them.
• Our staff is trustworthy. We know that parents entrust us with their most valuable possessions, so our staff ​undergoes rigorous background checks and carries liability insurance.
• We support your family values. We believe that parents should have complete freedom to choose the ​educational, moral, and social values that align with their beliefs.
• We cherish wholesome values. Our focus is on instilling kindness and promoting healthy growth by allowing ​each child to learn at their own comfortable pace.
• We respect your medical freedom. We understand and support your right to choose whether or not to vaccinate ​or mask your child.
• We provide homeschooling options. Traditional grading and educational practices may not suit every child's ​needs. Therefore, we offer homeschooling options that allow your child to learn and grow at their own pace in a ​small group setting.
• We offer complete homeschooling curriculums. If you choose us as your homeschooling provider, we can ​provide you with a complete curriculum that is in line with current regulations to give you the freedom you ​need.

FAQ

How do I become a member for the current year?

• Pay the yearly registration fee of $250 per family and complete the registration forms on the portal. Schedule a visit and ​pick a schedule..
  

Can my child make up missed days from vacations or illness?

• Yes. You can exchange for other days or one week of summer camp.

What is a Faith Based Organization?

• A FBO is an organization whose values are based on faith or strongly held beliefs. The members share their faith and ​beliefs with those they serve as part of the overall mission. Here at HSS we hold fast to the belief that we all have God ​given rights to pursue life, liberty and happiness. This includes the right to raise and educate children as the families see ​fit.
  

Will vaccinations or masks be required to attend classes here?

• HSS is committed to medical freedom and will not require members to receive any vaccinations or utilize masks unless ​they so choose. We respect parents decisions.
  

How is discipline handled?

• We do not use punishment, or fear based discipline. We give the children a safe place to have their emotions and then we help them process the situation that occurred- one on one. We take the time to go over a plan for the next time the triggering situation occurs and take the steps to apologize and forgive, if necessary. We believe that there's no such thing as a "bad kid" but a good kid who is struggling. In the rare instance where a child has had an issue that needs parental attention, we will call immediately.

The Windows Art Gallery LLC theresa@homeschoolsupportservices.org 860-382-5095

Daily Schedule

Balancing Fun and Learning

Although we like to "go with the flow," we have a loose daily schedule that ensures our students have ​fun while learning. Here's what a typical day looks like at our school:

• 8:30am: Early arrival time for students who are signed up for it.
• Extra reading and math tutoring
• 10:00am: Arrival time for all other students.
• Classroom work and outdoor play (weather permitting)
• 11:00am: Snack time.
• Classroom work and art
• 12:00pm: Lunchtime. Note to parents: we have facilities to heat food.
• 1:00pm: Science and art
• 2:00pm: Outdoor activities (weather permitting). We love hiking and visiting nearby state parks.
• On Wednesdays, we have swimming lessons at a local venue (extra cost to participate).
• On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we may visit the local library or field trip elsewhere.
• We spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it's hiking, biking, or using scooters.
• 4 PM is typical pickup time.

Tidbits by the Director

Innovating with HSS: Supporting Families with Diverse Philosophies and Beliefs

At HSS, we're diving into a startup service industry that is in varying stages of development across the ​country. Our facility was created to address the needs of families who do not agree with certain values ​and ideas that are prevalent in our culture. We serve a wide range of philosophies and beliefs, but the ​one thing we share in common is the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. This belief grants us the right ​to raise our children according to our own values.

We take our role in supporting you and your children seriously. When your children ask us sensitive ​questions, we will provide the information we can and refer them to you, their parents, for further ​guidance. Our goal is to provide children with the safe space they need to grow and thrive during these ​unprecedented times that test our spirits.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance. We're always here to help you and your ​children. You can reach us at theresa@homeschoolsupportservices.org or 860-382-5095.

Registration Forms

All forms can be found here on our portal Please copy and paste the following link.

https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/x0MVc9HykoUjmgK9nLuk

Summer Portal is here again copy and paste.

https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/zQefyqKI8Q502zRYtkYA

The Windows Art Gallery LLC theresa@homeschoolsupportservices.org 860-382-5095