Are you a homeschool family? Do your teens and tweens love music and dancing? Then make plans for your kids to attend the Hearts Aglow Dance on Sunday, February 11 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Auburn. It's the ultimate Valentine's Day bash, exclusively for homeschooled students in middle and high school. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now.
Coordinated by parent volunteers, the event includes:
- Epic glow stick party: They'll provide the neon ammunition; you bring the moves!
- Music to move your heart (and feet): They've got the soundtrack to your unforgettable night. You can also send in 3 song requests to homeschooleventscommittee@gmail.com.
- Activities that shine: Strike a pose in the selfie station, test your luck in our glow-in-the-dark games, and create memories that last.
- Snacks that satisfy: Fuel your fun with an array of yummy treats, both sweet and savory.
- A safe space to shine: This is your time to let loose, make new friends, and celebrate all things love (including friendship!) in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Tickets are available here, as well as contact information. Be sure to follow the instructions to add your child's name. You can also donate items to the event here.
To learn more about events for homeschoolers in Renton and beyond, we caught up with the Homeschool Committee volunteer group. Here's a recap of our chat:
What inspired you to plan the dance?
One thing all teens and tweens share in common, no matter their schooling path, is that they want to be with their friends! So, we create spaces for them to connect, make memories, and have fun together. And what kid doesn’t love a dance with fun activities?
Can you tell us a little about successful past events for homeschoolers?
Parents across King County have hosted everything from hikes to Halloween parties. Field trips to local museums, factory tours, or nearby fish hatcheries. Each September we have a "Not Back to School" event with face painting, a potluck, games, and even a Box War! Many families homeschool because we want our kids to have learning experiences outside the classroom.
How are homeschooling families connecting with each other in Renton and the Eastside?
Parents see the need for connection and take the initiative to create a community. We start groups on social media, invite others, and get to know each other at parks, the library, and other outings. It takes stepping out of our comfort zone and being the first to invite, but it's worth the effort when we make meaningful connections for ourselves and our kids.
Are there any resources for homeschooling families that you would like to share?
The Washington Homeschool Organization is your best bet for all the info on co-ops, legal guidelines, and more. But did you know they have various meetup groups listed by region? Look there for connections or to list your group. You can also search Facebook or the Meetup app with the name of your city + homeschool to find others in your area looking for connections.
Happy Valentine's Day!
