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Homeschoolers, learn Hebrew [UPDATED]
Published 11:07am Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Updated 11:34am Wednesday, October 26, 2011Homeschoolers and their teachers in the Fergus Falls area are making use of Skype, a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls.
On Tuesday, a group of homeschoolers gathered at the Fergus Falls Public Library to connect via Skype with Evgeny Nekrich of Marshall in southwestern Minnesota. Nekrich, a Hebrew instructor, made use of videoconferencing as part of a language class.
“We gather here about 11:45 a.m. every Tuesday to set things up with the computer,” said Joel Demmer, 18, who is homeschooled by his mother, Maureen. “Connecting to Mr. Nekrich through Skype really works out well.”
Library Director Erin Smith said that Tuesday’s Skype connection was the fifth time the videoconferencing has been used by the homeschoolers in Fergus Falls.
Maureen Demmer, who moved with her family to Fergus Falls just over two years ago, had previously known Nekrich down in Marshall. When she asked other homeschooling families in this area if they would like to learn more about the Hebrew language, they readily accepted.
One of those homeschool families is taught by Sally Doric. She’s had three of her children go through homeschooling. Today, her daughter Anna, 13, is the last of the four children to be homeschooled.
“Taking part in the Hebrew language class is definitely rewarding,” said Doric, “not only for me but for Anna and the other students.”
Both families have support of their husbands and fathers. Loyal Demmer is a depreciation accountant at Otter Tail Power Company and Walter Doric is a piano technician.
The homeschooling families belong to WATCH (Wisdom Attained Through Christian Homeschooling). Some communities involved are Fergus Falls, Battle Lake, Rothsay, Pelican Rapids, Wahpeton and Elbow lake. Nearly 60 families belong to the organization, which was formed in the early 1980s, to encourage Christian families in accord with Biblical principles.
“It’s the desire of WATCH to assist parents in the passing on to their children a Godly heritage instilled through Judeo-Christian principles,” said Doric. “We also want to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, Esphesians 6:4.”
WATCH membership is open to anyone who would like to be part of the networking organization, regardless of religion, political persuasion or ethnic background. The organization is not a co-op, and is not affiliated with any public school or public school program.
“We strive to keep our members informed of current homeschool events and legislation,” said Demmer. “We also seek to promote positive awareness of homeschool education.”
Events include mom’s night meetings each month, an annual fall picnic, YMCA events, Talent Night, 4-H, Bright Lights, speech class, field trips, teen nights and curriculum fairs.
