National School Choice Week Free Activity Kits And Resources For Schools And Homeschool Groups

National School Choice Week (N.S.C.W.) is an annual event that shines a positive spotlight on various educational options available to families across the United States. Established in 2011 by the Gleason Family Foundation, this non-profit, non-partisan, and non-political charitable project has organized over 131,000 programs across the country. Each year, the event provides families with access to detailed, unbiased, and updated resources for parents seeking better schooling options for their children, all at no cost. One of the most anticipated aspects of this week is the availability of free activity kits and resources that help schools and homeschool groups participate in raising awareness about educational choice.

Free Activity Kits and Packets

The centerpiece of National School Choice Week freebies is the free activity packet or event kit offered to participating schools and homeschool groups. These kits provide essential supplies for organizing events and activities that celebrate the diversity of educational options available to families.

What's Included in the Activity Kits The activity packets contain materials designed to help participants plan and execute various types of events and activities during National School Choice Week. According to the official information, these supplies can be used to "bring positive attention to your school's or homeschool group's success" and "highlight the difference you are making in the lives of students, families, and your community." While the specific contents of the kits are not detailed in the source materials, they are described as comprehensive enough to support any type of event or activity that participants might choose to organize.

Additionally, the National School Choice Week organization offers a separate "free event ideas packet" that is "packed with creative ways your school can join National School Choice Week." This downloadable resource provides inspiration and guidance for planning celebrations and activities during the week.

How to Request Free Activity Kits Schools and homeschool groups interested in receiving free activity kits for National School Choice Week must complete a registration form. The registration process requires participants to provide necessary information through an online form, though the specific fields required are not detailed in the source materials. The form includes required fields, as indicated by the "*" notation in the source information.

Participants can access the registration form through official National School Choice Week channels. Once submitted, the organization processes requests and sends out the activity kits to eligible recipients. For those who encounter issues with the registration form or need to update previously submitted information, the organization can be contacted via email at [email protected].

Eligibility Requirements The free activity kits are available to: - Schools of all types (traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies) - Homeschool groups

The offer is valid for residents of the United States, making these resources accessible to educational institutions and homeschooling families across the country.

Limitations and Availability Participation in National School Choice Week is completely free, and signing up to receive supplies is also free of charge. However, there are important limitations that potential recipients should be aware of:

1. Limited Supplies: The organization explicitly states that "supplies are limited," which suggests that demand for these kits often exceeds availability.

2. First-Come, First-Served Basis: Kits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of early registration.

3. One Packet Per Institution: Each school or homeschool group is limited to receiving only one packet, regardless of size or the number of events planned.

Given these limitations, schools and homeschool groups are encouraged to register as early as possible to secure their free activity kits for the upcoming National School Choice Week celebration.

National School Choice Week Overview

To fully appreciate the value of these free resources, it's important to understand the broader context of National School Choice Week itself.

History and Purpose National School Choice Week was created in 2011 with the goal of raising awareness of effective K-12 education options for students. The charitable programs are designed to raise awareness of school education options for children and families across the country. Since its inception, thousands of schools and related organizations have joined each year to participate in this initiative and raise broad public awareness.

The week was established by the Gleason Family Foundation, the charitable arm of a New York-based machine tools manufacturer. It is organized by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. The organizers emphasize that the project is non-profit, non-partisan, and non-political, focusing solely on providing information about educational options.

Dates for Upcoming National School Choice Week National School Choice Week occurs annually in the last week of January. The specific dates for the next few years are:

• 2024: January 21–27 (Sunday–Saturday)
• 2025: January 19–25 (Sunday–Saturday)
• 2026: January 25–31 (Sunday–Saturday)

Educational Options Celebrated National School Choice Week celebrates all education options that are available to families. These include: - Traditional public schools - Public charter schools - Public magnet schools - Private schools - Online academies/schools - Homeschooling

The inclusive nature of the week ensures that families can learn about and consider the full spectrum of educational possibilities available in their respective states. The organization trains families to find a learning environment that allows their children to be inspired, successful, and happy, regardless of the educational path they choose.

Other Free Resources and Events

In addition to the free activity kits, National School Choice Week offers various other resources and events that provide value to participants at no cost.

Las Vegas School Choice Fair One of the most significant events during National School Choice Week is the annual Las Vegas School Choice Fair. According to recent announcements, this fair features: - Dozens of school booths representing various educational options - Inspiring speakers - Free snacks and kid-friendly entertainment - Practical support for families in their school search

The 2024 Las Vegas School Choice Fair took place on Saturday, January 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at IPEC Las Vegas. The event attracted nearly 2,000 parents and students who came to explore more than 80 local school options and community resource vendors. The fair offered a comprehensive range of resources, from after-school tutoring to various public school options.

Beyond educational resources, the fair provided entertainment for the whole family, including: - Superhero appearances - Photo booth - Balloon twisting - Face painting - Music - Free salty and savory snacks and lemonade

The event featured remarks from notable figures including National School Choice Awareness Foundation Chairman and CEO Andrew Campanella; Valeria Gurr, Senior Fellow at AFC; and Assemblywomen Heidi Kasama & Danielle Gallant.

Homeschooling Conferences National School Choice Week also sparks conversations about homeschooling options. For example, a homeschooling conference was held in Las Vegas at the Cashman Center, bringing together approximately 2,000 students and parents. This event was specifically designed for parents who already homeschool their children or are considering it.

The conference was organized and sponsored by several organizations including: - RISE Resource Center - Nevada Homeschool Network - Nevada Policy Research Institute - NevadaESA.com - Academica Nevada - The LIBRE Initiative

According to organizers, the event aimed to serve "parents who believe they are not getting the education they deserve because of their zip code." Homeschooling programs at these events are designed for students K-12, providing comprehensive information about this educational option.

These conferences and events provide families with opportunities to learn about different educational approaches, connect with resources, and gather information that can help them make informed decisions about their children's education.

Conclusion

National School Choice Week offers valuable free resources for schools, homeschool groups, and families interested in exploring educational options. The centerpiece of these freebies is the free activity kit available to registered participants, which provides materials for organizing events and activities during the week. These kits are available at no cost, though supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with one packet per school or homeschool group.

Beyond the activity kits, National School Choice Week features various events and conferences, such as the Las Vegas School Choice Fair, which offer additional resources and opportunities for families to learn about different educational options. The inclusive nature of the week ensures that all educational pathways are celebrated, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling.

For schools and homeschool groups looking to participate, registering early for the free activity kits is essential due to limited supplies. With proper planning and utilization of these free resources, educational institutions and families can make the most of National School Choice Week to raise awareness about educational choice and find the best learning environments for children.

Sources

1. National School Choice Week Overview
2. Free Activity Kit Registration
3. National School Choice Week Ideas
4. Educator Registration
5. Las Vegas School Choice Fair
6. Homeschooling Conference Coverage