Can i go to the dances?

Question

i looked up the law for PA and it says any home schooler can go to the dances at the public school thats for my township. every time i try to say i can go they say i cant because im cyber schooled and not home schooled. but basically its the same thing and when i signed up i was told that i could go to all extra-curricular activities that my township had. am i alowed to go to the dances or not? a link to the statement saying yes or no would be great! :] thanks.

Answer 1

My guess is that your cyber school is a charter public school, which means you are not homeschooling.  I understand the confusion, because it is similar.  The difference is that legally, for governmental purposes, you are enrolled in a public school.  

So, to them you are attending another public school and therefore can't go to the dances.  

Obviously this is ridiculous, but that is how schools tend to operate.  Not with common sense, but with inflexible rules.

Good luck :D

Answer 2

Argh.  The "cyber schooling" excuse they're giving you is so stupid.  It's obviously just someone who doesn't like homeschooling and is trying to get around the rule.

Whoever is telling you that you can't go, find out who their superior is and go to that person.  Maybe the school superintendent or someone.  Have your parents explain that cyber schooling is just another type of homeschooling, not something different than homeschooling.  Put up a fight!

If you can't get in that way, you might be able to go as the companion of a friend.  For example, I went to homecoming at my friend's high school (which was actually out of my district) because that school allowed anyone under the age of 21 to attend school dances, as long as they were accompanied by someone who DID go to the school.  The rule was made so that people who dated someone from another school could bring their boyfriend or girlfriend to dances, but it worked for pairs of friends too.  So you could try something like that.

Answer 3

Be really nice and explain to the school why you want to go to the dances!  get your parents involved if needed!  I would try and joing other clubs in the school as well, because if you are a star member of the...track team (let's say) they are less likely to boot you from the after game dances!

But I would really make a big deal about it if it is important to you!  That doesn't seem fair that they are keeping you from the dances!

Answer 4

Go to the Home School Legal Defense Assoc. site (HSLDA.org)

If the public school wants to be a pain, start your OWN homeschool dances! We have lots of them in Portland, Oregon. Look for homeschool groups in your area.

http://www.squidoo.com/HomeschoolDream

Answer 5

At the present moment you cannot go because the organisers have said "No". However, you need to get your Mum to ask for specific reasons for their refusal and as they run the dance, then you have to respect that.

It may be your age.  It may be the dance is for a different age group. It could be anything, so you need to find out the reason. You may, or you may not, be able to satisfy their requirements. Them's the breaks. But, you will grow older and there will be more dances. They just seem so long away, don't they?

Answer 6

next time you go to one of the dances get a copy of that law with where its located and take your mom or dad with you and show them that and if they say no get their full name and then talk to the principal and if he or she wont help you take it to the school board.

Answer 7

Read the law carefully and make sure that the school is required to allow your attendance.  In some states the law just says something to the effect that homeschooled kids are not forbidden from participating by state law, but still lets individual schools set policy.

Now, once you verify that they have no legal ground...you and your mom should go to the school and  bring in a copy of the law.  Meet with the principle and show them the law on paper.

Most likely, cyber school and homeschool are the same, but not automatically.  In some states they are two separate things from a legal standpoint, so the school might be within its rights.  I think its stupid, and I think they are being mean, but they *might* have the legal right to be jerks if they choose to.

Answer 8

Find it in the paperwork and take it to the school. They can't argue if it's in writing. if someone just told you that verbally, then you need to find it in writing.

Here's the law http://www.phen.org/pahelaw.pdf. It doesn't mention dances or any extracurricular activities. If the cyber school has a contract with the public schools, that different.

Where I live, some school districts allow it, but not many. Kids here either find a date from the school or just put on their own dances.

Answer 9

You should DEFINITELY be able to go! If they want to make a big deal about it, you make a big deal about it too. Start a petition. Go to the state. Or just show up to dances and see if they even notice you're there!

Answer 10

Yes if you really like. Just follow your heart!

Answer 11

It seems like you did your homework! Cyberschooling? That's ridiculous . If  your are schooled at home, then it's home schooled no matter if it's on the computer or not. I don't know your age and whether your parents will let you go or not, is not for me to say unless you are of legal age. I think you need the dances and extracurricular activities because you need some bonding with kids your age and some fun. Sorry.....I am not your parent and this is the best I can do. If I was your parent, I  would let you go....but I am not. I wonder if you showed them this answer if it would help. I am a 59 year- old mother of 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren , a former teacher and psych major........so I am not real young and clueless. I have raised my children through the good and the bad. I wish you the best.

Answer 12

YES! YOU ARE ALLOWED TO GO TO THE DANCES WITHIN YOUR JURISDICTION. ANYONE THAT TRYS TO SAY YOU CANNOY;, TELL THEM THERES NO LAW AGAINST IT.YHIS I KNOW. MY SON IS HONESCHOOLED ALSO. MAKE THEM SHOW YOU IN WRITING--WHERE IT SAYS YOU CANNOT. SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A LOT OF BIGOTRY OR JEALOUSY THERE. GOOD LUCK

Answer 13

Yes, you can go. Don't believe them if they tell you you can't. Have your mom call prior to the dance and let them know you WILL be attending.