2nd Annual Family Reunion

Washington, D.C.

July 12-14, 2009

Myself with Congressman Chet Edwards

The Park Henley Hotel
This is where I parked myself for two days.

Our Capitol at night, isn't it beautiful?

The Korean War Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

World War II Memorial

Our Capitol

The National Mall

And....the one and only Jessica Howard from Florida.


To sign Jessica's petition, click here.

Here is an article from St. Petersburg Times:

Why 7-year-old Jessica Howard of Trinity wants to change Florida's online education law

By Jeffrey S. Solochek, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Monday, February 23, 2009

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TRINITY — Jessica Howard, 7, has received schooling from her mom, Wendy, in her Pasco County home for the past year. When the family looked into using the state's new K-8 virtual school program to supplement its curriculum, it learned that wasn't an option. State law requires that children sit in a public school classroom the year before enrolling in the online courses. So Jessica is petitioning to change the law. She spoke with the St. Petersburg Times about her effort. What is it exactly that you want lawmakers to do? I want them to change a portion of House Bill 7067. What is House Bill 7067? It provides virtual school. But it says I have to go to public school for a year to be able to do this program. So we're trying to change the law so it does not discriminate against me and other kids who are coming out of private or homeschool. Why do you want to do virtual schooling? Because it has the online teacher to help. Why is that important to you? Because if my mom didn't know something in the curriculum or I didn't know it either, we could ask some other teacher. Are there certain reasons why you don't want to go to Trinity Elementary, which is near your home? Because I won't get to see my dad that often, and I won't get to go to my family's birthdays or special occasions with them. And I won't get to see my sister that often because she goes to bed early. I just want to spend more time with my family. What have you been doing to get the law changed? We've been asking people for their signatures, and we've been sending letters to (lawmakers). I just got a letter back from Mike Fasano. What did he say? He said that we're doing great and they're going to have a meeting about it soon. Have you spoken with any other lawmakers? (Tampa state Rep.) Rachel Burgin. She e-mailed back. She supported us 100 percent. She was also homeschooled, too. Are you planning to go up to Tallahassee and talk to lawmakers there? Or what's your next step? Ummm, well, it's kind of up to my mom. What would you like to do? I would like to go up to their office. What would you tell the lawmakers if you were sitting with them face to face? I would say, Can you please help us change the law. … We would want it to be so if my mom and dad, or somebody who paid taxes and they were in private school, they would just be able to go right in it. It would be fair for all the kids. This is a good lesson for you, isn't it? Are you learning about a lot more than virtual education? Mmm-hmm. I'm learning some new words, like discriminate. … And that a law can actually be changed. Do you think this is something you are going to win? Definitely. Because we keep and keep bugging them.

Capitol Day March 26, 2008

We had a great day with the Texas Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options at the Texas Capitol on Thursday. We had approximately 70 people in attendance representing Texas Virtual Academy of Southwest. It was an exciting day as we heard from Andrea McWilliams, a lobbyist who is working hard on our behalf; Lori Cooney, President of NCPSO; Chris Burger, representative from NCPSO; Seana Baughman, TXVA teacher; Dr. Fuller, TXVA Head of School; and Senator Dan Patrick, Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. We were also honored to have Christine Beard, VP of NCPSO, from Ohio attend our event, along with Derek Flowers who represents NCPSO. During the day each family had a scheduled meeting with their representative and senator. We finished off the day with a lunch and then a tour of the Capitol.

Blair, Senator Dan Patrick, & Ashley
Blair sitting in Senator Kip Averitt's chair. We weren't able to speak with our Senator, Kip Averitt, but we visited with his aide in his office, discussing TXVA's needs; those that we have personally and the needs of the school.

We were able to speak with our Representative Rob Orr, who was pulled off the floor to speak with us. He was very open to helping us and asked lots of questions about our needs as a school. It was a very good experience for the children to visit with our him.
Blair & Ashlyn Ashley & Leigh


Dr. David Fuller, TXVA Head of School.


Seana Baughman, Lead Teacher for TXVA.


Lori Cooney, President of NCPSO.


Christine Beard, Vice President of NCPSO.


Andrea McWilliams