Springs Charter Schools Superintendent Responds to Query by Pacific Justice Institute

Earlier this week I was reading articles on the Pacific Justice Institute  and various Fox News channels, reporting that Springs Charter Schools have been removing Christian books from shelves, including Hiding Place a book written by Corrie ten Boom.

After doing a lot of research several parents that have children in the charter school advise that the statements made by Pacific Justice Institute and various news organizations are false. Some parents are using Christian text books in their curriculum and advise that the book, Hiding Place is still on the shelves as well as books written by CS Lewis, Tolkien and tons and tons of Christian authors.  See all the comments for yourself on the Springs Charter public facebook page.

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In a letter to the parents and media, the Springs Charter Schools Superintendent, Kathleen Hermsmeyer Responds to Query by Pacific Justice Institute

 

TEMECULA, CA, September 24, 2014 – Kathleen Hermsmeyer, Superintendent of Springs Charter Schools, released the following statement regarding an August 22nd query by the Pacific Justice Institute:

“On August 22, Michael Peffer of the Pacific Justice Institute contacted my office at Springs Charter Schools about a conversation that had occurred last summer between a parent of a Springs Charter Schools student and an employee of Springs Charter School, neither of whom were identified. The conversation took place in the Springs Resource Library, which is a warehouse for textbooks we use in our school programs (it is not actually a library, in fact, we have since renamed it the Curriculum Warehouse to eliminate any confusion). Due to the fact that our schools are independent study charter schools, we do not maintain traditional lending libraries. According to the letter, the unidentified Springs employee told the unidentified parent that he/she was instructed to “remove all books with a Christian message, authored by Christians, or published by a Christian publishing company.”

At Springs Charter Schools, we’re pleased to welcome families of a variety of religious backgrounds, including many Christians, and do not discriminate against or disparage anyone because of their religious beliefs. We can and do provide educational novels with religious perspectives, including Corrie ten Boom’s The Hiding Place. However, like every other public school in the State of California, we cannot legally maintain religious textbooks on our warehouse shelves for distribution to our families. Donated items are made available to our families at no cost. Any and all donated items are not incorporated onto the shelves of our Curriculum Warehouse. The only materials we maintain on the shelves of our Curriculum Warehouse are items we have purchased ourselves in accordance with the laws of our State

Springs Charter Schools are tuition-free, public schools of choice serving more than 6,000 California school children and their parents. Many Springs parents choose to homeschool full-time, while others choose two to five days per week of a blended model that includes classroom instruction with home study. Springs serves students with 14 student centers in the Counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles. Springs Charter Schools’ administrative offices are located at 43466 Business Park Drive, Temecula, CA 92590. Phone: (951) 252-8800. Website:www.springscharterschools.org.

After extensive research and reading the feedback from various parents with children at Springs Charter School. it’s our opinion  that the articles on Fox and Pacific Justice websites are false.

Things To Do In Inland Empire | Temecula Winery Getaway Tips

Temecula Wine Country is a little known secret nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles and offers a variety of options for a romantic getaway or a getaway with friends.  Whether you are a foodie and music lover like me or a wine enthusiasts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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Wilson Creek Winery

Read the Rest … Things To Do In Inland Empire | Temecula Winery Getaway Tips

Fourth of July Celebrations in Inland Empire

The Fourth of July is the perfect time to get together with family to bond and celebrate our nations freedom and federal holiday, Independence Day.   The Fourth of July is also the most popular day for grilling across the country with Memorial Day in second place.  According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, more than 14,000 firework displays will brighten  the skies of the country on the Fourth of July.

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Our perfect Fourth of July event kicks off with the parade and local Fourth of July festivities.  If you are planning a similar day, we recommend that you head out to the fourth of July fireworks destination immediately following your local parade to allow enough time to find the perfect spot and celebrate with family prior to the fireworks.  However, make sure to prepare food, water and lots of sweaters as the day will get cooler towards the evening.

Here is a list of our favorite places to check out the fireworks and have a safe & great time.

Big Bear  –   Big Bear Lake’s Fireworks Spectacular will explode at 7,000′ reflecting its shower of brilliance over Big Bear Lake on Friday, July 4th.  Big Bear Lake Fourth of July celebrations has abundance of events, recreation and activities.

Canyon Lake –  Skipper’s Island. Fireworks at 9pm.

Chino – Join the City of Chino for a fun-filled fourth of July Spectacular in Chino with family and friends.  This year’s festivities will kick off at 10am with a parade.   Carnival rides, games, food, music, and fun activities for the whole family start at 3pm.  Help honor Chino’s Service men and women at 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy a live patriotic performance by the band “The Answer” at 5:30 p. and 7:30 pm; a spectacular fireworks show will signal the end of the evening at 9:00 pm

Claremont –  The City of Claremont’s Fourth of July Celebration culminates with an fireworks show and a live concert featuring Classic Rock band – The Answer!  The City of Claremont’s fireworks show has developed over the years and has become one of the biggest and best shows in all of Los Angeles County! The 20+ minute show is fully synchronized to music and electronically fired.  The Concert is presented by the DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont.  Check link for ticket details.

Fontana – After a couple years off, the fourth of July festivities are back at Fontana High school.   The main stage entertainment starts at 5pm.  Enjoy face painting, stilt walkers and dance the night away with your family.  Check link for ticket details.

Lake Arrowhead – Lake Arrowhead Lake 9pm.

Lake Elsinore – Patriotic Parade of Lights.  Fireworks after the parade.

Menifee – There are no Fourth of July festivities planned.  Check the local events for Riverside or Temecula.

Moreno Valley  – The parade starts at 10:30am-12pm.  Family Fest kicks off at 2pm at Morrison Park.

Murrieta – There are no Fourth of July events planned.  Check the local events for Temecula.

Perris – The City of Perris will host their Fourth of July festivities at the Auto Speedway in Perris.  The event is free to residents.  Event starts at 3pm.  Fireworks start at 9pm.

Redlands – The City of Redlands will celebrate the Fourth of July festivities at Sylvan Park.  Parade starts at 10:30.  The University of Redlands will host the annual fireworks extravaganza with a live show and entertainment. Fireworks start at 9pm.

Riverside –  The City of Riverside Mayor will kick off their festivities with a Fourth of July Bike parade around the city with the IE Bike Club.  The Fourth of July aerial fireworks show will be celebrated at La Sierra Park Fireworks and Mt Rubidoux Fireworks.

Temecula – The Temecula City Fireworks spectacular. The park opens at 9am and Fourth of July Festivities start at 2pm.  Fireworks start at 9pm sharp.  Music broadcasted on KATY 101.3.  There will be a lot of Food Vendors and Kids Fun Zone.  Handicap parking is limited and first come, first serve.  Arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Victorville – San Bernardino Fairgrounds.  Fireworks start at 9pm.

Yucca Valley – Yucca Valley Sports Park, Yucca Valley. Fireworks start at 9pm.

 

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Pechanga Pow Wow

The Pechanga Pow Wow is scheduled for Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13.   If you have never been to a pow wor if is definitely an event to witness first hand. For additional details visit Pechanga 19th Annual Pow Wow.

 

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Inland Moms attended our first Pow Wow in Temecula last year.  Here are some photos from last years event.  It’s definitely an event to witness first hand.