OK- dilemma here and boy am I pissed. Looking for some objectivity. I called the Keller ISD Natatorium this morning after being told it's a great place to bring the kids to swim (great in winter!) for cheap- $4 per adult, free kids under 5. Not sure about those in between.
I was told they have adult lap swim all the time but no kids free swim except during school vacations/holidays. When I asked about setting something up for homeschoolers, I was told that there's no time during the day as they have water aerobics, then swimming lessons for 1st/3rd
graders who have ongoing field trips there, then swim team, then tadadada.... She said there have been many inquiries but they can't fit something like that in.
Well, I was steaming after a polite ending to the conversation and began thinking, "I pay Keller ISD taxes! I pay for that place! We should be able to use it just like everyone else." This is not limited to Keller residents btw and is a gorgeous facility. Do I have a leg to stand on? And who do I walk them to?
http://www.thsc.org/defaultpage.asp
You can call or email the Texas Homeschool Coalition with a question like this. If appropriate, they will even have their lawyer write a letter and follow up on the issue. It's a homeschool rights watchdog group.
I am a SAHM to a 19 month old who lives in Keller and I never heard of the Natatorium but I have an alternate for you. The Keller Point have Open Swim on certain days and times here is ther link http://www.kellerparksandrec.org/aquatics.htm
I have never done anything like this before, but I would suggest that there is strength in numbers. I would find other Keller homeschool families and petition together that the city be more homeschool friendly, with activities for the kids.
Here in Grand Prairie the city has all kinds of sports and craft type classes during the day for homeschool parents. I am sure they didnt come about without someone pushing for them.
Dont give up! It only takes one person who has a will and you can make the way!
C.
I echo the comment from the mom regarding checking out Keller Point. It is a very nice facility and just around the corner from the Keller Natatorium. I think you and your children will really like it. They also offer a host of swim lessons and other activities for young kids that might be worth checking out as well.
With the scheduled events at the Keller ISD Natatorium I honestly doubt that you would get them to make change in schedule particularly when there is a very close alternative for you. I understand your frustration, but you have to pick your battles, and I really don't think you have much to fight with on this one.
Are your kids in the 1st thru 3rd grade ages? If so, I think you should be able to have them take lessons with the public school kids. There is nothing in the Keller system to deny h.s. kids from attending Keller classes (I have this info second-hand, but seemed accurate). I think you have legs to stand on if we homeschoolers are denied opportunities provided to the public school kids. Be curious to know what you find out!! Best wishes. Another homeschooler in the Keller area!
