Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you don't see here? Please let us know so we can add it! Thank you =)
Paying for things:
How can I pay? right here on this site, via paypal!
I don't have Paypal, how else can I pay? You can try to arrange a time to dropoff cash, but you may miss deadlines/see an event fill up before you get to it. Best bet is to give cash to someone you know to Paypal it for you. We do not accept personal checks.
When is payment due? depends on the event. Will be listed in each event's details.
Do I have to pay for myself too or just for my child? depends on the event. Will be listed in each event's details. Typically events require fees for both parents and children.
Can I pay later? Later than the due date? Typically, not. Sometimes deadlines are extended, but you'll need to check in the specific event to see!
How do I know what I’ve paid for? Check you recent activity in Paypal and be sure to look at our paid/confirmed list to make sure you're listed!
Can I get a refund for an event I was unable to attend? Typically not. We have minimums we need to reach to guarantee prices for events. Beyond that, the people creating events and processing payments are volunteers and that's an unfair addition to time they already spend.
Why are there $2 fees for free events? We started requiring this last year (maybe earlier) after places expressed reluctance around scheduling homeschool groups, and we saw their frustration in action when we had a group of 60 reserved at an UNO event and only 18 showed up and they’d had a waiting list with other schools. It was not a good day. Homeschoolers are notorious for last-minute no shows and it not only makes us look bad, it’s disrespectful of the facility’s time, as they set aside workers and resources to accommodate us. So the $2 nonrefundable fee was born. Some things will be $2 per family, others will be $2 per person, the event will detail which applies.
Canceling a few days ahead (and certainly the night before/morning of) is nice of you to let us know, but it’s still nonrefundable, as we’ve already committed to the headcount. the fee cannot be applied to the next event either. That defeats the purpose of it! If someone pays to take your place, we’ll send it to you - BUT if you do this more than a couple times, we can’t add you to initial headcounts going fwd, and if we do, the $2 fees are forfeited if you cancel, even if someone signs up in your place. Totally get that things happen, but we’re all volunteers here and it’s a LARGE group.
Questions? Pls ask! Complaints? Pls send me $100 via PayPal with note saying “jerky jerkface time” and I’ll set up a 15 min call to let you get the angries out 😃
Class/event specifics:
Where do I find events/classes? on our calendar page. You'll need to register for access.
Can I bring (younger siblings) even though it says I can't? No.
Can I bring a friend, family member, etc to an event? Depends on the event. Some events have tight availability and spots will go to homeschool families before we add others.
Is this event full? Check the specific event to see! Go to the calendar, click on the specific event and then expand the details to see the link to the event.
Where/when is this event/class happening? It's all in the event details. Pls click in the event and read all about it.
How much does this event/class cost? see answer above.
How far away is this place? Click here and put in the address you're going to/from to see.
Was this the place that does xyz? Let me google that for you has your answer. Click there and type in your question.
What time do we have to be there? Each event is different, so check specifics on each event. We always put the actual start time in the details, with the start time on the event listed as 30 minutes earlier (usually). This is because homeschoolers are notoriously late and places we go to are NOT happy about that. So yes, we trick you with start times. Those who are always on time have time to look at the event and sort it out, but those running late only have a minute to look at start time and are never sure if it's an early time or not, so they race to event.
I arrived late and missed the event/couldn't get in - what now? Well, now you learn a hard lesson about being late! We do not refund to folks who show up late and absorb your costs/stress. That's on you, regardless of whatever good reason made you late.
Is the age limit concrete? It says 10+ but my 6 yo would love this. Check event specifics. Some have flexible ages and can accommodate kids with a particular interest in something, but other events are not appropriate due to maturity and fairness to other participants.
What if I need to cancel? Please do so as early as possible. If early enough, a refund may be possible, but it depends on the event.
Can I drop my child off or do I need to stay? Depends on the event.
Can I attend/chaperone this event that says it's a drop-off event? You can chaperone if we need additional chaperones and you fit the criteria for chaperoning. You may not stay for a drop-off event otherwise, no.
I'd like to offer a class - what should I do? Sort out the specifics, from where you'll offer it, how often and age range - and if it's free or you're charging a fee. And then post it in the group and we'll add it to the calendar for you!
I'd like to set up an event - how do I do that? Go to the group page and create the event! We'll add it to the calendar for you.
Food at events:
Are there any allergies to keep in mind when bringing food? Yes. Nuts and latex. Mark items accordingly and we don't do balloons here.
Do I have to bring a covered dish or can I just send money? Look at specific event pls. There's typically a list of items needed, including food items to contribute to purchasing and amounts.
Do I have to bring something to group parties and such that are asking for food? Yes, everyone does. It's a potluck of sorts, with lots of hungry kids showing up! If you're facing a financial hardship and cannot contribute, please email [email protected] and we'll work something out. We'd like to see you there!
Photos/social media:
Will my child's pictures be shared publicly? Yes, on our Instagram account and on our Facebook page. It's how we attract new members and encourage companies to provide discounted offerings. If you do not want your child to be in photos, it's your responsibility to see that s/he is not included in photos at events. We will not manage this for you.
Bullying and kid/parent issues:
I'm having a problem with another family - what should I do? Please attempt to resolve the issue by directly contacting the family first. You can find some guidance around how to do that appropriately here, should you require assistance.
I've tried talking to the other family and the issue continues - now what? Unlike schools, we really do have a zero tolerance policy for bullying and/or other forms of harassment. Please email all pertinent details to [email protected] and understand that we will be reaching out to other affected families to create a complete and objective understanding of the issue and it WILL be resolved.
Phones at events - are they allowed? Nope! Read this post in our Facebook group to learn why.
Other Facebook group questions:
Why can't I see an event that was shared? If someone shares an event from another HSH groups and you're not in that group yet, you can't see it! In addition to our NOLA group, we have an active group in McComb, MS; and some newer groups in Shreveport, LA and Las Vegas, NV; and then pending groups in Baton Rouge, LA and Boston, MA! You're welcome to join them all!
I have a question about homeschooling. Who can I ask? Please feel free to post in our hackschooling group! We have lots of wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable folks there.
I have a complaint. Send $100 to [email protected] via Paypal and then email [email protected] to reserve 15 minutes of my time to tell me all about it. Be sure to put "Jerky Jerkface Time" in subject. Thanks.
I want to thank the wonderful person who started this group! Message me on Facebook, new friend! But pls know that I only reply to group things on Wednesdays, as I have a full-time job that isn't this! =)
Paying for things:
How can I pay? right here on this site, via paypal!
I don't have Paypal, how else can I pay? You can try to arrange a time to dropoff cash, but you may miss deadlines/see an event fill up before you get to it. Best bet is to give cash to someone you know to Paypal it for you. We do not accept personal checks.
When is payment due? depends on the event. Will be listed in each event's details.
Do I have to pay for myself too or just for my child? depends on the event. Will be listed in each event's details. Typically events require fees for both parents and children.
Can I pay later? Later than the due date? Typically, not. Sometimes deadlines are extended, but you'll need to check in the specific event to see!
How do I know what I’ve paid for? Check you recent activity in Paypal and be sure to look at our paid/confirmed list to make sure you're listed!
Can I get a refund for an event I was unable to attend? Typically not. We have minimums we need to reach to guarantee prices for events. Beyond that, the people creating events and processing payments are volunteers and that's an unfair addition to time they already spend.
Why are there $2 fees for free events? We started requiring this last year (maybe earlier) after places expressed reluctance around scheduling homeschool groups, and we saw their frustration in action when we had a group of 60 reserved at an UNO event and only 18 showed up and they’d had a waiting list with other schools. It was not a good day. Homeschoolers are notorious for last-minute no shows and it not only makes us look bad, it’s disrespectful of the facility’s time, as they set aside workers and resources to accommodate us. So the $2 nonrefundable fee was born. Some things will be $2 per family, others will be $2 per person, the event will detail which applies.
Canceling a few days ahead (and certainly the night before/morning of) is nice of you to let us know, but it’s still nonrefundable, as we’ve already committed to the headcount. the fee cannot be applied to the next event either. That defeats the purpose of it! If someone pays to take your place, we’ll send it to you - BUT if you do this more than a couple times, we can’t add you to initial headcounts going fwd, and if we do, the $2 fees are forfeited if you cancel, even if someone signs up in your place. Totally get that things happen, but we’re all volunteers here and it’s a LARGE group.
Questions? Pls ask! Complaints? Pls send me $100 via PayPal with note saying “jerky jerkface time” and I’ll set up a 15 min call to let you get the angries out 😃
Class/event specifics:
Where do I find events/classes? on our calendar page. You'll need to register for access.
Can I bring (younger siblings) even though it says I can't? No.
Can I bring a friend, family member, etc to an event? Depends on the event. Some events have tight availability and spots will go to homeschool families before we add others.
Is this event full? Check the specific event to see! Go to the calendar, click on the specific event and then expand the details to see the link to the event.
Where/when is this event/class happening? It's all in the event details. Pls click in the event and read all about it.
How much does this event/class cost? see answer above.
How far away is this place? Click here and put in the address you're going to/from to see.
Was this the place that does xyz? Let me google that for you has your answer. Click there and type in your question.
What time do we have to be there? Each event is different, so check specifics on each event. We always put the actual start time in the details, with the start time on the event listed as 30 minutes earlier (usually). This is because homeschoolers are notoriously late and places we go to are NOT happy about that. So yes, we trick you with start times. Those who are always on time have time to look at the event and sort it out, but those running late only have a minute to look at start time and are never sure if it's an early time or not, so they race to event.
I arrived late and missed the event/couldn't get in - what now? Well, now you learn a hard lesson about being late! We do not refund to folks who show up late and absorb your costs/stress. That's on you, regardless of whatever good reason made you late.
Is the age limit concrete? It says 10+ but my 6 yo would love this. Check event specifics. Some have flexible ages and can accommodate kids with a particular interest in something, but other events are not appropriate due to maturity and fairness to other participants.
What if I need to cancel? Please do so as early as possible. If early enough, a refund may be possible, but it depends on the event.
Can I drop my child off or do I need to stay? Depends on the event.
Can I attend/chaperone this event that says it's a drop-off event? You can chaperone if we need additional chaperones and you fit the criteria for chaperoning. You may not stay for a drop-off event otherwise, no.
I'd like to offer a class - what should I do? Sort out the specifics, from where you'll offer it, how often and age range - and if it's free or you're charging a fee. And then post it in the group and we'll add it to the calendar for you!
I'd like to set up an event - how do I do that? Go to the group page and create the event! We'll add it to the calendar for you.
Food at events:
Are there any allergies to keep in mind when bringing food? Yes. Nuts and latex. Mark items accordingly and we don't do balloons here.
Do I have to bring a covered dish or can I just send money? Look at specific event pls. There's typically a list of items needed, including food items to contribute to purchasing and amounts.
Do I have to bring something to group parties and such that are asking for food? Yes, everyone does. It's a potluck of sorts, with lots of hungry kids showing up! If you're facing a financial hardship and cannot contribute, please email [email protected] and we'll work something out. We'd like to see you there!
Photos/social media:
Will my child's pictures be shared publicly? Yes, on our Instagram account and on our Facebook page. It's how we attract new members and encourage companies to provide discounted offerings. If you do not want your child to be in photos, it's your responsibility to see that s/he is not included in photos at events. We will not manage this for you.
Bullying and kid/parent issues:
I'm having a problem with another family - what should I do? Please attempt to resolve the issue by directly contacting the family first. You can find some guidance around how to do that appropriately here, should you require assistance.
I've tried talking to the other family and the issue continues - now what? Unlike schools, we really do have a zero tolerance policy for bullying and/or other forms of harassment. Please email all pertinent details to [email protected] and understand that we will be reaching out to other affected families to create a complete and objective understanding of the issue and it WILL be resolved.
Phones at events - are they allowed? Nope! Read this post in our Facebook group to learn why.
Other Facebook group questions:
Why can't I see an event that was shared? If someone shares an event from another HSH groups and you're not in that group yet, you can't see it! In addition to our NOLA group, we have an active group in McComb, MS; and some newer groups in Shreveport, LA and Las Vegas, NV; and then pending groups in Baton Rouge, LA and Boston, MA! You're welcome to join them all!
I have a question about homeschooling. Who can I ask? Please feel free to post in our hackschooling group! We have lots of wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable folks there.
I have a complaint. Send $100 to [email protected] via Paypal and then email [email protected] to reserve 15 minutes of my time to tell me all about it. Be sure to put "Jerky Jerkface Time" in subject. Thanks.
I want to thank the wonderful person who started this group! Message me on Facebook, new friend! But pls know that I only reply to group things on Wednesdays, as I have a full-time job that isn't this! =)
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