Mentor Bios

 

Danette von Gostomski 

Standing Director, LEMI Sword of Freedom/Hero Project 

Welcome to Lodestar Homeschool Enrichment Cooperative! I’m Danette von Gostomski. My family’s formal homeschool journey began 12 years ago in order to support our children’s passion for learning. In our family we dive deep and go wide looking for connections to all of God’s creations. We glean truth wherever we can and enthusiastically share. We serve faithfully, love fully, and teach intentionally. It has been a joy to teach and mentor not only my own children, but many others through co-op classes over the years. Those same principles that guide my home instruction are reflected in my classes: teach intentionally, lead by example, find connections to the rest of the world, and mentor these great souls as they find their mission in life. I’m so grateful for the time together, the memories we are making, and the opportunities to connect with others. It has often been said that it “takes a village to raise a child.” It is my dream and passion to expand that village and provide opportunities locally for other families to connect and find joy in their learning journeys. See you at co-op! 

Caryn Davis 

Board Member 

My name is Caryn Davis and I am a home educating mother of 5 children. As a home educator, I strive to be an educational artist. Our children deserve the best role models and teachers/mentors that love them. More than anything, I want to be part of raising a godly generation that is prepared to meet Christ when He returns. What will they need to know for their unique futures and missions? I am committed to thorough preparation for each and every co op day. I want our time there to feel like a worthwhile investment. I love teaching and I love learning from other parents and children. As a community, we can offer so much more to our children when we work together! 

Jessica Armstrong 

Board Member, Start With a Book 

I am a homeschool mom of four. I have been homeschooling for 8 years. We like to study different topics with hands-on activities, exploring our world and reading lots of good books. I am excited to share this school year with you! 

Leslie Leonard 

LEMI Quest: Traits 

I was born and raised in Arizona, raised our family of seven kids in St. George, Utah. My husband‘s work has brought us to Ohio. We’re down to our last two kids. And we are thrilled to be here. We’ve been homeschooling since 2009. We love Homeschool and I love mentoring. I’ve mentored most of the LEMI scholar projects and am a trainer for LEMI. We have been a part of three Homeschool co-ops over the years and have loved serving and mentoring at those schools. I have loved the growth I have seen in myself and in my students as we have learned and partied hard together. My greatest loves are my family, Jesus, books, history, music, dancing, and chocolate chip cookies. 

Anna Marie Foister 

LEMI Quest: Traits 

 I am Anna Marie Foister. I grew up starting in Texas, moving to Arizona, then landing in Utah until I was married and moved to Ohio. We’ve been here ever since. I have 10 children all of which we have homeschooled for most or all of their years of school until college. My husband and I both have college degrees which have been helpful in furthering our education, which in turn has blessed our children. I have two college graduates and the others are on their way to find their way in the world. As I homeschooled I soon saw my weaknesses and I began to rely on coops to help fill in the holes. I have loved when my children have participated in LEMI projects. They learned so much, memorized, and experienced so much! And they enjoyed it! All 6 of those children that participated are grateful for what they learned! I have been so grateful and this year I went to the training in Utah and will be teaching the Quest section of LEMI. I love the youth and have enjoyed my interactions with and teaching them. I look forward to learning with and from them!

QUEST Traits Class

QUEST Traits is

1. A leadership class about learning and recognizing principles of leadership that virtuous leaders have had through history who have impacted the world for good. 

2. About principles, forms, thinking, education and types of leadership that support freedom. 

3. About learning to identify and awaken within a sense of life, mission and how it looks to live mission.

What do we do for homework? 

Simply put, you read inspiring books, write papers, push yourself and prepare for simulations, discussions or presentations. 

What do we do in class? 

Discuss what we are learning, eat food, and make learning relevant, fun and engaging through activities and simulations. 

Why should I take QUEST? 

As a parent I have seen the impact QUEST has had on my children. It has fostered deeper learning and thinking, they discover who they are and their potential, and has challenged them in hard but rewarding ways, taking their education to the next level. QUEST has been one of their favorite classes. 

What is the commitment level? 

QUEST is an intense class that requires a significant amount of homework each week. Approximately 10 hours. It incorporates reading, writing, history, public speaking and more. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. I would discourage taking QUEST along with a lot of online classes. If this applies to you but you still really want to take QUEST, please reach out to the mentors. 

Who should take QUEST? Generally students turning 15-18. Students excited to be with their peers doing fun, hard and rewarding things together. If your student struggles with dyslexia, is on the spectrum, etc. there are ways to adapt the assignments that work for each student. Based on their specific needs, we work with each student right where they are to help them individually progress forward. If you have questions, please reach out to Leslie Leonard 435-218-1479. 

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Before school starts, we will have a Class kickoff on August 27th. This will be a day long activity for students to get to know each other and the mentors. Full of fun and food and a dinner potluck for the whole family.

• Books- students will be supplied with the book list closer to when school starts.

• There will be a class fee for this project. It will be used to cover the expenses for the class and the student binder. 

Sword of Freedom/Hero Project

 Sword of Freedom (First Semester): 

Scholars will experience an immersive study of the Civil War through advancing in military ranks while: discussing challenging classics and documents, writing opinion papers, memorizing Civil War songs, researching to prepare for healthy debates, and participating in instructive simulations like the Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Every day we are confronted with information, testing our principles and values. These activities will challenge scholars to think critically and ask difficult questions, like the Civil War period. The Scholars will discover where their allegiance lies and how to stand for truth accordingly. 

Hero Project (Second Semester):

The Hero Project is a study of World War 2 and its heroes. Classic books, important documents, opinion papers, debates, and simulations from this time era will invite deep thinking about why the world went to war and the consequences. Scholars will be mentored through collecting stories and interviewing veterans. Through this process they will discover the characteristics of an everyday hero. This journey will help them see how an individual discovers their unique mission in life, thus making a positive impact in their communities and world. 

Time Commitment/Homework

You'll have two hours a week to engage with your peers and mentors to discuss, learn, and participate. Students will spend approximately 10 hours a week preparing for class by reading, writing, researching, and interviewing.  You'll also have a couple of field trips and watch parties throughout the year.

Maturity and Parental Involvement

Sword/Hero is a class for students who have the skills and maturity to tackle high school level reading independently and difficult topics respectfully.  Parents should be prepared to mentor their students through difficult work, while allowing them independence.  The class will be geared towards 14-15 year olds but students who were born in 2013 and earlier may choose to join.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Before school starts, we will have a Class kickoff on August 27th. This will be a day long activity for students to get to know each other and the mentors. Full of fun and food and a potluck dinner for the whole family.

• Class fees for this project will be used to cover the expenses for the class and the student binder.  

Start with a Book

 A STEAM class that explores different nature topics with a book and then immerses in the study with hands-on activities. Activities can be adapted to each student’s learning level.