April 2009
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
APRIL 2009 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Families and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
We also have a “featured articles” section. We hope that you will find the articles that we will include to be informative, encouraging, and full of wisdom. If you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org.
We would love to hear from you!
www.HEARTofTex.org
Our deadlines are as follows:
the 12th of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 27th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.
Thanks so much!
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Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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~UPCOMING HEART OF TEXAS EVENTS ~
APRIL 18
HEART OF TEXAS REGIONAL EXPO!
Homeschool Exhibit of Area Resources for Teaching Expo!
Location: Mid Cities Church
7650 Precinct Line Rd
Hurst, TX 76054
Admission:
In lieu of admission, we are asking for a donation in any amount to benefit the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC), which works very hard on behalf of all homeschool families in Texas by defending our right to homeschool.
All donations taken at the door.
Save time at the door - Register Online (by April 16): http://www.heartoftex.org/events/events/expo_reg.php
Pre-Registration Not Required, but helpful in letting us know how many to expect.
Details:
Ever wondered where to find homeschool classes?
Looking for volunteer opportunities?
Wondering how to find a boy scout troop, music classes or other opportunities?
This is your chance to see some of the resources that are available for homeschoolers!
Local resources for YOUR homeschooling family, all gathered in one convenient location, where you can browse, pick up info, and visit IN PERSON with the people who offer wonderful resources for you and your family!! The H.E.A.R.T Expo is YOUR opportunity to meet with local providers of resources for classes, co-ops, service opportunities, local businesses that want to reach out to homeschoolers, and much more. All will be present and available to answer questions and discuss how they can help you in your homeschooling journey.
For More Information: www.heartoftex.org
If you wish to Exhibit: Please contact us at: info@heartoftex.org
Space is limited!!
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APRIL 18
HEART OF TEXAS
Leader Appreciation/Networking & Dessert
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Location: Mid Cities Church
7650 Precinct Line Rd
Hurst, TX 76054
If you are a support group leader, board member, e-list/e-group moderator, or other person in leadership in the homeschooling community, please be our guest during our special Leader Appreciation event from 1pm - 2pm!
Join us for desserts, beverages, and a chance to network with other leaders in the area!
Please RSVP so we can make sure we have enough desserts and chairs!!
To Register: Contact Anne at info@heartoftex.org
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JULY 18
HEART OF TEXAS
Leadership Conference
It’s Time to Get Connected and Encouraged!
Do you help newbies get started homeschooling?
Do you coordinate activities or field trips?
Do you lead a home school support group, co-op, or e-list?
Time: 8am - On-site Registration
9am-4pm – Leadership Conference
Location: Restoration Church
1350 W. Euless Blvd
Euless, TX 76040
Details Coming Soon!!
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~MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS ~
APRIL 15 & 16
WEATHER WATCH DAY CAMP
CAMP TONKAWA
Cost: $15/camp pre-registered; $18 walk-ins; Free parents and under 4
Bring your own lunch.
Must have 15 students to make the camp.
Homeschool groups of 12 or more are welcome; you will be eligible to receive a Group Rate discount For Details: 903-429-6483 or click here
Othe Camps in April:
10th to 11th - Western Slumber Party
18th to 19th - Primitive Survival Skills Class 3
24th - Arbor Day
25th - Horsemanship Day Camp
26th - Arbor Day
26th - Primitive Survival Skills Day Camp - Edible Plants
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APRIL 15 & 29
VOLLEYBALL CLINICS & JUNIOR HIGH TRYOUTS
THESA RIDER VOLLEYBALL TEAM
TEJAS Volleyball Complex
Time: 3:30 -5:30pm
Who: Girls going into 6th-8th grades.
Cost: $20 cash or check accepted/due first day of attendance
Details: We will be teaching and implementing, the basic skills of passing, setting, serving, as well as hustle and discipline.
MAY 6, 13, 14 -- High School Tryouts for THESA Rider Varsity & JV Volleyball Team
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Cost: $30 - cash or check accepted/due first day of attendance
Details: These clinics are for girls that are in 9th-12th grade. We will be fine-tuning basic volleyball skills as well as tryouts for our high school teams. Every girl will be evaluated and informed of her possible position on the evaluation day (May 14)
Click here to email THESA with the attendees name, age, grade, and previous volleyball experience to reserve your spot.
A Medical Release form is needed to attend any of the above clinics and can be acquired online at www.thesariders.org. Please bring your filled out form to the first day of clinic.
*See www.tejasvolleyball.com for directions to the complex
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APRIL 17
TIM HAWKINS COMING TO FLOWER MOUND!
FUNDRAISER FOR CORUM DEO
Location: Valley Creek Church
5800 Long Prairie Road
Cost: $75/couple (includes casual dinner buffet before the show and dessert afterwards)
Benefitting: Corum Deo's Athletic Program
To Order Tickets: www.coramdeoacademy.org
Details: Tim Hawkins, a man who needs no introduction. Alright maybe he needs and introduction. Hawkins, a comedian that brings everyday life into his routine has been accused of being equally gifted and twisted. He has indeed become one of the most in-demand comics in the country. His arsenal is unique: high energy stand-up, physical comedy, slick guitar skills, a thousand faces and voices, improvisational chops. It all combines to create an insane comedy experience. “People think I live a rock-star life”, said Hawkins. “Believe me, Mick Jagger never gets lost in a Hertz parking lot looking for his Ford Focus.” In today’s stressed filled lives that have everyone running to and fro take a minute or may 90 to allow laughter to soothe your soul and rejuvenate your heart. Mark your calendars now for a night of laughter that will not easily be forgotten. For those who may have never of heard of Tim Hawkins and would like to sample his work, excerpts are available on www.youtube.com
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APRIL 17
ELLIS COUNTY USED CURRICULUM SALE
& EXPO OF HOMESCHOOLING
Time: 2-5p.m.
Location: Ellis County Expo Center in Waxahachie
Admission: Free
For More Information: click here to send an email
Back to OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
Back to the top
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APRIL 17
CHEA USED BOOK SALE
Time: 10am - 12pm
Location: South Oaks Baptist Church
5925 US HWY 287
Arlington, TX
Admission: Free
For More Information: click here to send an email
Back to OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
Back to the top
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APRIL 17
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
ACE ACADEMY CAMP FOR
STUDENTS INTERESTED IN AVIATION CAREERS
Camp Held June 9-13, 2009 (day camp)
Who: Students ages 14-18
Location: DFW airport
If you want to explore careers with aviation professionals, get a behind-the-scenes look at the aviation industry and government facilities, and learn more about the high tech world of aviation, then this career education program is for you!
The focus includes a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) approach to the learning experience. Students will also participate in many activities relating to aviation history, physics of
flight, and exciting behind-the-scenes field trips.
Cost: Free; however you must submit an application that will be reviewed in a selection process. Approximately 40 students will be selected to participate.
Transportation will be provided for field trips; however, parents are responsible for transporting the students to and from the camp each day.
To Receive an Application: Contact the ACE Academy Hotline: 817-222-5801
and leave message with your address.
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APRIL 18
GEOGRAPHY BEE AT COTTAGE THEATER
CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION
Registration Deadline - April 10
Camp Held June 9-13, 2009 (day camp)
Time: 2-4pm
Who: Anyone in 1-6th grade
Cost: Free but must register by April 10
Prizes: Trophies for 1st place, awards for 2nd and 3rd.
For More Information: 817-281-2293 or click here to email Kathy
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APRIL 18
Frisco HIS Used Book Sale
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Location: Water's Edge Church
5475 Coit Rd
Frisco, TX
Come find some real treasures to help in your homeschool journey or to fill your bookshelves. Find
books and curriculum for math, history, science, language arts, art, music, foreign language,
preschool, kindergarten, and games and videos.
This is a cash event: Bring lots of $5s and $1s. Once you have chosen your
items, you will put the asking price in the envelope attached to the item. Please Do Not SEAL OR REMOVE THE ENVELOPE. If the envelope says that the seller is willing to take a check, then you can write a check and put that into the envelope. The cashiers will remove each envelope, check to make sure the correct amount is in each envelope, and seal the envelopes.
www.friscohis.org
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APRIL 18
CAROLE JOY SEID SEMINAR
Time: 9a.m - 5p.m.
Location: Gospel for Asia, Carrollton, TX
Cost: $53
Spouses are free.
To Learn More: Click Here
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APRIL 20
NATURE JOURNALING & TOUR
FOSSIL RIM
Time: 10a.m. - 4pm-ish
Cost: $20/person (2 and under free)
This is a multi-level event; all ages will benefit.
Details: 10-Noon - Nature Journaling Class. Learn 4 different nature journaling techniques.
12-1pm - Break for Lunch
1-2:30ish - Art Class. Learn some basic art techniques to enhance your Journaling experiences.
2:30-4:00ish. Take a bus to 2-3 sites within Fossil Rim & spend time drawing at each location.
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register: Call 254-898-4216 ext 216
Other Homeschool Events in April:
APRIL 27 -- African Safari Day Camp at Fossil Rim
This is a multi-level event; all ages will benefit.
Cost: $25/person (2 and under free)
Details: We will learn about the geography of Africa and where our African animals come from, make a Savannah Field Guide, discuss Savannah Ecology, learn about Cheetahs, discover the
difference between grazers and browsers, and take a guided tour of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
Please bring a sack lunch.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216 ext. 216
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APRIL 21
OKLAHOMA LAND RUN REENACTMENT
HEIGHTS PARK IN RICHARDSON
Make this your history lesson! Come dressed in "89'er" clothes if you want!
Time: 3:05pm - race to claim land starts. Come early to be ready.
You can come late, as there is usually land left to claim and you can still buy & sell.
Location: Heights Park in Richardson
711 W. Arapaho Rd. (cornerof Floyd & Arapaho)
We set up on the grass.
Blankets, chairs, tables etc. are fine, but the parking lot is about 1/2 a block away.
Volunteers Needed!! (Teen or adult) to come early to pound stakes or man the land office.
Admission: Free (you might want to bring money for buying items the kids sell)
Bring items to sell! No electricity or tables provided. Children can bake cookies, make things, bring yard sale items, or set up a "service" business such as a carnival game, face painting, or playing an instrument. They can spend their profit by buying crafts, playing games, drinking cold drinks, and eating goodies.
For More Information or to Volunteer: 972-442-3006 or click here to email Cathy
Details: This event is a reenactment of the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889.
"Claiming a stake" is easy. At the sound of a gun, participants run to a plot of land and "stake" their claim ("improve" it). Blankets, wagons, or even little brothers work well for staking claims. Then, go to the "land office" to officially claim your land. Your children can stake a "farmland" claim (where they won't have to do anything. They can also claim a "city" plot where they can sell wares, set up game booths, or sell services.
Rain Date: In case of bad weather on April 21st call 972-442-3006 to confirm the event.
Make-up date will be Tuesday April 28th. Please pray for good weather!
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APRIL 23
REGISTRATION DEADLINE TO SAVE 50%
HOME SCHOOL FAMILY DAY
SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS -- MAY 7
Time: 11am - 6pm (exclusive hours for homeschool families)
Cost: $24.50 (plus $1.96 tax) if purchased by April 23
Plus, receive a FREE parking pass if order is placed by April 23
Children 2 and under are free.
Season Passes are welcome!
Price at the Gate: Tickets are $35.99 (plus tax) + $15 parking per vehicle
Download Free Educational Workbooks: www.sixflags.com
Meal Deal: $9.50 (plus $.76 tax)
Choose from Meal Choices:
Pizza Extravaganza (Super Slice Pizza & Med. Soft Drink)
Burger Bonanza (Cheeseburger Basket & Med. Soft Drink)
Finger Lickin' Chicken (Chicken Tenders Basket & Med Soft Drink)
To Order By Phone: 817-607-6150 (4 business day minimum to charge orders by phone)
To Order Online: Visit Six Flags Over Texas group page at sixflags.com and enter
promo code: SFOTFAMILY to purchase tickets.
Phone orders and orders placed online will be accepted with credit card payment through May 1, 2009. Phone orders and orders placed online between April 23 and May 1 will be eligible for $24.50 price but parking will be $15 at the toll plaza. Tickets are non-refundable and orders will be subject to a $5 processing fee.
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APRIL 23
DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE II
2009 SPRING FIESTA PERFORMANCES
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
Time: 10:15 am
Location: Latino Cultural Center
2600 Live Oak
Dallas, 75201
Cost for Student Matinee Tickets: $5/person
To Purchase Tickets: 214-871-2387
Study guides are given to teachers prior to the performance to enhance their edu-tainment experience.
Details: Don't miss the engaging dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's second professional company- DBDT II as they bring their trademark versatility and style back to the Latino Cultural Center, performing repertory works by emerging and nationally renown choreographers.
For More Information: www.dbdt.com
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APRIL 24
THSC ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
FEATURING LT. GOVERNOR DAVID DEWHURST
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Austin Airport Marriott South
4415 South IH-35
Austin, TX
Admission: Suggested Donation of $45/ticket
Speaker: Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst
Attire: Business Dressy
Details: Come for an elegant dinner and an evening honoring the achievements of home schoolers and those who have supported home schooling in Texas. Join Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, THSC President Tim Lambert, top Good Citizenship award winners, THSC's Leaders of the Year, Patrick Henry Scholarship winners, and other home school notables.
For More Information or To Sponsor a Table: www.thsc.org/banquet.asp
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APRIL 25
SALLY RIDE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
Time: 11am - 4:15pm
Who: Students, parents, and teachers
Location: SMU in Dallas, TX
Cost: $20/person
Includes the featured talk, workshops, lunch, and the Street Fair
Registration Required: http://www.sallyridescience.com/festivals/09smu0425
The Science Festival includes:
• An inspiring talk by astronaut Stephanie Wilson
• Workshops for students, which may be given by local veterinarians, astronomers, microbiologists and more
• Workshops for parents and teachers on ways to support girls' interests in science
• A street fair with booths, hands-on activities, food, and music
For More Information: 800.561.5161
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APRIL 25
STATE HOMESCHOOL TRACK MEET
TEMPLE TEXAS
Registrations Due: April 11
Eligibility: Eligibility for this meet will be determined by AGE ON THE DAY OF THE MEET.
This is the first-ever State Homeschool Track Meet!! Because this is the first one, we will be playing some things by ear. For example, we will start with four divisions, but we may combine divisions if there are not enough entrants in a particular division. Also, we may cut certain events if there are not enough entrants for that event. This is one reason it is critical to get your registration in as early as possible!
Divisions by Age: 17-18, 15-16, 13-14, and 12 and under.
There is no minimum age for the “12 and under” division. If you have a young athlete who is willing to compete with 12-year-olds, he or she is welcome. If time permits, we will have a PeeWee 50m Dash for children 10 and under (no registration required). If you have any special circumstances to be considered concerning these divisions, please contact the meet director.
Fees:
Athletes: $10 per athlete
Spectators: $5 for adults and $2 for students with a $15 family cap
For More Information: Click Here to email John Ash
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APRIL 25
SALT CO-OP END OF YEAR SHOWCASE
AND REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR
DESOTO, TEXAS
Time: 4pm
Location: Faith Bible Church
1437 W. Pleasant Run
DeSoto, TX 75116
SALT is a homeschool co-op that meets Mondays and Wednesdays at Faith Bible Church in DeSoto and offers a variety of academic and enrichment classes for grades PreK through 12th. The evening will showcase student's work from the current school year as well as offer hands-on activities for the kids. Teachers will have displays of the classes they are teaching for next year. Come explore the class offerings and visit with the teachers. Registration information will also be available.
For More Information: 972-890-8117
To Read More: Click Here
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APRIL 25
NEW TO HOMESCHOOLING WORKSHOP
CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION IN WATAUGA
Time: 10am
Location: Center for Home Education
5733 Watauga Rd
Watauga, TX 76148
Cost: $15/family advanced registrations; $25 at door
Details: The Center for Home Education is offering a workshop for New Homeschoolers.
If you are new to homeschooling and not sure where to begin or worried about whether you can homeschool your child this workshop is for you.
Featured Convention Speaker, Rosie Watson, 21 year veteran, who has homeschooled her three children into College will be giving practical help to demystify homeschooling.
Topics will include:
Am I the best person to teach my own child?
The various approaches to homeschooling
Learning styles
Time constraints & scheduling
Getting connected & socialization
Eliminating the myth of the perfect curriculum
The law in Texas
For more information, call: 817-281-2293 or visit us on the web at: http://centerforhomeeducation.com/upcomingactivities.aspx
Discount: HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on curriculum materials at the Center for Home Education. See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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APRIL 26
SPCA ADOPTION EVENT
AT HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075
For More Information: 972-881-0140
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APRIL 30-MAY 1
JUDGES NEEDED!! PLEASE VOLUNTEER!!
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!
2009 NCFCA REGIONAL SPEECH/DEBATE TOURNAMENT IN ARLINGTON
Location: Fielder Road Baptist Church MetroCenter
1323 W. Pioneer Parkway
Arlington, TX 76013
Details: 200+ competitors from Texas, Arkansas & New Mexico will gather for a week of amazing competition...debating foreign policy, idealism/pragmatism, as well as performing hilarious and dramatic interpretations, compelling persuasive speeches, and much more!
We need your help! NO experience necessary!
Volunteer to judge 1- 4 speech or debate rounds
Enjoy a delicious array of foods & desserts while you judge!
To Sign Up to Judge: www.NcfcaTexasJudges.com
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APRIL 30
HOME SCHOOL DAY WITH TEXAS RANGERS
ATHLETICS VS RANGERS
Time: 10:30 (pre-game picnic & homeschool events)
Bring lunch and blanket to Coca Cola Pavillion in Lot B
1:05 (ball game begins)
Admission: 1/2 price game tickets start at $7
Call 817-436-5979 to order
Guests include: Chad Henning, retired Dallas Cowboy & Air Force Pilot
Jim Sundberg, Texas Ranger Alumni
Rangers "Captain"
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APRIL 30
IRVING HOMESCHOOLERS MEETING
LEE PARK IN IRVING
Time: 7pm
Location: Lee Park Recreation Center
Information: Click here to email Karen
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THROUGH APRIL 14
DALLAS BLOOMS
AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM
This year's theme: "Dallas Blooms – It's a Classic"
Over the years, it has grown to be the largest outdoor floral display in the Southwest,
featuring 450,000 spring-blooming bulbs including tulips, daffodils, Dutch iris, and hyacinths
which will bloom alongside over 100,000 pansies, violas, poppies, and thousands of other spring annuals and perennials.
Admission: $9.50/adults; $8 seniors 65 and older; $6/children 3-12; Free/under 2
Buy One, Get One Free Wednesdays (with coupon)
AT&T Senior Citizen Thursdays - 65 and older pay only $6.50
Group Discounts: Available for 20 or more.
On-Site Parking: $5
The Arboretum is wheelchair accessible and tram service is available for the mobility impaired.
Hours: Daily 9am - 5pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day
Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas 75218
For More Information: www.dallasarboretum.org
To Read the Full Article: click here
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APRIL
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY
(Discount for HEART of Texas members)
We are very excited to announce that the Velocity Performance locations in Highland Park and Southlake have partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special discounts to homeschoolers!
The PE programs at Velocity are taught by trained, degreed coaches who have coached college, professional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call Emily Hubbard at 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
Please Note: Each Velocity location is independently owned and operated, and offer different pricing and discount rates for their classes. Please contact the location directly for more information.
Discount: HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on classes!
See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Every Man's Fight for Freedom– by Tim Lambert
Still Life in Art: An Art Lesson from Visual Manna – by Sharon Jeffus
To Clep or Not to Clep – by Jean Burk
Is Your Child Eligible for the Home School Honor Society? - Eta Sigma Alpha
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
1. Library Programs at North Texas Libraries -- North Texas
Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact info@heartoftex.org
Bedford Public Library
Fort Worth Public Library
Hurst Public Library
McKinney Public Library System
Tyler Public Library
READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2. Book It! Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
3. Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4. BEST Robotics 2008 Preview: Just Plane Crazy! -- Texas Best
5. Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2009
6. National Engineers Week -- Future City Competition
7. USA Mathematical Talent Search -- Contest Over
8. Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -- Entries Due February 13, 2009
9. Robofest 2009 -- Registration Open
10. Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest -- Registration Due July 1, 2009
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
11. City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
12. City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
13. Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
14. Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
15. National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
16. THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
17. Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
18. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
19. Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas -- Cedar Hill/SW Dallas area
20. Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
21. Center for Home Education -- Watauga
22. Eastfield College -- Mesquite
23. Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Lewisville
24. Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
25. Fabulous Fridays -- Little Elm
26. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
27. Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
28. Homeschool Heritage Domus Schola -- Keller
29. JOY Christian Academy -- Decatur
30. Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist Euless -- Euless
31. Homeschool Theater Classes at PFAmily Arts --- Plano
32. Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
33. Tarrant County College -- High School Math and Science Classes for Home Schoolers
34. Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
35. YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
36. Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
Haltom City - April 23-25
Burleson - April 24-25
Cedar Park - April 25-27
Granbury - April 25-26
Hillboro - April 25-26
Fort Worth - May 1-3
Wichita Falls - May 2
Highland Village - May 9
37. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
38. Center for Home Education -- Watauga
39. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
40. Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
41. Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
42. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
43. Fossil Rim
44. Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
45. Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
46. Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
47. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
48. Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
49. Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
50. Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
Rockin' with Mother Goose -- April 3-19
51. Performances at CATS -- Arlington
Into the Woods (2009 Fundraiser Show)
52. Cottage Theater – Center for Home Education -- Watauga
Jane Eyre – May 15-18
53. Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
My Fair Lady - March 6-April 11
Walking Across Egypt – April 7 - March 9
Artie's Children's Playhouse: Disney's Alladdin - March 14-April 18
Artie's Children's Playhouse: Little Red Riding Hood & The Three Little Pigs - Apr 25-May 16
54. Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
Driving Miss Daisy (Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play) – April 21-26
55. Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
The Tale of Peter Rabbit -- March 20 - April 19
56. Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
Music Man -- June 5-7
57. Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Homeschool Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
2008-2009 Season Ended
58. Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
Frost/Nixon – April 28-May 3 (Magestic Theater)
Fiddler on the Roof – May 19-24 (Fair Park Music Hall)
ART MUSEUMS
59. Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
60. Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
61. Kimball Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
Paintings from an Altarpieceby Fra Angelica -- Through February 15
62. Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
Raise the Roof: An Exhibit About Buildings (now open)
Your Incredible Body
63. Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
Living in Space is Out of This World --- Through May 10
64. Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
George Segal: Street Scenes -- Through April 5
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
65. Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
Wired to Win
Journey into Amazing Caves
66. Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience (Rated PG-13) -- (through March 5)
Dinosaurs Alive (through June 18)
Deep Sea (through June 18)
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
67. Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
68. Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
69. Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
HOME SCHOOL /PE PROGRAMS
70. Aledo Christian School's Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball Teams -- Aledo
71. Berne Academy's Varsity Boys Basketball Team -- Lancaster
72. Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
73. Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
74. Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
75. Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
76. Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers
77. Home School Athletic Association
78. THESA Riders Home School Association
79. Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
80. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Highland Park
81. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Southlake
82. Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
83. Parker-Tarrant Home School
84. Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
85. Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
86. Arlington Association Home Educators (AAHE) -- Arlington
87. Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
88. How Now Homeschooling -- Plano/Frisco/Allen/McKinney area
89. Keller 4H Club Meetings -- Keller
90. Lewisville Area Speech and Debate Club -- Lewisville
91. North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
92. Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
93. Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
94. SALT Co-Op -- DeSoto
95. Homeschoolers Offering Moms Encouragement (HOME) -- Flower Mound
COLLEGE PREP
96. SAT Test Dates
97. SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
98. Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship -- Deadline December 1, 2008
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
99. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
100. Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
101. Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Hot Meals and Friendship -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
102. Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Meals on Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties
103. Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals at The Stewpot -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
104. Private Piano Lessons in Your Home! -- Dallas Area
105. World View Studies Classes -- Haltom City & Weatherford -- Registration Open
106. THSC Annual Awards Banquet Featuring Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst -- Austin -- April 24
107. Ellis County Used Curriculum Sale & Expo of Homeschooling -- Waxahachie -- April 17
108. HEART of Texas Homeschool Expo of Area Resources for Teaching -- Hurst -- April 18
109. Carole Joy Seid Returns to Dallas/Ft. Worth -- Carrollton -- April 18
110. ALERT Academy's Challenge Day -- May 2
111. Pizza Ranch -- May 5&6
112. Hearth & Home Ministries Home School Book Fair -- Arlington -- May 8 & 9
113. Student Leadership Forum -- Plano -- May 9
114. THESA Riders Spring Football Camp -- Grapevine -- May 12-28 (Register by May 1)
115. Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Season Finale -- Dallas -- May 17
116. Service Academy Night -- Richardson -- May 18
117. Home School Night at Mesquite Championship Rodeo -- Mesquite -- May 23
118. Morning Glory Academy Offers a Trial "Mini-Mester" -- Hurst
119. ALERT Academy's Red Carpet Day -- May 26
120. Denton County Home School Association Middle School Graduation -- May 30
121. Women Explore Engineering Summer Camp at Texas A&M/College Station -- July 12-15
122. HEART of Texas Home School Leadership Conference -- Euless -- July 18
123. Youth Basketball of America Division 3 Basketball Tournament -- Florida -- July 26-Aug 1
JOB OPENINGS
124. Check-In Receptionist, Check-Out Receptionist, and Technician Positions Open -- DeSoto Area
125. Great Opportunities for Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine
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FEATURED ARTICLE
The Political Realities of Daytime Curfews
--by Tim Lambert, Texas Home School Coalition
This article comes from a March 30, 2009, post from Mr. Lambert's blog: Right in Texasand is reprinted with permission.
On March 23, 2009, many home schoolers in Dallas and Bedford joined other concerned parents and leaders of the ACLU in rallies protesting the current and proposed daytime curfews in those cities. At a meeting with PEACH (Plano Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers) in Plano, I heard reports from one mom who reported that 40 home school parents testified against the proposed daytime curfew in a hearing before the Dallas City Council. This mother was surprised that the great number of phone calls from home school parents and testimony to the council did not seem to move the council members to change their position. The same has been true for dozens of parents in Bedford who have publicly opposed the daytime curfew of that city with little results to show for their ongoing efforts since October of 2008.
So what is the problem? In Dallas, one council member said that if this was truly a problem there would be an outcry from those living in Dallas, not just those who live in surrounding areas. Therein lies the problem. Many years ago I came to the startling conclusion that elected officials rarely make decisions based on the facts alone; rather they most often make decisions based on poltical realities. Political reality is what a majority of the voters who elect people to a particular office support or oppose. Most elected officials have as their main goal to be reelected, and if they become convinced that a majority of the voters support or oppose a measure they will, in most cases, change their opinion to fit that reality to avoid the wrath of voters in the next election.
So as we have heard in Bedford, most council members state that only a handful of home schoolers have a problem with the daytime curfew - and these people do not represent the opinion of a majority of the citizens of that fair city. The Dallas City Council members were essentially saying the same thing when they noted that opposition was coming from outside the city rather than from within it.
How then do we change the opinion of these elected officials? Most will only be convinced if several of those seeking election or reelection to the city councils are defeated at the ballot box in May elections by candidates who oppose the daytime curfews. That should now be the focus of those who wish to see these curfews defeated or repealed.
From a political standpoint, the reason that Texas home schoolers have gained influence in the Texas legislature is their active participation in primaries and general elections. As an example, in a recent special election for the Texas Senate, a political consultant told the Republican candidate in that race that it was critical to her success to have support of the home school community, because the voter turnout in such elections was so low that Republican voters were either pro-lifers, gun rights activists or home schoolers. The candidate recieved the active support of home schoolers and won that election decisively.
However, home schoolers have not generally participated actively in city elections because they have not seen them as important to their freedom to homeschool and have therefore ignored them. That must change. Home schoolers in Texas should talk to candidates (incumbants and challengers) and find out their position on daytime curfews while the campaigns for city council are now underway.
THSC PAC will endorse, at the request of local home schoolers, candidates who oppose daytime curfews and encourage home schoolers in the area to volunteer for these candidates and work hard for their election. City elections are very often low voter turnout affairs and can be influenced dramatically by volunteers who give time and effort for a candidate. The next thirty days will, in many cases, hold the key for the success of efforts to oppose daytime curfews. If candidates who oppose these curfews are elected to city councils, we will have a much better chance to defeat these ordinances and protect our freedom. Home schoolers can make that happen by volunteering in great numbers for candidates who oppose daytime curfews.
Tim Lambert is the president of the Texas Home School Coalition, our state advocacy organization whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms. For more information about THSC, please visit their website at www.thsc.org. To read or subscribe to Mr. Lambert's blog, please visit www.rightintexas.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Still Life in Art: An Art Lesson from Visual Manna
--by Sharon Jeffus
(download files here)
A still life is a grouping of inanimate objects. “It was in the 1920s, when nobody had time to reflect, that I saw a still-life painting with a flower that was perfectly exquisite, but so small you really could not appreciate it.” This is a quote by Georgia O Keefe. A still life can help us appreciate beauty in everyday things.
Learning to do a still life can be an excellent lesson in all the elements of composition and design. Studying master artists who did still life pictures gives us a good idea of where light comes into a picture. The category of still life in history is very old. It gives us indications of what life was like long ago.
The picture below was found on a wall in Pompeii and estimated to be around 79 A.D. You can see there are pomegranates and grapes in the bowl. The artist was very talented to produce such a detailed work. Do you see the highlights on the fruit?
The picture above shows a glass bowl of fruit from the Villa Boscoreale discovered from the destruction of Pompeii around the same time as the picture below.
Estêvão Silva did the wonderful picture above. Where is the light coming from? This is very important in doing a picture that looks real. Where do you see shading, shadow and texture in the picture? The picture on the right is by Francisco de Zurbarán. Do you see how the fruit is lighter on one side and darker on the other? Here are two websites that will help you when you shade your fruit: http://www.ehow.com/how_2097618_draw-shade-spheres.html
http://www.fortbend.k12.tx.us/mastersonline/Ft_Bend_ISD/6306/chs/reedy/unprotected/Sphere.htm
Did you know that an artist plans where you will look first (center of interest), and then makes sure the picture is interesting all the way around it? Do you see shading, shadow and texture on the picture below?
William Harnett painted wonderful still life pictures with photographic realism.
The picture on the left shows some items about hunting. It is called "After the Hunt." He once did a picture of money that was so realistic that he was arrested for counterfeiting. You can go to this website and read about it: http://www.prices4antiques.com/paintings/trompe-l-oeil/Harnett-Wiliam-Michael-Trompe-lOeil-attributed-United-States-Five-Dollar-Bill-Series-of-1880-D9796298.htm
His art was trompe l'oeil painting or "fool the eye." It looks like you could pick something right out of the picture.
Composition is very important when you are making a still life. You want to have a balanced and interesting design. What is the center of interest? You want it to be interesting all the way around. Here is a wonderful website about this: http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm
Be sure and go over all the parts of it.
Still life comes in many styles from realistic to abstract. The picture above is one of the most famous and valuable in all of history. It is "Sunflowers" by Van Gogh. Van Gogh was in a class all his own. He was a Post Impressionist, known for his heavy brush strokes.
Go to this website to see a beautiful picture by the Impressionist Renoir of flowers: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pierre-Auguste_Renoir_144.jpg
What do you think is different when you compare the two pictures? Now look at this picture and compare it to the other two: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ambrosius_Bosschaert,_the_Elder_04.jpg
They are three totally different styles. Which one do you like? Why?
When you do your still life, remember to mark the space where you will put each object before you detail it. It is a good idea also to copy the still life of a master artist.
Remember when you do your picture, that the objects are not all one color. Notice how the apple is ochre, red, brown and white before I blend the colors. Notice the white highlights. Notice how the background looks in these pictures: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_Gauguin_120.jpg
The picture by Gauguin has a background with different shades of pink and blues.
Notice the different shades in the background in this Van Gogh: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Van_Gogh_-_Natureza-Morta.jpg
Notice the background in this Cezanne:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_C%C3%A9zanne_207.jpg
Remember that everything is different shapes. Draw your basic shapes lightly before you detail. Do you see where the light hits the apple?
If you enjoy this lesson, go to visualmanna.com and sign up for internet classes, purchase our books, or just email us!
I have just marked where I am going to put all the objects first. I do not detail as yet.
I layer my colors and then I blend.
Here is a free lesson on painting an apple in layers: http://www.1art.com/tips.htm
I continue to add colors and use variation in tones. Remember that shading, shadow and texture make things look real.
Continue to add colors and highlights.
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved.
Sharon Jeffus is an internationally known writer and teacher, as well as founder of the internationally-known company Visual Manna, a popular art curriculum which integrates art appreciation, techniques, vocabulary and core subjects. She holds a B.S.S.E. in Art Education from John Brown University and earned her teaching certification in English from the University of Arkansas. She studied painting at Metropolitan in Denver and sculpting at Southern Illinois University. Sharon and her late husband, Richard, started Visual Manna to encourage young Christians in the arts and meet the needs of visual and kinethestic leaners. They taught art to thousands of homeschoolers across America. Sharon's materials are recommended by Montessori. To learn more about Visual Manna, please visit: www.visualmanna.com/index.html or call 1-888-275-7309 or email visualmanna@gmail.com.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
To Clep or Not to Clep
--by Jean Burk
Should my child CLEP out of class some or all their college courses? This is the question that is on the mind of a lot of homeschooling families. It has become a popular trend over the last few years. Stay at home, save money-get college credit. Sounds like a win-win situation, but know all the facts before you jump head first into this new concept.
The College-Level Examination Program® or CLEP is a program that allows students of
any age the chance to gain college credit through a series of exams in undergraduate
college courses. Like AP courses, there are several advantages to doing well on CLEP
tests. Ask a local school advisor or go to www.collegeboard.com for more information on the CLEP program. CLEP program is in not necessarily a substitution for taking college courses, but it can help you prepare and enhance your college experience.
• Take fewer classes in college. You can get college credit for information you
already know. If you have already studied a particular subject you can channel
that knowledge into other college hours and therefore take a lighter load in college.
• Spend less money of education. CLEP exams coast roughly $65, which is
minimal when compared the coast of dollars in tuition. CLEP exams are also free
to those who are serving in the military.
• Skip the stuff you already know. Why waste time and money learning
something you already know? CLEPing out of beginner classes can help you
jump into the more advanced and interesting courses college has to offer.
• Finish your Degree. If you are missing some courses for graduation, CLEP
exams are a great way of helping you get those few college hours.
There can also be disadvantages that you need to be aware of as well. Remember that this still new territory especially when it comes to CLEPing out more than a few classes.
• Credibility of your degree. Many families have opted to have their child do all their college work through some of the “distance learning” programs. Make sure that by earning your “degree” this way will actually be counted as legitimate.
• Longer than you think. Some programs claim that a four year degree can be obtained in six months through accelerated learning and then CLEPing out of normal college classes. Don’t just take the word of someone who has written a book; do more research to find out if anyone you know has been this successful in such a short time?
• Scholarships nullified. Imagine spending a lot of time working on CLEP tests to then find out that you have too many college hours and are disqualified for scholarships. Many students have lost out on scholarship money because they were no longer considered an incoming freshman-but a transfer student because of their “earned college credit”.
The decision when and how many CLEP tests should be administered is a personal choice. CLEPing certain classes can actually benefit students in several ways. Too much CLEPing could be more of a hindrance. Make sure you base your college class decisions on facts and research and what will best fit the needs of your family. A happy medium might be to enter college with a some credits, get scholarships and then CLEP out of as many classes as you want.
Jean Burk is a published author, speaker and teacher. Her “Master The SAT Class” has been featured on NBC, CBS and Fox. To sign-up for her free report, “Good-bye Student Loans, Hello Free College, go to www.collegeprepgenius.com Contact info: jean@collegeprepgenius.com 81-SAT-2-PREP
Jean Burk is a published author, speaker and teacher. Her "Master the SAT Class" has been featured on NBC, CBS and Fox To sign up for her free report, "Good-Bye Student Loans, Hello Free College," go to www.collegeprepgenius.com. You can contact Jean at 81-SAT-2-PREP or click here to email her.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Is Your Child Eligible for the Home School Honor Society?
Eta Sigma Alpha is the first honor society established exclusively for home schooled students. Founded in 1999 by Joanne E. Juren, M. Ed., Executive Director of the Home Education Partnership of Texas, it has grown into a national organization with 234 chapters in 38 states.
As a former public school administrator, Juren contacted the National Honor Society with the intent of forming a homeschool chapter for her sons and others in a local support group in 1997. When told that NHS did not accept homeschool students, Juren decided to start a new honor society for homeschoolers.
HISTORY OF THE NAME
Eta, the Greek letter that is shaped like an “h” and Sigma, the letter for “s” were chosen, along with Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet to create the name of Eta Sigma Alpha. The letters Eta Sigma Alpha together signify the "first homeschool” honor society.
ELIGIBILITY
Membership is only available through chapters; no at-large members are permitted.
Becoming a member of Eta Sigma Alpha requires outstanding academic achievement. Membership is available to 9th -12th grade students who meet the academic and application requirements of the honor society. There are several requirements for new membership for each student:
• ESA members must be home school students, and must meet the HSLDA definition of a home schooler which states that students must complete 50% of his/her studies at home under the direct supervision of the parent. Co-op programs, group classes, and even community college courses are acceptable as long as the 50% rule is followed.
• Students enrolled in public school programs, charter school programs, full-time college programs, or other programs where more than 50% of the school time is spent in the supervision of a school setting or where the public school receives 50% funding for the student's attendance or where the public school system, umbrella school, on-line school assigns the grades without parent participation, are not eligible for ESA membership.
• A test score of 1800 (SAT) or 26 (ACT) or 180 (PSAT) or a 90% on the composite/complete battery on the IOWA or Stanford nationally normed standardized achievement tests is required for ESA membership. All tests must be administered in a group setting. Parent administered tests are not acceptable. Test scores should not be more than 1 year old.
• MAT, Woodcock Johnson, PASS, THETA, and COMPASS Tests are not acceptable. Also, the parent is not to administer the test.
• CAT scores taken during the spring of 2008 before this guideline was changed may be used since many new members took this test thinking they would use it as their test score for ESA membership. CAT scores, administered in a group setting where the parent has absolutely NO access to the test or answer sheet, may be used.
Note: The Core total is NOT to be used; only the composite or complete battery scores.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Each individual chapter may establish its own additional requirements, such as:
• 3.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. (This GPA may include the parent transcript, early admission college courses, co-op or support group homeschool class grades, or similar coursework supervised/directed by the homeschooling parent.)
• Essay written by applicant
• Statement of faith; membership in a certain organization such as a state, regional, or local homeschool group; co-op; or sponsoring organization
• Attendance, service, participation guidelines - We do recommend that chapters have meetings, but the chapter may determine how often.
• Other requirements established by the By-laws of each local chapter
• Letters of recommendation
ESTABLISHING YOUR OWN CHAPTER
Anyone who is interested may apply for a chapter. Support groups, co-ops, church groups, or other interested parties may apply for a charter. Individual chapters do have the right to establish their own membership guidelines to be compatible with the organization that sponsors it. We are friendly to people of all faiths and political persuasions! We do reserve the right to locate chapters so that they do not compete with one another for students.
NORTH TEXAS CHAPTERS:
Phi Chapter - Roanoke/Hurst, TX - Contact: Meredith McNair
Chi Chapter - SW Dallas Home School Association - Contact: Kim Rimmer
Iota Alpha Chapter - Plano, TX - Contact: Annette Scott or Kathi Boor
Sigma Beta Chapter - Paris, TX - Contact: Marybeth Burns
Upsilon Eta Chapter - Fort Worth, TX - Contact: Marty Walker
Delta Kappa Chapter - Carrollton, TX (NW Dallas Area) - Contact: Naomi Dunton
Iota Kappa Chapter - Dallas, TX - Contact: Veda Johnson
Gamma Lambda Chapter - N. Richland Hills, TX - Contact: Lorraine Ellis
Omicron Lambda Chapter - Sonlight Christian Education Classes - Forth Worth, TX Contact: Ashley Black
For More Information about Eta Sigma Alpha, visit: http://esa.homeeducationpartnership.com/
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FEATURED ARTICLE
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers!
NEST Family Learning has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer a special discount to readers of our newsletter!
For a limited time, you can enjoy an additional 15% discount on materials plus FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more.
Simply visit
http://www.nestlearning.com/c-5-homeschool.aspx?s_cid=heart to start shopping and begin enjoying your savings today! Use coupon code "HEART" when placing your order.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES
Summer Reading Programs, Clubs, Story Times, Events, Activities, and more! Libraries in North Texas are gearing up for an action-packed, fun-filled summer that will inspire a love of reading!
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information: Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373
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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location: 500 W. 3rd St
817-871-7701
DIAMOND HILL/JARVIS
Location: NE 35th Street
817-624-7331
EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location: 4300 E. Berry St.
817-536-1945
EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 6301 Bridge St.
817-871-6436
MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location: 2800 Stark St.
817-451-0916
NORTHSIDE LIBRARY
Location: 601 Park Street
817-626-8241
RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location: 3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
817-737-6619
RIVERSIDE LIBRARY:
Location: 2913 Yucca Avenue
817-838-6931
SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location: 959 East Rosedale St.
817-871-6621
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 4001 Library Ln.
817-782-9853
SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location: 4205 Basswood Blvd.
817-232-0478
WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location: 3816 Kimberly Ln.
817-292-3368
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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 901 Precinct Line Road
Hurst, TX 76053
817-788-7300
Contact: rreynaro@ci.hurst.us
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time for ages 3-6
Time: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS -- Toddler Time for ages 1-3
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
MONDAYS -- Chess Club (elementary ages and up)
Time: 4:00 – 5 pm
SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH -- Chapter Chats (4th-6th graders)
Time: 7-8pm
Details: Do you enjoy talking about books? Here’s your chance! Share your views with other kids who have read what you have!
To Find Out Which Books We'll Be Talking About Each Month: Call 817-788-7302
ON EXHIBIT:
FOYER DISPLAY:
GALLERY WALL:
HISTORICAL GALLERY:
To put your collection on exhibit at the Hurst Library: Contact the Information Specialist to fill out a form with your contact information and a description of your collection. To be considered, personal collections must meet the Library display criteria.
Live Homework Help (online tutoring)
Hurst Public Library now offers Live Homework Help
Subjects: math, science, social studies, and English
Time: 3pm - 10pm
Cost: Free - must have a Hurst Library Card
How To Access: Visit www.hurst.lib.tx.us
From a library computer, or from your home PC or Mac
Spanish-speaking tutors are available to help students in math and science.
All sessions are confidential and monitored for quality and safety.
For More Information: Call Youth Services at 817-788-7302 or www.hurst.lib.tx.us
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McKINNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
Contact: Wendy Turner – wturner@mckinneytexas.org or 972-547-7319
Program Calender: Click Here
For More Information: Contact Wendy Turner at 972-547-7319 or wturner@mckinneytexas.org
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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location: 201 S. College Ave
One block southwest of the square in downtown Tyler
Contact: Evelyn James – 903-593-7323 – programs@tylertexas.com
Preschoolers DayCare StoryShare
MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
Time: 10:30 a.m. in the Storyroom
Friends share stories, songs, and books with childcare groups.
Please email or call to register
ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Time: 10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families
AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school “reading buddies”
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2. BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM
ENROLL TODAY FOR 2008-2009 PROGRAM
(individual families only may enroll)
Who Can Participate: Children in grades K-6.
The Book It! Reading Program is sponsored by Pizza Hut and runs from October 2008 through March 2009. It is available for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.
The reading program allows the children to earn free personal pan pizzas for meeting their reading goals.
Important Note: This year, the Book It! Program is changing its enrollment procedures for home schoolers. Support groups will no longer be able to register families for the program. Each family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate.
For Program Information: http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/k6enroll.asp
To Enroll Your Homeschool: http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/pub_priv_enroll.asp
Book It! Hotline: 1-800-426-6548
Hotline hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. CT (Monday through Friday)
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3. BRAUMS BOOK BUDDY PROGRAM
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2008-2009
The Braum's Book Buddy program gives children the opportunity to read for delicious prizes from Braum's!
Who Can Participate: Children in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
Program Runs: September through end of school year.
Reward: Each child can earn up to six Braum's treats throughout the year including Single Dip Sundaes, Single Dip Ice Cream Cones and more! The best part...it costs nothing to participate in Braum's Book Buddy reading program. We're happy to offer this program to elementary schools and home schools absolutely free! At Braum's, we want to promote a positive attitude in children for a lifetime love of reading.
How does Book Buddy work?
Teachers distribute Braum's Book Buddy booklets to their students and then monitor book reading by placing a Book Buddy sticker in the student's booklet for each book read. When a student has read six books, the teacher rewards the student with a coupon for a free treat from Braum's!
To Enroll:
Send us a written request for enrollment information on school letterhead to:
Braum's Book Buddy Reading Program
PO Box 25429
OKC, OK 73125
Upon receipt of your written request (and upon meeting criteria) we will add your school to our mailing list and your school will automatically receive information on the program each year. Braum's Book Buddy program is a great way to encourage children to read and earn prizes at the same time!
For More Information:
www.braums.com/bookbuddy.asp
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4. BEST ROBOTICS 2008 PREVIEW: JUST PLANE CRAZY!
BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a -like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.
Get the first look at the theme for next year's competition!
Visit: http://www.bestinc.org/MVC/
YES Program Information
Igus® Inc. offers free products through the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, designed to foster the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering. The program aims to not only support students and engineers, but also educate them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. The program offers donations to students and engineering competitions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The benefits of the Y.E.S. Program are boundless for both igus and
young engineers.
To get an extra copy of the 2008 Product Data Guide included in your igus kit?
Download it here: www.igus.com/yesprogram/
ATTENTION FIRST TEAMS!
Due to the excited, enthusiastic, yet overwhelming number of requests from FIRST teams this season, igus must alter its policy regarding its product donation to teams. As of February 1, 2008, igus will only be able to donate products included in the original kit of FIRST parts to teams.
Student Sample Request Form
If you are a student or individual involved with an engineering project or robotics competition who would like request products, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/student_request.asp
Please note that the Y.E.S. Program is not limited to students, but also welcomes requests from all individuals or organizations competing in robotic and autonomous vehicle competitions.
Curriculum Product Request Form
If you are a teacher, professor or advisor and would like to request products and information to incoroporate into your curriculum or would like an in-class presentation from a cable carrier or bearings expert, please fill out the Curriculum Product Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp
For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Courtney Toomey, Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or via e-mail at ctoomey@igus.com
or visiting www.igus.com/yesprogram
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5. TEXAS STATE FISH-ART CONTEST
ENTRIES DUE MARCH 31, 2010 (ongoing annual contest)
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is the official host for the Texas State-Fish Art Contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever. All Texas entries in the annual contest are to be sent to TFFC for judging. Winning Texas entries will be forwarded to Wildlife Forever to compete for national best of show and art of conservation stamp honors.
Who Can Participate: All Texas students in grades 4 through 12.
Categories: State-Fish Art Contest entries are judged in three categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. One Texas winner from each category is selected each year.
Winners are invited to attend the national awards ceremony at Minnesota's Mall of America each summer. Winning designs will be featured on the official State-Fish Art website. One piece of artwork in each grade category will be selected as the national best of show winner, and one entry will be chosen as the annual art of conservation stamp award and be featured on Wildlife Forever's conservation stamp for the coming year. Entries must be postmarked by March 31 each year and must comply with all rules and regulations. An official entry form must accompany all entries.
How to Enter: Students must create an illustration of the Texas state fish or one of the other state fishes and write a composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation. Texas students are encouraged, but not required, to depict the Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass. Texas entries are judged only against other Texas entries no matter what fish is depicted.
About the Contest: The State-Fish Art Contest is part of a conservation education program designed to spark the imaginations of students while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas' aquatic resources. We also offer you the choice to use our free lesson plan.
For Rules:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/education/fish_art/rules.phtml
For More Information: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/education/fish_art/
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6. NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 7-8TH GRADERS
This program gives middle school students a fun way to tackle real-world
problems while building their math, science and technology skills.
Ages: Teams of seventh and eighth grade students, with the guidance of a teacher and an
engineer, design a city using SimCity software.
Cost: Cost is minimal and we provide the software.
The winning team gets a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals.
Details: Last year was the seventh year DFW hosted a regional competition. More
than 600 students participated. Dozens of engineers have already signed up
to support the 2007-08 competition. We need your help to notify middle
school teachers of this exciting, worthwhile opportunity, which is aligned
to national educational technology standards***.
For More Information: Contact Jean Eason at j.eason@ieee.org
or visit www.dfwfuturecity.org
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7. USA MATHEMATICAL TALENT SEARCH
2008 CONTEST OVER
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8. IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CONTEST FOR K-12
2009 Contest Over
The Challenge is an incentive based educational opportunity for students K-12 throughout the U.S. and much of Canada. Students are asked to use their creative energy to develop entries in the categories of Visual Arts and Music, Science and Technology, and Language Arts. Entries are to relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy" and demonstrate character building as it applies to wise energy choices and environmental stewardship. The entries are also to demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do to make a difference in their home or community.
Who Can Enter? All students, kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States and Canada are invited to enter. Void in Quebec. Travel Prize Winners must be students and teachers at an accredited K-12 public or private school and may not be immediate family members of Johnson Controls, Inc., USEA or National Energy Foundation employees.
Can home school students enter? Yes. All students K-12 are invited to enter. However, home school students are not eligible for the grand prize.
Awards: There are separate prizes for elementary, middle school and high school students in addition to a teacher prize. The grand prize in each category is a trip for two to Hawaii. In addition to the national grand prizes each state has a prizewinner.
Various local, state and national partners are providing extra awards and recognition above and beyond the national grand prize trip:
1. The highest scoring student in each state and province will receive a prize package valued at $1,000 U.S. If you are a national winner, you will not be recognized as a state or province winner.
2. A lighting project winner will be announced. The student with the highest scoring project that addresses lighting as it related to the theme Igniting Creative Energy will win a special prize for the student and an energy-efficient lighting upgrade for a designated area within his or her school. If you are a national grand prize winner, you will not be eligible to win this award.
3. Some cities, state energy offices, and individual school districts wanting to recognize students in their specific geographical areas are sponsoring local challenges. Click on Local Challenges to see the participating areas and the awards that are available.
Official Online Entry Form: Click here
Mail In Entry Form: Click Here
For Guidelines: Click Here
To Enter:
Follow these simple steps:
1. Think about how you use electricity, gasoline, natural gas...energy (ex. electricity, gasoline, natural gas and/or if you could use less or how you could help your community use less).
2. Think of a creative new way to use less energy.
3. Use your talents and skills to create an exciting unusual project that will communicate your idea to someone else. Your project could be a science project, essay, story, artwork, photograph, music, video or web site project.
4. Write a one page explanation of how your project relates to the theme. Be sure to include the following: * What motivated you to enter this Challenge?
* What actions and ideas are you trying to express?
* What is the impact of your project in your life and/or in the lives of others?
5. Make sure your name is on your project.
6. Complete the entry form. Make sure that you have your parents or legal guardian and teacher sign it.
7. Mail your project, entry form and explanation to:
IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CHALLENGE
NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
145 South 400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
8. Wait patiently.
9. Sit back and feel great about doing something yourself to conserve energy and help the environment.
10. Grand Prize winners will be notified.
If you aren't selected for the Grand Prize trip, no worries there is always next year. Plus you may be featured on the ICE web site for the world to see.
For More Information: Click Here
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9. ROBOFEST ROBOTICS COMPETITION 2009
Who: Students in Grades 5-12
Robofest is an annual autonomous robotics competition focusing on learning STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Math) for students in grades 5 - 12. Robofest challenges teams of students to design, build, and program robots to compete in the following categories in two age divisions:
* Game Competition - A team of students competes to accomplish robotics missions using fully autonomous robots.
* Exhibition - Each team has complete freedom to show off any creative autonomous robotics project they have created.
* RoboFashion & Dance Show
* Vision Based Mini Urban Robot Challenge
2009 Season Schedule
* 2009 Rules was announced and Registration began on Dec. 11, 2008
* Jan ~ Feb: Workshops (check out Workshop Participation Requirements, pdf )
* Feb 28, 2009: Warm-up competition at Lawrence Tech in Michigan
* March ~ mid April 2008: Qualifying Competitions
* May 9, 2009: World Robofest 2009 Championship (Please note the date change!)
2009 General Information
* Robofest FAQ | How to start a Robofest team (Powerpoint, 256KB)
* Robofest Mentoring Programs / Robofest Academy - on-site classes
* 2009 General Flyer (pdf)
For Rules, Team Registration, and Participation Forms: Click Here
For Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here
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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST
Win up to $1500 prizes/scholarships
There are four first places!
Registration Due by July 1, 2009
Contestants must be 17-20 years old
Compete in a live media interview and live beef sample
demonstration
Contest also includes an essay and lesson plan
Competition Held: August 1, 2009 at Texas A&M
University in College Station
For More Information: Click Here to Email Rosemary Gambino
(281) 375-8836
Contest hosted by Texas CattleWomen and sponsored by the Beef Checkoff
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11. CITY OF FORT WORTH YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
In recent years, there has been a growing trend to involve youth in local government. The Fort Worth City Council believes that the voices of young people are important. To facilitate that, the Council has approved a new Youth Advisory Board for the City of Fort Worth. The Youth Advisory Board will advise the City Council on issues regarding the youth in the City of Fort Worth. A brief summary of the Youth Advisory Board follows.
Who May Apply: High school age students who are between the ages of 14-18 and who reside in Fort Worth may submit an application for consideration for appointment to the advisory board.
Purpose:
The Youth Advisory Board shall:
• act in an advisory capacity to the Fort Worth City Council;
• study youth issues important to the community;
• encourage youth to become actively involved in matters pertaining to the community; and,
• act as a source of information and education on issues important to youth.
Members:
The Youth Advisory Board shall be composed of 27 members who will meet bi-monthly.
Activities:
To be determined by the Youth Advisory Board, following the direction of City Council.
Contact For More Information: Carol Everhart at carol.everhart@fortworthgov.org
Community Relations Department, School and Youth Outreach
1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, TX 76102
817.392.8444 817.392.7529 (fax)
For an application: http://www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
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12. CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS TEEN COURT
Teen Court benefits both youth and community by providing an alternative method of adjudicating juvenile offenders and allowing teen volunteers to learn about the judicial system, while documenting Community Service hours.
Who Can Volunteer: Full time students ages 13-18 who are in PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR HOME SCHOOLS.
Volunteers may serve as jurors for our Teen Court sessions, or once trained, can act as a defense attorney or prosecutor in our Teen Court trials.
Teen Defendants are held responsible for their behavior while giving them the opportunity to participate in and become knowledgeable about the judicial system. Juvenile Offenders "pay" for their offense(s) by performing community service and participating in Teen Court. Volunteer teen attorneys present offender's cases to a jury of their peers.
Upon successful completion of the program, offender's cases are dismissed and do not appear on their permanent records. Teen Court alleviates the strain on the regular court system, besides giving juvenile offenders a second chance. The program also provides youths in the area a chance to participate in the judicial process.
Location: North Richland Hills Teen Court
6720 N.E. Loop 820
North Richland Hills, Tx 76180 817-427-6705
To Volunteer: Contact Heather Hollingsworth at hhollingsworth@nrhtx.com
For More Information: http://www.nrhtx.com/dept_courts_teen.aspx
You may also come to Teen Court on any night Teen Court is in session to observe, prior to signing up to be a volunteer.
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13. TEXAS HOME SCHOOL COALITION GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD PROGRAM
Do you ever scratch your head when thinking about how to fulfill the requirement of a "study of good citizenship"? THSC offers a Good Citizenship Program, which rewards students for their participation in the political process and helps them fulfill that requirement.
Certificates are printed, upon request, for students who have volunteered at least forty hours in Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process, in any combination.
Each year the program culminates with rewards presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet. The volunteer hours may be tracked on a form that can be downloaded and printed as often as needed. Students will be granted eight hours for each Capitol Day attended.
Please note that, while certificates will be issued upon request at any time, the awards will be given based on hours worked between April 1, 2008, and April 1, 2009. The forms must be postmarked or e-mailed no later than April 1 if students are to be considered for awards.
What is a course in good citizenship: For a detailed description, please visit: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship_program.asp
The Good Citizenship Certificates and Awards
THSC has instituted an ongoing program to recognize home school students who participate in good citizenship activities with its Good Citizenship Certificate. This certificate will be awarded to each student who participates with at least forty (40) hours of volunteer work in any combination from the following areas: Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process.
Home school students may be awarded THSC Good Citizenship Certificates at any time following the completion of 40 hours of good citizenship work.
Any home schooled student who earns a Good Citizenship Certificate is automatically entered into the competition for THSC’s Good Citizenship Awards. The following awards recognize the Texas students with the most volunteer hours (highest number of voters registered for the Alamo Award) in each category and are presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet.
Alamo Award
New voters can be registered most easily when an adult becomes a deputy voter registrar. The parent or support group member can then work with home school students as a deputy voter registrar to take voter registration cards to people who fill them in and give them to the deputy voter registrar. These completed cards will then be delivered by the deputy voter registrar to the voter registrar of the county. Home school students can use meetings of support groups, church meetings, and other gathering to register new voters. Deputy voter registrars will be responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Alamo Good Citizenship Award to the student who registers the most new voters in Texas for each year.
Ranger Award
Credit for the certificate may also be earned by volunteer work in the campaign of candidates for public office. Any local, state, or federal campaign qualifies for this effort. Campaign officials are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Ranger Good Citizenship Award to the student with the most hours of volunteer work in political campaigns.
Lone Star Award
Home school students may earn credit for good citizenship in the political party process by volunteering to help at precinct, county/senatorial, or state conventions or other political party functions of their chosen political party. Political party officers are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Lone Star Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours in the category of the political party process in Texas.
Republic Award
Finally, credit for this certificate may also be earned by students who are involved in the legislative process at any local, state, or federal level. Time spent in working for or against any particular issue qualifies. Parents or leaders of any group working on such issues are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Republic Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours each year in the category of the legislative process.
The THSC Good Citizenship Certificates will be mailed to students upon receipt of verification from the officials documenting the hours. The Alamo, Ranger, Lone Star & Republic Awards will be given to winners at the THSC Awards Banquet held each year.
To View a Sample Certificate: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship_certificate.asp
To Download the Good Citizenship Registration and Tracking Form: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship.asp
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14. CERTIFICATES OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
District 24
Congressman Kenny Marchant, U.S. House of Representative, would like to give each graduating senior, who resides in the 24th District of Texas, a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
The certificates will be printed with the name of the senior and will be signed by the Congressman.
The completed certificates will then be mailed directly to the senior’s home address.
If interested, please send the name of the graduating high school senior, the date of graduation and the senior’s home address to:
tammi.bartlett@mail.house.gov or call Congressman Marchant’s office at 972.556.0162.
Address:
Congressman Kenny Marchant
9901 E. Valley Ranch Parkway, Ste. 3035
Irving, Texas 75063
To find out if your Congressman has a similar program, please contact your representative:
To Locate Your Representatives:
www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
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15. ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
2009 ART COMPETITION
"An Artistic Discovery" is the annual nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Congressional District may host its own competition, and since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.
This spring, several North Texas Congressional offices will hold contests. The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! In addition, the winners and their two guests are invited to the nation's capital in the summer to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the winning artists from across the country and opening the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" exhibition. Thousands of people visiting the nation's capitol, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs, are able to walk through the exhibit daily, viewing artwork from Congressional districts throughout the country—each piece highlighted with the name of the work and student artist.
Who Can Participate: All high school students including homeschoolers.
Acceptable Medium: Paintings (oil, acrylics, watercolor); drawings (pastels, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers); two-dimensional collages; prints (lithograph, silkscreen, block prints); mixed media; computer generated art; and photography. All work must be original in concept, design, and execution, and must not violate any U.S. copyright laws.
Interested students and teachers should contact their congressional office ASAP for more information.
CongDist/Member Contact Phone Deadline
TX-3/Rep. Sam Johnson Deanna Kuykendall 972-470-0892 March 30
TX-4/Rep. Ralph Hall Natalie Raulston 972-771-9118 April 24
TX-5/Rep. Jeb Hensarling Sarah Rozier 214-349-9996 April 7
TX-12/Rep. Kay Granger Marcia Etie 817-338-0909 April 20
TX-24/Rep. Kenny Marchant Amanda Post 972-556-0162 March 13
TX-26/Rep. Michael Burgess Joan Self 972-434-9700 April 3
TX-30/Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Janis Brooke 214-922-8885 April 10
TX-32/Rep. Pete Sessions Sandy Pappas 972-392-0505 April 3
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16. THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
FALL 2009 CLASSES OFFERED (this is not the complete list):
Saxon Algebra ½-Calculus,
BJU pre-Algebra through pre-Calculus,
Physical Science through Saxon Physics, including Apologia Physics and Chemistry
Spanish
JASON science curriculum
Texas history
Speech
Research and Debate
Institute of Excellence in Writing courses plus two other writing methods
Drama
Economics and Honors Economics
Government
Sign Language
Total Language Plus classes
BJU World History and Literature classes
Understanding the times
Ensemble a/k/a band a/k/a orchestra a/k/a pep band
For Complete List of Classes or More Information: www.THEOsonline.org
Testing Available:
Stanford Achievement testing
Iowa Basic Testing (two day testing periods for three hours each day)
the weeks of May 18-22 and May 26-29.
Location: 1301 Custer Road, Suite 703
Plano, TX 75075
For Questions: Click Here to email Terri
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17. CHRISTIAN COTTAGE PREP
Christian Cottage Prep is taking applications for the 2009/2010 Academic Year!
CCP is a unique educational experience. The all-girl classes for grades 6th-8th focus on learning style differences and how to achieve maximum goals academically. There are multi age and grade groups of young ladies in combined classes to achieve higher learning towards grade level and beyond.
Location: 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 335
Fort Worth, TX 76112
Contact: 817-975-6209 or click here to email the director
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18. CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RECOURCE CENTER IN ROWLETT
Christian Educators Resource Center is a dedicated homeschool bookstore that offers new and used curriculum, faith-based readers and educational resources. It also has classrooms available for co-operative teaching.
Bookstore Hours: Mon-Thur 9-5pm
Saturday 10-2pm
Summer Schedule
SAT/PSAT Lab Bible Studies
Drama Camp Scrapbook Camp
Starting Points Structured Writing
Speed Reading . . . and more
Testing:
CERC offers Stanford and Iowa Testing year round!
Don’t miss the deadline for ordering your tests and reserve your spot on-line.
See our Schedule and find Registration Forms on-line under CLASSES
Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any in-stock items. You must present your valid HEART of Texas Family I.D. card to qualify for the discount.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
Location: Christian Educators Resource Center
4501 Rowlett Rd., Suite 105
Rowlett, TX 75088
Contact: 972-475-4138
www.cerconline.org
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19. CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ALLIANCE OF TEXAS
Enrichment Days is a fun, exciting, and educational learning group that meets six times each semester at a local church. Spring Semester Classes begin February 20, and meet every other Friday over a period of twelve weeks.
Each child (K-12) signs up for three classes. Preschoolers have playtime, snack time, and age appropriate activities or crafts. Nursery is available for children three and under at no additional cost.
Classes vary each semester based on the interests of the individual teachers. You can view a sample class schedule on our website at www.c-h-a-t.org . The classes offered that semester will not necessarily be offered again, but this will acquaint you with the kinds of classes available. The actual spring class schedule will be posted in mid February on the website.
Each parent is expected to teach or assist for two of the three class periods with one free period for fellowship with other moms. If you are interested in teaching a class, please contact us at enrichmentdays@c-h-a-t.org .
You must be a member family in the Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas to participate. Membership is $30 per year. New member families can join mid-year for $15.
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20. COOKE COUNTY COTILLION FOR HOME SCHOOLED TEENS!
Our mission is to provide our homeschooled teens an opportunity to learn etiquette, semi-formal dining etiquette, and ballroom dancing skills in a Christian environment. We meet 8 times per season with our last cotillion of the season a formal and usually at a special location.
Cost: $30 per family per year for registration. Each event is $15 per teen. We emphasize RSVP for each event. Teens are not required to pay for an event if they are unable to attend.
We also allow non-homeschooled teens. Each season we have had a couple of teens who were not homeschooled yet wished to participate in our cotillion. They have all been a blessing to our group.
This past year, our teens came from Denton, Sherman, Denison, Ft. Worth, Mansfield, Burleson, as well as Gainesville and the surrounding small communities.
Contact: Sara D. Bell at mommers@ntin.net or
940-668-7833 or 940-736-6792 (cell)
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21. CLASSES AT CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION
Center for Home Education, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
FALL 2009 CLASSES!!
REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL 2009
We are very excited to announce that the Center for Home Education in Watauga TX has released its Fall 2009 class schedule. The Learning Center at the Center for Home Education believe that learning should be enjoyable, stimulating and purposeful and have designed our classes to reflect this philosophy. We also believe that true learning takes time and hard work and want to make sure that our students and parents hold to these same principles.
For more information on classes: http://www.centerforhomeeducation.com/The_Learning_Center.html
Ride Share with other parents
The Learning Center is pleased to announce: CAIAeRideShare
A quality education partnership at The CAIA Learning Center
PLUS Ride Sharing with other homeschooling Moms to reduce the expenses.
For More Information: 817-281-2293
http://www.creativeartsinaction.com/CAIAeRideShare.htm
Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)
Website: http://centerforhomeeducation.com/
Discount: Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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22. EASTFIELD COLLEGE
APRIL 21 - Summer Registration Begins
JUNE 16 - Fall registration will begin
Eastfield College is offering summer educational as well as fun graded and non-graded classes for your home schoolers from Kindergarden age to young adults ready for college.
Of particular interest this summer is our FULL 2 semester high school Biology and high school Chemistry courses.
We also have an "Environment and Society" course that could be used for Social Studies or Science one semester credit. Desktop Publishing and CAAD (Inventor 3-D Models) courses can be used for technology high school required credits.
In the fall of 2009 EFC Continuing Education will NOT be offering any teens' Continuing Education science courses, so please join us this summer for science.
Please open the attachments for the list of parent and student meetings and for the summer and fall schedules.
You can attend one meeting that will count for both summer and fall.
See you soon at Eastfield College, 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150.
For Registration or Other Information: Contact Mary Ann Fitzsimmons at 972-860-7017 or Click Here to Email Mary Ann
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23. ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN LEWISVILLE
We are currently accepting applications for our Winter Semester 2009.
We offer classes from preschool through high school with a nursery available. In addition, we offer monthly activities for families to connect outside of classes.
JANUARY 9, 2009 – Classes Begin
FEBRUARY 13, 2009 – Mid-Semester Break
MARCH 20, 2009 – Classes End
Classes meet on Fridays
8:30am to 12:20 Noon
An optional fourth hour is available for high school students.
For More Information: Lesa Bledsoe at 940-455-7000
www.enrichmentclasses.org
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24. FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
FCA is a Christian School in McKinney, Texas which offers Academic and Enrichment classes to home school families with children Pre-school aged through High School.
Academic classes through 5th grade: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Classes include Math, English, Science, and Social Studies.
Enrichment classes through 5th grade: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Classes include Spanish, Music, Drama, Bible, P.E., Art, Crafts, and more!)
6th -7th grade Enrichment classes: Mondays
Classes include Stock Market Game, Speech, Music Multi Media, Bible, and Study Skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the National InvestWrite Essay Competition.
8th grade Elective and Academics classes: Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays:
Classes include Algebra I, English, Earth and Space Science w/LABS (approved 4x4 class by the Tx. SBOE), Government, Music Multi Media, Spanish, Bible, Study Skills, “College Prep Genius” SAT Lab, Stock Market Game, Speech, and *National InvestWrite Essay Competition
High School Elective and Academics classes: Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays:
Classes include Algebra I, English, Earth and Space Science w/LABS (approved 4x4 class by the Tx. SBOE), Government, Music Multi Media, Spanish, Bible, Study Skills, “College Prep Genius” SAT Lab, Stock Market Game, Speech, and *National InvestWrite Essay Competition.
*FCA Home School student won the National InvestWrite Essay Competition Fall of 2007! He received a school trophy, class party, a lap top computer and a trip to New York!
Chapel: Preschool through High School
Community Service Opportunity: Habitat for Humanity community service projects offered to students 14 years and older. For information on how to participate in the next project, click here to e-mail Terrie Odonnell
Stanford Achievement Testing:
Spring 2009 Testing Date TBD (call 972-562-5323 ext. 22 for details)
SAT College Prep Genius 2 Day Workshop:
November 24 and 25 from 9:00 am - 2:30pm
FCA will offer a rigorous TWO DAY course by Jean Burk designed to teach students the techniques needed to become successful in taking the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT tests.
This course will equip students with the necessary strategies and tips that can help increase their test scores. Students will also learn how to dispel common practices and misconceptions about the
SAT that can harm their scores. Workshop CLASSES ARE LIMITED!!!!
To reserve a spot, please register online
Fall classes are still taking enrollment.
To see 2008 Fall Home School Class Schedule, visit this link and click on age/grade level
For More Information:
Contact Toni Gore at tgore@fcamckinney.org or 972-562-5323 ext. 22
Location: Faith Christian Academy
115A Industrial Boulevard
McKinney, TX
www.fcamckinney.com
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25. FABULOUS FRIDAYS IN LITTLE ELM
Hands on experiments will be an exciting part of this comprehensive science curriculum taught by Kidz Science, for grades K-5th! Everything from Chemical Reactions to Weather to Solar Photography will be offered during this 12 week course!
FRIDAYS
FEBRUARY 6 - MAY 1
Time: 10 am - 10:45 am - Karate (runs 10 weeks, with Oct. 10 & 24 off)
11 am - Noon - Kidz Science
(choose one or both)
Grades: K-5
Location: Sidekicks Karate Studio
2700 E. Eldorado Parkway, Suite 207
Little Elm, TX 75068
972-294-8100
Cost: $40 Deposit (will apply toward tuition)
Karate: $50/month; no registration fees; $25 for optional uniforms
Kidz Science: $120 total or pay in $40 installments.
Current members have first dibs on spots - only 30 spots total and we filled them ALL this Fall!
To Register: Please email Jennifer by Clicking Here to confirm your interest and get your name at the top of the list.
Once I reply with your confirmation.....THEN MAIL your $40 deposit to:
Jennifer Mcbride
2639 Greyhawk Dr.
Little Elm, TX 75068
For More Information: Jennifer McBride at Jenjas5@yahoo.com
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26. HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE ENRICHMENT CLASSES
The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.
2008-2009 Classes Offered:
MONDAY CLASSES
Art
Secondary Drawing with Art
Saxon Algebra II
Saxon Algebra I
Advanced Math
Pre-K & Kindergarten Montessori Class
Experience Texas! Past, Present and Future
World History One-Oh-Fun!
Creative Journaling through Scrapbooking (High School Elective)
TUESDAY CLASSES
Robotics
Basic Latin
Art
Art (High School Elective)
Fantastic French
U.S. History 20th Century
Our American Heritage - US History
Elementary Spanish
Exploring Creation with Zoology I: Flying Creatures
Exploring Creation with Zoology III: Land Animals
Exploring Creation with General Science (with labs)
Apologia Botany & Zoology II (with Labs)
WEDNESDAY CLASSES
Exploring Creation with General Science (with labs)
World History
Biology with Labs
Chemistry with Labs
Speech (1 semester) - High School Elective
World Views Year 1 (3 High School Credits)
World Views Year II (8-1/2 High School Credits)
Starting Points (3 High School Credits)
BJU Pre-Algebra
BJU Algebra II
BJU Algebra I
BJU Geometry
THURSDAY CLASSES
Spanish II
Spanish I
Exploring Creation with Astronomy
English III & IV (Junior & Senior)
English Middle School
English I & II (Freshman & Sophomore)
French I
Taste of Shakespeare (one semester)
Keys to Algebra
US Government
US History
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) with Labs
Human Anatomy & Physiology with Extensive Labs (Biology II)
Reading Fluency & Comprehension (Special Needs)
For Class Descriptions, Fees and Other Information:
http://homeeducatorsresource.com/news/
Location:
1288 W. Main Street Suite 203
Lewisville, TX 75067
972-956-8320
Website: http://homeeducatorsresource.com/
Discount: Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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27. HOMESCHOOLERS EAST CO-OP CLASSES -- EAST DALLAS
Classes Offered:
Mock Trial I (Grades 1-3)
Mock Trial II (Grades 4-6)
Model United Nations (Grades 9-12)
Youth and Government I (Grades 6-8)
Youth and Government II (Grades 9-12)
Ballroom Dancing (Grades 4-6)
Readers’ Theater I (Grades 1-3)
Readers’ Theater II (Grades 4-6)
Contact For More Information: Click Here to send an email
Location: The Summit Church
4101 East Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75074
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28. HOMESCHOOL HERITAGE DOMUS SCHOLA
This homeschool group is based out of Heritage Family Church in Keller.
For more information: Click Here to send an email
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29. JOY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN DECATUR
The following dates have been scheduled for the JOY Christian Academy, in Decatur, TX.:
February 16, 2009 - Registration for the 2009/10 academic year open to JOY families
March 30, 2009 – Informational meeting and registration for the 2009/10 academic year opens
June 1, 2009 – Deadline for early registration for the 2009/10 academic year
August 17, 2009 – Informational meeting and registration for the 2009/10 academic year
September 1, 2009 – Deadline for registration for the 2009/10 academic year
For more information on the JOY Christian Academy and the home school enrichment courses we offer, please go to www.joyca.org.
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30. LEGACY HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT FIRST BAPTIST EULESS
Science, History, and Fine Arts Classes
Grade: K-8
Contact: 817-267-3313 ext 267
Email: legacy@discoveryfirst.org
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31. HOMESCHOOL MUSIC THEATER WORKSHOP AT PFAMILY ARTS
PFAMILY ARTS introduces an all new class for home school students!
Workshop students will study Acting, Dance and Vocal curriculum based in classical techniques from Stanislavsky, Meisner, Alexander and all dance styles incorporated on the musical theatre stage such as Fosse, Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Modern. The Workshop is meant to be a fun, yet highly educational performing arts class for the serious student and beginner. The Workshop will present a session ending presentation at the end of the Fall Session and a full scale musical in the Spring Session. Spring Musical will be decided based on class enrollment. Seeking home schooled musicians for pit orchestra and crew (stage manager, running crew, costume design, set design, etc.) for Spring production.
The goal of the Home School Music Theatre Workshop is to provide the home school student their own theatre program of classes and performance opportunities. PFAMILY ARTS Academy is the only performing arts school in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area that is staffed by Broadway veterans, local professional actors and university faculty members, providing student’s unparalleled instruction. PFAMILY ARTS is a 501(c)(3) not for profit arts association.
Fall Session: September 2-December 13.
Home School Music Theatre Workshop: Tue/Thu 1:00-4:00
Cost: $1,440
Early Enrollment Discount of 10%: July 21-August 16.
Multi-Family Discount of 10%.
For More Information: 972.378.1234 or info@pfamilyarts.org
Location: PFAMILY ARTS
4017 Preston Road, #544
LakeSide Market
Plano, TX 75093
Contact: 972-378-1234
www.pfamilyarts.org
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32. MORNING GLORY ACADEMY OFFERING TRIAL "MINI-MESTER"
Morning Glory Academy (MGA) is offering you the opportunity to ‘try us on for size!’ Many homeschool parents are interested in group learning experiences for their children, but enrolling for a full year before your child has experienced the environment can give you . . . pause. MGA would like to offer you a nine-week ‘mini-mester’ enrollment this spring, to help you discern whether we are part of God’s provision for educating your children.
At MGA, students attend core classes three mornings a week, 30 weeks/year. We are a Christian learning community, studying World History & Geography, Literature, and Science together. We offer worthwhile, interactive group learning experiences for students whose education is home-centered. We don’t usurp the role of the parent and our part-time schedule does not dominate yours. We are just one part of your education plan for your children.
Your child can join us for classes April 6 – June 4. We have nine weeks of fun, engaging, learning experiences planned! If you would like to learn more about MGA, visit our website: www.theMGA.org. We are centrally located in Hurst and the directors are available to you by phone or email:
Leslie Kent, Upper School: leslie@themga.org 817-905-3861
Susan Riddle, Lower School: susan@themga.org 817-706-9888
MGA: Your Home . . . Our School . . . Perfect Fit.
Discount: HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on tuition!
See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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33. TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE MATH AND SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS
MATH CLASSES Offered Fall 2009:
All classes begin at the end of August and end mid-December
Southeast Campus
Algebra I (Thursday) 1:30 -4:30
Algebra II (Fridays) 8:30 - 11:30
Advanced Math (College Algebra) (Fridays) 11:30-2:30
Northwest Campus
Algebra I (Mondays) 8am-11am
Cost: $166 (includes book)
FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
Cost equates to $3.50 an hour, $166 for entire semester including book.
For More Information about the Math Classes: Call Maurine Amend at 972-660-8414 or Click Here to email her.
SCIENCE CLASSES Offered Fall 2009:
Northeast Campus (Dept of Continuing Education):
Biology
BIOX-1430-23433
Laboratory
Days/Time: Tuesday 2:30-5:00 PM
Dates: Sept 1- Nov 17
Class size limited 20
Minimum age of 14 years old
Anatomy and Physiology
BIOX-1320-23435
Laboratory
Days/Time: MW 2:30-4:20 PM
Dates: Sept 2- Nov 18
Class size limited to 20
Minimum age of 14 years old
Bioethics
BIOX-1310-23437
Lecture
Days/ Time: Saturday 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Dates: September 19, 26
Class size limited to 20
Must have completed high school biology; 10-12 grade
To sign up online: www.tccd.edu
For More Information about the Biology Class: Call Katherine Hoffman at 817-515-6946 or Click Here to email her.
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34. VENTURE HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
Registration Open for Fall 2008 Classes
High School Classes Offered:
Biology/Lab
American Government/Economics
Effective Writing for a Purpose
Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry
Spanish 1B
Apologetics/Hermeneutics/Book of Ephesians
World Geography/World History
Health/Physical Education
For More Information: Contact 817-788-5248 or Click Here to send an email
or fbccolleyville.com (navigate to Children's/Sonshine)
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35. YMCA OF IRVING HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
SPRING REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
SPRING 2009 CLASSES:
Mondays from 9:30 - 10:25 a.m.
Advanced Lego (ages 12-14); $75 class fee; $10 supply fee
Kid's Math (ages 5-8); $75 class fee; $10 material fee
Monday/Thursday from 9:30 - 10:25 a.m.
Beginner Spanish (age 9-11); $120 class fee; $20 material fee
Mondays from 10:30 - 11:25 a.m.
Math Explorer (ages 12-14); $75 class Fee; $10 material fee
Beginner Lego (ages 9-11), $75 class fee; $10 material fee
Magic of Science (ages 5-8); $75 class fee; $10 material fee
Mondays from 11:30 - 12:25p.m.
Basketball (ages 6-11); $60 class fee; no material fee
Mondays/Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:25p.m.
Spanish II (ages 12-14); $120 class fee; $75 book fee
Fridays from 10:30am - 11:25a.m.
Fun with Art (Crafts) (ages 5-8); $75 class fee; no material fee
Focus on the Arts (Artists) (ages 9-11); $75 class fee; $20 material fee
Dissection (ages 12-14); $75 class fee; $20 material fee
Friday from 11:30a.m. - 12:25p.m.
Basketball (ages 6-11); $60 class fee; no material fee
For More Information or to Register: Contact 972-986-8898
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36. LIBRARY USED BOOK SALES IN NORTH TEXAS
Looking for inexpensive literature books and other resources to add to your home school library? Library used book sales are excellent opportunities to purchase books at bargain prices. Here are a few sales that we know about in the North Texas area.
GRAND PRAIRIE – April 22-26
Time: Wed: 10am-8pm; Fri: 10-5; Sat: 9-5; Sun 1-5
Location: Grand Prairie Library
901 Conover Drive
972-262-8015
For More Information: fgpltx@aol.com
Books: 30,000 books; 90% donated; 85% hardcover; .50 - $3
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HALTOM CITY -- April 23-25
Time: Thurs: 10-8; Fri: 10-5:30; Sat: 10-4
Location: Haltom City Recreation Center
4839 Broadway
817-222-7786
For More Information: flywme7@peoplepc.com
Books: 8,000+ books; .50 - $10
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BURLESON -- April 24-25
Time: Fri: 10-6; Sat: 10-2
Location: Burleson Public Library
248 S.W. Johnson Ave
817-295-6131 x 264
Books: 5,000 books; 100% donated; 50% hardcover; sorted; .10-$2
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CEDAR PARK -- April 25-27
Time: Sat: 9-4; Sun: 1-4; Mon: 9-Noon
Location: Cedar Park Public Library
550 Discovery Blvd.
512-401-5600
For More Info: library@cedarparktx.us
Books: 10,000 books; 90% donated; 25% hardcover; sorted; not 'picked over'; no buyer restrictions; paperback $1; hardcovers $2; children's .25-$2; Credit cards accepted
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GRANBURY -- April 25-26
Time: Sat: 9-6; Sun 1-4
Location: Hood County Library
222 N. Travis St
817-776-1548
For More Info: joandty@lakegranbury.com
Books: 20,000 books; 90% donated; 90% hardcover; sorted; not 'picked over'; no buyer restrictions; paperback .25 or 5/$1; Hardcover & oversized paperbacks $1; Sun $5/box; Credit cards accepted
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HILLSBORO -- April 25-26
Time: Sat: 9am-5pm; Sun: 11am-4pm
Location: Hillsboro Historic City Hall
127 East Franklin St
254-582-7385
Books: 5,000 books; 75% donated; 50% hardcover; sorted; not 'picked over'; no buyer restrictions; paperback /10; hardcovers .50
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FORT WORTH -- May 1-3
Time: Fri & Sat: 9am-4:30pm; Sun: 1pm-4:30pm
Admission: $1
Location: Chapter II Outlet Store
5318 Trail Lake Dr
(3 doors from Book Store)
Wedgwood Village Shopping Center
817-346-2255 (Friends Book Store)
Books: Thousands of books; includes CDs, videos, audio; paperback .50; hardcovers $1; reference and coffee table $3, CDs, audio books $1, VHS 3/$1
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WICHITA FALLS -- May 2
Time: Sat: Noon-5
Location: Wichita Falls Public Library
600 11th St.
940-767-0868 x248
Books: 3,000 books; 100% donated; 85% hardcover; .50-$2
Half-price sale on most books 1st Saturday of each month
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HIGHLAND VILLAGE -- May 9
Time: Sat: 10am - 6pm
Location: Highland Shores Community Center
1 Community Center Dr
Jenniferabone@yahoo.com
Books: 5,000 books; 100% donated; 65% hardcover; sorted; not 'picked over'; no buyer restrictions; paperback $2; hardcovers $5; Also DVDs, Jigsaw puzzles, and games
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37. CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER
CERC, located in Rowlett, is a home school book store offering classes, testing, and other home school resources.
It is located at:
3810 Industrial, Suite 300
Rowlett, TX 75088
972-475-4138
Website: http://cerconline.org/
Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any materials that are in stock,
with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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38. CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION
Center for Home Education in Action, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
Stanford Achievement Test for Grades 2 - 8
Beginning May 18th, 2009. (We recommend students in highschool take the PSAT, ACT or SAT.)
The Stanford Achievement Test is a nationally standardized test.
It is not a timed test and is given each spring.
It evaluates students at various grade levels in the following areas:
Word study skills(K5-grade 4)
Reading Skills/Comprehension (K5-grade 12)
Vocabulary (grades 2-12)
Mathematics (K5-grade 12)
Language (grades 1-12)
Spelling (grades 1-12)
Social Studies/Science (K5-grade 12)
Listening (K5-grade 8)
Stanford results provide:
Scaled, percentile, grade equivalent scores
Achievement percentiles graphed
Content cluster skills evaluations
Skills performance ratings
For more information including scheduled days and times, contact 817-281-2293 or http://www.centerforhomeeducation.com/stanford_achievement_testing.htm
Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)
Website: http://www.centerforhomeeducation.com/
Discount: Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
For List of Classes:
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39. HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE
The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.
Visit them at their NEW Location:
401 E. Church St
Lewisville, TX 75057
972-956-8320
Website: http://homeeducatorsresource.com/
Discount: Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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40. DAY CAMPS AT CAMP TONKAWA
Camp Tonkawa is an Outdoor Learning Center, where we like to teach nature through hands on experiences. Located outside of Collinsville, TX, on a 35 acre tract of land , that is certified as a wildlife refuge.
March 2009
11th - Nature Awareness Day Camp
12th - Nature Awareness Day Camp
15-17th - Western Days Spring Break Camp
19th - Trot Horsemanship Day Camp
20-22 - Primitive Survival Skills Class 1 & 2
28 - Horsemanship Day Camp
29th - Primitive Survival Skills Day Camp - Winter
HORSE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Horsemanship Day Camps
Many extra camps have been book through out this autumn, week ends and week days! If you are not with a group, and wanted to join any one of the many scheduled days, we have a few opening in each - perfect for homeschoolers, just call for available dates.
Horse Lease Program
To help cover the cost of our horses upkeep, we have a horse lease program. Adults and children with some experience can pay for a monthly usage of one of our horses and then enjoy partial ownership - grooming, riding, feeding, training. Detailed information is on the web site.
Donations
Barn Repair - TIME : Helpers who know how to use a hammer / MONEY : to pay for supplies
Feed - Soon we will need to be graining the horses, come on out with a bag of feed to help and then ride!
Horse Birthday Parties
Great family or friend event. Bring your own cake and ice cream, we provide the rest
NATURE AWARENESS DAY CAMPS
Homeschoolers and Natural Learners we invite you all out to Camp Tonkawa, for time in Nature once a month at our Nature Awareness Day Camps. Sometimes we get so busy with our curriculums that we don't take the time to learn "in," not just "about" the natural world. Schedule a day each month for a fun learning session with us! Car pool with your friends to beat the gasoline prices! Don't forget to bring your lunches and your Nature Journals (sketch pads or notebooks), so that you can remember the information from the day, and further investagate any topics that inspired you.
MARCH 11 & 12
APRIL 15 & 16
MAY 14 & 15
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm. You are welcome to stay at the camp until 3pm, for free time to explore and play with new friends.
Costs: $15 per camp, if pre registering by mail, $18 at the camp (walk ins welcome), $10 for 4 year olds. Parents and Under 4 Free.
Save with the Semester Rate: Pay for at least 4 camps in one semester to get a $12/camp rate.
Group Rates Available!
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL CAMPS
Come on out to Camp Tonkawa this fall, to learn the Tom Brown method of surviving with minimal resources. Prepare yourself for any life situation and build your self esteem by knowing that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones. This is set up as teaching workshops and is NOT an actual survival situations.
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL DAY CAMPS
Sign up for one or all 5, to learn everything taught in Primitive Survival 1 & 2.
Time: All camps are held from 10am - 3pm
Cost: See website www.camptonkawatexas.com
Pre-registration required.
Minimum and Maximums are enforced, so register early!!
JANUARY: Shelter - When, where and how to construct a Debris Hut. Other shelter types also addressed. We also cover Natures Cautions
FEBRUARY: Fire - How to build a fire. Bow Drill Fire Starting - If the camper is old enough to handle a knife they will need to bring one and will be carving out their own bow drill set. Younger campers will learn the technique on pre-made sets.
MARCH: Water - Where to find water and how to make it safe to drink, prevention of dehydration. Cordage - Making rope from plant materials. Knots - Useful lashings, hitches and knots to use in outdoor activities.
APRIL: April's session will cover Food - Edible plants along with poisonous ones to avoid. Medicinal uses of plants. Primitive Cooking Methods.
MAY: May's session will cover Food - Traps and Snares - How to construct them and where to put them. Basic Tracking - Foot prints plus an array of other animal signs to follow.
ATTN: BOY SCOUT TROOPS!!!
Camp Tonkawa is a Great Place to Earn Merit Badges!
Please consider us in your planning meetings this year! Also, we would greatly appreciate, if you would forward this on to any other troops that you think might be interested in working on their outdoor skills this year.
Hope to see you all soon!
Wilderness Survival Camp
Our level one camp, upon completion, will not only earn you your merit badge but you will learn to make a Bow Drill Fire! All must have a Tote & Chip because you will be working with your knives.
We have two camps scheduled where individual boys can come or schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available.
Scheduled dates: Jan 17-18, 2009.
This is our most popular camp for the Boy Scouts!!! The leaders enjoy it too!
Horsemanship Camp
Monthly we have a scheuled Day Camp where individuals or small groups can earn this merit badge. If your whole troop wants to come out and/or do a week-end camp out with our horses, we will be happy to schedule a date for you.
Indian Lore Camp
Come and get started on this extensive merit badge, we get you off to a great start. Scheduled dates Nov 1-2, 2008 and April 4-5, 2009 or schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Hiking and Backpacking Camp
Give you the Basics and set you up on a training program to prepare you for a trek of your own.
Scheduled dates May 30-31 or schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Nature Related merit badges:
Fish and Wildlife Management
Fishing
Insect Study
Mammal Study
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Schedule a week-end camp out with us to work on any of the above listed. We can customize the camp for your troop.
Family camps available for the Cub Scouts and Webeloes!
Please help us spead the word to these Packs, so that we can help them earn any outdoor skills needed for rank advancement and belt loops.
For More Information:
Contact April at camptonkawa@bigplanet.com or 903-429-6483
www.camptonkawatexas.com
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41. DALLAS ARBORETUM EVENTS
No matter the time of year, the Arboretum is always in bloom. Both spring and fall feature wild bursts of color. Summer does nothing to diminish the bloom of the Arboretum plantings, which thrive on the warmth of Dallas' summer months. And, because of Dallas' temperate winter temperature, the arboretum is even in blooming the middle of winter. Regardless when you come, there will be plenty to see and plenty of flowers to enjoy.
Hours: Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission:
$8 for adults
$7 for seniors (65+)
$5 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children ages 2 and under.
Senior Citizen Thursday Discount: Seniors get in for just $5 with photo ID and can receive 20% discount at gift shop.
Onsite parking:
$5 per vehicle
Valet Parking: $10 for non-members; $8 for members
Offsite parking is available at selected locations during peak visitation. Shuttle busses transport guests directly to the Arboretum ticket booth.
Discount tickets are available for groups of 20 or more.
Advance registration is needed.
For Group Sales Information: Click Here
Located:
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75219
214-515-6500
www.dallasarboretum.org
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42. FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS
APRIL 26 - Prairie Wildflowers
Time: 1 & 2 p.m.
Admission: $5 with paid admission
Wildflowers fill the fields with a diversity of colors every year. From Crow Poison to Wine Cups,
discover interesting facts about some of nature’s beauties. Join us as we hike the trails in search of these early bloomers.
MAY 2 - Tree ID
Time: 1-3p.m.
Admission: $5 with paid admission
Now that spring is in full swing and approaching summer, join us as we hike around the Nature Center and learn about the common trees found on the refuge and ways to identify them.
MAY 10 - Sketching Nature - Beginners
Time: 1 & 2 pm
Cost: Free with paid admission
Admission: Love to scribble or draw? Then join us as we practice some simple techniques to
record nature forms on paper. No previous skills necessary. Our first session will focus on simple plant structures. Paper and pencils will be available.
MAY 23-25 - Snakes of Tarrant County
Time: 23rd: 10-4; 24th: 12-4; 25th: 10-4
Cost: Free with paid admission
Admission: Do you ever wonder what snakes you see on your hikes? Now is your chance to find
out. Join members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Herpetological Society as they answer your questions and allow you to view their specimens. It is a great opportunity to learn about one of the most misunderstood groups of animals living in our area.
MAY 30 - Butterflies
Time: 1-3pm
Cost: $5 with paid admission
Admission: Now is a great time to come out to the Nature Center and see the many species of butterflies. Join us as we review what species call the Nature Center home in the summer as we hike.
Location: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135
For More Information about these or other events: 817-237-1111
http://www.fwnaturecenter.org
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge (FWNC&R) is located just inside the city limits of Fort Worth, TX.
The FWNC&R is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands reminiscent of how much of the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex once looked. Replete with native flora and fauna, the area beckons to those searching for a piece of nature to refresh their spirits and reintroduce a measure of tranquility to their increasingly urban lifestyles.
Over 3600 acres, the FWNC&R is the largest city-owned nature center in the United States and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural history of north central Texas. Over 20 miles of hiking trails provide easy access to a myriad of natural wonders to be found on the Refuge.
Staff naturalists at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center are available to facilitate your exploration.
The FWNC&R is located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, four miles west of I-820 on Jacksboro Hwy. (TX Hwy 199).
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43. FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS
April Events:
APRIL 6 -- Go Ahead Make My Day Class & Tour
Time: 10:00-2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Cost: $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Details: This class is about animal enrichment, an important aspect of zoo keeping: how to keep captive animals from becoming bored.) The class is multi-level; all ages will benefit.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
APRIL 27 -- Nature Journaling
Time: 10:00-4ish.
Nature Journaling Class: 10-Noon
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Art Class: 1-2:30ish
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Cost: $20/person (ages 2 and under free)
Details: During the nature journal class, learn 4 different nature journaling techniques. After lunch we will take a bus to 2-3 different sites within Fossil Rim and spend time drawing at each of these locations.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
May Events:
MAY 18 -- Fossil Dig & Tour
This is a multi-age event.
Time: 10:00-2:30ish. We will take a bus down to the fossil pits and spend some time searching for
marine fossils!
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish Meet our current (non-marine!) animal residents!
Cost: $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Details: This class is about animal enrichment, an important aspect of zoo keeping: how to keep captive animals from becoming bored.) The class is multi-level; all ages will benefit.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
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44. HAVEN'S HORSES HORSEMANSHIP & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASSES AT CHRIST'S HAVEN
Christ's Haven is offering homeschoolers Christian Horsemanship and Outdoor Education programs at their facility in Keller, Texas. The classes will be held during the day, while their foster children are at school.
Monday - Fridays at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm
September 1 through December 13
Thursdays at 10:30am and 4pm; Mondays at 4pm
Christian Horsemanship
Ages 4-18
Cost: $25/child
Class Length: 1 hour, 15 min.
Details: First visit is free! Spiritual Values are incorporated into each Horsemanship Lesson through group devotions and activities. It's more than a basic riding lesson! Christian Horsemanship unites children and inspires them to grow in the areas of Horsemanship Skills (grooming, saddling, feeding, groundwork, riding and horse anatomy); Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Communication Skills.
Outdoor Adventure
Ages 7-14
Cost: $20/class
Course Length: 1 hour, 15 min.
Details: First visit is free! Teaches children about God's creation in an outdoor spiritual setting. Activities include: day hikes, fishingm, flying kites, and much more! Outdoor Adventure classes focus on: Science in the Outdoors, Servant Leadership, Self Expression, Self Reflection and Silent Retreats.
Discount Prices available for group rates.
Please call for details.
Location: 4150 Keller-Haslet Road
Keller, TX 76248
For More Information: Kristin Kirkland at 817-925-1982 or email her here
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45. THE HEARD MUSEUM - HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
These Homeschool Classes will introduce your student to the Natural Sciences. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets.
Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum's education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of home school families.
All curricula are based on current scientific theory.
Thirteen Weeks of Classes (26 hours of classtime)
JANUARY 13 - APRIL 1 (Tuesdays or Thursdays)
Ages: 5-14 (as of September 1, 2008)
Time: 1-3 p.m. on either Tuesdays or Thursdays
Cost: $205 (museum members)
$225 (non-members)
Monthly payment plans are available
10% sibling discounts available
Registration Deadline: January 5, 2009
Classes:
Which Ology is Which? – Earth and Planetary Science
Age: 5 year olds
Description: How does hail form? How many kinds of lava are there? What is special about our oceans? Weather, Oceans, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Moon, Stars and Planets are some of the wonderful topics we will learn about and have fun with. Hands on interactive lessons and outdoor adventure await your little scientist!
Discover Your World: Planet Earth
Ages: 6-7 year olds
Description: What is inside the Earth? How are rocks made? How do clouds form? Why does it get cold in the winter? Can we live on any other planet? These are just some of the questions we will explore as we take a look at how our amazing planet works. Topics include weather and seasons; earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and tsunamis; rocks, minerals and fossils; and the solar system.
Amazing Adaptations
Ages: 8-9 year olds
Description: Adaptations: What are they? What do they look like? Who has them? How can you tell? The answers to these and other interesting questions will be investigated in this animal study during class and on the wildlife sanctuary. Learning and interaction with live animals are part of this course.
Earth Trek III – Living on the Planet
Ages: 10-12 year olds
Description: The culmination of Earth Treks I and II, this class will study where and how animals live on Earth in their respective ecosystems around the world, including adaptations to habitats, weather and climate and human encroachment as well as effects of global climate change, pollution, and natural disasters.
To register: Download Registration form by clicking here
Download Medical Record form by clicking here
Please note that you will need to submit a medical record form including immunization history to be able to participate in the program.
Complete application includes:
• Registration form
• Medical Record Form
• Payment according to selected payment plan
Only complete application packets will be processed. Birth certificates and medical record forms already on file at the museum may be used. One registration form per participant. Complete applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are paying by check and fax your reservation it won't be complete until the check is received.
For more information:Click Here to send an email
972-562-5566 x237
Location: One Nature Place
McKinney, TX 75069
www.heardmuseum.org
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46. HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
March Programs:
MARCH 13 - Nature
(For Children Ages 2-5)
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $6/child
Details: Children will be introduced to the simple concepts of nature and the lives of bugs.
MARCH 20 – Wake Up It's Spring!
For Children Ages 2-5
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $6/child
Details: Children will be introduced to life on a farm in the springtime.
To Register: Call 972-881-0140
NOTE: Prepayment and registration are required. Registrations are welcome until Wed noon for the Friday program that same week. All fees are non-refundable.
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm
FRIDAYS AT THE FARMSTEAD (Programs last 90 minutes)
For Children Ages 2-5
Time: 10:30
Cost: $6/child/program & $3/adult
To Register: Call 972-881-0140
NOTE: Prepayment and registration are required. Registrations are welcome until Wed noon for the Friday program that same week. All fees are non-refundable.
April 17, 10:30 a.m. (Ages 2-5): Preschool: Teddy Bear Picnic
Children will be introduced to the history of teddy bears and join their beloved toys in a picnic.
May 8, 10:30 am (Ages 2-5): Farmer Duck
Children will be introduced to farm chores based on a children’s book of the same name.
May 15, 10:30 am (Ages 2-5): Tweet, Tweet, Chirp, Chirp
Children will be introduced to the lives and habits of birds.
FRIDAYS AT THE FARMSTEAD (Programs last 90 minutes)
For Children Ages 6-12
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $8/child/program
To Register: Call 972-881-0140
NOTE: Prepayment and registration are required. Registrations are welcome until Wed noon for the Friday program that same week. All fees are non-refundable.
May 22, 10:30 am (Ages 6-12): Chores on the Farm
Children will experience the work expected of children their own age on a 19th century farm
Docent-Led Tours - Tuesday through Sunday
Time: 1:30 p.m. (one tour daily)
Tour begins on the front porch. Includes Farrell-Wilson house, outbuildings, and grounds.
Admission: $5 Adults; $3.50 Children 5 & up, Students, and Seniors (65+);
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free
Docent will collect admission fees before the tour begins.
Self-Guided Grounds Tours - Tuesday through Sunday
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tour the grounds only. No access to the Farrell-Wilson house our outbuildings.
Grounds guide available.
Admission: $2 per person
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free.
Group Tours:
Time: Each program lasts about 1 1/2 hours
Available by appointment only.
Cost: $5/child; $3/adult chaperones
Depending on the size of the group, up to two teachers can attend free of charge
Tour Themes:
Farmer Duck -- This pre-school program is designed for children ages 3-6 and follows the story Farmer Duck written by Martin Waddell (about a lazy farmer who doesn’t work and a duck that does all the chores around the farm), a discussion and hands-on experiences at 3 – 10 different stations, depending on the program/needs of group. Costumed Docent(s) lead children in groups of 10 through each hands-on activity.
On the Wagon Trail -- Designed for elementary school- age participants, this program focuses on the thoughts and activities of a 10 year-old boy as he leaves his home in Illinois to move with his family to Plano at the turn-of-the-century. Activities include packing a wagon, riding the wagon to different spots on the property and rein-acting the diary entries. Two costumed Docents lead children along this trip. Each program is volunteer-led and lasts about 1 ½ hour long. Best with a small group, 8-10 children.
Tag-Along Tom -- This costumed volunteer-led program introduces the children to the fictional character of Tom Sawyer while experienced chores around the farm. Designed for children ages 6-12, activities include white-washing the side of the Pole Barn, gathering water from the creek for the Children’s Garden, and playing turn-of-the-century games.
What's Inside a Barn -- Features the elements of a barn; how they are built, their daily use, and seasonal activities farm families celebrated inside a barn. A craft is included. Designed for children 3-6.
Traditional Children's Tour -- Offers children an inside look at the Farrell-Wilson house and out-buildings; its theme, life at the turn-of-the-century, and participants experience three early 19th century chores. Leaders are dressed in period costume. Designed for children ages 6-16.
Living on the Prairie -- This program is designed to give children a variety of hand-on experiences revolving around the four fictional characters in Patricia MacLachlan’s book, Sarah, Plain and Tall. Children will visit the one-room schoolhouse, create an original watercolor, compare and contrast prairie and coastal landscapes and practice critical thinking skills. Program is led by costumed Docents and s designed for children ages 8-12
For More Information: Call 972-881-0140
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH -- Scout Tours
REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS -- Call the Farmstead office to reserve a date.
Tours are booked on a first come first served basis
Cost: Pricing has been revised. Contact the Farmstead office for more information.
(No siblings under 4 years old)
Tours must be PREPAID.
Scouts will receive a patch from the Farmstead.
VOLUNTEER GARDEN HELPER AND TOUR DOCENTS NEEDED:
The Heritage Farmstead Museum is looking for a volunteer garden helper and tour docents.
Please contact Angie Carroll, Volunteer Coordinator, for further information. 972-881-0140.
For Registration and Other Information: 972-881-0140 http://heritagefarmstead.org/events.htm
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX
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47. SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch sits on 126 breathtaking acres near Lake Ray Roberts in Denton County, Texas. Our mission is to provide the North Texas community with the opportunity to experience rare and endangered exotic wildlife in a unique and personal setting. What better way to learn about conservation than by seeing it up close and hands on?
Open to the Public Days are every Saturday March through November. All other events require an advanced reservation. We offer educational park offers field trips, private tours, open to the public Saturdays and rental for events large and small! Group camping, bucket train rides & dining area help make Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch your next wild adventure!
Open to the Public Days (MARCH - NOVEMBER)
SATURDAYS
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4:30)
Admission: $8 per person; kids 2 and under are free
INCLUDES: - Meet & Greet with our Education Animals (kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs & more) *Animals available for meet and greet vary with the season and off-site events schedule*
- Safari Wagon ride through exotic pastures to see camels, zebra, buffalo & more
- Kids Bucket Train rides thru 22 acres of “wild” trails!
- Use of pavilion for lunch (you may purchase lunch at our concession stand or bring your own)
Directions:
http://www.sharkarosa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=50
Please do not use MapQuest it WILL get you lost!
Please visit the Field Trip page under the "Visitors Guide" section of our web site for details on booking a field trip for your home school group.
For More Information:
www.sharkarosa.com
940-686-4600 (main)
940-686-3715 (fax)
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48. TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS
Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round urban oasis located at historic Fair Park. The gardens showcase beautiful native and adapted plants that are grown using sustainable methods that help to protect the environment. The first certified organic public garden in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens offers educational programs and exhibits that teach children and adults how to provide vital habitat for butterflies and other native Texas wildlife, add beauty, conserve water and restore the natural environment in urban areas.
The Modern Victory Gardens: a Community Garden Educational Series Topics
MARCH 14: Preparation for planting, when and what to plant, planting techniques, feeding and fertilizing, companion planting, integrated pest control.
MAY 30: Harvesting, mulching, summer maintenance and tips. Plants available for sale in the Greenhouse.
Time: 9 am to noon
Cost: $25 per class; $20 for members
Details: Tired of $3 bell peppers at the grocery store and the $4 gas that gets you there? Join a growing trend and learn how to create a bountiful community or backyard garden. Texas Discovery Gardens presents its inaugural Community Garden educational series Nov. 15, 2008. We start with discussions on composting and Fall bed prep. Join our panel of three garden gurus to learn how to cultivate your community garden and talk with other garden enthusiasts in the Dallas area.
Meet the panel:
*Randy Johnson, horticulturist for Texas Discovery Gardens, enjoys trying different vegetable crops in the Gardens. His specialties are native plants of Texas and organic gardening.
* Neli Spurrell, Children's Education Coordinator for Texas Discovery Gardens and certified Master Composter, has a background in forestry and spends her free time gardening, composting and rainwater harvesting at her home in Rockwall.
* A.L. Nickerson is a local supporter of community gardens and started the first community garden in Lake Highlands in April 2008.
Regular Admission & Hours:
$3/adults; $2 seniors (60+); $1.50 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm.
For more info: 214.428.7476 ext. 23.
Location: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fair Park.
Fair Park istwo miles east of downtown Dallas just south of Interstate 30.
THIRD SATURDAYS – Garden Walks
Garden Walks are a guided tour on various topics. Unless noted, Garden Walks are on the third Saturday of the month and last one hour.
Time: 10am - 11am
Cost: Free with garden admission.
Pre-Registration is required.
CHILDREN'S OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Cost: $5/person; $60 minimum fee per program
Availability: Tuesday - Friday, 9am-4pm
To Make Reservations: 214-428-7476
Gardening for Children - introduction to gardening and seeds. Students even plant thier own seeds to take back to the classroom. (Grades Pre-K - 2)
Butterflies, Bugs & Botany - Insects and their amazing lives help students inderstand the concepts of adaptation, habitats, and pollination. (Grades 1-8)
Terrarium Worlds - Your class will build a terrarium (a home for a plant) and see the water cycle, the carbon-oxygen cycle, and the nitrogen cycle in action. (Grades 1-8)
Life in the Compost Bin - Recycling and decomposition come alive as students see that an ecosystem is powered by a complex web of creatures and energy. (Grades 1-8)
Math in Nature - Math is seen as a real world tool as students visit diverse garden habitats to record data, such as temperatures, time, and mesurements. (Grades 2-8)
Careers in the Garden - Explore the various careers that are necessasry to keep the garden beautiful and running, including landscape design and greenhouse management. (Grades 2-8)
SCOUTING PROGRAMS:
Girl Scouts: We offer 'Try-Its' and 'Let's Get Outdoors' badge programs for younger Girl Scouts.
For more information on these programs: http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/girl_scouts.htm
Boy Scouts: We have a number of 'Achievements' and 'Arrow-point' badge programs for younger Scouts. Wealso work with Scout Leaders to put together Webelos and Eagle Scout projects, and have a number ofCommunity Service opportunities for older Scouts. For more information please click here.
Community Service Projects: Opportunities for older scouts are available on special projects and community events such as Day at Fair Park. Training is provided by the staff of Texas Discovery Gardens.
For Scouting Program Info: 214-428-7476 x 27
For More Information: www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
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49. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
ATHENS, TX
MAY 2 - Cincdo De Mayo
Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $5.50/adults; $4.50/senior citizens; $3.50/children 12 & under;
Details: Celebrate the joint history of Texas and Mexico with dance, music, food and outdoor activities. See the video for more information. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-676-BASS.
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CEDAR HILL, TX
APRIL 25 – Penn Farm Tour
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 9:30 - 11:00am
Details: Learn what life on the farm was like from the 1850s to the 1950s.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
MAY 2 – Traveling the Talala Trail
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 1:00 - 3p.m.
Details: Hike the Talala Trail, identifying some of the plants and animals of the area along the way. This approximately two-mile hike will be at a slow pace allowing for discussion and learning. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack. Meet at the Talala Trailhead.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
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DENTON, TX
MAY 2 - Texoma Fun Fish for Kids
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: 8am - Noon
Details: Come fish for the many types of fish that lurk in deep in the cool blue waters of Lake Texoma. Bring your favorite pole or use one provided by the park. All bait is provided. Fishing will be from an enclosed floating boathouse where the fish are hungry and waiting to be caught. Educational games and fishing-related activities will he held immediately after the fishing derby. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
For More Information: (903) 465-1956
MAY 30-31 - Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: Call for times
Cost: $55/family (up to eight)
Reservations Required
For Reservations: Click here to email or call 512-389-8903 or 903-465-1956 (M-F; 9-6)
Details: Ever wanted to camp at a state park with your family but feel unsure of what or how to do so? This workshop is designed to teach your family all the basic outdoor skills you'll need to enjoy a great overnight camping experience. You will get hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills such as camping, outdoor cooking and also be able to get basic instruction on fishing skills, kayaking and how to use a GPS unit on trail walks. Best of all, no experience is necessary!
For more information: Visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web site.
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EUSTACE, TX (Henderson/Van Zandt Counties)
APRIL 25 – Stargazing
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Call: 903-425-2332.
Details: Take a walk through the solar system and view the night sky through a telescope. Then make your own star wheel and learn how to use it. Weather permitting, meet at the overflow camping parking lot.
MAY 7 & MAY 9 – Night Hike
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Call: 903-425-2332.
Details: Meet at the overflow camping area parking lot and take a hike into the dark. Learn about nocturnal animals at the park and how your senses are affected by darkness. The hike is approximately one mile on flat terrain.
MARCH 16– Interpretive Canoe Tour
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: $6/person (children 5 and under free)
Call: 903-425-2332
Reservations required. Space is limited. Must reserve one week prior to tour.
Details: Canoe across the lake to the island. Explore there and see active beaver dams and lodges and, if we're lucky, beavers and other native wildlife.
MAY 30 – Stargazing
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Call: 903-425-2332.
Details: Take a walk through the solar system and view the night sky through a telescope. Then make your own star wheel and learn how to use it. Weather permitting, meet at the overflow camping parking lot.
MAY 30 – Junior Angler Fishing
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Call: 903-425-2332.
Details: Kids 8 and older learn basic fishing skills and knowledge with hands-on experience. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate. There will be an opportunity to fish afterwards. Bait and poles provided or bring your own. Parents encouraged to attend.
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