September 2009
HEART OF TEXAS
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Families and Friends,
We are excited to share with you 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 use any content from this newsletter for placement within your own newsletter or other communications, please acknowledge the HEART of Texas newsletter as your source and include our website address: www.heartoftex.org.
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. Advertising space is available for those wishing to advertise their businesses, classes, job listings, or other opportunities.
We also have a “featured articles” section. We hope that you will find the articles 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 ~
FEBRUARY 2, 2010
3RD ANNUAL HEART OF TEXAS REGIONAL HOMESCHOOL COLLEGE NIGHT
GRAPEVINE CONVENTION CENTER
Time: 7pm-9pm (speaking sessions start at 6pm)
Location: Grapevine Convention Center
1209 South Main Street
Grapevine, TX 76051
Stay tuned for more details on our website and in future newsletter issues: www.heartoftex.org
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~MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS ~
SEPTEMBER
LIVE BUTTERFLY EXHIBIT THROUGH OCTOBER 24
TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS AT FAIR PARK
See eye-to-eye with a butterfly during the Skies of Butterflies exhibit at Texas Discovery Gardens. This seasonal butterfly house contains 200+ colorful native Texas butterflies like Giant Swallowtails, Pipevine Swallowtails, Monarchs, Sulphurs, Question Marks, and more.
As you walk through the 30' by 48' free standing flight cage, closely observe butterflies as they feed on nectar from the blossoms of both native and tropical plants. Learn which species enjoys rotting fruit! Find out when butterflies roost (go to sleep). Be captivated by fast and furious flyers! An emergence box filled with uniquely camouflaged and vibrantly colored chrysalis will reveal the last mysterious step in the life stages of the butterfly. Afterward, visit the Butterfly Display Garden and learn how you can attract these fascinating creatures to your yard by using the right plants. We will have monarch tagging presentations each day.
Garden & Exhibit Hours:
During State Fair (Sept. 26 - Oct. 19): 10 am to 6 pm.
Butterfly House Exhibit: $3/person. Last ticket sold at 5:30 pm.
Garden Admission: Free, but State Fair admission applies.
Before & After State Fair (Sept. 13 - 24; Oct. 20 - 24): 10 am to 5 pm.
Butterfly House Exhibit (includes Garden Admission):
$8/Adults; $6/Seniors 60+; $4/Ages 3-11; Free/Under 3
Garden Admission: (does not include Butterfly House):
$4/Adults; $3/Seniors 60+; $2/Ages 3-11; Free/Under 3
Location:
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
Located at the Martin Luther King Entrance (Gate 6) of the Fair Grounds.
3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210
Parking: Enter Fair Park at gate # 6 (the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Robert B. Cullum Blvd). Just inside the gate, turn right on Second Ave. Enter the parking lot on your right.
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SEPTEMBER 19
AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM: THE GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
OPENS AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM
Highlights include the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch, 15' Pumpkin House
12'' Pumpkin Topiary
Weekly activities will also be featured and include Hay Bale Maze
Storybook Playhouses
Music on the Loggia - 11am-2pm
Wednesday morning garden tours, 11am (limited to 30 guests)
Discount Days:
AT&T Senior Citizen Thursdays ($6.50 admission, 65 & older)
"Two for One' Wednesdays (limited one per person with coupon)
Location:
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75219
214-515-6500
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SEPTEMBER 21
CONSERVATION IN ACTION WORK DAY
FOSSIL RIM
Time: 10am - 2:30ish.
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: Learn about different ways you can conserve natural resources; participate in an on-site conservation project, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register: Call 254-898-4216 ext 216
Other September Events at Fossil Rim:
SEPTEMBER 25 -- Registration Deadline for Oct. 21 Dissection Class
For Details: Click Here
SEPTEMBER 29 -- Nature Journaling
Time: 10am - 4:00ish
For Details: Click Here
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SEPTEMBER 23
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
HOME SCHOOL DAY AT FORT WORTH ZOO
OCTOBER 1 - Home School Day at the Fort Worth Zoo
Time: 10am-4pm
Home-schooled children and their families are invited to a fun-filled educational day in the wilds of the Fort Worth Zoo on October 1. Keeper chats and activity stations tailor-made for home-schoolers will be available throughout the park. Enjoy asking keepers your best animal questions around the Zoo's world-class exhibits, and consider purchasing additional tickets to the Zoo's Wild Wonders Live Animal Program and/or lunch!
To Register: Click Here
Registration Deadline: September 23 to take advantage of lunches and programs.
If you register on-site on the day of the event, only discount admission tickets will be available.
Admission:
Children 2 and under: FREE
Pre-K through 5th grade: $4/person
6th grade through College: $5.75/person
Adults: $6/person
Parking: $5 per vehicle (paid when entering park)
To Learn More: Click Here
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SEPTEMBER 23
FALLING LEAVES NATURE AWARENESS DAY CAMP
CAMP TONKAWA
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
Location: 1036 CR 203,
Collinsville TX 76233
What to Bring: Lunches and drinking water
Cost: $15/Pre-Registered by Mail, $18/Walk-ins, $10/4 year olds, FREE/Under 4 and parents with at least one paying child. Sign up for 4 camps this fall for only $50 (a $10 savings)
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
SEPTEMBER 26-27 - Primitive Survival Skills Class 2
SEPTEMBER 26 - Horsemanship Day Camp
For Info on Other Events at Camp Tonkawa: Click Here
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SEPTEMBER 24
EDUCATOR "OPEN HOUSE" EVENING IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT
FORT WORTH
Time: 4pm-7pm
Details: Join us for a free educators' "open house" with light refreshments, networking, resources, free Omni for the first 250 educators (Forces of Nature at 5:35pm) and more! View current exhibits, preview upcoming exhibits, receive free resources for your classroom, explore ideas for using primary resources.
The Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Kimbell Art Museum, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will open their doors.
All educators are encouraged to attend, including homeschool educators, preservice teachers, university faculty, and public and private school teachers of all grade levels and disciplines.
No reservations are required. There will not be free shuttle service available during this event.
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SEPTEMBER 24
SARAH PLAIN & TALL
"FRIDAY FUN AT THE FARM"
HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: $5/child; $3/chaperone (includes tractor-pulled covered wagon ride)
Ages: Programs geared for groups ages 3-6 or 6-12.
Advanced Registration Required: 972-881-0140
Details: This program is based on Patricia MacLachlan’s novel, Sarah Plain and Tall that tells the story of how two young farm children were influenced by the arrival of their new step-mother. Children will spend time in the sheep pens, children’s garden, and pole barn exploring and learning about childhood on the farm.
For other events at Heritage Farmstead Museum: Click Here
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SEPTEMBER 26
4TH ANNUAL "DAY IN THE DISTRICT"
FORT WORTH CULTURAL DISTRICT
Time: 10am-5pm
Cost: FREE
Details: Enjoy free admission to 7 of Fort Worth's cultural destinations: Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimbell Art Museum, Log Cabin Village, Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth, and National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. Many of Fort Worth's cultural organizations will offer free performances in and around each destination.
Free transportation within the Cultural District will be provided by The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T). The T will stop at the following locations approximately every 30 minutes:
1 Gendy St. – in the circle plaza in front of the National Cowgirl Museum
2 Landcaster Ave. – in front of the Amon Carter Museum
3 Van Cliburn Way – (formerly Arch Adams St.) in front of the Kimbell Art Museum
4 Darnell St. – in front of the Modern Art Museum
5 Gendy St. – in front of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center
6 Harley St. – at the eastern end of the Harley Street parking lot, near the entrance to Botanic Garden
Day in the District also coincides with National Museum Day, so bring your family out to the celebrated Cultural District and enjoy free admission to a variety of art and cultural exhibitions, family-friendly activities and live performances by some of Fort Worth’s favorite arts groups.
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SEPTEMBER 26
OPENING DAY CELEBRATION
THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE: FOSTER + PARTNERS EXHIBIT
NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER
Time: 11am-5pm
Admission: FREE
Location: Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St
Dallas, TX 75201
Details: Join us on opening day of the exhibition for a free event featuring artist demonstrations, tours, live performances, and sketching in the Galleries.
Event Schedule:
11am-2pm - Community Art Project: Young visitors will work together to build a large, collaborative architectural structure.
11am-4pm - Artist Demonstrations: Professional local artists will create artworks on-site and discuss their creative strategies.
11:30 am - Family Tour: Families are invited to explore the exhibition, Galleries, and Garden though interactive tours with a museum docent.
1pm - Architecture Lecture: Learn about the award-winning work of Foster + Partners with Spencer de Grey, Head of Design and principal architect of the Winspear Opera House. This one-hour discussion will touch on the great breadth of projects the firm has undertaken over the past four decades. Seating is first-come, first-served.
2:30pm - Adult Tour: Docents will take visitors on guided tours of the exhibition and share insight into some of Foster’s greatest achievements.
3pm - Live Performance: The Dallas Opera will perform live in Nasher Hall.
2pm-5pm - Sketching: Visitors will create drawings of architectural works with guidance from an artist.
11am-5pm - Construction Challenge: Families will team up to complete architectural projects in the Center’s architectural playground using a variety of building blocks.
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SEPTEMBER 30
EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE
FOR TEEN PACT STATE CAPITOL CLASSES
TO SAVE $30 ON STATE CLASS!
What if your child could earn civics credit while playing the role of a Christian senator in Austin for a week? TeenPact teaches Christian leadership while bringing Texas government to life through a 4-day "hands on" class for teens and a 1-day seminar for 8-12 year olds. Students will maneuver their own bills through a mock legislature, participate in the election process, interview elected officials and lobbyists, analyze the legislature in session, examine legislators' financial records, pray for public servants, and fellowship with like-minded students. Students leave equipped, inspired, and challenged to impact their world for God's glory through citizenship and statesmanship.
2010 Classes held in Austin Texas:
**Parents may attend State Class FREE with registered child
APRIL 12-15 or APRIL 19-22 -- Four-Day Classes(ages 13-19)
Time: Mon: 1pm-5pm; Tues - Thurs: 8:45am-3pm
Cost: $220 (First Time Student); $180 (Returning Student)
Residential Camp: 3-Nights: $120; 4-Nights: $160
(camp fees include breakfasts and dinners)
APRIL 16 or APRIL 23 -- Public Speaking Workshop (ages: 13-19)
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $50 ($35 w/4-day class purchase)
APRIL 16 or APRIL 23 -- One-Day Class (ages: 8-12)
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $40 (first child); $30 (siblings)
(due to the popularity of this class, admission is first-come, first-served)
Parents Needed to Volunteer: Click Here
For Discount Information: Click Here
To Register for TeenPact: Click Here
For Other Details (What to Bring, Where to Meet, Housing, Meals, Transportation, etc): Click Here
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
THSC PAC: Why Endorse Governor Perry?- by Tim Lambert
NASA Johnson Space Center Invites Homeschoolers to Apply for High School Aerospace Scholar Program -- by Anne Gebhart
Texas Ballet Theater Offering HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Discount Tickets for Select Performances
at Bass Hall and Winspear Opera House
The PSAT and SAT: A Brief Comparison - by Jean Burk
Volunteer Area Editors Needed for HEART of Texas Newsletter
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 2009 Preview: Just Plane Crazy! -- Texas Best
5. FIRST Lego League -- Leagues Starting in North Texas
6. Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2010
7. National Engineers Week -- Registration Deadline October 31, 2009
8. USA Mathematical Talent Search -- Round 1 Solutions Deadline October 13, 2009
9. Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -- 2010 Contest TBA
10. Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest -- 2010 Contest TBA
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
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your Enrichment Program
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. JOY Christian Academy -- Decatur
29. Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
30. Tarrant County College -- High School Math and Science Classes for Home Schoolers
31. Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
32. YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
33. Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
White Settlement – September 24-26
Wichita Falls – October 3
Euless – October 9-11
Denton – October 10
Grand Prairie – October 14-18
Granbury – October 17-18
Arlington – October 22-25
Fort Worth – October 23-25
Addison – October 24
34. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
35. Center for Home Education -- Watauga
36. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your program
37. Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
38. Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
39. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
40. Fossil Rim
41. Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
42. Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
43. Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
44. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
45. Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
46. Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
47. Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
The Jungle Book -- Sept 25-Oct 11
48. Performances at CATS -- Arlington
Geppeto & Son -- September 25-October3
49. Cottage Theater – Center for Home Education -- Watauga
Godspell Junior -- October 23-31
50. Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
The Mikado -- September 4-October 10
Artie's Children's Playhouse: Seussical Jr -- September 19-November 7
51. Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
Riverdance -- December 1-6
52. Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
Junie B. Jones & a Little Monkey Business – September 18-November 1
53. Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- Dallas
Fanfare! – October 6, 7, 13, 15
Musical Families – February 2, 4
Bach to the Future – March 26, 31, April 1, 13
54. Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra -- Fort Worth
The Composer is Dead – January 13, 14
Green Eggs and Ham – March 25
55. Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
Broadway! A Musical Review – September 18-26
56. Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Homeschool Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Receive Special Discount on the Following Performances:
The Russian Masters (Bass Hall) – October 4 at 2pm
The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House) – November 27 at 2pm; December 5 at 2pm
The Nutcracker (Bass Hall) – December 19 at 2pm; December 24 at 2pm
Romeo & Juliet (Bass Hall) – February 13 at 2pm
Romeo & Juliet (Winspear Opera House) – March 13 at 2pm
The Sleeping Beauty (Bass Hall) – April 10 at 2pm
The Sleeping Beauty (Winspear Opera House) – June 12 at 2pm
57. Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
Mary Poppins – September 24-October 15
ART MUSEUMS
58. Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
Circle of Friends: Portraits of Artists -- closes November 29
Masterworks of American Photography: Moments in Time -- closes Jan 3, 2010
Views & Visions: Prints of the American West, 1820-1970 -- closes Jan. 10, 2010
Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian -- opens December 12
59. Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
American Art 1950s-1970s -- Through October 18
Private Universes: Media Works -- closes November 18
Materials & Meanings -- Through May 16, 2010
All the World's a Stage -- Through February 28, 2010
The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs -- Opens Sept 20
A Dream Come True -- Opens September 25
Performance/Art -- Opens October 8
60. Kimball Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
Butchers, Dragons, Gods & Skeletons -- Through Oct 25
Michelangelo's First Painting: The Torment of St. Anthony -- on view beginning September 26
61. Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
The Science of Spying: The new Spy Skills exhibition
Putting DNA to Work
62. Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
CSI: The Experience -- Opening November 20
63. Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
The Art of Architecture: Foster & Partners -- Opening September 26
Highlights from the Nasher Collection -- Through September 25
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
64. Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
Dinosaurs of Patagonia -- Opens September 25
Hurricane on the Bayou
Coral Reef Adventure
65. Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk -- Through October 2009
Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure -- Through October 2009
Dolphins -- Through December 2010
The Alps -- Through January 2010
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
66. Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
67. Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
68. Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History -- September 26
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
Become a HEART of Texas Supporting Partner to list your non-profit Sport/PE program
69. Aledo Christian School's Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball Teams -- Aledo
70. Berne Academy's Varsity Boys Basketball Team -- Lancaster
71. Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
72. Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
73. Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
74. Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
75. Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers
76. Home School Athletic Association
77. THESA Riders Home School Association
78. Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
79. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Highland Park
80. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Southlake
81. Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
82. Parker-Tarrant Home School
83. Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Become a HEART of Texas Supporting Partner to list your Support Group here & on our site!
84. Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
85. Arlington Association Home Educators (AAHE) -- Arlington
86. Coppell Speech/Debate Club -- Coppell
87. Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
88. Fellowship Church Homeschool Network -- Grapevine
89. How Now Homeschooling -- Plano/Frisco/Allen/McKinney area
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
All volunteer opportunities must indicate a direct homeschool interest to be included in this listing.
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. Home School Day at the Fort Worth Zoo -- Fort Worth -- October 1 (Register by Sept 23)
106. Advanced Placement, Pre-Advanced Placement English and CLEP Classes -- Ft. Worth
107. Early-Bird Regisration Deadline for TeenPact State Capitol Classes in April 2010 -- Sept. 30
108. Harvest Festival & Craft Fair at Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano -- October 3
109. Free Event: Pumpkins on the Prairie at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church -- Frisco -- Oct 3
110. Home School Day at Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas -- October 9
111. WILD Home School Day at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point -- October 13
112. Free Performance of Jazz Amassadors of the US Army Field Band at Bass Hall -- Ft. Worth -- October 13
113. THSC Leadership Training Conference Oct 23-25 -- Waxahachie -- Registration Deadline Oct 9
114. Free Youth Event with Kirk Cameron -- Marshall -- October 24
115. Worldfest 2009 -- Addison -- October 24
JOB OPENINGS
116. Check-In Receptionist, Check-Out Receptionist, and Technician Positions Open -- DeSoto Area
117. Great Opportunities for Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine
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FEATURED ARTICLE
THSC PAC: Why Endorse Governor Perry?
--by Tim Lambert
We have received a good deal of discussion about why we chose to endorse Governor Perry. As home schoolers are independent by nature and opinionated as well, I thought you deserved to have more details on our decision.
First of all, we endorsed Governor Perry because our issue is home schooling, and in spite of what anyone may say, he has been a staunch supporter of home schooling even when it would have been easy for him to ignore us.
Some examples (this is by no means an exhaustive list): In 2003, he supported requiring Texas colleges to treat home school graduates the same as public high school graduates. In 2005, when the Texas legislature was running as fast as possible to give CPS more funding and power "to protect children," Perry had his commissioner of DFPS meet with us and adopt at our request a policy for the whole agency to make clear that home schooling is not relevant to an abuse investigation. The DFPS commissioner also wrote a letter to state his opinion on the issue as well.
Governor Perry's office also arranged a meeting with us and the new DFPS commissioner in 2009. She reiterated those were still the policies of the agency and clarified, in response to a letter from me, that a home school co-op that had been told by CPS they were required to be licensed for child care was not required to do so. She also stated that the policy, instituted by her predecessor, of allowing a waiver for home school adoptive parents to home school during the 6 months of the final time of adoption was still in place.
Perry's commissioner of education has been very responsive to us on issues that we have with public school officials and wrote a new letter to districts at our request upon his taking office in 2007. When we have had problems with DPS, the Higher Education Board, and many other state agencies, they have responded to our concerns because the heads of those agencies are appointed by the Governor and they know he supports home schooling. On many occasions his staff has personally intervened on our behalf.
In this year's session the Governor's chief of staff met with us, and we outlined our legislative agenda - including Texas Parental Rights Restoration Act (TPRRA) - and asked the Governor to support us. He did so. He came to our rally and publicly called on legislators to support the TPRRA.
As to SB 1440, some argue that he waited till the last minute to veto the bill, showing it was a last minute decision only giving in to political pressure, and that shows he really didn't support us. The truth is that his office used the same process in vetoing SB 1440 they did with the other 37 bills he vetoed. We gave him good legal reasons to do this, which we outlined in our 21-page document. They did lots of research, took public input, waited until the end of the time allowed to veto the bills, and then announced them all at the same time on a Friday afternoon to minimize the media coverage and the political opposition. Several major Texas newspapers took Perry to task for this action, and none praised him. So, the bottom line is that he gave us a great victory for parental rights and told DFPS to work with the parental advisory committee (to which he appointed me) to address the issue, and yet some of his critics refuse to give him any credit for this.
These are but a few of the many examples of Governor Perry's strong and consistent support for home schoolers over many years, and THESE are the reasons we endorsed him. In our view, it would be unwise, wrong and short-sighted to endorse any other candidate when the current Governor has done so much to protect and promote home schooling and home schoolers in Texas.
Obviously, there are also issues of a political nature to consider. Most of the negative feedback we have gotten has been from Medina supporters. I believe Mrs. Medina (while a wonderful woman, a friend of mine, and a home school mom) is unelectable - she has never held any elective office, much less a statewide office; she has virtually no name recognition; she cannot raise the money necessary to compete in a statewide race in Texas.
We don't expect every home schooler in Texas to follow our lead and support Governor Perry - we are Texas home schoolers after all! For some, issues other than home schooling may be more important, but for us it is the issue.
We celebrate the freedom we have in Texas to homeschool our children and to choose our curriculum and the groups with which we associate, and we also celebrate the freedom to support whomever we believe to be the best candidate for each elective office in Texas; for us for governor, that is Rick Perry. We encourage those who disagree to work for the candidate of their choice.
Tim Lambert is president of the Texas Home School Coalition, our state advocacy organization whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms. Click to subscribe to his blog "Right in Texas." For more information about THSC, please visit their website at www.thsc.org.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
NASA Johnson Space Center Invites Homeschoolers to Apply for High School Aerospace Scholars Program
--by Anne Gebhart
Registration Deadline: November 13, 2009
Texas homeschool juniors with an interest in math, science, engineering, or technology, are invited to submit their applications for the NASA Johnson Space Center High School Aerospace Scholars program. Students are nominated by their state legislator to participate in the program though a competitive process. Student must submit their completed applications online by November 13, 2009.
The High School Aerospace program (HAS) is an interactive, online learning experience where students complete web-based lessons during the school year. Selected students can participate in a six-day summer internship where they are encouraged to study math, science, engineering, or computer science by interacting with engineers at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
There is no cost for participation in the HAS program, and all expenses are included. The HAS program is funded by The State of Texas, along with community organizations who partner with the Johnson Space Center.
To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following requirements:
* The student must be a U.S. citizen
* The student must be a Texas resident
* The student must currently be a high school junior
* The student must be interested in math, science, engineering, or technology
* The student must commit to a one-year relationship with JSC, including a 6-day summer residential internship
* The student must have access to the Internet (home, school, or public library) and e-mail
What will the students do?
During the school year, scholars will complete 10 web-based lessons. Lessons begin in December and are due every two weeks. These assignments, which are aligned to state and national standards, include a variety of activities such as reading online curriculum, writing essays, designing upgrades to be used on the Shuttle and ISS, solving math problems, and taking online quizzes.
Selected scholars will attend a six-day summer session at JSC, which will include:
* Designing a human mission to Mars
* Tours of JSC facilities
* Mentoring by NASA engineers
* Participating in hands-on engineering activities
* Briefings by astronauts, engineers, and other NASA experts.
* Transportation, housing, and meals during their week-long stay at JSC.
* Students who complete the summer program may be granted a science elective credit towards graduation.
How to Apply:
1. Gather the following information:
•High school name, school district, school address, school phone number
• Electronic copy of your high school transcript (can be uploaded later)
• Letter to your state legislator requesting nomination for HAS that includes the following (can be uploaded later):
-Your reasons for wanting to participate in HAS
-Your extra-curricular activities, work experience, volunteer work, honors, awards, and hobbies
-Your career aspirations
• Parent & emergency contact information (name of contact, relationship to the student, contact's phone number)
• Teacher's email address (homeschoolers may submit their parent/homeschool teacher's email)
-Your teacher will receive an email requesting that they write a letter of recommendation for you.
2. Once you have gathered the information: click here to complete the online form.
3. After submitting your online application:
• You will receive a confirmation email.
• Use the link within the email to confirm your account and gain access to the website.
• The teacher you specified will receive an email requesting that they upload a letter of recommendation.
• Note: Your application is not complete until you have confirmed your account and your teacher has uploaded a letter of recommendation.
4. Selected students will receive email notification of their acceptance into the program around December 4, 2009.
• Accepted students will be sent information via email to begin working on the online curriculum.
• Each of the 10 online lessons and final project will be graded according to the rubric at the end of each assignment.
5. Students will be selected for participation in the 6-day summer program at NASA Johnson Space Center, based on the following parameters: completion of lessons, quality of work, and timeliness.
For More Information: Click Here
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Texas Ballet Theater Offers HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Discount Tickets for Select Performances at Bass Performance Hall and Winspear Opera House
The Texas Ballet Theater is once again partnering with HEART of Texas to offer our newsletter readers (that's you!) special ticket pricing on great seats, during select performances. The dates and times of these select performances are listed below. You can purchase tickets as a group or as a family -- everyone can enjoy these great discounts regardless of the size of your party.
Tickets are sold on a first-come, first served basis, so please reserve your tickets as soon as possible to ensure the best section seating available during our select performances.
Please Note: Some performances may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please use your own judgment when considering allowing your children/family to view these productions.
2009-2010 SEASON:
OCTOBER 2-4 -- The Russian Masters (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day: OCTOBER 4 at 2pm
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 6 -- The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Days: NOVEMBER 27 at 2pm
DECEMBER 5 at 2pm
DECEMBER 11-24 -- The Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Days: DECEMBER 19 at 2pm
DECEMBER 24 at 2pm
FEBRUARY 12-14 -- Romeo & Juliet (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day: FEBRUARY 13 at 2pm
MARCH 12-14 -- Romeo & Juliet (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day: MARCH 13 at 2pm
APRIL 9-11 -- The Sleeping Beauty (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day: APRIL 10 at 2pm
JUNE 11-13 -- The Sleeping Beauty (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day: JUNE 12 at 2pm
Special Ticket Prices for HEART of Texas Discount Days:
Bass Performance Hall: $30 for Orchestra or Mezzanine
$15 for Upper or Lower Gallery
Winspear Opera House: $30 for Orchestra or Mezzanine
$15 for Dress Circle or Grand Tier
To Purchase Tickets: www.texasballettheater.org/?q=showschedule
Promo Code: HEARTDAYS
Can't attend one of these performances?
Texas Ballet Theater still has a great deal for you!
All other performance dates will be discounted 20%.
Promo Code: HEART20
To order by phone: 877-828-9200. Give the ticket agent your promo code.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
The SAT and PSAT: A Brief Comparison
--by Jean Burk
What are the differences between the SAT and the PSAT? Which test do I take?
Take both tests!
Each test plays an important and different role for any college-bound student. Both tests are created by the College Board, and the questions on both tests follow the same patterns and rules. While there are a couple of differences in the content, if a student studies for one test, he or she is essentially also studying for the other.
The ETS, (Educational Testing Service) a division of The College Board, creates the questions for the SAT and the PSAT. When they write the problems, they use a standardized profile and pattern that they must follow. These same patterns are used again and again; this is what makes the test "standardized." By learning the mindset of the College Board and the way the questions are designed, students can learn to recognize similar patterns and answer the questions more quickly and accurately.
The SAT (Standardized Assessment Test) is a test that most colleges use as an entrance exam. Students must have a minimum score just to get into the school of their choice. These scores will vary depending on the college. The SAT score can also determine eligibility for scholarships. The higher the score, the greater the scholarship money awarded!
The SAT is also offered seven times a year. The first one is in October and the last one is in June. Students will need to register for the test ahead of time and be aware of the test deadlines or they will be faced with steep late fees. Signing up for the test can be done through the mail or through the College Board website.
There are no penalties for taking the SAT multiple times. Colleges usually look at the student’s highest score, and many schools will even take the highest scores from different sections of different tests to give the student their best combined score.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a “preliminary” SAT test that is used only for determining the students who qualify for the “National Merit Scholarship” program. It is only offered once a year in the third week of October. This test only counts in a student’s junior year of high school, but should be taken in their freshman and sophomore year for practice. The National Merit Corporation will take the top one percent of the nation to be entered in the contest. Scores that qualify for scholarships will vary year to year, depending on where a student lives. The scores are based on state population as well as student performance. For example, qualifying scores in Texas have been around a 216 out of 240 the last few years; in Arkansas, students only need about 201 to reach the semi-finalist level. Scholarships can include: full tuition, free room and board, honors dorms, study-abroad stipends, graduate money, etc.
Both the PSAT and SAT tests contain the same three sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. The difference in content between the two tests is that there is no essay or Algebra 2 on the PSAT. The SAT is about three hours and forty-five minutes (not including breaks), while the PSAT is about two hours and ten minutes long.
The SAT contains ten sections: three Critical Reading sections that total seventy minutes; three Math sections that also total seventy minutes; three Writing sections that total sixty minutes (this includes a twenty-five minute essay). The tenth section is called the Equating section. It is an experimental section that doesn’t count toward a student's final score. The College Board uses this section to determine questions that they may use on future tests. This section can be found in the math, critical reading or writing section but students will not know which one it is.
The PSAT contains five sections: two Critical Reading sections that total fifty minutes; two Math sections that also total fifty minutes; one Writing section that totals thirty minutes.
Since these tests are standardized, the recurring patterns that they use can be figured out. Students should start preparing for these tests at least in ninth grade. Time will be on their side and they will have plenty of it to work on and become familiar with the types of question asked on the test. The key to scoring well on both tests is learning the strategies and shortcuts and taking practice tests.
Both the PSAT and the SAT tests play a significant role in a student’s life when it comes to college preparation. The PSAT can yield incredible scholarship offers when a student is a junior and the SAT is a first step to get a student into college and can be the springboard for scholarships from the college. Students should not pick one test over the other, but should make both tests a priority!
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
Volunteer Area Editors Needed for HEART of Texas Newsletter
Do you enjoy searching out fun activities, inexpensive field trips, discounts, freebies, and other things homeschoolers love?
The HEART of Texas newsletter staff is looking for volunteer editors from different parts of the North Texas region to join our team and help us find information to share with the thousands of homeschoolers who read our newsletters each month.
Whether you are a homeschool parent, a "completed" homeschooler, or even a responsible homeschool student looking for activities to include on your high school résumé, if this opportunity sounds appealing, we would love to hear from you!
Anyone in any area is welcome to apply, but we would especially be interested in hearing from those in or near the following areas: Tyler, Sherman, Frisco, Midlothian, Weatherford, Rockwall, Waxahachie, Cleburne, Mansfield, Gainesville, Wichita Falls, or Corsicana.
Please click here to email Anne. Include your name, phone number, city, along with a brief explanation of why you are interested in being an area editor.
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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% discounton materials plusFREE shipping on orders over $59!
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: Click Here to email
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: Click Here to email or call 972-547-7319
Program Calender: Click Here
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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 2009-2010 PROGRAM
(individual families only may enroll while supplies last)
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: Support groups may not register families for the program. Each family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate.
For Program Information: Click Here
To Enroll Your Homeschool: Click Here
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 2009-2010
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: Click Here
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4. BEST ROBOTICS 2008 PREVIEW: HIGH OCTANE
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 sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.
Get a glimpse of the teaser video for this year's competition: Click Here
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.
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 atwww.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp
For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or click here to e-mail or visit www.igus.com/yesprogram
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5. FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
Teams are already being formed, for students ages 9-14.
There is a huge need for coaches -- this would be a great opportunity for dads to be involved.
If you are interested in coaching or being involved:
please click here to email Mike or visit the website to learn more.
Teams consist of up to 10 students. Students cannot be older than 14 years of age as of January
1, 2009. Students may only participate in one team. Coaches, however, may coach more than one team
if desired.
Core Values of FLL:
The FLL Core Values are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FLL from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.
* We are a team.
* We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors.
* We honor the spirit of friendly competition.
* What we discover is more important than what we win.
* We share our experiences with others.
* We display Gracious Professionalism in everything we do.
* We have fun.
We must hear from you soon. Registration closes when all available slots are filled. This usually happens sometime in mid-September. All materials must be ordered by then.
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6. 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: Click Here
For More Information: Click Here
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7. NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 7-8TH GRADERS
OCTOBER 31 -- Registration Deadline (extended)
The North Texas Regional Competition is open to all public, private, parochial and home school 7th and 8th grade classes. Teams must be willing to make the trip to Arlington to present their designs. The Competition offers students a hands-on way to build their math and science skills and learn about engineering by solving the real-world problems in designing cities of the future.
2009-2010 Challenge: Create an affordable living space for people who have lost their home due to a disaster or financial emergency. Keep It Green! The living space should use sustainable materials, have a low-carbon emissions footprint, and achieve the “Green Ideals” of energy efficient building.
Through the program, students will:
* Work as a team under the guidance of a teacher and a technical professional,
* Use a popular award-winning computer game, SimCity, to design a logical model of a future city,
* Realize their design with a physical scale model built with recycled materials,
* Research and write an essay on an assigned engineering topic,
* Communicate their design to a panel of judges in a public presentation, and
* See firsthand how engineers turn ideas into reality.
Nominal Cost: $25 per school for registration, and we provide the software.
Registration is by school. Schools may have more than one team competing.
Schools are limited to spending no more than $100 per team on the model and presentation, combined.
Upon receipt of registration and fee, you will receive:
• One copy of SimCity (for either Windows or Mac operating systems)
• The Teacher-Mentor Handbook - more than 150 pages of basic rules and information on the competition, lists of resources, ideas on how to incorporate the program into the curriculum, and hints for teachers
• A tutorial CD
• Specific rules and schedules for the North Texas regional competition
• Posters
Teams: 3 students, 1 teacher-sponsor, 1 engineer-mentor.
The program employs a team-based approach. All members of the team have an important role that is necessary for the completion of the project.
Benefit: The winning team gets a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals.
Details: Last year was the eighth year DFW hosted a regional competition. More than 500 students participated. Dozens of engineers have already signed up to support the 2007-08 competition.
To Register: Click Here
To Download Brochure: Click Here
For More Information: Click Here to send email or visit www.dfwfuturecity.org
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8. USA MATHEMATICAL TALENT SEARCH
The USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) is a free mathematics competition open to all United States middle and high school students.
2009-2010 Contest -- Submission Deadline for Round 1 Problems: October 13, 2009
Download Round 1 Problems: Click Here
Web Deadline: 3pm Eastern/Noon Pacific on October 13, 2009
Mail Deadline: Postmarked on or before October 13, 2009
Important: All answers must be fully justified. Don't just send numerical answers.
The USAMTS allows students a full month to work out their solutions. Carefully written justifications are required for each problem. The problems range in difficulty from being within the reach of most high school students to challenging the best students in the nation. Students may use any materials - books, calculators, computers - but all the work must be their own. The USAMTS is run on the honor system - it is an individual competition, whose competitive role is very secondary. (Although we do give prizes.)
The USAMTS consists of four rounds, with each round featuring five problems. Each round of problems is published at least four weeks before solutions are due.
Student solutions to the USAMTS problems are graded by mathematicians and comments are returned to the students. Our goal is to help all students: develop problem solving skills, improve their technical writing abilities, and mature mathematically. We wish to foster not only insight, ingenuity and creativity, but also the virtue of perseverance, which is equally essential in scientific endeavors.
The USAMTS is one of the ways to enter the process of selecting the USA Mathematical Olympiad team, which participates in the International Mathematical Olympiad. The USAMTS score necessary to qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is set by the American Mathematics Competitions (which run the AIME) and varies from year to year. Students who score well on the USAMTS after the first three rounds are invited to take the AIME, the second step in the process of selecting the USA Mathematical Olympiad Team. With permission, USAMTS participant's names and addresses are provided to colleges, universities, and employers for recruitment purposes.
Round Schedule:
Round 2 Due Date: November 23, 2009
Round 3 Due Date: January 11, 2010
Round 4 Due Date: March 8, 2010
To Be Eligible to Participate:
• Students must be citizens or residents of the United States. (no exceptions).
• Students must not have completed high school. Middle school students are permitted to participate.
• Students must register on the USAMTS website and provide an email address to which USAMTS correspondence may be sent.
• Students must submit a USAMTS Entry Form. (This form must be filled out and submitted every academic year, even if the student participated in a past year.)
• Students under the age of 13 must also submit a USAMTS Under 13 Permission Form.
(Please see our privacy statement for more information on why we must collect this form.)
To Register: Click Here.
(If you have already registered in a past year, you do not need to register again.)
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9. IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CONTEST FOR K-12
2010 Contest Not Yet Announced
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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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST
Win up to $1500 prizes/scholarships
There are four first places!
Contest Takes Place August 1
2010 Contest TBA
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
2009 Competition Held: August 1, 2009 at Texas A&M
University in College Station
For More Information: Click Here to Email or call 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.
For More Information: Click Here to Email
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: Click Here to email
For More Information: Click Here
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, 2009, and April 1, 2010. 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
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 call 972-556-0162 or Click Here to send an email with the name of the graduating high school senior, the date of graduation and the senior’s home address to.
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 (2009 contest over) -- 2010 Contest TBA
"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.
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.
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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
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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.
Private Tutoring is available for all subject matter at all academic grade levels.
Location: 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 335
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(in the Western Insurance Building)
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
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 click here to email.
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: 940-668-7833 or 940-736-6792 (cell) Click Here
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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.
AUGUST 3-7 -- Super-Math Olympics with Dr. Miles Jones
Pre-requisite: One semester of Super-Math
Time: Super-Math Levels 3-6: 9:30am-12:30pm
Super-Math Levels Adv. Algebra - 10: 1:30-3:30pm
Grades: Super-Math Levels 3-6
Class Fee: $199
Bring the last level of Curriculum completed
Description: Work directly with Dr. Miles Jones as you review and refine your Super-Math skills for the Fall. You will also extend and perfect rapid calculation skills.
This class culminates with a Super-Math Olympics competition that will be filmed for television.
AUGUST 3-7 -- Summer Media Camp
Registration Deadline: July 15
Ages: 9-16
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $225
Class is limited to first 15 students
Description: Calling All Producers and Directors:
Write, act, shoot, direct, edit and perform your own comedy, music video, talk show, drama or 'reality' program. Dallas I-Media will provide the production gear and professional staff to train the students during this week-long day camp. Students will work together to produce a drama, talk show, comedies, newscasts, etc. Media professionals will oversee and teach students how to use the same broadcast media equipment used in television production. All participants will receive a DVD of the week's productions and the final products are aired on Dallas iMedia Network's Youth Channel.
Registration: If you have a budding producer or director or just would like to learn about film production, call 817-281-2293 to register. Due to contract obligations, the entire camp fee is due at registration and is non-refundable unless the camp is cancelled by CAIA or Dallas iMedia Network.
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
For Class Registration or Other Information: 972-860-7113 or Click Here to Email
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23. ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN LEWISVILLE
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.
For More Information: 940-455-7000 or Click Here
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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.
For More Information:
Click Here to email Faith Christian Academy
Location: Faith Christian Academy
115A Industrial Boulevard
McKinney, TX
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25. FABULOUS FRIDAYS IN LITTLE ELM
2009 information not available.
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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.
For Class Descriptions, Fees and Other Information: Click Here
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. JOY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN DECATUR
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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29. MORNING GLORY ACADEMY
Biology Class Offered
This fall, Dr. Jeanmarie Stiles (adjunct instructor of Biology at TCC-NE Campus) will be teaching a high school Biology class at Morning Glory Academy. The class will include lecture, review, and some labs and demonstrations. The perfect companion to this Biology class will be two 14-week laboratory courses offered to homeschooled students at TCC Northeast campus. In the fall, TCC-NE will be offering an Anatomy and Physiology lab; in the spring, a General Biology lab. Both are offered to homeschooled students who are 14 years old and older. These two Biology labs provide an opportunity for homeschooled students to experience a true laboratory environment. Students who complete my Biology class at Morning Glory Academy and one of the TCC labs will be well prepared for a college-level biology course.
If you would like more information about the Biology class, visit: www.themga.org, as it is offered as part of Morning Glory Academy. For more information about the two homeschool labs offered through the Continuting Education Department at TCC this upcoming school year, please contact Katherine Hoffman, coordinator of the science enrichment programs at katherine.hoffman@my.tccd.edu.
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 at MGA!
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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30. TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS
MATH CLASSES Offered Fall 2009:
All classes begin at the end of August and end mid-December
Southeast Campus (Arlington)
PreAlgebra Tuesday 1:30-4:30 Section Number MTHX-1010-41009
Algebra I Thursdays 1:30-4:30 Section MTHX-2000-42351
Algebra II Fridays 8:30-11:30 Section MTHX-2001-42355
Advanced Math Fridays 11:30-2:30 Section MTHX 1011-42355
Geometry to be added in spring if enough interest.
Northwest Campus (Ft. Worth)
Algebra I Mondays 8-11 Section MTHX-2000-35352
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 972-660-8414 or Click Here to email
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 817-515-6946 or Click Here to send an email
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31. VENTURE HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
Registration Open for Fall 2009 Classes
Tuesdays
5th-6th Grade Math
Middle School Math
Elementary & Middle School Art
Thursdays
Enrichment/Academic Program
1st-8th Grades
(openings available in all grades)
High School Classes Offered (Tues/Thurs)
College Prep Courses
Spanish I
Spanish II
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
American Government/Economics
World Geography/World History (in Christian Perspective)
Art
US History
Literature & Creative Writing
Health/Physical Education (in Christian Perspective)
Life Management Skills
For More Information: Contact 817-788-5248 or Click Here to send an email
Location: First Baptist Church Colleyville
5405 Pleasant Run
Colleyville, TX 76034
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32. YMCA OF IRVING HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
For More Information: Contact 972-986-8898
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33. 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.
WHITE SETTLEMENT - September 24-26
Time: Fri & Sat: 9am-1pm
Location: White Settlement Public Library
8215 White Settlement Rd
817-367-0166
Books: 12,000 books; 75% donated; 75% hardcover; 25-.50,
On Saturday buy 5 books get 3 free
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WICHITA FALLS - October 3
Time: Noon - 5pm
Location: Wichita Falls Public Library
600 11th St
940-767-0868 ext 248
Books: 3,000 books; 100% donated; 85% hardcover; .50-$2
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EULESS - October 9-11
Time: Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1pm-3pm
Location: Euless Public Library
201 N. Ector Dr.
817-685-1679
Books: 20,000 books; 50% donated; 75% hardcover; .50; hardcovers $1 paperbacks
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DENTON - October 10
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: North Branch Library
3020 N. Locust St
Admission: $1 (children under 12 free)
Books: paperback .50; hardcovers $1
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GRAND PRAIRIE - October 14-18
Time: Wed/Thu: 10am-8pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm (closed Friday)
Location: Grand Prairie Library
901 Conover Dr.
972-262-8015
Books: 13,000 books; 90% donated; 90% hardcover; .25-$2;
Sunday half price
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GRANDBURY - October 17-18
Time: Sat: 9am-6pm; Sun: 1-4pm
Location: Hood County Library
222 N. Travis St
817-776-1548
Books: 20,000 books; 90% donated; 90% hardcover; paperback .25 or 5/$1;
Hardcover & oversized Paperbacks $1
Sunday $5/box (excludes specials)
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ARLINGTON - October 22-25
Time: Thurs: 4pm-8pm - $3.00 donation
Fri: 10am-8pm; Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1pm-5pm
Location: Arlington Museum of Art
201 W. Main Street
Books: 20,000 books, 100% donated, .50 cents & up
Sunday half-price day
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FORT WORTH - October 23-25
Time: Fri/Sat: 9am-4:30pm; Sun: 1pm-4:30pm
Location: Chapter II Outlet Store
5318 Trail Lake Dr
(3 doors from Book Store)
Wedgwood Village Shopping Center
817-346-2255
Admission: $1 (children under 12 free)
Books: "Thousands" of books; .50; hardcovers $1; reference and coffee table $3,
CDs, audio books $1, VHS 3/$1
Sunday half price
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ADDISON - November 6-7
Time: 9am-6pm
Location: Addison Circle Park Pavilion
4970 Addison Circle Drive
Admission: Free
Parking: Use free parking available on Addison Circle Dr., Quorum Dr. and Festival Way.
Books: Thousands of books; paperbacks $1; hardcovers $2
Proceeds benefit Senior Adult Services. For additional information about Senior Adult Services, click here
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34. CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER
CERC, located in Rowlett, is a home school book store offering classes, testing, and other home school resources.
Location:
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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35. 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: 817-281-2293 or Click Here
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
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36. 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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37. CAMPS AT CAMP TONKAWA
Camp Tonkawa is an Outdoor Learning Center, where we teach nature through hands on experiences. Located outside of Collinsville, TX, on a 35 acre tract of land certified as a wildlife refuge.
Nature Awareness Day Camps
Schedule a day each month for a fun learning session with us!
Fall Class Topics (other dates can be arranged for a group):
SEPTEMBER 23 - Falling Leaves - Learn how the forest, animals and plants change in Autumn.
OCTOBER 14 - Harvest Time - Edible plants from the garden and the woods. Plant eating animals.
OCTOBER 30 - Birds in Autumn - Topics: migration, duck hunting, calls, feeders, identification and more.
NOVEMBER 5 - Native American Day - Set up a tipi, archery, storyteller, games, music and dancing.
NOV. 11 - Let's Take Care of Our Earth - Topics: cedars, snakes, poison ivy, insects, deer, timber wolf.
DECEMBER 9 - Woods in Winter - Learn how the plants and animals prepare for the cold season.
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
What to Bring: Lunches, drinking water, nature journals (notebook or sketch book) and pencils.
Who: Children of all ages (younger children must have a parent or guardian in attendance with them)
Cost: $15/Pre-Registered by Mail, $18/Walk-ins, $10/4 year olds, FREE/Under 4 and parents with at least one paying child. Sign up for 4 camps this fall for only $50 (a $10 savings)
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
Other Day Camps:
OCTOBER 1 - Primitive Survival Day Camp -- Shelter & Fire
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $25
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
Primitive Survival Day Camps
Sign up for one or all 5 to learn everything taught in Primitive Survival 1 & 2.
Dates:
SEPTEMBER 21 -- Food/Tracking
OCTOBER 26 -- Edible Plants
NOVEMBER 16 -- Shelter
DECEMBER 14 -- Fire
JANUARY 25 -- Shelter
FEBRUARY 22 -- Fire
MARCH 29 -- Water/Cordage/Knots
APRIL 26 -- Edible Plants
MAY 24 -- Food/Tracking
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: $25 (8-12 year olds), $30 (13-15 year olds), $35 (16-adult)
All 5 Session Camps: $100/8-12 years; $125/13-15 years; $150/16-Adult
Pre-registration required: Minimum and Maximums are enforced, so register early!!
What to Bring: Your lunch.
Class Description: At any time, anywhere, things can go wrong and you might find yourself in a survival situation. You can survive 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. To stay alive, you must find or build a shelter, obtain "safe" drinking water, start a fire and gather food. This day camp series will cover information that we learned and have been trained to teach, from the Tom Brown Primitive Survival School. During the course of the five workshop day camps you will have hands on learning that will keep you alive. Both Session A (January through May) and Session B (August through December) complete all the material normally given in our other Primitive Survival 1 & 2 Camps. You are welcome to come to just one class if you like, ie if you are just interested in Edible Plants or Tracking, just sign up for that day to attend. Also, you are welcome to make up a class you might have missed in your session.
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
2 and 3-Day Primitive Survival Camp Classes
Come on out to Camp Tonkawa 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.
Class Dates:
OCTOBER 16-18 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 1 & 2 Combo
SEPTEMBER 26-27 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 2
NOVEMBER 21-22 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 1
FEBRUARY 20-21 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 2
Time: Class 1 or 2 -- 9:30 Saturday to 2:30 Sunday
Class 1 & 2 Combo -- 9:30am Friday to 2:30 Sunday
Cost: Class 1 or 2: $45/17 and Under, $60/Adults (call for family & group rates)
Class 1 & 2 Combo: $150/Ages 16-Adult; $120/Ages 12-15; $100/Below 12
Class Descriptions: Click Here for Class 1
Click Here for Class 2
Click Here for Class 1 & 2 Combo
Bring: Bring your lunches. Dinner and breakfast provided. Vegetarian fare available; let us know. If spending the night, bring tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, cup and utensils. Camp chairs and flashlights are optional, but not necessary. We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions.
Class 2 requires a non-folding knife. Bring your own or purchase a Swiss Mora survival knife at camp for $20.
Class Minimum: Each class must have a minimum number of registrants or it will be cancelled. We can schedule a date for your group.
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
Other Overnight Camps:
OCTOBER 4-5 -- Wildlife Camps
OCTOBER 24-25 -- Basic Camping Skills
NOVEMBER 7-8 -- Native American Indian Camp
NOVEMBER 14-15 -- Native American Indian Camp
Time: Saturday at 9:30am through Sunday at 2:30pm
What to Bring: Lunches and drinking water
Cost: $45/Ages 17 and Under, $60/Adults (call for family & group rates)
Class Description: Click Here for Wildlife Camp
Click Here for Basic Camping Skills
Click Here for Native American Indian Camp
Bring: A sketch book to create or add to an existing nature journal plus pencils, and any fishing gear you have. Bring your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, mug, eating utensils). Bring lunches. Dinner Saturday night and Breakfast Sunday will be provided. Vegetarian Fare Available. Camp chairs and flashlights are optional but nice to have. We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions if you plan to take part in these.
Class Minimum: Each class must have a minimum number of registrants or it will be cancelled. We can schedule a date for your group.
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
Horsemanship Day Camps
If you are not with a group, and want to join any one of the scheduled days, call for available dates.
Class Dates:
SEPTEMBER 26
OCTOBER 10
NOVEMBER 21
DECEMBER 12
Time: 10am - 3pm
What to Bring: Lunches and drinking water
Cost: $45/Ages 17 and Under, $60/Adults (call for family & group rates)
Class Description: This class is for all of you who "wish" they had a horse. You will get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size. Wear your old blue jeans and boots, if you happen to have them (hiking boots the next best footwear, then gym shoes), because you will get a chance to do some basic riding. make sure to bring hats and suncreen for sunny days.
Topics to Be Covered: Horse anatomy, Grooming, Various tack (bridles, saddles, etc.), Feeding, Health maintenance, Teeth and age, Ferrier care, Halter, Lead, and Tie correctly, Riding Basics, Horse gaits, Rules of the Trail, Safety when working with horses.
***Once you have taken this class you can schedule a 2 hour horse groom/tack/ride session ($35/person - minimum of 2 riders) or Enroll in our Trot Camp ($75 - 5 hours w/horses, mostly riding)
Bring: Bring your own lunch. Bring plenty of drinking water. Camel packs are great if you have one.
We now have some Helmets in various sizes, or bring your own.
R.S.V.P: 903-429-6483
Other Horse Activities:
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.
Horse Birthday Parties
Great family or friend event. Bring your own cake and ice cream, we provide the rest
Boy Scout Camps/Merit Badges:
Wilderness Survival Camp
Earn you your merit badge and learn to make a Bow Drill Fire! All must have a Tote & Chip because you will be working with your knives.
Horsemanship Camp
We schedule a monthly Day Camp where individuals or small groups can earn this merit badge. We can schedule a date or week-end camp for your whole troop!
Indian Lore Camp
Come and get started on this extensive merit badge! Schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Hiking and Backpacking Camp
We wil teach the basics and set you up on a training program to prepare you for a trek of your own.
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:
We can help your earn outdoor skills needed for rank advancement and belt loops.
For More Information: 903-429-6483 or Click Here to email
www.camptonkawatexas.com
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38. 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.
Through DECEMBER 31 -- Storybook Playhouses
14 Juried Playhouses Based on the Following Books:
The Termok
James and the Giant Peach
The Little Prince
Peter Pan
The Owl and The Pussy Cat
Thumbelina
City Green
Alice in Wonderland
Eragon
Hope for The Flowers
Treasure Island
The Lorax
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
The Bamboo Cutters Daughter
Hours: Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission:
$9.50 for adults
$8 for seniors (65+)
$6 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children ages 3 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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39. FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS
Location: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135
For More Information: 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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40. FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS
September Events:
SEPTEMBER 21 -- Conservation in Action Work Day!
Time: 10am - 2:30ish.
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: In the morning, learn about different ways you can conserve natural resources and participate in an on-site conservation project.
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
SEPTEMBER 29 -- Nature Journaling
Time: 10am - 4:00ish
Nature Journaling Class: 10am-Noon
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Art Class: 1pm-2:30ish - Learn some basic art techniques to enhance your Nature Journaling experiences.
Brief Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish - Take a bus to 2-3 different sites within Fossil
Rim and spend time drawing at each of these locations.
Cost: $20/person (ages 2 and under free)
Details: This is a multi-level event; all ages will benefit.
Bring a picnic lunch.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
October Events:
OCTOBER 6 (This is a date change) -- Homeschool "Robin Hood" Day Camp
Time: 9am - 3:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish Meet our current (non-marine!) animal residents!
Cost: $25/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: This camp will be open to any homeschoolers. Based on Howard Pyle’s classic, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, this program combines elements of several shorter programs. Topics include European Red Deer, Horns or Antlers?, archery, poaching, How to Catch a Rhino or Other Wild Creature, camouflage, and a tour of Fossil Rim. The Camp will start at 9:00 at the Activities Center at Wolf Ridge.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
OCTOBER 13 (this is a date change)-- Species in Peril: Wolf Conservation Class & Tour
Time: 10am - 3:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-3:30ish Go on a guided, Behind the Scenes Tour of our facility, including the Intensive Management Area, where our wolves kept, away from the public.
Cost: $21/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: Learn about Fossil Rim's wolves, about wolf conservation efforts, and what you can do to make a difference! 2-hour morning class, followed by a picnic lunch and a guided tour of Fossil Rim. Ages 7 and up, but most appropriate for older students.
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
OCTOBER 19 -- Homeschool Fossil Dig & Tour
Time: 10am - 2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Cost: $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: In the morning, take a bus down to our Fossil Pit and dig for marine fossils! Share a picnic lunch at the Overlook, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim's current, non-marine residents!!!
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
OCTOBER 21 -- Dissection Lab
Time: 9am-Noon
Cost: $25/person (includes all supplies and use of equipment)
Details: Think your kids need to know how to do a dissection, but don’t want the mess on your kitchen table? Let Fossil Rim take care of the mess by doing a morning dissection lab. We will spend this
time dissecting a cow eyeball, as well as learning about light, color and lenses.
Registration must be received by September 25
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
Optional Tour of Fossil Rim: Those interested can take advantage of Fossil Rim’s “Discount
Wednesdays,” to take a drive-through tour of Fossil Rim in your own vehicle, at your own pace, after the dissection lab!
November Events:
NOVEMBER 10 -- Homeschool Nature Hike & Tour
Time: 10am - 2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Cost: $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: Take a guided hike with a naturalist and learn about some of our native flora and fauna in the morning, share a picnic lunch, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim
To Register: Call 254-898-4216
NOVEMBER 16 -- Homeschool African Safari Day Camp
Time: 9am-4:30pm
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Cost: $25/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch. After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: 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
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
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41. 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, fishing, 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: 817-925-1982 or click here to email
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42. 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.
Please note that you will need to submit a medical record form including immunization history to be able to participate in their programs.
Fall 2009 Classes Run: 13 weeks (9/8 – 12/10), Tues or Thurs, 1-3pm
Meet the Teacher Day: August 28
Cost: Only $8 per hour, sibling discount, monthly payment
5 year olds
Which Ology is Which?
“Ology” refers to the study of a topic, and in this class young scientists are introduced to the study of a variety of scientific fields. Ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), entomology (insects) and mammology (mammals) are just a few of the “ologies” that are explored in class, on the sanctuary, and with our live animals and specimens.
6-7 year olds
Discover Your World: Animals
Animals come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. Students will explore animal diversity though their classification, habitats, survival requirements and interrelationships. In addition to spending time finding out about the wild animals that make our sanctuary home, each week also includes interaction with a live animal visitor.
8-9 year olds
Explorers: Forest Ecology
Students will study forests around the world, the relationship between trees and plants and the animals that depend on them, as well as explore the importance of forests to us and the global environment. This class utilizes the different woodland habitats found on the sanctuary.
10-12 year olds
Earth Trek: Sharing the Planet
From ants to zebras, every animal on the Earth has a purpose. Students will discover the importance of a myriad of animal species on our planet and learn the connections they have to us and each other. We will explore different ecological dilemmas from endangered species to the effects of climate change on ecosystems, animal behavior and health. With the application of the scientific method, this will be an in-depth, thought-provoking and problem-solving experience.
Complete application includes:
• Registration form
• Medical Record Form
• Payment according to selected payment plan
Only complete application packets will be processed. 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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43. HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
Fridays at the Farmstead Schedule
SEPTEMBER 25 – What's in Your Cabinet?
(School age 6-12)
Cost: $8/child
Payment and registration required one week in advance
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a museum curator? Have you ever wanted to see all those artifacts that aren't on display? Why aren't they on display anyway? Students can enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing some of our fine cabinets and interesting tables opened and on display to the public. There will be short specialist talks about chosen objects from the collection.
Friday Fun at the Farm
Time: 10:30am (program lasts about 1-1/2 hours.
Geared for ages 3-6 or 6-12. Costumed docents lead children in groups of 10 through each activity.
Cost: $5/child; $3/adult chaperone (includes tractor-pulled covered wagon ride)
Bring: A lunch to enjoy a picnic on the farmstead.
Advanced Registration Required: 972-881-0140
SEPTEMBER 24; OCTOBER 23; NOVEMBER 20 -- Sarah Plain and Tall
This program is based on Patricia MacLachlan’s novel, Sarah Plain and Tall that tells the story of how two young farm children were influenced by the arrival of their new step-mother. Children will spend time in the sheep pens, children’s garden, and pole barn exploring and learning about childhood on the farm.
OCTOBER 2; NOVEMBER 6 -- Farmer Duck
This program follows the children’s story, Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell, about a duck that had the misfortune of living with a lazy farmer! Children will enjoy learning about and doing hands-on chores including grinding corn and feeding chickens, washing clothes, and gardening.
OCTOBER 9; NOVEMBER 13 -- Tag-Along Tom
This program is loosely based on Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Children will be taken on a Tom Sawyer style exploration of the Farmstead in which they will engage in “mischief” while learning about work on the farm. Activities include a visit to the Farrell/Wilson house, white-washing the fence, gathering water from the creek for the Children’s Garden, milking Odessa our teaching Cow and many more.
OCTOBER 16 -- Farmhouse Tour
This program gives children an inside look at the Farrell-Wilson house and all farm out-buildings. Children will be guided through all the rooms in the main house; they will visit the potting shed, curing shed, as well as visit the sorghum press, and corn shed.
Other Events:
OCTOBER 3 - Harvest Festival and Craft Fair
Time: Noon - 5pm
Cost: $8/Adults; $5/Children & Seniors; Free/Ages 4 and under
• Entertainment by the E-Flat Porch Band
• Refreshments provided by Starbucks Coffee Company
• Blacksmithing demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Kelly Kring
• Soap making demonstrations by Ancient Elements Soap Company
• Pottery making demonstrations by Tony Holman, Master Potter
• Storytelling by North Forty Storytellers Guild
• Turn-of-the-century children’s games and crafts
• Mule pulled wagon rides - Arts and crafts vendors
• Chuckwagon Cooking Demonstrations
• Historic House Tours
OCTOBER 30 - Silent Films Under the Stars: Jeckyll & Hyde & Nosferatu (Double Feature)
Time: 5pm-10pm
Cost: $2/person donation
(House tours until sundown - $5/person)
What to Bring: Blanket, picnic. Costumes welcome.
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm
Docent-Led Tours
Time: 1:30 p.m. Tues-Sun. (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
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues - Sun
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 972-881-0140 for more information.
For Registration and Other Information: 972-881-0140 or Click Here
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX
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44. 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!
OCTOBER 13 – Wild Home School Day
Time: 9am - 4pm (last Safari Tram runs at 3pm)
Admission: $5/person (everyone walking in requires a ticket)
Adults must be accompanied by a child.
For Details: Click Here
Open to the Public Days (MARCH - NOVEMBER)
SATURDAYS
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4:30)
SEPTEMBER 19; 26
OCTOBER 3; 10; 17; 24; 31
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: Click Here
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: Click Here
940-686-4600 (main)
940-686-3715 (fax)
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45. 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.
Regular Admission & Hours:
$4/adults; $3 seniors (60+); $2 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.
NOVEMBER 7 -- Texas Trees Garden Walk
Time: 10am-11am
Join staff horticulturist Randy Johnson on this annual tour of native trees. Learn proper planting and care techniques. You'll finish the tour just in time to go to the Fall Plant Sale!
Program appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Other Events:
OCTOBER 31 -- Plants of North Central Texas: Connections to the Past
Time: 10am-Noon
How are prairie grasses, pronghorns, horse-apples, and mammoths all part of the story involving native plants? Discover little-known secrets about Texas plants and the surprising and exciting things they tell us about what it was like here in the past. This is the first in a series by Austin College and Texas Discovery Gardens. The talk includes a guided tour of the Gardens. Free admission.
NOVEMBER 7 --Fall Plant Sale
Time: 11am-2pm
Our 2008 Fall Plant Sale proved so popular we're making it an annual affair! Enjoy a selection of perennials and annuals at a reduced price as we clear out the greenhouse for the winter. Plants go quickly, so line up early for the best deals. Before the sale...Enjoy our annual garden walk on native trees. The walk will end right in time for you to shop!
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: Click Here
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46. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
ATHENS, TX
SEPTEMBER 25; OCTOBER 9, 23; NOVEMBER 13, 27 - Bird and Nature Walk
Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time: 9am - 11am
Details: Expect to see 25 or more different species of birds as we explore our Interpretive Wetland Trail and other areas of the hatchery. Bring binoculars; field guide welcome. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Fees: $2.75 Texas State Parks Pass members, $5.50 non-members, $4.50 senior citizens and $3.50 children 12 and under.
For More Information: 903-676-BASS.
SEPTEMBER 26 - Bluegill Family Fishing
Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time: 7am - 2pm
Details: Join us for a fun-filled day of trying to catch the biggest bluegill here at our center and on Lake Athens. The tournament awards prizes for the heaviest stringers of sunfish, but the event is really about adults and children having fun fishing together. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
Tournament entry fee: $15 per team; preregistration required;
To Register or For More Information: 903-676-BASS.
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CEDAR HILL, TX
OCTOBER 3 - Mammals Our Furry Friends
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Details: Learn about the different mammals at the park as we share different stories about them. Includes skins and skulls to see and touch and maybe even learn a song or two to help us remember our animal friends. Held at the Penn Farm Amphitheater.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
OCTOBER 3 - Traveling the Talala Trail
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 9am - 11am
Details: We will take a hike along the Talala Trail, identifying some of the plants and animals of the area. The trail is approximately 2 miles, but the hike will be at a slow pace allowing for discussion and learning. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack. Meet at the trail head.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
OCTOBER 13; NOVEMBER 14 - Reptiles Our Scaly Skinned Friends
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Details: Hear about the reptiles found in the area, learn about their benefits to this ecosystem and see some live examples of a couple scaly friends. Held at the Penn Farm Amphitheater.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
OCTOBER 24; NOVEMBER 14 - The Lost Prairie
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Details: Discover the tallgrass Blackland Prairie Ecological Region. Learn about the history, plants, animals, and human impact on this now endangered land area of Texas. Begin to understand the importance of maintaining and restoring the tallgrass grasslands. Held at the Penn Farm Amphitheater.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
SEPTEMBER 26, OCTOBER 24 - Penn Farm Tour
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 9:30 am - 11pm
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.
NOVEMBER 21-22 - Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: Call for times
Fee: $55 per family up to six
Reservations required
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.
For Reservations or more Information: Click Here to email or call our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at (512) 389-8903.
NOVEMBER 28 - Duck Pond Trail Nature Walk
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 9:30 am - 11am
Details: Take a leisurely walk and learn about the plants and animals at the park. The trail is approximately one mile and is a great hike for families with children. Meet at the trailhead.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
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DENTON, TX
OCTOBER 10 - Wildlife Slide Show
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: 45 minute program starts at dusk
Details: Come to the Amphitheater and see the variety of birds and other animals that live in the park and fish that live in Lake Texoma at this slide show.
For More Information: (903) 465-1956
OCTOBER 17; NOVEMBER 21 - Venomous Snakes of Texas
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: 45 minute program starts at dusk
Details: Identify some of the myths and examine the truth about venomous snakes in Texas.
For More Information: (903) 465-1956
NOVEMBER 14 - Wildlife Slide Show
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: 45 minute program starts at dusk
Details: Come to the Amphitheater and see the variety of birds and other animals that live in the park and fish that live in Lake Texoma at this slide show.
For More Information: (903) 465-1956
NOVEMBER 21-22 - Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: Call for times
Fee: $55 per family up to six
Reservations required
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.
For Reservations or more Information: Click Here to email or call our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at (512) 389-8903.
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EUSTACE, TX (Henderson/Van Zandt Counties)
SEPTEMBER 26; NOVEMBER 28 – Night Hike
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Details: Take a hike into the night and learn about the nocturnal animals that frequent the park. Discover how the darkness affects your senses. The hike is about one mile and on relatively flat terrain. Meet at the over flow camping parking lot.
Call: 903-425-2332.
OCTOBER 3 – Campfire Skills
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Details: Take a hike into the night and learn about the nocturnal animals that frequent the park. Discover how the darkness affects your senses. The hike is about one mile and on relatively flat terrain. Meet at the over flow camping parking lot.
Call: 903-425-2332.
OCTOBER 10; NOVEMBER 21 – Stargazing
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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.
Call: 903-425-2332.
OCTOBER 17; NOVEMBER 14 - Saturday Movie Night
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 7:30pm
Details: Enjoy a family movie under the stars at the park. Bring blankets or chairs. Weather permitting. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-425-2332.
NOVEMBER 7 - Nature Hike
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 4pm - 5pm
Details: Take a guided hike and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Weather permitting, meet at the overflow camping parking lot.
Call: 903-425-2332.
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GLEN ROSE, TX
NOVEMBER 12 - Growing Up WILD Workshop
Location: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Time: 1-4 p.m
Cost: $10
Preregistration required
Details: Learn how to build on young children's sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore wildlife and the world around them. During the three-hour training workshop participants will sample
activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are adaptable for 3-7 year olds and is correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards and the Head
Start Domains. Teachers, informal educators and early childhood caregivers may take the training.
For more information and Registration: Click Here to email or 254-898-4222.
NOVEMBER 13, 2009 - Project WILD/Project WILD Aquatic Combined Workshop
Location: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Time: 9 a.m4 p.m / 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 (lunch included)/$20 (dinner included)
Preregistration required
Details: Learn how to teach young people about aquatic wildlife and ecosystems using fun, hands-on educational activities. Participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide.
Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers, informal educators and youth group leaders may take the training. SBEC credit available for teachers. Participants must attend the Project WILD workshop to attend the Project WILD Aquatic workshop.
For more information and registration: Click Here to email or 254-898-4222.
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JACKSBORO, TX
SEPTEMBER 26 - Bats Alive!
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 3-4 p.m
Details: Explore the myths and misunderstandings of bats and their conservation, rescue, rehabilitation and release at the Interpretive Center. Dottie Hyatt, Vice President of Bat World Sanctuary, demonstrates with live Mexican free-tails, yellow, evening and pipistrelle bats. Accessible for the mobility impaired. Donations welcome.
For more information: (940) 567-3506.
OCTOBER 9-12 - Texas Forts Tour - A Ride Through History
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek
Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 4-7pm
Cost: $35-$50, registration required
Details: This great biking adventure will start at the site with packet pick up. We will also have a spaghetti dinner, bicycle trade show and living history exhibits, 4-7 p.m. We head out 8 a.m. day two on our 248-mile tour and visit Jacksboro, Graford, Graham and Fort Belknap. Day three we'll visit Palo Pinto and Mineral Wells, then head back to the fort.
For more information or to register: Click Here or call 940-567-3506.
OCTOBER 10 - Civil War Weekend
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 9am - 4pm
Details: Re-enactors will spend the day performing drills, doing battle re-enactments, giving history lessons, etc. They will sound their morning gun to start the day. Most of the activities will be over around 4 p.m., however, there is talk of a night skirmish/battle!
For More Information: 940-567-3506.
OCTOBER 17 - Red Steagall Wagon Train and Doc Wood
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: Wagon train 3-6 p.m., Cowboy Poetry 7-9 p.m.
Details: The park will be the starting point of Red Steagall's annual wagon train journey to Fort Worth. See the wagons as they start arriving Saturday afternoon. Stay and enjoy Cowboy Poetry featuring
the renowned Doc Woods and others on the steps of the historic hospital.
For More Information: 940-567-3506.
NOVEMBER 7 - Terry's Texas Ranger Weekend
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 9am - 4pm
Details: This Civil War Re-enactment group will hold their annual event and practice session at the fort. Come watch as they will be camping on the parade grounds and performing drills throughout the weekend.
For More Information: 940-567-3506.
NOVEMBER 27 - Owl Prowl
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 6pm-7pm
Details: Join Doris Mager, 'The Eagle Lady" for a short, evening walk beginning at the park pavilion to listen and look for owls and other wildlife.
For More Information: 940-567-3506.
NOVEMBER 28 - Birds of Prey Program
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 11am-Noon and 4pm-5pm
Details: See and learn about birds of prey, including a live great-horned owl, crested caracara, eastern screech owl and an American kestrel with Doris Mager, 'The Eagle Lady" and founder of Save Our American Raptors at the park pavilion.
For More Information: 940-567-3506.
DECEMBER 12 - Christmas Dance Spectacular
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 2pm-4pm
Details: Join the fun as Mrs. Tammy's Acrobatics and Dance Troupe from Mineral Wells (2 year olds through teens) performs tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop routines especially choreographed for this occasion. You'll flip over the tumblers as they bound over the boards on the porch of the hospital! Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 940-567-3506
DECEMBER 19 - Family Fishing Day
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 9am-Noon
Details: Quarry Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout as well as bass, catfish, crappie and perch, so the fishing will be great! No fishing license is required. Come out, spend time with your family and enjoy the fun. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 940-567-3506..
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MINERAL WELLS, TX
SEPTEMBER 26 - Kid's Wilderness Survival
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Reservations required
Call: 940-328-1171
Details: This course is a fun way for kids to learn what to do if they become lost. The course includes interactive games, demonstrations and a hike on the nature trail. Kids must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or youth group leader.
OCTOBER 3 - Cowboy Campfire - Music & Poetry
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 7:30-9:30pm
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening of cowboy music, poetry and stories. Experience the cow camp lifestyle and local historical treasures through the music and poetry of the old time cowboys. Bring your favorite lawn chair. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171
OCTOBER 10 - Night Sounds
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 7:30 - 9pm
Details: Listen to the sounds of a Texas summer night. Actual and recorded sounds of insects, birds, frogs and mammals will be heard and identified with slides of the animals. Bring a lawn chair. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171
OCTOBER 10-11 - Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: Call for times
Fee: $55 per family up to six
Reservations required
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.
For Reservations or more Information: Click Here to email or call our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at (512) 389-8903.
OCTOBER 17 - 13th Annual North Texas Skywatch Amateur Astronomer's Star Party
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 4:30pm
Details: The stars at night are big and bright ". Learn more about one of Texas' best natural resources the night sky. The star party is designed for amateur astronomers to get together and share ideas and experiences, learn new techniques, swap equipment and observe in a dark sky location. There will be a beginner's astronomy slide presentation at sunset. All park visitors are welcome and can learn about astronomy and to have a chance to see the night sky through a wide variety of telescopes. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171
OCTOBER 24 - Kid's Wilderness Survival
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 1pm-4pm.
Details: This course is a fun way for kids to learn what to do if they become lost. The course includes interactive games, demonstrations and a hike on the nature trail. Kids must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or youth group leader.
Reservations required.
Call: 940-328-1171
OCTOBER 31 - Storytelling Down in the Holler
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 6:30-8pm
Details: Join park interpreter, David Owens, down in the beautiful setting of Penitentiary Hollow for storytelling. Learn the importance of storytelling to different Texas cultures. Hear local folklore, ghost stories, Native American stories, cowboy poetry and some just plain fun stories. Bring a blanket or lawn chair that is easily carried.
Call: 940-328-1171
NOVEMBER 7 - Cowboy Campfire - Music & Poetry
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 7-9pm
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening of cowboy music, poetry and stories. Experience the cow camp lifestyle and local historical treasures through the music and poetry of the old time cowboys. Bring your favorite lawn chair. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171
NOVEMBER 14 - Animal Tracks
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 1-3pm
Details: Go on a walk through the park to identify animal tracks, then make your own plaster cast of one.
Reservations Required.
Call: 940-328-1171
NOVEMBER 21 - Kid's Wilderness Survival
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 1pm-4pm.
Details: This course is a fun way for kids to learn what to do if they become lost. The course includes interactive games, demonstrations and a hike on the nature trail. Kids must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or youth group leader.
Reservations required.
Call: 940-328-1171
NOVEMBER 28 - Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 1-3pm
Details: Take a guided, wild walk, crawl and scoot through some of the most remote areas of beautiful Penitentiary Hollow. This is a strenuous walk involving some crawling through tight spaces in rock cracks, crevices and short caves, so expect to get dirty!
Reservations Required.
Call: 940-328-1171
DECEMBER 5, 13 - Cross Timbers Cowboy Campfire Christmas
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 6-7:30pm
Details: Bring the whole family to the Lone Star Amphitheater for a campfire program of cowboy music, poetry and sing-along with a Christmas theme. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171
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PILOT POINT, TX
Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
SEPTEMBER 26 - Kids N Nature - Butterflies
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 9am-11am
Details: Come learn about Texas butterflies and moths, their life cycle, host and nectar plants. We will also make a coffee filter butterfly to take home. Then join us for a walk on the Vanishing Prairie Trail to look for the butterflies we just learned about. Group size is limited. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired.
Preregistration Required: Deadline September 25, 2009
Call: 940-637-2294