October 2008
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
OCTOBER 2008 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Leaders and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
We also have a “featured articles” section. We hope that you will find the articles that we will include to be informative, encouraging, and full of wisdom. If you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org.
We would love to hear from you!
www.HEARTofTex.org
Our deadlines are as follows:
the 12th of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 27th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.
Thanks so much!
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Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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~Highlights ~
OCTOBER 4
TROT HORSE DAY CAMP
AT CAMP TONKAWA
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: $75
Prerequisite: Basic Horsemanship Day Camp and pre-approval by our staff.
Bring your lunch.
Details: We'll start with an introductory ride working on proper posture, cueing and gaits. A horse Obstacle Course will be used to make it interesting and to measure your progress. Then we'll hit the road for a Trail Ride.
Class Size: 6-8. Age 10 years old and up.
Space is limited. Please RSVP.
For More Information or to RSVP: Call April at 902-429-6483
Other October Dates at Camp Tonkawa:
OCTOBER 11 -12 (date changed)
Call for More Information: 902-429-6483
For those of you who want to camp but don't feel quite confident enough to go out on your own, this class will put you at ease in the outdoors for a camping adventure. With supervised guidance, you will easily learn how to use the equipment needed for basic camping, safe fire starting skills and cooking. We'll make sure you not only learn outdoor skills but have fun being in the great outdoors!
OCTOBER 15 & 16: Mankind as Caretakers of the Earth
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm. You are welcome to stay at the camp until 3pm, for free time to explore and play with new friends.
Costs: $15 per camp, if pre registering by mail, $18 at the camp (walk ins welcome), $10 for 4 year olds. Parents and Under 4 Free.
Save with the Semester Rate: Pay for at least 4 camps in one semester to get a $12/camp rate.
OCTOBER 17 - 19: Primitive Survival Combo 1 & 2
(3 FULL days and 2 nights)
Time: 9:30am Oct 17 though 2:30 p.m. Oct 19
Cost: $125 adults - 17 and under $100
Group and family rates available!
Details: Shelter, Water, Fire, Food is what is needed for complete survival. This camp combines our "Primitive Survival 1" camp which teaches you how to build a simple shelter using natural materials, start a fire without matches, and find safe drinking water with our "Primitive Survival 2" camp which covers the three aspects of food: Wild Edible Plants, Wild Meats, and Primitive Cooking. For more information about this class: Primitive Survival 1and Primitive Survival 2 .
OCTOBER 26: Wild Edible Plants / Primitive Cooking
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: $25 ages 8-12; $30 ages 13-15; $35 ages 16-adult
Bring your lunch.
For Information about this Class: Click Here
To view other camp offerings: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 5
ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL AND CRAFT FAIR
AT HERITAGE MUSEUM IN PLANO
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: $8/adults; $5/children & seniors; Free 4 years and under
Details: Please join us for this fun and exciting event featuring:
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
North Forty Storytellers Guild, (formerly Richardson Storytellers)
Turn-of-the-century games and children’s crafts
Mule pulled wagon rides
Arts and crafts vendors and much more.
To View Other Heritage Farmstead Events: Click Here
For More Information: www.heritagefarmstead.org
Location: 1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075
972-881-0140
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 6
PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR CAROLE JOY SEID SEMINAR
IN FORT WORTH OCTOBER 11
October 11: "Begin with the End in Mind"
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Christ Chapel Church in Fort Worth
Cost: $45 (postmarked on or before October 3)
$53 at the door
Husbands of attending wives can attend free!
To Register: Print off registration form at www.carolejoyseid.com
Mail Payment (made payable to Barnabus Books) and Form To:
Lana Austin
3112 Lamesa Place
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Please do not mail your registration to the address on the form.
Call with any questions: Lana at 817-296-4040
For more information about the seminar Click Here
To read her article Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 7
WOMEN'S NUTRITION AND HEALTH CLASS AT
CREATIVE ARTS IN ACTION
Reserve your spot today -- Space is limited!
Ladies, if you missed out on the Nutrition class in September, Creative Arts in Action is excited to offer this again in October! Classes are taught by: Rebecca Quiggle, R. D. (Registered Dietitian). Together let's learn to make better food choices to prevent disease and provide our families a healthy lifestyle!
OCTOBER 7: "Fire Up Your Metabolism" and "Exercise"
OCTOBER 14: "Fad diets vs. Good Nutrition" and "The Bottom Line on Carbs"
OCTOBER 21: "Heart Health: Fats and Cholesterol"
OCTOBER 28: "Reading Labels and Grocery Shopping"
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Ladies $50 for the month. ONLY $25 for each accompanying teenage daughter.
Details: Each 1-1/2 hour class will culminate with about 30 minutes of strength training, so wear comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, and bring small hand weights (2-5 lbs.) if you have them, and a water bottle.
To RSVP: 817-281-2293
Speaker Bio: Rebecca Quiggle, R.D. (Registered Dietician) has a BS in General Nutrition and a BS in Clinical Dietetics from UT Southwestern Medical Center-Dallas. She has worked at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, starting the Diabetes Education Program, and as a dietician for the Cardiac Rehab Center. She also worked in the R &D Dept. at GNC, various fitness facilities, and provided personal consulting in weight loss and sports nutrition. Twelve years ago, she put her career on hold to raise her two daughters, Lindsey and Elise. Her passion for nutrition and fitness was birthed in H.S. and Rebecca's desire is to extend that to her community.
Location: Creative Arts In Action
5733 Watauga Rd
Watauga, TX 76148
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 7
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS AT MCKINNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
OCTOBER 7: Research Gathering Skills
Grades: 5th—8th
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Details: Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many resources.
OCTOBER 30: Getting to Know Your Library
Grades: K—3rd
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Dulaney Room
Details: Participate in a special program to learn more about the library and the Children’s Dept.
For Other Programs at the McKinney Public Library: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 7-10 & 14-17
KIDS AND CRITTERS AT THE FAIR BEGINS
HOMESCHOOL FIELD TRIP FOR DALLAS COUNTY YOUTH AGES 6-10
Dallas 4-H, Texas AgriLife Extentsion Service, the State Fair of Texas, Southwest Dairy Museum, and My Pets, Inc. have combined to create a unique experience for urban youth to learn about livestock in Texas.
Time: 1-1/2 hour program starts between 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
All will be completed by 1:30 p.m.
Once your tour is over, you may stay to enjoy the rest of the State Fair.
Location: The Livestock Barns at the State Fair of Texas
(Pan American Livestock Exposition)
Cost: FREE - you must enter as one large group.
For More Information: Teresa Taylor at 214-904-3050
To read the full article Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 8
DISSECTION LAB
FOSSIL RIM
Time: 9am - 12 Noon
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 and class about light, color and lenses. Since it is “Discount Wednesday,” you may opt to take advantage of the savings and drive through the park in your own vehicle, at your own pace, after the class.
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
OCTOBER 20 -- Species in Peril: Wolf Conservation Class + Tour
Time: 10:00-2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
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 (remember to bring one!), and a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
For Other Events at Fossil Rim: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 8
FOX 4 TREASURE HUNT
AT TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS INSIDE THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Kids of all ages can learn and have fun by participating in FOX 4's Treaure Hunt at the Texas Discovery Gardens located inside the State Fair of Texas.
Pick up a Treasure Hunt map in the Main Hall of the Texas Discovery Gardens. Follow the map to 6 different clues to learn about how you can help protect our Texas environment. After getting a stamp at each clue location, return to the Main Hall with the completed map to take a short, fun quiz. A free giveaway will be available to the first 1,000 participants.
Cost: Free admission to the gardens. State Fair of Texas admission applies.
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 10
DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THSC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
IN WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS ON OCTOBER 24-26
Join leaders from across the state for a time of inspirational and practical workshops about bettering your home school group and your term in leadership! Your group will benefit from the ideas you bring home!
OCTOBER 24-26
Location: Lakeview Camp and Conference Center
Waxahachie, TX
Special Guest Speaker: Norm Wakefield of Spirit of Elijah Ministries
To Register: www.thsc.org/retreat/Registration.asp
Details: The purpose of the annual Leadership Training Conference is first to encourage the spirits of leaders and second, to give them the tools they need to successfully lead their group.
THSC has developed a schedule of informative and inspirational workshops to give leaders quality training and a renewed vision for their groups. The workshop presenters are experienced leaders who have “been there, done that” and have lived to tell the story! They will share the good and bad, the successes and failures, and remind you what leadership is all about.
New or Veteran Leaders, the Leadership Training Conference Is for You!!
Come as a board, come with your spouse, or come with friends in leadership.
You will leave blessed, refreshed, and ready to lead!
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 13
REBECCA QUIGGLE (HOMESCHOOL MOM AND REGISTERED DIETICIAN)
SPEAKING AT VELOCITY SPORTS IN SOUTHLAKE
"Getting the Most Out of Your Workout
Time: 7-8 pm
Location: Velocity Sports Performance
1800 East Hwy 114
Southlake, TX 76092
Cost: FREE presentation
Presented by: Rebecca Quiggle, R.D. (and homeschool mom)
Rebecca is a Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist, and holds a B.S. in General Nutrition, as well as a B.S. in Clinical Dietetics from UT Southwestern Medical Center-Dallas. She has worked at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, where she started the diabetes education program and worked as a dietitian for the in-patient and out-patient Cardiac Rehab Programs. She also worked in R&D at GNC (General Nutrition Corporation), various fitness facilities, has provided personal nutrition consulting in weight loss and sports nutrition, and teaches classes on healthy eating. She has consistently exercised for 30 years in various sports and activities. Along with her husband, she raises two daughters. Her focus is to educate and encourage people to make better food choices for optimum health.
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 14
WILD HOMESCHOOL DAY
AT SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH IN PILOT POINT
Time: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $4/person; Free for ages 2 and under
Details: Sharkarosa is hosting their 3rd annual Homeschool Day! Activities include everything offered during a regular field trip or Open to the Public Day:
Safari Tram
Kids Bucket Train
Interaction with Education animals: lemurs, camels, kangaroos, etc!
And more!
For More Information: sharkarosa@aol.com or call 940-686-4600 ext. 100
Location: 11670 Massey Road
Pilot Point, TX 76258
Directions:
http://www.sharkarosa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=50
Please do not use MapQuest it WILL get you lost!
For Other Events at Sharkarosa: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 18
MOZART REQUIEM
SPECIAL TICKET PRICE FOR HEART OF TEXAS NEWSLETTER READERS
Mozart's Requiem – October 18 at 2pm at Bass Hall
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating) or $14/upper gallery
To Reserve Tickets: Call Cyndee Weeks 877-828-9200, ext 126
You will need to mention "HEART of Texas" when you call to get the special rate.
To view the list of other discounted performances: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 18
DALLAS STARS HOMESCHOOL NIGHT
AND FIELD TRIP PACKAGE
DALLAS STARS vs. COLORADO AVALANCHE
Time: 1 pm
Cost: $20/person (Terrace seats)
Other seating options available. Please refer to registration form for details.
Includes:
• Ticket to the game
• Dallas Stars Education Day Field Trip on October 15
To Register:
Download "Dallas Stars Homeschool Package" Flyer at:
www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
OCTOBER 15 - Dallas Stars Field Trip
Time: 11am
Cost: Price is included in the $20 package. Or, $10 per person if purchased separately.
Details: Learn the math, science and geography of hockey
Math - learn how to take statistics like the professionals
Geography - learn how geography affects the game of hockey and professional sports
Science - learn how the Zamboni really works
Chemistry - learn how ice cream is made at the American Airlines Center
For Details on the Field Trip: www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
For More Information: Kyle Norris at 214-387-5582
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 19
DEADLINE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE NUTCRACKER AT BASS HALL
OUR READERS CAN SAVE ON THE BEST SEATS!!
We are pleased to announce that Texas Ballet Theater has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special ticket prices to our newsletter readers!
Tickets normally start at $19, for the cheapest seats. Our readers, however, can get the BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE for the low price of just $20! How good are these seats? Texas Ballet Theater has reserved 200 of their very best seats (on the floor, in front of the stage) just for us!!
If you are even remotely interested in taking advantage of these seats, we need to hear from you!
DECEMBER 12-- Special Homeschool Night at the Nutcracker Ballet (Bass Hall)
Time: 8pm
Cost: $20/seat
Contact: Tracy Walton at 972-881-5221 or tracy1476@verizon.net
To Reserve Your Seats: Include the following on a 3x5 index card:
name
mailing address (so we can mail you your tickets)
phone
number of people attending from your group or family
amount enclosed (# attending x $20)
Homeschool group name (if registering as a group)
Send information, payment, and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to:Tracy Walton, 1476 St. Patrick Drive, Plano, TX 75074
You will receive a confirmation notice via email from HEART of Texas when payment is received.
If you don't receive your confirmation within a few days of mailing your registration, contact Tracy at the number above to make sure she received your reservation.
To view the list of other discounted performances: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 21
"COUGAR ENCOUNTER" FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
AT UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
Who: Home school students currently studying at a high school level.
To Register: Download the "Cougar Encounter Registration Form" at
www.heartoftex.org
Fax Form To: 713-743-7542 or email cougarencounter@uh.edu
Details: We are hosting this event to introduce you to our campus, Honors College, admissions staff, and college advisors. The day is designed specifically for homeschoolers so that we may present our school to you, with hopes that you will see all the benefits that the University of Houston has to offer.
Please come enjoy a day of scheduled sessions to better equip you with the tools you need to
prepare for your future!
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 24
LAST DAY TO ENJOY LIVE BUTTERFLY EXHIBIT
AT TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS
Live Butterfly Exhibit: "Skies of Butterflies"
Exhibit Entrance Fee: $3.00 per person plus all applicable State Fair/Garden entrance fees
Details: 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.
Afterwards, 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 at 2pm!
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.
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR TEEN PACT
STATE CAPITOL CLASSES
What if your homeschooled student actually had the opportunity to earn civics credit while playing the role of a Christian senator in Austin for a week? That becomes a reality through TeenPact Leadership School, a non-profit ministry which trains student statesmen to impact their world for Jesus Christ and brings Texas government to life!
The 2009 Classes will be held:
MARCH 30 - APRIL 2
APRIL 6 - APRIL 9
Ages: 13-19 year olds
APRIL 3 OR 10
Ages: 8-12 year olds
Parents attend for FREE!
To Register: www.teenpact.org
For group discounts, and more information: Click to email Janet Baber
To read the full article Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
(Discount for HEART of Texas members)
REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL 2009
We are very excited to announce that the Velocity Sports Performance locations in Highland Park and Southlake have partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special discounts to homeschoolers!
The PE programs at Velocity Sports are taught by trained, degreed coaches who have coached college, professional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call Emily Hubbard at 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
Please Note: Each Velocity Sports location is independently owned and operated, and offer different pricing and discount rates for their classes. Please contact the location directly for more information.
Discount: HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on classes!
See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
View Newsletter Headers
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Hurricane Ike Scholarship Fund– by Tim Lambert, THSC
Toyota Offering Free Hands-On Defensive Driving Instruction for Student Drivers and Newly-Licensed Teens – by Michael Rouse
Texas Ballet Theater Offering Homeschoolers Discount Tickets on Their Best Seats!
Southern England Study Tour
Begin With the End in Mind – by Carole Joy Seid
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
1. Library Programs at North Texas Libraries -- North Texas
Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact info@heartoftex.org
Bedford Public Library
Fort Worth Public Library
Hurst Public Library
McKinney Public Library System
Tyler Public Library
READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2. Book It! Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
3. Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4. BEST Robotics 2008 Preview: Just Plane Crazy! -- Texas Best
5. Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2009
6. National Engineers Week -- Future City Competition
7. USA Mathematical Talent Search -- Deadline October 14, 2008
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
8. City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
9. City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
10. Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
11. Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
12. National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
13. THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
14. Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
15. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
16. Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
17. Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
18. Eastfield College -- Mesquite
19. Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Lewisville
20. Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
21. Fabulous Fridays -- Little Elm
22. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
23. Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
24. Homeschool Heritage Domus Schola -- Keller
25. Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist Euless -- Euless
26. Homeschool Theater Classes at PFAmily Arts --- Plano
27. Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes
28. Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
29. YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
30. Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
Wichita Falls – October 4
Denton – October 11
Euless – October 11-12
Grand Prairie – October 15-19
Arlington – October 22-25 (Big Sale)
Granbury – October 23-26
31. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
32. Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
33. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
34. Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
Attn: Boy Scout Troops
35. Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
36. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
37. Fossil Rim
Fossil Dig Class & Tour -- September 8
38. Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
39. Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
40. Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
41. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
42. Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
43. Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
44. Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
Sleeping Beauty -- September 26 - October 12
45. Performances at CATS -- Arlington
Cinderella – October 3-12
46. Cottage Theater – Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – November 21-24
The Sound of Music – February 27 - March 2 (2009)
47. Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
Belles on Their Toes – September 19 - October 11
Puss in Boots (Children's Peformance) - Sept 20 - Oct 11
48. Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
49. Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - September 19 - October 26
50. Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
A Thousand Cranes - October 10-18
51. Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Homeschool Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
Mozart's Requiem - October 18 (Bass Hall)
The Nutcracker - December 12 (Bass Hall)
The Nutcracker - December 23-28 (Fair Park Music Hall)
Swan Lake - February 14 (Majestic Theater)
Swan Lake - February 21 (Bass Hall)
Cleopatra - March 28 (Bass Hall)
52. Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
ART MUSEUMS
53. Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
54. Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs - Opens Oct 3
55. Kimball Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
The Impressionists - Through November 2
56. Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
Your Incredible Body -- Opens September 20
57. Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
58. Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
59. Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
60. Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
61. Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
62. Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
63. Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
64. Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park
65. Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
66. Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
67. Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers
68. Home School Athletic Association
69. THESA Riders Home School Sports Association
70. Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
71. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Highland Park
72. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Southlake
73. Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
74. Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
75. Tae Kwondo for Home Schoolers -- Plano
SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
76. Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
77. Arlington Association Home Educators (AAHE) -- Arlington
78. Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
79. How Now Homeschooling -- Plano/Frisco/Allen/McKinney area
80. Keller 4H Club Meetings -- Keller
81. Lewisville Area Speech and Debate Club -- Lewisville
82. North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
83. Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
84. Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
85. SALT Co-Op -- DeSoto
86. Homeschoolers Offering Moms Encouragement (HOME) -- Flower Mound
COLLEGE PREP
87. SAT Test Dates
88. SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas
Grapevine - October 3 & 4
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
89. Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship -- Deadline December 1, 2008
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
90. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
91. Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
92. Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Hot Meals -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
93. Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals at The Stewpot -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
94. Tutoring/Group Lessons Available in Various Subject Areas
95. Carole Joy Seid Seminar: Begin with the End in Mind -- Ft. Worth -- October 11
96. Kids and Critters at State Fair of Texas -- Dallas County Only -- Sept 30-Oct 17
97. Little Hands on the Farm Looking for Volunteers -- State Fair of Texas
98. Heritage Farmstead Museum Presents: Annual Harvest Festival and Craft Fair -- Plano -- Oct 5
99. WILD Homeschool Day at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point -- October 14
100. THSC Leadership Conference -- Waxahachie -- October 24-26
101. 30th Congressional District: 16th Annual Military Service Academy Day -- Dallas -- Nov 1
102. Toyota Driving Expectations (Free Program for Student Drivers) -- Grand Prairie -- Nov 7-9 & 14-16
103. Science Teachers Day (American Physical Society) -- Dallas -- November 18
104. Plasma Sciences Expo for Middle & High School Students & Teachers -- Dallas -- Nov 20-21
105. Teen Pact Texas Capitol Classes -- Austin -- March/April 2009
JOB OPENINGS
106. Check-In Receptionist, Check-Out Receptionist, and Technician Positions Open -- DeSoto Area
107. Great Opportunities for Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Hurricane Ike Scholarship Fund
– by Tim Lambert, THSC
As many of you are well aware, devastating Hurricane Ike hit Galveston and destroyed many homes and businesses not only in that area but also in much of Southeast Texas. Most of the 57,000 residents of Galveston fled for their lives, and millions of people in Southeast Texas lost power and suffered flood damage. Hundreds of thousands in the Houston area continue to live without electricity. The Category 2 storm with winds in excess of 100 mph caused over sixty deaths, including twenty-six in Texas, and billions of dollars in damage. While many of the families are now beginning to return to Galveston, it will be a very long time before many of those families are able to fully recover.
The families without power are finding it a difficult task to maintain a somewhat normal life, and home school families are no different. Many families have lost everything, and others have lost time from work and their lives; home school families have lost curricula and, in some cases, books and educational materials collected over many years.
While the media begin to pay less attention to these hurting families, Texas home schoolers have asked how we can help them. First, we would encourage you to pray for these families. In addition, THSC has established a scholarship fund for those who would like to contribute to help these families replace home school curricula and educational materials. Contributions to THSC designated for this fund will be disbursed to families in need as a result of Hurricane Ike. If you wish, you may donate online. When you get to the special instruction field, type "Ike" in that field. We will set that money aside for these families. Thank you for praying with us for these families and helping to meet their need for home school curricula.
Tim Lambert is the president of the Texas Home School Coalition, our state advocacy group whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Toyota Offering Free Hands-On Defensive Driving Instruction for Student Drivers and Newly-Licensed Teens
– by Michael Rouse
Statistically speaking, while teen drivers account for just 6.6 percent of all licensed drivers, they account for nearly 14 percent of all fatal crashes. In an effort to improve these odds, Toyota is bringing its Toyota Driving Expectations program to Grand Prairie to help promote safe driving among teens.
This free program is open to the public, and will be held November 7-9 and November 14-16 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.
The program puts newly licensed teens (and teens with permits) into the classroom for instruction and behind the wheel on multiple defensive-driving courses.
Toyota Driving Expectations goes beyond what is currently taught in typical driver's training classes, to help teens identify with and react to dangerous driving situations. For example, to demonstrate the critical relationship between distractions and reaction time, both teens and parents navigate a driving course while drinking water, listening to loud music, and talking on a cell phone. They also experience hard braking maneuvers on wet and dry pavement and maneuver through multiple slalom driving courses under the watchful eyes of professional drivers.
The program offers parents insight into the challenges facing teen drivers, and provides recommendations and countermeasures for any driving concerns they may have.
To download an event flyer with more information on Toyota Driving Expectations: http://www.hear
To Register: www.ToyotaDrivingExpectations.com
Toyota Driving Expectations is a free public program that is fully funded by Toyota and endorsed by both the National Safety Council and the Federal Highway Administration. Michael Rouse is the corporate manager for philanthropy and community affairs at Toyota.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Texas Ballet Theater Offering Special Ticket Prices for Homeschoolers!
We are pleased to announce that Texas Ballet Theater has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special ticket prices to homeschoolers! Any homeschooler can take advantage of these tickets. Just mention HEART of Texas when you call.
The performances and dates that are available for the special homeschool price are:
Mozart's Requiem – October 18 at 2pm at Bass Hall
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating) or $14/upper gallery
To Reserve Tickets: Call Cyndee Weeks 877-828-9200, ext 126
You will need to mention "HEART of Texas" when you call to get the special rate.
The Nutcracker – December 12 at 8pm at Bass Hall
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating)
To Reserve Tickets: Click Here for instructions
The Nutcracker – December 23-28 at Fair Park Music Hall, Dallas
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating)
To Reserve Tickets: Call Cyndee Weeks 877-828-9200, ext 126
You will need to mention "HEART of Texas" when you call to get the special rate.
Swan Lake – February 14 at 2pm at Majestic Theater
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating)
To Reserve Tickets: Call Cyndee Weeks 877-828-9200, ext 126
You will need to mention "HEART of Texas" when you call to get the special rate.
Swan Lake – February 21 at 2pm at Bass Hall
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating)
To Reserve Tickets: Call Cyndee Weeks 877-828-9200, ext 126
You will need to mention "HEART of Texas" when you call to get the special rate.
Cleopatra (PG-13) – March 28 at 2pm at Bass Hall
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating)
To Reserve Tickets: Call Cyndee Weeks 877-828-9200, ext 126
You will need to mention "HEART of Texas" when you call to get the special rate.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Southern England Study Tour for Homeschoolers
Exerience Southern England with your kids! This exciting customized 9-day trip taking you through the beautiful and historic English countryside is designed specifically by homeschoolers for homeschoolers. Experience first hand thousands of years of history and culture in the unique villages of Southern England and its fascinating capital city of London. Explore the pre-historic monoliths of Stonehenge, the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, make your own pilgrimage to Canterbury and revel in its Gothic towers and experience a West End show in London. Truly a journey of a lifetime!
There are just a few openings left for this tour lead by local homeschool leaders. We depart March of 2009. Come and join us! Learn more at www.e-tours.biz or contact Dana Opper directly at 817-303-9621.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Begin with the End in Mind
– by Carole Joy Seid
What is your goal as parents? What is the true and lasting vision for your children’s future lives? Get that picture firmly planted in your hearts while they are young – the character traits that you will rejoice in as you gaze at your children from your death bed. Dream with me...Godly characteristics such as honesty, integrity, an adult who will keep their word (even if it is to their financial loss), kindness, generosity, a servant’s heart, great work ethic, perseverance…What are your deepest wishes for your children when they obtain adulthood?
Now let’s start building toward those traits from their infancy. Be intentional about these things, while they are young. Don’t wait until they are ready for college to sow into their character, begin now. If your children are in their teen years already, is it too late? No, it’s never too late, but it certainly is easier when the cement is still wet. If it has begun to set, pray for the Lord’s mercy to “restore the years the canker worm has eaten”, and remember for all of us, “it is His mercy that we are not consumed.”
Of course the single most significant and lasting character trait is a loving and reverential relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Who cares if our children grow up to be multi-millionaires (gaining the whole world) if they lose their souls in the process?
After nearly 20 years of working with home school families I have found the single most effective tool to shape a child’s character is great literature. A wonderful book can get into the places of a person’s heart that no lecture or sermon can. The right book at the right time can change the course of your child’s entire destiny.
What type of books you may ask? Well how about The Chosen by Chaim Potok? It is the story of two young Jewish men, from very different cultures, growing up as friends in New York City in the 1940’s. This is a book that will lay your sons’or daughters’ hearts open like a filleted fish. It deals with the value of suffering in the development of empathy and compassion in a leader. This is not light reading, but it can shape a child’s life.
Silas Marner by George Eliot displays the power of love to transform the most wounded and twisted heart. A thin, short book, it packs a wallop for anyone willing to plummet its depths. Being exposed to people of purity is always a challenge to a thinking adolescent. Diamond in At the Back of the North Wind is such a literary character. Though he is a little boy himself, he makes you want to “grow up to be just like him.” The power of exposure to goodness cannot be measured.
Having been a classroom teacher and now a home school advocate for many years, I have just one concern. Please avoid the tendency to use great literature as food for preachy sermonettes with your children. Leave your kids alone with the issues and characters in the great books. Trust the Holy Spirit and respect your children as they grapple with these life defining issues. They will get it, if they are exposed to a steady diet of great books throughout their lives.
How many of us, as adults, can look back on the journey God brought us through, and say “it was this or that book that met me a crucial period in my life that changed the course of all that followed.”
Happy Reading!
Editor's Note: You can hear more at Carole Joy Seid's all-day seminar "Begin with the End in Mind," October 11 at Christ Chapel Church in Ft. Worth. $45 advance registration postmarked by October 6 or $53 at the door. For more information about the seminar and registration information click here.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers!
NEST Family Learning has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer a special discount to readers of our newsletter!
For a limited time, you can enjoy an additional 15% discount on materials plus FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more.
Simply visit
http://www.nestlearning.com/c-5-homeschool.aspx?s_cid=heart to start shopping and begin enjoying your savings today! Use coupon code "HEART" when placing your order.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES
Summer Reading Programs, Clubs, Story Times, Events, Activities, and more! Libraries in North Texas are gearing up for an action-packed, fun-filled summer that will inspire a love of reading!
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information: Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373
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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location: 500 W. 3rd St
817-871-7701
DIAMOND HILL/JARVIS
Location: NE 35th Street
817-624-7331
EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location: 4300 E. Berry St.
817-536-1945
EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 6301 Bridge St.
817-871-6436
MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location: 2800 Stark St.
817-451-0916
NORTHSIDE LIBRARY
Location: 601 Park Street
817-626-8241
RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location: 3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
817-737-6619
RIVERSIDE LIBRARY:
Location: 2913 Yucca Avenue
817-838-6931
SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location: 959 East Rosedale St.
817-871-6621
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 4001 Library Ln.
817-782-9853
SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location: 4205 Basswood Blvd.
817-232-0478
WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location: 3816 Kimberly Ln.
817-292-3368
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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 901 Precinct Line Road
Hurst, TX 76053
817-788-7300
Contact: rreynaro@ci.hurst.us
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time
Time: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Ages: 3-6 years old
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS -- Toddler Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Ages: 1-3 years old
MONDAYS -- Chess Club
Time: 4:00 – 5 pm
Ages: Elementary ages and up
SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH -- Chapter Chats
Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9)
Time: 7-8pm
Ages: 4th-6th graders
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.
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McKINNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
Contact: Wendy Turner – wturner@mckinneytexas.org or 972-547-7319
HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2008
Registration is required.
OCTOBER 30, DECEMBER 4: Getting to Know Your Library
*Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: K—3rd
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Dulaney Room
Details: Participate in a special program to learn more about the library and the Children’s Dept.
OCTOBER 7: Research Gathering Skills
Grades: 5th—8th
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Details: Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many resources.
NOVEMBER 4: Basic Internet Searching
Grades: 6th and up
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Details: Learn how to search the internet and how to evaluate internet sites to get reliable and quality information.
SEPTEMBER 25: Teen Book Club
Grades: 6th grade and up
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Upstairs Conference Room
For More Information: Helen Talley at htalley@mckinneytexas.org or 972-547-7326
DECEMBER 8: Basic PowerPoint
Grades: 4th—6th
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Conference Room (Upstairs)
Details: Gain hands-on experience and make a basic PowerPoint presentation.
DECEMBER 15, 22, 29 & JANUARY 5, 12: Texas BlueBonnet Book Club
Grades: 3rd—6th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Children’s Department
Details: The Bluebonnet book club will meet five times to discuss all of the 2008/2009 Bluebonnet book nominees and then participants will vote for their favorite nominee.
Program Calender: Click Here
For More Information: Contact Wendy Turner at 972-547-7319 or wturner@mckinneytexas.org
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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location: 201 S. College Ave
One block southwest of the square in downtown Tyler
Contact: Evelyn James – 903-593-7323 – programs@tylertexas.com
Preschoolers DayCare StoryShare
MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
Time: 10:30 a.m. in the Storyroom
Friends share stories, songs, and books with childcare groups.
Please email or call to register
ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Time: 10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families
AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school “reading buddies”
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2. BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM
ENROLL TODAY FOR 2008-2009 PROGRAM
(individual families only may enroll)
Who Can Participate: Children in grades K-6.
The Book It! Reading Program is sponsored by Pizza Hut and runs from October 2008 through March 2009. It is available for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.
The reading program allows the children to earn free personal pan pizzas for meeting their reading goals.
Important Note: This year, the Book It! Program is changing its enrollment procedures for home schoolers. Support groups will no longer be able to register families for the program. Each family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate.
For Program Information: http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/k6enroll.asp
To Enroll Your Homeschool: http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/pub_priv_enroll.asp
Book It! Hotline: 1-800-426-6548
Hotline hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. CT (Monday through Friday)
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3. BRAUMS BOOK BUDDY PROGRAM
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2008-2009
The Braum's Book Buddy program gives children the opportunity to read for delicious prizes from Braum's!
Who Can Participate: Children in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
Program Runs: September through end of school year.
Reward: Each child can earn up to six Braum's treats throughout the year including Single Dip Sundaes, Single Dip Ice Cream Cones and more! The best part...it costs nothing to participate in Braum's Book Buddy reading program. We're happy to offer this program to elementary schools and home schools absolutely free! At Braum's, we want to promote a positive attitude in children for a lifetime love of reading.
How does Book Buddy work?
Teachers distribute Braum's Book Buddy booklets to their students and then monitor book reading by placing a Book Buddy sticker in the student's booklet for each book read. When a student has read six books, the teacher rewards the student with a coupon for a free treat from Braum's!
To Enroll:
Send us a written request for enrollment information on school letterhead to:
Braum's Book Buddy Reading Program
PO Box 25429
OKC, OK 73125
Upon receipt of your written request (and upon meeting criteria) we will add your school to our mailing list and your school will automatically receive information on the program each year. Braum's Book Buddy program is a great way to encourage children to read and earn prizes at the same time!
For More Information:
www.braums.com/bookbuddy.asp
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4. BEST ROBOTICS 2008 PREVIEW: JUST PLANE CRAZY!
BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.
Get the first look at the theme for next year's competition!
Visit: http://www.bestinc.org/MVC/
YES Program Information
Igus® Inc. offers free products through the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, designed to foster the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering. The program aims to not only support students and engineers, but also educate them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. The program offers donations to students and engineering competitions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The benefits of the Y.E.S. Program are boundless for both igus and
young engineers.
To get an extra copy of the 2008 Product Data Guide included in your igus kit?
Download it here: www.igus.com/yesprogram/
ATTENTION FIRST TEAMS!
Due to the excited, enthusiastic, yet overwhelming number of requests from FIRST teams this season, igus must alter its policy regarding its product donation to teams. As of February 1, 2008, igus will only be able to donate products included in the original kit of FIRST parts to teams.
Student Sample Request Form
If you are a student or individual involved with an engineering project or robotics competition who would like request products, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/student_request.asp
Please note that the Y.E.S. Program is not limited to students, but also welcomes requests from all individuals or organizations competing in robotic and autonomous vehicle competitions.
Curriculum Product Request Form
If you are a teacher, professor or advisor and would like to request products and information to incoroporate into your curriculum or would like an in-class presentation from a cable carrier or bearings expert, please fill out the Curriculum Product Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp
For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Courtney Toomey, Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or via e-mail at ctoomey@igus.com
or visiting www.igus.com/yesprogram
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5. TEXAS STATE FISH-ART CONTEST
ENTRIES DUE MARCH 31, 2009 (ongoing annual contest)
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is the official host for the Texas State-Fish Art Contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever. All Texas entries in the annual contest are to be sent to TFFC for judging. Winning Texas entries will be forwarded to Wildlife Forever to compete for national best of show and art of conservation stamp honors.
Who Can Participate: All Texas students in grades 4 through 12.
Categories: State-Fish Art Contest entries are judged in three categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. One Texas winner from each category is selected each year.
Winners are invited to attend the national awards ceremony at Minnesota's Mall of America each summer. Winning designs will be featured on the official State-Fish Art website. One piece of artwork in each grade category will be selected as the national best of show winner, and one entry will be chosen as the annual art of conservation stamp award and be featured on Wildlife Forever's conservation stamp for the coming year. Entries must be postmarked by March 31 each year and must comply with all rules and regulations. An official entry form must accompany all entries.
How to Enter: Students must create an illustration of the Texas state fish or one of the other state fishes and write a composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation. Texas students are encouraged, but not required, to depict the Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass. Texas entries are judged only against other Texas entries no matter what fish is depicted.
About the Contest: The State-Fish Art Contest is part of a conservation education program designed to spark the imaginations of students while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas' aquatic resources. We also offer you the choice to use our free lesson plan.
For Rules:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/education/fish_art/rules.phtml
For More Information: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/education/fish_art/
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6. NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 7-8TH GRADERS
This program gives middle school students a fun way to tackle real-world
problems while building their math, science and technology skills.
Ages: Teams of seventh and eighth grade students, with the guidance of a teacher and an
engineer, design a city using SimCity software.
Cost: Cost is minimal and we provide the software.
The winning team gets a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals.
Details: Last year was the seventh year DFW hosted a regional competition. More
than 600 students participated. Dozens of engineers have already signed up
to support the 2007-08 competition. We need your help to notify middle
school teachers of this exciting, worthwhile opportunity, which is aligned
to national educational technology standards***.
For More Information: Contact Jean Eason at j.eason@ieee.org
or visit www.dfwfuturecity.org
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7. USA MATHEMATICAL TALENT SEARCH
OCTOBER 14 --- Postmark Deadline for Solutions
To Register: Click here
If you participated in a previous year, register for Year 20 by logging in, using the same username/password as you did in the past. The first time you log in this year, you will be asked to verify that your information (address, email, grade, etc.) is still current, and make any necessary changes.
Round 1 Problems can be found: www.usamts.org
All USAMTS participants must fill out and sign an Entry/Permission form.
You must do this even if you participated in a previous year.
The form can be submitted by mail along with your first set of solutions, or separately by mail or fax anytime before the Round 1 entry deadline of October 14.
Details: If you have participated in the USAMTS in the past, you will notice a number of changes this year. In particular, solutions may be submitted by web upload or by mail. Emailed or faxed solutions will no longer be accepted. Please carefully read all of the Year 20 changes on the website.
Please note: You do not have to use LaTeX; you may handwrite your solutions if you wish.
Students using LaTeX to typeset their solutions are strongly encouraged to use the template files provided by the USAMTS. (Click here to learn how to use LaTeX.)
Handwritten Solutions Form: If you are handwriting solutions, you should use the USAMTS Solutions Form to write your solutions. Please note that you should print your name and USAMTS User ID on every page, along with the round and problem numbers. No piece of paper should have work for more than one problem.
We hope you enjoy the problems, and we look forward to your participation on the USAMTS this year.
Best regards,
--Dave Patrick
Director, USA Mathematical Talent Search
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8. CITY OF FORT WORTH YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
In recent years, there has been a growing trend to involve youth in local government. The Fort Worth City Council believes that the voices of young people are important. To facilitate that, the Council has approved a new Youth Advisory Board for the City of Fort Worth. The Youth Advisory Board will advise the City Council on issues regarding the youth in the City of Fort Worth. A brief summary of the Youth Advisory Board follows.
Who May Apply: High school age students who are between the ages of 14-18 and who reside in Fort Worth may submit an application for consideration for appointment to the advisory board.
Purpose:
The Youth Advisory Board shall:
• act in an advisory capacity to the Fort Worth City Council;
• study youth issues important to the community;
• encourage youth to become actively involved in matters pertaining to the community; and,
• act as a source of information and education on issues important to youth.
Members:
The Youth Advisory Board shall be composed of 27 members who will meet bi-monthly.
Activities:
To be determined by the Youth Advisory Board, following the direction of City Council.
Contact For More Information: Carol Everhart at carol.everhart@fortworthgov.org
Community Relations Department, School and Youth Outreach
1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, TX 76102
817.392.8444 817.392.7529 (fax)
For an application: http://www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
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9. CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS TEEN COURT
Teen Court benefits both youth and community by providing an alternative method of adjudicating juvenile offenders and allowing teen volunteers to learn about the judicial system, while documenting Community Service hours.
Who Can Volunteer: Full time students ages 13-18 who are in PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR HOME SCHOOLS.
Volunteers may serve as jurors for our Teen Court sessions, or once trained, can act as a defense attorney or prosecutor in our Teen Court trials.
Teen Defendants are held responsible for their behavior while giving them the opportunity to participate in and become knowledgeable about the judicial system. Juvenile Offenders "pay" for their offense(s) by performing community service and participating in Teen Court. Volunteer teen attorneys present offender's cases to a jury of their peers.
Upon successful completion of the program, offender's cases are dismissed and do not appear on their permanent records. Teen Court alleviates the strain on the regular court system, besides giving juvenile offenders a second chance. The program also provides youths in the area a chance to participate in the judicial process.
Location: North Richland Hills Teen Court
6720 N.E. Loop 820
North Richland Hills, Tx 76180 817-427-6705
To Volunteer: Contact Heather Hollingsworth at hhollingsworth@nrhtx.com
For More Information: http://www.nrhtx.com/dept_courts_teen.aspx
You may also come to Teen Court on any night Teen Court is in session to observe, prior to signing up to be a volunteer.
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10. TEXAS HOME SCHOOL COALITION GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD PROGRAM
Do you ever scratch your head when thinking about how to fulfill the requirement of a "study of good citizenship"? THSC offers a Good Citizenship Program, which rewards students for their participation in the political process and helps them fulfill that requirement.
Certificates are printed, upon request, for students who have volunteered at least forty hours in Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process, in any combination.
Each year the program culminates with rewards presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet. The volunteer hours may be tracked on a form that can be downloaded and printed as often as needed. Students will be granted eight hours for each Capitol Day attended.
Please note that, while certificates will be issued upon request at any time, the awards will be given based on hours worked between April 1, 2008, and April 1, 2009. The forms must be postmarked or e-mailed no later than April 1 if students are to be considered for awards.
What is a course in good citizenship: For a detailed description, please visit: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship_program.asp
The Good Citizenship Certificates and Awards
THSC has instituted an ongoing program to recognize home school students who participate in good citizenship activities with its Good Citizenship Certificate. This certificate will be awarded to each student who participates with at least forty (40) hours of volunteer work in any combination from the following areas: Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process.
Home school students may be awarded THSC Good Citizenship Certificates at any time following the completion of 40 hours of good citizenship work.
Any home schooled student who earns a Good Citizenship Certificate is automatically entered into the competition for THSC’s Good Citizenship Awards. The following awards recognize the Texas students with the most volunteer hours (highest number of voters registered for the Alamo Award) in each category and are presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet.
Alamo Award
New voters can be registered most easily when an adult becomes a deputy voter registrar. The parent or support group member can then work with home school students as a deputy voter registrar to take voter registration cards to people who fill them in and give them to the deputy voter registrar. These completed cards will then be delivered by the deputy voter registrar to the voter registrar of the county. Home school students can use meetings of support groups, church meetings, and other gathering to register new voters. Deputy voter registrars will be responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Alamo Good Citizenship Award to the student who registers the most new voters in Texas for each year.
Ranger Award
Credit for the certificate may also be earned by volunteer work in the campaign of candidates for public office. Any local, state, or federal campaign qualifies for this effort. Campaign officials are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Ranger Good Citizenship Award to the student with the most hours of volunteer work in political campaigns.
Lone Star Award
Home school students may earn credit for good citizenship in the political party process by volunteering to help at precinct, county/senatorial, or state conventions or other political party functions of their chosen political party. Political party officers are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Lone Star Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours in the category of the political party process in Texas.
Republic Award
Finally, credit for this certificate may also be earned by students who are involved in the legislative process at any local, state, or federal level. Time spent in working for or against any particular issue qualifies. Parents or leaders of any group working on such issues are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate. In addition, THSC will award the Republic Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours each year in the category of the legislative process.
The THSC Good Citizenship Certificates will be mailed to students upon receipt of verification from the officials documenting the hours. The Alamo, Ranger, Lone Star & Republic Awards will be given to winners at the THSC Awards Banquet held each year.
To View a Sample Certificate: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship_certificate.asp
To Download the Good Citizenship Registration and Tracking Form: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship.asp
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11. CERTIFICATES OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
District 24
Congressman Kenny Marchant, U.S. House of Representative, would like to give each graduating senior, who resides in the 24th District of Texas, a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
The certificates will be printed with the name of the senior and will be signed by the Congressman.
The completed certificates will then be mailed directly to the senior’s home address.
If interested, please send the name of the graduating high school senior, the date of graduation and the senior’s home address to:
tammi.bartlett@mail.house.gov or call Congressman Marchant’s office at 972.556.0162.
Address:
Congressman Kenny Marchant
9901 E. Valley Ranch Parkway, Ste. 3035
Irving, Texas 75063
To find out if your Congressman has a similar program, please contact your representative:
To Locate Your Representatives:
www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
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12. ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
The 2008 competition is over, but will be held again in Spring 2009.
"An Artistic Discovery" is the annual nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Congressional District may host its own competition, and since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.
This spring, several North Texas Congressional offices will hold contests. The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! In addition, the winners and their two guests are invited to the nation's capital in the summer to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the winning artists from across the country and opening the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" exhibition. Thousands of people visiting the nation's capitol, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs, are able to walk through the exhibit daily, viewing artwork from Congressional districts throughout the country—each piece highlighted with the name of the work and student artist.
Interested students and teachers should contact their congressional office ASAP for more information.
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13. THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
CLASSES OFFERED at THEO
FALL 2008 CLASSES
Register for the Fall!!
Classes offered in the following subject areas:
Math
Science
Music
Art
Business/Computer
Languages
Writing/Grammar/Literature
History/World Views
Drama
Sewing
Drafting
Yearbook
Speed Reading
Public Speaking
Location: 1301 Custer Road, Suite 703
Plano, TX 75075
For More Information: www.THEOsonline.org
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14. CHRISTIAN COTTAGE PREP
Christian Cottage Prep is taking applications for the 2008/2009 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.
The program for 2008-2009 will allow up to three part time students (3 or 4 day “in class” days per week) and three or more full time students (5 days per week) in each classroom. The maximum is six students per room in order to give individual attention to each student. Students are all middle school grades 6th, 7th, and 8th.
CCP welcomes students that have had difficulty with academics (one or more subjects), want to raise their Stanford Achievement test scores to a higher level, or for the student that has “not fit in” due to unique circumstances in a traditional setting. Each student is tested in math and English for proper level placement
Location: 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 335
Fort Worth, TX 76112
Contact: 817-975-6209 or teriwillis5309@sbcglobal.net
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15. 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.
PSAT/SAT Math Tutoring Workshops:
OCTOBER 4: 10am-12pm
OCTOBER 8: 7pm-9pm
Cost: $30/student per workshop
Register on-line two days before date to reserve seat!
Details: Preparing for the SAT or PSAT? Having difficulties with some algebra or geometry problems? Need a review before the big test? Take a practice test, grade it and bring your questions with you for this group and one-on-one tutoring session.
Our new location:
4501 Rowlett Road, Suite 105
Rowlett, TX 75088
972-475-4138
www.CERConline.org
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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16. COOKE COUNTY COTILLION FOR HOME SCHOOLED TEENS!
Our mission is to provide our homeschooled teens an opportunity to learn etiquette, semi-formal dining etiquette, and ballroom dancing skills in a Christian environment. We meet 8 times per season with our last cotillion of the season a formal and usually at a special location.
Cost: $30 per family per year for registration. Each event is $15 per teen. We emphasize RSVP for each event. Teens are not required to pay for an event if they are unable to attend.
We also allow non-homeschooled teens. Each season we have had a couple of teens who were not homeschooled yet wished to participate in our cotillion. They have all been a blessing to our group.
This past year, our teens came from Denton, Sherman, Denison, Ft. Worth, Mansfield, Burleson, as well as Gainesville and the surrounding small communities.
Contact: Sara D. Bell at mommers@ntin.net or
940-668-7833 or 940-736-6792 (cell)
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17. CLASSES AT CREATIVE ARTS IN ACTION
Creative Arts in Action, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
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://www.creativeartsinaction.com/
Discount: Creative Arts In Action 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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18. EASTFIELD COLLEGE
FALL 2008 HOMESCHOOL CLASSES:
Parent Homeschool Resources, 509322 EDUZ 1000 40003, Tuesdays, 6-8pm, C281, 10/7-11/14/08, 10 hours/5 classes, $50, Lisa Coleman
Global Warming (history or science), 509302 GELZ 1000 40001, Fridays, 2:15-4:15pm, N216, 9/12-12/12/08 (no class 11/28), 26 hours/13 classes, $130, Linda Click
Shakespeare Goes To The Movies, (English literature 511659 ENGZ 1000 40010, Tuesdays, 3-5pm, C116, 9/16-12/16/08 (no class 11/25), 26 hours/13 classes, $140, Ginger Hill-Hoffman
Research Skills English writing research paper), 509535 CRWZ 1000 40101, Fridays, 12-2pm, N216, 9/12-12/12/08 (no class 11/28/08), 26 hours/13 classes, $130, Delia Nedelcu
Adobe Photoshop CS3 (age 15+), 509235 ARTC 1090 41120, Friday, 8am-11am, L116, 9/5-11/21/08, (no class 11/28), 36 hours/12 classes, $150, David Danforth
FLASH 2D Animation (age 15+), 509242 ARTC 1090 41183, Fridays, 12-3pm, L116, 9/5-11/21/08, (no class 11/28), 36 hours/12 classes, $150, David Danforth
Internet & Web Page Design, 509138 TNLZ 1000 40003, Fridays, 9am-11am, L108D, 9/12-12/12/08 (no class 11/28), 26 hours/13 classes, $ 130, Robert Brenner
Writing, Grammar & Speech (beginner writing), 509456 DWRZ 1000 40103, Thursdays, 3-5pm, C116, 9/11-12/11/08, (no class 11/27/08), 26 hours/13 classes, $150,Delia Nedelcu
Spanish IA Teens, 509355 TNLZ 1000 40902, Thursdays, 1-3pm, L302, 9/18-12/18/08, (no class 11/27/08), 26 hours/ 13 classes, $130, Gayle Rhoads
Spanish IIA Teens, 509363 TNLZ 1000 40912, Wednesdays, 1-3pm, L302, 9/17-12/17/08 (no class 11/26/08), 26 hours/ 13 classes, $130, Gayle Rhoads
Spanish IIIA Teens, 509403 TNLZ 1000 40922, Mondays, 1-3pm, L302, 9/15-12/15/08, (no class 11/24/08), 26 hours/ 13 classes, $130, Gayle Rhoads
Middle School Earth Science, 509298 SIEZ 1000 40505, Fridays, 10am-12pm, C116 and lab C321, 9/12-12/12/08, 26 hours/13 classes, $140,Tamia Boyer
Middle School Life Science, 509304 SIEZ 1000 40515, Fridays, 2-4pm, C116, 3-4pm S315, 9/5-12/12/08 (no class 11/28), 28 hours/14 classes, $140, Alicia Hill
Middle School Chemistry & Physical Science, Pre- req math including decimals) 509301 SIEZ 1000 40604, Fridays, 8am-10am, C116, C320 (lab physics) & S 200 (lab chemistry), 9/5-12/12/08 (no class 11/28), 28 hours/14 classes, $140, Tamia Boyer
Biology Teens, (pre-req middle school chemistry)
509343 SIEZ 1000 40214, Mondays 9-10:30am in C116 and Fridays, 4-6pm in S315 lab, 9/8-12/15/08 (no class 11/24 thru 11/28/08), 45 hours, 30classes, $175, Alicia Hill
Chemistry for Teens, (Pre req Algebra I and middle school chemistry)
509331 SIEZ 1000 40303, Wednesdays, 9-11am in C116 and Fridays, 9-11am in lab S200, 9/3/08-12/10/08 (no class 11/24 thru 11/28/08), 56 hours/15 classes, $180, Alicia Hill
Pre-Algebra Math Teens, 509303 DMAZ 1000 40123, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am-12:50pm, N216, 9/2-12/18/08 (skip 11/25 & 11/27), 40 hours/30 classes, $150, Carlos Chairez
Algebra I Teens, 509306 DMAZ 1000 40203, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30pm-2:50pm, N216, 9/2-12/18/08 (skip 11/25 & 11/27), 40 hours/30 classes, $150, Carlos Chairez
Algebra II Teens, 509310 DMAZ 1000 40302, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-4:20pm, N216, 9/2-12/18/08 (skip 11/25 & 11/27), 40 hours/30 classes, $150, Carlos Chairez
Geometry Teens, 509313 DMAZ 1000 40412, Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:30-2:50pm, N216, 9/3-12/22/08 (skip 11/24 & 11/26 40 hours/30 classes, $150, Carlos Chairez
Pre-Calculus Teens, 509315 DMAZ 1000 40952, Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-4:20pm, N216, 9/3-12/22/08 (skip 11/24 & 11/26), 40 hours/30 classes, $150, Carlos Chairez
Math Magician Tutoring, 509320 DMAZ 1000 40962, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, N216, 10/6-12/17 (skip 11/24 & 11/26), 40 hours/20 classes, $150, Carlos Chairez
For Registration or Other Information: Contact Mary Ann Fitzsimmons at 972-860-7017 or Click Here to Email Mary Ann
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19. ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN LEWISVILLE
We are currently accepting applications for our Winter Semester 2009.
We offer classes from preschool through high school with a nursery available. In addition, we offer monthly activities for families to connect outside of classes.
JANUARY 9, 2009 – Classes Begin
FEBRUARY 13, 2009 – Mid-Semester Break
MARCH 20, 2009 – Classes End
Classes meet on Fridays
8:30am to 12:20 Noon
An optional fourth hour is available for high school students.
For More Information: Lesa Bledsoe at 940-455-7000
www.enrichmentclasses.org
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20. 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. Our goal is to partner with Christian families as they carry out their primary role in the nurture and education of their children.
NEW HOME SCHOOL CLASSES:
Dyslexia Training Program for home school students!
The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Dyslexia Training Program (DTP) is being offered for home school students with dyslexia beginning this fall, 2008 at Faith Christian Academy in McKinney. The DTP program was developed by the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas as a response to the need to provide dyslexia intervention throughout Texas and around the world. The DTP introduces reading and writing skills to students through a two-year cumulative program and emphasizes intense phonetic analysis of written language and is presented in a structured, multisensory sequence of: Alphabet, Dictionary skills, Reading, Spelling, Cursive handwriting, Listening, Language history, Listening and reading comprehension, Review activities.
Each lesson is one hour long and the program is a two-year program, with three schedules of lessons. Included in the DTP are various supplemental materials needed to implement the program, which are covered by a supply fee.
Maximum # of students: 6 per class. Will add classes as needed
Days/Time: Call to schedule.
Contact for Pricing and Enrollment Information:
972-658-2348 (summer phone)
Or e-mail tgore@fcamckinney.com
High School English: Writing/Literature (for English credit)
Taught by Bev Cook
This class is designed for High School students, combining both literature (Teaching the Classics) and writing (The Institute of Excellence in Writing). Students will develop proficiency in writing as they study and utilize the IEW method. This classical system stresses modeling and builds a firm foundation of specific writing skills and techniques. As well as developing/improving their writing skills, students will explore literature systematically as they learn to analyze character, plot, theme, and other literary techniques. They will also be required to do a research paper during the year to become familiar with MLA format and the documenting of sources. Required readings of classic novels will be the basis for their literary writings. This class will meet the requirements for 1 High School English Credit.
Prerequisite: 1 Year of IEW Writing preferred but not required.
Maximum # of students: 15
Cost: $65/month + $25 supply fee
When: Thursdays from August 18, 2008 - May 21, 2009
10:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Middle School-Grades 6-8th: Writing Course (IEW) Institute of Excellence in Writing
Taught by Bev Cook
This class is designed for students who have a simple understanding of grammar, i.e. know verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and sentence structure. Using the IEW method, students will learn proven techniques needed to build a solid writing foundation. At the end of the year, they will know 5 IEW decorations, 5 IEW sentence openers, 5 IEW dress-ups, 50 new vocabulary words, plus have experience writing short reports/essays, narrative stories, mini-research papers, and creative writing assignments. In addition, they will learn valuable organization skills by keeping a class notebook.
Prerequisite: None
Maximum # of students: 6
Cost: $55/month + $25 supply fee
When: Thursdays from August 18, 2008 - May 21, 2009
1:30-3:00 p.m.
OTHER HOMESCHOOL CLASSES OFFERED
Academic classes through 8th grade – offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Classes include Government (A Beka), English (IEW), Algebra I, Earth & Space Science with Labs; Spring 2009: Earth, Spanish I, SAT Prep; Stock Market Game, Speech, Bible, Study Skills, Music Multi-Media Production class
Enrichment classes through 8th grade – offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Classes include Spanish, Music, Drama, Art, Crafts and more!
High School classes offered on Tuesdays/Thursdays:
Classes include Geometry, English, Biology, Health, “Cracking the SAT U.S. History Subject Test”, Applied Music and Theory, The Stock Market Game, and Audio Video Technical Production.
TESTING SERVICES
Call for details: 972-562-5323 ext. 22
For More Information:
Contact Toni Gore at tgore@fcamckinney.org or 972-562-5323 ext. 22
Location: Faith Christian Academy
115A Industrial Boulevard
McKinney, TX
www.fcamckinney.com
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21. FABULOUS FRIDAYS IN LITTLE ELM
Zooniversity and Karate Classes for Homeschoolers in Little Elm.
FRIDAYS
SEPTEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 21
Time: 10 am - 10:45 am - Zooniversity (runs 10 weeks, with Oct. 10 & 24 off)
11 am - 11:45 am - Karate
(choose one or both)
Grades: K-5
Location: Sidekicks Karate Studio
2700 E. Eldorado Parkway, Suite 207
Little Elm, TX 75068
972-294-8100
Cost: Karate: $50/month; no registration fees; $25 for optional uniforms
Zooniversity: $100
Deposit: Karate: $5 (will be applied toward tuition)
Zooniversity: $40 (will count toward November's tuition)
For More Information: Jennifer McBride at Jenjas5@yahoo.com
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22. HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE ENRICHMENT CLASSES
The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.
2008-2009 Classes Offered:
MONDAY CLASSES
Art
Secondary Drawing with Art
Saxon Algebra II
Saxon Algebra I
Advanced Math
Pre-K & Kindergarten Montessori Class
Experience Texas! Past, Present and Future
World History One-Oh-Fun!
Creative Journaling through Scrapbooking (High School Elective)
TUESDAY CLASSES
Robotics
Basic Latin
Art
Art (High School Elective)
Fantastic French
U.S. History 20th Century
Our American Heritage - US History
Elementary Spanish
Exploring Creation with Zoology I: Flying Creatures
Exploring Creation with Zoology III: Land Animals
Exploring Creation with General Science (with labs)
Apologia Botany & Zoology II (with Labs)
WEDNESDAY CLASSES
Exploring Creation with General Science (with labs)
World History
Biology with Labs
Chemistry with Labs
Speech (1 semester) - High School Elective
World Views Year 1 (3 High School Credits)
World Views Year II (8-1/2 High School Credits)
Starting Points (3 High School Credits)
BJU Pre-Algebra
BJU Algebra II
BJU Algebra I
BJU Geometry
THURSDAY CLASSES
Spanish II
Spanish I
Exploring Creation with Astronomy
English III & IV (Junior & Senior)
English Middle School
English I & II (Freshman & Sophomore)
French I
Taste of Shakespeare (one semester)
Keys to Algebra
US Government
US History
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) with Labs
Human Anatomy & Physiology with Extensive Labs (Biology II)
Reading Fluency & Comprehension (Special Needs)
For Class Descriptions, Fees and Other Information:
http://homeeducatorsresource.com/news/
Location:
1288 W. Main Street Suite 203
Lewisville, TX 75067
972-956-8320
Website: http://homeeducatorsresource.com/
Discount: Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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23. 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: Sandra Carey at club_expressions@yahoo.com
Location: The Summit Church
4101 East Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75074
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24. HOMESCHOOL HERITAGE DOMUS SCHOLA
This homeschool group is based out of Heritage Family Church in Keller.
For more information: Corina Treece at corina@familychurch.org
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25. LEGACY HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT FIRST BAPTIST EULESS
Science, History, and Fine Arts Classes
Grade: K-8
Contact: 817-267-3313 ext 267
Email: legacy@discoveryfirst.org
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26. HOMESCHOOL MUSIC THEATER WORKSHOP AT PFAMILY ARTS
PFAMILY ARTS introduces an all new class for home school students!
Workshop students will study Acting, Dance and Vocal curriculum based in classical techniques from Stanislavsky, Meisner, Alexander and all dance styles incorporated on the musical theatre stage such as Fosse, Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Modern. The Workshop is meant to be a fun, yet highly educational performing arts class for the serious student and beginner. The Workshop will present a session ending presentation at the end of the Fall Session and a full scale musical in the Spring Session. Spring Musical will be decided based on class enrollment. Seeking home schooled musicians for pit orchestra and crew (stage manager, running crew, costume design, set design, etc.) for Spring production.
The goal of the Home School Music Theatre Workshop is to provide the home school student their own theatre program of classes and performance opportunities. PFAMILY ARTS Academy is the only performing arts school in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area that is staffed by Broadway veterans, local professional actors and university faculty members, providing student’s unparalleled instruction. PFAMILY ARTS is a 501(c)(3) not for profit arts association.
Fall Session: September 2-December 13.
Home School Music Theatre Workshop: Tue/Thu 1:00-4:00
Cost: $1,440
Early Enrollment Discount of 10%: July 21-August 16.
Multi-Family Discount of 10%.
For More Information: 972.378.1234 or info@pfamilyarts.org
Location: PFAMILY ARTS
4017 Preston Road, #544
LakeSide Market
Plano, TX 75093
Contact: 972-378-1234
www.pfamilyarts.org
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27. TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HOME SCHOOL CLASSES -- FREE MATH ASSESSMENT
Classes Offered Fall 2008:
SE Campus:
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
NW Campus:
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
NE Campus:
Biology
FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
Cost equates to $3.50 an hour, $166 for entire semester including book.
For More Information: Call Maurine Amend at 972-660-8414
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28. VENTURE HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
Registration Open for Fall 2008 Classes
High School Classes Offered:
Biology/Lab
American Government/Economics
Effective Writing for a Purpose
Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry
Spanish 1B
Apologetics/Hermeneutics/Book of Ephesians
World Geography/World History
Health/Physical Education
For More Information: Contact 817-788-5248 or justiss5@sbcglobal.net
or fbccolleyville.com (navigate to Children's/Sonshine)
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29. YMCA OF IRVING HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
Classes Offered:
Spanish, Art/Painting, Youth & Government, Science, Basketball, Drama, Volleyball, Y-Achievers, FIT Squad
Times: 9:30 – 12:25 (Times vary by class)
Ages: 5-18 (Ages are grouped: 5-8; 9-11; 12-14; 14-18)
For More Information: Contact Doug Fox at 972-986-8898 or 214-460-6337 (mobile)
Or by email at dougf.irving@ymcadallas.org
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30. 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.
WICHITA FALLS – October 4
Time: Sat: 9a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Wichita Falls Public Library
600 11st Street
940-767-0868 x248
Books: 3,000 books; 100% donated; 85% hardcover; .50 - $2
Half-price sale on most books 1st Saturday of each month
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DENTON – October 11
Time: Sat: 10a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: North Branch Library
3020 N. Locust St
ljj14@aol.com
Cost: $1 admission (Friends of Library and children under 12 free)
Books: 6,000 books; 35% donated; 75% hardcover; .50 - $1
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EULESS – October 11-12
Time: Sat: 10a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun: 1-3pm
Location: Euless Public Library
201 N. Ector Drive
817-685-1679
Books: 15,000 books; 50% donated; 50% hardcover; .50 paperbacks; $1 hardcovers
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GRAND PRAIRIE – October 15-19
Time: Wed/Thu: 10-8; Fri: 10-5; Sat: 9-5; Sun: 1-5
Location: Main Library
901 Conover Drive
972-262-8015
Books: 30,000 books; 90% donated; 90% hardcover; .25 - $2; Sunday half-price
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ARLINGTON – October 22-25
Time: Wed: 5-8pm ($2 donation at door)
Thurs/Fri: 10am-8pm (free admission)
Sun: 10am-5pm (free admission)
Location: St. Stephen United Methodist Church
1800 W. Randol Mill Rd.
Sheriq@aol.com or DiVFeld@aol.com
Directions: Take I-30 to Fielder Rd. exit. Exit south and go to Randol Mill Rd, about a mile. Turn right (west) onto Randol Mill. St. Stephen's will be another mile down on the left, across from Randol Mill Park.
Books: Over 20,000 books; 100% donated by the community; sorted into over 45 categories; sale benefits educational grants for women and local literacy programs.
Request catalog by E-mail now if you are new to the sale. It will be snail-mailed about 2-3 weeks before 10/22. Not available by E-mail, so please give us your USPS address when you e-mail: Skoorbac@aol.com
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GRANBURY – October 23-26
Time: Sat: 9am-6pm; Sun: 1-4pm
Location: Hood County Library
222 N. Travis St.
817-776-154
joandty@lakegranbury.com
Books:
20,000 books and media; 90% donated; 80% hardcover;
sorted; not picked over; no buyer restrictions;
.25 - $1; Sunday $5/box
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31. CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER
CERC, located in Rowlett, is a home school book store offering classes, testing, and other home school resources.
It is located at:
3810 Industrial, Suite 300
Rowlett, TX 75088
972-475-4138
Website: http://cerconline.org/
Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any materials that are in stock,
with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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32. CREATIVE ARTS IN ACTION
Creative Arts in Action, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)
Website: http://www.creativeartsinaction.com/
Discount: Creative Arts In Action is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
For List of Classes:
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33. 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.
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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34. DAY CAMPS AT CAMP TONKAWA
Camp Tonkawa is an Outdoor Learning Center, where we like to teach nature through hands on experiences. Located outside of Collinsville, TX, on a 35 acre tract of land , that is certified as a wildlife refuge.
HORSE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Horsemanship Day Camps
Many extra camps have been book through out this autumn, week ends and week days! If you are not with a group, and wanted to join any one of the many scheduled days, we have a few opening in each - perfect for homeschoolers, just call for available dates.
Horse Lease Program
To help cover the cost of our horses upkeep, we have a horse lease program. Adults and children with some experience can pay for a monthly usage of one of our horses and then enjoy partial ownership - grooming, riding, feeding, training. Detailed information is on the web site.
Donations
Barn Repair - TIME : Helpers who know how to use a hammer / MONEY : to pay for supplies
Feed - Soon we will need to be graining the horses, come on out with a bag of feed to help and then ride!
Horse Birthday Parties
Great family or friend event. Bring your own cake and ice cream, we provide the rest
NATURE AWARENESS DAY CAMPS
Homeschoolers and Natural Learners we invite you all out to Camp Tonkawa, for time in Nature once a month at our Nature Awareness Day Camps. Sometimes we get so busy with our curriculums that we don't take the time to learn "in," not just "about" the natural world. Schedule a day each month for a fun learning session with us! Car pool with your friends to beat the gasoline prices! Don't forget to bring your lunches and your Nature Journals (sketch pads or notebooks), so that you can remember the information from the day, and further investagate any topics that inspired you.
OCTOBER 15 & 16 - Mankind as Caretakers of the Earth
How we can be a positive influence on the earth.
NOVEMBER 12 & 13 - Endangered Wildlife
What is on the verge of becoming extinct and why.
DECEMBER 10 & 11 - World in Winter
How plants and animals adapt to surviving the winter.
JANUARY 14 & 15
FEBRUARY 11 & 12
MARCH 11 & 12
APRIL 15 & 16
MAY 14 & 15
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm. You are welcome to stay at the camp until 3pm, for free time to explore and play with new friends.
Costs: $15 per camp, if pre registering by mail, $18 at the camp (walk ins welcome), $10 for 4 year olds. Parents and Under 4 Free.
Save with the Semester Rate: Pay for at least 4 camps in one semester to get a $12/camp rate.
Group Rates Available!
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL CAMPS
Come on out to Camp Tonkawa this fall, to learn the Tom Brown method of surviving with minimal resources. Prepare yourself for any life situation and build your self esteem by knowing that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones. This is set up as teaching workshops and is NOT an actual survival situations.
OCTOBER 17 - 19 -- Primitive Survival Combo 1 & 2
Time: 9:30am Oct 17 though 2:30 p.m. Oct 19
Cost: $125 adults - 17 and under $100
Group and family rates available!
NOVEMBER 8 - 9 -- Primitive Survival 3 Extended Wilderness Living
Time: 9:30am Nov 8 through 2:30 pm Nov 9
Cost: $60 adults - 17 and under $45
Group and family rates available!
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL DAY CAMPS
Sign up for one or all 5, to learn everything taught in Primitive Survival 1 & 2.
Time: All camps are held from 10am - 3pm on the following dates:
OCTOBER 26 Edible Plants / Primitive Cooking
NOVEMBER 16 Shelter
DECEMBER 14 Fire / Bow Drills
Cost: See website www.camptonkawatexas.com
Pre-registration required.
Minimum and Maximums are enforced, so register early!!
ATTN: BOY SCOUT TROOPS!!!
Camp Tonkawa is a Great Place to Earn Merit Badges!
Please consider us in your planning meetings this year! Also, we would greatly appreciate, if you would forward this on to any other troops that you think might be interested in working on their outdoor skills this year.
Hope to see you all soon!
Wilderness Survival Camp
Our level one camp, upon completion, will not only earn you your merit badge but you will learn to make a Bow Drill Fire! All must have a Tote & Chip because you will be working with your knives.
We have two camps scheduled where individual boys can come or schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available.
Scheduled dates: Jan 17-18, 2009.
This is our most popular camp for the Boy Scouts!!! The leaders enjoy it too!
Horsemanship Camp
Monthly we have a scheuled Day Camp where individuals or small groups can earn this merit badge. If your whole troop wants to come out and/or do a week-end camp out with our horses, we will be happy to schedule a date for you.
Indian Lore Camp
Come and get started on this extensive merit badge, we get you off to a great start. Scheduled dates Nov 1-2, 2008 and April 4-5, 2009 or schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Hiking and Backpacking Camp
Give you the Basics and set you up on a training program to prepare you for a trek of your own.
Scheduled dates May 30-31 or schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Nature Related merit badges:
Fish and Wildlife Management
Fishing
Insect Study
Mammal Study
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Schedule a week-end camp out with us to work on any of the above listed. We can customize the camp for your troop.
Family camps available for the Cub Scouts and Webeloes!
Please help us spead the word to these Packs, so that we can help them earn any outdoor skills needed for rank advancement and belt loops.
For More Information:
Contact April at camptonkawa@bigplanet.com or 903-429-6483
www.camptonkawatexas.com
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35. DALLAS ARBORETUM EVENTS
No matter the time of year, the Arboretum is always in bloom. Both spring and fall feature wild bursts of color. Summer does nothing to diminish the bloom of the Arboretum plantings, which thrive on the warmth of Dallas' summer months. And, because of Dallas' temperate winter temperature, the arboretum is even in blooming the middle of winter. Regardless when you come, there will be plenty to see and plenty of flowers to enjoy.
Hours: Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission:
$8 for adults
$7 for seniors (65+)
$5 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children ages 2 and under.
Senior Citizen Thursday Discount: Seniors get in for just $5 with photo ID and can receive 20% discount at gift shop.
Onsite parking:
$5 per vehicle
Valet Parking: $10 for non-members; $8 for members
Offsite parking is available at selected locations during peak visitation. Shuttle busses transport guests directly to the Arboretum ticket booth.
Discount tickets are available for groups of 20 or more.
Advance registration is needed.
For Group Sales Information: Click Here
Located:
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75219
214-515-6500
www.dallasarboretum.org
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36. FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS
SEPTEMBER 20 – Fall Migration
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Admission: $5 with paid admission
As the days become longer and the season begins to change, so do the species of birds we have at the
Nature Center. It is at this time we prepare for fall migrants to come through and visit or stay for the winter. Join us as we hike around the Nature Center looking for these new arrivals
SEPTEMBER 21 – Canoe Fest
Time: Noon - 4pm
Admission: $5 with paid admission
Come out and enjoy a bit of canoeing on your own on the quiet waters around Greer Island. Canoes,
paddles, and lifejackets provided. Children must be 5 years or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children.
No registration required - first come, first served.
SEPTEMBER 21 – Wild Plum Hike
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Admission: $5 with paid admission
Blooms of the wild plums are not in view, but it is still a nice trail to hike. You will have a chance of
seeing the plums or ecanopy from the sun.
Location: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135
For More Information about these or other events: 817-237-1111
http://www.fwnaturecenter.org
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge (FWNC&R) is located just inside the city limits of Fort Worth, TX.
The FWNC&R is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands reminiscent of how much of the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex once looked. Replete with native flora and fauna, the area beckons to those searching for a piece of nature to refresh their spirits and reintroduce a measure of tranquility to their increasingly urban lifestyles.
Over 3600 acres, the FWNC&R is the largest city-owned nature center in the United States and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural history of north central Texas. Over 20 miles of hiking trails provide easy access to a myriad of natural wonders to be found on the Refuge.
Staff naturalists at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center are available to facilitate your exploration.
The FWNC&R is located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, four miles west of I-820 on Jacksboro Hwy. (TX Hwy 199).
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37. FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS
OCTOBER 8 -- Dissection Lab
Time: 9am - 12 Noon
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 and class about light, color and lenses. Since it is “Discount Wednesday,” you may opt to take advantage of the savings and drive through the park in your own vehicle, at your own pace, after the class.
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
OCTOBER 20 -- Species in Peril: Wolf Conservation Class + Tour
Time: 10:00-2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
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 (remember to bring one!), and a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
NOVEMBER 3 -- Nature Hike Class + Tour
Time: 10:00-2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
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: homeschool@fossilrim.org or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
NOVEMBER 21 -- "Stargazer Paul" Derrick Astronomy Event
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Details: Mr. Derrick returns with a Power Point program entitled, “Constellations of Fall.” This will be followed by a laser pointer “Sky Tour,” and Telescope Viewing using Mr. Derrick’s 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
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38. HAVEN'S HORSES HORSEMANSHIP & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASSES AT CHRIST'S HAVEN
Christ's Haven is offering homeschoolers Christian Horsemanship and Outdoor Education programs at their facility in Keller, Texas. The classes will be held during the day, while their foster children are at school.
Monday - Fridays at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm
September 1 through December 13
Thursdays at 10:30am and 4pm; Mondays at 4pm
Christian Horsemanship
Ages 4-18
Cost: $25/child
Class Length: 1 hour, 15 min.
Details: First visit is free! Spiritual Values are incorporated into each Horsemanship Lesson through group devotions and activities. It's more than a basic riding lesson! Christian Horsemanship unites children and inspires them to grow in the areas of Horsemanship Skills (grooming, saddling, feeding, groundwork, riding and horse anatomy); Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Communication Skills.
Outdoor Adventure
Ages 7-14
Cost: $20/class
Course Length: 1 hour, 15 min.
Details: First visit is free! Teaches children about God's creation in an outdoor spiritual setting. Activities include: day hikes, fishingm, flying kites, and much more! Outdoor Adventure classes focus on: Science in the Outdoors, Servant Leadership, Self Expression, Self Reflection and Silent Retreats.
Discount Prices available for group rates.
Please call for details.
Location: 4150 Keller-Haslet Road
Keller, TX 76248
For More Information: Kristin Kirkland at 817-925-1982 or email her here
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39. THE HEARD MUSEUM - HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
These Homeschool Classes will introduce your student to the Natural Sciences. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets.
Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum's education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of home school families.
All curricula are based on current scientific theory.
Thirteen Weeks of Classes from
SEPTEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 18 (Tuesdays or Thursdays)
Ages: 5-14 (as of September 1, 2008)
Time: 1-3 p.m. on either Tuesdays or Thursdays
Cost: $205 (museum members)
$225 (non-members)
Monthly payment plans are available
10% sibling discounts available
Registration Deadline: September 1
Classes:
Which Ology is Which?
Age: 5 year olds
Description: Young scientists are introduced to some of the most interesting branches of scientific study - ornithology (birds), herpetology (amphibians and reptiles) and entomology (insects) are just a few of the "ologies" that will be explored on the sanctuary and through our specimens and live animals.
Discover Your World: Plants
Ages: 6-7 year olds
Description: This class promotes an appreciation and understanding of plants and their importance to us and the natural world. Students will grow their own plants and discover the many different kinds of plants on the sanctuary.
Ecosystem Explorations
Ages: 8-9 year olds
Description: Students will examine how plants and animals live together and form amazing systems that help nature work. Observations of living communities on our sanctuary and how they are connected will be the primary focus of this study.
Biomes of the World
Ages: 10-12 year olds
Description: Our Earth includes a variety of biomes, from rainforests and deserts to the mountains and oceans. This class will examine and compare these large geographical and ecological regions as well as the diversity of their wildlife.
Earth Trek II – Understanding the Planet
Ages: 10-12 year olds
Description: Continuing Miss Judy’s last series of classes, this study will include geography, geology, meteorology and ecology of the Earth to understand how and why our planet functions for our survival. This series concludes with Earth Trek III in spring 2009.
Ecology Experiences
Ages: 12-14 year olds
Description: Taught by Jill DeVito who holds a Ph.D. in Biology and an M.S. in Zoology. “Dr. Jill’s” full-time position is Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. In this class, students will gain hands on, field and lab experience emphasizing use of the scientific method. We will explore the interactions between a variety of living organisms and their environment.
To register and for more information: smann@heardmuseum.org
972-562-5566 x237
For More Information: 972-562-5566
Location: One Nature Place
McKinney, TX 75069
www.heardmuseum.org
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40. HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm
Upcoming Events:
OCTOBER 5 -- ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL & CRAFT FAIR
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: $8/adults; $5/children & seniors; Free 4 years and under
Details: Please join us for this fun and exciting event featuring:
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
North Forty Storytellers Guild, (formerly Richardson Storytellers)
Turn-of-the-century games and children’s crafts
Mule pulled wagon rides
Arts and crafts vendors and much more.
NOVEMBER 15 -- American Scout Day
Register your troop by November 5
Time: 9am-Noon or 1pm-4pm
Cost: $8/scout (includes patch); 2 adults free per troop; $6/additional adults
$3 for additional Scout Day patches
Details: Bring your whole troop and experience Pioneer life on the Texas Blackland Prairie.
Includes: tours of the 14-room historic Farrell-Wilson house
Self-Discovery stations in the Pole Barn
Make Nineteenth Century Crafts
Play historic games
Explore 4 beautiful acres with 12 original outbuildings
See the farmstead animals.
DECEMBER 5 & 6 -- Lantern Light: Victorian Christmas
Time: 5pm - 9pm
Cost: $8/adults; $5/children under 5 & seniors
Details: Please join us for this fun and exciting event featuring:
Tours of the Historic Victorian Home
Entertainment by the E-Flat Porch Band
Live music performed by local youth groups
Refreshments provided by Starbucks Coffee Company
Demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Kelly Kring
Storytelling by the North Forty Storytellers
Turn-of-the-Century crafts and games for children
Mule drawn wagon rides
FRIDAYS AT THE FARMSTEAD (Programs last 90 minutes)
For Children Ages 2-5
Time: 10:30
Cost: $6/child/program & $3/adult
To Register: Call 972-881-0140 or e-mail lmorley@heritagefarmstead.org
NOTE: Prepayment and registration are required. Registrations are welcome until Wed noon for the Friday program that same week. All fees are non-refundable.
OCTOBER 10 -- Pumpkins and Gourds
Children will be introduced to simple concepts of squash plants, how they grow, and what’s inside
FRIDAYS AT THE FARMSTEAD (Programs last 90 minutes)
For Children Ages 6-12
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $8/child/program
To Register: Call 972-881-0140
NOTE: Prepayment and registration are required. Registrations are welcome until Wed noon for the Friday program that same week. All fees are non-refundable.
OCTOBER 17 – Continuity and Change on the Farm
Children will experience topics of discovery related to the current house theme: Continuity and Change on the Farm
OCTOBER 31 – History of Halloween
Children will experience topics of discovery surrounding the history of the October day and traditional
activities of the early 1900 century.
NOVEMBER 7 – Texas: Our Great State
Children will experience topics of discovery focusing on Texas; its geography, history, culture, and
cowboys/cowgirls.
NOVEMBER 14 – Cooking for the Holidays
Children will experience topics of discover relating to turn-of-the-century recipes, measuring
tools and baking.
DECEMBER 5 – Preparing for Winter
Children will experience topics of discovery surrounding each family member’s responsibility for
preparing for colder weather.
DECEMBER 19 – Victorian Christmas
Children will experience topics of discovery relating to games, crafts and food preparation for a
Victorian party.
Docent-Led Tours - Tuesday through Sunday
Time: 1:30 p.m. (one tour daily)
Tour begins on the front porch. Includes Farrell-Wilson house, outbuildings, and grounds.
Admission: $5 Adults; $3.50 Children 5 & up, Students, and Seniors (65+);
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free
Docent will collect admission fees before the tour begins.
Self-Guided Grounds Tours - Tuesday through Sunday
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tour the grounds only. No access to the Farrell-Wilson house our outbuildings.
Grounds guide available.
Admission: $2 per person
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free.
Group Tours:
Time: Each program lasts about 1 1/2 hours
Available by appointment only.
Cost: $5/child; $3/adult chaperones
Depending on the size of the group, up to two teachers can attend free of charge
Tour Themes:
Farmer Duck -- This pre-school program is designed for children ages 3-6 and follows the story Farmer Duck written by Martin Waddell (about a lazy farmer who doesn’t work and a duck that does all the chores around the farm), a discussion and hands-on experiences at 3 – 10 different stations, depending on the program/needs of group. Costumed Docent(s) lead children in groups of 10 through each hands-on activity.
On the Wagon Trail -- Designed for elementary school- age participants, this program focuses on the thoughts and activities of a 10 year-old boy as he leaves his home in Illinois to move with his family to Plano at the turn-of-the-century. Activities include packing a wagon, riding the wagon to different spots on the property and rein-acting the diary entries. Two costumed Docents lead children along this trip. Each program is volunteer-led and lasts about 1 ½ hour long. Best with a small group, 8-10 children.
Tag-Along Tom -- This costumed volunteer-led program introduces the children to the fictional character of Tom Sawyer while experienced chores around the farm. Designed for children ages 6-12, activities include white-washing the side of the Pole Barn, gathering water from the creek for the Children’s Garden, and playing turn-of-the-century games.
What's Inside a Barn -- Features the elements of a barn; how they are built, their daily use, and seasonal activities farm families celebrated inside a barn. A craft is included. Designed for children 3-6.
Traditional Children's Tour -- Offers children an inside look at the Farrell-Wilson house and out-buildings; its theme, life at the turn-of-the-century, and participants experience three early 19th century chores. Leaders are dressed in period costume. Designed for children ages 6-16.
Living on the Prairie -- This program is designed to give children a variety of hand-on experiences revolving around the four fictional characters in Patricia MacLachlan’s book, Sarah, Plain and Tall. Children will visit the one-room schoolhouse, create an original watercolor, compare and contrast prairie and coastal landscapes and practice critical thinking skills. Program is led by costumed Docents and s designed for children ages 8-12
For More Information: Call 972-881-0140
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH -- Scout Tours
REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS -- Call the Farmstead office to reserve a date.
Tours are booked on a first come first served basis
Cost: Pricing has been revised. Contact the Farmstead office for more information.
(No siblings under 4 years old)
Tours must be PREPAID.
Scouts will receive a patch from the Farmstead.
VOLUNTEER GARDEN HELPER AND TOUR DOCENTS NEEDED:
The Heritage Farmstead Museum is looking for a volunteer garden helper and tour docents.
Please contact Angie Carroll, Volunteer Coordinator, for further information. 972-881-0140.
For Registration and Other Information: 972-881-0140
http://heritagefarmstead.org/events.htm
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX
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41. 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 14 --- WILD Home School Day
Time: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $4/person; Free for ages 2 and under
OCTOBER 25 -- First Annual Fall Festival
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: $8/person; Free for ages 2 and under
Details: No scary stuff, just fun!! Along with our regular open to the public day activities, we'll have:
Hay Maze
Ranch Resident Costume Parade
Contest where YOU judge the animals' costumes!
And a ton of other fun activities!
Open to the Public Days
SATURDAYS
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4:30)
Admission: $8 per person; kids 2 and under are free
INCLUDES: - Meet & Greet with our Education Animals (kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs & more) *Animals available for meet and greet vary with the season and off-site events schedule*
- Safari Wagon ride through exotic pastures to see camels, zebra, buffalo & more
- Kids Bucket Train rides thru 22 acres of “wild” trails!
- Use of pavilion for lunch (you may purchase lunch at our concession stand or bring your own)
Directions:
http://www.sharkarosa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=50
Please do not use MapQuest it WILL get you lost!
Please visit the Field Trip page under the "Visitors Guide" section of our web site for details on booking a field trip for your home school group.
For More Information:
www.sharkarosa.com
940-686-4600 (main)
940-686-3715 (fax)
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42. 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.
Featured Exhibit:
SEPTEMBER 13 - OCTOBER 24 --Live Butterfly Exhibit: "Skies of Butterflies"
Exhibit Entrance Fee: $3/person plus regular Garden admission
During State Fair (Sept 26 - Oct 19): $3.00 per person plus State Fair entrance fee.
Garden admission is free during State Fair dates.
Garden & Exhibit Hours: 10am - 5pm; Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm
During State Fair (Sept 26-Oct 19): 10 am to 6 pm.; Last ticket sold at 5:30 pm.
Details: 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.
Afterwards, 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.
Regular Admission & Hours:
$3 for adults
$2 for seniors (60+)
$1.50 for children 3-12yrs
free for children under 3yrs.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm.
Hours/Admission During State Fair (Sept. 26 - Oct. 19):
Garden & Exhibit Hours: 10 am to 6 pm.
Last ticket sold at 5:30 pm.
State Fair admission applies; Garden entrance is free.
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 1 – Trees of Texas: A Native Primer
Join us as we teach you how to go native! Local trees are hardier and more drought-resistant. They also attract birds and other wildlife to your yard. We'll tour the garden in search of native trees and give you pointers on proper planting techniques.
DECEMBER 6 – For the Birds
It’s all hands-on as we learn how to garden for wildlife in the winter. Bring the kids and work on fun projects to feed birds and native wildlife during the big chill. We’ll tell you what plants to add to your garden that will attract birds all year long.
The Modern Victory Gardens: a Community Garden Educational Series
NOVEMBER 15: Composting techniques, prepping beds for next season, fall planting and seed catalogs.
JANUARY 10: Soil and bed preparation, seed selection and starting plants from seed, cold frames, hardening off, mulching, composting and planning with the almanac.
MARCH 14: Preparation for planting, when and what to plant, planting techniques, feeding and fertilizing, companion planting, integrated pest control.
MAY 30: Harvesting, mulching, summer maintenance and tips. Plants available for sale in the Greenhouse.
Time: 9 am to noon
Cost: $25 per class; $20 for members
Details: Tired of $3 bell peppers at the grocery store and the $4 gas that gets you there? Join a growing trend and learn how to create a bountiful community or backyard garden. Texas Discovery Gardens presents its inaugural Community Garden educational series Nov. 15, 2008. We start with discussions on composting and Fall bed prep. Join our panel of three garden gurus to learn how to cultivate your community garden and talk with other garden enthusiasts in the Dallas area.
Meet the panel:
*Randy Johnson, horticulturist for Texas Discovery Gardens, enjoys trying different vegetable crops in the Gardens. His specialties are native plants of Texas and organic gardening.
* Neli Spurrell, Children's Education Coordinator for Texas Discovery Gardens and certified Master Composter, has a background in forestry and spends her free time gardening, composting and rainwater harvesting at her home in Rockwall.
* A.L. Nickerson is a local supporter of community gardens and started the first community garden in Lake Highlands in April 2008.
CHILDREN'S OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Cost: $5/person; $60 minimum fee per program
Availability: Tuesday - Friday, 9am-4pm
To Make Reservations: 214-428-7476
Gardening for Children - introduction to gardening and seeds. Students even plant thier own seeds to take back to the classroom. (Grades Pre-K - 2)
Butterflies, Bugs & Botany - Insects and their amazing lives help students inderstand the concepts of adaptation, habitats, and pollination. (Grades 1-8)
Terrarium Worlds - Your class will build a terrarium (a home for a plant) and see the water cycle, the carbon-oxygen cycle, and the nitrogen cycle in action. (Grades 1-8)
Life in the Compost Bin - Recycling and decomposition come alive as students see that an ecosystem is powered by a complex web of creatures and energy. (Grades 1-8)
Math in Nature - Math is seen as a real world tool as students visit diverse garden habitats to record data, such as temperatures, time, and mesurements. (Grades 2-8)
Careers in the Garden - Explore the various careers that are necessasry to keep the garden beautiful and running, including landscape design and greenhouse management. (Grades 2-8)
SCOUTING PROGRAMS:
Girl Scouts: We offer 'Try-Its' and 'Let's Get Outdoors' badge programs for younger Girl Scouts.
For more information on these programs: http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/girl_scouts.htm
Boy Scouts: We have a number of 'Achievements' and 'Arrow-point' badge programs for younger Scouts. Wealso work with Scout Leaders to put together Webelos and Eagle Scout projects, and have a number ofCommunity Service opportunities for older Scouts. For more information please click here.
Community Service Projects: Opportunities for older scouts are available on special projects and community events such as Day at Fair Park. Training is provided by the staff of Texas Discovery Gardens.
For Scouting Program Info: 214-428-7476 x 27
For More Information: www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
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43. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
ATHENS, TX
AUGUST 2- OCTOBER 22 — Nikon Small World Photo Exhibit
Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Regular admission to the Center.
Details: View 20 winning microphotographs from the prestigious Nikon Small World Photo Competition, an international contest featuring photographs taken through microscopes. These images reveal a hidden world too small to be seen without magnification.
For More Information: 903-676-BASS.
OCTOBER 11 — Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament
Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $15 (includes admission to TFFC)
Pre-Registration Required
Details: Adult/youth teams fish for prizes in this family-oriented tournament on Lake Athens. Door prizes galore and quality time spent together mean everyone goes away a winner. Weigh-in four-fish stringers at the Anglers Pavilion at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; fee includes admission to TFFC $15; preregistration required, deadline October 8, 2008. To register, download entry form to mail in.
For More Information: 903-676-BASS.
NOVEMBER 8 - DECEMBER 14 — OWAA Outdoor Photo Exhibit
Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: FREE with admission to the Center
Details: Winning photos from the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) annual photography contest are on display in the Visitor Center. The exhibit includes color and black-and-white photos that bring the beauty and wonder of the outdoors indoors. "Stretching Great Gray" by Eric J. Hansen of Corvallis, Oregon, brings you eye to eye with a gray owl. "Helping Hand" by Fred Greenslade of Winnipeg, Manitoba, puts you right in the middle of a muddy hunt. Gary Kramer, of Willow, California, captured awesome lightning strikes in his photo "Prairie Storm." The exhibit also includes photos of people enjoying outdoor recreational activities. Five categories of photos are represented: scenic, flora, people, action and fauna.
For More Information: 903-676-BASS.
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CEDAR HILL, TX
OCTOBER 18 – 8th Annual Days of Old Celebration
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $2/person; $5/family (suggested donation)
Details: Travel back in time with weavers, spinners, wood cravers, a blacksmith, antique tractors and much more. There will be wagon rides, carnival booths, live entertainment and food available for purchase. Come and spend the afternoon learning new crafts and relaxing at the Penn Farm.
Call to Confirm Program: 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
OCTOBER 25 – Penn Farm Tour
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Details: Learn what life on the farm was like for the Penn family from the 1850s to the 1950s on this tour.
Call to Confirm Program: 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
NOVEMBER 15 – 1st Annual Chili Cookoff
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Details: Enjoy camping at the park and always wanted to participate in one of those "chili cookoffs?" Well now is your chance! There will be several categories you can choose to compete in and prizes will be given to the winner in each division courtesy of the Friends Group of Cedar Hill State Park. The number of participants is limited and camping in the park is a competition requirement. Join other chili cookers as we rename one of camping loops "Chili Cookers Crossing" for this fun-filled weekend! Come and compete in the cookoff or just come and help us decide who has the best chili!
Call to Confirm Program: 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
NOVEMBER 29 – Penn Farm Tour
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Details: Learn what life on the farm was like for the Penn family from the 1850s to the 1950s on this tour.
Call to Confirm Program: 972-291-3900, ext. 232.
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DENTON, TX
OCTOBER 11; NOV 8 -- Slide Show
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: Begins at dusk. Lasts 45 minutes.
Call: 903-465-1956
Details: Come to the amphitheater and see the variety of animals that live in the park and fish that inhabit Lake Texoma at this slide show. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
OCT 18; NOV 15 -- Venomous Snakes of Texas: Myth vs. Truth
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time: This 45 minute program begins at dusk.
Call: 903-465-1956
Details: Identify the myths and examine the truth about venomous snakes of Texas and learn the treatment for snakebites. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired. Forty-five minute program begins at dusk at the amphitheater.
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EUSTACE, TX (Henderson/Van Zandt Counties)
NOVEMBER 15; — Stargazing
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Call: 903-425-2332.
Details: Make a star wheel and learn how to use it to find constellations in the night sky. Take a walk through the solar system and have a chance to view the night sky through a telescope. Bring flashlights with red lenses or red tape will be provided. Meet at the over flow camping parking lot, weather permitting.
NOVEMBER 29 – Evening Ranger Program
Location: Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Call: 903-425-2332.
Details: Jointhe Park Ranger at the amphitheater for an evening program and movie about the animals at Purits Creek State Park.
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FORT WORTH, TX
NOVEMBER 15; — Project WILD Aquatic Workshop
Location: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $10
Details: Learn how to teach young people about aquatic wildlife and ecosystems using fun, hands-on educational activities. During the six-hour training workshop 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.
Preregistration Required
Registration Information: Brooke Disney at 817-759-7207 or bdisney@fortworthzoo.org
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JACKSBORO, TX
OCTOBER 17-18 – Red Steagall Wagon Train
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: Sat: 3pm-6pm; Sun: 9am-11am
Details: The park will be the starting point of the wagon train's annual journey to Fort Worth. See the wagons as they start arriving on Saturday afternoon.
To Register: 940-567-3506.
NOVEMBER 8-9 – Terry's Texas Rangers Weekend
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time: 9am-4pm
Details: This 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 thoughout the weekend.
To Register: 940-567-3506.
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MINERAL WELLS, TX
OCTOBER 11; NOVEMBER 8 — Cowboy, Campfire, Music & Poetry
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening of cowboy music, poetry and stories around a campfire. Learn and experience the cow camp lifestyle and local historical treasures through the music and poetry of old-time cowboys. Bring a lawn chair.
Call: 940-328-1171.
OCTOBER 25; NOVEMBER 15 — Kids 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 1 — Storytelling Down in the Holler
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
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 22 — 12th Annual North Texas Skywatch Amateur Astronomer's Star Party
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 4:30 pm - ??
Details: "The stars at night are big and bright " Learn more about one of Texas' best natural resources-the night sky. This 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 have a chance to see the night sky through a wide variety of telescopes.
Call: 940-328-1171.
NOVEMBER 29 — Cross Timbers Bird Walk
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Details: Join our Park Interpreter on a birding walk in the park to locate and identify birds of the Cross Timbers area. See birds in three different habitats: open prairie, Post Oak-Blackjack Oak Woodlands and lake shore.
Reservations Required
Call: 940-328-1171.
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PILOT POINT, TX
Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
OCTOBER 4, 18 (SATURDAYS)— Guided Nature Hike
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 1 p.m.
Details: Every Saturday. Blooming wildflowers and other plants, animals and ecosystems of the North Texas prairies and Cross Timbers regions are explored on this one-mile journey. Bring your boots, binoculars and layered clothing and meet at the Dogwood Camping Area.; donations gratefully accepted.
For More Information: (940) 686-2080 or (940) 637-2294.
OCTOBER 11, 25— Fireside Chat
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Details: Topics will include storytelling, natural/cultural history, flora/fauna, jokes and more. Meet at the Oak Point Amphitheater.
For More Information: (940) 686-2080 or (940) 637-2294.
NOVEMBER 8, 22 — Fireside Chat
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Details: Topics will include storytelling, natural/cultural history, flora/fauna, jokes and more. Meet at the Oak Point Amphitheater.
For More Information: (940) 686-2080 or (940) 637-2294.
Ray Roberts Lake/Isle du Bois Unit
OCTOBER 4, 18 — Fireside Chat
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Details: Topics will include storytelling, natural/cultural history, flora/fauna, jokes and more. Meet at the Lost Pines Trail Interpretive Area.
For More Information: (940) 686-2080 or (940) 686-2148.
OCTOBER 11, 25 — Guided Nature Hike
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 3 p.m.
Details: Blooming wildflowers and other plants, animals and ecosystems of the North Texas prairies and Cross Timbers regions are explored on this one-mile journey. Bring your boots, binoculars and layered clothing and meet at the Bluestem Grove Camping Area. Donations gratefully accepted,
For More Information: (940) 686-2080 or (940) 686-2148.
OCTOBER 25 – Stargazing Party
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Details: Spend a few minutes or hours viewing the heavens and talking with volunteer John Olson. Bring your own telescope or gaze through John's 10 and 12-inch GIS motor driven telescopes. Meet at DORBA trailhead and use boat launch parking in the day use area.
For More Information: 940-686-2080 or 940-686-2148
NOVEMBER 1, 15, 29 — Fireside Chat
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Details: Topics will include storytelling, natural/cultural history, flora/fauna, jokes and more. Meet at the Lost Pines Trail Interpretive Area.
For More Information: (940) 686-2080 or (940) 686-2148.
NOVEMBER 22 – Stargazing Party
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Details: Spend a few minutes or hours viewing the heavens and talking with volunteer John Olson. Bring your own telescope or gaze through John's 10 and 12-inch GIS motor driven telescopes. Meet at DORBA trailhead and use boat launch parking in the day use area.
For More Information: 940-686-2080 or 940-686-2148
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ROCKWALL, TX
OCTOBER 11-12 — Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
For Times & Fees: Call 512-389-8903 M-F from 9am - 6pm
Reservations Required: 512-389-8903 or email tof@tpwd.state.tx.us
Details: Ever wanted to camp with your family but feel unsure of what or how to do so? This workshop at a local park is offered in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife and 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 enjoying such outdoor activities as fishing, archery, paddling, and youth nature classes. Best of all, no experience is necessary!
For More Information: 512-970-9247 or email tofparks@tpwd.state.tx.us
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TYLER, TX
OCTOBER (SATURDAYS) — Snakes!
Time: 2:00 - 2:50 pm
Details: Snakes have to eat, but don't like vegetables! We may feed them if they're hungry. Also, learn about the venomous snakes of the area and what to do in a close encounter. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
OCTOBER 9, 23 — Let's Go Birding
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Details: We'll go find and observe birds in the wild so you can add them to your birding list. Easy to moderate hike can be expected. Bring binoculars, a field guide and comfortable shoes. Check at park headquarters for location of the walk. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
OCTOBER 11, 25 — Birding 101: An Introduction to Birding
Time: 9:00 - 9:50 am
Details: Learn about one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the nation. Discover how to identify birds by sight and sound as well as the environment in which they live. Bring binoculars, comfortable shoes and be ready for a short hike. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
OCTOBER 18 — Birding with the Tyler Audubon Society
Time: 8:00 a.m. - ??
Details: Join members of the Tyler Audubon Society on this extensive hike searching for birds. Recommended for children age 8 and older; bring binoculars, water, snacks and comfortable shoes; no pets, please. The hike begins at 8 a.m. and ends when the cowbirds come home.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
NOVEMBER 1 — Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Time: 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Details: Learn the basics of the fine art of historic camp cooking with cast iron! Visit with members of the Dogwood Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society. CAUTION: You will be hooked! Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
NOVEMBER (SATURDAYS) — Snakes!
Time: 2:00 - 2:50 pm
Details: Snakes have to eat, but don't like vegetables! We may feed them if they're hungry. Also, learn about the venomous snakes of the area and what to do in a close encounter. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
NOVEMBER 6, 15 — Let's Go Birding
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Details: We'll go find and observe birds in the wild so you can add them to your birding list. Easy to moderate hike can be expected. Bring binoculars, a field guide and comfortable shoes. Check at park headquarters for location of the walk. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
NOVEMBER 8 — Birding 101: An Introduction to Birding
Time: 9:00 - 9:50 am
Details: Learn about one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the nation. Discover how to identify birds by sight and sound as well as the environment in which they live. Bring binoculars, comfortable shoes and be ready for a short hike. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
NOVEMBER 22 — Backyard Birding
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Details: Do you want a bird sanctuary in your own backyard? Learn how to attract birds (and other wildlife) by Wildscaping, feeding and providing homes for our feathered friends. Also learn other benefits of Wildscaping. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information: 903-597-5338
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Free TPWD Coloring and Activity Books to Download: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/learning/color/
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44. THEATER PERFORMANCES AT CASA MANANA CHILDREN’S THEATER
For over 40 years, Casa Mañana's Children's Playhouse has introduced children of all ages to the magic of live theatre. This tradition continues as Casa Mañana's Children's Playhouse proudly presents its 2008-2009 Season:
2008-2009 Children's Playhouse Season Schedule:
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 12 -- Sleeping Beauty
A new, bolder, funnier retelling of your favorite tale, this Sleeping Beauty features some delightful new characters and a slightly different spin on the usual suspects. A young Princess is cursed to sleep an ageless sleep, and can only be awakened by the kiss from a Prince. You are sure to be enchanted by the staging of this magical fairy tale developed by critically acclaimed local artists Brad Jackson and Alex Vorse.
OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 9 -- The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairy(l)y (Stoopid) Tales
What do you get when you take your favorite fairy tale classics and turn them on their heads? How about the Ugly Duckling growing up to be A Really Ugly Duck, Cinderella snubbing Rumpelstiltskin, or The Princess kissing a frog only to end up with a mouthful of slime. If you love the wacky humor of the award winning book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, then don't miss this hilarious musical parody that is sure to crack up kids and parents alike.
NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 21 -- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Get in the holiday spirit with the world’s most famous reindeer. Young, shy Rudolph is laughed at because of his bright red nose. But that glowing nose comes in very handy when Santa needs someone to save Christmas by serving as a beacon to guide his sleigh. Join Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Cupid and all the other reindeer as Rudolph captures their admiration and proves he is a true Christmas hero.
FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 8 -- Miss Nelson is Missing!
The students in room 207 just won’t follow the rules and are not being respectful to their teacher, Miss Nelson. One morning, Miss Nelson is mysteriously missing from school, which makes her students believe they have succeeded in driving her away. Their celebration quickly ends when the substitute teacher, the mean and scary Miss Viola Swamp, descends upon the classroom. You’ll love what happens next in this new musical based upon the popular children’s books by Harry Allard and James Marshall.
APRIL 3 - 19 -- Rockin' with Mother Goose
See Jack & Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Beep and more of those beloved characters as we present the classic Mother Goose rhymes to upbeat, catchy music. There are little life lessons tucked into each song to help teach children about good manners, safety and responsibility. Developed by local artists Brad Jackson and Alex Vorse, this world premiere musical puts a new spin on the classics to make your favorite rhymes come alive.
MAY 1 - 17 -- A Year with Frog & Toad
The Tony Award-nominated adaptation of the beloved Arnold Lobel classic stories where cheery Frog and grumpy Toad leap off the page to the stage just in time for blossoming, bird-chirping spring. With hilarious and tender songs inspired by snazzy jazzy music, this charming musical comedy gloriously suggests that having a very best friend for flying kites, racing sleds and baking cookies, is as good as it gets.
Order Season Tickets!
Order a 6-Show Season Ticket package to secure GREAT SEATS for these fantastic, family fun productions at Casa Mañana Theatre. And as a Season Subscriber, you will receive a discount equal to seeing ONE SHOW FREE!
For More Information: Call Customer Service at 817-332-2272 or visit http://www.casamanana.org/phssntix_new.html
The Children's Playhouse Producers Circle
Two rows of seats in front of Sections 2 and 3 are reserved exclusively for members of The Children's Playhouse Producers Circle. Join today and receive a free seating upgrade, plus other fantastic benefits.
For More Information: Call 817-321-5013.
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