November 2008
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
NOVEMBER 2008 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Families and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
We also have a “featured articles” section. We hope that you will find the articles that we will include to be informative, encouraging, and full of wisdom. If you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org.
We would love to hear from you!
www.HEARTofTex.org
Our deadlines are as follows:
the 12th of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 27th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.
Thanks so much!
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Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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~Highlights ~
IMMEDIATE NEED!!
JUDGES NEEDED FOR
FRISCO SPEECH & DEBATE TOURNAMENT
NOVEMBER 14-15
No experience necessary!
We spoil our judges!
Enjoy a delicious array of foods and desserts while you judge!
Location: First Baptist Church Frisco
7901 Main Street
Frisco, TX 75034
Our first Speech & Debate practice tournament of the season will be held at First Baptist Church Frisco, Nov. 14-15th. Competitors from all over the region will gather for 2 days of exciting competition...debating foreign policy and performing compelling & entertaining speeches!
To Sign Up to Judge: http://www.texasdebate.org/
This is an excellent opportunity to bring your highschoolers to see what speech & debate is all about and provide valuable feedback to competitors as the sharpen their communication skills.
For More Information: Suzanne Nasser at 817-488-5897 or smnasser@verizon.net
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NOVEMBER 7
NOBLE PLANETARIUM'S
FINAL STAR PARTY OF THE SEASON
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Please join us for free telescope observing!
Members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society join the staff of the Noble Planeterum in Downtown Fort Worth this month at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
For More Information: Linda Krouse at 817-255-9409
Click Here for information about the Build Your Own Telescope Class
on December 6.
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NOVEMBER 8
CIVIL WAR ON THE HOME FRONT
CUB & BOY SCOUT DAY (ALSO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
AT DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE
NOVEMBER 5 - REGISTRATION DEADLINE for $5 advance tickets
Tickets: $5 advance tickets (by November 5)
At gate: $9/adults; $7/seniors (65+); $6 kids (4 & up); free/children 3 and under
Patches: $3
Location: Dallas Heritage Village
Details: Join Dallas Heritage Village in recreating this exciting time in our history at our major reenactment event of the year. Confederate units will meet to muster, drill, and recruit. Civilian refugees from Border States and the Deep South join the citizens of Dallas. Union Army units set up camp. Civilian life demonstrations will occur in the 1860s Living Farmstead and Miller complex.
To Register Your Pack or Troop: 214-413-3674 or reservations@dallasheritagevillage.org
Please include your Pack or Troop number (if applicable) when ordering.
For More Information: Contact Megan DiRienzoat 214-413-3677 or Click Here to email her
Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here
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NOVEMBER 8 & 9
REPTILE FEST
MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE IN DALLAS
Time: Saturday: 10a.m. - 5p.m
Sunday: Noon - 5p.m.
Cost: Included in price of general admission
Location: MNS Fair Park Campus: Science Building (1318 South Second Avenue)
and Nature Building (3535 Grand Avenue)
Scheduled Activities: Click Here
Details:
They share space with us on every continent except Antarctica. They have scales instead of feathers or hair. They breathe air just like us, but they don’t have an internal heating and cooling system. Who are they? They’re reptiles! And at the MNS we think they’re so amazing they deserve their own special event—an entire weekend of spectacularly creepy, crawly, slithery fun with interactive presentations and hands-on activities presented by local experts.
Explore the cool, cold-blooded world of snakes, lizards, turtles, and other reptiles. Touch incredible critters from Texas and around the world. Find out if it’s boa or python, turtle or tortoise, venomous or not. Play a game of reptile hide and seek. Make your own lizard marionette and more!
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NOVEMBER 7-9 & 14-16
TOYOTA DRIVING EXPECTATIONS
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Location: Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas
Details:
What is Toyota Driving Expectations?
• A free program that puts newly licensed teens (and teens with permits) into the classroom for instruction, and behind the wheel on multiple defensive driving courses.
• A program that offers parents insight into the challenges facing teen drivers and provides recommendations and countermeasures for any driving concerns they may have.
• Fully funded by Toyota and endorsed by both the National Safety Council and the Federal Highway Administration.
Toyota Driving Expectations goes beyond what is currently taught in typical driver’s training classes in order to help teens identify and react to dangerous driving situations. To better understand 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.
Our goal is to educate teen drivers & parents alike.
To download an event flyer with more information on Toyota Driving Expectations: http://www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
To Register: www.ToyotaDrivingExpectations.com
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NOVEMBER 8 & 9
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL 3: EXTENDED WILDERNESS LIVING
CAMP TONKAWA
Pre-requisite: Primitive Survival Skills Classes 1 & 2
(Two-day camp)
Time: 9:30 a.m (Nov 8) - 2:30 p.m. (Nov 9)
Cost: $45/Children 17 & Under; $60/Adults
Bring: Lunches and, if spending the night, your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, cup, and utensils.) Camp chairs and flashlights are also nice to have but not a necessity.
For Details: You have learned about the Survival Sacred Order and now are ready for the next step in your primitive skills. If you happen to get yourself into a survival situation that gets prolonged, these skills would make your stay in the wilderness more comfortable. They would be also useful if you just wanted to live more closely to the earth on a day to day basis, appreciating the earth and all it's bountiful gifts it has to offer. One just has to learn to "see" and then have the knowledge to use in a caretaker manner what nature provides for us all. Click Here for more details.
For More Information or to RSVP: Call April at 902-429-6483
Other November Dates at Camp Tonkawa:
(for More Information or to RSVP for any of these camps call April at 902-429-6483)
NOVEMBER 12 & 13 - Nature Awareness Day Camp: Endangered Wildlife
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $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.
Please call to register: 903-6483
Details: We will try only throughout this year to make a Wednesday camp. We need at least 12 chlldren registered. If a different day of the week would work better, let us know; although, Fridays are not an option for us. The topic this month is endangered Species. Click Here for more details.
NOVEMBER 15 - Basic Horse Day Camp: Shelter
Time: 10a.m. - 3p.m.
Cost: $45/person. Parents or scout leaders who will NOT be riding are free.
Group rates available for 10+ participants.
Bring: Lunch and drinking water. Bring helmet if you have one.
Make sure to bring hats and suncreen for sunny days.
Class Description: This class is for all of you who "wish" they had a horse. You will get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size. Wear your old blue jeans and boots, if you happen to have them (hiking boots the next best footwear, then gym shoes), because you will get a chance to do some basic riding. Click Here for more details.
NOVEMBER 16 - Primitive Survival Skills: Edible Plants
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $25 (8-12 year olds); $30 (13-15 year olds); $35 (16 - adult)
Bring your own lunch.
Description: At any time, anywhere, things can go wrong and you might find yourself in a survival situation. You can survive 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. To stay alive, you must find or build a shelter, obtain "safe" drinking water, start a fire and gather food. This day camp series will cover information that we learned and have been trained to teach, from the Tom Brown Primitive Survival School. During the course of the five workshop day camps you will have hands on learning that will keep you alive. Click Here for more details.
NOVEMBER 27 - Annual Thanksgiving Celebration Pot Luck
Cost: FREE
Details: Bring your own food (enough to feed the amount of people in your party)
Bring your own plates (non-disposable, please). Stations will be set up for clean up.
Bring extra folding tables, folding chairs and tablecloths if you have them.
To RSVP: 903-429-6483 with the number of people in your party and what you're planning to bring.
If you don't have family, come celebrate with us!
To View other Camp Offerings: Click Here
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NOVEMBER 14-15
FRISCO SPEECH & DEBATE TOURNAMENT
JUDGES NEEDED -- PLEASE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY!
Location: First Baptist Church Frisco
7901 Main Street
Frisco, TX 75034
Our first Speech & Debate practice tournament of the season will be held at First Baptist Church Frisco, Nov. 14-15th. Competitors from all over the region will gather for 2 days of exciting competition...debating foreign policy and performing compelling & entertaining speeches!
To Sign Up to Judge: http://www.texasdebate.org/
No experience necessary!
Enjoy a delicious array of foods & desserts while you judge!
This is an excellent opportunity to bring your highschoolers to see what speech & debate is all about and provide valuable feedback to competitors as the sharpen their communication skills.
For More Information: Suzanne Nasser at 817-488-5897 or smnasser@verizon.net
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NOVEMBER 15
AMERICAN SCOUT DAY
HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM IN PLANO
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.
For Registration and Other Information: 972-881-0140 or Click Here
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX
For Other Events at Heritage Farmstead Museum: Click Here
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NOVEMBER 15
TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS PRESENTS:
MODERN VICTORY GARDENS: A COMMUNITY GARDEN EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Rain Date: December 13
Time: 9a.m. - Noon
Cost: $25/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. Drink your coffee and come ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Fall garden prep in Dallas. Dress for the weather, as we will take you outside and show you what to do while we tell you how to do it!
Our packed outline includes:
Fall in Texas: A general discussion about the geography of North Central Texas, as well as seasonal transitions and how to prepare for them. Additional detail on clay soil.
Mulch and Compost: A discussion and "show-and-tell" outside on the natural leaf recycling process on the hardwood forest floor. Demonstration of the process and mechanics of composting using the Texas Discovery Gardens' compost piles.
Bed Prep and Reconditioning: A demonstration of bed preparation for clay soils, including simple forking, double digging and raised beds. Plus a primer on expanded shale (and where to get it!). This section also includes more information on compost/humus and mulch.
Fall and Winter Gardening Tips: We'll talk about cover crops and how to use them, seed catalogs, and winter watering. This is when we'll answer your personal gardening questions.
Detailed handouts are included.
Early registration is required: Call Blake Morgan at 214-428-7476 x 24 or click here to register online.
For Other Activities at Texas Discovery Gardens: Click Here
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NOVEMBER 17
THANKSGIVING SALE AT CERC (HOMESCHOOL STORE)
IN ROWLETT
Save 20% all in-stock inventory, plus an extra 5% for cash or check!
Location: 4501 Rowlett Rd, #105
Rowlett, TX 75088
972-475-4138
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. Discount may not apply to sale prices or other offers. Call store for more information.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
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NOVEMBER 18
SCIENCE TEACHERS DAY
SPONSORED BY AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY
Cost: Free (Registration Required)
Location: Hyatt Regency Dallas
Pegasus Ballroom
300 Reunion Boulevard East
Dallas, TX
For More Information and To Register: fusioned.gat.com/dppoutreach
Details: Learn from research scientists and industry experts
how to bring the topic of plasma to your classroom.
• Free workshops, with topics required by TEKS:
fusion energy; Newton’s laws; basics of
electricity and magnetism; light, color, sound
and the nature of matter; nuclear reactions;
the history and fate of the universe, and more.
• Special luncheon with scientists.
• Armloads of free resource materials and curriculum,
including plasma ball, half-coated plasma tube, DVDs
(fusion, the sun), fusion video game, posters
• Access to American Physical Society poster session.
• 6 hours of CPE credit
• 6 more hours of CPE credit with follow-up workshop
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NOVEMBER 21
STARGAZER PAUL DERRICK ASTRONOMY EVENT
AT FOSSIL RIM
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
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NOVEMBER 21-24
COTTAGE THEATRE AT CREATIVE ARTS IN ACTION PRESENTS:
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (COMEDY)
Time: Nov 21, 22, 24: 7:30 p.m.
Nov 22 & 23: 2:30 p.m.
Location: The Cottage Theatre at Creative Arts in Action
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga, TX 76148
Tickets: $10/adults; $8/students 18 & under; $8/Senior Citizens
Seating is limited! Call now to reserve your tickets!
To reserve your tickets: 817-281-2293
Story: The Herdmans were the worst kids in the history of the whole world. They went through the school stealing things and tearing things up and whamming kids... there was only one safe place from the wrath of the Herdmans… Sunday school. Until they found out about the Christmas Pageant and wanted in. They thought the Christmas Story was a case right out of the FBI files. Come see this comic, sometimes shocking, but always heartwarming play based on the Barbara Robinson children's classic.
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NOVEMBER
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
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NOVEMBER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
(Discount for HEART of Texas members)
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
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Germany Attempts to Destroy Home Schooling – by Tim Lambert, THSC
Attn: Home School Math Enthusiasts of All Ages! AwesomeMath and the University of Texas at Dallas Reaching Out to Home Schoolers; Offering a Fun Monthly Math Challenge to Our Readers! – by Dr. Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas
Texas Ballet Theater Offering Homeschoolers Discount Tickets on Their Best Seats!
Juvenile Daytime Curfew Ordinances in Hurst-Euless-Bedford Causing Public Outcry from Homeschoolers and Others by Anne Gebhart
Two Texas Colleges Offering Free Tuition – by Jean Burk
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
8. Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -- Entries Due February 13, 2009
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
9. City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
10. City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
11. Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
12. Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
13. National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
14. THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
15. Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
16. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
17. Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
18. Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
19. Eastfield College -- Mesquite
20. Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Lewisville
21. Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
22. Fabulous Fridays -- Little Elm
23. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
24. Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
25. Homeschool Heritage Domus Schola -- Keller
26. Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist Euless -- Euless
27. Homeschool Theater Classes at PFAmily Arts --- Plano
28. Tarrant County College -- High School Math and Science Classes for Home Schoolers
29. Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
30. YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
31. Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
Wichita Falls – November 13-16 (Big Sale)
Frisco – November 14-15
32. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
33. Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
34. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
35. Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
36. Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
37. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
38. Fossil Rim
Stargazer Paul Derrick Astronomy Event - November 21
39. Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
40. Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
41. Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
42. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
43. Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
44. Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
45. Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales -- October 24 - November 9
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer -- November 21 - December 21
46. Performances at CATS -- Arlington
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow -- October 31 - November 9
47. Cottage Theater – Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – November 21-24
The Sound of Music – February 27 - March 2 (2009)
48. Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
The Book of Job (Musical) – October 17 - November 15
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella – November 28 - December 23
Artie's Children's Playhouse: The Jungle Book – October 18 - November 15
Artie's Children's Playhouse: The Nutty Nutcracker – November 29 - December 20
49. Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
Broadway at the Bass Presents: Annie The Musical -- December 23-28
50. Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
Santa's Holiday for Strings -- November 28 - December 23
Madeline's Christmas -- November 21 - December 21
51. Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
Sound of Music (Plano Courtyard Theater) -- November 1-9
Big Bad Wolf -- November 7-22
School House Rocks! -- November 7-22
52. Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Homeschool Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
The Nutcracker - December 12 (Bass Hall) -- SOLD OUT!!
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)
53. Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
Click Here to cast your vote for the performances you'd like discounted!
ART MUSEUMS
54. Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
55. Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
56. Kimball Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
Nativity from Naples: Presepe Sculpture from the 18th Century (Opens Nov 25)
57. Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
Your Incredible Body
58. Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
59. Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
60. Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
Wired to Win
Journey into Amazing Caves
61. Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
Dinosaurs Alive
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharoah
Deep Sea
The Polar Express (November 21 - January 4)
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
62. Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
63. Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
64. Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
65. Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
66. Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
67. Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
68. Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
69. Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers
70. Home School Athletic Association
71. THESA Riders Home School Sports Association
72. Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
73. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Highland Park
74. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Southlake
75. Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
76. Parker-Tarrant Home School Sports
77. Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
78. Tae Kwondo for Home Schoolers -- Plano
SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
79. Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
80. Arlington Association Home Educators (AAHE) -- Arlington
81. Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
82. How Now Homeschooling -- Plano/Frisco/Allen/McKinney area
83. Keller 4H Club Meetings -- Keller
84. Lewisville Area Speech and Debate Club -- Lewisville
85. North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
86. Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
87. Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
88. SALT Co-Op -- DeSoto
89. Homeschoolers Offering Moms Encouragement (HOME) -- Flower Mound
COLLEGE PREP
90. SAT Test Dates
91. SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
92. Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship -- Deadline December 1, 2008
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
93. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
94. Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
95. Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Hot Meals -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
96. Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals at The Stewpot -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
97. Toyota Driving Expectations (Free Program for Student Drivers) -- Grand Prairie -- Nov 7-9 & 14-16
98. Science Teachers Day (American Physical Society) -- Dallas -- November 18
99. Plasma Sciences Expo for Middle & High School Students & Teachers -- Dallas -- Nov 20-21
100. Lantern Light: Victorian Christmas at Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano -- Dec 5 & 6
101. Build Your Own Telescope Class -- Ft Worth Museum of Science & History - December 6
102. Younger Generation of Plano Winter Concert -- Plano -- December 12
103. Dallas Stars Education Day Field Trip for Homeschoolers -- Dallas -- December 16
104. North Texas District Science Fair for Homeschoolers -- Registration Deadline December 22
105. HEART of Texas Regional Home School College Night -- Grapevine -- January 27
106. Southern England Study Tour for Homeschoolers -- March 2009
107. Teen Pact Texas Capitol Classes -- Austin -- March/April 2009
JOB OPENINGS
108. Check-In Receptionist, Check-Out Receptionist, and Technician Positions Open -- DeSoto Area
109. Great Opportunities for Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Germany Attempts to Destroy Home Schooling
– by Tim Lambert, THSC
Home schoolers in Germany are facing the kind of prosecution by government officials that we faced twenty-five years ago, and worse. Home schooling is illegal based on a Nazi era law, and the national government has been unrelenting in its prosecution of these families. The Brause family is facing trial next week in an attempt to put the parents in prison for home schooling. This is not only a traumatic situation for the family but also a test for home schooling in Germany.
CBN Report on Germany's Attempt to Destroy Home Schooling: Click Here
IHRG Report on the Brause family: The Brause family lives on a farm on the extreme eastern border of Germany with Poland and the Czech Republic. Since 2001, Bert Brause and his wife have taught their eight children at home. Bert has studied math and will soon be a certified teacher. Bert wrote a letter to the governor of Saxony asking for permission to homeschool his children. The state authorities in Saxony tried to force the parents to register their children in the public school. (There are no alternative schools nearby). The Brauses received threats and fines. The social youth workers and, later, the court-ordered child defendant testified that the children were taught well and that they had a positive impression of them. Regardless, the Family Court ruled against the parents in spring of 2007. The custody for the school-aged children were partially taken from the parents and given over to the state. Now, the parents technically have no say concerning school matters and where the children live. The children could be taken by the state authorities anytime. In May of this year the parents received an ultimatum. The government had registered the children in school. If the children were not sent to school within three weeks, the authorities would take action. On Saturday, May 31, the children were still home, being homeschooled.
In response to this disregard for the order of the state, the state prosecution ordered a hearing of the parents whom they charged with "intentional child neglect," a criminal offense based on a law that requires intentional harming of a child, punishable with up to two years in prison. Home schooling is the sole evidence the state has against the parents, and it is therefore being considered enough to constitute intentional child neglect. There are no allegations of any other inappropriate behavior by the parents.
The original hearing was scheduled to be held in a criminal court on July 24, 2008. The case was set so the Brause's would be allowed to have as many as seven attorneys or laymen that could testify on their behalf. Working with a German attorney with considerable skill in these types of cases, who is also very sympathetic to the home school movement in Germany, we developed a very comprehensive trial strategy. This strategy has paid off to this point. The first part of our plan was to have Tim Lambert testify as an expert on how well the Texas public schools cooperate with the local home school organizations and the positive effects of this cooperation. Tim would testify in Germany that home schooling is great for the children and conducive to a democratic society. He would also cover the socialization issue of home schoolers. Both of these issues are important in the fight to legalize home schooling in Germany. There was also a home school education expert from England who was scheduled to testify as well.
Additionally, our strategy included having a number of local German attorneys and me present in the court room during the hearing to participate as international human rights observers. This would have put pressure on the court to make sure they did not violate the human rights of the parents. These human rights include the right to control the education of your children.
The final two prongs of our strategy included media coverage of the hearing. CBN planned to cover the trial on the 700 Club and even sent a team to Zittau to cover the case. We have met together with the local attorney and will continue meeting with him to help create the strategy for the courtroom.
The original hearing was postponed less than a week before trial. The belief was that the court told the prosecutor he needed more evidence on the child neglect to continue bringing the case. I firmly believe part of the reason for the postponement was that our strategy, of which the court was aware, was so high profile that they felt the prosecutor needed more evidence, and thus put everything off.
In other words, we won round one.
The court has scheduled a hearing for November 4, 2008.
The strategy for this hearing is different than the original. Now is the time to take a more low-key approach. The local officials know that the home school community in America is watching this case. They know that they have to be careful to guard the integrity of the system rather than running over the rights of the Brause family.
This means that with our local attorney handling the case we should be able to convince the court of the lack of evidence in this case. If the court does not rule properly, we will be prepared to file an appeal and expose the prejudice of the court in this matter.
Additionally, if we were to reschedule the influx of international witnesses and attorneys, the court would most likely merely postpone the hearing again to cost us money and time. This could even be done after we have all arrived in Zittau creating considerable expense and effort to no avail.
Following is further information regarding the charges and the seriousness they pose to the movement in Germany:
Criminal charge: Intentional child neglect – Mr. and Mrs. Brause are being charged with willingly, knowingly preventing their children from going to school. Preventing the child from receiving a school education is considered harmful to the well being of the children since they cannot receive a school diploma, and this as far as the state prosecutor is concerned, is intentional child neglect.
Factual information: The two oldest homeschooled children, Rosine,18 and Jotham, 16 recently passed their public school exams with great success. Being homeschooled, they are taking advantage of the school law which permits "school exams for external students." Their father and mother prepared them for these exams, and their success is good evidence that home schooling is not harmful to these children in the very least. The Brauses want a regular school diploma for all their children, as they are practicing this with their oldest two. They have clearly informed the school authorities about their vision for their children.
Mr. and Mrs. Brause are Christians and homeschool their children for reasons of parental responsibility before God and the law. They chose to home educate their children for their best interest. They ask for prayer that the children will not be taken out of their home and that the court will decide positively for them.
We believe that this case is so important because it will set a precedent against other home educators. And in our opinion, it is winnable.
We are trying to raise support to help the International Human Rights Group (IHRG) cover the thousands of dollars of legal cost involved in defending this family which could result in a positive precedent for all home schoolers in Germany. Would you prayerfully consider helping us with a tax-deductible gift to help this family?
Time is short, but to make an online donation, click here. When you get to the special instruction field type "Germany" in that field.
With your help, we will support these families in their battle for home school freedom in Germany. Thank you for praying with us for these families and helping to meet their need for legal defense of their right to home school.
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
Attn: Home School Math Enthusiasts of All Ages!
AwesomeMath and the University of Texas at Dallas Reaching Out to Home Schoolers; Offering a Fun Monthly Math Challenge Especially for Our Readers!
– by Dr. Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas
For three years in a row, more than a 120 pre-college students (6th grade through 12th grade) from countries around the world spent part of their summer learning complex mathematical formulas and improving their problem solving skills at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). They were attending the AwesomeMath Summer Program (AMSP), a competitive and highly-intensive three week program.
In the past, participants came from all across US and Canada, as well as from China, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The growing popularity of AwesomeMath is attributed to the preparation students get to compete successfully at mathematics contests such as AMC 8, AMC 10, AIME, USAMO and IMO and to the fact that AwesomeMath provides an excellent environment to meet mathematics professors and other students sharing the same passion for the subject.
“The three weeks I spent at AwesomeMath were the most productive ones in my life. I learned so many different topics
which I never even knew existed before. The teachers were some of the top-notch professors and former Olympiad winners from all over the globe. Their accents and names are as exotic as the problems and skills they taught me! The mentors at the camp were the coolest on the planet. They were all high achievers and former USAMO/IMO participants...”, said Anupa Murali from Concord, New Hampshire.
The AMSP teaching is done by renowned professors with national and international experience, emphasizing the importance of problem solving, and by mentors and assistants who are students at prestigious universities such as MIT, Harvard, Princeton, etc. To get more detailed information about this prestigious summer camp and see the professors’ credentials, please visit
www.awesomemath.org
AwesomeMath also includes an year-round program. It is a correspondence mathematical training containing six segments spread throughout the school year (one segment is distributed to students every two months). Each segment is structured around an important mathematical concept and consists of lecture notes, problems with solutions, and assigned problems. Students solve as many problems as they can and submit their solutions for grading and feedback. Please click here to see the topics for this year and get enrolled in the program.
Last but not least, we invite everyone to take a look at a new published mathematics book, a must for the bookshelf of every student interested in succeeding at mathematical competitions to the highest level. It is entitled “Problems from the Book,” by Dr. Titu Andreescu and Gabriel Dospinescu. You can find it by clicking here.
Ready for a fun math challenge?
Dr. Andreescu has put together some math challenges especially for our readers!
There are problems for elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Click Here to download the "November Math Challenge."
Solutions to these problems will be posted in the next issue of this newsletter!
Dr. Titu Andreescu is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Texas at Dallas. Among his many credentials, he is a former leader of the U.S. International Mathematical Olympiad team and director of AwesomeMath, a summer program for mathematically gifted children. To email Dr. Andreescu, click here. The AwesomeMath website can be located at www.awesomemath.org
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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:
The Nutcracker – December 12 at 8pm at Bass Hall -- SOLD OUT!
Homeschool Pricing: $20/ticket (best available seating)
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
Juvenile Daytime Curfew Ordinances in Hurst-Euless-Bedford Causing Public Outcry from Homeschoolers and Others
– by Anne Gebhart
At the request of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, the cities of Euless and Bedford have passed a juvenile daytime curfew ordinance, making it illegal for a minor under 17 years of age to be in public during the school hours observed by the school district: 9a.m. - 2:30p.m., Monday through Friday. Violating the curfew carries a Class C misdemeanor charge, and offenders can be faced with a $500 fine.
To view the verbiage for Bedford's daytime curfew ordinance, click here. The Euless daytime curfew ordinance is worded similarly to Bedford's, but is not yet available online. However, you can contact the Euless city secretary's office at 817-685-1434 to request a copy of the ordinance by email or fax.
The Hurst City Council has not yet discussed this issue. While Hurst's mayor has indicated that he is personally opposed to a juvenile daytime curfew ordinance, the Hurst police department has confirmed that it is working to draft an ordinance. The council is expected to vote on the issue sometime in the near future, but we encourage you to check their agendas to know for sure. Hurst posts its council agenda online here.
The daytime curfew ordinance causes an obvious problem for homeschoolers, in that there are many legitimate reasons for homeschooled children to be out in public during the school hours indicated by the ordinance. A teenager driving himself to a class or to work, a child running an errand for a parent or walking the dog around the block, a child playing in the front yard or at the park after completing his schoolwork for the day, children outside on their school break or family vacation. The scenarios are many and varied – and all legitimate.
Both Euless and Bedford's curfew ordinances list homeschoolers as a "defense to prosecution." Even as a defense to prosecution, however, homeschoolers can still be cited and then have to go to court to defend themselves. In other words, police can cite a homeschooler, and then that family will have to go to court to "prove" they're homeschoolers.
Some have suggested that perhaps homeschoolers should be listed as an exemption, rather than as a defense to prosecution. However, this will not be any better; implementation will still be an issue. The scenarios are the same.
The point is, the real solution to truancy is not found in a juvenile daytime curfew at all, but rather in the enforcement of the statutory attendance laws which were specifically designed by the Texas legislature to deal with truancy, and which provide a stronger due process provision than daytime curfews permit.
While the Bedford and Euless police chiefs have both expressed that they do not intend to use these daytime curfew ordinances to seek out homeschoolers, those words are nothing more than a verbal handshake. A police officer can decide to issue a citation and let the court sort it out. It just takes one police officer having a bad day, or wanting to make an example of someone, to cause a problem for an otherwise innocent family...and there are many stories of homeschool families across Texas who have experienced that very thing.
The best assurance the police chiefs can give us is "we encourage officers to use great discretion in enforcing laws" and "at this time we don’t foresee a child being accompanied by a parent to suffer from a stop and contact." That's no assurance or guarantee, and does not address the many valid reasons that homeschool children can be in public without their parent.
And while we love our police chiefs, they simply can't speak for the next guy who comes in and takes their place. The new chief might not be so agreeable, and may decide that a "zero tolerance policy" is the best course of action for his department.
It was suggested by one police chief that homeschoolers be placed on a list, so that when law enforcement encounters them they can refer to the list to know they are homeschoolers. When that suggestion was voiced at our meeting last week, the entire room erupted in laughter. While the suggestion sounded humorous, the police chief did not intend for it to be so. The fact is,citizens who believe in the freedoms protected by the constitution, should indeed find that suggestion just a little unsettling. Think Nazi Germany. Compromising our freedoms and privacy by acquiescing is not the way things should be done in our great country.
The fact of the matter is, the daytime curfew is not needed. There are already state laws on the books that specifically address truancy. The school district, and law enforcement, just need to follow the law. Daytime curfews bypass the state law's stricter due process protection, and leave too much to an individual officer's interpretation and discretion.
The police chiefs in Euless and Bedford, and even the HEB school district, have made the argument that they need the daytime curfew to help keep kids in school and off the streets. They also argue that the state compulsory attendance law is not strong enough to let them do their job of enforcing the law, that it "creates a gap between a child's attendance record and the ability to keep them in school where they belong," and that the state law does not provide an immediate negative enforcement for a wrong that is committed.
While those things might have been true at one time, they aren't true anymore. Just last year, the Texas legislature created a fix by passing two new state laws to specifically address both problems: 1) the truancy problem and 2) the weaknesses and gaps in the state compulsory attendance law.
These laws, which went into affect September 2007, are known as House Bill 2237 and House Bill 776.
House Bill 2237 contains provisions allowing police who believe that a child is in violation of the compulsory school attendance law to take a juvenile into custody and return the student to the campus he or she attends. The intent of this law was to give all law enforcement officers the same authority as school attendance officers, allowing them to escort students "back to school as soon as possible to continue their education."
House Bill 776 added the child's school to the list of places where police can drop off juveniles they take into custody.
By enacting these new laws which specifically address the truancy issue, the Texas legislature made clear its intentions as to how truants are to be handled. These laws close the gap in the existing compulsory attendance law by giving police officers the same authority as attendance officers. The laws also facilitate police intervention when dealing with truants, while providing a solution to the truancy issue in a way that bypasses the court system.
The new laws not only provide a solution to the truancy problem, but when they were passed last year the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) went so far as to call the law "ingenious" because it allows police to take students back to school but avoids criminalizing the students.
CLEAT, the state's largest police association, demonstrated its support of this legislation by acknowledging that the new state law provides law enforcement with a "simple tool" to prevent kids from skipping school. Charley Wilkison, spokesperson for CLEAT stated, "Why do you start a kid down the road to being a criminal by taking them down to juvenile (detention) and introducing them to the gang leaders? Let's haul their butt back to school where they belong."
Exactly.
Yet, that sounds vastly different from what local law enforcement officials are saying through their determined efforts to enact these daytime curfews which do indeed criminalize kids for playing hooky.
It is abundantly clear that the Texas state legislature never intended for juvenile daytime curfew ordinances, which carry a class C misdemeanor charge, to be used in dealing with truancy violations. The state compulsory attendance law does it all, and in a way that avoids criminalizing the students.
Last week, HEART of Texas invited Texas Home School Coalition President Tim Lambert to speak on the daytime curfew issue. The response we had from the 80 families who attended the meeting was overwhelmingly in favor of working to get these ordinances repealed or, as in Hurst's case, blocked before the daytime curfew becomes law.
Many families have expressed their desire to help. We also have volunteers who are circulating petitions.
There is much to do, and if you would like to lend a hand, please contact Anne at info@heartoftex.org. We also need people who would like to speak at city council meetings, or at least be in attendance, so let us know if you would be available for that as well.
Additionally, if you experience a difficulty as a result of the daytime curfew, or if you have an encounter with law enforcement with regard to the curfew, please forward those stories on to us as we will be compiling those for future reference.
THSC and HSLDA are both of the same opinion that these ordinances are not needed, and both organizations have cited specific examples where these ordinances have infringed upon the rights of homeschoolers, even though homeschooling was listed as a "defense to prosecution" in those ordinances.
Pdf files of the three handouts from the daytime curfew meeting can be found by clicking here, and then selecting
"Daytime Curfew Information,"
"THSC Statement on Daytime Curfews,"
"Newpaper Article on Daytime Curfew."
Most of the information from Tim Lambert's talk is contained in those three documents.
Mr. Lambert has generously made his powerpoint presentation available, and it can be found by clicking here, and then selecting
"Daytime Curfews: How They Erode Our Freedom and How to Fight Them."
Our freedoms are precious, and once removed can never be regained. Our civil liberties are too precious to be sacrificed for the convenience of law enforcement. The daytime curfews are not necessary to get the job done - and they are akin to removing a splinter with a sledge hammer.
We are encouraging all homeschool families in the HEB area to contact their local officials by phone and by email to express your concerns about this ordinance. Let's work together to get these daytime curfew ordinances eradicated.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Two Texas Colleges Offering Free Tuition
– by Jean Burk
Be an AGGIE for free. Finally, the Texas middle-class gets a break when it comes to paying for college. Both Texas A & M along with The University of Texas in Arlington have implemented programs to help families that have an annual income of $65,000 or less. Students who are in the middle-income bracket can now have the opportunity to go to four-year Texas University.
Eligible incoming freshman can become a part of the traditions of A & M with their “Aggie Assurance” program. Students will need to maintain a grade-point average of 2.5, apply for their FAFSA and be a Texas resident. The program will pay for all in-state tuition and fees. (approximately $7780 per year) These students will also be eligible for additional grants, loans or work study programs to cover the rest: books, extra fees, room and board.
Undergraduates who attend The University Of Texas in Arlington can take advantage of the “Maverick Promise” in the upcoming academic year. They will need to finish the application process, receive a Federal Pell grant and maintain a 2.0 while attending UTA. If students continue to meet the required conditions, the program may be renewed. They will also be eligible for other funds through various other school programs.
Both colleges require students to take the SAT or ACT as an entrance exam. The average incoming freshman at Texas A & M has an SAT score of 1210, (Math and Critical Reading) and an ACT score of 26. At UT Arlington, the average SAT score is a 1050 (Math and Critical Reading) and an ACT score of 22.
In the past, pursuing a higher education at a four-year university had only been a dream for many families who fell into the middle class. In many cases, they made too much money for grants but not enough to pay for college. It is about time that these folks who have worked hard for so long can finally reap some benefits back. So stop worrying about the money and start realizing there’s another great reason to live in Texas.
Jean Burk is a published author, speaker, and teacher. Her "Master the SAT Class" has been featured on NBC, CBS, and Fox. Contact her at 81-SAT-2-PREP or Click Here to email Jean. For more information about her classes, visit www.collegeprepgenius.com.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers!
NEST Family Learning has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer a special discount to readers of our newsletter!
For a limited time, you can enjoy an additional 15% discount on materials plus FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more.
Simply visit
http://www.nestlearning.com/c-5-homeschool.aspx?s_cid=heart to start shopping and begin enjoying your savings today! Use coupon code "HEART" when placing your order.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES
Summer Reading Programs, Clubs, Story Times, Events, Activities, and more! Libraries in North Texas are gearing up for an action-packed, fun-filled summer that will inspire a love of reading!
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information: Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373
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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location: 500 W. 3rd St
817-871-7701
DIAMOND HILL/JARVIS
Location: NE 35th Street
817-624-7331
EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location: 4300 E. Berry St.
817-536-1945
EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 6301 Bridge St.
817-871-6436
MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location: 2800 Stark St.
817-451-0916
NORTHSIDE LIBRARY
Location: 601 Park Street
817-626-8241
RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location: 3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
817-737-6619
RIVERSIDE LIBRARY:
Location: 2913 Yucca Avenue
817-838-6931
SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location: 959 East Rosedale St.
817-871-6621
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 4001 Library Ln.
817-782-9853
SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location: 4205 Basswood Blvd.
817-232-0478
WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location: 3816 Kimberly Ln.
817-292-3368
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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 901 Precinct Line Road
Hurst, TX 76053
817-788-7300
Contact: rreynaro@ci.hurst.us
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time
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
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.
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.
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.
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
2008 CONTEST OVER
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8. IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CONTEST FOR K-12
FEBRUARY 13, 2009 --- ENTRY DEADLINE
The Challenge is an incentive based educational opportunity for students K-12 throughout the U.S. and much of Canada. Students are asked to use their creative energy to develop entries in the categories of Visual Arts and Music, Science and Technology, and Language Arts. Entries are to relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy" and demonstrate character building as it applies to wise energy choices and environmental stewardship. The entries are also to demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do to make a difference in their home or community.
Who Can Enter? All students, kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States and Canada are invited to enter. Void in Quebec. Travel Prize Winners must be students and teachers at an accredited K-12 public or private school and may not be immediate family members of Johnson Controls, Inc., USEA or National Energy Foundation employees.
Can home school students enter? Yes. All students K-12 are invited to enter. However, home school students are not eligible for the grand prize.
Awards: There are separate prizes for elementary, middle school and high school students in addition to a teacher prize. The grand prize in each category is a trip for two to Hawaii. In addition to the national grand prizes each state has a prize winner.
Various local, state and national partners are providing extra awards and recognition above and beyond the national grand prize trip:
1. The highest scoring student in each state and province will receive a prize package valued at $1,000 U.S. If you are a national winner, you will not be recognized as a state or province winner.
2. A lighting project winner will be announced. The student with the highest scoring project that addresses lighting as it related to the theme Igniting Creative Energy will win a special prize for the student and an energy-efficient lighting upgrade for a designated area within his or her school. If you are a national grand prize winner, you will not be eligible to win this award.
3. Some cities, state energy offices, and individual school districts wanting to recognize students in their specific geographical areas are sponsoring local challenges. Click on Local Challenges to see the participating areas and the awards that are available.
Official Online Entry Form: Click here
Mail In Entry Form: Click Here
For Guidelines: Click Here
To Enter:
Follow these simple steps:
1. Think about how you use electricity, gasoline, natural gas...energy (ex. electricity, gasoline, natural gas and/or if you could use less or how you could help your community use less).
2. Think of a creative new way to use less energy.
3. Use your talents and skills to create an exciting unusual project that will communicate your idea to someone else. Your project could be a science project, essay, story, artwork, photograph, music, video or web site project.
4. Write a one page explanation of how your project relates to the theme. Be sure to include the following: * What motivated you to enter this Challenge?
* What actions and ideas are you trying to express?
* What is the impact of your project in your life and/or in the lives of others?
5. Make sure your name is on your project.
6. Complete the entry form. Make sure that you have your parents or legal guardian and teacher sign it.
7. Mail your project, entry form and explanation to:
IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CHALLENGE
NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
145 South 400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
8. Wait patiently.
9. Sit back and feel great about doing something yourself to conserve energy and help the environment.
10. Grand Prize winners will be notified.
If you aren't selected for the Grand Prize trip, no worries there is always next year. Plus you may be featured on the ICE web site for the world to see.
For More Information: Click Here
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9. 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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10. 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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11. 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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12. 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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13. 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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14. THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
CLASSES OFFERED at THEO
FALL 2008 CLASSES
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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15. 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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16. 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.
New Classes for Spring (Pre-k through 12th):
Registration Deadline: December 5
Chef’s in the Making
Cooking Fun
Introductory Spanish
Drama I
Health and Nutrition
People Skills 101
“Speak Before You Think”: Beginning Public Speaking
Macaroni & Please
Proud to Be Polite
Babysitter’s Guide to Survival
Handling Money God’s Way
Total Health: Integrating God’s Perspective
Financial Peace University
Encore! High School Speech
The Solar System and Beyond
Thinking Outside the Box
A Trip Through the US
See our Schedule and find Registration Forms on-line under CLASSES
Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any in-stock items. You must present your valid HEART of Texas Family I.D. card to qualify for the discount.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
Location: Christian Educators Resource Center
4501 Rowlett Rd., Suite 105
Rowlett, TX 75088
Contact: 972-475-4138
www.cerconline.org
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17. 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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18. CLASSES AT CREATIVE ARTS IN ACTION
Creative Arts in Action, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
Spring 2009 Classes!
We are excited at the expanded array of classes and teachers God has blessed us with.
MONDAY
Intro to Theatre with Anicia Brown – Grades K-3
Musical Theatre with Anicia Brown – Grades 8-12
Readers Theatre with Rosie Watson – Grades 4-6
Jane Eyre Production with Anicia Brown – Auditions Only
TUESDAY
Junior Musical Theatre with Anicia Brown – Grades 4-8
Acting Up with Anicia Brown – Grades 4-7
Intro to Theatre with Anicia Brown – Grades K-3
Around the World in 180 Days with Kathy Abelanet – Grades 3-4
Around the World in 180 Days with Kathy Abelanet – Grades 5-6
Sound of Music Production with Anicia Brown – Auditions Only
WEDNESDAY
Super-Math 3 with Amie Pollock
Super-Math 5 with Sherri Heinzman
Super-Math 7 with Bianca Anderson
Dramatic Studies (Romeo & Juliet) with Anicia Brown – Grades 8-12
Common Sense Economics with Sherri Heinzman – Grades 9-12
Stage Direction & Management with Anicia Brown – Grades 8-12
Speech with Rosie Watson – Grades 7 & up
THURSDAY
Exploring Art 2 with Christine Palmer – Grades 4-6
Exploring Art 1 with Christine Palmer – Grades 1-3
Science Explosions with Krystal Bare – Grades 4-6
Studio Art II with Christine Palmer – Grades 7-9
Stage Craft with Yolanda Cranford – Ages 13 & up
FRIDAY
Exploring Art 1 with Christine Palmer – Grades 1-3
Beginning Drawing with Christine Palmer – Grades 3-6
Teaching Science through Literature with Kath Abelanet – Grades 1-3
Studio Art with Christine Palmer – Grades 7-9
Super-Math Captains Course with Dr. Miles Jones – Must have completed a semester of Super-Math
Super-Math 9 – SAT Math Prep with Dr. Miles Jones – Pre-requisite Super-Math 8
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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19. EASTFIELD COLLEGE
Homeschool Connection
Parent & Student Orientation Meeting Schedule
(One meeting is required each semester before registering for the graded homeschool connection courses.)
For SPRING 2009 Registration
November 19 at 12 noon, Building C, Room 118
November 22, 2008, at 9 a.m., Building C, Room 118
December 5, 2008, at 12 noon, Building C, Room 118
December 6, 2008, at 9 a.m., Building C, Room 118
December 13, 2008, at 9 a.m., Building C, Room 118
January 10, 2009, at 9-11am, Building C, Room 118
January 17, 2009, at 9 a.m., Building C , Room 118
For Registration or Other Information: Contact Mary Ann Fitzsimmons at 972-860-7017 or Click Here to Email Mary Ann
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20. 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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21. FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
FCA is a Christian School in McKinney, Texas which offers Academic and Enrichment classes to home school families with children Pre-school aged through High School.
Academic classes through 5th grade: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Classes include Math, English, Science, and Social Studies.
Enrichment classes through 5th grade: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Classes include Spanish, Music, Drama, Bible, P.E., Art, Crafts, and more!)
6th -7th grade Enrichment classes: Mondays
Classes include Stock Market Game, Speech, Music Multi Media, Bible, and Study Skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the National InvestWrite Essay Competition.
8th grade Elective and Academics classes: Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays:
Classes include Algebra I, English, Earth and Space Science w/LABS (approved 4x4 class by the Tx. SBOE), Government, Music Multi Media, Spanish, Bible, Study Skills, “College Prep Genius” SAT Lab, Stock Market Game, Speech, and *National InvestWrite Essay Competition
High School Elective and Academics classes: Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays:
Classes include Algebra I, English, Earth and Space Science w/LABS (approved 4x4 class by the Tx. SBOE), Government, Music Multi Media, Spanish, Bible, Study Skills, “College Prep Genius” SAT Lab, Stock Market Game, Speech, and *National InvestWrite Essay Competition.
*FCA Home School student won the National InvestWrite Essay Competition Fall of 2007! He received a school trophy, class party, a lap top computer and a trip to New York!
Chapel: Preschool through High School
Community Service Opportunity: Habitat for Humanity community service projects offered to students 14 years and older. For information on how to participate in the next project, click here to e-mail Terrie Odonnell
Stanford Achievement Testing:
Spring 2009 Testing Date TBD (call 972-562-5323 ext. 22 for details)
SAT College Prep Genius 2 Day Workshop:
November 24 and 25 from 9:00 am - 2:30pm
FCA will offer a rigorous TWO DAY course by Jean Burk designed to teach students the techniques needed to become successful in taking the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT tests.
This course will equip students with the necessary strategies and tips that can help increase their test scores. Students will also learn how to dispel common practices and misconceptions about the
SAT that can harm their scores. Workshop CLASSES ARE LIMITED!!!!
To reserve a spot, please register online
Fall classes are still taking enrollment.
To see 2008 Fall Home School Class Schedule, visit this link and click on age/grade level
For More Information:
Contact Toni Gore at tgore@fcamckinney.org or 972-562-5323 ext. 22
Location: Faith Christian Academy
115A Industrial Boulevard
McKinney, TX
www.fcamckinney.com
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22. 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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23. 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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24. 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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25. 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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26. 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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27. 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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28. TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE MATH AND SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS
Math Classes Offered Spring 2009:
Please register by December 12
Southeast Campus
Algebra II (MTHX 2001-45022; Syn. 0137870)
T/TH 3-4:30pm (January - May)
Geometry (MTHX 1000-45023; Syn. 0137871)
M/TH 9am-Noon (January - May)
Advanced Math (College Algebra) (MTHX 1011-40654; Syn. 0144956)
MWF 1-3pm (January 12 - March 6)
Northwest Campus
Algebra II (MTHX-2001-31287; Syn. 0138181)
Mon 8am-10am (January - May)
Geometry (MTHX 1001-31285; Syn. 0138182)
Mon 10am-Noon (January - May)
FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
Cost equates to $3.50 an hour, $166 for entire semester including book.
For More Information about the Math Classes: Call Maurine Amend at 972-660-8414 or Click Here to email her.
Science Classes Offered Spring 2009:
Northeast Campus (Dept of Continuing Education):
High School Biology Laboratory (BIOX 1430)
M/W 12:10-2:00 p.m. (January 26 - April 22)
Must be at least 14 years of age to take this class.
To sign up online: www.tccd.edu
For More Information about the Biology Class: Call Katherine Hoffman at 817-515-6946 or Click Here to email her.
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29. 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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30. 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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31. 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 – November 13-16
Time: Thursday: 10am - 9pm (no sales tax)
Friday: 10am - 8pm (no sales tax)
Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: 12 Noon - 6pm
Location: Heart of Texas Fairgrounds
4300 Bosque Boulevard
For More Information: Click Here or 254-750-5990
Books: 110,000 Sorted Items; 95% donated; 50% hardcover;
Books, videos, CDs: $1.50; paperbacks: $1; like new hardbacks $4
Final Day Prices: General Sales $8/bag; Collector's corner half price.
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FRISCO – November 14-15
Time: Friday: 10am - 6pm; Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Location: Frisco Public Library
6101 Frisco Square Boulevard
972-292-5669
Books: 3,600 books; 70% donated; 70% hardcover; .50 - $2
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32. 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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33. 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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34. 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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35. 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.
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.
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:
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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36. 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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37. FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS
NOVEMBER 9 – Invasive Plants
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Admission: Free with paid admission
We will continue from last month's Texas Invaders Workshop and talk about invasive plants we have at the Nature Center. We will discuss ways to eliminate invasive plants and talk about the alternative, native plants.
NOVEMBER 15 – Woodpeckers
Time: 1-3p.m.
Admission: Free with paid admission
The life history of a woodpecker is quite fascinating from drumming the trees to their species variety. Woodpeckers can be seen and heard throughout the roperty. Joina Naturalist as we discus the life history of woodpeckers, local species, and the peril of one species of woodpecker.
NOVEMBER 25 - Bison Feeding Hayride
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.; 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 (includes admission)
Take some time from your Thankksgiving Break and join us for a good old-fashioned hayride. The highlight of the hayride is joining the Nature Center staff as they feed the bison herds, learn the history of the bison, and see some of the handling equipment neceessary for their care.
Pre-registration is required.
To Pre-Register: 817-237-1111
NOVEMBER 29
Time: 3-4 p.m.
Admission: Free with paid admission
Once turkey numbers dropped and they were in trouble. Today they have made a great comeback. We will learn about this wildlife success story. We will compare wild turkeys versus domesticated turkeys and find out how they differ.
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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38. FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS
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
DECEMBER 1 -- Colors by Nature (Exploring Natural Dyes) Class & Tour
Time: 10:00-2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Details: Cochineal is a scale insect found on prickly pear cactus that is used to produce a natural dye. It was used historically as a clothing dye, and is still used as a food dye today. We will talk about cochineal and other natural dyes, and use cochineal to dye bandanas in our morning class. After a picnic lunch at the Overlook, we will take a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
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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39. 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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40. 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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41. HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm
Upcoming Events:
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.
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.
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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42. 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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43. TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS
Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round urban oasis located at historic Fair Park. The gardens showcase beautiful native and adapted plants that are grown using sustainable methods that help to protect the environment. The first certified organic public garden in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens offers educational programs and exhibits that teach children and adults how to provide vital habitat for butterflies and other native Texas wildlife, add beauty, conserve water and restore the natural environment in urban areas.
The Modern Victory Gardens: a Community Garden Educational Series Topics
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.
Regular Admission & Hours:
$3/adults; $2 seniors (60+); $1.50 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm.
For more info: 214.428.7476 ext. 23.
Location: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fair Park.
Fair Park istwo miles east of downtown Dallas just south of Interstate 30.
THIRD SATURDAYS – Garden Walks
Garden Walks are a guided tour on various topics. Unless noted, Garden Walks are on the third Saturday of the month and last one hour.
Time: 10am - 11am
Cost: Free with garden admission.
Pre-Registration is required.
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.
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. We also work with Scout Leaders to put together Webelos and Eagle Scout projects, and have a number of Community 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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44. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
ATHENS, TX
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
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
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.
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
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 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.
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 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
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
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
No events in November at this location
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TYLER, TX
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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45. 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:
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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46. PERFORMANCES AT CATS THEATER IN ARLINGTON
2008 Summer Series Shows
Tickets: $6 regular admission
$5 for lap passes for children 0-3 years old
2008/2009 Children's Show Schedule:
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 9 -- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Early on a September morning the villagers of Sleepy Hollow await their new schoolmaster. His genteel manners and his hymn singing impress the ladies, including Katrina Van Tassel, the town belle. The menfolk are less thrilled, especially Brom Bones, Katrina's beau, and he begins plotting to rid himself of his unwelcome rival. Matters come to a head during the Van Tassel's Halloween party, after which the superstitious Ichabod is accosted on his lonely ride home by a fiendish apparition, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. The next morning Ichabod has disappeared, leaving behind only a song in the wind, and a new legend is born.
PLUS! Intermission Halloween with the Characters:
Have Tea and Cakes with the cast. Make your reservations early, there are only 30 seats.
Cost $5.00 per person
DECEMBER 5 - 14 -- Christmas Carol Miracle
It’s December 1939 in a small Texas town, the orphans at Abba House enter the town’s annual Christmas Carol Contest. The money will save the doomed orphanage. The orphans are sure to win…until Christoper arrives. Not only can Christopher not sing, but he never smiles either. Will the orphans let Christopher sing with the choir knowing that they could lose the contest and prize money, and therefore their home? This wonderful family musical by Taffy Geisel will not only touch your heart, it will also put you in the holiday spirit.
Intermission Tea Party with the Characters:
Make your reservations early, there are only 30 seats.
Cost $5.00 per person
JANUARY 2 - 4 -- Free to Be You and Me
No Auditions - Performed by Alumni Students
Free to Be… You and Me features songs and stories. Using poetry, songs, and sketches, the basic concept is to salute values such as individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one's identity; a major thematic message is that anyone, whether a boy or a girl, can achieve anything one wants.
JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 8 -- Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Auditions: December 8-9
A teenager who works on his school's stage crew, is knocked out by a co-worker and finds himself transported back to the thrilling days of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere and the Knights and Ladies of the Round Table. Hank, who has been studying astronomy, predicts an eclipse of the sun and is hailed a great wizard. He is knighted "Sir Boss" and sets about modernizing Camelot, complete with telephones, bicycles and T-shirts. But the king's wicked half-sister plots against Camelot, planning an invasion with her own army. How "Sir Boss" overcomes the evil plot and finds his way back to Hartford, Connecticut, provides fun and excitement for everyone.
Intermission Tea Party with the Characters:
Make your reservations early, there are only 30 seats.
Cost $5.00 per person
FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 8 -- Boxcar Children
Auditions: January 12-13
This story is about four children: Henry James Alden, 14; Jessie Alden, 12; Violet Alden, 10; Benny Alden, 4, and their dog Watch. Upon the death of their mother and father, their grandfather assumes custody of the children, but they run away because they believe him to be cruel. Finding an abandoned boxcar, they start a new life of independence. A man named Dr. Moore, who lives in a nearby city, hires Henry to do jobs around his home, such as mowing the lawn and organizing his garage. With the help of Henry's income and living off the land, the children are able to take care of themselves until Violet becomes ill and they must go to Dr. Moore for assistance.
Intermission Tea Party with the Characters:
Make your reservations early, there are only 30 seats.
Cost $5.00 per person
MARCH 27 - APRIL 5 -- Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny
Auditions: February 2-3
Peter Rabbit is lucky to have escaped Mr. MacGregor's garden, but then his cousin Benjamin suggests they go back together for Peter's missing coat and shoes.
Intermission Tea Party with the Characters:
Make your reservations early, there are only 30 seats.
Cost $5.00 per person
MAY 1 - 10 -- Into the Woods (2009 Fundraiser Show)
Open Auditions: March 9-10
Annual Auction to be held during the show
Tickets are 3 for $5
A childless baker and his wife cannot have a child until they follow the bidding of the witch next door to get a cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and the slipper as pure as gold. Good thing, then that they've got neighbors named Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Cinderella to help them before (and after) Happily Ever After.
Intermission Tea Party with the Characters:
Make your reservations early, there are only 30 seats.
Cost $5.00 per person
Summer Shows:
JUNE 16-18 -- Go Dog, Go
JULY 7-9 -- Dear Edina, Jr.
AUGUST 4-6 -- The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
Show Times:
Spotlight Shows:
Friday 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Ticket Information:
2007/2008
* Regular admission $10.00.
* Group rate for a group of 10 and more $9.
* Group rate for a group of 20 and more $8.
* Lap passes for children 0 to 3 years old are $5.00.
* School Matinees group rate $5. See link below for group rates.
* 2007-2008 Season Tickets – See link below for info on Season Tickets
* 2008 Fundraiser Show $15 for adults & $10 for children/students
To Order Tickets Online: https://vss131.viux.com/creativearts_org/tixonline.htm
For Information on Group Rates: http://www.creativearts.org/grouprates.html
For Information on Season Tickets: http://www.creativearts.org/seasontickets.html
For More Information: 817-861-2287; metro: 817-265-8512
Location: 1100 West Randol Mill Road
Arlington, TX 76012
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47. COTTAGE THEATER – CREATIVE ARTS IN ACTION
Creative Arts in Action’s Cottage Theater Presents:
NOVEMBER 21-24 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Comedy)
Times: Fri, Sat, Mon (Nov 21, 22, 24): 7:30pm
Sat, Sun (Nov 22, 23): 2:30 pm
Tickets: $10/adults; $8/students; free/small lap children.
No baby carriers or strollers, etc.
To Purchase Tickets: 817-281-2293
Location: Creative Arts in Action/Cottage Theater
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)
For More Information: 817-281-2293
Auditions September 8: Click here for details
FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 2 – The Sound of Music
Times: Fri, Sat, Mon (Feb 27, 28, Mar 2): 7:30pm
Sat, Sun (Feb 28, Mar 1): 2:30 pm
Tickets: $10/adults; $8/students; free/small lap children.
No baby carriers or strollers, etc.
To Purchase Tickets: 817-281-2293
Auditions December 2 & 4: Click here for details
AUDITIONS:
Auditions for The Sound of Music Will Be Held: December 2 & 4
To set an audition appointment: Anicia Brown at 817-571-9839 or Click Here to email
Call Backs: December 9 at 4:30pm
Rehearsals: Tues/Thurs (Dec 11 - Feb 19) from 4:30 - 6:30pm
Performances: February 27 - March 2
For More Information: 817-281-2293
www.creativeartsinaction.com
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48. THEATER at ARTISAN THEATER IN HURST
Artisan Center Theater holds quality, "in the round" performances that are family-friendly, entertaining, and affordable! Artie's Playhouse, their Interactive Children's Theater, offers original, fun-for-all-ages productions featuring familiar characters and themes, but with fresh twists that keep it entertaining and exciting for parents as well as children. Each story has its own character focus, which is reinforced throughout the play.
The "Artie's Playhouse" productions are about 30-45 minutes long, and include lots of audience participation to hold the interest of even the youngest child in the family. The theater's full-length stage productions include musicals, comedies, and family dramas which are entertaining, as well as family-friendly. Past performances have included such classics as Godspell, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Sound of Music.
Full-Length Productions:
OCTOBER 17 - NOVEMBER 15 -- The Book of Job (Musical)
This wonderful musical story of Job and his trials and triumphs was originally written for and premiered at the Jubilee Theatre. It is glorious, infectious, colorful, soulful, emotional and best of all, entertaining. The whole family will love this production.
NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 23 -- Cinderella (Rodgers & Hammerstein's)
This clever story about love and hope and the beautiful Rodgers and Hammerstein score promise to make Cinderella a holiday treat for all generations!
Ticket Prices:
Fridays & Saturdays: $13.00 for adults,
$11.00 for students and senior citizens,
$8.00 for children 12 and under.