November 2009


HEART OF TEXAS   
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.

NOVEMBER 2009 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
 
Dear Home School Families and Friends,
We are excited to share with you information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to the homeschooling families in your network.

If you use any content from this newsletter for placement within your own newsletter or other communications, please acknowledge the HEART of Texas newsletter as your source and include our website address: www.heartoftex.org.

If you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.  Advertising space is available for those wishing to advertise their businesses, classes, job listings, or other opportunities.

We also have a “featured articles” section.  We hope that you will find the articles to be informative, encouraging, and full of wisdom.  If you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org.   

We would love to hear from you!

www.HEARTofTex.org


Our deadlines are as follows:  
the 12th of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 27th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.

Thanks so much!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.

This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided.  HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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~UPCOMING HEART OF TEXAS EVENTS ~
FEBRUARY 2, 2010
3RD ANNUAL HEART OF TEXAS REGIONAL HOMESCHOOL COLLEGE NIGHT
GRAPEVINE CONVENTION CENTER

Time:        7pm-9pm (speaking sessions start at 6pm)
Location:   Grapevine Convention Center
                1209 South Main Street
                Grapevine, TX 76051

Admission:  $8/family (preregistered by December 31, 2009)!!!

Stay tuned for more details on our website:  www.heartoftex.org


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~MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS ~


NOVEMBER 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP JUDGE SPEECH/DEBATE TOURNAMENT IN FRISCO, TX

DECEMBER 4-5

Location:  First Baptist Church Frisco  
                7901 Main Street
                Frisco, TX  75034

Details:  180+ judges from the community are needed to help with this event.  No experience necessary!! Enjoy a delicious array of foods & desserts while you judge!

To Sign Up to Judge:  Click Here
You’ll be impressed by the poise & confidence of these high school students as they perform hilarious, dramatic and informational speeches and debate this year’s hot issues (US Environmental Policy and whether Competition or Cooperation is the superior means of achieving excellence)! 
 
For more information, email us here

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
EXTINGUISH HUNGER
BENEFITTING NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK

Drop off nonperishable food items in November and December and help support hunger relief in North Texas.

Drop off locations:
Wachovia Financial Centers
City of Dallas Fire Stations
Tarrant County Fire Stations

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NOVEMBER 4, 5, 18, 19
HOME SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
LEGO EDUCATION CENTER IN SOUTHLAKE

Time: 11am - 12:30pm
Ages 3-7: LEGO Totem Poles
Ages 8+: LEGO MINDSTORMS  NXT: Thanksgiving Parade
Time:  11am - 12:30pm
Cost:  $20/child;  $18/child (HEART of Texas members)
Details:  Children in the 3-7 age range will enjoy the same activity, but will be organized into two separate groups and rooms based upon their development level. Children aged 3-5 will utilize larger LEGO DUPLO®
bricks while the older 5-7 group will enjoy smaller LEGO system bricks.
Location:  LEGO Education Center
                2315 E. Southlake Blvd, #110, Southlake, TX  76092
                888-728-5346

Discount:  LEGO Education Center is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid HEART of Texas family ID card) a 10% discount on their Home School Workshops!  These hands-on workshops encourage problem-solving and creative thinking skills, are for children ages 3-12, and occur four times a month.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Family Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

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NOVEMBER 5
NATIVE AMERICAN DAY
CAMP TONKAWA

Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
Location:  1036 CR 203,
                Collinsville TX 76233
What to Bring:  Lunches and drinking water
Cost:  $15/Pre-Registered by Mail; $18/Walk-ins; $10/4 year olds; FREE/Under 4 and parents with at least one paying child.
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

NOVEMBER 11 - Let's Take Care of Our Earth

For Info on Other Events at Camp Tonkawa:  Click Here

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NOVEMBER 6
AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
CONNECTIONS
NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

Target First Saturdays
Time: 10am-2pm
Admission:  FREE from 10am-2pm
Location:   Nasher Sculpture Center
                2001 Flora St
                Dallas, TX 75201

Details: Come join us for art activities, family tours, and a live performance that is sure to please!

For more information about additional exhibitions:  Click Here.

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NOVEMBER 6
FARMER DUCK
"FRIDAY FUN AT THE FARM"
HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM

Time:  10:30 am
Cost: $5/child; $3/chaperone  (includes tractor-pulled covered wagon ride)
Ages:  Programs geared for groups ages 3-6 or 6-12.  
Advanced Registration Required: 972-881-0140

Details: This program follows the children’s story, Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell, about a duck that had the misfortune of living with a lazy farmer!  Children will enjoy learning about and doing hands-on chores including grinding corn and feeding chickens, washing clothes, and gardening. 

For other events at Heritage Farmstead Museum:  Click Here

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NOVEMBER 7
TEXAS TREES GARDEN WALK
TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS AT FAIR PARK

Time:  10am-11am
Cost: $4/adults; $3 seniors (60+); $2 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Ages: Program appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Details: Join staff horticulturist Randy Johnson on this annual tour of native trees. Learn proper planting and care techniques. You'll finish the tour just in time to go to the Fall Plant Sale!

Location: Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
Located at the Martin Luther King Entrance (Gate 6) of the Fair Grounds.    
3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210

Parking: Enter Fair Park at gate # 6 (the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Robert B. Cullum Blvd). Just inside the gate, turn right on Second Ave. Enter the parking lot on your right.

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NOVEMBER 7
TYLER PARKS & RECREATION
FATHER & SON FISHING DERBY

Time:  8:30am - Noon
Cost: $10/person
Ages: 5 and up
Location:  Woldert Park Pond, 501 W. 32nd Street
Details: The Glass Recreation Center father and son fishing tournament starts at 8am, and weigh-in starts at 11:30 a.m.  Prizes will be given to the couple with the fish that weigh in the most and the couple with the biggest fish.  Three age divisions:  5-9; 10-14; 15 and up.  Some rules will apply.  Refreshments provided.  
For More Information:  903-533-1397

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NOVEMBER 9
FREE EDUCATOR SCREENING
TO REVIEW POTENTIAL IMAX FILM: MOLECULES TO THE MAX
AT OMNI THEATER -- FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Advance reservations required.  Tickets limited to first 100 respondents.

Time:  6:30 p.m.
Film:  Molecules to the Max
Cost:  FREE -- your only obligation is that you agree to complete a short survey at the conclusion of the film.

To Reserve Seats:  E-mail Educator Screening with the following information:
 - Your name
 - Your school/affiliation
 - Your e-mail address
 - Total number of tickets you require for the film; You may bring up to 3 additional guests with you.

You will receive a reply e-mail and confirmation number for the screening, along with additional instructions. This confirmation number will be required for admittance.

Details:  Molecules to the Max is an animated film created for families, teachers and children that explores unimaginably small places. You'll blast through space on the Molecularium ship with Oxy and friends and see inside places you have never been: snowflakes, pennies, chewing gum, and the human cell. Molecules to the Max is suitable for all ages and is approximately 43 minutes long.

For More Information about Molecules to the Max:  Click Here 

This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets remain.

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NOVEMBER 10
HOMESCHOOL NATURE HIKE AND TOUR
FOSSIL RIM

Time:  10am - 2:30ish.  
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.  After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: Take a guided hike with a naturalist and learn about some of our native flora and fauna in the morning, share a picnic lunch, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216

Other November Events at Fossil Rim:
NOVEMBER 16 -- Homeschool African Safari Day Camp

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NOVEMBER 12
HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM:  GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LIBRARY
AT MCKINNEY LIBRARY

Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location:  McKinney Library's Dulaney Room
Participate in a special program to learn more about the library and the Children's Dept.
Other November Classes at McKinney Library:
NOVEMBER 17 -- Basic Internet Searching
Time:  3:30pm
Location:  Conference Room

Registration required:  Click here to register

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NOVEMBER 12 - 14
FORUM THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS:
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
WILL ROGERS AUDITORIUM IN FORT WORTH

Times:
10:30 a.m. (November 12 & 13)
7:30 p.m. (November 12 & 13)
2:00 p.m. (November 14)

Tickets:  
Morning Performances: $4/students;  $6/teachers
Afternoon & Evening Performances:  $10-$20

To Order Tickets:  214-287-0718

Discount:  Forum Theatre Company is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid HEART of Texas family ID card) a discount on show tickets.  HEART of Texas members can purchase morning performance tickets will be $4 for students as well as parents.  HEART of Texas members who purchase morning performance tickets will also receive FREE tickets to the Dallas Holocaust Museum.  HEART of Texas members can purchase Afternoon & Evening performance tickets for $10 each.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

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NOVEMBER 13
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR HIGH SCHOOL AEROSPACE PROGRAM
NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

Who:  Texas homeschool juniors with an interest in math, science, engineering, or technology.
Students are nominated by their state legislator to participate in the program though a competitive process.
 
What:  The High School Aerospace program (HAS) is an interactive, online learning experience where students complete web-based lessons during the school year.  Selected students can participate in a six-day summer internship where they are encouraged to study math, science, engineering, or computer science by interacting with engineers at the NASA Johnson Space Center.  

Click Here to read the article with all the details

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NOVEMBER 14
CIVIL WAR ON THE HOME FRONT
AND BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT AT
DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE

Time:  10am - 4pm
Battle Re-enactment:  2pm
Gate Admission:  $9/Adults; $7/Seniors 65+; $6/ages 4-12
Discount tickets online:  $5
To purchase online tickets:  Click Here
Details:  Join Dallas Heritage Village in recreating this exciting time in our history at our major re-enactment 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.
For More Information:  Click Here

For Other Events at Dallas Heritage Village:  Click Here

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NOVEMBER 21
TRACK & FIELD REGISTRATION
HOME SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HSAA)

Time:  10am - 11:30am
Location:  Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano, 75025
What to Bring:  Click Here
Details:  This is a competitive program for Middle School athletes in 7th-8th grade and High School athletes in 9th-12th grade.  There are no try-outs to make the team.  However, practice attendance, practice logs, and level of performance will determine whether High School athletes will compete on the JV or Varsity level.
Practices/Meets:  The team will practice from mid/late Jan to early May on Mondays and Wednesdays at tracks in Plano.  There will be several optional Saturday practices at the beginning of the season, as well as several event-specific clinics.  The 2010 meet schedule is not yet confirmed, however, it will be similar to last season’s schedule which is still on the HSAA website.

This registration date is for those who could not attend the October registration meeting.  Parents and prospective athletes must attend one of the sessions.  
If unable to attend either session:  Click Here to contact coach

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NOVEMBER 24
DOLLAR DAY AT THE DALLAS ZOO

Admission is $1 all day!
Time:  9am-5pm

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NOVEMBER 27 - JANUARY 3
HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM: THE ARTISTRY OF THE NATIVITY
OPENS AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM

Exhibit Tours:  10am - 4pm. (inside the DeGolyer Estate)
Details:  Over 500 creches this year with the addition of the George Dvorsky collection.
This will be the first time the Dvorsky nativities, collected during his world-wide travels as a Broadway actor, have been shown in Dallas.  This collection features nativities made from unique materials such as beeswax, pewter and more. His collection of 200 nativity scenes will join the wonderful collection generously given to the Dallas Arboretum by Dr. and Mrs. M. Ray Harrington to make this Holiday display not to be missed.

Dallas Arboretum will be open until 8pm on Tuesdays in December to give you additional opportunity to view this special exhibit.

Weekend Activities: (Saturdays 12-4pm;  Sundays 1-4pm)
NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 20:
Live Reindeer (1-4pm both days)
James French Photography: Pictures with Santa ($15)
NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 27:
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides ($5)
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Meet Frosty the Snowman & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Face Painting

Holiday Discount Days:
AT&T Senior Citizen Thursdays ($6.50 admission, 65 & older)
"Two for One' Wednesdays (limited one per person with coupon)

Location:
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX  75219
214-515-6500

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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
     (Click on the links below)

FEATURED ARTICLES

Letter to Texas Homeschoolers - by Tim Lambert, THSC

Announcing Our Newest Partner:  LEGO Education Center in Southlake!  Become a Family Subscriber and Save on Their Home School Workshops!

NASA Johnson Space Center Invites Homeschoolers to Apply for High School Aerospace Scholar Program -- by Anne Gebhart

Texas Ballet Theater Offering HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Discount Tickets for Select Performances
at Bass Hall and Winspear Opera House

Learning Disabilities and the Visual/Kinesthetic Approach - by Sharon Jeffus, Visual Manna

Volunteer Area Editors Needed for HEART of Texas Newsletter

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

LIBRARY PROGRAMS
1.   Library Programs at North Texas Libraries -- North Texas
       Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact info@heartoftex.org

     Bedford Public Library    
     Fort Worth Public Library
     Hurst Public Library
     McKinney Public Library System
     Tyler Public Library

READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2.   Book It!  Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
3.   Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
   
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4.   BEST Robotics 2009 Preview:  Just Plane Crazy! -- Texas Best
5.   FIRST Lego League -- 2009 Registration Deadline Passed
6.   Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2010
7.   National Engineers Week -- Registration Deadline Passed for 2009 Contest
8.   USA Mathematical Talent Search -- Round 2 Solutions Deadline November 23, 2009
9.   Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -- 2010 Contest TBA
10. Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest -- 2010 Contest TBA
    
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
11.  City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
12.  City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
13.  Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide

CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
14.  Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
15.  National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30

HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your Enrichment Program or Homeschool Classes
16.  THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
17.  Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
18.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
19.  Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas -- Cedar Hill/SW Dallas area
20.   Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
21.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
22.  Eastfield College -- Mesquite
23.  Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Lewisville
24.  Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
25.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
26.  Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
27.  JOY Christian Academy -- Decatur
28.  Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
29.  Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes for Home Schoolers
30.  Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
31.  YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving

BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
32.  Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
          Addison – November 6-7
          Dallas – November 6-7
          Wichita Falls – November 7
          Waco – November 12-15
          Bedford – November 14
33.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
34.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
35.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
  
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your program
36.  Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
37.  Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
38.  Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
39.  Fossil Rim
40.  Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
41.  Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
42.  Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
43.  Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
44.  Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
45.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
46.  Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
         Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- November 20-December 23
47.  Performances at CATS -- Arlington
        Carla's Song - The Story of the Homeless Christmas Tree -- December 4-12
48.  Cottage Theater – Center for Home Education -- Watauga
        Sleeping Beauty of Loreland -- January 15-23
49.  Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
        The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe -- October 16-November 14
        Artie's Children's Playhouse: Seussical Jr -- September 19-November 7
50.  Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
        Riverdance -- December 1-6
51.  Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
       The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – November 20-December 20
52.  Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- Dallas
        Musical Families – February 2, 4
        Bach to the Future – March 26, 31, April 1, 13
53.   Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra -- Fort Worth
        The Composer is Dead – January 13, 14
        Green Eggs and Ham – March 25
54.  Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
        Their schedule was not available at time of publication.
55.  Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Homeschool Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
        HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Receive Special Discount on the Following Performances:
        The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House) – November 27 at 2pm; December 5 at 2pm
        The Nutcracker (Bass Hall) – December 19 at 2pm; December 24 at 2pm
        Romeo & Juliet (Bass Hall) – February 13 at 2pm
        Romeo & Juliet (Winspear Opera House) – March 13 at 2pm
        The Sleeping Beauty (Bass Hall) – April 10 at 2pm
        The Sleeping Beauty (Winspear Opera House) – June 12 at 2pm
56.  Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
      
ART MUSEUMS
57.  Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
        Family Fun Day -- November 8
        Circle of Friends: Portraits of Artists -- closes November 29
          Masterworks of American Photography: Moments in Time -- closes Jan 3, 2010
        Views & Visions: Prints of the American West, 1820-1970 -- closes Jan. 10, 2010
        Freedom Now: Tamarind Lithography Workshop -- opens Nov. 24
        Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian -- opens December 12
58.  Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
        Private Universes: Media Works -- closes November 8
        The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs -- Through January 3, 2010
        A Dream Come True: The Dallas Arts District -- Through January 31, 2010
        All the World's a Stage -- Through February 28, 2010
        Performance/Art -- Through March 21, 2010
        Materials & Meanings -- Through May 16, 2010
59.  Kimbell Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth     
            Butchers, Dragons, Gods & Skeletons -- Through Oct 25
        Michelangelo's First Painting: The Torment of St. Anthony
60.  Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
          The Science of Spying:  The new Spy Skills exhibition
         Putting DNA to Work
61.  Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
        CSI: The Experience -- Opening November 20
62.  Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
        The Art of Architecture: Foster & Partners
        
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
63.  Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
        Dinosaurs of Patagonia
        Hurricane on the Bayou
        Coral Reef Adventure
64.  Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
        Student Special:  Forces of Nature -- Special Student Rate through December 31, 2009
        Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk -- Through October 2009
        Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure -- Through October 2009
        Dolphins -- Through December 2010
        The Alps -- Through January 2010

HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
65.  Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
66.  Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas

SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
67.  Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History -- September 26

HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
Become a HEART of Texas Supporting Partner to list your non-profit Sport/PE program
68.  Aledo Christian School's Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball Teams -- Aledo
69.  Berne Academy's Varsity Boys Basketball Team -- Lancaster
70.  Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
71.  Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
72.  Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
73.  Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
74.  Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers  
75.  Home School Athletic Association
76.  THESA Riders Home School  Association
77.  Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
78.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Highland Park
79.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Southlake
80.  Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
81.  Parker-Tarrant Home School 
82.  Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine

SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Become a HEART of Texas Supporting Partner to list your Support Group here & on our site!
83.  Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
84.  Arlington Association Home Educators (AAHE) -- Arlington
85.  Coppell Speech/Debate Club -- Coppell
86.  Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
87.  Fellowship Church Homeschool Network -- Grapevine
88.  How Now Homeschooling -- Plano/Frisco/Allen/McKinney area
89.  Lewisville Area Speech and Debate Club -- Lewisville
90.  North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
91.  Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
92.  Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
93.  SALT Co-Op -- DeSoto
94.  Homeschoolers Offering Moms Encouragement (HOME) -- Flower Mound

COLLEGE PREP
95.  SAT Test Dates
96.  SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas   

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
97.  Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship -- Deadline December 1, 2009

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
All volunteer opportunities must indicate a direct homeschool interest to be included in this listing.
98.  Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
99.  Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
100.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals; Friendship -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
101.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Meals on Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties
102.  Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals at The Stewpot -- Dallas -- The Stewpot

OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
103. Private Piano Lessons in Your Home! -- Dallas Area
104. Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra: The Philharmonic, The Wind Symphony & The Flute Choir -- Nov. 8
105. Volunteer Judges Needed for Speech/Debate Tournament -- Frisco -- December 4-5
107. TeenPact State Capitol Classes in April 2010 -- April 2009

JOB OPENINGS
107.  Check-In Receptionist, Check-Out Receptionist, and Technician Positions Open -- DeSoto Area
108.  Great Opportunities for Home School Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Letter to Texas Homeschoolers
--by Tim Lambert

By the time you read this it will be late October or early November, but I’m writing at the end of August. Our country is in the midst of one of the most contentious debates over public policy, in my lifetime. Many parents are very concerned, and with reason, regarding our freedom as parents to direct the education and upbringing of our children.

The concerns over the proposed “health care reform” measures run the gamut of loss of control of our ability to choose our own policies to rationing of health care and the massive involvement of the government in our lives. HR 3200 even includes language to fund “voluntary” home visits to give parents instruction on child rearing and the same language directs the sharing of information among different agencies. This kind of language causes parents who have ever had a contact from CPS because of anonymous unfounded allegations great concern.

These are certainly perilous times. Some parents I have talked to believe we have never faced such teeming and tumultuous attacks on our families. While the current proposals certainly offer the most ambitious and broad based attempts to change the American culture that we have seen, they do not represent the first time we as home schoolers have faced such attacks.

Most Texas home schoolers today do not remember when the Attorney General of Texas in the 1980s said that he did not believe that parents were not qualified to raise their children much less teach them at home. Many do not even know that over 100 families were prosecuted for simply choosing to teach their children at home. The issue then was not a question of curriculum or testing it was simply home schooling is not legal. Those days were indeed dangerous as most home schoolers simply hid and did not tell people what they were doing.

I distinctly remember a home school father in those days who told me how unhappy he was with those who filed suit against the state because of these attacks. His position was that no one had bothered his family and he thought the lawsuit simply drew attention to home schoolers and made it more likely that authorities would come after his family. I thought that was a very short sighted response. The truth of the matter is the Leeper case ultimately clarified that home schools are private schools and have historically been considered such since the days of the Texas Republic. The courageous home school parents who took part in that effort as well as public rallies and lobbying legislators were used by God to make dramatic changes in the legal and political environment that impacted not only home schoolers in Texas but in other states as well.

This summer I talked to one home school mom who told me that the current efforts to take away our freedom had changed her. She was no longer a “couch potato” but had gone to her first townhall meeting and had dedicated herself to become a participant in the political process to defend her family and her freedom. That is clearly the silver lining in the dark clouds that hang over our country today. Many home school parents have labored under the presumption that the political process was not worthy of their time, effort and resources because it does not impact their lives and their families. They were wrong and many are come to the same conclusion that non-participation is no longer an option.

Last year as I worked to motivate home school families to become involved in campaigns and to work for candidates that supported our home school freedom and parental rights, I found many who were discouraged and felt that it was not worth the time. It won’t make any different, they said. We are now seeing that it did make a difference. The make up of the Texas House changed significantly in a way that hurt our freedom as evidenced by the passage of SB 1440. The change at the federal level is clearly not beneficial to our freedom.

As I have talked with many, many parents over the spring and summer I have tried to find the balance between helping people see the dangers that we now face and causing panic and fear which often leads to paralysis. I am glad to report that home schoolers are awakened to the dangers and are working to protect their freedom and their families. Just like those parents in the 1980s who took on the political establishment of that day with little political capitol and few resources and became part of a coalition which elected office holders who support parental rights and home schooling, we have the opportunity in perilous times to be men and woman of action and faith.

Twenty years ago I thought that when we won the legal battle the need for political action would be over. I was wrong. In 1994, a Democratically controlled congress tried to pass HR 6 which would have effectively ended home schooling. In spite of the fact that the Whitehouse and entire congress were controlled by a political party which supported the agenda of the National Education Association which opposes home schooling, home schoolers and their allies killed HR 6 to protect our freedom to home school.

My point is that we live in perilous times and that will not change for the foreseeable future. Regardless of who is in power or which political party is in control it is up to us to be engaged and vigilant to protect the right we have to direct the education and upbringing of our children. At times the danger will be readily apparent and the need to respond clear. At other times many will think there is no need to be so active and that would be a mistake. Our children, families and freedom are always at risk. We must be active at all times to protect them.


Tim Lambert is president of the Texas Home School Coalition, our state advocacy organization whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms.  Click to subscribe to his blog "Right in Texas."  For more information about THSC, please visit their website at www.thsc.org.  


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Announcing Our Newest Partner:  LEGO Education Center in Southlake, TX!  
Become a HEART of Texas Member and Save on LEGO Home School Worshops

HEART of Texas is pleased to announce our newest partnership:   LEGO® Education Center in Southlake, TX!

The LEGO® Education Center is proud to offer HEART of Texas Members, with a valid Family I.D. card,  a 10% discount on all Home School Workshops!  Their hands-on workshops encourage problem-solving and creative thinking skills, are designed for children ages 3-12, and are offered four times a month!

To learn more about how your family can become a HEART of Texas Member and take advantage of our exciting discounts:  Click Here and
download the Family Subscriber form.  Your family membership (just $25/year) not only helps to support our efforts to service the homeschooling community of North Texas, but also provides you with great savings from our ever-growing list of partners!
To view our other partnership offers:  Click Here

Upcoming Classes at LEGO Education Center:
NOVEMBER 4, 5, 18, 19
Ages:  3-7:  LEGO Totem Poles
Ages 8+: LEGO MINDSTORMS  NXT: Thanksgiving Parade
Time:  11am - 12:30pm
Cost:  $20/child;  $18/child (HEART of Te
xas members)

DECEMBER  2, 3, 16, 17
Age 3-7:  LEGO Holiday Ornaments
Ages 8+: LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: Santa & Rudolph

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FEATURED ARTICLE

NASA Johnson Space Center Invites Homeschoolers to Apply for High School Aerospace Scholars Program
--by Anne Gebhart

Registration Deadline:  November 13, 2009

Texas homeschool juniors with an interest in math, science, engineering, or technology, are invited to submit their applications for the NASA Johnson Space Center High School Aerospace Scholars program.  Students are nominated by their state legislator to participate in the program though a competitive process.  Student must submit their completed applications online by November 13, 2009.
 
The High School Aerospace program (HAS) is an interactive, online learning experience where students complete web-based lessons during the school year.  Selected students can participate in a six-day summer internship where they are encouraged to study math, science, engineering, or computer science by interacting with engineers at the NASA Johnson Space Center.  

There is no cost for participation in the HAS program, and all expenses are included. The HAS program is funded by The State of Texas, along with community organizations who partner with the Johnson Space Center.

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following requirements:
    * The student must be a U.S. citizen
    * The student must be a Texas resident
    * The student must currently be a high school junior
    * The student must be interested in math, science, engineering, or technology
    * The student must commit to a one-year relationship with JSC, including a 6-day summer residential internship
    * The student must have access to the Internet (home, school, or public library) and e-mail

What will the students do?
During the school year, scholars will complete 10 web-based lessons.  Lessons begin in December and are due every two weeks.  These assignments, which are aligned to state and national standards, include a variety of activities such as reading online curriculum, writing essays, designing upgrades to be used on the Shuttle and ISS, solving math problems, and taking online quizzes.

Selected scholars will attend a six-day summer session at JSC, which will include:
    * Designing a human mission to Mars
    * Tours of JSC facilities
    * Mentoring by NASA engineers
    * Participating in hands-on engineering activities
    * Briefings by astronauts, engineers, and other NASA experts.
    * Transportation, housing, and meals during their week-long stay at JSC.
    * Students who complete the summer program may be granted a science elective credit towards graduation.

How to Apply:
1.  Gather the following information:
     •High school name, school district, school address, school phone number
     • Electronic copy of your high school transcript (can be uploaded later)
     • Letter to your state legislator requesting nomination for HAS that includes the following (can be uploaded later):
          -Your reasons for wanting to participate in HAS
          -Your extra-curricular activities, work experience, volunteer work, honors, awards, and hobbies
          -Your career aspirations
    • Parent & emergency contact information (name of contact, relationship to the student, contact's phone number)
    • Teacher's email address (homeschoolers may submit their parent/homeschool teacher's email)
          -Your teacher will receive an email requesting that they write a letter of recommendation for you.
2.  Once you have gathered the information: click here to complete the online form.
3.  After submitting your online application:
    • You will receive a confirmation email.
    • Use the link within the email to confirm your account and gain access to the website.
    • The teacher you specified will receive an email requesting that they upload a letter of recommendation.
    • Note: Your application is not complete until you have confirmed your account and your teacher has uploaded a letter       of recommendation.
4.  Selected students will receive email notification of their acceptance into the program around December 4, 2009.
    • Accepted students will be sent information via email to begin working on the online curriculum.
    • Each of the 10 online lessons and final project will be graded according to the rubric at the end of each assignment.
5. Students will be selected for participation in the 6-day summer program at NASA Johnson Space Center, based on the following parameters:  completion of lessons, quality of work, and timeliness.

For More Information:  Click Here


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Texas Ballet Theater Offers HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Discount Tickets for Select Performances at Bass Performance Hall and Winspear Opera House

The Texas Ballet Theater is once again partnering with HEART of Texas to offer our newsletter readers (that's you!) special ticket pricing on great seats, during select performances.  The dates and times of these select performances are listed below.  You can purchase tickets as a group or as a family -- everyone can enjoy these great discounts regardless of  the size of your party.  

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first served basis, so please reserve your tickets as soon as possible to ensure the best section seating available during our select performances.

Please Note:  Some performances may not be appropriate for all audiences.  Please use your own judgment when considering allowing your children/family to view these productions.

2009-2010 SEASON:
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 6 -- The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Days:  NOVEMBER 27 at 2pm
                                                      DECEMBER 5 at 2pm

DECEMBER 11-24 -- The Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Days:  DECEMBER 19 at 2pm
                                                     DECEMBER 24 at 2pm

FEBRUARY 12-14 -- Romeo & Juliet (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  FEBRUARY 13 at 2pm
                                                         
MARCH 12-14 -- Romeo & Juliet (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  MARCH 13 at 2pm

APRIL 9-11 -- The Sleeping Beauty (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   APRIL 10  at 2pm

JUNE 11-13 -- The Sleeping Beauty (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   JUNE 12  at 2pm


Special Ticket Prices for HEART of Texas Discount Days:
Bass Performance Hall:  $30 for Orchestra or Mezzanine
                                     $15 for Upper or Lower Gallery

Winspear Opera House:  $30 for Orchestra or Mezzanine
                                     $15 for Dress Circle or Grand Tier

To Purchase Tickets:  www.texasballettheater.org/?q=showschedule
Promo Code:  HEARTDAYS

Can't attend one of these performances?  
Texas Ballet Theater still has a great deal for you!
All other performance dates will be discounted 20%.
Promo Code:  HEART20

To order by phone:  877-828-9200.  Give the ticket agent your promo code.


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Learning Disabilities and the Visual/Kinesthetic Approach
--by Sharon Jeffus

(You will need to download the following document: LearningDisabilitiesArticleGraphics.pdf which contains the graphics referred to in the article)

When I began to compose my ideas for this article, I typed in the word “Special” and went to this wonderful poem found at this web address.    

“Special”
is a word
that is used to describe
something one-of-a-kind
like a hug
or a sunset
or a person who spreads love
with a smile or kind gesture.

Reading this poem made me realize just how precious and special all the children I have worked with are.   In writing my books, I always have a deep sense of how special each child is.  My own son had a severe visual problem.  Although his sight was not good, I was able to work with him using a visual and kinesthetic approach very successfully.  Doctors said he would never be able to drive and would have to go to a special school for the blind.  This never happened.   In my experience in working with “Special Needs" children, I find that they  respond well to the visual and kinesthetic approach to learning.   They also respond well to encouragement.  Each small success builds on the previous small success.  Because of the large variety of diagnoses under the “Special Needs” umbrella, the process of leaning techniques and vocabulary and then having a result that is something that belongs only to them is very important.  Especially in this area, curriculum that encourages success and is graded in an individual way is so important for the children.  Failure is never viewed as failure, but only as an opportunity for learning and doing it better the next time.  Our multi-sensory and hands on approach is very successful for the preschool or early elementary mentality, as well as for older children who may be dyslexic.   

Because all children with disabilities perceive the world a little differently, allowing them to use the multi-sensory approach is very important.  Terri Mauro, when speaking about behavior problems in an article called, “What are Special Needs,” says "…parents need to be flexible and creative." Visual Manna allows parents to do just that and approach academics in a flexible and creative way.

She also says, “Children with learning disabilities like dyslexia and Central Auditory Processing Disorder struggle with schoolwork regardless of their intellectual abilities. They require specialized learning strategies to meet their potential and to avoid self-esteem problems and behavioral difficulties.”  With our materials, parents/teachers have a multitude of choices for lessons that would teach required subjects in a unique and creative way.  When learning fractions, sometimes breaking a chocolate bar into parts and then learning how to break a whole into twelve pieces is very successful.  Folding an origami chair and learning how to fold the paper into nine pieces and then building the chair into a throne is another approach to learning fractions…or making a triptych and counting the parts, or how about learning about dehydration by making a necklace out of potato pieces?  Especially with children who have learning disabilities, learning by doing is an alternative method from the traditional approach to achieve success.  Our projects are given on two levels; one for older children with more developed fine motor skills, and then projects for children who are preschool and do not have motor skills that are developed.

Our “Art Through the Core” package includes Teaching English, Science, Social Studies, History, American History and Math in unique and hands on ways.  In American History through Art, we look at a picture by George Caleb Bingham of life on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and then do an art project about it (see figure 1)

Discussing master works of art in a simple way is good for retention of facts.  If children do not get bored, they will always remember the picture and the project.  Questions like “What is the center of interest?  What do you look at first?  Where is the horizon line?  Where do you see a pattern? What do you think the animal in the boat is?” stimulate thought processes and then doing a project about the picture helps children remember.  I do a treasure map teaching terms about an island such as inlet, coast, etc. while looking at the artist Rousseau’s tropical paintings. 

The second picture is “Fur Traders Descending the Missouri” by George Caleb Bingham. He illustrated life on the Missouri and Mississippi while Mark Twain was writing about it with stories  of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

The third figure is a project about telling time.  Children can make the clock face as a colorwheel, and then they can make a bird pop out of the clock.  They can use the flamingo they have drawn below for the bird.  Telling time is a basic math skill, so I always tell the children we are making an “It’s time to say I love you clock.”  They can decide which time they want it to be after they have listened to you present how to tell time. 

You can purchase round stickers and children can put them in the right position as you are teaching them the numbers.
On the clock on the left, you can have them color the face as a colorwheel and then teach them the numbers. 
The Artsy Animal series is a multi-sensory approach to learning designed to produce a finished project that teaches core subjects by hands on art activities.   Sharon Jeffus teaches internet lessons that encourage and delight children needing to learn fine motor skills, or need encouragement in learning core basics.  You can get our power point on teaching preschool children sent via email for free.   We also have an “Art through the Core” package for older children.  You can teach all the core subjects through hands on projects that delight and inspire children.  You can have all these books on CD plus 5 internet lessons for $125.00. 

A sample of a project that we might do begins like this after we would look at a picture of Audubon’s “Pink Flamingo” :   
See figure 4.  We would talk about kinds of lines.   Drawings would be very simple.  We might put some cut paper water on the picture.  We would mention colors.  We might put a colorwheel rainbow on the picture.  We would talk about a bird’s habitat.   Children could put a fish in the mouth of the flamingo.  In English, children can draw the four kinds of sentences using a cartoon format.  They can retain knowledge better by doing.  If you as a parent think about baking a cake, how much do you remember if you just read a recipe, as opposed to seeing it baked on a video?  How much do you remember if you actually bake the cake?
 
Websites are included in lessons for further study.  Samples are not so complex that children get discouraged trying to come up to a coloring book standard.  In conclusion, leaning disabilities become “possibilities” when students truly enjoy what they are learning by hands on projects and delightful visual images.   Visual Manna does just that. 

Until December 15, HEART of Texas newsletter reader (that's you) can enjoy a FREE basic art lesson from Visual Manna suitable for either older or younger students.  We will scheduleyour free art lesson when you email us at visualmanna@gmail.com.  Order our package of 6 art lessons for only $100.00.  It is the perfect Christmas gift!!!   HEART of Texas members with current ID card will receive a 10% discount on this package.


Sharon Jeffus is an internationally known writer and teacher, as well as founder of the internationally-known company Visual Manna, a popular art curriculum which integrates art appreciation, techniques, vocabulary and core subjects. She holds a B.S.S.E. in Art Education from John Brown University and earned her teaching certification in English from the University of Arkansas.  She studied painting at Metropolitan in Denver and sculpting at Southern Illinois University. Sharon and her late husband, Richard, started Visual Manna to encourage young Christians in the arts and meet the needs of visual and kinethestic leaners.   They taught art to thousands of homeschoolers across America. Sharon's materials are recommended by Montessori.

Visual Manna is in partnership with HEART of Texas, offering our member families with current ID a 20% discount on classes and CDs. They have art kits, art supplies, and art curriculum and all kinds of art to reinforce core books for visual and kinesthetic learners.  To learn more about Visual Manna, please visit their website.  or call 816-318-1907 or click here to email.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Volunteer Area Editors Needed for HEART of Texas Newsletter

Do you enjoy searching out fun activities, inexpensive field trips, discounts, freebies, and other things homeschoolers love?

The HEART of Texas newsletter staff is looking for volunteer editors from different parts of the North Texas region to join our team and help us find information to share with the thousands of homeschoolers who read our newsletters each month.

Whether you are a homeschool parent, a "completed" homeschooler, or even a responsible homeschool student looking for activities to include on your high school résumé, if this opportunity sounds appealing, we would love to hear from you!

Anyone in any area is welcome to apply, but we would especially be interested in hearing from those in or near the following areas:  Tyler, Sherman, Frisco, Midlothian, Weatherford, Rockwall, Waxahachie, Cleburne, Mansfield, Gainesville, Wichita Falls, or Corsicana.

Please click here to email Anne.  Include your name, phone number, city, along with a brief explanation of why you are interested in being an area editor.  


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FEATURED ARTICLE

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers!

NEST Family Learning has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer a special discount to readers of our newsletter!

For a limited time, you can enjoy an additional 15% discounton materials plusFREE shipping on orders over $59!

Simply visit http://www.nestlearning.com/c-5-homeschool.aspx?s_cid=heart to start shopping and begin enjoying your savings today!  Use coupon code "HEART" when placing your order.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS


1.    LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES

To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below.  It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.

http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm


BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location:  1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
                Bedford, TX  76021
                817-952-2342
Contact:  Jeannie Green

TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time:  10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room

TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room

THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information:  Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373



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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location:      500 W. 3rd St
        817-871-7701

DIAMOND HILL/JARVIS
Location:      NE 35th Street
        817-624-7331

EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location:      4300 E. Berry St.
        817-536-1945

EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location:    6301 Bridge St.
        817-871-6436

MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location:      2800 Stark St.
        817-451-0916

NORTHSIDE LIBRARY
Location:    601 Park Street
        817-626-8241

RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location:    3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
        817-737-6619

RIVERSIDE LIBRARY:
Location:    2913 Yucca Avenue
        817-838-6931

SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location:      959 East Rosedale St.
        817-871-6621

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location:    4001 Library Ln.
    817-782-9853

SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location:      4205 Basswood Blvd.
        817-232-0478

WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location:      3816 Kimberly Ln.
        817-292-3368


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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location:  901 Precinct Line Road
               Hurst, TX  76053
               817-788-7300
Contact:  Click Here to email


TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time for ages 3-6
Time:  10:45 – 11:15 a.m.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS -- Toddler Time for ages 1-3
Time:  10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

MONDAYS -- Chess Club (elementary ages and up)
Time:  4:00 – 5 pm

SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH -- Chapter Chats (4th-6th graders)
Time:  7-8pm
Details:  Do you enjoy talking about books? Here’s your chance! Share your views with other kids who have read what you have!
To Find Out Which Books We'll Be Talking About Each Month:  Call 817-788-7302

ON EXHIBIT:
FOYER DISPLAY:
GALLERY WALL: 
HISTORICAL GALLERY:  

To put your collection on exhibit at the Hurst Library:  Contact the Information Specialist to fill out a form with your contact information and a description of your collection.  To be considered, personal collections must meet the Library display criteria.


Live Homework Help (online tutoring)
Hurst Public Library now offers Live Homework Help
Subjects:  math, science, social studies, and English
Time:  3pm - 10pm
Cost:  Free - must have a Hurst Library Card
How To Access: Visit www.hurst.lib.tx.us
From a library computer, or from your home PC or Mac
Spanish-speaking tutors are available to help students in math and science.
All sessions are confidential and monitored for quality and safety.
For More Information:  Call Youth Services at 817-788-7302 or www.hurst.lib.tx.us


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McKINNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Location:  101 E. Hunt Street
               McKinney, TX  75069
               972-547-READ
Contact:  Click Here to email  or call 972-547-7319

Program Calender: Click Here    

Home School Classes:
NOVEMBER 12 --  GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LIBRARY
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location:  McKinney Library's Dulaney Room
Participate in a special program to learn more about the library and the Children's Dept.
Registration required for programs:  Click here to register

NOVEMBER 17 -- Basic Internet Searching
Time:  3:30pm
Location:  Conference Room
Registration required for programs:  Click here to register

(MONDAYS) DECEMBER 14, 21, 28, JANUARY 4, 11 -- Texas Bluebonnet Book Club
Time:  3:30 p.m.
Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Libary - Children's Dept
The Bluebonnet book club will meet 5 times to discuss all the 2009/2010 Bluebonnet book nominees and then participantes will vote for their favorite nominee.
Registration required for programs:  Click here to register

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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location:  201 S. College Ave
One block southwest of the square in downtown Tyler
Contact: Evelyn James – 903-593-7323 – programs@tylertexas.com

Preschoolers DayCare StoryShare
MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
Time:  10:30 a.m. in the Storyroom
Friends share stories, songs, and books with childcare groups.
Please email or call to register

ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS &  THURSDAYS
Time:  10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families

AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS
Time:  3:30 – 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school “reading buddies”


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2.  BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM

ENROLL TODAY FOR 2009-2010 PROGRAM
(individual families only may enroll while supplies last)

Who Can Participate:  Children in grades K-6.

The Book It! Reading Program is sponsored by Pizza Hut and runs from October 2008 through March 2009. It is available for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.

The reading program allows the children to earn free personal pan pizzas for meeting their reading goals.

Important Note:  Support groups may not register families for the program.  Each family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate.

For Program Information: Click Here

To Enroll Your Homeschool: Click Here  

Book It! Hotline:  1-800-426-6548
Hotline hours:  9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. CT (Monday through Friday)


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3.  BRAUMS BOOK BUDDY PROGRAM

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2009-2010

The Braum's Book Buddy program gives children the opportunity to read for delicious prizes from Braum's!

Who Can Participate: Children in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.

Program Runs:  September through end of school year.

Reward:  Each child can earn up to six Braum's treats throughout the year including Single Dip Sundaes, Single Dip Ice Cream Cones and more! The best part...it costs nothing to participate in Braum's Book Buddy reading program. We're happy to offer this program to elementary schools and home schools absolutely free! At Braum's, we want to promote a positive attitude in children for a lifetime love of reading.

How does Book Buddy work?
Teachers distribute Braum's Book Buddy booklets to their students and then monitor book reading by placing a Book Buddy sticker in the student's booklet for each book read. When a student has read six books, the teacher rewards the student with a coupon for a free treat from Braum's!

To Enroll:
Send us a written request for enrollment information on school letterhead to:
Braum's Book Buddy Reading Program
PO Box 25429
OKC, OK 73125

Upon receipt of your written request (and upon meeting criteria) we will add your school to our mailing list and your school will automatically receive information on the program each year. Braum's Book Buddy program is a great way to encourage children to read and earn prizes at the same time!

For More Information:  Click Here  
   
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4.  BEST ROBOTICS 2008 PREVIEW:  HIGH OCTANE

BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.

Get a glimpse of the teaser video for this year's competition:  Click Here

YES Program Information
Igus® Inc. offers free products through the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, designed to foster the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering. The program aims to not only support students and engineers, but also educate them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. The program offers donations to students and engineering competitions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The benefits of the Y.E.S. Program are boundless for both igus and
young engineers.

ATTENTION FIRST TEAMS!
Due to the excited, enthusiastic, yet overwhelming number of requests from FIRST teams this season, igus must alter its policy regarding its product donation to teams. As of February 1, 2008, igus will only be able to donate products included in the original kit of FIRST parts to teams.

Student Sample Request Form
If you are a student or individual involved with an engineering project or robotics competition who would like request products, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/student_request.asp

Please note that the Y.E.S. Program is not limited to students, but also welcomes requests from all individuals or organizations competing in robotic and autonomous vehicle competitions.

Curriculum Product Request Form
If you are a teacher, professor or advisor and would like to request products and information to incoroporate into your curriculum or would like an in-class presentation from a cable carrier or bearings expert, please fill out the Curriculum Product Request Form located atwww.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp

For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or click here to e-mail or visit www.igus.com/yesprogram


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5.  FIRST LEGO LEAGUE

The 2009 Registration Deadline is past.

If you are interested in coaching or being involved next year:
please click here to email Mike or visit the website to learn more.

Teams consist of up to 10 students.  Students cannot be older than 14 years of age as of January
1, 2009.  Students may only participate in one team.  Coaches, however, may coach more than one team
if desired.

Core Values of FLL:
The FLL Core Values are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FLL from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.
    * We are a team.
    * We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors.
    * We honor the spirit of friendly competition.
    * What we discover is more important than what we win.
    * We share our experiences with others.
    * We display Gracious Professionalism in everything we do.
    * We have fun.

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6.  TEXAS STATE FISH-ART CONTEST

ENTRIES DUE MARCH 31, 2010 (ongoing annual contest)

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is the official host for the Texas State-Fish Art Contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever. All Texas entries in the annual contest are to be sent to TFFC for judging. Winning Texas entries will be forwarded to Wildlife Forever to compete for national best of show and art of conservation stamp honors.

Who Can Participate:  All Texas students in grades 4 through 12.

Categories: State-Fish Art Contest entries are judged in three categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. One Texas winner from each category is selected each year.

Winners are invited to attend the national awards ceremony at Minnesota's Mall of America each summer. Winning designs will be featured on the official State-Fish Art website. One piece of artwork in each grade category will be selected as the national best of show winner, and one entry will be chosen as the annual art of conservation stamp award and be featured on Wildlife Forever's conservation stamp for the coming year. Entries must be postmarked by March 31 each year and must comply with all rules and regulations. An official entry form must accompany all entries.

How to Enter:  Students must create an illustration of the Texas state fish or one of the other state fishes and write a composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation. Texas students are encouraged, but not required, to depict the Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass. Texas entries are judged only against other Texas entries no matter what fish is depicted.

About the Contest:  The State-Fish Art Contest is part of a conservation education program designed to spark the imaginations of students while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas' aquatic resources. We also offer you the choice to use our free lesson plan.

For Rules:  Click Here

For More Information: Click Here


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7.  NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 7-8TH GRADERS

Registration Deadline Past for 2009-2010 Competition

The North Texas Regional Competition is open to all public, private, parochial and home school 7th and 8th grade classes.  Teams must be willing to make the trip to Arlington to present their designs.  The Competition offers students a hands-on way to build their math and science skills and learn about engineering by solving the real-world problems in designing cities of the future.

2009-2010 Challenge: Create an affordable living space for people who have lost their home due to a disaster or financial emergency. Keep It Green!  The living space should use sustainable materials, have a low-carbon emissions footprint, and achieve the “Green Ideals” of energy efficient building.

Through the program, students will:
    * Work as a team under the guidance of a teacher and a technical professional,
    * Use a popular award-winning computer game, SimCity, to design a logical model of a future city,
    * Realize their design with a physical scale model built with recycled materials,
    * Research and write an essay on an assigned engineering topic,
    * Communicate their design to a panel of judges in a public presentation, and
    * See firsthand how engineers turn ideas into reality.

Nominal Cost: $25 per school for registration, and we provide the software.
Registration is by school. Schools may have more than one team competing.
Schools are limited to spending no more than $100 per team on the model and presentation, combined.

Upon receipt of registration and fee, you will receive:
    • One copy of SimCity (for either Windows or Mac operating systems)
    • The Teacher-Mentor Handbook - more than 150 pages of basic rules and information on the competition,        lists of resources, ideas on how to incorporate the program into the curriculum, and hints for teachers
    • A tutorial CD
    • Specific rules and schedules for the North Texas regional competition
    • Posters

Teams:  3 students, 1 teacher-sponsor, 1 engineer-mentor.
The program employs a team-based approach. All members of the team have an important role that is necessary for the completion of the project.

Benefit:  The winning team gets a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals.

Details:  Last year was the eighth year DFW hosted a regional competition. More than 500 students participated. Dozens of engineers have already signed up to support the 2007-08 competition.

To Register:  Click Here
To Download Brochure:  Click Here

For More Information:  Click Here to send email or visit www.dfwfuturecity.org


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8.  USA MATHEMATICAL TALENT SEARCH

The USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) is a free mathematics competition open to all United States middle and high school students.

2009-2010 Contest -- Submission Deadline for Round 2 Problems: November 23, 2009
Download Round 2 Problems:  Click Here
Web Deadline: 3pm Eastern/Noon Pacific on November 23, 2009
Mail Deadline: Postmarked on or before November 23, 2009
Important:  All answers must be fully justified.  Don't just send numerical answers.

The USAMTS allows students a full month to work out their solutions. Carefully written justifications are required for each problem. The problems range in difficulty from being within the reach of most high school students to challenging the best students in the nation. Students may use any materials - books, calculators, computers - but all the work must be their own. The USAMTS is run on the honor system - it is an individual competition, whose competitive role is very secondary. (Although we do give prizes.)

The USAMTS consists of four rounds, with each round featuring five problems. Each round of problems is published at least four weeks before solutions are due.

Student solutions to the USAMTS problems are graded by mathematicians and comments are returned to the students. Our goal is to help all students: develop problem solving skills, improve their technical writing abilities, and mature mathematically.  We wish to foster not only insight, ingenuity and creativity, but also the virtue of perseverance, which is equally essential in scientific endeavors.

The USAMTS is one of the ways to enter the process of selecting the USA Mathematical Olympiad team, which participates in the International Mathematical Olympiad. The USAMTS score necessary to qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is set by the American Mathematics Competitions (which run the AIME) and varies from year to year. Students who score well on the USAMTS after the first three rounds are invited to take the AIME, the second step in the process of selecting the USA Mathematical Olympiad Team.  With permission, USAMTS participant's names and addresses are provided to colleges, universities, and employers for recruitment purposes.

Round Schedule:
Round 1 Due Date:  October 13, 2009
Round 2 Due Date:  November 23, 2009
Round 3 Due Date: January 11, 2010
Round 4 Due Date: March 8, 2010

To Be Eligible to Participate:
• Students must be citizens or residents of the United States. (no exceptions).
• Students must not have completed high school. Middle school students are permitted to participate.
• Students must register on the USAMTS website and provide an email address to which USAMTS correspondence may be sent.
• Students must submit a USAMTS Entry Form. (This form must be filled out and submitted every academic year, even if the student participated in a past year.)
• Students under the age of 13 must also submit a USAMTS Under 13 Permission Form.
(Please see our privacy statement for more information on why we must collect this form.)
To Register:  Click Here.
(If you have already registered in a past year, you do not need to register again.)

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9. IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CONTEST FOR K-12


2010 Contest Not Yet Announced

The Challenge is an incentive based educational opportunity for students K-12 throughout the U.S. and much of Canada. Students are asked to use their creative energy to develop entries in the categories of Visual Arts and Music, Science and Technology, and Language Arts. Entries are to relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy" and demonstrate character building as it applies to wise energy choices and environmental stewardship. The entries are also to demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do to make a difference in their home or community.

Who Can Enter?  All students, kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States and Canada are invited to enter. Void in Quebec. Travel Prize Winners must be students and teachers at an accredited K-12 public or private school and may not be immediate family members of Johnson Controls, Inc., USEA or National Energy Foundation employees.

Can home school students enter?  Yes. All students K-12 are invited to enter. However, home school students are not eligible for the grand prize.

Awards:  There are separate prizes for elementary, middle school and high school students in addition to a teacher prize. The grand prize in each category is a trip for two to Hawaii.  In addition to the national grand prizes each state has a prizewinner. 

Various local, state and national partners are providing extra awards and recognition above and beyond the national grand prize trip:
1. The highest scoring student in each state and province will receive a prize package valued at $1,000 U.S. If you are a national winner, you will not be recognized as a state or province winner.
2. A lighting project winner will be announced. The student with the highest scoring project that addresses lighting as it related to the theme Igniting Creative Energy will win a special prize for the student and an energy-efficient lighting upgrade for a designated area within his or her school. If you are a national grand prize winner, you will not be eligible to win this award.
3. Some cities, state energy offices, and individual school districts wanting to recognize students in their specific geographical areas are sponsoring local challenges. Click on Local Challenges to see the participating areas and the awards that are available.

Official Online Entry Form:  Click here
Mail In Entry Form:  Click Here
For Guidelines:  Click Here

To Enter:  
Follow these simple steps:
1. Think about how you use electricity, gasoline, natural gas...energy (ex. electricity, gasoline, natural gas and/or if you could use less or how you could help your community use less).
2. Think of a creative new way to use less energy.
3. Use your talents and skills to create an exciting unusual project that will communicate your idea to someone else. Your project could be a science project, essay, story, artwork, photograph, music, video or web site project.
4. Write a one page explanation of how your project relates to the theme. Be sure to include the following:   * What motivated you to enter this Challenge?
                * What actions and ideas are you trying to express?
                * What is the impact of your project in your life and/or in the lives of others?
5. Make sure your name is on your project.
6. Complete the entry form. Make sure that you have your parents or legal guardian and teacher sign it.
7. Mail your project, entry form and explanation to:

            IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CHALLENGE
            NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
            145 South 400 East
            Salt Lake City, UT 84111

8. Wait patiently.
9. Sit back and feel great about doing something yourself to conserve energy and help the environment.
10. Grand Prize winners will be notified.

If you aren't selected for the Grand Prize trip, no worries there is always next year. Plus you may be featured on the ICE web site for the world to see.

For More Information:  Click Here


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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST

Win up to $1500 prizes/scholarships
 
There are four first places!

Contest Takes Place August 1
2010 Contest TBA

Contestants must be 17-20 years old
 
Compete in a live media interview and live beef sample demonstration

Contest also includes an essay and lesson plan

2009 Competition Held:  August 1, 2009 at Texas A&M
University in College Station
 
For More Information:  Click Here to Email or call 281-375-8836                    
 
Contest hosted by Texas CattleWomen and sponsored by the Beef Checkoff
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11.  CITY OF FORT WORTH YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

In recent years, there has been a growing trend to involve youth in local government.  The Fort Worth City Council believes that the voices of young people are important.  To facilitate that, the Council has approved a new Youth Advisory Board for the City of Fort Worth.  The Youth Advisory Board will advise the City Council on issues regarding the youth in the City of Fort Worth.  A brief summary of the Youth Advisory Board follows.

Who May Apply:  High school age students who are between the ages of 14-18 and who reside in Fort Worth may submit an application for consideration for appointment to the advisory board.
 
 Purpose:                
The Youth Advisory Board shall:
• act in an advisory capacity to the Fort Worth City Council;
• study youth issues important to the community;
• encourage youth to become actively involved in matters pertaining to the community; and,
• act as a source of information and education on issues important to youth.
 
Members:             
The Youth Advisory Board shall be composed of 27 members who will meet bi-monthly.  
 
Activities:           
To be determined by the Youth Advisory Board, following the direction of City Council.
 
For More Information:  Click Here to Email
Community Relations Department, School and Youth Outreach
1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, TX 76102
817.392.8444       817.392.7529 (fax)

For an application:  http://www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
    

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12.  CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS TEEN COURT

Teen Court benefits both youth and community by providing an alternative method of adjudicating juvenile offenders and allowing teen volunteers to learn about the judicial system, while documenting Community Service hours.
 
Who Can Volunteer:  Full time students ages 13-18 who are in PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR HOME SCHOOLS.  

Volunteers may serve as jurors for our Teen Court sessions, or once trained, can act as a defense attorney or prosecutor in our Teen Court trials.
 
Teen Defendants are held responsible for their behavior while giving them the opportunity to participate in and become knowledgeable about the judicial system. Juvenile Offenders "pay" for their offense(s) by performing community service and participating in Teen Court. Volunteer teen attorneys present offender's cases to a jury of their peers.

Upon successful completion of the program, offender's cases are dismissed and do not appear on their permanent records.

Teen Court alleviates the strain on the regular court system, besides giving juvenile offenders a second chance. The program also provides youths in the area a chance to participate in the judicial process.

Location:  North Richland Hills Teen Court 

        6720 N.E. Loop 820

        North Richland Hills, Tx 76180
817-427-6705


To Volunteer:  Click Here to email

For More Information: Click Here
You may also come to Teen Court on any night Teen Court is in session to observe, prior to signing up to be a volunteer.
    

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13.  TEXAS HOME SCHOOL COALITION GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD PROGRAM

Do you ever scratch your head when thinking about how to fulfill the requirement of a "study of good citizenship"?  THSC offers a Good Citizenship Program, which rewards students for their participation in the political process and helps them fulfill that requirement.

Certificates are printed, upon request, for students who have volunteered at least forty hours in Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process, in any combination.

Each year the program culminates with rewards presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet.

  The volunteer hours may be tracked on a form that can be downloaded and printed as often as needed. Students will be granted eight hours for each Capitol Day attended.

Please note that, while certificates will be issued upon request at any time, the awards will be given based on hours worked between April 1, 2009, and April 1, 2010. The forms must be postmarked or e-mailed no later than April 1 if students are to be considered for awards.
 
What is a course in good citizenship:  For a detailed description, please visit:  http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship_program.asp
 
 
The Good Citizenship Certificates and Awards                
Home school students may be awarded THSC Good Citizenship Certificates at any time following the completion of 40 hours of good citizenship work.  Any home schooled student who earns a Good Citizenship Certificate is automatically entered into the competition for THSC’s Good Citizenship Awards.  The following awards recognize the Texas students with the most volunteer hours (highest number of voters registered for the Alamo Award) in each category and are presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet.

Alamo Award
New voters can be registered most easily when an adult becomes a deputy voter registrar.  The parent or support group member can then work with home school students as a deputy voter registrar to take voter registration cards to people who fill  them in and give them to the deputy voter registrar.  These completed cards will then be delivered by the deputy voter registrar to the voter registrar of the county.  Home school students can use meetings of support groups, church meetings, and other gathering to register new voters.  Deputy voter registrars will be responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Alamo Good Citizenship Award to the student who registers the most new voters in Texas for each year.
 
Ranger Award
Credit for the certificate may also be earned by volunteer work in the campaign of candidates for public office.  Any local, state, or federal campaign qualifies for this effort.  Campaign officials are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Ranger Good Citizenship Award to the student with the most hours of volunteer work in political campaigns.

Lone Star Award
Home school students may earn credit for good citizenship in the political party process by volunteering to help at precinct, county/senatorial, or state conventions or other political party functions of their chosen political party.  Political party officers are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Lone Star Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours in the category of the political party process in Texas.

Republic Award
Finally, credit for this certificate may also be earned by students who are involved in the legislative process at any local, state, or federal level.  Time spent in working for or against any particular issue qualifies.  Parents or leaders of any group working on such issues are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Republic Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours each year in the category of the legislative process.


The THSC Good Citizenship Certificates will be mailed to students upon receipt of verification from the officials documenting the hours.  The Alamo, Ranger, Lone Star & Republic Awards will be given to winners at the THSC Awards Banquet held each year.

 
 To View a Sample Certificate: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship_certificate.asp    

To Download the Good Citizenship Registration and Tracking Form: http://www.thsc.org/good_citizen/good_citizenship.asp    
    

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14.  CERTIFICATES OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION

District 24
Congressman Kenny Marchant, U.S. House of Representative, would like to give each graduating senior, who resides in the 24th District of Texas, a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
 
The certificates will be printed with the name of the senior and will be signed by the Congressman.
 
The completed certificates will then be mailed directly to the senior’s home address.
 
If interested, please call 972-556-0162 or Click Here to send an email with the name of the graduating high school senior, the date of graduation and the senior’s home address to.
  
Address:
Congressman Kenny Marchant
9901 E. Valley Ranch Parkway, Ste. 3035
Irving, Texas  75063

To find out if your Congressman has a similar program, please contact your representative:

To Locate Your Representatives:
www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
 

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15.  ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION

2009 ART COMPETITION (2009 contest over) -- 2010 Contest TBA

"An Artistic Discovery" is the annual nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Each Congressional District may host its own competition, and since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.

The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! In addition, the winners and their two guests are invited to the nation's capital in the summer to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the winning artists from across the country and opening the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" exhibition.  Thousands of people visiting the nation's capitol, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs, are able to walk through the exhibit daily, viewing artwork from Congressional districts throughout the country—each piece highlighted with the name of the work and student artist.

Who Can Participate:  All high school students including homeschoolers.

Acceptable Medium:  Paintings (oil, acrylics, watercolor); drawings (pastels, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers); two-dimensional collages; prints (lithograph, silkscreen, block prints); mixed media; computer generated art; and photography. All work must be original in concept, design, and execution, and must not violate any U.S. copyright laws.


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16.  THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Located in Plano, THEO’s 20 Christian, talented teachers—most homeschool moms-- offer a myriad of classes for  6-12th grade home educated students.
 
In addition to this year’s classes (listed below), we are seeking your ideas for which classes you want for the 2010-2011 school year.
 
Click here to send me an email with suggestions—today if possible.
 
CLASSES OFFERED CURRENTLY (this is not the complete list):
Saxon Algebra ˝-Calculus,
BJU pre-Algebra through pre-Calculus,
General Science through Saxon Physics, including Apologia Physics and Chemistry
Spanish I-III
Starting Points to Worldview I, II, III
JASON science curriculum
Texas history
World History
Geography
Debate
Speech
Research and Debate
Institute of Excellence in Writing courses plus two other writing methods
Art
Drama
English Literature
Economics and Honors Economics
Government
Sign Language
Total Language Plus classes
BJU World History and Literature classes
Understanding the times
Ensemble a/k/a band a/k/a orchestra a/k/a pep band

For Complete List of Classes or More Information:  www.THEOsonline.org

Testing Available:
Stanford Achievement testing
Iowa Basic Testing (two day testing periods for three hours each day)
the weeks of May 18-22 and May 26-29.

Location:  1301 Custer Road, Suite 703
                Plano, TX 75075
                214-282-6936

For Questions:   Click Here to email


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17.  CHRISTIAN COTTAGE PREP

Christian Cottage Prep is taking applications for the 2009/2010 Academic Year!
CCP is a unique educational experience.  The all-girl classes for grades 6th-8th focus on learning style differences and how to achieve maximum goals academically. There are multi age and grade groups of young ladies in combined classes to achieve higher learning towards grade level and beyond.

 
Private Tutoring is available for all subject matter at all academic grade levels.
 

Location:  5601 Bridge Street, Suite 335
                Fort Worth, TX 76112
                  (in the Western Insurance Building)

Contact:    817-975-6209 or click here to email the director  
    

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18.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RECOURCE CENTER IN ROWLETT

Christian Educators Resource Center is a dedicated homeschool bookstore that offers new and used curriculum, faith-based readers and educational resources.  It also has classrooms available for co-operative teaching.
Bookstore Hours: Mon-Thur 9-5pm
Saturday 10-2pm
 
Testing:
CERC offers Stanford and Iowa Testing year round!
Don’t miss the deadline for ordering your tests and reserve your spot on-line.
 
See our Schedule and find Registration Forms on-line under CLASSES
Discount:  CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any in-stock items.  You must present your valid HEART of Texas Family I.D. card to qualify for the discount.  
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

Location:  Christian Educators Resource Center
        4501 Rowlett Rd., Suite 105
        Rowlett, TX 75088

Contact:    972-475-4138
        www.cerconline.org


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19.  CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ALLIANCE OF TEXAS

Enrichment Days is a fun, exciting, and educational learning group that meets six times each semester at a local church.  Spring Semester Classes begin February 20, and meet every other Friday over a period of twelve weeks.
 
Each child (K-12) signs up for three classes.  Preschoolers have playtime, snack time, and age appropriate activities or crafts.  Nursery is available for children three and under at no additional cost.
 
Classes vary each semester based on the interests of the individual teachers.  You can view a sample class schedule on our website at www.c-h-a-t.org .  The classes offered that semester will not necessarily be offered again, but this will acquaint you with the kinds of classes available.  The actual spring class schedule will be posted in mid February on the website.
 
Each parent is expected to teach or assist for two of the three class periods with one free period for fellowship with other moms.  If you are interested in teaching a class, please click here to email.
 
You must be a member family in the Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas to participate.  Membership is $30 per year.  New member families can join mid-year for $15.

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20.  COOKE COUNTY COTILLION FOR HOME SCHOOLED TEENS!

Our mission is to provide our homeschooled teens an opportunity to learn etiquette, semi-formal dining etiquette, and ballroom dancing skills in a Christian environment.  We meet 8 times per season with our last cotillion of the season a formal and usually at a special location.
 
Cost:  $30 per family per year for registration.  Each event is $15 per teen.  We emphasize RSVP for each event.  Teens are not required to pay for an event if they are unable to attend.
 
We also allow non-homeschooled teens.  Each season we have had a couple of teens who were not homeschooled yet wished to participate in our cotillion.  They have all been a blessing to our group.
 
This past year, our teens came from Denton, Sherman, Denison, Ft. Worth, Mansfield, Burleson, as well as Gainesville and the surrounding small communities.


Contact:    940-668-7833 or 940-736-6792 (cell) Click Here
        

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21.  CLASSES AT CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

Center for Home Education, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.

AUGUST 3-7 -- Super-Math Olympics with Dr. Miles Jones
Pre-requisite: One semester of Super-Math
Time:    Super-Math Levels 3-6: 9:30am-12:30pm
            Super-Math Levels Adv. Algebra - 10: 1:30-3:30pm
Grades:  Super-Math Levels 3-6
Class Fee:  $199
Bring the last level of Curriculum completed
Description: Work directly with Dr. Miles Jones as you review and refine your Super-Math skills for the Fall. You will also extend and perfect rapid calculation skills.
This class culminates with a Super-Math Olympics competition that will be filmed for television.

AUGUST 3-7 -- Summer Media Camp
Registration Deadline:  July 15
Ages: 9-16
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $225
Class is limited to first 15 students
Description:  Calling All Producers and Directors:
Write, act, shoot, direct, edit and perform your own comedy, music video, talk show, drama or 'reality' program. Dallas I-Media will provide the production gear and professional staff to train the students during this week-long day camp.  Students will work together to produce a drama, talk show, comedies, newscasts, etc. Media professionals will oversee and teach students how to use the same broadcast media equipment used in television production. All participants will receive a DVD of the week's productions and the final products are aired on Dallas iMedia Network's Youth Channel.
Registration:  If you have a budding producer or director or just would like to learn about film production, call 817-281-2293 to register. Due to contract obligations, the entire camp fee is due at registration and is non-refundable unless the camp is cancelled by CAIA or Dallas iMedia Network.


FALL 2009 CLASSES!!
REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL 2009
We are very excited to announce that the Center for Home Education in Watauga TX has released its Fall 2009 class schedule. The Learning Center at the Center for Home Education believe that learning should be enjoyable, stimulating and purposeful and have designed our classes to reflect this philosophy. We also believe that true learning takes time and hard work and want to make sure that our students and parents hold to these same principles.
For more information on classes: http://www.centerforhomeeducation.com/The_Learning_Center.html


Ride Share with other parents
The Learning Center is pleased to announce:  CAIAeRideShare
A quality education partnership at The CAIA Learning Center
PLUS Ride Sharing with other homeschooling Moms to reduce the expenses.

For More Information: 817-281-2293
http://www.creativeartsinaction.com/CAIAeRideShare.htm

Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)

Website:  http://centerforhomeeducation.com/  

Discount:  Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html



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22.  EASTFIELD COLLEGE

For Class Registration or Other Information:  972-860-7113 or Click Here to Email


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23.  ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN LEWISVILLE

We offer classes from preschool through high school with a nursery available.  In addition, we offer monthly activities for families to connect outside of classes. 

For More Information:  940-455-7000 or Click Here


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24.  FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

FCA is a Christian School in McKinney, Texas which offers Academic and Enrichment classes to home school families with children Pre-school aged through High School.  

For More Information:
Click Here to email Faith Christian Academy
 
Location:      Faith Christian Academy
                    115A Industrial Boulevard
                    McKinney, TX  


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25.  HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE ENRICHMENT CLASSES

The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.

For Class Descriptions, Fees and Other Information: Click Here

Location:
1288 W. Main Street Suite 203
Lewisville, TX 75067
972-956-8320

Website:  http://homeeducatorsresource.com/    

Discount:  Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
    

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26.  HOMESCHOOLERS EAST CO-OP CLASSES -- EAST DALLAS
    
Classes Offered:
Mock Trial I (Grades 1-3)
Mock Trial II (Grades 4-6)
Model United Nations (Grades 9-12)
Youth and Government I (Grades 6-8)
Youth and Government II (Grades 9-12)
Ballroom Dancing (Grades 4-6)
Readers’ Theater I (Grades 1-3)
Readers’ Theater II (Grades 4-6)

Contact For More Information:  Click Here to send an email

Location:  The Summit Church
        4101 East Park Blvd.
        Plano, TX  75074


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27.  JOY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN DECATUR
    
For more information on the JOY Christian Academy and the home school enrichment courses we offer, please go to www.joyca.org.


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28.  MORNING GLORY ACADEMY

Biology Class Offered
This fall, Dr. Jeanmarie Stiles (adjunct instructor of Biology at TCC-NE Campus) will be teaching a high school Biology class at Morning Glory Academy.  The class will include lecture, review, and some labs and demonstrations.  The perfect companion to this Biology class will be two 14-week laboratory courses offered to homeschooled students at TCC Northeast campus.  In the fall, TCC-NE will be offering an Anatomy and Physiology lab; in the spring, a General Biology lab.  Both are offered to homeschooled students who are 14 years old and older.  These two Biology labs provide an opportunity for homeschooled students to experience a true laboratory environment.   Students who complete my Biology class at Morning Glory Academy and one of the TCC labs will be well prepared for a college-level biology course.
 
If you would like more information about the Biology class, visit:  www.themga.org, as it is offered as part of Morning Glory Academy.  For more information about the two homeschool labs offered through the Continuting Education Department at TCC this upcoming school year, please contact Katherine Hoffman, coordinator of the science enrichment programs at katherine.hoffman@my.tccd.edu. 
 
If you would like to learn more about MGA, visit our website:  www.theMGA.org. 
We are centrally located in Hurst and the directors are available to you by phone or email:
Leslie Kent, Upper School:  leslie@themga.org    817-905-3861
Susan Riddle, Lower School:  susan@themga.org   817-706-9888
 
MGA:  Your Home . . . Our School . . . Perfect Fit.


Discount:  HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on tuition at MGA!
See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html for more details.

To learn more about  HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html    
 
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29.  TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS

MATH CLASSES Offered January 2010:
All classes begin in the middle of January and end mid-May
Southeast Campus (Arlington)
Geometry               Tues/Thurs:  3-4:30    Synonym Number: 0167923
Algebra I                Mon/Wed: 3-4:30pm   Synonym Number: 0167924
Algebra II               Mon/Wed/Fri  1-3pm   Synonym Number: 0167918  (runs Mid-Jan - Mid March)  
College Algebra I     Fri: 9am-12pm           Synonym Number: 0167915
Trigonometry:  TBA or contact below for more info

Cost:  $166 (includes book)

FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
Cost equates to $3.50 an hour, $166 for entire semester including book.
For More Information about the Math Classes:  Call 972-660-8414 or Click Here to email


To sign up online:  www.tccd.edu
 

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30.  VENTURE HOME SCHOOL CLASSES

Registration Open for Fall 2009 Classes

Tuesdays
5th-6th Grade Math
Middle School Math
Elementary & Middle School Art

Thursdays
Enrichment/Academic Program
1st-8th Grades
(openings available in all grades)

High School Classes Offered (Tues/Thurs)
College Prep Courses
Spanish I
Spanish II
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
American Government/Economics
World Geography/World History (in Christian Perspective)
Art
US History
Literature & Creative Writing
Health/Physical Education (in Christian Perspective)
Life Management Skills

For More Information:  Contact 817-788-5248 or Click Here to send an email

Location:  First Baptist Church Colleyville
                5405 Pleasant Run
                Colleyville, TX  76034
                       

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31.  YMCA OF IRVING HOME SCHOOL CLASSES

For More Information:  Contact 972-986-8898

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32.  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.



ADDISON - November 6-7
Time:     9am-6pm
Location:   Addison Circle Park Pavilion
                4970 Addison Circle Drive
Admission:  Free
Parking: Use free parking available on Addison Circle Dr., Quorum Dr. and Festival Way.

Books: Thousands of books; paperbacks $1; hardcovers $2

Proceeds benefit Senior Adult Services.  For additional information about Senior Adult Services, click here
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DALLAS - November 6-7
Time:    10am-6pm
Location:  Timberglen Library
                18505 Midway Rd.
               
Books:  2,000; 99% donated; 50% hardcover; .25-$2

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WICHITA FALLS – November 7
Time:    Noon - 5pm
Location: Wichita Falls Public Library
                600 11th Street
                940-767-0868  x248
Books:    3,000; 100% donated; $85% hardcover; .50-$2; half price sale on most books 1st Saurday of each month.
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WACO - November 12-15
Time:    Thurs: 10am-9pm (no sales tax!)
             Fri: 10am - 8pm (no sales tax!)
             Sat: 10am - 7pm
             Sun: Noon - 6pm
Location:   Heart of Texas Fairgrounds
                 General Exhibits & Creative Arts Buildings
                  4601 Bosque Boulevard
                  254-750-5990
Books:  Books; videos; CDs: $1.50; Paperbacks: $1
            Final Day prices:  General Sales: $8/bag

Books: paperback .50; hardcovers $1

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BEDFORD – November 14
Time:    10am - 5pm
Location: Bedford Public Library
                1805 L. Don Dodson Dr

Books: 2,000 books; 50% donated; 50% hardcover; .25/book


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33.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER

CERC, located in Rowlett, is a home school book store offering classes, testing, and other home school resources.

Location:
3810 Industrial, Suite 300
Rowlett, TX  75088
972-475-4138

Website: http://cerconline.org/    

Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any materials that are in stock,
with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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34.  CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

Center for Home Education in Action, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.

Stanford Achievement Test for Grades 2 - 8
Beginning May 18th, 2009. (We recommend students in highschool take the PSAT, ACT or SAT.)

The Stanford Achievement Test is a nationally standardized test.
It is not a timed test and is given each spring.
It evaluates students at various grade levels in the following areas:
Word study skills(K5-grade 4)
Reading Skills/Comprehension (K5-grade 12)
Vocabulary (grades 2-12)
Mathematics (K5-grade 12)
Language (grades 1-12)
Spelling (grades 1-12)
Social Studies/Science (K5-grade 12)
Listening (K5-grade 8)

Stanford results provide:
       Scaled, percentile, grade equivalent scores
Achievement percentiles graphed
Content cluster skills evaluations
Skills performance ratings

For more information including scheduled days and times: 817-281-2293 or Click Here


Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)

Website:  http://www.centerforhomeeducation.com/    

Discount:  Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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35.  HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE

The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.

Visit them at their NEW Location:
401 E. Church St
Lewisville, TX 75057
972-956-8320

Website:  http://homeeducatorsresource.com/    

Discount:  Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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36.  CAMPS AT CAMP TONKAWA

Camp Tonkawa is an Outdoor Learning Center, where we teach nature through hands on experiences.  Located outside of Collinsville, TX, on a 35 acre tract of land certified as a wildlife refuge.

Nature Awareness Day Camps
Schedule a day each month for a fun learning session with us! 
Fall Class Topics (other dates can be arranged for a group):
OCTOBER 14 - Harvest Time - Edible plants from the garden and the woods. Plant eating animals.
OCTOBER 30 - Birds in Autumn - Topics: migration, duck hunting, calls, feeders, identification and more.
NOVEMBER 5 - Native American Day - Set up a tipi, archery, storyteller, games, music and dancing.
NOV. 11 - Let's Take Care of Our Earth - Topics: cedars, snakes, poison ivy, insects, deer, timber wolf.
DECEMBER 9 - Woods in Winter - Learn how the plants and animals prepare for the cold season.
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
What to Bring:  Lunches, drinking water, nature journals (notebook or sketch book) and pencils.
Who: Children of all ages (younger children must have a parent or guardian in attendance with them)
Cost:  $15/Pre-Registered by Mail, $18/Walk-ins, $10/4 year olds, FREE/Under 4 and parents with at least one paying child.  Sign up for 4 camps this fall for only $50 (a $10 savings)
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

Other Day Camps:
Time:  10am-3pm
Cost:  $25
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

Primitive Survival Day Camps
Sign up for one or all 5 to learn everything taught in Primitive Survival 1 & 2.
Dates:
NOVEMBER 16 -- Shelter
DECEMBER 14 -- Fire
JANUARY 25 -- Shelter
FEBRUARY 22 -- Fire
MARCH 29 -- Water/Cordage/Knots
APRIL 26 -- Edible Plants
MAY 24 -- Food/Tracking
Time:  10am - 3pm
Cost:  $25 (8-12 year olds), $30 (13-15 year olds), $35 (16-adult)
All 5 Session Camps:  $100/8-12 years; $125/13-15 years; $150/16-Adult
Pre-registration required: Minimum and Maximums are enforced, so register early!!
What to Bring:  Your lunch.
Class Description:  At any time, anywhere, things can go wrong and you might find yourself in a survival situation. You can survive 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. To stay alive, you must find or build a shelter, obtain "safe" drinking water, start a fire and gather food.  This day camp series will cover information that we learned and have been trained to teach, from the Tom Brown Primitive Survival School. During the course of the five workshop day camps you will have hands on learning that will keep you alive. Both Session A  (January through May) and Session B (August through December) complete all the material normally given in our other Primitive Survival 1 & 2 Camps. You are welcome to come to just one class if you like, ie if you are just interested in Edible Plants or Tracking, just sign up for that day to attend. Also, you are welcome to make up a class you might have missed in your session. 
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

2 and 3-Day Primitive Survival Camp Classes
Come on out to Camp Tonkawa to learn the Tom Brown method of surviving with minimal resources.  Prepare yourself for any life situation and build your self esteem by knowing that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones.  This is set up as teaching workshops and is NOT an actual survival situations. 
Class Dates:
OCTOBER 16-18 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 1 & 2 Combo
SEPTEMBER 26-27 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 2
NOVEMBER 21-22 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 1
FEBRUARY 20-21 -- Primitive Skills Survival Class 2
Time:  Class 1 or 2 -- 9:30 Saturday to 2:30 Sunday
          Class 1 & 2 Combo -- 9:30am Friday to 2:30 Sunday
Cost:  Class 1 or 2: $45/17 and Under, $60/Adults (call for family & group rates)
         Class 1 & 2 Combo: $150/Ages 16-Adult; $120/Ages 12-15; $100/Below 12
Class Descriptions:  Click Here for Class 1
                             Click Here for Class 2
                             Click Here for Class 1 & 2 Combo
Bring:  Bring your lunches.  Dinner and breakfast provided. Vegetarian fare available; let us know. If spending the night, bring tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, cup and utensils. Camp chairs and flashlights are optional, but not necessary.  We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions.
Class 2 requires a non-folding knife. Bring your own or purchase a Swiss Mora survival knife at camp for $20.
Class Minimum:  Each class must have a minimum number of registrants or it will be cancelled. We can schedule a date for your group.
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

Other Overnight Camps:
NOVEMBER 7-8 -- Native American Indian Camp
NOVEMBER 14-15 -- Native American Indian Camp
Time: Saturday at 9:30am through Sunday at 2:30pm
What to Bring:  Lunches and drinking water
Cost:  $45/Ages 17 and Under, $60/Adults (call for family & group rates)
Class Description:  Click Here for Wildlife Camp
                            Click Here for Basic Camping Skills
                            Click Here for Native American Indian Camp
Bring: A sketch book to create or add to an existing nature journal plus pencils, and any fishing gear you have. Bring your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, mug, eating utensils).  Bring lunches. Dinner Saturday night and Breakfast Sunday will be provided. Vegetarian Fare Available. Camp chairs and flashlights are optional but nice to have. We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions if you plan to take part in these.
Class Minimum:  Each class must have a minimum number of registrants or it will be cancelled. We can schedule a date for your group.
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

Horsemanship Day Camps
If you are not with a group, and want to join any one of the scheduled days, call for available dates.
Class Dates:
SEPTEMBER 26
OCTOBER 10
NOVEMBER 21
DECEMBER 12
Time: 10am - 3pm
What to Bring:  Lunches and drinking water
Cost:  $45/Ages 17 and Under, $60/Adults (call for family & group rates)
Class Description:  This class is for all of you who "wish" they had a horse. You will get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size. Wear your old blue jeans and boots, if you happen to have them (hiking boots the next best footwear, then gym shoes), because you will get a chance to do some basic riding. make sure to bring hats and suncreen for sunny days.
Topics to Be Covered:  Horse anatomy, Grooming, Various tack (bridles, saddles, etc.), Feeding, Health maintenance, Teeth and age, Ferrier care, Halter, Lead, and Tie correctly, Riding Basics, Horse gaits, Rules of the Trail, Safety when working with horses.
***Once you have taken this class you can schedule a 2 hour horse groom/tack/ride session ($35/person - minimum of 2 riders) or Enroll in our Trot Camp ($75 - 5 hours w/horses, mostly riding)
Bring: Bring your own lunch. Bring plenty of drinking water. Camel packs are great if you have one.
We now have some Helmets in various sizes, or bring your own.
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483

Other Horse Activities:
Horse Lease Program
To help cover the cost of our horses upkeep, we have a horse lease program.  Adults and children with some experience can pay for a monthly usage of one of our horses and then enjoy partial ownership - grooming, riding, feeding, training.  Detailed information is on the web site.
Horse Birthday Parties
Great family or friend event.  Bring your own cake and ice cream, we provide the rest

Boy Scout Camps/Merit Badges:
Wilderness Survival Camp
Earn you your merit badge and learn to make a Bow Drill Fire!  All must have a Tote & Chip because you will be working with your knives.
Horsemanship Camp
We schedule a monthly Day Camp where individuals or small groups can earn this merit badge.  We can schedule a date or week-end camp for your whole troop!
Indian Lore Camp
Come and get started on this extensive merit badge! Schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Hiking and Backpacking Camp
We wil teach the basics and set you up on a training program to prepare you for a trek of your own.
Schedule a date for your troop.  Group rates available!
Nature Related Merit Badges:
Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study
Schedule a week-end camp out with us to work on any of the above listed. 
We can customize the camp for your troop.
Family camps available for the Cub Scouts and Webeloes:
We can help your earn outdoor skills needed for rank advancement and belt loops.


For More Information: 903-429-6483 or Click Here to email
www.camptonkawatexas.com      


Discount:  Camp Tonkawa is offering HEART of Texas members a  10% discount for HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card.  Offer not valid in conjunction with semester discount rates for Nature Awareness Camps.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

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37.  DALLAS ARBORETUM EVENTS

No matter the time of year, the Arboretum is always in bloom. Both spring and fall feature wild bursts of color. Summer does nothing to diminish the bloom of the Arboretum plantings, which thrive on the warmth of Dallas' summer months. And, because of Dallas' temperate winter temperature, the arboretum is even in blooming the middle of winter. Regardless when you come, there will be plenty to see and plenty of flowers to enjoy.

Through DECEMBER 31 -- Storybook Playhouses
14 Juried Playhouses Based on the Following Books:
The Termok       
James and the Giant Peach
The Little Prince     
Peter Pan   
The Owl and The Pussy Cat  
Thumbelina 
City Green   
Alice in Wonderland
Eragon 
Hope for The Flowers  
Treasure Island      
The Lorax
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
The Bamboo Cutters Daughter
 
Hours:  Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission: 
$9.50 for adults
$8 for seniors (65+)
$6 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children ages 3 and under.
Senior Citizen Thursday Discount:  Seniors get in for just $5 with photo ID and can receive 20% discount at gift shop.
   
Onsite parking:                                                                
$5 per vehicle                                                     
Valet Parking:  $10 for non-members; $8 for members
Offsite parking is available at selected locations during peak visitation. Shuttle busses transport guests directly to the Arboretum ticket booth.

Discount tickets are available for groups of 20 or more.
Advance registration is needed.
For Group Sales Information: Click Here

Located:
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX  75219
214-515-6500

www.dallasarboretum.org    


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38.  FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS


Location:  9601 Fossil Ridge Road
        Fort Worth, TX 76135

For More Information:    817-237-1111  
http://www.fwnaturecenter.org  


The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge (FWNC&R) is located just inside the city limits of Fort Worth, TX.

The FWNC&R is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands reminiscent of how much of the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex once looked. Replete with native flora and fauna, the area beckons to those searching for a piece of nature to refresh their spirits and reintroduce a measure of tranquility to their increasingly urban lifestyles.

Over 3600 acres, the FWNC&R is the largest city-owned nature center in the United States and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural history of north central Texas.  Over 20 miles of hiking trails provide easy access to a myriad of natural wonders to be found on the Refuge.

Staff naturalists at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center are available to facilitate your exploration.   

The FWNC&R is located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, four miles west of I-820 on Jacksboro Hwy. (TX Hwy 199).

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39.  FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS


November Events:
NOVEMBER 10 -- Homeschool Nature Hike & Tour
Time:  10am - 2:30ish.  
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.  After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: Take a guided hike with a naturalist and learn about some of our native flora and fauna in the morning, share a picnic lunch, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216

NOVEMBER 16 -- Homeschool African Safari Day Camp
Time:  9am-4:30pm  
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $25/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.  After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: Learn about the geography of Africa and where our African animals come from, make a Savannah Field Guide, discuss Savannah Ecology, learn about Cheetahs, discover the difference between grazers and browsers, and take a guided tour of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center! Please bring a sack lunch.
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216

December Events:
DECEMBER 8 -- Colors By Nature (Exploring Natural Dyes) Class & Tour
Time:  10am-2:30ish 
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.  After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: This multi-level class will learn about  cochineal, 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 during our morning class.  
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216

DECEMBER 14 -- "Go Ahead, Make My Day" Christmas for the Critters Homeschool Class + Tour
Time:  10am-2:30ish 
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.  After lunch, take a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
Details: This class is about animal enrichment, an important aspect of zoo keeping: how to keep captive animals from becoming bored.  We will be making enrichment items for some of Fossil Rim’s animals!
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216 


For more Details:     www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html


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40. HAVEN'S HORSES HORSEMANSHIP & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASSES AT CHRIST'S HAVEN

Christ's Haven is offering homeschoolers Christian Horsemanship and Outdoor Education programs at their facility in Keller, Texas.  The classes will be held during the day, while their foster children are at school.

Monday - Fridays at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm
September 1 through December 13
Thursdays at 10:30am and 4pm; Mondays at 4pm

Christian Horsemanship
Ages 4-18
Cost:  $25/child
Class Length:  1 hour, 15 min.
Details:  First visit is free!  Spiritual Values are incorporated into each Horsemanship Lesson through group devotions and activities.  It's more than a basic riding lesson!  Christian Horsemanship unites children and inspires them to grow in the areas of Horsemanship Skills (grooming, saddling, feeding, groundwork, riding and horse anatomy); Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Communication Skills.

Outdoor Adventure
Ages 7-14
Cost:  $20/class
Course Length:  1 hour, 15 min.
Details:  First visit is free!  Teaches children about God's creation in an outdoor spiritual setting.  Activities include:  day hikes, fishing, flying kites, and much more!  Outdoor Adventure classes focus on: Science in the Outdoors, Servant Leadership, Self Expression, Self Reflection and Silent Retreats.

Discount Prices available for group rates.
Please call for details.

Location:  4150 Keller-Haslet Road
                Keller, TX  76248

For More Information:  817-925-1982 or click here to email

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41.  THE HEARD MUSEUM - HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
 
These Homeschool Classes will introduce your student to the Natural Sciences. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets.  Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum's education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of home school families.

All curricula are based on current scientific theory.

Please note that you will need to submit a medical record form including immunization history to be able to participate in their programs.

Fall 2009 Classes Run:  13 weeks (9/8 – 12/10), Tues or Thurs, 1-3pm
Meet the Teacher Day:  August 28
Cost:  Only $8 per hour, sibling discount, monthly payment
 
5 year olds
Which Ology is Which?
“Ology” refers to the study of a topic, and in this class young scientists are introduced to the study of a variety of scientific fields. Ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), entomology (insects) and mammology (mammals) are just a few of the “ologies” that are explored in class, on the sanctuary, and with our live animals and specimens.
 
6-7 year olds
Discover Your World: Animals
Animals come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. Students will explore animal diversity though their classification, habitats, survival requirements and interrelationships. In addition to spending time finding out about the wild animals that make our sanctuary home, each week also includes interaction with a live animal visitor.
 
8-9 year olds
Explorers: Forest Ecology
Students will study forests around the world, the relationship between trees and plants and the animals that depend on them, as well as explore the importance of forests to us and the global environment. This class utilizes the different woodland habitats found on the sanctuary.
 
10-12 year olds
Earth Trek: Sharing the Planet
From ants to zebras, every animal on the Earth has a purpose. Students will discover the importance of a myriad of animal species on our planet and learn the connections they have to us and each other. We will explore different ecological dilemmas from endangered species to the effects of climate change on ecosystems, animal behavior and health. With the application of the scientific method, this will be an in-depth, thought-provoking and problem-solving experience.

Complete application includes:
• Registration form
• Medical Record Form
• Payment according to selected payment plan
Only complete application packets will be processed.  Medical record forms already on file at the museum may be used.  One registration form per participant.  Complete applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are paying by check and fax your reservation it won't be complete until the check is received.

For more information:Click Here to send an email
                                  972-562-5566 x237
                                                       
Location:  One Nature Place
                McKinney, TX  75069
                www.heardmuseum.org


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42.  HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
 
Fridays at the Farmstead Schedule
Time:  10:30am (program lasts about 1-1/2 hours.
Geared for ages 3-6 or 6-12.  Costumed docents lead children in groups of 10 through each activity.
Cost:  $5/child;  $3/adult chaperone (includes tractor-pulled covered wagon ride)
Bring: A lunch to enjoy a picnic on the farmstead.
Advanced Registration Required:  972-881-0140
NOVEMBER 20 -- Sarah Plain and Tall
This program is based on Patricia MacLachlan’s novel, Sarah Plain and Tall that tells the story of how two young farm children were influenced by the arrival of their new step-mother.  Children will spend time in the sheep pens, children’s garden, and pole barn exploring and learning about childhood on the farm.
NOVEMBER 6 -- Farmer Duck
This program follows the children’s story, Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell, about a duck that had the misfortune of living with a lazy farmer!  Children will enjoy learning about and doing hands-on chores including grinding corn and feeding chickens, washing clothes, and gardening. 
NOVEMBER 13 -- Tag-Along Tom
This program is loosely based on Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.  Children will be taken on a Tom Sawyer style exploration of the Farmstead in which they will engage in “mischief” while learning about work on the farm. Activities include a visit to the Farrell/Wilson house, white-washing the fence, gathering water from the creek for the Children’s Garden, milking Odessa our teaching Cow and many more.


The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm

Docent-Led Tours
Time:  1:30 p.m. Tues-Sun. (one tour daily)
Tour begins on the front porch.  Includes Farrell-Wilson house, outbuildings, and grounds.
Admission:  $5 Adults; $3.50 Children 5 & up, Students, and Seniors (65+);
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free
Docent will collect admission fees before the tour begins.

Self-Guided Grounds Tours
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues - Sun
Tour the grounds only.  No access to the Farrell-Wilson house our outbuildings.
Grounds guide available.
Admission:  $2 per person
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free.

Group Tours
Time:  Each program lasts about 1 1/2 hours
Available by appointment only.
Cost:  $5/child; $3/adult chaperones
Depending on the size of the group, up to two teachers can attend free of charge
Tour Themes:  
Farmer Duck -- This pre-school program is designed for children ages 3-6 and follows the story Farmer Duck written by Martin Waddell (about a lazy farmer who doesn’t work and a duck that does all the chores around the farm), a discussion and hands-on experiences at 3 – 10 different stations, depending on the program/needs of group.  Costumed Docent(s) lead children in groups of 10 through each hands-on activity. 
On the Wagon Trail -- Designed for elementary school- age participants, this program focuses on the thoughts and activities of a 10 year-old boy as he leaves his home in Illinois to move with his family to Plano at the turn-of-the-century.  Activities include packing a wagon, riding the wagon to different spots on the property and rein-acting the diary entries.  Two costumed Docents lead children along this trip.  Each program is volunteer-led and lasts about 1 ˝ 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 is designed for children ages 8-12
For More Information:  Call 972-881-0140


FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH -- Scout Tours
REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS -- Call the Farmstead office to reserve a date.
Tours are booked on a first come first served basis
Cost:  Pricing has been revised.  Contact the Farmstead office for more information.
    (No siblings under 4 years old)
Tours must be PREPAID.
Scouts will receive a patch from the Farmstead.


VOLUNTEER GARDEN HELPER AND TOUR DOCENTS NEEDED:
The Heritage Farmstead Museum is looking for a volunteer garden helper and tour docents.
Please contact 972-881-0140 for more information.
 
For Registration and Other Information:   972-881-0140 or Click Here                                                   
           
Location:      Heritage Farmstead Museum
                    1900 West 15th Street
                    Plano, TX


Discount:  Heritage Farmstead Museum is offering HEART of Texas members a $1 off the adult regular admission price (up to 4 people) and .50 cents off child's regular admission, good for either the 1:30pm Historic Farrell-Wilson house tour or for the following special events: Harvest Festival, Lantern Light, Spring Festival.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

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43.  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!

Special Event for Homeschoolers
WILD Homeschool Day -- Rescheduled for March 30, 2010
Time:  9am - 4pm

Open to the Public Days (MARCH - NOVEMBER)
SATURDAYS
Time:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4:30)
OCTOBER 3; 10; 17; 24; 31

Admission:  $8 per person;  kids 2 and under are free
INCLUDES: - Meet & Greet with our Education Animals (kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs & more) *Animals available for meet and greet vary with the season and off-site events schedule*
- Safari Wagon ride through exotic pastures to see camels, zebra, buffalo & more
- Kids Bucket Train rides thru 22 acres of “wild” trails!
- Use of pavilion for lunch (you may purchase lunch at our concession stand or bring your own)

Directions: Click Here
Please do not use MapQuest it WILL get you lost!

Please visit the Field Trip page under the "Visitors Guide" section of our web site for details on booking a field trip for your home school group.

For More Information:  Click Here
940-686-4600 (main)
940-686-3715 (fax)


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44.  TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round urban oasis located at historic Fair Park. The gardens showcase beautiful native and adapted plants that are grown using sustainable methods that help to protect the environment. The first certified organic public garden in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens offers educational programs and exhibits that teach children and adults how to provide vital habitat for butterflies and other native Texas wildlife, add beauty, conserve water and restore the natural environment in urban areas.

Regular Admission & Hours:
$4/adults; $3 seniors (60+); $2 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Hours:  Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm.  Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm.
For more info:  214.428.7476 ext. 23.
Location: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fair Park.
Fair Park istwo miles east of downtown Dallas just south of Interstate 30.

THIRD SATURDAYS – Garden Walks
Garden Walks are a guided tour on various topics. Unless noted, Garden Walks are on the third Saturday of the month and last one hour.
Time:  10am - 11am
Cost:  Free with garden admission.
Pre-Registration is required.

NOVEMBER 7 -- Texas Trees Garden Walk
Time:  10am-11am
Join staff horticulturist Randy Johnson on this annual tour of native trees. Learn proper planting and care techniques. You'll finish the tour just in time to go to the Fall Plant Sale!
Program appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Other Events:
NOVEMBER 7 --Fall Plant Sale
Time:  11am-2pm
Our 2008 Fall Plant Sale proved so popular we're making it an annual affair! Enjoy a selection of perennials and annuals at a reduced price as we clear out the greenhouse for the winter. Plants go quickly, so line up early for the best deals.  Before the sale...Enjoy our annual garden walk on native trees. The walk will end right in time for you to shop!

Children's Outdoor Education Programs:
Cost:  $5/person;  $60 minimum fee per program
Availability:  Tuesday - Friday, 9am-4pm
To Make Reservations:  214-428-7476
Gardening for Children: - introduction to gardening and seeds.  Students even plant thier own seeds to take back to the classroom. (Grades Pre-K - 2)
Butterflies, Bugs & Botany: - Insects and their amazing lives help students inderstand the concepts of adaptation, habitats, and pollination.  (Grades 1-8)
Terrarium Worlds: - Your class will build a terrarium (a home for a plant) and see the water cycle, the carbon-oxygen cycle, and the nitrogen cycle in action.  (Grades 1-8)
Life in the Compost Bin: - Recycling and decomposition come alive as students see that an ecosystem is powered by a complex web of creatures and energy. (Grades 1-8)
Math in Nature: - Math is seen as a real world tool as students visit diverse garden habitats to record data, such as temperatures, time, and mesurements.  (Grades 2-8)
Careers in the Garden: - Explore the various careers that are necessasry to keep the garden beautiful and running, including landscape design and greenhouse management.  (Grades 2-8)

SCOUTING PROGRAMS:
Girl Scouts: We offer 'Try-Its' and 'Let's Get Outdoors' badge programs for younger Girl Scouts.
For more information on these programs: http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/girl_scouts.htm
Boy Scouts: We have a number of 'Achievements' and 'Arrow-point' badge programs for younger Scouts.  Wealso work with Scout Leaders to put together Webelos and Eagle Scout projects, and have a number ofCommunity Service opportunities for older Scouts.   For more information please click here.
Community Service Projects:  Opportunities for older scouts are available on special projects and community events such as Day at Fair Park. Training is provided by the staff of Texas Discovery Gardens.
For Scouting Program Info: 214-428-7476 x 27

For More Information: Click Here


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45.  TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

ATHENS, TX

NOVEMBER 13, 27 - Bird and Nature Walk
Location:  Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time:  9am - 11am
Details:  Expect to see 25 or more different species of birds as we explore our Interpretive Wetland Trail and other areas of the hatchery. Bring binoculars; field guide welcome. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Fees:  $2.75 Texas State Parks Pass members, $5.50 non-members, $4.50 senior citizens and $3.50 children 12 and under.
For More Information:  903-676-BASS.


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CEDAR HILL, TX

NOVEMBER 14 - Reptiles Our Scaly Skinned Friends
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time:  3pm - 4pm
Details: Hear about the reptiles found in the area, learn about their benefits to this ecosystem and see some live examples of a couple scaly friends. Held at the Penn Farm Amphitheater.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.

NOVEMBER 14 - The Lost Prairie
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time:  3pm - 4pm
Details: Discover the tallgrass Blackland Prairie Ecological Region. Learn about the history, plants, animals, and human impact on this now endangered land area of Texas. Begin to understand the importance of maintaining and restoring the tallgrass grasslands. Held at the Penn Farm Amphitheater.
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.

NOVEMBER 21-22 - Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time:  Call for times
Fee: $55 per family up to six
Reservations required
Details: Ever wanted to camp at a state park with your family but feel unsure of what or how to do so? This workshop is designed to teach your family all the basic outdoor skills you'll need to enjoy a great
overnight camping experience. You will get hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills such as camping, outdoor cooking and also be able to get basic instruction on fishing skills, kayaking and
how to use a GPS unit on trail walks. Best of all, no experience is necessary! For more information, visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web site.
For Reservations or more Information: Click Here to email or call our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at (512) 389-8903.
NOVEMBER 28 - Duck Pond Trail Nature Walk
Location: Cedar Hill State Park
Time:  9:30 am - 11am
Details: Take a leisurely walk and learn about the plants and animals at the park. The trail is approximately one mile and is a great hike for families with children. Meet at the trailhead. 
For More Information: 972-291-5940 or 972-291-3900, ext. 232.


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DENTON, TX

NOVEMBER 21 - Venomous Snakes of Texas
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time:  45 minute program starts at dusk
Details:  Identify some of the myths and examine the truth about venomous snakes in Texas.
For More Information:  (903) 465-1956

NOVEMBER 14 - Wildlife Slide Show
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time:  45 minute program starts at dusk
Details:  Come to the Amphitheater and see the variety of birds and other animals that live in the park and fish that live in Lake Texoma at this slide show.
For More Information:  (903) 465-1956

NOVEMBER 21-22 - Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location: Eisenhower State Park
Time:  Call for times
Fee: $55 per family up to six
Reservations required
Details: Ever wanted to camp at a state park with your family but feel unsure of what or how to do so? This workshop is designed to teach your family all the basic outdoor skills you'll need to enjoy a great
overnight camping experience. You will get hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills such as camping, outdoor cooking and also be able to get basic instruction on fishing skills, kayaking and
how to use a GPS unit on trail walks. Best of all, no experience is necessary! For more information, visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web site.
For Reservations or more Information: Click Here to email or call our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at (512) 389-8903.

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EUSTACE, TX (Henderson/Van Zandt Counties)

NOVEMBER 21 – Stargazing
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Details:  Take a walk through the solar system and view the night sky through a telescope. Then make your own star wheel and learn how to use it. Weather permitting, meet at the overflow camping parking lot.
Call: 903-425-2332.

NOVEMBER 14 - Saturday Movie Night
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 7:30pm
Details:  Enjoy a family movie under the stars at the park. Bring blankets or chairs. Weather permitting. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-425-2332.

NOVEMBER 7 - Nature Hike
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 4pm - 5pm
Details:  Take a guided hike and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Weather permitting, meet at the overflow camping parking lot.
Call: 903-425-2332.

NOVEMBER 28 – Night Hike
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Details:   Take a hike into the night and learn about the nocturnal animals that frequent the park. Discover how the darkness affects your senses. The hike is about one mile and on relatively flat terrain. Meet at the over flow camping parking lot.
Call: 903-425-2332.



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GLEN ROSE, TX

NOVEMBER 12 - Growing Up WILD Workshop
Location:Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Time: 1-4 p.m
Cost: $10
Preregistration required
Details: Learn how to build on young children's sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore wildlife and the world around them. During the three-hour training workshop participants will sample
activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are adaptable for 3-7 year olds and is correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards and the Head
Start Domains. Teachers, informal educators and early childhood caregivers may take the training.
For more information and Registration: Click Here to email or 254-898-4222.

NOVEMBER 13, 2009 - Project WILD/Project WILD Aquatic Combined Workshop
Location: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Time: 9 a.m4 p.m / 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 (lunch included)/$20 (dinner included)
Preregistration required
Details: Learn how to teach young people about aquatic wildlife and ecosystems using fun, hands-on educational activities. Participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide.
Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers, informal educators and youth group leaders may take the training. SBEC credit available for teachers. Participants must attend the Project WILD workshop to attend the Project WILD Aquatic workshop.
For more information and registration: Click Here to email or 254-898-4222.


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JACKSBORO, TX

OCTOBER 17 - Red Steagall Wagon Train and Doc Wood
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  Wagon train 3-6 p.m., Cowboy Poetry 7-9 p.m.
Details: The park will be the starting point of Red Steagall's annual wagon train journey to Fort Worth. See the wagons as they start arriving Saturday afternoon. Stay and enjoy Cowboy Poetry featuring
the renowned Doc Woods and others on the steps of the historic hospital.
For More Information:  940-567-3506.
NOVEMBER 7 - Terry's Texas Ranger Weekend
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  9am - 4pm
Details: This Civil War Re-enactment group will hold their annual event and practice session at the fort. Come watch as they will be camping on the parade grounds and performing drills throughout the weekend.
For More Information:  940-567-3506.

NOVEMBER 27 - Owl Prowl
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  6pm-7pm
Details: Join Doris Mager, 'The Eagle Lady" for a short, evening walk beginning at the park pavilion to listen and look for owls and other wildlife.
For More Information:  940-567-3506.

NOVEMBER 28 - Birds of Prey Program
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  11am-Noon and 4pm-5pm
Details: See and learn about birds of prey, including a live great-horned owl, crested caracara, eastern screech owl and an American kestrel with Doris Mager, 'The Eagle Lady" and founder of Save Our American Raptors at the park pavilion.
For More Information:  940-567-3506.

DECEMBER 12 - Christmas Dance Spectacular
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  2pm-4pm
Details:  Join the fun as Mrs. Tammy's Acrobatics and Dance Troupe from Mineral Wells (2 year olds through teens) performs tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop routines especially choreographed for this occasion. You'll flip over the tumblers as they bound over the boards on the porch of the hospital! Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information:  940-567-3506

DECEMBER 19 - Family Fishing Day
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  9am-Noon
Details:  Quarry Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout as well as bass, catfish, crappie and perch, so the fishing will be great! No fishing license is required. Come out, spend time with your family and enjoy the fun. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information:  940-567-3506..


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MINERAL WELLS, TX

NOVEMBER 7 - Cowboy Campfire - Music & Poetry
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time:  7-9pm
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening of cowboy music, poetry and stories. Experience the cow camp lifestyle and local historical treasures through the music and poetry of the old time cowboys. Bring your favorite lawn chair. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171

NOVEMBER 14 - Animal Tracks
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time:  1-3pm
Details: Go on a walk through the park to identify animal tracks, then make your own plaster cast of one.
Reservations Required.
Call: 940-328-1171

NOVEMBER 21 - Kid's Wilderness Survival
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time:  1pm-4pm.
Details: This course is a fun way for kids to learn what to do if they become lost. The course includes interactive games, demonstrations and a hike on the nature trail. Kids must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or youth group leader.
Reservations required.
Call: 940-328-1171

NOVEMBER 28 - Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time:  1-3pm
Details: Take a guided, wild walk, crawl and scoot through some of the most remote areas of beautiful Penitentiary Hollow. This is a strenuous walk involving some crawling through tight spaces in rock cracks, crevices and short caves, so expect to get dirty!
Reservations Required.
Call: 940-328-1171

DECEMBER 5, 13 - Cross Timbers Cowboy Campfire Christmas
Location: Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway
Time:  6-7:30pm
Details: Bring the whole family to the Lone Star Amphitheater for a campfire program of cowboy music, poetry and sing-along with a Christmas theme. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-328-1171


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PILOT POINT, TX

Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit

NOVEMBER (SATURDAYS) - Guided Nature Hikes on Vanishing Prairie Trail
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time:  3-4pm
Details: Blooming wildflowers, plants, animals and ecosystems of North Texas prairies and cross-timbers will be explored on these one-hour journeys. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired.
Call: 940-637-2294

NOVEMBER 7 - Kids N Nature - Texas Native Americans
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time:  9am-11am
Details: Come learn about Texas Native Americans and how they lived with nature, look at examples of tools and foods they used, and even make a native craft to take home. Then take a walk with us on Vanishing Prairie Trail to look for food and fiber plants the natives used in their daily lives. Group size is limited. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired. 
Preregistration Required:  Deadline November 6
Call: 940-637-2294

NOVEMBER 21 - SOAR with Doris and Her Raptors
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time:  1pm-2pm
Details: Come soar with Doris Mager, founder of Save Our American Raptors Inc., and meet a great-horned owl named "E.T." Experience live bird demonstrations by a crested caracara, eastern screech owl, and an American kestrel. Learn conservation information, and interesting facts about our American raptors from Doris; who for the past 35 years of her life, has been devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, training, researching, and loving birds of prey. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired.
Call: 940-637-2294

DECEMBER 5- Kids N Nature - Birds
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time:  9am-11am
Details: Come learn about our birds of Texas and gain helpful tips for birding; then learn how to attract your own neighborhood birds and make a bird feeder to take home. Take a stroll with us down Dogwood Trail to see how many of our winged friends we can find. Group size is limited. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired.
Preregistration Required:  Deadline December 4
Call: 940-637-2294

DECEMBER 5, 12, 19 - Guided Nature Hikes on Vanishing Prairie Trail
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time:  3-4pm
Details: Blooming wildflowers, plants, animals and ecosystems of North Texas prairies and cross-timbers will be explored on these one-hour journeys. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired.
Call: 940-637-2294

DECEMBER 12, 19 - Dogwood Canyon Bird Walk
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit
Time:  9am-11am
Details: Bring your binoculars or use one of our loaners as we learn the basics about birding on this guided walk in Dogwood Canyon. The one-to-two-mile guided tour is moderately strenuous. Open to all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water and wear good walking shoes. Meet at the Dogwood Camping Area parking lot. No pets please.
Call: 940-637-2294


Ray Roberts Lake/Isle du Bois Unit

NOVEMBER (SATURDAYS) - Nature Hike
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time:  3-4pm
Details: Come explore the East Cross Timbers with one of our Park Rangers. Learn about the wide variety of plants and wildlife that call the park home. Wear close-toed shoes; bring insect repellant sunscreen, and water. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
Call: 940-686-2148, ext. 258

NOVEMBER 7 - Campfire Program
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time:  7-8pm
Details: Join a ranger for story telling by the fireside. Learn about different plants and animals at park. Call for topic.
Call: 940-686-2148, ext. 258

NOVEMBER 10 - Toddler Tuesday Native Americans
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time:  9-10am
Details: It has been proven that children who spend more time outside excel in school and extra curricular activities. It is best to start them young! Come learn about Native Americans that lived in the area. This program is designed for ages 2-4. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired
Reservations Required:  Deadline November 9
Call: 940-686-2148, ext. 258

NOVEMBER 14 - Fall Birding Tour
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time:  9am-10am
Details: As the park sits at the heart of the Central Migratory Flyway in North Central Texas we have the opportunity to see many amazing birds passing through. Come take a walk with us and see how many birds we can find. A limited number of binoculars available for use or bring your own. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
Call: 940-686-2148, ext. 258

NOVEMBER 21 - Kids N Nature - Texas Native Americans
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time:  9am-11am
Details: We will be talking about Texas Native Americans of which there are many tribes and nations. Join us for our version of the Caddo Nation Turkey Dance! Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
Preregistration Required:  Deadline November 11
Call: 940-686-2148, ext. 258

NOVEMBER 20-21 - Birds of Prey Program
Location: Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit
Time:  7pm-8pm
Details: Doris Mager, the "Eagle Lady," is founder of Save Our American Raptors, Inc. and travels with a great horned owl, crested caracara, American kestrel, and eastern screech owl. Join us for the program of a lifetime full of interesting facts and humorous stories. After the program, come with us for an owl walk with Doris. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired.
Call: 940-686-2148, ext. 258


Back to NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS

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TYLER, TX

NOVEMBER 1 – Texas Outdoor Family Workshop
Location:  Tyler State Park
Time:  Call for times
Cost:  $55/family (up to six)
Reservations required
Details: Ever wanted to camp at a state park with your family but feel unsure of what or how to do so? This workshop is designed to teach your family all the basic outdoor skills you'll need to enjoy a great overnight camping experience. You will get hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills such as camping, outdoor cooking and also be able to get basic instruction on fishing skills, kayaking and how to use a GPS unit on trail walks. Best of all, no experience is necessary! For more information, visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web site.
For Reservations or more information: Email tofsp@twpd.state.tx.us or call "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service reps at 512-389-8903 (M-F from 9am-6pm)
For More Information:  903-597-5338

NOVEMBER (SATURDAYS)— Snake Feeding (PG Rated)
Location:  Tyler State Park
Time:  2pm-3pm
Details:   Every Saturday. Snakes have to eat, but they don't like vegetables! Also learn to identify venomous snakes and what to do at a close snake encounter. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information:  903-597-5338

NOVEMBER 7 — Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Location:  Tyler State Park
Time:  10 a.m. - 11 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 7, 14, 28 — Let's Go Birding!
Location:  Tyler State Park
Time:   8:30am - 10:30am
Details:  We'll go on an easy to moderate hike to find where the birds are, observe them in the wild so you can add them to your lists. Bring binoculars, a field guide and comfortable shoes. Check at the park headquarters for location of the hike. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information:  903-597-5338

NOVEMBER 14 — Raccoons!
Location:  Tyler State Park
Time:   10am-11am
Details:    See one up close! Learn about these curious creatures of the night - the food they eat, the sounds they make and why we should not feed them. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
For More Information:  903-597-5338

NOVEMBER 21 — Birding 101: An Introduction