HEART of Texas

Homeschool with HEART!
September 2014 HEART OF TEXAS   
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.

SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
 
Dear Home School Families and Friends,
We are excited to share information that we feel may be of interest to home schoolers in North Texas.  Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to your friends or other homeschooling families in your network.

If you use content from this newsletter for placement within your own newsletter, website, or other communications, please acknowledge the HEART of Texas newsletter as your source via a link to our website: www.heartoftex.org.

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

Additionally, if you or anyone in your homeschool group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at editor@heartoftex.org.

We would love to hear from you!  


www.HEARTofTex.org
You can also "Like" HEART of Texas on Facebook!


Our deadlines are as follows:  
the 1st of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 15th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.
Please send all submissions to editor@heartoftex.org for consideration in the newsletter.

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

This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided.  HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.

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MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS


THROUGH AUGUST 31
SUMMER AT THE ARBORETUM
AUGUST DOLLAR DAYS

Through August 31

Details:  All visitors can take advantage of $1 general garden admission and $1 Children's Garden admission for the entire month of August. Also available are select $1 food and drinks. Discounted parking is also available online.

For More Information: Click Here

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AUGUST
HSAA Jr. HIGH CHEERLEADING SQUAD
2014 Football Season

Camps are held in July and August

Who:  Girls in grades 6-8
For More Information: 
Click Here


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SEPTEMBER 2
RHINO REALITY
HOME SCHOOL CLASS AT FOSSIL RIM


Time:  10am-4pm
Cost:  $23/participant

Details: Come and witness these true giants of the animal kingdom! We have a herd of six white rhino. Watch them, learn about them, find out why a white rhino is poached in South Africa every 13.4 hours, and decide what role you will play as, in the coming years, they are either pulled back from the brink of extinction… or pushed over!

To Register, Call: 254-897-2960

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SEPTEMBER 6
ARTISAN CENTER THEATER PRESENTS
INTO THE WOODS JR.

SEPTEMBER 6 - OCTOBER 11

Details: The Brothers Grimm “go Broadway” as Sondheim and Lapine offer up a cockeyed fairy tale in INTO THE WOOD JR., an adaptation of one of Sondheim’s most popular works designed especially for young performers. All of your favorite characters—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch—meet and interact in this whimsical original story. The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.
For more information: Click here


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SEPTEMBER 6
HORSEMANSHIP DAY CAMP
CAMP TONKAWA

Time:  10am-3pm
Ages: 7 and up, Adults welcome
Cost:  $50 per person

Details: 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. You will get a chance to do some basic riding. Make sure to bring sunscreen and drinking water for sunny days. 

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
    •    Horse Anatomy
    •    Grooming - tools and techniques
    •    Learn about the various tack (bridles, saddles, etc.)
    •    Feeding Rules
    •    Health maintenance
    •    Teeth and Age
    •    Ferrier care
    •    Halter, Lead, and Tie correctly
    •    Mounting and Dismounting Safely
    •    Riding Basics
    •    Knowing the Gaits the horse travels in
    •    Safety when working with horses

Class space is limited so register early. (Additional dates can be set up if there is enough interest.)


For More Information:
Click Here


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SEPTEMBER 18
EDUCATOR EVENING IN THE FT. WORTH CULTURAL DISTRICT

Time:  4pm-7pm

Details: Home school teachers are invited to participate in this annual "back-to-school" Cultural District tradition, which showcases school and teacher programs and resources offered by local cultural institutions for the 2013–2014 school year.

Staff from sixteen participating institutions will be on hand at these locations: Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

    View current exhibitions and preview upcoming exhibitions.
    Network with other educators and participating institution staff.
    Enjoy light refreshments.
    Learn about programs for educators & students.
    Receive free resources for your classroom.
    Explore ideas for using primary resources.

No Reservations Required
For More Information:
817-840-2141


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SEPTEMBER 27
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM DAY

Details:
The Museum Day Live! Ticket provides free admission for two people.

In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket… for free.

To Find A Participating Museum Near You: Click Here

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:

MATTHEW ROAD ACADEMY OPENS REGISTRATION TO NEW STUDENTS

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

A University Model Education setting, MRA comes along side Christian families in the partnership of their child’s education and walk with the Lord.

Benefits of a UME:
· Academic Structure and Accountability           
· Challenging Christian Curriculum
· Ability to Place Child Outside of Grade Level  
· School Field Trips and Special Activities   
· Cost Effective College Preparatory Education;  Courses Start at $120 Per Year
· Qualified Teachers with Specialized Focus of Study and Low Student/Teacher Ratios
· Students Develop Strong Work Ethics  and Study Habits Needed for College Coursework

MRA currently has openings in the following Secondary courses (9th-12th):
World History, Government, Economics/Personal Finance, Chemistry, Biology, Geometry, Algebra 1, American Sign Language, Spanish 1, Health, Writing with IEW, Sewing, College Test Prep, Drama, Spiritual Formation, Classic Literature, Speech, Publications, SAT Prep

Matthew Road Baptist Church offers a full day Mon/Wed Kinder/1st program.

Matthew Road Academy offers UME model courses for grades 2-12; students attend courses 32 weeks a year on Tuesday and Thursday. Currently, 2nd-8th grade courses have very limited space.

Full course information can be found online: www.mracademy.net

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
MORNING GLORY ACADEMY

Classes for Homeschoolers – in a College-Style Schedule

At Morning Glory Academy (MGA), we are wrapping up our sixth year of offering core classes in support of home-centered learning!  Students 5 to 18 years old (K-12th) are enrolled at MGA in our college-style schedule (CSS).   CSS offers the many benefits of classes, without dominating your family’s schedule.  Our CSS consists of classes two days per week, offered in the core areas:

MATH: 
        K through 6th - math foundations, arithmetic skills.
        7th-12th - Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus.

HISTORY: 
        World and US History.  High school includes World History; Western Civilization with
        World Geography; US History with US Geography;  Government & Economics with                             Apologetics/Worldview.

LANGUAGE ARTS:
       K-5th -  from pre-reading and pre-writing to reading and writing fluency
       6th-12th – systematic Grammar and Writing instruction; Literature discussion and extension activities

SCIENCE:
        K-5th - Hands-on science fun and review of concepts.
        6th-8th - Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science;
        9th-12th – Biology, Natural Science, Chemistry, Physics.

MGA is located in the Keller area.  We are classical and Christian in our approach.  MGA is a nonprofit corporation that exists to partner with families for their children’s education.

We believe the CSS model is the perfect ‘hybrid’ of homeschooling and group classes.

Please visit our website, www.theMGA.org, for MUCH more information about our teachers, courses, schedule, and curricula. 

Contact: 
Grammar School Director Susan Riddle, 817-706-9888 (k-5th).  
              Upper School Director Leslie Kent, 817-905-3861  (6th-12th).

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:

TRIUMPH SPORTS

Triumph Sports has been running summer sports camps for kids for 10 years in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston areas. 

Programs are often run by our Dallas Theological and Southwestern Seminary students. 
We are currently looking for outstanding High School Junior or Senior or college aged athletes who would like to work as Assistant Coaches at these programs. 
To apply, Click Here and fill out an online application.

Parents can sign their children ages 5-12 up for just one month ($40) or they can sign up for the "Semester Pass," for $120.

We only have 30 spots available for each location - so please make sure to sign up soon!

We have 4 Home School PE locations:
Highland Park - Highland Park United Methodist Church - Biggers Gymnasium - Tuesdays  10:30pm-Noon
Southlake - Trinity Presbyterian Gymnasium - Tuesdays, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Richardson - First United Methodist Church Richardson Gymnasium - Thursdays, 11:30pm-1:00pm
McKinney - Stonebridge United Methodist Church Gymnasium - Thursdays, 2:00pm-3:30pm

To Register: Click Here

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:

BEGINNER VIOLIN LESSONS

    For All Sutdents ages 4 and up
    Uses Suzuki Method
    Affordable Rates; payment options available
    Conveniently located in the Mid-Cities area
    Lessons include both private and group classes


About Suzuki: Based on how young children learn their mother tongue, the Suzuki method was developed over 50 years ago by Japanese violinist, Shinichi Suzuki.
Suzuki's method has been established world-wide, boasting of over 8,000 teachers and over a quarter million students. A recent poll done in Juilliard School of Music showed that nearly 80% of music students were Suzuki trained. 

Suzuki's method emphasizes ear training, parent involvement and early childhood development, though students of all ages can learn. Realizing that each student develops differently, the method is structured to allow students to move at their own pace. Lessons are ideal for both serious students and students who just want to learn more about music.

 
About the Teacher:  Christina Leano was Suzuki trained and has been playing the violin since she was four years old. Homeschooled through high school, Christina graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Dallas in 2011. She is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

For more Information: Click Here

Contact: 817-296-3361 or cleano@udallas.edu

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
TACA FOOTBALL RETURNS AFTER A 9-0 SEASON!
ANNOUNCING ELEVEN MAN FOOTBALL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL & JV TEAMS FOR 2014

TACA

"HOMESCHOOL FOOTBALL" for $100.00 with no equipment to buy!
There's "no catch" just Top Quality/11 Man Football. Top quality Coaching!
All gear is leased out with zero Cost to parents. $100 regular fee . Don't spend $700-$800.00 to play Football. Come Check out TACAinfo.com for all the details!!  JV and Middle school - ages 12-17 for the 2014 season. We'll add Varsity next year. No Football experience necessary.

We're a Christ Centered group organized to use athletics as an opportunity to spread the Gospel of Jesus.
• We’re coached by a group of believers such as: former Pro Jason Wallace, Greig Altieri,
Curtis Tucker, and Jim Rooney.
• We're competitive, but if you have the desire to learn the game, we will Coach you from where you're at today!

Practices: Magnet School Field 450 Abrams Road Richardson, TX 75081.
To Register or for more information: Click Here

Games: We have a nine game schedule in place. We should be finished by Halloween.
Equipment:  Spring camp requires only sweats, cleats, and a mouthpiece.
All equipment is leased out at "Zero-net-cost". Just a deposit check is required.
Parents need to provide only a cup, cleats and a mouthpiece.
Cost: Our registration is sponsored, so the registration cost to a parent is only $100.00. Athletes will be required to participate in a fund raiser.
Questions: Please contact Turk Akturk (Director of Athletic Development) 214-675-8740.

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
REGISTRATION OPEN
HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM

LANTANA GOLF CLUB

Experience the Game of Golf!  Lantana Golf Club is offering three separate golf programs for juniors, age 8-17. The Spring, Summer and Fall programs will each offer weekly clinics over a period of 8-10 weeks.

Participants will receive instruction on full swing, short game (chip, pitch, putting) and bunker play.  Participants will also receive a basic introduction to the rules & etiquette of golf and the opportunity for quality time on course.

Our objective is to introduce juniors to the game of golf, improve playing skills and provide the opportunity for personal growth and learning.  We hope to build and strengthen character, develop new friendships, and enjoy the experience and life lessons this great game provides. 

Marc Brooks will provide lead instruction with assistance from other local golf professionals as needed.  Mr. Brooks is a PGA member and currently Director of Instruction at Lantana Golf Club.  He was recently named "Best Golf Instructor Denton County 2012" and a member of the PGA President’s Council for his continuing efforts to promote and grow the game of golf.

Program scheduled to begin week of Sept. 8 and end week of Nov. 3 (no clinics week of Oct. 6)

To Register:  click here to download the registration form.
For more information, contact Marc Brooks, PGA at 940-728-4653 or click here to email

Discount:
 
Marc Brooks is offering HEART of Texas supporting members (with a current HEART of Texas member card) a 10% discount.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

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

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
September -- Camp Tonkawa Camps and Activities
September -- Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
September -- Museum Exhibits in Dallas & Fort Worth
September -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs at Select Parks
September -- Homeschool Classes at the Fort Worth Zoo
September -- Perot Museum: Parent/Child Classes
September --Library Used Book Sales Across North Texas
September -- Imax and Omni Movies
September -- Registration Open for Speech & Debate Summer Camp
September -- Free Summer Activities at the Dallas Museum of Art
September -- The Jungle Book Kids Opens at Artisan Theater in Hurst (Artie's Children's Playhouse)
September -- TCC Homeschool Math Program Registration Ends First Week in August
Through Aug 31 -- Dollar Days at the Arboretum
Sept 2 -- Fossil Rim: Rhino Reality
Sept 6 -- Into the Woods Opens at Artisan Theater in Hurst (Artie's Children's Playhouse)
Sept 6 -- Fort Worth Museum Star Party
Sept 8 -- Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra: Meyerson 25th Anniversary FREE Concert
Sept 11 -- Log Cabin Village: Garden Thyme
Sept 13 -- Texas Discovery Gardens: Garden Explorers Walk: Fall Wow's in our Gardens
Sept 14 -- Log Cabin Village: Buttermilk Junction Old Time String Band
Sept 15 -- Fossil Rim: Rhino Reality
Sept 18 -- Educator Evening in the Ft. Worth Cultural District
Sept 19 -- Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale Opens at Dallas Childrens' Theater
Sept 19 -- Heritage Farmstead Museum: A is For Apple
Sept 27 -- Smithsonian Museum Day

Sponsor -- Matthew Road Academy Opens Registration to New Students
Sponsor -- Morning Glory Academy Classes for Home Schoolers
Sponsor -- Triumph Sports
Sponsor -- Beginner Violin Lessons
Sponsor -- TACA Football Eleven Man Middle School & JV Football Team for 2014 Season
Sponsor -- Registration Open: Home School Golf Program at Lantana Golf Club

FEATURED ARTICLES

Effect of El Paso Case on Home Schoolers -- Tim Lambert, President of THSC

No Greater Joy Ministries Offering FREE Magazines to Support Groups and Home School Families!

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount 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 editor@heartoftex.org

     Bedford Public Library    
     Fort Worth Public Library
     Hurst Public Library
     Lewisville Public Library
     McKinney Public Library System
     Rockwall County Library
     Tyler Public Library 
        Arlington Public Library (Homeschool Thursdays at the Southeast Branch)

READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2.   Book It!  Reading Program -- Enrollment:  May 1 through 2nd Friday in June each year
3.   Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
      Six Flags Read to Succeed -- Enrollment for 2013-2014
   
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4.   BEST Robotics
5.   FIRST Lego League: 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE

6.   Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Deadline March 31, 2014 (yearly contest)
7.   National Engineers Week
8.   USA Mathematical Talent Search 
9.   Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -
10. Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest --
    
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.  Hurst-Euless-Bedford Teen Court -- Hurst-Euless-Bedford

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.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
17.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
18.  Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas -- Cedar Hill/SW Dallas area

19.  E.A. Young Academy -- North Richland Hills
20.  Eastfield College -- Mesquite
21.  Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Grapevine

22.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
23.  Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
24.  JOY Christian Academy
-- Decatur
25.  Matthew Road Academy -- Grand Prairie
26.  Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
27.  Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes
28.  
THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
29.  Quo Vadis Educators -- Garland
30.  Vine Academy -- McKinney

BOOK SALES & OUR PARTNERING HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
31.  Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
32.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
33.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
 
NATURE CENTERS, ZOOS, & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your program
34.  Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
35.  Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
36.  Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
37.  Fort Worth Botanic Gardens -- Fort Worth
38.  Fort Worth Zoo Homeschool Classes -- Fort Worth
39.  Fossil Rim
40.  Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
41.  Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
42.  Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
43.  Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
44.  
Nash Farm -- Grapevine
 Oliver Nature Park -- Mansfield
45.  Ride with Pride -- Southlake
46.  Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
47.  Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
48.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
        Purtis Creek State Park -- Athens

       
Cedar Hill State Park -- Cedar Hill
        Ray Roberts Lake State Park -- Denton
        Eisenhower State Park -- Denison
        Dinosaur Valley State Park -- Glen Rose
        Fort Richardson SP and HS/Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway -- Jacksboro
        Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway -- Mineral Wells
        Tyler State Park -- Tyler
        Lake Tawakoni State Park -- Wills Point 


PERFORMING ARTS
49.  Artisan Center Theater Performances -- Hurst
50.  Breitling Youth Theater/Acting for Children Performances -- Garland
51.  Cantare Performance Choir -- Southlake
52.  Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse Performances -- Fort Worth
53.  CATS Theater Performances -- Arlington
54.  Cottage Theater Performances -- Watauga
55.  Dallas Children’s Theater Performances -- Dallas
56.  Dallas Summer Musicals -- Dallas
57.  Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- Dallas
58.  Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra -- Fort Worth
59.  Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra -- Dallas
60.  Plano Children’s Theater Performances -- Plano
61.  Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
62.  Texas Ballet Theater Dance School -- Dance Classes -- Fort Worth
63.  Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
      
ART MUSEUMS
64.  Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
65.  Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
66.  Kimbell Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
       Admission to the museum's Permanent Collection is always FREE
67.  Perot Museum -- Dallas
        Homeschool Programs                                  
68.  Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
69.  Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas

OMNI THEATERS   
70.  Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
  

HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
71.  Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
72.  Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
73.  Old Red Museum -- Dallas

SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
74.  Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
75.  North Texas District Science Fair for Home Schoolers

HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your non-profit Sport/PE program
76.  Aledo Christian School's Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball Teams -- Aledo
77.  Berne Academy's Varsity Boys Basketball Team -- Lancaster

78.  Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
79.  Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
80.  Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
81.  Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
82.  Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers  
83.  Home School Athletic Association
84.  Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
85.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Southlake
86.  Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
87.  Parker-Tarrant Home School 
88.  Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
89.  THESA Riders Home School Association
90.  Training For Confidence Martial Arts School -- Colleyville
91.  Best Gymnastics -- Flower Mound
92.  Home School Golf Program -- Lantana Golf Club 

SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Become a HEART of Texas Support Group Partner to list your Support Group here!
93.  Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
94.  
DFW Speech and Debate Club -- Coppell
95.  Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton

96.  Irving Home Schoolers -- Irving
97.  PEACH -- Plano

COLLEGE PREP
98.  SAT Test Dates
99.  SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas   

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
100.  Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities must indicate a direct homeschool interest to be included in this listing.
101.  Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
102.  Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
103.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals; Friendship -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
104.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Johnson & Ellis Counties
105.  Home School Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
106. Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange Program 

OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
107. Free Organ Recital -- Dallas
108. Greater Plano Area Cotillion -- 2013-2014 events


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Effect of El Paso Case on Home Schoolers
Tim Lambert, President of Texas Home School Coalition

Reprinted with permission from Tim Lambert's blog on THSC.org, August 15, 2014

Last week the 8th Court of Appeals of Texas issued a ruling about home schooling in a civil case filed by a home school family against El Paso ISD. This was in response to truancy charges that had been filed against them as a result of their family members alleging the children were not being taught and had no curriculum. The school district eventually dropped the charges against the family but they proceeded to file a civil action against the district arguing that the state had no authority to regulate or oversee home schooling at all.

Interestingly, this family was a member of both THSC and HSLDA but refused to follow the recommendations of THSC. In such circumstances a home school family must simply provide district officials with a letter of assurance stating that they have a curriculum covering the basic educational goals and are pursuing it in a bona fide manner. In fact if the family had provided the letter we recommend, the school district would never have filed charges in the first place. You can read an article in the El Paso Times on this ruling and you can read the court ruling.

The El Paso Appellate Court ruling said, “No parents have ever prevailed in any reported case on a theory that they have an absolute constitutional right to educate their children in the home, completely free of any state supervision, regulation, or requirements,” the ruling stated. “They do not have an ‘absolute constitutional right to home school,’” just as a parent does not have absolute authority over his children giving him the right to abuse them.

So does the state have the right to regulate home schooling? It is commonly accepted and understood across the nation that each state has the right to regulate education, both public and private. However, in the history of Texas up to this point, the legislature has refused to regulate private education, including home schooling, because of philosophical and political opposition. Even so, each school district does have the responsibility to enforce the compulsory attendance requirement, which says that school aged children must attend school.

Compulsory attendance enforcement became an issue for homeschoolers in 1994 when school districts began to require parents to submit their curriculum for the district’s approval. THSC took the issue straight to the Commissioner of Education, and in 1995 the Texas Education Agency (TEA) adopted our proposal and instituted a policy that school districts must accept a letter of assurance, as described above, and drop further action unless they had evidence that the assurance given was not accurate. Read the most recent letter from the TEA on the issue of compulsory attendance as it impacts home schoolers.

This El Paso court ruling reinforces the legal understanding that states have the right to regulate education but does not change a parent’s right to home school. THSC and Shelby Sharpe, lead attorney in the 1987 Leeper Case which clarified homeschooling as legal in Texas, agree after reviewing the case that it does not at all change the legal status of home schooling in Texas.Comments by El Paso school officials also make clear that they will continue to follow the direction of the TEA on this matter by stating, “In no way do we want to question the right of the parent to home school their children. It is only when we receive an allegation that this decision clearly underscores the responsibility of the school district and the attendance officer’s right to be able to verify that the student is being taught.”

This case is a reminder that we must be vigilant to keep our freedom to raise and teach our children at home. The home school community must be involved in the political process, educating elected officials who will oppose any effort by the legislature to regulate home schooling or private schools. THSC remains dedicated to keeping Texas families free. Please stay informed and stand with us.


Tim Lambert is the president of the Texas Home School Coalition, the state advocacy organization whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms.  For more information about THSC, please visit www.thsc.org.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

No Greater Joy Ministries Offering FREE Magazines to Support Groups and Home School Families!

Mike & Debi Pearl of No Greater Joy Ministries would love to send your home school group FREE magazines!  They have set aside some extra copies just for your group to pass out at your monthly meeting.  To request copies for families in your group, please email Debi Pearl with the number of magazines you need, and where to mail them.

Or, if your family would like to get your own FREE subscription, visit their site
and sign up for their
magazine.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount to Our Readers!

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

Simply visit this link 
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:  2424 Forest Ridge Drive
                Bedford, TX  76021
                817-952-2373
Contact:  Carrie Glinderman

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

TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and listener)
Time: 11 a.m.11:25 a.m.

THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
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

NORTHWEST BRANCH
Location:  
6228 Crystal Lake Dr
        817-392-5420

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

For Kids--Birth through Elementary
 
Chapter Chats
Who: 3rd-6th graders
When: 2nd Tuesdays
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Do you love books? Do you enjoy talking about them with others? Here’s your chance! Share your views with other kids who have read what you have. Interested parents are welcome, too.
 
Puppet People
Who: 4th-8th graders
When: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Calling Puppet People—old and new!  Would you like to try your hand—or two—at puppetry? Now’s your chance!  We’ll be working on shows for kids this summer.  Call 817-788-7302 to register.
 
Babygarten
Who: Children birth-18 months and an accompanying caregiver
When: Saturdays
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Babygarten is an educational curriculum involving songs, rhymes and activities that help babies with language acquisition and preliteracy skills.  Space is limited, so please register at 817-788-7302.

Bedtime Stories
Who: For all ages
When: Tuesdays
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Wear your pajamas and slippers and come for some stories and fun that might (or might not!) make you ready for bed!
 
 
Teen Zone --7th through 12th graders
 
Anime Club
Who: For 7th-12th graders
When: 1st Thursdays
Time: 6-8 p.m.
If you enjoy anime—watching it and talking about it—this is the place for you! Come to the Teen Zone with other teens that love anime, just for fun!
 
Teen Night
Who: For 7th-12th graders
When: 2nd Thursdays
Time: 7 p.m.
Can’t wait to share your thoughts on some popular books? Join together in the Teen Zone to voice your opinions!
 
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time for ages 3-6
Time: 10:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

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

MONDAYS -- Chess Club (elementary ages and up)
Time: 4 p.m.–5 p.m.


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:  3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost:  Free - must have a Hurst Library Card
How To Access: V
isit 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:  C
all Youth Services at 817-788-7302 or www.hurst.lib.tx.us


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LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location:  1197 W. Main Street, Lewisville, 75067
               972-219-3577
Contact:  Click Here to email  or call 972-547-7319


SUMMER HAPPENINGS AT LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Summer Reading Club

There's still plenty of time to register for Summer Reading Club at Lewisville Public Library!  The last day to register is July 14, but the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can get to work on accomplishing your summer reading goal and earning cool prizes!  Summer Reading Club is for ALL ages, infants through adults, and we have lots of special activities and events planned.

Special Summer Reading events for elementary students (entering grades K - 5), middle school and high school students (entering grades 6 - 12), and preschool children (ages 3 - 6) continue throughout the summer.  Weekly early literacy storytime classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are also offered, along with two weekly elementary classes:  Prime Explorations for children entering grades 1 - 3, and Discovery Club for children entering grades 4 & 5.


For More Info: Click Here or call the Youth Services Desk at: 972-219-3577.


Homeschool Tours of Library
Would you like to know more about your local library and its many resources?  The Lewisville Public Library invites Lewisville-area homeschooling families to learn how they can get the most out of their public library!  We are happy to conduct library tours for groups of homeschooling students and their parents; call the Youth Services Desk at 972-219-3577 to make a tour reservation.  If you prefer to do a tour on your own, we also offer a self-guided tour of the Cynthia Bennett Children's Wing.  Just ask for a self-guided tour sheet at the Youth Services Desk.  The tour is a little like a library scavenger hunt, with tasks to complete and questions to answer along the way.  The activity is designed for elementary-aged students with parent guidance.

Library Resource Training
If you have a group that would like a more in-depth library orientation including an overview of electronic resources such as the library catalog, databases, and eBooks, we are able to offer such trainings by request as time, staffing, and library event schedules allow.  Contact the Youth Services Desk at 972-219-3577 and ask to speak to a librarian if you are interested in discussing opportunities.  This type of activity is best-suited to upper elementary, middle, or high school students.

Classes and Events
Lewisville Public Library offers a variety of classes and events throughout the year, and homeschooled children and teens are always invited to join us.  To see a list of upcoming classes and events, visit the library's webpage at library.cityoflewisville.com, and find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LewisvillePublicLibrary) for the latest updates, reminders, and announcements.

We look forward to seeing you at the library!


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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  


Preschool Programs: For children from birth through entering Kindergarten. Tickets will be handed out for all preschool programs beginning at 10am

STORYTIMES
Fun with Baby:
6-17 mos & caregiver
When: Tuesdays
Time: 10:15am

Hold My Hand: 18mos-3 yr & caregiver
When: Tuesdays
Time: 10:15am

On My Own: 3-5 yr olds
When: Tuesdays
Time: 11am

MUSIC & MOVEMENT
18 mos-3 yrs old: child and caregiver
When: Mondays
Time: 10:15am

3 through 5 year olds: Independent child
When: Mondays
Time: 11am

FAMILY STORY TIME
For caregiveres and children of all ages
When: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30pm


SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS
Details: For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Animal Kingdoms: Learn about different areas of the world and the animals who live there.
Time: 3:30-4:15pm
When: Jan 15: Super Heroes; Feb 12: Artists

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ROCKWALL COUNTY LIBRARY
Location:  1215 E. Yellowjacket Lane 
               Rockwall, TX  75087
               972-204-7700
Contact:  Click Here to email 
 
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 a.m. 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 p.m. – 5 p.m. 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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ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
The Southeast Branch of the Arlington Library is starting a program called: “Homeschool Thursdays”. Being held every other Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00
and will include science projects, books, crafts, poetry and more.
 
(Events are free)

Event Dates:  September 11
                    September 25
                    October 9
                    October 23
                    November 6
                    November 20
 
For More Information: Contact Here
 

Finding Your Own Voice (Junior High) 6 week session
Date: Tues afternoons Oct 7 through Nov 11
Location: George W Hawkes Central Library
Details:  Led by local, award-winning poet and the DFW National Youth Poetry Slams founder Mike Guinn. Junior High students will build an appreciation for the art of poetry and develop creative performance skills through SLAM (Spoken Language Arts Method) poetry
For More Information and to Register: Click Here
 
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2.  BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM

MAY 1, 2014 -- Enrollment Opens for Home School Students

Who Can Participate:
  Children in grades K-6.

The Book It! Reading Program is sponsored by Pizza Hut and runs from October 1 through March 31 each school year. 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 home school family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate, for their children in grades K-6th grade.  They must not be attending another educational facility.

For Detailed Program Information: Click Here

To Enroll Your Homeschool: Click Here  (Enrollment opens in May 1, 2014)

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


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3.  BRAUMS BOOK BUDDY PROGRAM

The Braum's Book Buddy program gives children the opportunity to read for delicious prizes from Braum's!  This program is open to home school families!

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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SIX FLAGS READ TO SUCCEED

Read to Succeed is an exciting program that encourages students in grades K through 6 to read for fun. Students who complete six hours of recreational reading earn free tickets to Six Flags! The program is available to teachers and schools at no cost to participate, and it's a great way to motivate kids to read.
 
To register for Read To Succeed for the 2014-2015 school year, please click the Registration link below.  Even if you participated last year, you will need to register again for the new school year. Click here to register.


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4.  BEST ROBOTICS 
     

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

For Rules:  Click Here


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5.  FIRST LEGO LEAGUE:  2014 FLL WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE

Challenge Release: Click here for more information about the 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS Challenge

If you are interested in coaching or being involved next year:
visit the website to learn more.

About the 2014 Challenge:  What is the future of learning? FIRST® LEGO® League teams will find the answers.  In the 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS℠ Challenge, over 230,000 children ages 9 to 16 from over 70 countries will redesign how we gather knowledge and skills in the 21st century. Teams will teach adults about the ways that kids need and want to learn.  Get ready for a whole new class – FLL WORLD CLASSSM!

FLL challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers.  During FLL WORLD CLASS
, teams will build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game.  They will also choose and solve a real-world question in the Project.  Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of Core Values.

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 and "Coopertition" in everything we do.
    * We have fun.

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6.  TEXAS STATE FISH-ART CONTEST

ENTRIES DUE MARCH 31 (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.

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.

Who Can Participate:  All Texas students in grades K through 12.  Four winners from each state will be selected, one winner per grade group (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12), for a total of 200 winners nationwide.

Prizes:  All contestants will receive a certificate of participation. Four winners from each state will be selected, one winner per grade group (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12), for a total of 200 winners nationwide. Participants will compete within their own state and grade category regardless of species submitted. Winning designs will be displayed at the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Expo in the summer following the contest deadline. All winning designs will be displayed on the State-Fish Art website.  

The Art of Conservation Stamp Award:  Each year Wildlife Forever will select one design (based on specific criteria) from all the entries for an attractive fish stamp.

How to Enter:  Students must create an illustration of the Texas state fish or one of the other state fishes (see list of official fish) 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.

For Rules, Prizes and Other Details:  Click Here

For More Information:
Click Here



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7.  NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 6-8TH GRADERS

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.

Program Timeline: Click Here

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:  TBA

To Register:  Click Here
To Download Brochure:  Click Here

For More Information:  Click Here to send email or visit http://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.

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 three 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 3 Solutions of the USAMTS
is now available:  Click Here

Rules governing the USAMTS:  Click Here

Rules for submitting solutions: Click Here
Submissions that do not follow these guidelines may be rejected.

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

About the Challenge:  Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) is a national student contest promoting creativity and environmental stewardship. ICE is unique in the realm of student contests due to a commitment to allowing rather than restricting. Entries in the contest range from poetry, videos, essays, 3D models, games to anything else a student may be able to imagine and create.

Rules of Eligibility: (subject to change)
• No purchase necessary. This is a competition of skill.
•Entries must be postmarked
• The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada. Void in Quebec.
• Entries must be submitted individually with the exception of group projects.
• Group projects may be submitted, however each individual in the group must submit his/her own entry form and written explanation and will be judged independently. All prizes will be awarded to individuals.
• Entries must relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy".
• Entries must be the student's original work.
• Entries must be complete, legible and include required signatures.
• Students may enter multiple projects in any creative form within the following limits:
• Documentation or written entries (500 words or 3 page limit).
• Audio or Music (3 minute limit).
• Media or electronic (10 minute limit). Videos in VHS or DVD format only.
• All entries must include a written explanation (not to exceed one page) describing how the entry relates to the theme. (see judging criteria below)
• Entries must be accompanied by the official Igniting Creative Energy entry form (click here).
• Entry forms must include signatures of the student and parent or legal guardian.
• Employees of Johnson Controls, Inc. and the National Energy Foundation and their immediate families, household members and dependents may participate, but are not eligible for prizes.
• The Challenge is open to all students K-12, however only students enrolled in accredited public and private schools are eligible for the grand prize.
• State winners will be selected from each state that has a minimum of 25 entries
 

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 and Other Details:  TBA


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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST

SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 – Contest Registration Deadline

Who Can Participate:
Any student, aged 17-20 (not over 20 by Jan 1, 2015), who is enthusiastic about the beef industry is eligible to compete. The four individuals with the highest combined scores are selected to join the team.
To be eligible to compete, contestants must complete the following:
1) One Media Interview: local, state, or national print, radio or television media
2) One Consumer Promotion: such as in-store demonstrations and health fairs
3) One Youth Presentation: made to elementary age youth. If it is not possible to make the presentation in the classroom, after school programs or youth organizations such as 4-H, YMCA or scouts groups may be used.

Awards:
The top four winners of the TBLT contest will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship. In addition, the winners receive industry and media training, travel opportunities across Texas, invaluable experience and exposure in the beef industry. The high point winner will represent Texas in the National Beef Ambassador Competition which affords more opportunities for prizes and scholarships. Expenses to the National Beef Ambassador Competition will be funded by the Texas Beef Checkoff.

Contestants compete in four categories:
1) Media Interview – The contestant will participate in a mock media interview. The interviewer will have pre-determined questions to ask each contestant with the option to ask follow-up questions in order to extrapolate additional knowledge or clarify a point. A panel of judges will observe the interaction for: knowledge, articulation, poise and the contestant’s ability to “Tell the Beef Production Story” and present the industry in a positive light. Scoring will be done by the judges only. The contestants should be well versed in all areas of beef production and the beef industry relating to consumers. Questions will be taken from the website www.explorebeef.org; however, special attention should be paid to all current industry issues.

2) Consumer Promotion – A mock consumer promotion event will be set up for the contestants. Each contestant will be provided with a “sample” to serve as well as beef industry production and nutrition literature and recipes. Scripted “Consumers” will approach the table to take the sample. They will ask questions to test the contestant’s knowledge, capacity to perform in the field and ability to present beef in a positive light. A panel of judges will observe and score each contestant on their ability to educate the consumer and provide the consumers with the appropriate information to answer their questions.

3) Youth Presentation – On competition day contestants will submit a report to represent the presentation made to youth. The report must contain the following items:
1. A lesson plan
2. An overall written report detailing your presentation and the response of your students.
3. A Teachers Evaluation form (provided)
4. Four pictures of you presenting to students
5. Examples of any items used in presentations may be included in two additional photos.
This report will be evaluated at the competition by two judges. Contestants will not be present at the evaluation nor will they be required to make a youth presentation at the competition. Reports and all materials contained in them become the property of the Texas CattleWomen.

4) Issues Response – Contestants will be provided with a recently published news article regarding the beef industry. Each contestant will compose a brief (150 words or less) response to the article. The judges will score the contestants on their ability to respond to an industry article by thoughtfully answering questions, identifying misinformation and listing positive consumer information.
  
For Contest Information, Rules & Forms:  Click Here

For More Information:  
Click Here to Email                  
 
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.  HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD TEEN COURT

The Hurst-Euless-Bedford Teen Court is a program that allows juveniles with Class C misdemeanor offenses an alternative to the criminal justice system. Offenders' cases are presented to a jury of their peers by volunteer teen attorneys. Teen jury members assign community services sentences, and upon completion of the program the offenders' case(s) are dismissed and removed from their record.

HEB Teen Court is currently open for both ADULT AND TEEN VOLUNTEERS! Adult volunteers can serve as Jury or Master Jury Monitors. Teens can serve as clerks, bailiffs, and attorneys. Teen Court is held on various Monday evenings, usually twice a month. If you have a few hours you can spare on a Monday evening, come volunteer with HEB Teen Court.

There are many great benefits for teen volunteers such as earning community service hours for school (National Honor Society, CAS, International Baccalaureate), your college resume, and for scholarship opportunities. For more information contact Mindy Eichorst in Teen Court at the number or email below.

Location:  HEB Teen Court
        2000 Forest Ridge Drive
        Bedford, TX 76021
        817-952-2468


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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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

"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.


24th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2014 ART COMPETITION
The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! Additionally, the winner will be provided airfare and lodging for two to visit Washington, DC where he or she will be recognized among the other winners from across the country.
Every contestant will have his or her artwork digitally displayed on the Congressional website and receive a special certificate of recognition. A group of 5 finalist will be invited to a special ceremony where the winner will be announced.  The 4 runner-ups will receive a special consolation prize of showcasing their artwork in North Texas gallery.

Who Can Participate:  All high school students living in the 24th Congressional District, including homeschoolers.

DEADLINE APRIL 14
For More Information or to Enter: TBA



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16.  CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION - WATAUGA

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

Enrichment Classes

See our website for details about these and other classes, and call 817-281-2293 or visit the store to register.

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 current Heart of Texas family membership card.  
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

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17.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER IN ROWLETT

Christian Educators Resource Center has a full line-up of electives for the elementary student through the high school student!

Discount:  CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any in-stock items.  You must present your current HEART of Texas Family I.D. card to qualify for the discount.  
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

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

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


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18.  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.

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. 
 
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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19.  E.A. YOUNG ACADEMY -- North Richland Hills

E.A. Young Academy is offering summer programs and enrichment classes to home school students.

Location:
8521 Davis Blvd
N. Richland Hills, TX  76182
For More Information:  Click Here

Discount:  E.A. Young Academy is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid ID Card) a
$45 discount off each Ignit Summer program Intensive.  Members will also receive discounts off
enrichment classes as they are developed.  
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


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20.  EASTFIELD COLLEGE

For Class Registration or Other Information:  972-860-7113


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21.  ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN GRAPEVINE

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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23.  HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE ENRICHMENT CLASSES

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

For Class Descriptions, Fees and Other Information: Click Here

Classes Offered:
Art

Science
English
Foreign Language
Girls Gymnastics
Guitar Lessons
History
Math
Physical Education
Robotics
World View

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: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
    

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

Contact For More Information:  Click Here to send an email

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


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24.  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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25.  MATTHEW ROAD ACADEMY

An affordable Christian university model school, we offer academic and elective courses from Kinder to Highschool. Pick and choose courses from Art to English Composition to Algebra and more! Limited spots available in each course.

Please check out our website for more information: http://matthewroad.org/#/schools/matthew-road-academy

Or call Candice McClellin, 469-261-3779, MR Academy Registrar

Matthew Road Academy opens registration March 1st for the 2013-2014 school year.

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26.  MORNING GLORY ACADEMY

Morning Glory Academy (MGA) is a classical Christian school which uses a college-style schedule of classes, offering classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students study at home according to their family's schedule the other days of the week.  
 
To Register:  Click Here to email
For more information:
http://www.themga.org/
Location: Morning Glory Academy -- The Mount Church: 860 Keller-Smithfield Rd. Keller, TX  76248

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/ for more details.

To learn more about  HEART of Texas membership:
http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership    



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27.  TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS

TCC SE and South Campus offering homeschool math classes this fall. 

Classes offered:

South Campus FW
Alegbra I MW 1pm-2:30pm
Algebra II MW 2:30pm-4pm

SE Campus Arlington
College Alegbra:  Fridays, 12pm-3pm
Geometry: Fridays: 9am-12pm

Cost:
$173 for class and software.

For more info contact:
Maurine Amend
mdamend@tx.rr.com
maurine.amend@tccd.edu
972-660-8414

First come first serve


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28.  THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Located in Plano, THEO’s 20 Christian, talented teachers—most homeschool momsoffer a myriad of classes for 6-12th grade home educated students.

Discount:  THEO is offering HEART of Texas family members with valid ID cards 20% off their regular application fee.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


For More Information:  214-282-6936

For Complete List of Available 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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29.  QUO VADIS EDUCATORS

"Serving the Home-School Community"
Classes held in Garland, TX

To Learn More:  click here to email or 972.271.0673.
For More Information:  
www.quovad2000.org

Discount:
  HEART of Texas Members (with a valid, current HEART of Texas Family ID card) receive
$5/month off tuition all year (up to 9 months per student per school year) AND Children's Theater Workshop Half-Price Tuition ($45 value, limit one discount per workshop) See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/ for more details.

To learn more about  HEART of Texas membership:
 www.heartoftex.org


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30.  VINE ACADEMY -- McKINNEY

The Vine Academy seeks to assist home school parents by providing classes for middle and high schol students.  Classes meet once a week, with the student completing homework during the week.  All classes taught from a Christian perspective.  

For More Information:  
Click Here

Discount:  HEART of Texas Members (with a valid, current HEART of Texas Family ID card) receive $5/month off tuition all year.  See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/ for more details.

To learn more about  HEART of Texas membership:
 www.heartoftex.org



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31.  LIBRARY USED BOOK SALES IN NORTH TEXAS

Looking for inexpensive literature books and other resources to add to your home school library?  Library used book sales are excellent opportunities to purchase books at bargain prices. Here are a few sales that we know about in the North Texas area.


WICHITA FALLS -- SEPT 6
Time:

Location:   Friends of the Library Bookstore
                Wichita Falls Public Library
                600 11th St
                940-767-0868 x248
Books: 3,000 books; 100% donated; 85% hardcover; .50-$2; Half-price sale on most books 1st Saturday of each month

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EULESS -- SEPT 12-14
Time:
Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 1-3
Location:   Euless Public Library
                201 N Ector Drive
                817-685-1679
Books: 10,000 books; 50% donated; 50% hardcover; sorted;  no buyer restrictions; paperbacks .50; hardcovers $1

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DALLAS -- SEPT 13-20
Time:
  Sat: 10am-5pm, following Saturday: 10am-4pm (closed on weekdays)
Location:   Lakewood Branch Library
                6121 Worth St.
                214-670-1376
Books: 7,000 books; 100% donated; 55% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; paperbacks .50-$1; hardcovers $3; children's .50-$1; CDs, videos $1, audio books, DVDs $2

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CARROLLTON -- SEPT 18-20
Time:
Thu: Noon-8pm; Sat. 10am-6pm
Location:   H & J Library
                4220 N. Josey Lane
                972-416-4843
Books: 100% donated; sorted; no buyer restrictions; $2 or less; Some books sold to consigner; Credit cards accepted

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GARLAND -- SEPT 19-20
Time:
Fri-Sat: 10am-5pm
Location:   South Garland Branch Library
                4845 Broadway Blvd.
                972-205-2548
Books: 13,000 books; 50% donated; 50% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; $1-$5; Includes 4,000 books from a private collection; many about archeology, Israel, and the Middle East

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ARLINGTON -- SEPT 17-21
Time:
Thu: 3pm-7; Fri: 9am-5pm;  Sun: 11am-4pm
Location:   Friends of the Arlington Public Library
                Meadowbrook Recreation Center
                1400 Dugan Street
                817-548-9768
Books:  Fiction, non-fiction; Children's books; Videos, CDs, DVDs, books on tape; accepting Cash, Check, and Credit Cards

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32.  CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

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

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

Website:  http://www.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: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


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33.  HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE

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

Visit them at their 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: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


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34.
 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.

SEPTEMBER 2014

6 --  Horsemanship Day Camp
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. You will get a chance to do some basic riding. Make sure to bring suncreen and drinking water for sunny days.

17 --  Nature Awareness Day Camp
Once a month, come for a Fun Day of Outdoor Learning about the plants and animals in your own backyard in the North Texas area.  Let your children become comfortable and knowledgeable in their own environment.
This camp has been a favorite with the children for many years, and Outdoor Education is essential for healthy development.


20
--  Nature Awareness Day Camp
Once a month, come for a Fun Day of Outdoor Learning about the plants and animals in your own backyard in the North Texas area.  Let your children become comfortable and knowledgeable in their own environment.
This camp has been a favorite with the children for many years, and Outdoor Education is essential for healthy development.




OCTOBER 2014

1 --  Herbology Day Camp
This class series was set up for adults interested in building a special relationship with plants.  We will investigate Culinary, Essential oils, and Medicinal values of different plants each session. It will include Wild Edibles, Poisonous plants  and Gardening tips.  Each class you will go home with recipes, something we made, and lots of information that you can put to use in your own home.

4 --  Horsemanship Day Camp
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. You will get a chance to do some basic riding. Make sure to bring suncreen and drinking water for sunny days.

11-13
-- Primitive Survival Combo Class 1 & 2
At any time, anywhere, things can go wrong and you might find yourself in a survival situation. To stay alive, you must find or build a shelter, obtain safe drinking water, start a fire, and gather food. Survival 1 class will teach you how to build a simple shelter using natural materials, start a fire without matches, and find safe drinking water.


For More Information: 940-440-8382 or Click Here to email

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: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

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35.  DALLAS ARBORETUM EVENTS

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

Hours:  Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission:
 
$15 for adults
$12 for seniors (65+)
$10 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children under 3 years
Senior Citizen Thursday Discount:  Seniors get in for just $5 with photo ID and can receive 20% discount at gift shop.
   
Onsite parking:                                                                
$10 per vehicle                                                     
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

http://www.dallasarboretum.org    


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36.  FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS

Location:  9601 Fossil Ridge Road
                Fort Worth, TX 76135
Located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, four miles west of I-820 on Jacksboro Hwy (TX Hwy 199), just inside the city limits of Fort Worth.

Admission: $5 ages 13+; $2 ages 3-12; under 3 free; $3 Seniors (65+)
$1 discount per person with military ID

For More Information:    817-392-7410  

Refuge Hours:  8am-5pm daily
Hardwicke Interpretive Center:
9am-4:30pm daily

Programs

SEPT 1 -- Animal Meet and Greet
Time: 10:30 & 11:30am; 1 & 2pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission) First come First served (50 participants per session)
Labor Day means a day off for you, but our animals are working. Join us for an animal meet and
greet and learn about why we have our animal ambassadors and their natural history.



SEPT 6 -- Frogs and Toads
Time: 2-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
Find out what is leaping and hopping in our ponds and wetlands. These amphibians have fascinating life
stories; including starting out as tadpoles with distinctive voices nothing like the ribbits and croaks of cartoon frogs. We will have lots of pictures as well as audio recordings of the frog calls heard in our area.


SEPT 7 -- Monarchs & Milkweeds
Time: 1:30-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
We will search for the different varieties of milkweeds seen on the Refuge. Milkweeds have a significant importance for the invertebrate community, specifically Monarch Butterflies.

SEPT 13 -- Summer in the Shade, Cross Timbers
Time: 7:30-8:30am
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
The Cross Timbers Trail has recently opened and not much exploring has occurred for some time. Join us as we explore this well shaded trail and search for wildlife that have not seen us for quite some time. The soils here encourage rummaging armadillos and the trail hugs the water with a potential for alligator sightings. Recommended for ages 16+. Dress for the weather. Bring water and insect repellant.

SEPT 14 -- Summer In the Shade, Greer Island
Time: 1:30-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
The Nature Center began here 50 years ago. Many reptiles, birds, insects and plants have been documented here. Join us as we explore the island and survey which species still call Greer Island home. Recommended for ages 16+. Dress for the weather. Bring water and insect repellant.

SEPT 21 -- Mammal Hike
Time: 7:30-8:30am
Cost: FREE (with paid aJoin a Park Naturalist, and learn about the common mammals which inhabit our area. Meet at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center.


SEPT 27 -- Knee High Naturalists
Time: 1-2pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
If you are “knee high to a grasshopper” and love to learn about the outdoors, then you are a Knee High
Naturalist. Join us for an afternoon of fun as we learn about animal adaptations. This program is geared for children 6-9 years old.




SATURDAYS, Naturalist-Led Hikes

10am-Noon
Cost: FREE (with paid admission).
Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on the trails of the FWNC&R. Hikes feature current natural history events such as blooming wildflowers, commonly seen insects, birds, other animals and current projects on the Refuge. Bring water and dress for the weather
MAXIMUM 15 participants. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

THURSDAY & SATURDAYS, Natural Guard Volunteer
9am-Noon
Cost:
Free
Individuals can help keep the Nature Center beautiful by volunteering for the Natural Guard. Volunteers assist Refuge staff in trail maintenance, brush clearing, bridge building and much more. Please call 817-392-7410 for information on projects and meeting places.


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37.  FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDENS PROGRAMS

YEAR ROUND -- Green Thumb Club
Little Diggers -- Age 4 by class date
Green Thumb Club Juniors -- Grades K-2
Green Thumb Club -- Grades 3-5
Details: Green Thumb Club provides children the opportunity to learn more about the natural world around them. We use the Fort Worth Botanic Garden as a living laboratory for students to explore topics such as native plant studies, pollination, tree structure, climate change, and more.
For more information: Click here


For more information about the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens: call 817-871-7686


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38. FORT WORTH ZOO HOME SCHOOL CLASSES


2014 Classes

Time:  9:30am-11:30am
Cost: $25/student
Ages 6-12; $50/student Ages 13-15 
Includes snack, Interactive Lab (For Ages 13-15), live animal presentation,
and admission to the Zoo on class day.
Class Schedule:  See listing below for monthly class themes
To Register or For More Information:  Click Here
Location:  Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110

Ages 6-8
All living things need energy to live and grow. Where does the energy come from? Follow the food chain to find out. See how important each and every animal is to its ecosystem as we uncover the complexities of the food web. We will explore a wide variety of topics, while focusing on the importance of a food chain in an ecosystem. Food chains, life cycles, the water cycle, conservation, and other fascinating topics will also be studied during this semester. Each student will learn grade-appropriate information based upon Texas Department of Education standards for Science, Math, and English and Language Arts.

Sept 9 & 23 -- Food chains: Museum of Living Art (MOLA)
Oct 7 & 21 -- Food chains: African Savannah and World of Primates
Nov 4 & 18 -- Food chains: Asian Falls and bird exhibits near Raptor Canyon
Dec 2 & 16 -- Food chains: Great Barrier Reef and Penguins




Ages 9-12

All organisms participate in relationships with organisms of different species in their ecosystems. Some relationships benefit the organisms and are essential for both species to survive. Others are detrimental to one organism, but critical for the other organism and still essential to the interdependence of species within the ecosystem. We will learn about the different forms of symbiosis with grade-appropriate information based upon Texas Department of Education standards for Science, Math, and English and Language Arts.

Sept 9 & 23 -- Mutualism
Oct 7 & 21 -- Commensalism
Nov 4 & 18 -- Man’s symbiotic relationship with nature and wildlife
Dec 2 & 16 -- Ecological relationships as they pertain to biomes




Ages 13-15

Biomes are communities of animals and plants that live together in a particular type of natural environment such as a hot, dry desert or the dark cold deep sea. We will be learning about different levels of communication within the level of biomes. Systems work similarly at all levels, by touching on solar systems and galaxies we will be able to compare the biggest level of biome with the smallest level. The lessons are planned with grade-appropriate information based upon Texas Department of Education standards for Science, Math, and English and Language Arts.

Sept 23 -- Cellular biology: Inside flora and fauna
Oct 21 -- Ecology: From organisms to ecosystem
Nov 18 -- Biospheres and biomes
Dec 16 -- Solar systems and galaxies





TEXAS NATURE TRADERS
Details: Located in Texas Wild! near the wishing well, the Zoo’s newest building is the home base for many Texas-based education programs, primarily the Zoo’s latest offering, Texas Nature Traders. This formalized program encourages kids (age 3 and older) to explore the outdoors and bring to the building fossils, rocks, bones, plants and other artifacts in exchange for points. Traders can redeem points (or save them for future use) for items in the Nature Trader inventory. Texas Nature Traders operates seven days a week, opening at 11 a.m. and closing one hour before the Zoo closes. Stop by to look around, ask questions and become a nature trader!



SAFARI SAM
Details: Sam is a fictional character that the Zoo has created to teach wildlife biology and conservation lessons to students, mostly 3rd through 5th grade. Sam posts a “brain teaser” every Monday, the brain teaser answer on Tuesday, a “spotlight” blog on Wednesday (usually telling a specific animal’s conservation story), teacher resource on Thursday and occasionally an applicable video on Friday. Safari Sam is busy! 

Safari Sam's “Nature Finders Contest”
Get kids outside on a nature journaling activity!
For more information: click here 
Visit Safari Sam's Blog at:  Click Here

Discount:  The Fort Worth Zoo is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid ID card) a free Ft. Worth drawstring backpack when they register for Spring Zoo Classes (classes are monthly, January through May).  Offer not valid in conjunction with semester discount rates for Nature Awareness Camps.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


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39.  FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS


SEPT 2 -- Rhino Reality
Time:  
10am-4pm
Cost:  $23/participant
Details:
(Class + Tour) Come and witness these true giants of the animal kingdom! We have a herd of six white rhino. Watch them, learn about them, find out why a white rhino is poached in South Africa every 13.4 hours, and decide what role you will play as, in the coming years, they are either pulled back from the brink of extinction… or pushed over!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960


SEPT 15 -- Rhino Reality
Time:  
10am-4pm
Cost:  $23/participant
Details:
(Class + Tour) Come and witness these true giants of the animal kingdom! We have a herd of six white rhino. Watch them, learn about them, find out why a white rhino is poached in South Africa every 13.4 hours, and decide what role you will play as, in the coming years, they are either pulled back from the brink of extinction… or pushed over!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960

SEPT 28 -- Rhino Reality
Time:  
10am-4pm
Cost:  $28/participant
Details:
(Class + Behind the Scenes Tour) Come and witness these true giants of the animal kingdom! We have a herd of six white rhino… watch them, learn about them, find out why a white rhino is poached in South Africa every 13.4 hours, and decide what role you will play as, in the coming years, they are either pulled back from the brink of extinction… or pushed over! In this rhino encounter, we will also attempt a good viewing of our three even-rarer black rhino kept in our Intensive Management Area.
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960


OCT 7 -- Africa's Shrinking Habitats
Time:  
10am-4pm
Cost:  $23/participant
Details:
(Class + Tour) From cheetah to giraffe to scimitar-horned oryx… the list goes on and on… the threatened animals that call Africa home are losing that home – bit by bit, acre by acre, tree by tree. Come learn – not only about this continent and these animals – but about us… people… and the stewards that we are, but that we aren’t, and where our decisions are taking us and our planet. We’ll engage some sobering issues – but in a sense of adventure, fun and hope!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960

OCT 20 -- Africa's Growing Deserts
Time:  
10am-4pm
Cost:  $23/participant
Details:
(Class + Tour) Overlapping with our ‘Africa’s Shrinking Habitats’ curriculum, but emphasizing deserts, water conservation, deforestation and desertification. Again, we will ‘put the cookies on the bottom shelf,’ making concepts well-within-reach of homeschoolers of all ages!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960




For more information about homeschool events, click here


In addition to their scheduled homeschool events, Fossil Rim offers their faculty, teachers, and curriculum for privately-scheduled events. For more information, please click here or call 254-897-2960 and ask for the Homeschool coordinator. 


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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 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Mondays at 4 p.m.


Christian Horsemanship
Ages 4-18

Cost:  
$25/child
Class Length:  1 hour, 15 min.
Details:  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:  
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.

Group rates available. Please call for details.

Location:  
4150 Keller-Haslet Road
                Keller, TX  76248
For More Information:  817-925-1982 or click here to email



Discount:  Haven's Horses is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid Family ID card) 50% off their first ride! You must show your card to be eligible for this discount!
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://heartoftex.org/resources/membership  


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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.
Click here for information

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
 
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Preschool Programs:
Fun on the Farm: Ages 2-5yrs

Time: 10:30am-Noon
Cost: $11 for 1 Adult/1 Child Combo;  $6 additional child;  $3 additional adult
Registration Required
To Register and for More Information:  972-881-0140.

Events:

SEPT 19 --A Is For Apple
Details:
Children will learn about delicious apples and the letter A.  Children learn through a story and a unique activity, enjoy a fun craft project and have a wagon ride. Fee includes one parent and one child. 
Registration Deadline is Sept 19:
Register Here


SEPT 26 -- Charlotte's Web
Details:
Come visit our Terrific Pigs and get a glimpse inside Charlotte's world from the book Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.  Children learn through a story and a unique activity, enjoy a fun craft project and have a wagon ride. Fee includes one parent and one child.
Registration Deadline is Sept 24:
Register Here




OCT 3 -- Deputy for a Day
Details:
Howdy Partners!  Some varmint has been stealing the Farmstead chickens and we need your help! Follow clues around the Farmstead to locate the robber and put them in them in the Heritage Farmstead Jail.
Registration Deadline is Oct 1:
Register Here



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 or 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 (PreK- 3) --
Based on the book, "Farmer Duck" by Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury. We begin the tour reading aloud to the group. We discuss chores; comparing turn-of-the century chores with modern chores. Feeding chickens, washing dishes in washtubs, and even milking Buttermilk, our incredible milking cow. Each activity teaches a very important lesson.

Tag-Along Tom (Grades 1-4) -- Loosely based on Mark Twain’s, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Visitors tour the Heritage Farmstead Museum with Tom’s playful character in mind. Children experience the HFM as if it were the farm young Tom grew up on with his Aunt Polly. Children learn of all the chores that were expected of them. Visitors will beat rugs, enter the storm cellar, “whitewash” a garden fence, plant seeds, take a walk to the creek and so much more. They will find jump ropes, beanbags, skipping rocks and a pirate ship along the way.

Blackland Prairie Tour  (Grades 2-5) -- The tour is led by volunteer docents and includes the historic Farrell Wilson House as well as the complete 4 acre site. Visitors experience and interpret life on the Blackland Prairie with a series of “hands-on” activities which could include beating rugs, feeding chickens, milking our Incredible Milking Cow, washing clothes, and visiting a turn of the century school house to scrutinize replica artifacts.

Sarah Plain and Tall (Grades 3-5) -- The tour captures the theme of Patricia MacLachlan’s wonderful story about a widowed Midwestern farmer with two children who places a newspaper ad for a wife. A woman from Maine named Sarah answers the ad. The widower and his children are worried she will miss her home too much and leave them. In the end Sarah convinces them that while she would always miss her old home, she would miss them more. Visitors experience the HFM as if it were the farm where Caleb and Anna are living somewhere on the Kansas Prairie. Children try charcoal or pencil drawing, see and discuss different modes of transportation, visit the ram barn and learn about farm animals upclose; take a walk down to Pitman Creek; play turn of the century games and visit the replica turn-of-the century school house.


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.

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 1:30 p.m. Historic Farrell-Wilson house tour or for the following special events: Harvest Festival, Lantern Light, Spring Festival.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://heartoftex.org/resources/membership

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43.  LEWISVILLE LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING AREA

Events and Activities:

TBA


HOMESCHOOL NATURAL SCIENCE CLASSES:

Classes are for students K-8th grade.

Time:
10am-1pm
Cost:
$12 per class, or enroll your child in four classes for $40
Details: Students in each class will participate in hands-on outdoor activities related to the day's theme. Parents may choose to attend with their students, or may drop the student off after submitting a medical release form.
Younger siblings are welcome, but must be supervised by a parent during class time.
Each student should bring a water bottle and sack lunch and wear closed-toe shoes with long pants.
Registration Required: 972-219-3930 or click here to email


Upcoming Classes:

TBA



Discount:
  HEART of Texas members (with valid ID card) receive $1 per child discount.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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44.  NASH FARM -- GRAPEVINE TX

Nash Farm, circa 1859, is the oldest operating farmstead in Tarrant County. Through interpretive programs, events and exhibits, Nash Farm educates the community about the heritage and importance of the Grapevine Prairie and Grapevine’s pivotal role in the development of North Texas.

UPCOMING EVENTS


OCT 18 -- Nash Farm Fall Round-Up
Time: 10am-2pm
Details: Celebrate life on the farm! Activities include: Jump rope making, leather working, wood carving, blacksmith demonstrations, wood stove cooking demonstration, cotton picking, corn shelling and grinding, farm chores, heritage toys, kitchen gardening and corn shuck doll making.

OCT 25 -- Bewitched by the Barn
Time: 7pm-9pm
Details: (FREE Admission) Be Tansported to another place and time for this family event with free popcorn, cider & stories presented by Tarrant Area Guild of Storytellers.



FIRST FRIDAYS: Life Skills Demonstrations by Nash Farmhands
Cost: Tickets $3 per person.
Time:  10am-12pm
Details: Step back in time and join us. Daily life in late 19th century Texas required knowledge of a number of skills, methods and even recipes that will be demonstrated by Nash Farmhands. Each month features a different theme, so be sure to check the website for more information regarding the demonstrations and activities of that month. Help us preserve and protect our great heritage with First Fridays at the Farm. Demonstrations are on the first Friday of the month.

Location:  626 Ball Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
Contact: 817-410-3185
For more information: click here

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OLIVER NATURE CENTER-- MANSFIELD TX

Located at the intersection of two ecoregions: the eastern Cross Timbers and the northern Blackland Prairies. The 80 acres of the park contains several different ecosystems such forests, prairies, and riparian areas.  Each section is unique in plant and animal life. Each animal and plant is adapted to a certain area of the park.  Look for other examples of these kinds of adaptations along approximately 1 mile of trails.

HOMESCHOOL NATURE WALK WITH A NATURALIST
Cost: $5 per child
Time:  10-11am

For More Information and to Register: Click Here (Click on "Nature Education Programs")


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45.  RIDE WITH PRIDE

Ride With Pride, Inc. Horsemanship School in Southlake specializes in teaching students ages 3 and older how to care for and ride a horse safely.  Ride With Pride, Inc. has been in operation since 1980.  They offer Western & English lessons, and their instructors are certified with the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). 

For Enrollment Information:  Click here to send an email or 817-481-2893

Discount:  Ride with Pride is offering HEART of Texas members (with a current HEART of Texas Family ID card) a 10% discount on tuition.  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


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46.  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!


WILD HOMESCHOOL DAY

Date: May 28
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $5 per attendee

Pre-registration Required!: Click Here or call: 940-686-4600



Open to the Public Days

Saturdays and Sundays -- March 8- Dec 1


Time:
  10 a.m. (last tour begins at 4)

Admission:  $10/ages 13+; $8/ages 3-12 and Seniors 65+; children 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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47.  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.



SEPT 6  -- Butterfly House Discovery Tour
Time: 11am
Details: Join entomologist John Watts for a guided tour of the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium. Enjoy a behind the scenes look at these winged wonders. Followed by our daily noon butterfly release!
Cost: FREE With Admission
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.

SEPT 13 -- Garden Explorers Walk: Fall Wow's in our Gardens
Time: 11am
Details: Get out in the garden on this family friendly walk! Search for everything Mother Nature shares with us this time of year. It ends in time for you to catch the Butterfly Release talk at noon in our conservatory.
Cost: FREE With Admission
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.


SEPT 26 - OCT 19 -- State Fair of Texas
Time: 11am
Details: Texas Discovery Gardens gets Fresh for the Fair! Enjoy great exhibits and kid-friendly fun. Extended hours 10 am to 7 pm; half priced admission. State Fair fees and parking apply during the fair.


OCT 25  -- Creepy Crawl-o-Ween!
Time: 10am-3pm
Details:Colossal stick insects, titanic tarantulas, and slithery snakes take their masks off and reveal their not so scary side with educational presentations, activities, arts & crafts, and more!
Cost: FREE With Admission
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.




Regular Admission & Hours:
$8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Each Tuesday:  Gardens are open for free (butterfly house admission is regular admission price)
Hours:  Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  Last ticket to Butterfly House sold at 4:45 p.m.
For More info:  214-428-7476 ext. 341 or Click Here
Location:
3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fair Park.
Fair Park is
two miles east of downtown Dallas just south of Interstate 30.

Children's Outdoor Education Programs:
Cost:  $5/person;  $60 minimum fee per program
Availability:  Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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)



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48.  TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

ATHENS, TX

Location: 14225 FM 316, Eustace, TX 75124
903-425-2332

Things to do:
Camping, picnicking, boating, hiking

For upcoming events:
click here


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CEDAR HILL, TX

Location: 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972-291-3900

Things to Do:
Camping, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming beach, Playgrounds, Boating

For upcoming events:
click here

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DENTON, TX

Location:  Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Isle Du Bois Unit:
100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258
940-686-2148

Johnson Branch Unit
100 PW 4153, Valley View, TX 76272
940-637-2294

Things to Do: picnicking, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rollerblading, swimming on a beach area (unsupervised), boating and fishing. Johnson Branch also offers backpacking

For upcoming events: click here


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DENISON, TX

Location:  50 Park Road 20, Denison, TX 75020
903-465-1956

For upcoming events: click here


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JACKSBORO, TX -- FORT RICHARDSON STATE PARK

Location: 228 State Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458

940-567-3506

For upcoming events: click here


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MINERAL WELLS, TX -- Lake Mineral Wells State Park 

Location:  100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067

940-328-1171

For upcoming events:
click here

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TYLER, TX -- Tyler State Park

Location:  789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706

903-597-5338

For upcoming events: click here

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WILLS POINT, TX -- Lake Tawakoni State Park

Location:  10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169

For upcoming events, click here


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Free TPWD Coloring and Activity Books to Download: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/learning/color/

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49.  PERFORMANCES AT ARTISAN THEATER IN HURST

Artisan Center Theater holds quality, "in the round" performances that are family-friendly, entertaining, and affordable!  The theater's full-length stage productions include musicals, comedies, and family dramas which are entertaining, as well as family-friendly. Past performances have included such classics as Godspell, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Sound of Music.

Artie's Playhouse, their Interactive Children's Theater, offers original, fun-for-all-ages productions featuring familiar characters and themes, but with fresh twists that keep it entertaining and exciting for parents as well as children. Each story has its own character focus, which is reinforced throughout the play.
 The "Artie's Playhouse" productions are about 30-45 minutes long, and include lots of audience participation to hold the interest of even the youngest child in the family.

Location:  420 E. Pipeline Road in Hurst, Texas (in the Bellaire Shopping Center)
To Reserve Tickets: 817-284-1200
For More Information:  Click Here

Artie’s Children’s Playhouse Productions:
Cost: $5/Children;  $7/Adults
Showtimes: Shows are Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 am; Fridays at 5pm.



SEPTEMBER 6 - OCTOBER 11  -- Into the Woods Jr.

Details: The Brothers Grimm “go Broadway” as Sondheim and Lapine offer up a cockeyed fairy tale in INTO THE WOOD JR., an adaptation of one of Sondheim’s most popular works designed especially for young performers.
All of your favorite characters—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch—meet and interact in this whimsical original story. The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.
For more information: Click here




Artisan Main Stage Productions:

Showtimes:
Mon & Tues: 7:30 p.m.;  Thurs/Fri: 7:30;  Sat: 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tickets:
Mon, Tues, Thurs: $12/Adults; $12/Students & Seniors (60+); $7/Ages 12 and under
            Fri & Sat: $16.00/Adults; $14/Students & Seniors (60+); $9/Ages 12 and under.



AUGUST 29 - OCTOBER 4  -- Smoke On the Mountain

Details: The Sanders Family is back on the road, picking, grinning and singing. Of course the bus broke down, the twins are fighting, and sister June can’t really sing – still it’s going to be the best revival Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has ever seen.
For more information: Click here



OCTOBER 10 - NOVEMBER 8 -- The Freedom Factor
Details: What would America be like today without the Constitution? Bryce Sherwood, a young senatorial aide whose star is rising, is a key player in an attempt to pass an amendment that would eliminate the checks and balances built into the Constitution. When Nathaniel Gorham, one of the original Founding Fathers, appears to him, he is transported into a world where the Constitution was never ratified. In this strange world of oppression and fear, Bryce begins to learn the true value of the Constitution and the price of freedom. But will he be able to pay that price? Or will it cost him the love of Leslie Adams and her politically powerful family? THE FREEDOM FACTOR is a gripping story of courage and love.
For more information: Click here




Artisan Theater can come to you!!!
For more information about how to schedule a performance at your location, contact the theater at 817-284-1200. They can perform for events, birthday parties, church functions, and more!!! Bring their family-friendly, entertaining shows to your front door!! Very reasonable prices!

SPRING 2014 ACTING, DANCE, AND VOICE CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS:
For more information:
Click here

To Register for classes or for more information:  817-929-0852 or click here to email

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50.  BREITLING YOUTH THEATER

FALL 2014 REGISTRATION HAS OPENED FOR FILM ACTING CLASSES & "MIRACLE ON 34TH ST."

For More Information or to Register: Click Here


Performances:

Cost:
Advance tickets are $8 (add $1 at the door). Children 3 and under are free.
Performance Location:  
The Plaza Theater, 521 West State Street, Garland, TX 75040

Auditions & Classes:
– Ages 4-19/No experience necessary
– Have fun, learn, gain confidence
– $50 plus costume fee
– Or work on the tech crew!

Discount:  Breitling Youth Theater is offering $10 off their annual family registration fee of $20 to HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card. 
To learn More About This Partner:  Click Here
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

Breitling Youth Theater is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing theater opportunities to children ages 2-19 in the North Texas area.  Whether your child is attending one of our Acting Workshops, or particpating in one of our productions, they will have fun, learn, and create lasting friendships!
 
Location:  303 Main St, Garland, TX  75040


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51.  CANTARE PERFORMANCE CHOIR IN SOUTHLAKE

Contare is an auditioned choir available for exception 3rd-12th grade singers in the NE Tarrant County are. Previous experience is not necessary; however, an audition is required.
 Auditions are by appointment only.

Location:  The choir rehearses at the White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, TX.
Rehearsals are Thursdays from 5:45pm to 7pm, with additional rehearsals leading up to performances.
For More Information:  Click Here
To request an audition:  Click Here

Discount:  Cantare Performance Choir is offering HEART of Texas members (with calid ID card) a $15 discount off annual tuition.  
To learn More About This Partner:  Click Here
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


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52.  THEATER PERFORMANCES AT CASA MANANA CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE

For over 40 years, Casa Manana's Children's Playhouse has introduced children of all ages to the magic of live theatre.  This tradition continues as Casa Manana's Children's Playhouse proudly presents:


OCT 10-OCT 26 -- Snow White and the Prince

NOV 28-DEC 23 -- Here Comes Santa Claus

2015:
FEB 6-FEB 22 -- Charlotte's Web


MAR 20-APR 5
-- Disney's Cinderella

APR 17-MAY 10 -- The Wizard of Oz


Order Season Tickets!
Order a 5-Show Season Ticket package to secure GREAT SEATS for these fantastic, family fun productions at Casa Manana Theatre. 
For More Information:  Call 817-332-2272  

Location:  3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Box Office: 817-332-2272
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm;  Saturday 12pm-5pm;  Sunday and Monday Closed
Open one hour prior to every show

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53.  PERFORMANCES AT CATS THEATER IN ARLINGTON


CATS PRESENTS:

HOMESCHOOL CLASSES

Intermediate Acting: Ages 10-11
Time:
Wednesday: 1:00pm-1:55pm
Details:  
A creative imagination experience!  Every child will engage in imagination, vocalization, and movement activities that will prepare them for the stage. They will learn how to act out favorite stories, learn improvisation techniques, and use their bodies and voices to become different characters! Basic stage and blocking direction and an understanding of theatre terminology will help the young actors explore their creative process.
 
Advanced Acting: Age 12+
Time:
Wednesday: 12:00pm-12:55pm
Details: Think like an Actor! The actors learn how to implement an analysis through improvisation-based exercises and scene work. The focus is on how to simplify acting and find the parallels between behavior in real life and behavior on the stage. As the year progresses, students will have identified a specific and repeatable set of skills, which can be used to approach any scene work they perform.
 

For More Information:
Click Here

Location:  1100 West Randol Mill Road
                Arlington, TX  76012


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54.  THE COTTAGE THEATER – CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

Center for Home Education’s Cottage Theater Presents:

Upcoming Performances:


Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Comedy

Ticket prices will be $10 for adults, $8 for students. Small children who sit in laps are no charge. No baby carriers or strollers, etc.

Performance Times:

Friday October 17th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 19th, 2014, at 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 23rd, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 24th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 25th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.


To purchase tickets: Call 817-281-2293

Discount:  Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 20% dicount off all show tickets for HEART of Texas members (with valid ID Card).  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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55.  DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES

2013-2014 Season:
(Please note that not all productions may be suitable for all audiences.)  

SEPT 19 - OCT 26 -- Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale
In this hilarious musical take on the classic fairy tale, Princess Rapunzel must find a way to escape from the wicked (and wickedly fabulous) Lady Za Za. Thankfully, the handsome Sir Roderick is ready to help Rapunzel take her rightful place as ruler of the kingdom. A wise old dragon, a hairstylist named Edgar, and a mysterious gypsy woman round out this goofy cast of characters.



NOV 21 - DEC 21 -- Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale
Based on the beloved film and novel, this is a nostalgic holiday treat for the whole family! A single mother and her young daughter, Susan, have given up on Christmas... until they meet a mysterious gentleman at Macy's claiming to be Santa Claus. This jolly Kris Kringle brings them hope and unleashes waves of goodwill throughout New York City. Could he be the real Santa Claus?



Box Office Hours
9am to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Ticket Sales are subject to availability.
Reservations are recommended and require prepayment with either
Cash, Check, Mastercard,Visa, or Amex.
Coupons and discount offers must be arranged in advance with the box office and may be suspended at any time.

Student Matinees: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost:  $7.50/person for groups of 10 or more $7.50 per person (1 FREE chaperone per 20 student tickets)
Deposit required with reservation
Balance due SIX WEEKS before performance.
All plays, locations, dates and times are subject to change.
To Make Reservation:  Call 214-219-2049 or click here to email

Locations:  (refer to individual production to determine location)
               
 Rosewood Center for Family Arts
                 5938 Skillman Street
 
                 El Centro College Theater
                 801 N. Main St.
               


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56.  DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS

2015 Season:
(Please note that not all productions may be suitable for all audiences.)  

HEART of Texas is proud to partner with Dallas Summer Musicals! Your homeschool group can get discount rates to great family-friendly performances for the upcoming season! Check out the Group Discount Form on our Downloads page for details!

DEC 2, 7, 12: A CHRISTMAS STORY
Direct from Broadway, A Christmas Story, The Musical, nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards(r) including Best Musical, comes to hilarious life onstage! Based on the classic 1983 movie, the story takes place in 1940's Indiana, where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. The Associated Press calls A Christmas Story, The Musical "a joyous Christmas miracle," while The New York Times writes "I was dazzled. You'd have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face."

MARCH 24, 27 and APRIL 2, 3: THE KING AND I
East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West, and he seeks Anna's assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. Along with the dazzling score, the incomparable Jerome Robbins ballet, 'The Small House of Uncle Thomas,' is one of the all-time marvels of the musical stage.
"THE KING AND I is the essence of musical theater, an occasion when drama, music, dance and decor combine to take the audience on an unforgettable journey."- Houston Chronicle

APRIL 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16: THE ILLUSIONISTS
"It's deliciously, self-knowingly over the top and brain-bendingly spectacular - genuinely satisfying family entertainment that should not be missed."     The Daily Telegraph

Direct from Broadway, the world's best selling magic show is coming to .....

This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth.  The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage.  This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

JUNE 10, 14: CINDERELLA
SEE STUDY GUIDE (click here)


Location: The Music Hall at Fair Park
909 1st Ave
Dallas, TX 75210   
          


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57.  DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES

GENERAL DSO INFORMATION
Admission:  $6/person (payment must be received with all reservations)
Parking:  $6 per car in the Arts District Parking Garage
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before concert time.
Concerts last approximately 45 minutes.
Special Students at the Symphony Program: Free seats are available to mentally and physically challenged students.  To participate, complete the appropriate information on the reservation form.
To Reserve Tickets:  Click Here or call 214-871--4006.  Mention that you saw their ad in the HEART of Texas newsletter when you contact them.

Only reservations confirmed in advance can be seated.  No walk-ins.

Concert Location:  Meyerson Symphony Center
                            2301 Flora Street
                            Dallas, TX  75201
                            (intersection of Pearl & Flora Street in the heart of the Downtown Dallas Arts District)
For Directions:  Click Here

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58.  FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YOUNG PERSON'S CONCERTS


Events:

TBA


Orders for Fewer than 20 Seats:  Must be paid in advance.
Orders for 20 or More:  May be reserved without advance payment.
Approximately one month before the concert, you will receive a notice confirming the number of seats you have ordered and the total amount due (if applicable). If the final number of seats needed for the concert is different from that listed on the notice, please call with a corrected number immediately upon receiving the confirmation. Full payment is due two weeks before the concert date for groups of 20 or more.
Absolutely NO refunds for changes in reservation numbers after this date.
Special Note for Groups of 20 or More:   When you reserve a seat, that seat is held for you and not sold to another individual until you release it. Therefore, we ask you to verify the actual number of seats needed before making concert reservations. We understand that you may need to adjust the number of reserved seats before the payment due date, and those emergencies may cause cancellations. However, the privilege of reserving seats without advance payment may be revoked if your organization cancels more than 20% of its total reserved seats or fails to attend a concert for which it has reserved seats. 
Children Under Age 3:  Because of the nature of the event, we request that children under age three not be brought to these concerts, particularly to the concerts at Bass Performance Hall. You must purchase a seat for each person to be admitted to a concert, regardless of age.

For Questions:  Click Here to send an e-mail message 817-665-6500.

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59.  GREATER DALLAS YOUTH ORCHESTRA

SEPT 8 -- Meyerson 25th Anniversary Concert
Time: 6:30pm
Location:  Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX  75201
(at the intersection of Pearl & Flora St. in the heart of Downtown Dallas Arts District)

Details: The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra will perform as a part of the Center’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. The RUSH HOUR Concert will feature Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 8, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat Major with soloist Ryan Anthony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra principal trumpet, von Suppe’s Poet and Peasant Overture, Copland’s Simple Gifts, and Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3.

This is a free concert


For More Information:  
Click Here



GDYO Subscription Tickets: $24-$100

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60.  PLANO CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES


Location:  Plano Children’s Theater, 1301 Custer Road, Plano, TX 75075
Website:  www.planochildrenstheatre.com

NOTE:  Some productions may not be appropriate for children.  Each family is encouraged to exercise discretion when considering  to allow your children/family to view these productions.

Now Showing:


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61.  TEXAS BALLET THEATER PERFORMANCES

The Texas Ballet Theater is once again partnering with HEART of Texas to offer our newsletter readers (that's you!) and other homeschoolers special ticket pricing 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 -- all homeschoolers can enjoy these great discounts.  You do not have to be a member of HEART of Texas or any other home school support group, but you must mention HEART of Texas when you call.

Select Performances:

OCTOBER 17 - 19 -- Sleeping Beauty (Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day (20% Discount):  OCTOBER 18 at 2:00 pm
Details:  
Texas Ballet Theater is pleased to be joined by The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra once again to present The Sleeping Beauty, a classic fairytale about Princess Aurora, Prince Florimund, the evil fairy Carabosse and a one hundred-year Curse. Featuring music composed by Tchaikovsky, this piece is a beautiful retelling of the French version of the story by Charles Perrault. After the evil fairy is overlooked to attend the christening of the infant Princess Aurora, she places a curse on the child; if the Princess pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, she will die. One of the other fairies at the christening is able to partially reverse the curse. If the Princess pricks her finger, she will fall asleep for 100 years and must wait for Prince to wake her. This production has been described by critics as being "polished and lively" and with the addition of the live Symphony Orchestra, is poised to be a crowd favorite this season.

 NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 7 -- The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day (20% Discount): NOVEMBER 29 at 2:00 pm
Details: 
Texas Ballet Theater ushers in the holiday season with its traditional performance of The Nutcracker. Clara receives a mysterious Nutcracker from her godfather and it becomes the center of an astonishing dream. Come join Clara on her magical journey as she travels with a Nutcracker turned Prince to The Land of Sweets where she is treated to a celebration of sweets from around the world who dance just for her. Filled with enchantment and wonder, The Nutcracker is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Flying carpets, snow, and our talented dancers make this show unforgettable.

DECEMBER 12 - 27 -- The Nutcracker (Bass Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day (30% Discount):  DECEMBER 14 at 7:00 pm
Details: 
Texas Ballet Theater ushers in the holiday season with its traditional performance of The Nutcracker. Clara receives a mysterious Nutcracker from her godfather and it becomes the center of an astonishing dream. Come join Clara on her magical journey as she travels with a Nutcracker turned Prince to The Land of Sweets where she is treated to a celebration of sweets from around the world who dance just for her. Filled with enchantment and wonder, The Nutcracker is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Flying carpets, snow, and our talented dancers make this show unforgettable.

FEBRUARY 6 - 8 (2015) -- The Merry Widow (Bass Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day (20% Discount):  FEBRUARY 7 at 2:00 pm
Details:
For the second time in the 2014-2015 season, Texas Ballet Theater will be joined by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for The Merry Widow. When a wealthy widow attends a ball where she is to be courted by a suitor, she becomes mixed up in a whirlwind of romantic confusion. Adapted from the operetta of the same name, this is a production that you will not want to miss.

To Purchase Tickets By Phone: 
Call 877-828-9200, opt 1
You must mention HEART of Texas Home School Discount Program to get the discount.
Any homeschooler may take advantage of this program
 

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.  All tickets, even group tickets, must be paid for up front.  Please be aware that all sales are final. 

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.

           


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62.  TEXAS BALLET THEATER DANCE SCHOOL -- DANCE CLASSES -- FORT WORTH

$50 Discount for HEART of Texas newsletter readers!
The Texas Ballet Theater School is offering our readers a $50 discount on registration if you mention HEART of Texas.

They currently offer classes during the day for 3 & 4 year olds, but if you have a group of at least 6 students who are close in age/ballet experience, they will try to put together a class for your students!

For more information:  Click here to email Ashley Friedman or 877-828-9200, ext 108


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63.  HOME SCHOOL DISCOUNT TICKETS TO DALLAS THEATER PERFORMANCES

Save 20% on regular priced tickets.
Location:  Music Hall at Fair Park

Offer valid on Tues, Wed, Thurs, & Sun evening performances in price level 2-4
To Order Tickets Contact Susan Frederick at: Click here to email

Offer open to homeschoolers, friends and family. The TX State Fair show is The Addams Family. Free admission to the Fair with your theater ticket. Contact Susan Frederick for details on TAFFIE offers and how to order. Unlike some of the other theater offers, DSM gives us a different link each time so Susan will need to provide the correct link for the current offers. 

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64.  AMON CARTER EXHIBITS

The Carter houses one of the nation’s preeminent collections of American art, from works by the early nineteenth-century artist-explorers through those of the mid-twentieth-century modernists and up to the work of contemporary photographers. The museum also holds one of the most comprehensive collections of work by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

Museum Exhibits:
Through January 11 2015 -- Benito Huerta: Axis Mundi v.2
Local artist Benito Huerta strives to expand the boundaries of art by creating works that are symbolic, interactive, and relevant to viewers. Having completed many public art commissions, such as designs for Terminal D at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Mexican-American Cultural Center in Austin, and serving as professor and director/curator for the Gallery at University of Texas at Arlington since 1997, Huerta understands what it means to make artworks that are physically and psychologically integral to the community.

Through September 7 -- Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist
Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist is the first retrospective of the American artist’s paintings in two decades. Archibald John Motley Jr. (1891–1981) is one of the most significant yet least known twentieth-century artists, despite the continued broad appeal of his paintings. Many of his most important portraits and cultural scenes remain in private collections and few museums have had the opportunity to acquire his work. In a survey that spans forty years, Archibald Motley introduces the artist's colorful canvases to a wider audience and reveals the rich sociological and art historical underpinnings of his work.

Through October 19 -- No Place Like Home: American Scene Painting in the Sinquefield Collection
This exhibition features a selection of twenty paintings from the private collection of Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, a St. Louis couple devoted to art of the American Midwest made between the World Wars. With distinctive tastes and discerning eyes, the Sinquefields have built an extraordinary collection that conveys the importance of this region in the national story of American art.


Guided Tours for Students:  
Click Here

Museum Hours:      
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday:  Noon – 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays

Admission:
 Admission to permanent collection is FREE.
Tickets for special exhibitions can be purchased
at the information desk.
All galleries in the Amon Carter Museum offer barrier-free access.


Location:  Amon Carter Art Museum
        3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard
        Fort Worth, TX 76107
        817-738-1933


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65.  DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITS 

Current Exhibitions:

Through October 12 -- North and West Africa
This exhibit focuses on and celebrates the dyer’s art from North and West Africa, including the countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Drawn primarily from the DMA’s collection, this exhibition presents eleven dye-decorated cloths produced by traditional techniques and worn as garments or accessories. Before the introduction of European manufactured printed textiles to Africa in the 19th century, textile designs were made with natural dyes on plain homespun cotton, wool, raffia, or other materials. Women were most often the dyers, and dye-decorated cloth was a major form of feminine artistic expression.

Admission is FREE


Through October 26 -- Mind’s Eye: Masterworks on Paper from David to Cézanne
From quick sketches to watercolors, works by artists such as Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Jacques-Louis David, Théodore Géricault, and Eugène Delacroix are brought together in the DMA-organized exhibition Mind’s Eye: Masterworks on Paper from David to Cézanne. Drawn from the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection, as well as from several private collections, the exhibition features more than one hundred works on paper, many of which are rarely on view, in various media by seventy artists. Mind’s Eye offers new insights into the working methods and practices of these artists, providing an intimate view of their approach to art making while also presenting the drawings and watercolors as finished works of art in their own right.

$8 Special Exhibition Ticket



FREE First Tuesdays of each month
Time: 1-2pm
Cost:  
General admission to the Museum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
Location:  
Center for Creative Connections (C3)
Ages:  Programming is designed for children ages five and under, but all are welcome.
Details: Enjoy thematic art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities.

HOMESCHOOL CLASS
Fourth Thursday of every month, with some exceptions.
Time:
11am-12:30pm
Details:
The Dallas Museum of Art’s homeschool classes offer an interactive Museum experience for families with children ages 6 and above. Parents and children learn about works of art together in the galleries, participate in hands-on activities as a family, and create a work of art together in the Art Studio. During the program, parents learn techniques and skills for creating their own educational experiences in the gallery.
Cost:
DMA members $5 per participating child (ages 6 and up).
To Register:
To register for the class, click here to go to the ticketing website, select Family Programs from the sidebar on the left, and follow the instructions to add the number of tickets you need for the class (one ticket per child). Participating adults do not require a ticket. If you have any difficulties with the new system, call 214-922-1270 or 214-922-1822. When classes are filled, call 214-922-1818 or e-mail familyexperiences@DallasMuseumofArt.org to be placed on a waiting list.
 
For more information: click here


 
Family Activities:
Tuesday–Friday, 2:00­–3:00 p.m.
Cost: Family activities are free with paid admission. No registration is necessary.
Please call 214-922-1822 for more information.
Experience the Museum's premier collection through a cinematic lens with Summer Spotlight drop in activities for families. Meet in the Center for Creative Connections.


Location:  Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, Texas 75201

Hours:  Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Late night Fridays–museum open until Midnight.

General Admission:  
The general admission fee includes viewing the Museum’s permanent collection and most exhibitions.  An audio tour of the permanent collection is included in general admission. Audio tours for adults and families are available.
Ages 12 and under:  FREE;  $5/Students (with current school ID card);  $10/Adults $10; $7/Seniors (65 and over)

FREE on Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (special ticket prices may apply to exhibitions)
FREE on the first Tuesday of each month (special ticket prices may apply to exhibitions)

Group Discounts (10 more more):   Call 214-922-1222 or click here to email
To Purchase Advance Tickets:  214-922-1803

For more information about family experiences:  214-922-1822 or click here to e-mail


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66.  KIMBELL ART MUSEUM EXHIBITS

The Kimbell Art Museum’s holdings include artworks ranging in period from antiquity to the 20th century. The collection includes masterpieces by Fra Angelico, Caravaggio, El Greco, CÄ Ĺ zanne, Matisse, and Picasso, as well as antiquities, Asian, African, and pre-Columbian art.

FREE Admission to view the museum's Permanent Collection

KIMBELL KIDS DROP IN STUDIO
Time:
1pm-1:45pm
This free program introduces children (ages 12 and younger) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio art project.

Upcoming Programs:
(Bumpy, Squishy, Gritty Lanscapes)                                   
                                      September 6
                                      Septmber 20
                                      October 4
                                      October 8


No advance registration for this drop-in program; space is limited to 20 children, plus adults.
Sign up at the entrance to the education studios in the Renzo Piano Pavilion, beginning one hour before the program.


For More Information: Contact Here or call: 817.332.8452

       
Exhibits:

THROUGH AUGUST 31 -- Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection
Travel back in time and discover the life, culture and pageantry of the revered and feared Japanese samurai warriors through more than 100 remarkable objects from one of the best and largest collections in the world. Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection features the extraordinary artistry of the armor used by samurai—the military elite led by the shoguns, or warlords, of Japan from the 12th through 19th centuries.

Children's Workshops

Connect with artworks, new friends, and creative activities during Saturday workshops for children (ages 6–14) and their adult partners. Limit three children per adult; no charge for parents. Individual session fees are $15 ($12 for Kimbell members). To register, call 817-332-8451, ext. 351.


Museum Hours:  Mondays – Closed
            Tuesdays–Thursdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
            Fridays, noon–8 p.m.
            Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
            Sundays, noon–5 p.m.
            Closed New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day

Admission to the Museum’s permanent collection is always free.

There is a charge for special exhibitions.
Half-Off Admission:  Tuesdays from 10am to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
                          (not applicable for Member audio tours).

Group Sales:  Discounted tickets for groups of 20 or more are available with a reservation for a specific date and time, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. For reservations, call 817-332-8451, ext. 229. Reservations for groups should be made at least two weeks in advance.

Location:  Kimball Art Museum
        3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard
        Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2792
        817-332-8451
        Metro: 817-654-1034
        Fax: 817-877-1264


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67.  PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE IN DALLAS

Exhibits:

The World's Largest Dinosaurs
Picture four city buses, parked bumper to bumper. Now, imagine that instead of four chassis and several sets of wheels, you’re looking at the body and tail of a single enormous dinosaur, supported by four sturdy legs as wide and as tall as trees! That’s about the size of some of The World’s Largest Dinosaurs — the super-sized sauropods that thrived on Earth for approximately 140 million years.

The World’s Largest Dinosaurs includes specimens of sauropod vertebrae, a giant femur, skin impressions and many other fossil finds. It also offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on discovery, including a hand pump that demonstrates how much pressure would have been needed to circulate blood through a sauropod’s long neck to its head, and a simulated fossil dig at the end of the exhibit.

To Purchase Tickets: Click Here


NEW PARENT/CHILD PROGRAM
Time:
Mondays 9am-10:30am (For children ages 4-5)
 
Registration is now open, classes start Monday, January 13, 2014.
 
Classes begin an hour before the Museum opens to the public, so the children will get unprecedented access to the galleries without distractions or interruptions.

Classes are 1.5 hours to allow time for supplemental hands-on experiences such as art projects and experiments that reinforce the concepts learned while visiting each of the four galleries:

The Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall

The Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall
The Rees-Jones Foundation Dynamic Earth Hall
The Rose Hall of Birds

Parents participate alongside the children, and we predict parents will learn almost as much as the children!
 
Classes start soon, so remember to register today!
 
For more Informtion:
214.756.5728
To Register: Click Here



HOME SCHOOL EVENTS
(Mondays from 10am-Noon)
For ages: 3-5 years; 5-7 years; 8-10 years; and 11-13 years


Fall Classes Start September 8!

To Register:  Click Here
For Additional Information:  Click Here to send an email
Details:
Beyond our upcoming Homeschool days, we offer additional time in the Museum and recommend that you stay and take advantage of visiting all five levels. Five floors house 11 permanent exhibit halls containing state-of-the-art video and 3D computer animation with thrilling, life-like simulations where visitors can exercise their brains through hands-on activities, interactive kiosks and educational games. The extraordinary building and outdoor space serves as a living science lesson, offering provocative illustrations of engineering, technology and conservation. 


FEATURED FILMS AT THE PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
COMING 2014:  

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1 -- Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D

Walk the Earth with dinosaurs... If it weren't for a series of cataclysmic events, a comet impact being first on the list, our planet could still be the domain of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs fascinate us so much, that many people wish they were still among us. Fortunately, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia will be the one of the closest encounters your students will have with these extraordinary creatures. Deeply rooted in science, the film carries the audience back in time to witness these amazing beasts come to life. Meet the largest living animals to have ever walked Earth: the titanesque plant-eating Argentinosaur and its nemesis the Giganotosaur, a bipedal carnivore that could easily challenge the famous T. rex! Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia follows Dr. Rodolfo Coria, a world-renowned Argentinean paleontologist, as he visits sites of major discoveries.


THROUGH OCTOBER 31 --
Flight of the Butterflies 3D
Flight of the Butterflies 3D takes audiences on a journey through one of the most incredible migrations on Earth. Following the year-long annual migration cycle of monarch butterflies, the award-winning production team filmed hundreds of millions of monarchs in their remote overwintering sanctuaries in Mexico in 2011 and again in 2012 and also along their migratory routes from Canada, across the U.S. and into Mexico. The film immerses audiences in the astounding migration experience as two generations of the butterflies migrate north and then a Super Generation miraculously finds its way from Canada to a few isolated mountaintops in Mexico – to a place it has never been!


THROUGH NOVEMBER 20 --
Pandas: The Journey Home 3D
Audiences will fall in love with this iconic, delightful creature and better understand the desperate plight of pandas in the wild. The filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to the Wolong Panda Conservation Centre, to bring to light the extraordinary efforts of the Chinese to secure the pandas’ future in the wild. Made at a critical time in the history of the species, the film shows how, after finally achieving success at captive breeding, the Chinese scientists involved with this effort must now face the ultimate challenge of successfully re-introducing pandas into their natural habitat. Meet all of the pandas at the Centre as they get ready for their new lives in various parts of the world; learn about their fascinating habits as you chuckle at their hijinks. Turns out pandas are as much fun as they are cute, and they love getting the best of their keepers!


Planetarium Shows
Secrets of the Sun
From the nuclear forces churning at the heart of the sun to the mass ejections of solar material into the surrounding space, we will experience the power of the sun and its impact on the planets and ultimately life on Earth. We will trace the life cycle of the sun itself, going back to its beginnings and moving forward in time to its eventual death.
Universe
Universe allows audiences to experience an historical look at how we have envisioned the universe though the ages. We visit some of the ancient sites where our ancestors erected great structures with special astronomical significance. Finally we look at the Universe through the eyes of today’s science and space explorers to build up a spectacular overview of the heavens.
Texas Night Sky
Enjoy this informal narrated introduction to the wonders of the sky featuring a view as it may appear tonight in your own backyard. Learn which planets, stars, and constellations are currently visible, the unique stories behind their names, and tips on how to locate them in the night sky. The things available to see change as the calendar changes and so do these shows!
Seven Wonders
Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world as they have not been seen for thousands of years. Travel to Egypt to visit the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Pyramids, to Persia to see the original Mausoleum, to Babylon to explore the fabled Hanging Gardens, to Greece to tour the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, and to Rhodes to stand in the shadow of the towering Colossus. We will investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe’s greatest wonders. Narrated by Sean Bean, Boromir from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Wonders of the Universe
Peer deep into space through the eyes of the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and travel back billions of years in time to witness the birth of the universe. On this breathtaking excursion you’ll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you’ll fly deep into our own Milky Way galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.
Hubble Space Telescope Images
The Orion Nebula, a cavern of rolling dust and gas some 1,500 light-years away, is the nearest star-forming region to Earth. This image is the sharpest ever taken of the nebula.  The bright central region is home to the four heftiest stars in the nebula, collectively called the Trapezium. Ultraviolet light from them is carving a cavity in the nebula and disrupting the growth of hundreds of smaller stars. Nearby are stars still young enough to have disks of material encircling them, too small to be seen clearly in this image. The disks are the building blocks of solar systems. Faint red stars near the bottom are myriad brown dwarfs. Sometimes called “failed stars,” brown dwarfs are cool objects too small to be ordinary stars because they cannot sustain nuclear fusion in their cores the way our Sun does. Astronomers used 104 five-color Hubble images to make this composite picture, adding ground-based photos to fill out the edges. The mosaic covers approximately the apparent angular size of the full moon. The observations were taken between 2004 and 2005.


Permanent Exhibits at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Open Dec 1, 2012):

Moody Family Children's Museum
Where Little Children Make Big Discoveries: Park your stroller-and rev up for a day of discovery with your child! Here, kids 5 and younger can climb a replica of Reunion Tower, discover Texas wildlife or simply paint a picture.   
Sports Hall
Give Your Mind and Body a Workout!: Could you outrun a Tyrannosaurus rex, or through a football better than a pro? Get ready, get set-and get active as you explore your body in motion!
Discovering Life Hall
The Power of Adaptation: What is life, and how do different species adapt over time? From single-cell organisms to the largest creatures on the planet, this exhibit hall explores and celebrates the diversity of life on earth.
Being Human Hall
What Does it Mean to be Human?: Study a sliver of real human tissue-or use your brain waves to launch a ping-pong ball. There's more to being human than you may realize!
Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall
How Does it Work? Ask an Engineer: What do bridges, prosthetics and robots have in common? Discover how engineers use math and science to solve everyday problems.
The Rees-Jones Foundation Dynamic Earth Hall
Forecast: 100 Chance of Change: Where else can you experience an earthquake, touch a tornado and broadcast a weather forecast all in the same day? Discover how earth, air, and water interact to provide dynamic results.
Tom Hunt Energy Hall
Empowering the Future of Energy: Take a virtual expedition deep underground to explore a drilling rig from the inside out! From natural gas to solar and wind energy, every source of energy is fueled by science.
Gems and Minerals Hall
Natural Brilliance: Gems and minerals not only serve as as the building blocks of our planet-many of them also happen to shimmer, sparkle and glow! Explore both the practical side and beautiful aspects of these complex structures.
Expanding Universe Hall
Your Space for Discovery: Embark on a journey through our solar system and beyond, and discover how scientists uncover the secrets of the universe.
T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall
Clues and Insights from the Fossil Record: Discover how studying the bodies and behaviors of modern-day animals can give scientists a glimpse of dinosaur life.
Rose Hall of Birds
Let Your Mind Take Flight: Create your own virtual species of bird as you explore the adaptations that help birds thrive in diverse environments.


Museum Information:
The Museum of Nature & Science consists of several buildings all located in Fair Park, Dallas. The Nature Building is located at 3535 Grand Avenue, the Science Building is located at 1318 South Second Avenue and the Planetarium Building is located at 1620 First Avenue.

Location:  
2201 N. Field Street in Dallas (located at the corner of Woodall Rodgers and Field Street
Phone: 214-428-5555     
Email: info@natureandscience.org

Hours and Admission:
All buildings: 10am-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
(In the event of inclement weather, please call 214-421-3466 ext. 382)
Admission Pricing: http://www.natureandscience.org/information/admission.asp


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68.  FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Explore innovative learning studios and a wide variety of interactive exhibits in the new Museum of Science and History.

OCTOBER 21-25
CHEMISTRY WEEK AT
FORT WORTH MUSUEM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Admission:

$14 for adults
$10 for children (3-12) and seniors (60+)
Admission to ExploraZone and all National Cowgirl Museum exhibits is one price and free for all Museum members
For Ticket Information: 817-255-9540
(
Exhibit admission includes half-price admission to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.  
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is open daily Mon – Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
)

Location:  1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, 76107 (corner of Montogomery & Gendy)

Exhibits:

Indiana Jones™ and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition


Extended through Labor Day!
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, uses the Indiana Jones™ film series as both a starting point and a backdrop for an exciting and entertaining introduction to the real science of field archaeology. Showcasing items from four different collections, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is far more than a static display of movie props. Museum-goers learn how archaeology has changed from the mid-20th century, when Indy’s adventures took place, until the present day.

For More Information: Click Here


OCTOBER 11, 2014 - JANUARY 4, 2015 -- Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition

FEBRUARY 2015 -- What's Up Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones

MAY 2015 -- Design Zone

FEBRUARY 24-28, 2015 -- Engineers Week

APRIL 21-25 -- All Systems Earth


Planetarium Shows:
One World, One Sky:  Big Bird's Adventure
LASER Light Family Style
Our Amazing Solar System

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69. NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

Location:  Dallas Arts District
                2001 Flora Street
                214-242-5100

Exhibits:

September 13 - January 4 2015
Details:
British designer Thomas Heatherwick has been hailed as a genius, even being called by Paul Goldberger in The New Yorker “the next Leonardo da Vinci” for the uniquely inventive nature of his work.
This exhibition, the first North American museum presentation of the work of Heatherwick and his studio, examines the astonishing range of Heatherwick Studio’s practice by focusing on the design concepts behind early projects such as the handbag designed for Longchamp and the rotation-molded “Spun” chairs, as well as current large architectural projects in the U.K., South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and China.
For More Information: Click Here



October 24 - January 18 2015 -- Sightings: Anna-Bella Papp
Details:
Anna-Bella Papp makes exquisitely restrained works in unfired clay.  Occupying tabletops or mounted to walls, the sculpted reliefs are intimate in scale yet suggest objects and spaces many times their scale.  Many of the works recall low-relief architectural models or site plans for minimalist earthworks.
For More Information:
Click Here


First Saturdays (FREE Admission)
10 a.m.–noon–Children’s Art Activity
Express yourself by creating unique artworks connected to the month’s Big Idea.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.–Art in Action Sculpture Demo  
See how sculpture is made and feel the materials artists use at our live artist demos. 
10 a.m.–2 p.m.–Art Scavenger Hunt
Exercise your detective skills to search the Nasher for art related to the month’s Big Idea. Complete the hunt for a special prize!   
10:15 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.–Family Tours
Discover and discuss each month’s Big Idea on an interactive tour for the whole family.  
11 a.m.–2 p.m.–NasherKids Meal Available at Nasher Cafe (for additional charge)
11:30 a.m.–Yoga
12:30 p.m.–Storytime with the Dallas Public Library
Share in the joy of reading with storytellers from the Dallas Public Library.
1 p.m.–NasherKids Live!
Join in the fun with an exciting, live performance for families and young children.


http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org


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70.  SHOWS AT THE FORT WORTH OMNI THEATER–MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Now Showing


Dolphins
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details: From the dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the wind-swept seas of Patagonia, Dolphins takes audiences under the water's surface for a romp with inquisitive Atlantic spotted dolphins, acrobatic dusky dolphins, and the familiar bottlenose dolphin of Flipper fame.
For More Information: Click Here
 
Flying Monsters
Tickets:  
$7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details: In the giant-screen adventure film Flying Monsters, world-renowned naturalist David Attenborough sets out to uncover the truth about pterosaurs, the enigmatic creatures whose wingspans are thought to have been more than 40 feet, equal to that of a modern-day jet plane. Attenborough works with scientists to understand the incredible story of the evolution of the pterosaurs, a story that unfolds in such stunning locations as New Mexico's "Ghost Ranch," the Jurassic Coast of Lyme Regis in Britain, an ancient pterosaur landing site in Southern France and a fossil pit in Germany where near-perfect pterosaur specimens have been found.
For More Information: Click Here


Island of Lemurs: Madagascar
Tickets:  $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details: Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Dolphin Tale) narrates the IMAX  documentary Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, the incredible true story of nature’s greatest explorers—lemurs. The film reunites Freeman with Drew Fellman, who also wrote and produced the 2011 IMAX 3D documentary Born to Be Wild 3D, and director David Douglas, who served as director of photography on that film.
For More Information: Click Here


T-REX
: Back to the Cretaceous
Tickets:  $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details:Filmed in 1998. T-REX  is a blend of action-adventure, fantasy, science fiction and education. Sixteen year old Ally Hayden,  the daughter of a paleontologist , goes on a prehistoric  adventure as she is magically transported  back 65 million years to the Cretaceous Period. She witnesses giant flying reptiles, hadrosaurs as big as elephants and the twenty-foot tall, T-REX. Film Length: 45 minutes . Parents please note: Sound effects may be overwhelming for children under six.Running Time: 45 minutes
For More Information: Click Here


Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Tickets:  $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details:Narrated by actor Christopher Lee (The Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, and the original 1959 film The Mummy), Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs explores the mysterious world of ancient Egypt through the fabric of its ancient mummies. The Egyptians’ mummy-making culture was not the first, the last, or even the longest. But to many, it was the greatest. The Egyptians believed their destinies were the wishes of gods, whose wills their dead ancestors might influence. By revering their ancestors through mummification, they hoped to gain better control of their destiny.
For More Information: Click Here





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71.  PROGRAMS AT LOG CABIN VILLAGE


September 11 -- Garden Thyme
Details: Come learn about a variety of gardening and nature topics in this brand new monthly series hosted by our resident gardening guru, Master Composter, and Master Naturalist Pat.  Topics will vary by month, but may include anything from herbs to bluebirds.  Come dressed to get dirty!  No reservations required.  Cost is regular Village admission.

September 14 & 27 -- Buttermilk Junction Old Time String Band
Details: Come enjoy the delightful sounds of Buttermilk Junction, an Old-Time & Anglo-Celtic band, from right here in Fort Worth. They play and sing historical "Roots Music" - tunes and songs from frontier Texas of the mid to late 1800s.  No reservations required.  Cost is regular Village admission.

September 27 -- Day in the District
Details: Celebrate Fort Worth’s “Day in the District” at the Village!  Enjoy a day full of music by Buttermilk Junction and living history for the whole family.  Admission is FREE for this day only!

October 9 -- Garden Thyme
Details: Come learn about a variety of gardening and nature topics in this brand new monthly series hosted by our resident gardening guru, Master Composter, and Master Naturalist Pat.  Topics will vary by month, but may include anything from herbs to bluebirds.  Come dressed to get dirty!  No reservations required.  Cost is regular Village admission.

October 18 -- Frontier Fall Fest
Details: Grab your pumpkins and shuck your corn...it’s time for a good old-fashioned Frontier Fall Fest!  We’re excited to feature many different artisan friends including the Embroiderer’s Guild of America, Buttermilk Junction Old Time String Band and many more!  For a $3 craft fee, you can even make your own festive corn husk doll to take home! Cost is regular Village admission.



Location:  2100 Log Cabin Village Lane, Fort Worth, TX  
Admission:  $4.50 ages 4-17 and 60+;  $5 ages 18+
$4.00 each for groups of 10+;  Free for ages 3 & under
Hours:  Tue-Fri, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.;   Sat & Sun, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.;   Closed Mondays
Phone:
817-392-5881

For More Information:  Click Here

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72.  DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE

Events:

Lone Star History Day
Time:
October 10; 10am-3pm
Details:
A Day Just for Homeschool Families! Consider all the wonderful gadgets and time saving devices that make life easier. In our mechanized world today, have we made life easier or just more complicated? Lets go back in time when technology was new and automation was the all the rage!
To Purchase Tickets:
Click Here


Family Past Times
3rd Sunday of the Month
Time:  
Noon - 4pm
Admission:  
Children FREE; Adults $9; Seniors $7
Bring the whole family for historic fun and participate in themed activities.


Nip & Tuck
Stories, Music and Hands-On Activities for Preschoolers
Please RSVP:  214-413-3674 or e-mail us. You can even purchase your advance tickets online.
Tickets can be purchased by phone, at the gate or online.
RSVP: 214-413-3674 or by email

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73.  OLD RED MUSEUM OF DALLAS COUNTY HISTORY AND CULTURE


Home School Programs
Future Home School Programs to be announced


Chose your Date, Chose your Program:
Your group can schedule the date and choose the program from the many we offer.  The date and program can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm or on limited Saturdays from 9:30am till noon. 
All visits will include:  Four interactive galleries, over forty computer touch screens, the Children’s Education Center, Discovery Carts and Interactive Gallery Guides.
 
Time:  Registration: 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
          Program Begins: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost:  $6/children;  $3 Adults
Includes program, all day admission to the museum galleries and program supplies.
Please note that we have changed to a cash only admission the day of the program.
Location:  Old Red Museum
                100 South Houston Street
                Dallas, TX  75202
                214-757-1949
To RSVP: 
 Click here to email the sales dept with the following info:
Names of attending adults, email address, phone, number of adults, number of children, ages of children.  If you are a group leader, please list your group name with each family unit listed separately, as this makes preparation and registration run more smoothly.
Parking:  Museum guests may purchase an
underground parking vouchers for $2.
Details: Everyone enjoys a celebration!  What brings families and communities together?  How are traditions enjoyed? Come and join us at Old Red as we discover some of the rich traditional celebrations that help create the great city of Dallas. Students will enjoy music, making sand art, designing special placemats, creating cards and other items to be taken home and shared with family and friends.

CURRENT EXHIBITS
NOVEMBER 6 - AUGUST 31, 2014 -- Dream No Small Dreams: How Erik Jonsson Led Dallas from
Tragedy to Triumph in the 1960s
Details:  This exhibit will tie in to other events throughout the city commemorating the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. David Biegler, Chairman of the Board, remarked that “the Old Red Museum will tell the rest of the story with a particular emphasis on the aftermath of the assassination.  It is a story of civic action that pulled the city from depression and helped it regain the pride and momentum that had been so much a part of its past. The story will be examined through the individual leader who, as Mayor, took the helm of the city.  [Dream No Small Dreams] will focus on his extraordinary leadership after the dark days in 1963.”

Other Exhibits:
Early Years: Prehistory to 1873
Trading Center

Big D
World Crossroads


Discount:  The Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid HEART of Texas Family ID) a $1 discount per person/ticket. Discount may not be used for the Home School Workshops.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership:
Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


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74.  STAR PARTIES at  FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

Have you ever seen the rings of Saturn? Have you ever wanted to view the moons of Jupiter? Have you been dazzled by a star cluster? Are you in the market for a telescope and don't know where to start? This and more can be discovered every month outside the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History during the free monthly telescope observing. The star gazing events are held every month on area north of the Museum on the Saturday nearest the first quarter moon, weather permitting.   They are presented by the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society.

The Noble Planetarium is under construction, but you can still gaze at the stars and learn about the night sky during our free monthly  Star Parties.

2014 STAR PARTIES

SEPTEMBER 6
OCTOBER  4

Cost:  
Free
Location:   In the Musuem's South Parking Lot.
Parking:  
Parking is available in the lot south of Harley Street.
Time:  Dusk–10:30 p.m.
Details:
Join the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society in front of the Museum on Gendy Street.  You’ll find plenty of telescopes for viewing and even more astronomy buffs to help you navigate your way through the skies. This event is weather permitting. 


For more information:  click here
              

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75.  NORTH TEXAS DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR FOR HOME SCHOOLERS

Need a boost to your homeschool science curriculum? Have a detail inclined child or one who loves science or technology? Need something on a college application to convince the staff your child can compete with the best? Science fair should be in your future!

Your 6th graders have a chance to participate in the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair (DRSEF) too!

Private homeschooled students in grades 3-12 may enter in one of 4 divisions. Those living in TEA region 10: Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman and Rockwall counties compete for the opportunity to enter the DRSEF. Students in other near-by counties may compete at our NDTSF for awards, but cannot be guaranteed entry into a regional ISEF event: some have gone on to the FortWorth Regional event.

All 6 - 12 grade projects need some ISEF forms (like the research plan) to be filled in BEFORE experimentation begins! 6th graders' projects may NOT include any handling of toxic/dangerous substances or require permission for human or animal subjects. Higher grades must submit forms for these BEFORE experimentation begins - start early. Please find out more on our website. This is the most confusing part of science fair participation, so let's get it worked out early - contact us. We don't want students eliminated on technicalities.

Students from our NDTSF have done very well at DRSEF (placing and even Grand Prize!) and at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair (placing). You don't have to place to win a special prize. Add that "WOW" factor to your project by checking out our new links to give your project even more "Marvelocity". Ask how we can help. Don't forget to check our "Links" page for more homeschool friendly science competitions (some links need to be fixed at Texas A&M).

For More Information:  Click Here to email

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76.  ALEDO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL'S BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL TEAMS

Aledo Christian School, located in Aledo,TX, is offering their sports programs to home schoolers.

Who:  7-12th grade boys and girls
Girls Sports:  
Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
Boys Sports:  Basketball & Baseball

Location:  Aledo Christian School
                400 Queen Street
                Aledo, TX  76008

For Information About Baseball:  817-939-2979 or click here to email
For Information About Other Sports: Contact 817-441-7357
 

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77.  BERNE ACADEMY'S BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Berne Academy, located in Lancaster, TX, is looking for homeschoolers to play on their Boys'  Varsity Basketball Team.  They are associated with T-CAL (Texas Christian Athletic League) out of San Antonio.

Who:  7-12th grade boys
Location of Practices:  Tommie Allen Recreation Center on Bonnie View Road
For More Information:  972-218-7373 or click here to email
 

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78.  HOMESCHOOL SWIM-- The Colony Aquatic Park

Brand New!  Expanded Homeschool Swim in The Colony!!
The price for fall season passes are very reasonable, especially since there are now three different days a week that you can come!
 

When: 
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Time:  
12:30-1:30pm

Location:  
The Colony Aquatic Park
               5580 N. Colony Blvd  
               The Colony, TX  75056


Cost:
$4 per person or purchase a season pass

Note:  Children 6 and under MUST be directly attended by a swimming adult within arms reach.

Seasonal Passes available:
 $45–Individual
                                          $60–Micro-family (2-3 members)
                                               
  $80–Family (4+ members)

For More Information: 972-624-2225 or Click Here to email
http://www.TCpard.com

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79.  HOME SCHOOL SWIM AND SWIM TEAM AT DON RODENBAUGH NATATORIUM
IN ALLEN

Home School Open Swim
Half-Price Fridays at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium!

Time:  1 p.m. – 3 p.m. during the school year
Who:  Home school students and their families.
Cost:  $2/Students;  $2.50/adults
For More Information:  Call 214-509-4770 or visit http://www.allenparks.org/


City of Allen Home school Swim Team
Practices:  Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location:  Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium
For more information:  Call 972-992-3996 or visit http://www.metro-aquatics.org/


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80.  CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS

Christian Martial Arts, an outreach of First Baptist Church of Euless, is offering a free month of classes to HEART of Texas newsletter readers who wish to try out their program.  Christian Martial Arts has been ministering to the physical as well as spiritual needs of local families for almost ten years at First Euless!

It is a fun way to get plenty of exercise in an environment that seeks to honor God and teach respect for others. The tenets of CMA are Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable spirit. Students learn fundamentals of self-defense, balance, flexibility, practice and repetition. We encourage progress through belt promotions but each student is only in competition with himself to advance. We have sparring nights, optional board breaking, tournaments and special events including Christmas parties and demonstrations. If you are looking for a great family activity, you've found it!


Cost: $25/month per person

Times/Class Descriptions:
Monday: 6:00  p.m.–6:30  p.m.–Children only
Monday: 6:30  p.m.–7:30  p.m.–Beginners & Advanced of all ages
Thursday: 6:30  p.m.–7:30  p.m.–Beginners of all ages
Thursday: 7:30  p.m.–8:30  p.m.–Advanced students
Saturday: 10:00 am–12:00  p.m.–Open Workout for all students



For More Information: Click Here


Discount:  Christian Martial Arts, an outreach of First Baptist Church of Euless, is offering a free month of classes to HEART of Texas newsletter readers who wish to try out their program.


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81.  DALLAS THUNDER HOME SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Dallas Thunder is a home school competitive basketball organization.
Dallas Thunder offers:
Christ-centered, competitive Basketball for Home schooled boys and girls
Experienced, Professional Coaches.
The opportunity to play top public and private schools in the area
Participation in the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament.

Website: http://www.dallasthunder.org 


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82.  ELITE TRACK CLUB/CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM


For More Information:  Click Here to email or 817-800-3922                                
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83.  HOME SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Home School Athletic Association is a Christian-based organization providing athletics for homeschoolers through volunteer home school parent. They provide various programs including football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball for high school and middle school home schoolers.
 
If you are interested in joining HSAA Cross Country, please click here to contact the Track Commissioner.

If interested in a two day football camp for middle schoolers this summer, please click here.

Details: 11-Man Tackle Football...Middle School, JV, and Varsity!
Open to boys, ages 11 to 18 and in grades 6 through 12, HSAA Football promises to provide each student-athlete with a Christ-centered approach to sports. Though competitive in nature, to be sure, HSAA will not sacrifice core values to win at all costs.

Instead, coaches and parents – and team mentors (varsity players and those who have recently graduated) – work with the players to build character for life.

Registration details: Click Here

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84.  HULCY HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES IN RICHARDSON

Come try your first class for free and see if our 20 year reputation of helping kids enjoy  in a competitive Christian atmosphere is right for your family. 100% of the children that have tried it... have stayed.
 
Ages:  6-12
Cost:  $20 a month for first child... $15 a month for any additional children.

When:  Tuesdays (once a week)
Girls meet from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Boys meet from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
To sign up just call 214-695-5560
 
Where:–Heights Park in Richardson on Floyd
in between Belt Line and Arapaho on the West  side of 75 (south of Arapaho).
 
We play an array of competitive  for kids at any skill level: dodgeball, football, kickball, flag tag, capture the flag, war, softball, baseball, crazyball, flipperball, Frisbee golf, soccer, circle dodgeball, track and field, and tons more.  We also play fun and easy games such as:  squirrel in a tree, two headed monster, parachute games, and much more!

We have a family camp out in January, and a Field Day at the end of the year that includes a picnic dinner, volleyball, hay ride, playing in a tree house, games, a bonfire, and cooking hotdogs outside!
  
Call RHETT HULCY directly to enroll or for any questions about the class:
214-695-5560

Discount:  Rhett is offering HEART of Texas members one free month of classes, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


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85.  HOME SCHOOL PE PROGRAMS AT VELOCITY  IN SOUTHLAKE

Location:  Velocity Sports Performance
                1800 East Highway 114, Suite 101
                Southlake, TX  
                817-416-0606

Discount:  Velocity /Southlake is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount on all training, whether it is with the Home School program, regular training program or any camps that are held at this location., with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

Velocity Sports Performance in Southlake has designed a program to meet the needs of Home School Families!

Location:
     1800 East Hwy 114, Suite 101
, Southlake, TX  
For More Information: Call 817-416-0606
To Learn More About Velocity:  www.velocitysp.com/southlake

Velocity  Performance is a  training facility with a staff of degreed and certified coaches.  Their programs focus on all facets of athletic performance, including speed and agility, strength and explosive power, flexibility and mobility, endurance and energy system develo p.m.ent, and injury risk prevention.

Their 18,200 sq. ft. indoor facility includes a 30 yard turf field, 60 yard speed track, regulation volleyball court, Olympic weight area, comfortable viewing area for parents/coaches with wireless internet, men's and women's showers, electronic timing system and video analysis, and SPARQ testing.

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86.  HOME SCHOOL FENCING CLASSES AT FENCING INSTITUTE OF TEXAS

Fencing Institute of Texas is committed to supporting our Home Schooled children by providing physical fitness that challenges the mind as well as the body.  

Home School Classes
Times:  4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Tuesdays and Thursdays
        10:00 a.m. – 11:30 am. – Saturdays

Instructor:  Coach Rhonda Trietsch
For More Information: 972-444-8498 or visit: http://www.fenceintexas.org/homeschool.html

Students enjoy private lessons, group training, and mini-tournaments during this time.

Parents are welcome to participate along with their children in these programs.

Additional classes during the week between the hours of 10 AM and 4  p.m. will be added
as this program and need grows.  

Open Enrollment: Students may join this program at any time; the first month's fees are prorated.  There is no pro-ration of fees after the first month.  Fees are $90 per month plus $50 tuition ($140), and are due by the 5th of the month.  Fees are due in advance and are non-refundable.

Students may take additional private lessons outside of the class meeting time for an additional fee.

To Register: Class size is limited to 15 students; pre-registration is required.  If you are interested, please call our school at (972) 444-8498, or complete and mail or FAX the Home School Registration form.

To Download Registration Form: http://www.fenceintexas.org/homeschool.html

Discount:  Fencing Institute of Texas is offering HEART of Texas members a $10 discount off the monthly tuition (individual or family) with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   HEART of Texas students participating in the FIT Saturday Page or Squire programs receive a $5 discount off the monthly program fee with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here



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87.  PARKER-TARRANT HOME SCHOOL 

Parker-Tarrant Home School  exists to promote and accomplish  education for the Texas Home School student in a Christian environment. With a focus primarily in the Parker County and West Tarrant County areas of North Texas, the organization’s objective is to provide a competitive environment for middle school and high school  competition that is not normally provided by traditional home school organizations or support groups. PTHSS desires to accomplish this goal in a way that both works alongside the parents and honors Jesus Christ.

Currently the PTHSS organization offers boys' Varsity and Junior Varsity Baseball, boys' Basketball from middle school through high school, girls' high school basketball and girls' Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball. Six-Man boys' football is being added this fall! Other  programs and age divisions may be offered in the future.

Many of the PT Warriors athletic activities occur at Birchman Baptist Church in West Fort Worth.


For More Information:  click Here to email or www.pthss.org/

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88.  POP-IN PLAYTIME AT PUMP-IT-UP OF GRAPEVINE

WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Time:  10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages:  2-6 years old

WEDNESDAYS
Time:  3:30–5:30 p.m.
Ages:  6-12 years old

Discount:  Pump-It-Up of Grapevine is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount on private parties. Members also receive $1 off Pop-In-Playtime on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for ages 2 through 6, and on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 for ages 6-12.   Members must present their valid HEART of Texas Family ID card to take advantage of these special offers.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


For More Information:  817-329-1332 or grapevine@pumpitupdfw.com


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89.  THESA RIDERS HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

THESA Riders is a home school association, providing the DFW area with competitive and Christ-centered athletic programs for home schoolers at the high school and junior high level.

THESA offers the following:
Baseball -- 
Boys Basketball -- Girls Basketball -- Girls Cheer -- Boys Football -- Boys and Girls Golf -- Girls Softball -- Girls Volleyball

THESA Riders is offering a competitive HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER program for 2013-2014.
TRYOUTS:  Dates to be announced SOON – check web site or email us

Who is THESA?
THESA  (Texas Home Educators' Sports Association) exists to support families with a calling to home educate their children by providing high quality, competitive sports programs, enabling children to grow in Godly character and skills at the junior and senior high level.

What does a THESA soccer tryout look like?
The coaches will spend about 20 minutes at the beginning of the tryouts with a parent/player orientation – expectations, what a season looks like, practices, commitment. 
The coaches will then put players through 1 Ä‚ -2 hours of stretching, conditioning, skills, drills, and team play.

Do players need to attend all the tryouts?
If your schedule allows, attending all the tryouts is best.  While attending all the tryouts is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged for each player to make the best showing, get to know the other players and coaches.

What does a player need to bring?

Players need to come with a GREAT attitude, dressed in appropriate soccer attire and equipment, bring a personal ball (only size 5) and LOTS of water, maybe even a snack.

Questions?
Web site:  http://www.thesariders.net/
Email us at thesaridersoccer@gmail.com


For More Information: http://www.thesariders.net

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90.  TRAINING FOR CONFIDENCE MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL IN COLLEYVILLE

Training for Confidence is a full-time martial arts school in Colleyville.

We currently have several families at our Colleyville school location who home school
their children.  We would welcome the opportunity to partner with Heart of Texas and
offer discounted tuition to your members.

Discount:  Training for Confidence is offering HEART of Texas members a 25% discount off the monthly student membership fee, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here



To Learn More:  TFCKarate.com

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91.  BEST GYMNASTICS IN FLOWER MOUND 

Gymnastics is the best sport available to create young athletes and proper athletic foundations for all future sporting endeavors.  We offer several classes for all ages including: Little Tots class for 14mo-3 years, Best Kids 3-4 years.  For ages 5 and up we offer Tumbling, Girls Gymnastics, Boys Gymnastics and a Home schooling class. 

Location:  601 Cross Timbers Rd. Suite 100 in Flower Mound.
To Learn More: 972-874-8800 or click here

Home School Class
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Details: Best Gymnastics does not have sessions, so you can join at anytime! This co-ed class for ages 5 and older will focus on athletic conditioning, tumbling, flexibility, core strength, and of course, fun! The class has a 10:1 student/teacher ratio.
Cost: $59/month
For more information: Click here

Open Gym
Date: Every Friday
Time:  6:00pm-9:00pm 
Cost: $12/child
Details: This is a drop off event. Lots of exercise and lots of fun! No reservations required.
For more information: Click here


Best Night Out
Date: Swpt 14
Time:
6:00-10:00pm
Cost:
$25/child; siblings receive $5 discount
Details:
Best Night Out is designed for parents to get the night off while kids have a blast at the gym! Dinner and a drink are provided. Children 3 (potty trained) and older may attend Best Night Out.
For more information:
 Click here
Upcoming dates: 
Sept 14: Best Bucks Spending Spree; Oct 19: Monster Mash Madness; Nov 9: Pirates and Princesses Party; Dec 14: Winter Wonderland

Discount:  Best Gymnastics is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount off all of their recreational gymnastics classes, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


To Learn More about Best Gymnastics: 972-874-8800 or click here

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92.   HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM AT LANTANA GOLF CLUB

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM
FALL 2014 SESSION

Experience the Game of Golf! Lantana Golf Club is offering three separate golf programs for juniors, age 8-17, in 2014. The Spring, Summer and Fall programs will each offer weekly clinics over a period of 8-10 weeks.

Participants will receive instruction on full swing, short game (chip, pitch, putting) and bunker play. Participants will also receive a basic introduction to the rules & etiquette of golf and the opportunity for quality time on the course.

Our objective is to introduce juniors to the game of golf, improve playing skills and provide the opportunity for personal growth and learning. We hope to build and strengthen character, develop new friendships, and enjoy the experience and life lessons this great game provides.

Marc Brooks will provide lead instruction with assistance from other local golf professionals as needed. Mr. Brooks is a PGA member and currently Director of Instruction at Lantana Golf Club. He was recently named "Best Golf Instructor Denton County 2012" and a member of the PGA President's Council for his continuing effors to promote the grow the game of golf.  

To Register: click here to download the registration form.

For more information: Contact Marc Brooks, PGA at 940-728-4653 or click here to email

Discount:  Marc Brooks is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


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93.  SMOOTHING THE WAY MEETINGS -- NORTH TEXAS

Smoothing the Way is a support group dedicated to serving first-year homeschooling mothers. Each month a topic of specific interest to the new homeschooler is offered.  We will offer you information that will make your first year less confusing. We will also offer you the opportunity to meet other new homeschoolers who are sharing your experiences — both good and bad! You will meet veteran homeschoolers who can reassure you that these experiences are very normal and can help you to navigate through your first year.

For Information about Smoothing the Way groups near you, or to find out how you can lead a group: http://www.smoothingtheway.com/


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94.  DFW SPEECH & DEBATE CLUB

REGISTER NOW FOR 2014 SPEECH & DEBATE SUMMER CAMPS!
Camps are held in July and August

Details: Expose your students to the benefits of speech and debate training firsthand at DFW Speech & Debate camps this summer. Beginners age 12-18 are encouraged to sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills at their 2-day Intro to Speech and 3-day Intro to Policy Debate camps. Younger students age 6-11 can also get started at their Junior Speech camp.

To Register:
Click Here
For More Information:
Contact Here



DFW Speech & Debate is committed to providing quality communications training to help students sharpen their ability to analyze problems, think and listen critically, and communicate their ideas in an organized and compelling manner. Our communications training includes:
 
Speech & Debate Summer Camps
We train hundreds of students each summer who go on to excel in competition! Our camps are engaging and fun and serve to inspire students to cultivate their critical thinking and communication skills. We offer a wide variety of training including introductory, intermediate and advanced Speech and Debate camps, Model UN, Moot Court and much more for ages 12-18! This summer we are expanding our offerings to include Junior Speech for ages 6-11!
 
Private Coaching! - for speakers, debaters and writers who would like to advance their skills at a faster pace
Most great competitors have great coaches. Our veteran team of coaches provide individualized training for students prior to and during the school year. Coaching sessions include helping students develop a high level of competency writing AP quality essays, writing and performing speeches, and writing and arguing their debate case. See specific Coaching Services here.
 
Tools for Debate Curriculum
Most great competitors also have great TOOLS. Our easy-to-use 12-week curricula puts valuable instruction in the hands of debate students and club leaders to prepare students for Policy and Lincoln Douglas debate competition. Our curriculum includes a dual track approach to help beginners master foundational skills such as Writing a Case, 4-Point Refutation, Organization and Cross-Examination (C/X) and more. Experienced debaters will advance to the next level with round-winning techniques on C/X Strategies, and NEG strategies (e.g. identifying unproven or faulty assumptions). Packed with examples, drills, quizzes and a FREE affirmative case!
 
For More Information:  dfwspeechanddebate.com
 
Discount:  DFW Speech & Debate is offering HEART of Texas member-supporters  (with current Family ID) 10% off their Summer Camp fee.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

 

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95.  DENTON COUNTY CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION

This group has no announcements this month.

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96.  IRVING HOME SCHOOLERS

A support group for families in Irving and all surrounding communities.

Time:
7pm
Details:
We are a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to serving home school families in Irving and all surrounding communities. Our mission is to reach out to all homeschooling families - providing resource information, ongoing activities, and support. All are welcome. We meet the 1st Thursday of the month (Sept. - May except Dec.) at Lee Park in Irving.
For more information:
click here


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97.  PEACH

A support group for families in the Plano area
Click Here for More Information


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98.  OFFICIAL 2014-2015 COLLEGE BOARD TEST DATES

2014 PSAT TEST DATES:
To Find out When Your Local High School is Offering the PSAT Test:  Click Here

PSAT TESTING FEE:  $14 (some schools charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs)
Homeschoolers who take the test at their local public school should not be charged more than the school charges its own students.  The College Board makes fee waivers available to schools for students in eleventh grade from low-income families who can't afford the test fee. See the school counselor for more information about fee waivers.  Special testing situations are also available for special needs students.  Ask the school counselor for more details.

2014 SAT TEST DATES:

OCT 11
NOV 8

For SAT Subject Test Calendar:  Click Here


For More Information: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html


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99.  MASTER THE SAT CLASSES WITH JEAN BURK

College Prep Genius will be offering their incredible "MASTER THE SAT CLASS" in several Texas cities. This revolutionary course will give students all the tools needed to conquer the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. Students will learn the logical patterns behind standardized test questions as well as necessary strategies that could help increase their test scores tremendously. A high score on the SAT or PSAT/NMSQT can open doors to college entrance and colossal scholarships that could include full tuition, room and board, honors dorms, graduate money and stipends to study abroad! Many of their students have raised their test scores as much as 600 points and received scholarhips over $200,000 from Ivy-League schools. College Prep Genius has been featured on NBC, CBS, Fox, TXA21 and The Homeschool Channel.

Their carefully selected teachers will show students how to ace the SAT so they can raise their scores and get scholarships to college. The SAT and PSAT are tests of logic (not high school subjects) and most students do poorly on them because they don't understand the test. She will teach how to look at the test questions correctly so they don't fall for the wrong answer and she will not only explain why the right answer is right but also why the wrong answer is wrong. Students will gain confidence in their test-taking skills and be given the necessary tools for scoring high on these standardized tests.

Watch College Prep Genius founder, Jean Burk, give speeches on "How to Ace the SAT" and "Free College Can Happen to You" click here

What's Covered in Class:
"Master the SAT Class” is a thorough investigation of the SAT and PSAT including an extensive review of all three test sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.


Register at collegeprepgenius.com

Download the e-book “15 Secrets to FREE College” for a penny at www.collegeprepgenius.com  Use code: heart

Discount:  College Prep Genius is offering a $5 discount off classes and products to HEART of Texas family members.  You must have a valid membership card to qualify for the discount.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here
                     
 
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100.  BAYLOR & AIR FORCE ROTC (AFROTC) SCHOLARSHIP

Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) have teamed up to provide an enormous scholarship opportunity to help students afford a Christian college education while pursuing their dream in a career in aviation, medicine, science, engineering, law, space, business, etc. 

DEADLINE:  DECEMBER 1, 2014

To Apply:  Visit http://www.afrotc.com/ and fill out the on-line application.


Highlights:

• We appreciate the homeschooled student and know first-hand the talent and intellect they offer.  Our Cadet Wing Commander last Fall was homeschooled and she was outstanding!
 
• Who do we want to help?  Your students interested in leadership who are about to graduate, applying to a service academy (Baylor would be a great Plan B), excels academically, involved in Eta Sigma Alpha or other honor societies and service organizations, as well as competitors of all kinds.
 
• The application deadline for AFROTC high school scholarships is December 1, 2012. 

• AFROTC’s best scholarship (Type 1) pays full tuition and fees (~$25,000/year at Baylor).
The second best scholarship (Type 2) pays $15,000/year. 
The majority of our cadets are on these two types of scholarships.

 
• Baylor is very generous with their merit scholarships which range from $3,000–$14,000/year.  Have your student go to http://www.baylor.edu/admissions/calculator/ and input their ACT/SAT scores and class ranking into the Scholarship Calculator to see what they could be offered.  You will be amazed.
 
•  If your student receives an AFROTC high school scholarship and brings it to Baylor, they will receive the Baylor AFROTC Incentive Scholarship worth $3,000/year.  They get this just by simply bringing the AFROTC scholarship to Baylor!
 
•  Students on scholarship also receive $900/year for books and a monthly, tax-free stipend of $300-$500.  They can use this stipend however they like (cheeseburgers and coffee??).
 
•  A student with a high school scholarship can try AFROTC their freshman year, and if they decide not to continue, they can simply walk away without having to pay back their scholarship.  No kidding!
 
•  If your student does not receive a high school scholarship, there’s an even greater opportunity to receive an AFROTC scholarship once they are at Baylor.  AFROTC has a $60 million scholarship budget to award scholarships from and as of the end of the Spring semester, 86% of Baylor cadets were on scholarship.
 
•  Baylor AFROTC is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year (the Air Force is 61 years old) and for the first time in our history, we are opening an AFROTC Living & Learning Center where cadets have the option to live among themselves.  Visit http://www.baylor.edu/rotc/llc/ for more information.

•  If you would like to come for a visit, we have a “Bunk with a Bear” program where your students can spend the night with a cadet, attend classes, eat with them, meet other cadets, take the campus tour, talk to academic advisors, and get the feel of Baylor. 

For More Information:  Click here to email or call 254-710-3513.


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101.  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE for HOME SCHOOLERS IN 21 COUNTIES ---- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit voluntary organization in the world. The Society depends on the competence, creativity and dedication of its 2 million volunteers nationwide to   achieve   its   mission.  Along  with  learning  the value  of volunteering in your community we can offer your home schooled student a way to apply all they are learning in a real world atmosphere.

Counties in the North Texas Region of the American Cancer Society:  Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Wise, Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rains, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Eastland, Comanche, Erath, Hood, Rockwall

For more information:  817-570-0612 or Click Here to email
                                  

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102.  BECOME A HOST FAMILY FOR A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT THROUGH INTO EdVENTURES HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE ORGANIZATION

Learn to Laugh in Another Language!

INTO EdVENTURES High School Exchange Organization offers you the opportunity to host a young high school student from another nation in your own home...let these incredible young people from other countries  show you their culture, up close and personal.  Welcome them as a son or daughter...touch their lives, and change their world, and your's too.  The experience will teach you and your children how another family lives across the world, while they, in turn, learn about you and the American culture...many of them love to cook and share themselves and their family with you.. They become part of your family for a lifetime.

Share your heart, your faith, your family and your home with a high school foreign exchange student. 

IF you have children at home, they can learn so much and make a life long friend.  If you do not have kids at home you will LOVE the new dimensions they will add to your life, and the new life they will give to your home.

There are boys and girls ages 15-18 from South america, Asia and Europe.  They bring their wide-eyed enthusiasm and a desire to learn our culture, and in turn share their's.

They will attend your local high school for the academic year.

IF THIS SPEAKS TO YOUR HEART...you can make a huge difference in a young person's life.  You will touch a nation, and change the world!!

All host families are volunteer
Who can become a Host Family:  
Young families with small children, families with teens, empty nesters, grand parents, even single parents!

Our host families must provide:  Room, Board, Food, and Transportation.  Host families
Must also be financially able take in another child.

The students have:  Full health insurance coverage and their own spending money ($200-$300/month, which takes care of personal things or extra things they want, and school activity expenses).  These will not have to be provided by the host family.

Student information:  Our students are boys and girls ranging in age from 15-18.  They are from South America, Asia, and Europe.   They arrive the third week of August, hopefully a week or two before school starts.

They will attend the LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL for either the ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR...OR ONE SEMESTER (either spring for fall)  

INTO EdVENTURES will share with the prospective host families the student's & letters to the host family from the student and their parents...  

How are families and students matched:  We do our best to match common interests, etc.  And once a match is made, host families can begin communicating with their new "son/daughter"...usually, the student overseas emails as soon as they hear they have been placed with a family...  THEN, MEETING THEM AT THE AIRPORT IN AUGUST… IS AWESOME!!

For more information:  817-545-5058  or Click Here to email    


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103.  MEALS ON WHEELS, INC. OF TARRANT COUNTY SEEKS HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES TO DELIVER HOT MEALS AND FRIENDSHIP

Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is a community based agency that provides meals to the homebound in Tarrant County. Delivering meals is a great community service as well as a unique learning opportunity, and we welcome students, along with adults, to be involved in the meal delivery.  Our clients depend on volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious meals along with care and compassion.

Several home school families currently volunteer for our program and we would like you to join us. 
Weekly and substitute volunteers are needed now. 
Meals are picked up from local distribution sites and delivered to homes within close proximity. 
Delivery typically takes about hour. 
If you join our volunteer team you will feel great ensuring that several Tarrant County neighbors
have received food and a friendly visit.


From a Homeschool Mom's Perspective–by Trudi L.
Benson (age 10) and I started delivering meals when he was two years old.   It's been a very rewarding experience.  We both have learned so much and met some really nice people along the way.  I incorporate our volunteer activities into our daily lessons.

Math:  We count the number of clients, meals, and milks on a route sheet; use a lot of addition and subtraction.

Reading and Spelling:  Letters and words are everywhere on a route sheet.

Science and Health:  We've learned about diabetes and good nutrition.  We also talk about different disabilities.

Social Studies/Geography: We interact with people from different socioeconomic groups.  as we deliver meals, we discuss surrounding terrain, lakes, rivers, and teh weather.  Map reading skills are also developed.

Community Service:  By providing hot, nutritious meals, we help a lot of people in our community.


For More Information:  817-336-0912


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104.  MEALS ON WHEELS OF JOHNSON & ELLIS COUNTIES SEEKS HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES TO DELIVER HOT MEALS

Volunteers Needed!!!
Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties serves the children of yesterday by helping needy elderly and disabled persons to remain independent and healthy in their own homes by providing home-delivered meals, daily personal contact, and support for individuals and their families. 

Meals-on-Wheels could not operate one day without the help of volunteers.  Dedicated, caring volunteers assist in providing hot, noontime meals.  Not only do our volunteers deliver nutritious meals, they also ensure the safety of our clients.  Daily contact is as important as the meals we serve. 

A meal route takes approximately 45 minutes to deliver with convenient pick-up sites located throughout each county.  By volunteering, you help bring hope, love, and friendship to the elderly and disabled homebound in your community. 

To Volunteer:  817-558-2840 or 972-351-9943.


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105.  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE MEALS AT THE STEWPOT IN DALLAS

Is your family or support group looking for an opportunity to help the needy?

The Stewpot is a 501c(3) organization that reaches out to the homeless of Dallas by providing meals and other services.

The Stewpot serves 3 meals a day, every single day of the year.

To meet this great need, The Stewpot is seeking volunteers  (individuals or groups of 10-15) to serve a meal once a month.

For more information:  214-746-2785 ext. 320 or Click Here    

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106.  TEXAS GLOBAL EDUCATION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Experience the world and expand your family's horizons this summer!

Open your heart and your home to a global visitor and enable your teenager to stay with a family abroad. 

Details: Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange provides several one-month home-stay opportunities.

Home-stays (instead of staying in a hotel) have many advantages:

•Experience life from the inside - not as a tourist
•Learn, appreciate, understand and evaluate another culture - and your own
•Establish a close relationship with someone - from another culture
•Develop cross-cultural understanding through communication and interaction

The focus of a cultural exchange is friendship, but lasting friendships and warm memories aren't the only results. Young people who have the opportunity to live with a host family in a foreign country or to host an international youth in their home enjoy a priceless educational experience that better prepares them for a life in a global society.
 
For more information: Call 940.241.3097
Info.texasglobaleducation@gmail.com
www.texasglobaleducation.org


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107. FREE ORGAN RECITALS IN DALLAS

Time: 12pm-12:30pm (followed by a one hour tour of the Center)
Cost: FREE

2014 Recital Dates:

Location:  Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora, Dallas, 75201
Details: Recital given by Mary Preston, resident organist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, on the Lay Family Concert Organ. This 30 minute presentation will be followed by a one-hour tour of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Reservations not required, but requested for groups of 15 or more.
For More Information or for a Group Reservation: 
214-670-3331


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108. 2014-2015 GREATER PLANO AREA COTILLION

When:  We will hold four fall and four spring cotillions, excluding December and April. Dates should be considered tentative, however, until the receipt of your invitation approximately two weeks beforehand. Tentative dates for the 2014-2015 year are: TBA
Details: We are a fellowship of homeschooling parents offering instruction to teens in etiquette and various forms of traditional dance along with the opportunity to build socialization skills and new relationships for God’s glory. The cotillion is open to homeschoolers aged 12 to 18. 2014—2015 Selective Sundays of the month 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gleneagles Country Club: 5401 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Cost: $50 non-refundable, annual registration fee per family; $25/per person for each cotillion (includes meal and dance instruction); parents may R.S.V.P. for dinner as space allows for $25
:

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If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider becoming a member supporter!  For $25 a year, your family can receive all of the benefits of membership, including $15 off THSC annual membership, discounts at various area homeschool stores and other businesses and
organizations that have partnered with us.  

Support groups can also partner with us for just $25/year, which includes a FREE HEART of Texas family membership for the primary leader of the group. Board Members of Partnering Support Groups will also receive a discounted rate to our annual Leadership Conference.  

To learn more about becoming a member supporter:  www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership 
To view our growing list of partners:  www.heartoftex.org/partners/

This newsletter is free to any and all homeschool families and support group leaders who wish to receive it!

HEART of Texas     P.O. Box 211882    Bedford, TX  76095-1882    http://www.heartoftex.org    
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