Mid-Sept 2007
HEART OF TEXAS
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-SEPTEMBER 2007 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Leaders and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this information to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
Thanks so much!
www.HEARTofTex.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling community. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, and support, as well as to encourage political participation within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups 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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REGISTER FOR PSAT/NMSQT ASAP - CALL YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The PSAT/NMSQT, also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. Additionally, the PSAT/NMSQT gives 11th graders a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. A student may take the test for practice in the years preceding his 11th grade year, but the student's test score will count toward the National Merit Scholarship program only in his 11th grade year.
OCTOBER 17 & 20
Registration Deadline: ASAP
Check with your local public high school ASAP for registration information. Most of the schools are accepting registrations beginning the week of September 17.
Schools only offer the test on one of the two official dates. Check with your local public school to find out which date they are offering the test.
By State Law, public schools that offer the PSAT/NMSQT test must allow home schoolers that live within their district to take the test. The law also states that public schools are not permitted to charge home schoolers a higher test fee than they charge their own students.
Here is a copy of the law, which went into effect September 1, 2007, for your reference:
www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB01844F.htm
If you contact a school that offers the test and they do not allow your child to register, please contact the Texas Home School Coalition by email at staff@thsc.org. Please include the following information in your correspondence:
Date you contacted the school
School District
School
Name of the person(s) you spoke with
Details of the conversation: reason(s) they give for not allowing your child to test at their school, etc.
For More Information about the PSAT/NMSQT: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
To View a Copy of a Letter from THSC President Tim Lambert to Lewisville ISD:
View Newsletter Headers
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SEPTEMBER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THSC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 26-28
Registration Deadline: October 16
Location: Lakeview Camp and Conference Center
Home School Leaders Are Cordially Invited!
Join leaders from across the state for a time of inspirational and practical workshops about bettering your home school group!
Your group will benefit from the ideas you bring home!
For More Information and to Download Registration Forms: www.thsc.org/retreat/default.asp
View Newsletter Headers
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SEPTEMBER 24
FOSSIL DIG HOME SCHOOL CLASS AND TOUR AT FOSSIL RIM
Time: 10:00 - 2:30ish
Cost: $16/person (2 and under free)
This event is multi-level --- all ages will benefit. We will take the bus downtown to the fossil pits and spend some time searching for marine fossils.
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
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FEATURED ARTICLE
13 Myths About the SAT (part 1 of 2)
By Jean Burk
Are you or your child looking forward to the college adventure? Are you moments away from being out on your own, living the dorm fiesta? You are ready to go, yet you haven't started preparing. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a hurdle that every college-bound student must face. Nearly every university in the United States requires this test for admission, and it can be a determining factor when it comes to college admission and scholarships.
Admittedly, taking this test is daunting. The idea that the results could affect your college career and possibly the rest of your life can cause anxiety and even panic. Even smart kids can do poorly on this test. What is the average student to do? The answer lies in gaining knowledge of the test structure.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the SAT, and these misconceptions can hurt one's score. Hopefully, by clearing up some of these misunderstandings, students will be better able to conquer these tests. Here is a list of thirteen common myths about the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT tests.
Myth #1 - The SAT assesses a student's knowledge.
Back to the top
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES --- SEPTEMBER
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
SEPTEMBER 27 --- Identity Theft
Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
Scams happen every day. Have you ever received a phishing email disguised as letters from government agencies? You take your garbage to the curb. Have you run those pre-approved credit offers through a cross-cut shredder? You have a Social Security card. Is it in your wallet? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you are a future victim of identity theft! Bedford Police Officer T. Sgt. Randy Gardner will present a few of the preventative measures you can take to protect your identity.
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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 901 Precinct Line Road
Hurst, TX 76053
817-788-7300
Contact: rreynaro@ci.hurst.us
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS --- Story Time
Time: 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Ages: 3-6 years old
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS --- Toddler Time
Time: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Ages: 1-3 years old
MONDAYS ---- Chess Club
Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
Ages: Elementary ages and up
(all events are free and open to the public)
SEPTEMBER 19 --- Talk Like a Pirate Day
OCTOBER 4 --- Anime Club
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Ages: 7th - 12th graders
If you enjoy anime-watching it and talking about it-this is the place for you! Add snacks, door prizes, and other teens that love anime, too, just for fun!
OCTOBER 11 --- Teen Pulse Network
Time: 6:30 - 8:00
Ages: Teens
Wanted: Teens! If you love the Library and have a sense of fun and lots of opinions, we need you! Become an active part of the Hurst Public Library.
OCTOBER 31 --- Boo Books
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Ages: all
Treat yourself to a special story time where slightly scary and funny stories are the order of the afternoon. Add to that some mildly spooky activities to get you in a trick-or-treat mood! Costumes are optional but encouraged.
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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location: 201 S. College Ave
In the Exhibit Cases:
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER: Native American Artifacts from the personal collection of Joe Martinez
ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Time: 10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families
AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS (Beginning September 13)
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school "reading buddies"
Printed Page Players
OCTOBER 4 --- Don't Drink the Water (1966) by Woody Allen
A Cold War farce that keeps its sting!
An American family is forced to seek asylum in the American embassy of a small Iron Curtain country after being mistakenly pursued as spies. As the play progresses, Walter Hollander, his wife Marion, and daughter Susan try to prove their innocence. The ineffectual assistance of Axel McGee who is filling in in the absence of his ambassador father, the fear of being shot by Russion official Krojack, and the impossibility of living with the efficiency expert Kilroy all combine to make life miserable and the play hilarious.
OCTOBER 1-4 --- Teddy Bear Picnic Time: 10:30 in Taylor Auditorium Bring your Teddy Bear and join storyteller Evelyn James and friends for songs, stories, and Teddy Bear FUN! Ages: For preschoolers and their families, as well as childcare groups. Registration required for groups.
OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 2 --- Come in Costume and receive a free Book!!
Visit the Library in your costume this week and receive a free "previously loved" book from our Book Sale Kids' collection.
American Girl Reading Club
SEPTEMBER 15 --- Changes for Kirsten- A girl of the American Frontier
OCTOBER 20 - Changes for Samantha - A girl of Victorian America
Times: 10 - Noon in Taylor Auditorium
Texas Writers Network
OCTOBER 6
Time: 10:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. in Taylor Auditorium
Scene & Story with award winning author Jory Sherman
Discover Jory's simple yet comprehensive method to creating and developing the story you want to write.
Sherman began his literary career as a poet in San Francisco's famed North Beach during the heyday of the "Beat Generation." He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for the novel Grass Kingdom and was a Spur Award winner from Western Writers of America for his novel The Medicine Horn. Since 1965, Sherman has authored 4 books of poetry, over 1000 articles, 500 short stories, and more than 300 books with publishers like Doubleday, Zebra, Avon, Berkley, Tor, Forge, Pinnacle, The First Ozark Press, White Oak Press, Harlequin and Bantam.
Workbook provided. Feel free to bring your laptop and your lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Writers' Workshop
OCTOBER 14 (usually 2nd Sunday of each month)
Time: 2 - 4:40 p.m. in Taylor Auditorium
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2. BEST ROBOTICS 2007 PREVIEW: 2021: A ROBOT ODYSSEY
Get the first look at the theme for this year's competition!
Visit: http://www.bestinc.org/MVC/
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.
Frontier Trails BEST -- Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2007
South's BEST --- December 7-8, 2007
Texas BEST -- To be announced
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3. THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR 2007-2008
From their NEW SPACE at 15th and Custer!!
Plano's THEO - The Outsourcing Solution for Home Schoolers---was born to fill in the gaps of what is available to North Texas home educated students. We strive to offer classes which require a large pool of students to "make."
We chose a centrally placed location, one mile north of George Bush Tollway and two miles west of 75, to provide classes for the home educated junior high and high school student who wants something different.
Bursting at the seams with newly added shop and drafting, sign language, chorus, theater and speech and even a writing club for those students (or adults) who love to write and long to be published, THEO has a heart to help families homeschool through high school, without missing out on the highly academic classes or extracurricular classes offered by public and private schools.
After all, you can hardly have a writing club for excellent writers if you are pulling only from a few hundred families....but you can if you are pulling the best writers from all over the metroplex....same goes for chorus and band a/k/a Instrumental Ensemble....
Academic Tutoring Available:
THEO also offers academic tutoring in a classroom setting for math, science, Spanish, writing, Worldview and more. THEO caters to 6-12th grade, but Paula Smith offers science for all grades from our same great location through The Science Resource. www.thescienceresource.com
For more information:
Visit www.THEOsonline.org to learn more,
or visit us at the Plano Book Fair on August 17 or 18 OR
visit us at our new home, 1301 Custer Road, Suite 616, Plano, TX 75075.
Please visit www.THEOsonline.org to learn more. Or visit us at the Plano Book Fair on August 17 or 18.
Location: THEO's New Location:
1301 Custer Road, Suite 616
Plano, TX 75075
For More Information: www.THEOsonline.org
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4. CLASSES AND ACHIEVEMENT TESTING AVAILABLE AT CERC IN ROWLETT
Academic Classes
Classes are underway for the Fall Semester, providing area families core junior high and high school courses, as well as, enrichment classes that make learning fun!
Pre-Calc and Spanish I have just been added to our calendar, beginning Oct. 1st!
If you are interested in teaching for the Spring Semester, get your Registration packet in soon. You can find the packet on-line under Teachers.
Achievement Testing
CERC offers monthly standardized achievement testing. Please contact the store for more details.
CERC Student Productions and Identity Fine Arts Classes Offered in the Fall Semester:
SEPTEMBER 15, 22, 29; OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27l NOVEMER 3, 10, 17
FA1106 Creative Drama Chey Macalik
Time: Sat 10-10:30
Tuition: $50 Supplies Fee: $5
Ages: 5-7 Grades: K-3
Let your child step into a world of make-believe using theatre games, activities, stories, movement, music and imagination. Creative drama classes promote listening skills, body awareness, teamwork, creative thinking, speaking, and nurtures the creative spirit and confident self expression in each child.
* A class presentation will be prepared for the parents Nov 17th
FA1107 Acting I Chey Macalik
Time:10:30-11:15
Tuition: $75 for the dates above or two payments of $40 Supplies Fee: $5
Ages: 8-11 Grades: 3-6
Hours of homework per week: 0-1
Come and learn the basics of acting through pantomime, theatre games, readers theatre, movement, speaking and having fun. Benefits of acting include: confidence, creative problem solving, thinking on your feet, team work, speaking in front of a group and empathy for others.
* A class presentation will be prepared for the parents Nov 17th
FA1108 Production Class: 'Best Christmas Pageant Ever'
Time: 11:15-2:00
Additional rehearsals will be added as necessary closer to performance
Perfomances: Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 8
Tuition: $120 for the dates above or two payments of $65 Supplies Fee: $25
Ages: 8+ Grades: 3+
Hours of homework per week: 2-4
Min/Max Students: 15/20
This year, Grace Bradley and the Bradley Family have to take over their church's annual Christmas pageant after the original play director, Mrs. Armstrong, broke her leg. To make matters worse, Charlie Bradley told Leroy Herdman, one of six horrible Herdman kids who curse, smoke, swear, and steal that people who go to Sunday School get free refreshments. This makes the Herdmans infiltrate the only safe haven in all of town. The next Sunday during Sunday school, Imogene Herdman heard about a pageant, and became interested in this "Christmas Pageant" and decided to sign all the Herdmans up for all the main, important parts. This could only mean one thing; TROUBLE! In the end, the Herdmans find out the true meaning of love.
** Tryouts: September 8, 2007 10am - 2pm
Register by filling out the forms under Classes on our website
and mail-in or bring-in to our store.
For Registration and Other Information: http://www.cerconline.org/testingindex.html
Location: Christian Educators Resource Center
3810 Industrial, Suite 300
Rowlett, TX 75088
Contact: 972-475-4138
www.cerconline.org
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5. LEWISVILLE AREA HOME SCHOOL SPEECH --- INTRO TO COMPETITIVE SPEECH CLASSES
Registration Open!
Class Dates: August 2007 Through May 2008
Tuesday afternoons
Grade Levels: 6th-8th Grades
Where: Valley Creek Church in Flower Mound
Cost: $40/month
Contact for More Information: Lisa Tetsch
tetsch@juno.com
Class Description: Each semester students will participate in three different Individual Events (IE's). We will concentrate on all aspects of expression-voice inflection, articulation, pace, timing, facial expression, eye contact and physical delivery (blocking, gestures, poise, energy and passion). At the end of each semester the students will participate in a speech competition rated by judges. Students are greatly encouraged and confidence is strengthened. This is a fun class! Even reluctant first-timers will enjoy it.
Year 1, Semester 1 (Fall 2007)
1. Literary Interpretation (children's story)
2. Oratorical Interpretation (famous speech)
3. Expository (self-written) Students will also recite a poem and play impromptu games. These games teach creative, quick thinking and build confidence.
Year 1, Semester 2 (Spring 2008)
1. Oratory (monologue from book/movie)
2. Nomination/Acceptance speech (working in pairs, self-written)
3. Persuasion (self-written) We will cover humor and play more impromptu games. These games begin to prepare students for Limited Preparation speeches.
In addition to speaking, we will be discussing and memorizing scripture regarding our speech. There is a difference between public speaking, as we defend what we believe, and the speech we use in personal relationships (boldness vs. humility).
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6. HOMESCHOOLERS EAST CO-OP CLASSES --- EAST DALLAS
SEPTEMBER 22 --- Classes Start
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)
For Class Schedule: http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dzg7xwz_5hcrtr2&pli=1
Application: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/club_expressions/files/Application Materials/
Contact For More Information: Sandra Carey at club_expressions@yahoo.com
To Join Their Yahoo Group: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/clulb_expressions/
Location: The Summit Church
4101 East Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75074
We are seeking a passionate and qualified leader for speech and debate and a model UN leader for our 4th-8th graders.
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7. LEGACY HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT FIRST BAPTIST EULESS
Currently Enrolling for 2007-2008 School Year --- Science, History, and Fine Arts Classes
Grade: K-8
Contact: Laura Lewis at 817-267-3313 ext 267
Email: legacy@discoveryfirst.org
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8. ELEMENTARY CHOIR, MUSIC, BAND CLASSES --- REGISTRATION OPEN
SEPTEMBER 4 --- Classes Begin
Register Now for Fall Elementary Choir/Music and Band Classes
Music and Band for Homeschoolers
Elementary Choir/Music class. Grades 1-4.
Concerts, choir contest, rhythm instruments, recorders
(grades 3&4), folk songs, folk dancing, music
fundamentals, class instruction
Band-Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.
Grades 5-12.
Concerts, Band contest, Band Solo & Ensemble
Contest, class instruction, all band instruments
taught (see singandplay website for important
information.).
All classes begin week of September 4, 2007 after
Labor Day. Choice of five locations and days.
For Fall class schedule, and information: www.singandplay.com
or email
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-SEPTEMBER 2007 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Leaders and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this information to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
Thanks so much!
www.HEARTofTex.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling community. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, and support, as well as to encourage political participation within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups 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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~~September
Highlights~~
SEPTEMBER
REGISTER FOR PSAT/NMSQT ASAP - CALL YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The PSAT/NMSQT, also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. Additionally, the PSAT/NMSQT gives 11th graders a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. A student may take the test for practice in the years preceding his 11th grade year, but the student's test score will count toward the National Merit Scholarship program only in his 11th grade year.
OCTOBER 17 & 20
Registration Deadline: ASAP
Check with your local public high school ASAP for registration information. Most of the schools are accepting registrations beginning the week of September 17.
Schools only offer the test on one of the two official dates. Check with your local public school to find out which date they are offering the test.
By State Law, public schools that offer the PSAT/NMSQT test must allow home schoolers that live within their district to take the test. The law also states that public schools are not permitted to charge home schoolers a higher test fee than they charge their own students.
Here is a copy of the law, which went into effect September 1, 2007, for your reference:
www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB01844F.htm
If you contact a school that offers the test and they do not allow your child to register, please contact the Texas Home School Coalition by email at staff@thsc.org. Please include the following information in your correspondence:
Date you contacted the school
School District
School
Name of the person(s) you spoke with
Details of the conversation: reason(s) they give for not allowing your child to test at their school, etc.
For More Information about the PSAT/NMSQT: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
To View a Copy of a Letter from THSC President Tim Lambert to Lewisville ISD:
View Newsletter Headers
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SEPTEMBER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THSC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 26-28
Registration Deadline: October 16
Location: Lakeview Camp and Conference Center
Home School Leaders Are Cordially Invited!
Join leaders from across the state for a time of inspirational and practical workshops about bettering your home school group!
Your group will benefit from the ideas you bring home!
For More Information and to Download Registration Forms: www.thsc.org/retreat/default.asp
View Newsletter Headers
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SEPTEMBER 24
FOSSIL DIG HOME SCHOOL CLASS AND TOUR AT FOSSIL RIM
Time: 10:00 - 2:30ish
Cost: $16/person (2 and under free)
This event is multi-level --- all ages will benefit. We will take the bus downtown to the fossil pits and spend some time searching for marine fossils.
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
(Click on the links
below)
FEATURED
ARTICLE
13 Myths About the
SAT (part 1 of 2) --- Article by
Jean Burk, SAT/PSAT Prep Specialist
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
- Library Programs at North Texas Libraries --- September
- Lewisville Area Homeschool Speech --- Intro to Competitive Speech Classes --- Registration Open
- Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes --- East Dallas --- Classes Begin September 26
- Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist in Euless --- Registration Open
- Elementary Choir, Music, and Band Classes --- www.singandplay.com --- Classes Start Sept 4
- Library Used Book Sales in North Texas --- September
Ennis, TX - Sept
20-22
Euless, TX - Sept
21-23
Arlington, TX - Sept.
27-30
Decatur, TX -
September
Sherman, TX -
September
Denton,TX - October
13
- Sharkarosa Open-to-the-Public Days --- September
- Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater --- Closed Until Spring 2008
- Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature - September
- Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs --- September
- Performances at Casa Manana Children's Playhouse --- September
Treasure Island ---
September 28 - October 4
- Performances at CATS --- Arlington --- September
Honk, Jr. --- September 28
- October 7
- Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater ---Hurst --- September
No Time for Sergeants ---
Through September 21 - October 13
Little Miss Muffet and the
Ditzy Knitting Spider --- Through September
24 - Oct 12
- CATS Home School Theatre Classes --- Arlington --- Registration Open for 2007-2008 School Year
- Texas Ballet Theater Performances --- September
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History --- Through Sept 3
- Dallas Museum of Art Exhibit --- September
- Amon Carter Museum Exhibits - September
- Texas Discovery Gardens --- September
- Maritime Merry Time Tuesdays (Open Homeschool Swim) --- The Colony Aquatic Park --- Tuesdays Through December 18
- Day Camps at Camp Tonkawa --- September
- Heritage Farmstead Museum --- Plano --- September
- Book It! Reading Program --- Now Enrolling for 2007-2008
- Braum's Book Buddy Reading Program - Now Enrolling for 2007-2008
- Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas --- August
Arlington - September
25
Athens/Tyler Area - October
16
Denton - October 4
North Richland Hills -
October 1
Plano - September 25
- Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History --- September
- Programs at Log Cabin Village --- Fort Worth --- September
- Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization --- Registration Open
- How to Use Your TI Calculator Workshop --- CERC in Rowlett --- September 17 or 27
- Meet Christian Author Bryan Davis --- Longview, Plano, Garland --- September 20 and 22
- TJEd Meeting: A Thomas Jefferson Education --- Colleyville --- September 22
- Plano Balloon Festival --- Plano --- September 21-23
- Fossil Dig Home School Class and Tour --- Fossil Rim --- September 24
- Volunteers Needed for Little Hands on the Farm --- State Fair of Texas ---- Sept 28 -Oct 21
- Explore Fort Worth Museums for FREE - 2nd Annual Day in the District --- September 29
- Keller 4H Club Meeting --- Keller --- October 2
- Lone Star History Day: A Special Day for Homeschoolers --- Dallas Heritage Village - October 5
- THESA High School and Junior High Baseball Tryouts --- October 6
- Irving 1st Annual Home School Showcase --- Lee Park Recreation Center - October 6
- Farmstead Family Festival --- Heritage Farmstead in Plano --- October 6
- Homeschool Robin Hood Day Camp - Fossil Rim - October 8
- Wild Home School Days at Sharkarosa --- October 9 & 10
- Official PSAT/NMSQT Testing Dates - October 17 and 20
- HSAA Varsity and Junior Varsity Baseball Tryouts --- Richardson --- October 20, 23, 25, 27
- THSC Leadership Training Conference ---- Waxahachie --- October 26-28
- Home School Nature Journaling Event and Tour at Fossil Rim --- October 29
- Registration Under Way at Tarrant County College for Home School Classes --- FREE MATH ASSESSMENT
- Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties --- American Cancer Society
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FEATURED ARTICLE
13 Myths About the SAT (part 1 of 2)
By Jean Burk
Are you or your child looking forward to the college adventure? Are you moments away from being out on your own, living the dorm fiesta? You are ready to go, yet you haven't started preparing. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a hurdle that every college-bound student must face. Nearly every university in the United States requires this test for admission, and it can be a determining factor when it comes to college admission and scholarships.
Admittedly, taking this test is daunting. The idea that the results could affect your college career and possibly the rest of your life can cause anxiety and even panic. Even smart kids can do poorly on this test. What is the average student to do? The answer lies in gaining knowledge of the test structure.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the SAT, and these misconceptions can hurt one's score. Hopefully, by clearing up some of these misunderstandings, students will be better able to conquer these tests. Here is a list of thirteen common myths about the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT tests.
Myth #1 - The SAT assesses a student's knowledge.
False: This test is
all about reasoning and logic. It contains
universal questions that anyone can answer
regardless of their academic background
(public, private, or home-school). So all
that stuff about Abraham Lincoln and
microeconomics: throw it out the window.
There are three sections: math, verbal, and
writing, and these test your critical
thinking and basic skill level, not your
knowledge.
Myth #2 - Take the
SAT in your senior year.
False: Don't wait
until the senior year! I repeat: this is
not a knowledge-based test. You
should be able to answer most of the
questions by ninth grade. Universities
generally take applications in the fall
before you graduate, and most of these
applications require SAT scores, so if you
waited to take it, you may not be able to
apply to the college of your choice. Also,
you can take the SAT multiple times, so if
you take it early, you can take it again if
you're not satisfied with your score. Give
yourself some leeway room, and don't add
pressure to your final year of high school
by waiting to take the SAT.
Myth #3 - The
PSAT/NMSQT is a practice SAT and is not
important.
False: The letter "P"
actually stands for Preliminary, not
Practice. The NMSQT stands for National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This
means that this test can actually earn you
scholarships! If you do well, this one test
can give you a free-ride to just about any
college. Take this test seriously. It only
counts in your junior year for scholarships,
but take it for practice in ninth and tenth
grades.
Myth #4 - You only
have one chance at the PSAT/NMSQT
test.
False: Although the
PSAT/NSQT is only offered once every fall.
If the need arises, you can take the
alternative testing method. You will need to
contact The National Merit Corporation
before March. Students would then take the
regular SAT 1 and their score would be
converted. Students will still be eligible
for scholarships. The test can be taken
several times since the will take the
highest score.
Myth #5 - Students
should guess on SAT answers if you don't know
them.
False: There is a
penalty for guessing on a question and being
wrong. One-fourth of a point will be
subtracted from your raw score. This may not
seem like a lot, but over the ten sections
of the SAT, it could really add up. By
understanding that the questions can point
you to the answer, it's a matter of
eliminating all the wrong answers first and
then being left with the correct one. If you
aren't able to confidently eliminate a few
answers, you should probably skip the
question.
(Look for Myths 6-13
in our October issue)
Jean Burk is a published author,
speaker and teacher. She has been featured on
television as an expert on the SAT and PSAT
tests, College Prep and How to Get Free
College. Jean is also a "completed" home
school mom. Both of her children received
incredible scholarships because of their PSAT
and SAT scores. She has been teaching her
"Master the SAT" Prep Class in the D/FW area
and many surrounding cities. She also travels
and speaks about her book College Prep
Genius. You may contact her at
Jean@collegeprepgenius.com
or visit her site at
www.collegeprepgenius.com.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES --- SEPTEMBER
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
SEPTEMBER 27 --- Identity Theft
Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
Scams happen every day. Have you ever received a phishing email disguised as letters from government agencies? You take your garbage to the curb. Have you run those pre-approved credit offers through a cross-cut shredder? You have a Social Security card. Is it in your wallet? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you are a future victim of identity theft! Bedford Police Officer T. Sgt. Randy Gardner will present a few of the preventative measures you can take to protect your identity.
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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 901 Precinct Line Road
Hurst, TX 76053
817-788-7300
Contact: rreynaro@ci.hurst.us
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS --- Story Time
Time: 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Ages: 3-6 years old
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS --- Toddler Time
Time: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Ages: 1-3 years old
MONDAYS ---- Chess Club
Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
Ages: Elementary ages and up
(all events are free and open to the public)
SEPTEMBER 19 --- Talk Like a Pirate Day
OCTOBER 4 --- Anime Club
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Ages: 7th - 12th graders
If you enjoy anime-watching it and talking about it-this is the place for you! Add snacks, door prizes, and other teens that love anime, too, just for fun!
OCTOBER 11 --- Teen Pulse Network
Time: 6:30 - 8:00
Ages: Teens
Wanted: Teens! If you love the Library and have a sense of fun and lots of opinions, we need you! Become an active part of the Hurst Public Library.
OCTOBER 31 --- Boo Books
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Ages: all
Treat yourself to a special story time where slightly scary and funny stories are the order of the afternoon. Add to that some mildly spooky activities to get you in a trick-or-treat mood! Costumes are optional but encouraged.
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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
In the Exhibit Cases:
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER: Native American Artifacts from the personal collection of Joe Martinez
ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Time: 10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families
AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS (Beginning September 13)
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school "reading buddies"
Printed Page Players
OCTOBER 4 --- Don't Drink the Water (1966) by Woody Allen
A Cold War farce that keeps its sting!
An American family is forced to seek asylum in the American embassy of a small Iron Curtain country after being mistakenly pursued as spies. As the play progresses, Walter Hollander, his wife Marion, and daughter Susan try to prove their innocence. The ineffectual assistance of Axel McGee who is filling in in the absence of his ambassador father, the fear of being shot by Russion official Krojack, and the impossibility of living with the efficiency expert Kilroy all combine to make life miserable and the play hilarious.
OCTOBER 1-4 --- Teddy Bear Picnic Time: 10:30 in Taylor Auditorium Bring your Teddy Bear and join storyteller Evelyn James and friends for songs, stories, and Teddy Bear FUN! Ages: For preschoolers and their families, as well as childcare groups. Registration required for groups.
OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 2 --- Come in Costume and receive a free Book!!
Visit the Library in your costume this week and receive a free "previously loved" book from our Book Sale Kids' collection.
American Girl Reading Club
SEPTEMBER 15 --- Changes for Kirsten- A girl of the American Frontier
OCTOBER 20 - Changes for Samantha - A girl of Victorian America
Times: 10 - Noon in Taylor Auditorium
Texas Writers Network
OCTOBER 6
Time: 10:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. in Taylor Auditorium
Scene & Story with award winning author Jory Sherman
Discover Jory's simple yet comprehensive method to creating and developing the story you want to write.
Sherman began his literary career as a poet in San Francisco's famed North Beach during the heyday of the "Beat Generation." He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for the novel Grass Kingdom and was a Spur Award winner from Western Writers of America for his novel The Medicine Horn. Since 1965, Sherman has authored 4 books of poetry, over 1000 articles, 500 short stories, and more than 300 books with publishers like Doubleday, Zebra, Avon, Berkley, Tor, Forge, Pinnacle, The First Ozark Press, White Oak Press, Harlequin and Bantam.
Workbook provided. Feel free to bring your laptop and your lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Writers' Workshop
OCTOBER 14 (usually 2nd Sunday of each month)
Time: 2 - 4:40 p.m. in Taylor Auditorium
Informal gathering of
writers and aspiring writers for mutual
support, critique, and networking.
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2. BEST ROBOTICS 2007 PREVIEW: 2021: A ROBOT ODYSSEY
Get the first look at the theme for this year's competition!
Visit: http://www.bestinc.org/MVC/
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.
Frontier Trails BEST -- Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2007
South's BEST --- December 7-8, 2007
Texas BEST -- To be announced
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3. THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR 2007-2008
From their NEW SPACE at 15th and Custer!!
Plano's THEO - The Outsourcing Solution for Home Schoolers---was born to fill in the gaps of what is available to North Texas home educated students. We strive to offer classes which require a large pool of students to "make."
We chose a centrally placed location, one mile north of George Bush Tollway and two miles west of 75, to provide classes for the home educated junior high and high school student who wants something different.
Bursting at the seams with newly added shop and drafting, sign language, chorus, theater and speech and even a writing club for those students (or adults) who love to write and long to be published, THEO has a heart to help families homeschool through high school, without missing out on the highly academic classes or extracurricular classes offered by public and private schools.
After all, you can hardly have a writing club for excellent writers if you are pulling only from a few hundred families....but you can if you are pulling the best writers from all over the metroplex....same goes for chorus and band a/k/a Instrumental Ensemble....
Academic Tutoring Available:
THEO also offers academic tutoring in a classroom setting for math, science, Spanish, writing, Worldview and more. THEO caters to 6-12th grade, but Paula Smith offers science for all grades from our same great location through The Science Resource. www.thescienceresource.com
For more information:
Visit www.THEOsonline.org to learn more,
or visit us at the Plano Book Fair on August 17 or 18 OR
visit us at our new home, 1301 Custer Road, Suite 616, Plano, TX 75075.
Please visit www.THEOsonline.org to learn more. Or visit us at the Plano Book Fair on August 17 or 18.
Location: THEO's New Location:
1301 Custer Road, Suite 616
Plano, TX 75075
For More Information: www.THEOsonline.org
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4. CLASSES AND ACHIEVEMENT TESTING AVAILABLE AT CERC IN ROWLETT
Academic Classes
Classes are underway for the Fall Semester, providing area families core junior high and high school courses, as well as, enrichment classes that make learning fun!
Pre-Calc and Spanish I have just been added to our calendar, beginning Oct. 1st!
If you are interested in teaching for the Spring Semester, get your Registration packet in soon. You can find the packet on-line under Teachers.
Achievement Testing
CERC offers monthly standardized achievement testing. Please contact the store for more details.
CERC Student Productions and Identity Fine Arts Classes Offered in the Fall Semester:
SEPTEMBER 15, 22, 29; OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27l NOVEMER 3, 10, 17
FA1106 Creative Drama Chey Macalik
Time: Sat 10-10:30
Tuition: $50 Supplies Fee: $5
Ages: 5-7 Grades: K-3
Let your child step into a world of make-believe using theatre games, activities, stories, movement, music and imagination. Creative drama classes promote listening skills, body awareness, teamwork, creative thinking, speaking, and nurtures the creative spirit and confident self expression in each child.
* A class presentation will be prepared for the parents Nov 17th
FA1107 Acting I Chey Macalik
Time:10:30-11:15
Tuition: $75 for the dates above or two payments of $40 Supplies Fee: $5
Ages: 8-11 Grades: 3-6
Hours of homework per week: 0-1
Come and learn the basics of acting through pantomime, theatre games, readers theatre, movement, speaking and having fun. Benefits of acting include: confidence, creative problem solving, thinking on your feet, team work, speaking in front of a group and empathy for others.
* A class presentation will be prepared for the parents Nov 17th
FA1108 Production Class: 'Best Christmas Pageant Ever'
Time: 11:15-2:00
Additional rehearsals will be added as necessary closer to performance
Perfomances: Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 8
Tuition: $120 for the dates above or two payments of $65 Supplies Fee: $25
Ages: 8+ Grades: 3+
Hours of homework per week: 2-4
Min/Max Students: 15/20
This year, Grace Bradley and the Bradley Family have to take over their church's annual Christmas pageant after the original play director, Mrs. Armstrong, broke her leg. To make matters worse, Charlie Bradley told Leroy Herdman, one of six horrible Herdman kids who curse, smoke, swear, and steal that people who go to Sunday School get free refreshments. This makes the Herdmans infiltrate the only safe haven in all of town. The next Sunday during Sunday school, Imogene Herdman heard about a pageant, and became interested in this "Christmas Pageant" and decided to sign all the Herdmans up for all the main, important parts. This could only mean one thing; TROUBLE! In the end, the Herdmans find out the true meaning of love.
** Tryouts: September 8, 2007 10am - 2pm
Register by filling out the forms under Classes on our website
and mail-in or bring-in to our store.
For Registration and Other Information: http://www.cerconline.org/testingindex.html
Location: Christian Educators Resource Center
3810 Industrial, Suite 300
Rowlett, TX 75088
Contact: 972-475-4138
www.cerconline.org
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5. LEWISVILLE AREA HOME SCHOOL SPEECH --- INTRO TO COMPETITIVE SPEECH CLASSES
Registration Open!
Class Dates: August 2007 Through May 2008
Tuesday afternoons
Grade Levels: 6th-8th Grades
Where: Valley Creek Church in Flower Mound
Cost: $40/month
Contact for More Information: Lisa Tetsch
tetsch@juno.com
Class Description: Each semester students will participate in three different Individual Events (IE's). We will concentrate on all aspects of expression-voice inflection, articulation, pace, timing, facial expression, eye contact and physical delivery (blocking, gestures, poise, energy and passion). At the end of each semester the students will participate in a speech competition rated by judges. Students are greatly encouraged and confidence is strengthened. This is a fun class! Even reluctant first-timers will enjoy it.
Year 1, Semester 1 (Fall 2007)
1. Literary Interpretation (children's story)
2. Oratorical Interpretation (famous speech)
3. Expository (self-written) Students will also recite a poem and play impromptu games. These games teach creative, quick thinking and build confidence.
Year 1, Semester 2 (Spring 2008)
1. Oratory (monologue from book/movie)
2. Nomination/Acceptance speech (working in pairs, self-written)
3. Persuasion (self-written) We will cover humor and play more impromptu games. These games begin to prepare students for Limited Preparation speeches.
In addition to speaking, we will be discussing and memorizing scripture regarding our speech. There is a difference between public speaking, as we defend what we believe, and the speech we use in personal relationships (boldness vs. humility).
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6. HOMESCHOOLERS EAST CO-OP CLASSES --- EAST DALLAS
SEPTEMBER 22 --- Classes Start
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)
For Class Schedule: http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dzg7xwz_5hcrtr2&pli=1
Application: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/club_expressions/files/Application Materials/
Contact For More Information: Sandra Carey at club_expressions@yahoo.com
To Join Their Yahoo Group: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/clulb_expressions/
Location: The Summit Church
4101 East Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75074
We are seeking a passionate and qualified leader for speech and debate and a model UN leader for our 4th-8th graders.
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7. LEGACY HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT FIRST BAPTIST EULESS
Currently Enrolling for 2007-2008 School Year --- Science, History, and Fine Arts Classes
Grade: K-8
Contact: Laura Lewis at 817-267-3313 ext 267
Email: legacy@discoveryfirst.org
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8. ELEMENTARY CHOIR, MUSIC, BAND CLASSES --- REGISTRATION OPEN
SEPTEMBER 4 --- Classes Begin
Register Now for Fall Elementary Choir/Music and Band Classes
Music and Band for Homeschoolers
Elementary Choir/Music class. Grades 1-4.
Concerts, choir contest, rhythm instruments, recorders
(grades 3&4), folk songs, folk dancing, music
fundamentals, class instruction
Band-Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.
Grades 5-12.
Concerts, Band contest, Band Solo & Ensemble
Contest, class instruction, all band instruments
taught (see singandplay website for important
information.).
All classes begin week of September 4, 2007 after
Labor Day. Choice of five locations and days.
For Fall class schedule, and information: www.singandplay.com
or email