Mid-October 2007
HEART OF TEXAS
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-OCTOBER 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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HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
HIGHLAND PARK AND SOUTHLAKE LOCATIONS
We are very excited to announce that the Velocity Sports Performance locations in Highland Park and Southlake have partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special discounts to homeschoolers!
The PE programs at Velocity Sports are taught by trained, degreed coaches who have coached college, proessional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
Please Note: Each Velocity Sports location is independently owned and operated, and offer different pricing and discount rates for their classes. Please contact the location directly for more information.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 26-28
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THSC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 26-28
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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OCTOBER 29
HOME SCHOOL NATURE JOURNALING EVENT AND TOUR --- FOSSIL RIM
Time: 10 - 4ish
Cost: Cost will be on a sliding scale. Bring your friends along and reduce your cost.
10-11 people signed up, cost for entire day will be 40 per person,
12-15 people - $30 per person
16-19 people - $25 per person
20 or more - $20 per person
children 2 and under free
Learn 4 different nature journaling techniques. During our art class, learn some basic art techniques to enhance your nature journaling experiences. Our bus tour will stop at 3 different locations where we will spend some time drawing.
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER
REGISTER TODAY FOR ROCKWALL LOCAL HOME SCHOOL BEE
Rockwall Local Spelling Bee (Sponsored by Christian Family HEAD/HEAR)
Date Held: January 7, 2008
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Rockwall ISD Administration Gymnasium
To Register: Send Registration Fee to Amy Brubaker
601 Wilderness
Royce City, TX 75189
For More Information: Contact Amy at abhomeschool@yahoo.com
or Shari Nelson at gregnshari@verizon.net
Registration: 1st-3rd grade $2 Spelling lists www.christianfamilyhead.org
Forms and Notebooks
4th-8th grade $5 Spell It! Books are available immediately
upon registration
**There is now a family maximum registration fee of $12 **
Please include the following information with your registration payment:
Student’s Name Student Grade (Competing In)
Parents’ Names Full Address Email Home/Cell Phone
View Newsletter Headers
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLE
How to Prepare for the PSAT --- Article by Jean Burk, SAT/PSAT Prep Specialist
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
COMPETITIVE EVENTS
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
BOOK SALES
PERFORMING ARTS
ART MUSEUMS
IMAX THEATERS
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
SUPPORT GROUPS
OTHER OCTOBER EVENTS BY DATE
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FEATURED ARTICLE
How to Prepare for the PSAT
By Jean Burk
If you are taking the PSAT on October 17 or 20th, here are some pointers to help you succeed:
Night before test:
Go to bed early
Have all your supplies ready:
Several sharpened #2 pencils
Calculator
Watch
Snack
Sweater or layered clothing
Earplugs if easily distracted
Day of Test:
Eat a light breakfast
Leave early
Remember that the test is over 2 1⁄2 hours long. (Four sections at 25 minutes and one section at 30 minutes.) The test is a time-management test so your goal is to work the answers as quickly as possible. Most students do not finish each section in the allotted time because they work the problems the long way instead of the short way. This is a test of logic and reasoning. Students should never have to look at all five answers. This is a standardized test and The College Board uses recurring patterns that can be figured out.
CRITICAL READING
Sentence Completion
Look for the key SCOPE words that point you to the answer. Predict what type of word will go in each blank.
Passage-Based Reading
Remember the three question types and that they are all answered differently.
1. Line Citation- Circle the citation to find the answer
2. Vocabulary Use- Don’t fall for the common word trick.
3. Overall Passage- This answer can be found in key spots without reading the passage numerous times.
MATH SECTION
Look for the short way to answer each question. (substitute, reduce, cancel, convert…) Look for hidden patterns like opposite attracts, double or nothing and clones. Start testing answers from the middle. (C). Look for ways not to use your calculator since the more calculations, the bigger chance for mistakes.
WRITING
Sentence Error
You must make sure the subject and verb agree. There are usually 20% no error.
Improving Sentences
Find what is wrong with the underlined portion and mark off the answers that have the same problem.
Improving Paragraphs
This is a combination of Critical Reading and Improving Sentences. Look for punctuation problems. Watch out for inferences and the test is always objective so there is one right answer and it is found in the text. Also, look at the first words-they can often point you to the answer.
The most important thing to remember to do is: Relax!!
This is not the end of the world! Remember you still have the SAT to take which has the same patterns and question types.
Good Luck on the PSAT!
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 --- OCTOBER
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS --- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS --- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. - 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
October Themes:
2 - The Man on the Moon
9 - Soup, Soup, Soup!
16 - Old MacDonald’s Garden
23 - Creepy Tales
30 - Spider Webs
WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 10 --- Spanish Basics
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Board Room
It’s never too late to learn a new language! Bedford Public Library is pleased to offer FREE Spanish language classes. Ms. Bianca Zayas will introduce the basics of Spanish on Wednesday mornings beginning October 10. Spanish Basics will be offered for 6 weeks before we begin a new class.
No Registration Required
OCTOBER 28 --- Party at the Library!
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
The Friend of the Library are hosting a party for the whole family during their annual membership drive. Join us on the Library’s Front Porch to enjoy a bounce house, crafts, balloon benders, and refreshments. Becoming a Friend is easy! Memberships range from $3/Student/Senior, $5/Individual, $10/Family, $25/Benefator, $50 Business Sponsor. Your membership or monetary donations are tax-deductible.
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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)
OCTOBER 18 - Amon Carter Museum Presentation:
American Art 24/7: A Virtual Tour of the Amon Carter Museum
"Learn about the online opportunities to study or simply enjoy digital versions of American art Masterworks. Explore the Amon Carter Museum website and find resources that will enrich your next "in person" visit to the museum."
For More Information: 817-788-7301
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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McKINNEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
Contact: Wendy Turner - wturner@mckinneytexas.org
Home School Programs
OCTOBER 15 -Research Gathering Skills
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many
resources.
Registration Required
OCTOBER 30 -Research Gathering Skills
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many
resources.
Registration Required
For More Information or To Register: Contact Wendy Turner at 972-547-7319 or wturner@mckinneytexas.org
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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location: 201 S. College Ave
In the Exhibit Cases:
OCTOBER: Native American Artifacts from the personal collection of Joe Martinez
NOVEMBER: Remembering Veterans - historical artifacts from the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, and WWII.
ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Time: 10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families
AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school “reading buddies”
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 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
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
NOVEMBER 4 (usually 2nd Sunday of each month)
Time: 2 - 4:40 p.m. in Taylor Auditorium
NOVEMBER 12-15
Time: 10:30 a.m. in Taylor Auditorium
Details: Sponsored by the Women’s Symphony League and the Friends of the Library
featuring “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
Make your own music, meet student musicians and learn more about the orchestra!
Ages: Preschoolers and their families, as well as childcare groups.
Registration: Required for groups
Symphony Stories is designed to introduce preschoolers to the music that will be played by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra at their Family Concert on Saturday, November 17, 2:00 pm in Caldwell Auditorium. Each CHILD attending a Symphony Stories program will receive a free ticket to the ETSO Family Concert.
NOVEMBER 17
Time: 2 p.m. in Caldwell Auditorium
Time: 2 p.m. in Taylor Auditorium
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2. BEST ROBOTICS 2007 PREVIEW: 2021: A ROBOT ODYSSEY
BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.
Get the first look at the theme for this year's competition!
Visit: http://www.bestinc.org/MVC/
Regional Competitions
NOVEMBER 30 -DECEMBER 1 --- Texas BEST
Location: Lubbock Municipal Coliseum on the Texas Tech University campus
www.depts.ttu.edu/texasbest/
Frontier Trails BEST -- Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2007
South's BEST --- December 7-8, 2007
YES Program Information
Igus® Inc. offers free products through the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, designed to foster the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering. The program aims to not only support students and engineers, but also educate them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. The program offers donations to students and engineering competitions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The benefits of the Y.E.S. Program are boundless for both igus and
young engineers.
To get an extra copy of the 2007 Product Data Guide included in your igus kit?
Download it here: www.igus.com/yesprogram/
Student Sample Request Form
If you are a student or individual involved with an engineering project or robotics competition who would like request products, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/student_request.asp
Please note that the Y.E.S. Program is not limited to students, but also welcomes requests from all individuals or organizations competing in robotic and autonomous vehicle competitions.
Curriculum Product Request Form
If you are a teacher, professor or advisor and would like to request products and information to incoroporate into your curriculum or would like an in-class presentation from a cable carrier or bearings expert, please fill out the Curriculum Product Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp
Student Sample Request Form for FIRST Teams
If you are a FIRST team and would like additional products for your robot, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form exclusively for FIRST Teams located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/FIRST2007_request.asp
For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Courtney Toomey, Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or via e-mail at ctoomey@igus.com
or visiting www.igus.com/yesprogram
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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 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:
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
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-OCTOBER 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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~~Mid-October
Highlights~~
OCTOBER
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
HIGHLAND PARK AND SOUTHLAKE LOCATIONS
We are very excited to announce that the Velocity Sports Performance locations in Highland Park and Southlake have partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special discounts to homeschoolers!
The PE programs at Velocity Sports are taught by trained, degreed coaches who have coached college, proessional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
Please Note: Each Velocity Sports location is independently owned and operated, and offer different pricing and discount rates for their classes. Please contact the location directly for more information.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER 26-28
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THSC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 26-28
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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OCTOBER 29
HOME SCHOOL NATURE JOURNALING EVENT AND TOUR --- FOSSIL RIM
Time: 10 - 4ish
Cost: Cost will be on a sliding scale. Bring your friends along and reduce your cost.
10-11 people signed up, cost for entire day will be 40 per person,
12-15 people - $30 per person
16-19 people - $25 per person
20 or more - $20 per person
children 2 and under free
Learn 4 different nature journaling techniques. During our art class, learn some basic art techniques to enhance your nature journaling experiences. Our bus tour will stop at 3 different locations where we will spend some time drawing.
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
View Newsletter Headers
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OCTOBER
REGISTER TODAY FOR ROCKWALL LOCAL HOME SCHOOL BEE
Rockwall Local Spelling Bee (Sponsored by Christian Family HEAD/HEAR)
Date Held: January 7, 2008
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Rockwall ISD Administration Gymnasium
To Register: Send Registration Fee to Amy Brubaker
601 Wilderness
Royce City, TX 75189
For More Information: Contact Amy at abhomeschool@yahoo.com
or Shari Nelson at gregnshari@verizon.net
Registration: 1st-3rd grade $2 Spelling lists www.christianfamilyhead.org
Forms and Notebooks
4th-8th grade $5 Spell It! Books are available immediately
upon registration
**There is now a family maximum registration fee of $12 **
Please include the following information with your registration payment:
Student’s Name Student Grade (Competing In)
Parents’ Names Full Address Email Home/Cell Phone
View Newsletter Headers
~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLE
How to Prepare for the PSAT --- Article by Jean Burk, SAT/PSAT Prep Specialist
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
- Library Programs at North Texas Libraries --- October
COMPETITIVE EVENTS
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
- Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes --- East Dallas
- Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist in Euless --- Registration Open
BOOK SALES
- Library Used Book Sales in North Texas --- October
Flower Mound, TX - October
20-21
Arlington, TX - October 25-27
Dallas, TX - October 26-27
Granbury , TX - October 27-28
Cleburne, TX - October
Addison November 2-3
Wichita Falls - November 3
Denton - November 10
Little Elm - November 10
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS &
NATURE CAMPS
Arlington, TX - October 25-27
Dallas, TX - October 26-27
Granbury , TX - October 27-28
Cleburne, TX - October
Addison November 2-3
Wichita Falls - November 3
Denton - November 10
Little Elm - November 10
- Sharkarosa Open-to-the-Public Days --- October
- Day Camps at Camp Tonkawa --- October
- Heritage Farmstead Museum --- Plano --- October
- Texas Discovery Gardens --- October
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs--- State Parks in North Texas --- October
- Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs --- October
PERFORMING ARTS
- Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --- October
Charlotte’s Web ---
October 26 - November 11
- Performances at CATS --- Arlington --- October
Charlotte’s Web -
November 2 - 11
- Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater ---Hurst --- October
It’s a Wonderful Life
(Live Radio Play) --- October 19 - November
10
Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun --- October 22 - November 9
Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun --- October 22 - November 9
- Performances at Bass Performance Hall --- Fort Worth ---
Man of La Mancha --- November
6-11
- Dallas Children’s Theater --- Dallas --- Coming Soon
A Little House Christmas ---
Nov 30-Dec 16
The Nutcracker --- Nov 24-Dec 23
Goodnight Moon - Jan 25 - Mar 2
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters --- Feb 8 - Feb 24
The House at Pooh Corner --- Feb 29-Mar 30
The Giver --- Mar 28 - Apr 20
Eat (It’s Not About Food) --- Apr 11-May 11
If You Give a Pig a Party --- May 9-May 25
The Nutcracker --- Nov 24-Dec 23
Goodnight Moon - Jan 25 - Mar 2
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters --- Feb 8 - Feb 24
The House at Pooh Corner --- Feb 29-Mar 30
The Giver --- Mar 28 - Apr 20
Eat (It’s Not About Food) --- Apr 11-May 11
If You Give a Pig a Party --- May 9-May 25
- Plano Children’s Theater --- Plano --- Coming Soon
Sound of Music (Musical) ---
Nov 2-17
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs --- Nov 30-Dec 15
Laura Ingall’s Christmas --- Dec 7-15
West Side Story (Musical) --- Jan 11-26
Honk, Jr. --- Jan 11-26
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs --- Nov 30-Dec 15
Laura Ingall’s Christmas --- Dec 7-15
West Side Story (Musical) --- Jan 11-26
Honk, Jr. --- Jan 11-26
- Texas Ballet Theater Performances --- October
The Sleeping Beauty - October
20 - 22
The Nutcracker --- November 30-December 16
The Nutcracker --- November 30-December 16
ART MUSEUMS
- Amon Carter Museum Exhibits - October
- Dallas Museum of Art Exhibit --- October
- Kimball Art Museum Exhibit --- Picturing the Bible --- Coming November 18
IMAX THEATERS
- Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature - October
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
- Programs at Log Cabin Village --- Fort Worth --- October
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
- Steinway Construction Tour --- Fort Worth, Dallas, Plano --- Through Mid-November
SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
- Maritime Merry Time Tuesdays (Open Homeschool Swim) --- The Colony Aquatic Park --- Tuesdays Through December 18
- Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization --- Registration Open
- Junior High Girls Basketball Players Needed --- THESA Riders --- ASAP
- Home School PE Classes --- Velocity Sports in Highland Park
- Home School PE Classes --- Velocity Sports in Southlake
- Home School Fencing Classes --- Fencing Institute of Texas --- Farmers Branch
SUPPORT GROUPS
- Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas --- October
Arlington - October 23
Athens/Tyler Area - November
20
Denton - November 1
North Richland Hills -
November 5
Plano - October 30
- Keller 4H Club Meetings-- Keller --- October
OTHER OCTOBER EVENTS BY DATE
- Volunteers Needed for Little Hands on the Farm --- State Fair of Texas ---- Sept 28 - Oct 21
- 8-Week SAT Prep Course at Creative Arts in Action ---- Watauga --- Begins October 12
- North TX National Engineers Week Future City Competition --- Registration Deadline October 15
- 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
- African Safari Day Camp at Fossil Rim --- November 5
- Civil War on the Home Front --- Dallas Heritage Village - November 10
- Judges Needed for NCFCA Practice Speech and Debate Tournament --- Watauga --- November 17
- Christian Cottage Prep Science Fair --- Fort Worth --- Registration Open
- North Texas 4th Annual Career Expo at DFW Airport --- Elementary, Middle, and High School Students --- December 14
- Home School Open House at Velocity Sports/Highland Park --- Highland Park --- January 16
- 2008 Texas Home School Basketball Championships ---- Carrollton, TX --- Jan 31- Feb 2
- Teen Pact Leadership School Coming to Texas April 21 - 25 --- Registration Open
- 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
How to Prepare for the PSAT
By Jean Burk
If you are taking the PSAT on October 17 or 20th, here are some pointers to help you succeed:
Night before test:
Go to bed early
Have all your supplies ready:
Several sharpened #2 pencils
Calculator
Watch
Snack
Sweater or layered clothing
Earplugs if easily distracted
Day of Test:
Eat a light breakfast
Leave early
Remember that the test is over 2 1⁄2 hours long. (Four sections at 25 minutes and one section at 30 minutes.) The test is a time-management test so your goal is to work the answers as quickly as possible. Most students do not finish each section in the allotted time because they work the problems the long way instead of the short way. This is a test of logic and reasoning. Students should never have to look at all five answers. This is a standardized test and The College Board uses recurring patterns that can be figured out.
CRITICAL READING
Sentence Completion
Look for the key SCOPE words that point you to the answer. Predict what type of word will go in each blank.
Passage-Based Reading
Remember the three question types and that they are all answered differently.
1. Line Citation- Circle the citation to find the answer
2. Vocabulary Use- Don’t fall for the common word trick.
3. Overall Passage- This answer can be found in key spots without reading the passage numerous times.
MATH SECTION
Look for the short way to answer each question. (substitute, reduce, cancel, convert…) Look for hidden patterns like opposite attracts, double or nothing and clones. Start testing answers from the middle. (C). Look for ways not to use your calculator since the more calculations, the bigger chance for mistakes.
WRITING
Sentence Error
You must make sure the subject and verb agree. There are usually 20% no error.
Improving Sentences
Find what is wrong with the underlined portion and mark off the answers that have the same problem.
Improving Paragraphs
This is a combination of Critical Reading and Improving Sentences. Look for punctuation problems. Watch out for inferences and the test is always objective so there is one right answer and it is found in the text. Also, look at the first words-they can often point you to the answer.
The most important thing to remember to do is: Relax!!
This is not the end of the world! Remember you still have the SAT to take which has the same patterns and question types.
Good Luck on the PSAT!
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 --- OCTOBER
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS --- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS --- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. - 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
October Themes:
2 - The Man on the Moon
9 - Soup, Soup, Soup!
16 - Old MacDonald’s Garden
23 - Creepy Tales
30 - Spider Webs
WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 10 --- Spanish Basics
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Board Room
It’s never too late to learn a new language! Bedford Public Library is pleased to offer FREE Spanish language classes. Ms. Bianca Zayas will introduce the basics of Spanish on Wednesday mornings beginning October 10. Spanish Basics will be offered for 6 weeks before we begin a new class.
No Registration Required
OCTOBER 28 --- Party at the Library!
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
The Friend of the Library are hosting a party for the whole family during their annual membership drive. Join us on the Library’s Front Porch to enjoy a bounce house, crafts, balloon benders, and refreshments. Becoming a Friend is easy! Memberships range from $3/Student/Senior, $5/Individual, $10/Family, $25/Benefator, $50 Business Sponsor. Your membership or monetary donations are tax-deductible.
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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)
OCTOBER 18 - Amon Carter Museum Presentation:
American Art 24/7: A Virtual Tour of the Amon Carter Museum
"Learn about the online opportunities to study or simply enjoy digital versions of American art Masterworks. Explore the Amon Carter Museum website and find resources that will enrich your next "in person" visit to the museum."
For More Information: 817-788-7301
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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McKINNEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
Contact: Wendy Turner - wturner@mckinneytexas.org
Home School Programs
OCTOBER 15 -Research Gathering Skills
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many
resources.
Registration Required
OCTOBER 30 -Research Gathering Skills
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many
resources.
Registration Required
For More Information or To Register: Contact Wendy Turner at 972-547-7319 or wturner@mckinneytexas.org
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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location: 201 S. College Ave
One block southwest of the
square in downtown Tyler
Contact: Evelyn James -
903-593-7323 - programs@tylertexas.com
In the Exhibit Cases:
OCTOBER: Native American Artifacts from the personal collection of Joe Martinez
NOVEMBER: Remembering Veterans - historical artifacts from the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, and WWII.
ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Time: 10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families
AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school “reading buddies”
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 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
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
NOVEMBER 4 (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.
Symphony Series
NOVEMBER 12-15
Time: 10:30 a.m. in Taylor Auditorium
Details: Sponsored by the Women’s Symphony League and the Friends of the Library
featuring “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
Make your own music, meet student musicians and learn more about the orchestra!
Ages: Preschoolers and their families, as well as childcare groups.
Registration: Required for groups
Symphony Stories is designed to introduce preschoolers to the music that will be played by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra at their Family Concert on Saturday, November 17, 2:00 pm in Caldwell Auditorium. Each CHILD attending a Symphony Stories program will receive a free ticket to the ETSO Family Concert.
NOVEMBER 17
Time: 2 p.m. in Caldwell Auditorium
Details:
Each CHILD attending a
Symphony Stories program will receive a free
ticket to the ETSO Family Concert
NOVEMBER 17 ---
Children’s Book Week
Celebration
Time: 2 p.m. in Taylor Auditorium
Details: With lively
storyteller and puppeteer Dru Woods
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2. BEST ROBOTICS 2007 PREVIEW: 2021: A ROBOT ODYSSEY
BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.
Get the first look at the theme for this year's competition!
Visit: http://www.bestinc.org/MVC/
Regional Competitions
NOVEMBER 30 -DECEMBER 1 --- Texas BEST
Location: Lubbock Municipal Coliseum on the Texas Tech University campus
www.depts.ttu.edu/texasbest/
Frontier Trails BEST -- Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2007
South's BEST --- December 7-8, 2007
YES Program Information
Igus® Inc. offers free products through the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, designed to foster the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering. The program aims to not only support students and engineers, but also educate them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. The program offers donations to students and engineering competitions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The benefits of the Y.E.S. Program are boundless for both igus and
young engineers.
To get an extra copy of the 2007 Product Data Guide included in your igus kit?
Download it here: www.igus.com/yesprogram/
Student Sample Request Form
If you are a student or individual involved with an engineering project or robotics competition who would like request products, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/student_request.asp
Please note that the Y.E.S. Program is not limited to students, but also welcomes requests from all individuals or organizations competing in robotic and autonomous vehicle competitions.
Curriculum Product Request Form
If you are a teacher, professor or advisor and would like to request products and information to incoroporate into your curriculum or would like an in-class presentation from a cable carrier or bearings expert, please fill out the Curriculum Product Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp
Student Sample Request Form for FIRST Teams
If you are a FIRST team and would like additional products for your robot, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form exclusively for FIRST Teams located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/FIRST2007_request.asp
For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Courtney Toomey, Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or via e-mail at ctoomey@igus.com
or visiting www.igus.com/yesprogram
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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 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:
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