Mid-March 2008
HEART OF TEXAS
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-MARCH 2008 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 newsletter to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
We also have a “featured articles” section. We hope that you will find the articles that we will include to be informative, encouraging, and full of wisdom. If you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org. We would love to hear from you!
Thanks so much!
www.HEARTofTex.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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MARCH
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
FOR NORTH TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
"An Artistic Discovery" is the annual nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Congressional District may host its own competition, and since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.
This spring, several North Texas Congressional offices will hold contests. The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! In addition, the winners and their two guests are invited to the nation's capital in the summer to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the winning artists from across the country and opening the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" exhibition. Thousands of people visiting the nation's capitol, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs, are able to walk through the exhibit daily, viewing artwork from Congressional districts throughout the country--each piece highlighted with the name of the work and student artist.
Interested students and teachers should contact their congressional office ASAP for more information.
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 24
HOME SCHOOL FOSSIL DIG CLASS & TOUR
Time: 10 - 2:30ish
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Details: In the morning, take a bus down to our Fossil Pit and dig for marine fossils! Share a picnic lunch at the Overlook, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim’s current, non-marine residents!!!
Cost: $16/person (ages 2 and under FREE)
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register or Get Directions: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 27
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS AT MCKINNEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
MARCH 27, APRIL 24 --- Getting to Know Your Library
Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: K-3rd
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Dulaney Room
Participate in a special program to learn more about the library and the Children’s Department.
Registration Required
Other Programs for Home Schoolers:
APRIL 14 --- Research Gathering Skills
Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many
resources.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Registration Required
Other Home School Programs:
APRIL 29 - Using the Internet
Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: 6th and up
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Learn how to search the internet and how to evaluate internet sites to get reliable and quality information.
Registration Required
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
To Register or For More Information: Wendy Turner - wturner@mckinneytexas.org
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 28
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THSC AWARDS BANQUET APRIL 11
APRIL 11 - THSC 13th Annual Awards Banquet
RSVP BY MARCH 28
Keynote Speaker: Senator Dan Patrick
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Omni Houston Hotel
Four Riverway, Houston, Texas
To Register: events@thsc.org or 806-744-4441
Or download registration form at http://www.thsc.org/banquet/default.asp
Attire: Dressy
Tickets: Individual tickets may be obtained while space is available for a suggested donation of $45 per ticket. Simply complete and remit the registration form.
Sponsorships:
Sponsors of banquet tables, which include seating for ten, will receive
special recognition on the banquet program.
Bronze ($500 donation)
Silver ($1000 donation) - two VIP reception tickets
Gold ($2500 donation) - four VIP reception tickets
Diamond ($5000 donation) - six VIP reception tickets
Platinum ($10,000) - ten VIP reception tickets
Details: Come for an elegant dinner and an evening honoring the achievements of home schoolers and those who have supported home schooling in Texas. Join radio talk show host, author, and senator, Dan Patrick, THSC President Tim Lambert , top Good Citizenship award winners, and many other home school notables. In conjunction with the dinner, there will be a silent auction. Check the link below for the most current list of auction items.
For More Information and Details, Including Hotel Accommodations: http://www.thsc.org/banquet/default.asp
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CHRISTIAN HOME SCHOOL PROM IN DALLAS
Christian Home School Prom 2008 Presents . . .
Once Upon a Time... at The Adam’s Mark Hotel Dallas Ballroom
APRIL 26
This event fills very quickly! Order your tickets right away!
Location: The Adams Mark Hotel Dallas Ballroom
Prices & Registration:
$80.00- Early Registration, Feb 4-Feb 25 or the first 275 tickets
$85.00-Regular Registration, Feb 26-Mar 20 or the second set of 275 tickets
$90.00-Late Registration, Mar 21-Apr 5 or the last set of 275 tickets
Parent Participation Required:
This is an all-volunteer, parent sponsored event. In order to register your student to attend prom you MUST select your area of volunteer service when purchasing their ticket.
For More Information and Details: prom@christianhomeschoolprom.org
View Newsletter Headers
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MARCH
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOMESCHOOL PROMENADE IN WACO
MAY 3 - A Mid Summer Night’s Dream Homeschool Promenade
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Location: The Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Avenue in Downtown Waco
As you enter the convention Center, go up the stairs and to your left will be the Brazos Room. There will be signs showing you where to park.
Who: The Homeschool Ball is open to upper high school students and a guest.
The student must be 15 years old before September 1, 2007, and a sophomore, junior or senior. All homeschool graduates are welcome to attend as Alumni.
Registration:
February 11- March 2: $48.50 student; $25 parent or alumni
March 3 - March 26: $54.00 student; $30 parent or alumni
March 27-April 12: $59 student; $35 parent or alumni
(At least one parent or guardian must accompany each student registered)
Details: Experience an evening that will be remembered forever. A night full of fun: a formal dinner, dancing, fellowship with friends, and memories that will last a lifetime. Much of the dancing will be Civil War Era and other historical dancing.
At the event, there will an experienced photographer available. They will have reasonably priced packages available for purchase if you desire. This will be mailed out with your registration information and tickets.
Dance lessons will be provided to all participating attendees for a minimal cost. Date, times, and locations will be announced. This gives all attendees the opportunity to learn and practice the various dances before the promenade.
For More Information and Details: Contact Denise Bagby at 254-399-9193
Or audienceof1-4him@sbcglobal.net
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH
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, professional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
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
-----------------------------------------------------------
~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Political Party Process by Tim Lambert, THSC
Boy Scouts of America, Longhorn Council, to Host a Two-Day, Multi-County Event for Home Schoolers by Jason Beuscher
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
PERFORMING ARTS
ART MUSEUMS
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
SUPPORT GROUPS
COLLEGE PREP
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
Back to the top
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Political Party Process
By Tim Lambert
Political Party Convention Process
Political parties in Texas outline their governing philosophy through a convention process that begins at the precinct or neighborhood level. On the night of the primary, each precinct has a convention that is open to anyone who voted, either that day or in early voting in the party's primary. Two major things are done at that meeting. After the election of a chairman for the meeting, the precinct convention elects a number of delegates to represent the precinct at the county or senatorial convention approximately two weeks later. Each precinct can send a certain number of delegates. Once that is done, the floor is open for any delegate to offer resolution(s) on any topic for discussion and vote. (See the next article for resolutions proposed by THSC PAC.) All resolutions that are adopted will be forwarded to the resolutions committee at the next level, the county or senatorial convention. The resolutions adopted in each precinct reflect the philosophy of the majority participating at that convention.
Two weeks from the Saturday following the primary, county or senatorial conventions are held. Each county that is wholly contained in a Texas senatorial district has a county convention. Those counties that are split between more than one state senatorial district have senatorial district conventions. Delegates elected at precinct conventions attend to represent their precincts. At these county/senatorial conventions, delegates elect delegates and alternate delegates to represent their county/senatorial district at the political party's state convention and adopt resolutions that will be sent to the platform committee of the political party's state convention.
In the summer, the political parties meet at state conventions to elect party officers and adopt a platform based on resolutions that began in the precincts. Each political party's platform is a public statement of its governing philosophy. Thus, those who take part in this process choose who will lead that political party for two years and have a voice in expressing the philosophy of the party. The political party is defined by those who participate in its convention process. Parties change over the years based on those who are participating in and defining that political party.
Home school parents who wish to take part in this process and give their children that experience should get a copy of the political party's rules from the party's county or state headquarters and become familiar with parliamentary procedure. Each time one goes through this process is a great educational experience.
Democratic Party Link
Republican Party Link
Tim Lambert is the president of the Texas Home School Coalition and has been involved in home school leadership in Texas for over twenty years. He and his wife Lyndsay taught their four now-grown children at home for sixteen years, graduating the last two in 2000. For information about the Texas Home School Coalition, visit their website at www.thsc.org.
Back to the top
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Boy Scouts to Host a Two-Day, Multi-County Event for Home Schoolers
Written by Jason Beuscher
The Boy Scouts of America loves home-schoolers, and is planning a special event for home school families in April!
The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which covers 23 counties in North Texas, is hosting two-day information meetings on April 3 and 8th at 3:00 p.m. for home school families interested in scouting. The event will take place in 18 locations throughout the North Texas area.
Families can visit one of 18 locations to learn more about the Boy Scouts and the different scouting options available. Families will be able to ask questions, meet local scouts, and register for the type of scouting that best suits their needs.
The Boy Scouts offer several different scouting options, depending on the needs of your family:
Lone Scouts - Home school families are eligible to register boys age 7 and up for this program. Lone Scouts is a program that allows a boy to work individually with a parent or counselor to achieve the scouting requirements in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Cub Scouts - Families may register boys ages 7-10 to join an existing Cub Scout pack that is close to their residence. Boys are separated by age/grade and learn the skills and values of Cub Scouting along with other boys in their neighborhood. Group outings, camping experiences, and making new friends with similar morals and values is a benefit to this program. At the event, parents will be given the contact information for these groups to help them find a pack near them.
Boy Scouts - Families may register boys ages 11 and up to join an existing Boy Scout Troop that is close to their residence. Boy Scouts is a boy-run program advised by a team of adults. The boys elect leaders from their group to act in leadership positions for the troop. The troop is broken down into patrols where a patrol leader is elected. The boys work together to learn the skills and values of Scouting and then put them to use on outings and campouts.
Forming a new Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop - Home school support groups will have the opportunity to form a Pack or Troop with their families that are interested in scouting. More information about this option will be provided at the meetings.
Venturing - This program is for boys and girls 14 to 20 to learn real world experiences as a group. The group takes real scenarios and like “how to buy a car” and figures out how it really works.
A list of the current locations and dates is located at: www.heartoftex.org under
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-MARCH 2008 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 newsletter to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
We also have a “featured articles” section. We hope that you will find the articles that we will include to be informative, encouraging, and full of wisdom. If you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org. We would love to hear from you!
Thanks so much!
www.HEARTofTex.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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MARCH
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
FOR NORTH TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
"An Artistic Discovery" is the annual nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Congressional District may host its own competition, and since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.
This spring, several North Texas Congressional offices will hold contests. The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! In addition, the winners and their two guests are invited to the nation's capital in the summer to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the winning artists from across the country and opening the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" exhibition. Thousands of people visiting the nation's capitol, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs, are able to walk through the exhibit daily, viewing artwork from Congressional districts throughout the country--each piece highlighted with the name of the work and student artist.
Interested students and teachers should contact their congressional office ASAP for more information.
| Dist. | Member | Contact | Phone | Deadline |
| TX-3 | Rep. Sam Johnson | Deanna Kuykendall
|
972-470-0892 | March 12 |
| TX-4 | Rep. Ralph Hall | Natalie Raulston
|
972-771-9118 | March 12 |
| TX-5 | Rep. Jeb Hensarling | Sarah Rozier
|
214-349-9996 | March 28 |
| TX-12 | Rep. Kay Granger | Marcia Etie
|
817-338-0909 | April 25 |
| TX-24 | Rep. Kenny Marchant | Amanda Post
|
972-556-0162 | April 11 |
| TX-26 | Rep. Michael Burgess | Joan Self
|
972-434-9700 | April 7 |
| TX-30 | Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson | Peter Osborne
|
214-922-8885 | April 24 |
View Newsletter Headers
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MARCH 24
HOME SCHOOL FOSSIL DIG CLASS & TOUR
Time: 10 - 2:30ish
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Details: In the morning, take a bus down to our Fossil Pit and dig for marine fossils! Share a picnic lunch at the Overlook, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim’s current, non-marine residents!!!
Cost: $16/person (ages 2 and under FREE)
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register or Get Directions: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 27
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS AT MCKINNEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
MARCH 27, APRIL 24 --- Getting to Know Your Library
Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: K-3rd
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Dulaney Room
Participate in a special program to learn more about the library and the Children’s Department.
Registration Required
Other Programs for Home Schoolers:
APRIL 14 --- Research Gathering Skills
Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: 5th - 8th
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Learn basic research skills and become familiar with the library’s many
resources.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Registration Required
Other Home School Programs:
APRIL 29 - Using the Internet
Please choose one date to attend.
Grades: 6th and up
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Conference Room (upstairs)
Learn how to search the internet and how to evaluate internet sites to get reliable and quality information.
Registration Required
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
To Register or For More Information: Wendy Turner - wturner@mckinneytexas.org
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 28
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THSC AWARDS BANQUET APRIL 11
APRIL 11 - THSC 13th Annual Awards Banquet
RSVP BY MARCH 28
Keynote Speaker: Senator Dan Patrick
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Omni Houston Hotel
Four Riverway, Houston, Texas
To Register: events@thsc.org or 806-744-4441
Or download registration form at http://www.thsc.org/banquet/default.asp
Attire: Dressy
Tickets: Individual tickets may be obtained while space is available for a suggested donation of $45 per ticket. Simply complete and remit the registration form.
Sponsorships:
Sponsors of banquet tables, which include seating for ten, will receive
special recognition on the banquet program.
Bronze ($500 donation)
Silver ($1000 donation) - two VIP reception tickets
Gold ($2500 donation) - four VIP reception tickets
Diamond ($5000 donation) - six VIP reception tickets
Platinum ($10,000) - ten VIP reception tickets
Details: Come for an elegant dinner and an evening honoring the achievements of home schoolers and those who have supported home schooling in Texas. Join radio talk show host, author, and senator, Dan Patrick, THSC President Tim Lambert , top Good Citizenship award winners, and many other home school notables. In conjunction with the dinner, there will be a silent auction. Check the link below for the most current list of auction items.
For More Information and Details, Including Hotel Accommodations: http://www.thsc.org/banquet/default.asp
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CHRISTIAN HOME SCHOOL PROM IN DALLAS
Christian Home School Prom 2008 Presents . . .
Once Upon a Time... at The Adam’s Mark Hotel Dallas Ballroom
APRIL 26
This event fills very quickly! Order your tickets right away!
Location: The Adams Mark Hotel Dallas Ballroom
Prices & Registration:
$80.00- Early Registration, Feb 4-Feb 25 or the first 275 tickets
$85.00-Regular Registration, Feb 26-Mar 20 or the second set of 275 tickets
$90.00-Late Registration, Mar 21-Apr 5 or the last set of 275 tickets
Parent Participation Required:
This is an all-volunteer, parent sponsored event. In order to register your student to attend prom you MUST select your area of volunteer service when purchasing their ticket.
For More Information and Details: prom@christianhomeschoolprom.org
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOMESCHOOL PROMENADE IN WACO
MAY 3 - A Mid Summer Night’s Dream Homeschool Promenade
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Location: The Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Avenue in Downtown Waco
As you enter the convention Center, go up the stairs and to your left will be the Brazos Room. There will be signs showing you where to park.
Who: The Homeschool Ball is open to upper high school students and a guest.
The student must be 15 years old before September 1, 2007, and a sophomore, junior or senior. All homeschool graduates are welcome to attend as Alumni.
Registration:
February 11- March 2: $48.50 student; $25 parent or alumni
March 3 - March 26: $54.00 student; $30 parent or alumni
March 27-April 12: $59 student; $35 parent or alumni
(At least one parent or guardian must accompany each student registered)
Details: Experience an evening that will be remembered forever. A night full of fun: a formal dinner, dancing, fellowship with friends, and memories that will last a lifetime. Much of the dancing will be Civil War Era and other historical dancing.
At the event, there will an experienced photographer available. They will have reasonably priced packages available for purchase if you desire. This will be mailed out with your registration information and tickets.
Dance lessons will be provided to all participating attendees for a minimal cost. Date, times, and locations will be announced. This gives all attendees the opportunity to learn and practice the various dances before the promenade.
For More Information and Details: Contact Denise Bagby at 254-399-9193
Or audienceof1-4him@sbcglobal.net
View Newsletter Headers
-----------------------------------------------------------
MARCH
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, professional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
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
~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Political Party Process by Tim Lambert, THSC
Boy Scouts of America, Longhorn Council, to Host a Two-Day, Multi-County Event for Home Schoolers by Jason Beuscher
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
- Library Programs at North
Texas Libraries --- North Texas ---
March
Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events - contact info@heartoftex.org
Bedford Public Library
Fort Worth Public Library
Hurst Public Library
McKinney Memorial Public Library
Tyler Public Library
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
- BEST Robotics 2008 Preview: Just Plane Crazy! --- Texas Best
- Dallas Regional Science & Engineering Fair --- Dallas --- March 29-30
- Texas State Fish-Art Contests --- Entries Due March 31, 2008
- National Engineers Week --- Future City Competition
- National Congressional Art Competition --- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board --- Fort Worth
- Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program --- State-wide
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
- THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
- Faith Christian Academy --- McKinney
- Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes --- East Dallas
- Tarrant County College --- High School Math Classes
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
- Library Used Book Sales
in North Texas
Tyler - March 15-16
Marshall - March 28-29
Arlington - April 2-6
Wichita Falls - April 5
Dallas - April 11-13
Denton - April 12
Haltom City - April 24-26
Rockwall - April 25-26
Southlake - April 25-27
- Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
- Creative Arts in Action --- Watauga
- Home Educators Resource --- Duncanville; Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
- Dallas Arboretum - Dallas
- Heritage Farmstead Museum --- Plano
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs--- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
- Performances at Casa
Manana Children’s
Playhouse
Little Red Riding Hood --- April 4-20
- Performances at
CATS --- Arlington
Pied Piper of Hamlin - March 28 - April 6
- Cottage Theater - Creative Arts in Action --- Watauga
- Theater Performances at
Artisan Center Theater
---Hurst
Smoke on the Mountain (3) Homecoming --- March 14 - April 12
Standin’ Tall With Dependability (Children’s Theater) --- March 17 - April 11
- Performances at Bass Performance Hall --- Fort Worth
- Dallas Children’s
Theater --- Dallas
House at Pooh Corner --- February 29 - March 30
- Plano Children’s
Theater --- Plano
Villain Took a Chip Shot --- March 14-22
ART MUSEUMS
- Amon Carter Museum Exhibits - Fort Worth
- Dallas Museum of Art Exhibit --- Dallas
- Kimball Art Museum
Exhibit --- Fort Worth
Picturing the Bible --- Through March 2008
- Museum of Nature & Science --- Dallas
- Museum of Science & History --- Fort Worth
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
- Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
- Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater --- Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
- Programs at Log Cabin Village --- Fort Worth
- Dallas Heritage Village --- Dallas
- Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land --- Plano (LAST CHANCE TO VIEW THIS EXHIBIT)
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
- Build Your Own Telescope Class at Noble Planetarium --- March 29
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
- Maritime Merry Time Tuesdays (Open Homeschool Swim) --- The Colony Aquatic Park
- Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization --- Registration Open
- Home School Athletic Association --- Volleyball Tryouts March 28 & April 4
- Hulcy Home School PE Classes --- Richardson (Taught by Rhett Hulcy)
- 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
- Pop-In Playtime --- Pump It Up of Grapevine --- Grapevine
- Tae Kwondo for Home Schoolers --- Irving
SUPPORT GROUPS
- Smoothing the
Way Meetings in North Texas ---
March/April
Arlington - March 25
Athens/Tyler Area - April 15
Denton - April 3
North Richland Hills - April 7
Plano - March 25
Sulphur Springs - April 15
- Keller 4H Club Meetings--Keller
- Park Day Drama Club ---- Plano
COLLEGE PREP
- PSAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk --- Various Locations Across North Texas
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties --- American Cancer Society
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
- 8-Week SAT Prep Course at Creative Arts in Action ---- Watauga
- PBS Masterpiece Theater Presents The Complete Jane Austen --- Through April 3
- Christian Home School Prom --- Dallas, TX --- Register Today!
- Writing Workshop with Rooster Morris --- Carrollton --- March 27
- 2007 Cowtown Speech/Debate Qualifier - White Settlement --- March 27-28 (JUDGES NEEDED!)
- Effective Communication Course --- Dallas --- March 31-April 5
- Boy Scouts to Host Two-Day Home School Event --- 18 North Texas Locations --- April 3 & 8th
- Hella Shrine Circus at Reunion Arena --- Dallas --- April 4
- Texas Home School Coalition Awards Banquet --- Houston --- April 11
- A Maiden’s Quest: Young Ladies Retreat --- Dallas --- April 18 & 19
- Home School Leader Meeting at THEO --- Plano --- April 21
- Teen Pact Leadership School Coming to Texas--- Registration Open --- April 21-25
- Christian Home School Prom --- Dallas, TX --- April 26
- Home School Daze at Hawaiian Falls --- The Colony --- May 3
- Home School Promenade --- Waco --- May 3 (Registration Open)
- Home School Bookfair at Arlington Convention Center --- Arlington --- May 9 & 10
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Political Party Process
By Tim Lambert
Political Party Convention Process
Political parties in Texas outline their governing philosophy through a convention process that begins at the precinct or neighborhood level. On the night of the primary, each precinct has a convention that is open to anyone who voted, either that day or in early voting in the party's primary. Two major things are done at that meeting. After the election of a chairman for the meeting, the precinct convention elects a number of delegates to represent the precinct at the county or senatorial convention approximately two weeks later. Each precinct can send a certain number of delegates. Once that is done, the floor is open for any delegate to offer resolution(s) on any topic for discussion and vote. (See the next article for resolutions proposed by THSC PAC.) All resolutions that are adopted will be forwarded to the resolutions committee at the next level, the county or senatorial convention. The resolutions adopted in each precinct reflect the philosophy of the majority participating at that convention.
Two weeks from the Saturday following the primary, county or senatorial conventions are held. Each county that is wholly contained in a Texas senatorial district has a county convention. Those counties that are split between more than one state senatorial district have senatorial district conventions. Delegates elected at precinct conventions attend to represent their precincts. At these county/senatorial conventions, delegates elect delegates and alternate delegates to represent their county/senatorial district at the political party's state convention and adopt resolutions that will be sent to the platform committee of the political party's state convention.
In the summer, the political parties meet at state conventions to elect party officers and adopt a platform based on resolutions that began in the precincts. Each political party's platform is a public statement of its governing philosophy. Thus, those who take part in this process choose who will lead that political party for two years and have a voice in expressing the philosophy of the party. The political party is defined by those who participate in its convention process. Parties change over the years based on those who are participating in and defining that political party.
Home school parents who wish to take part in this process and give their children that experience should get a copy of the political party's rules from the party's county or state headquarters and become familiar with parliamentary procedure. Each time one goes through this process is a great educational experience.
Democratic Party Link
Republican Party Link
Tim Lambert is the president of the Texas Home School Coalition and has been involved in home school leadership in Texas for over twenty years. He and his wife Lyndsay taught their four now-grown children at home for sixteen years, graduating the last two in 2000. For information about the Texas Home School Coalition, visit their website at www.thsc.org.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Boy Scouts to Host a Two-Day, Multi-County Event for Home Schoolers
Written by Jason Beuscher
The Boy Scouts of America loves home-schoolers, and is planning a special event for home school families in April!
The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which covers 23 counties in North Texas, is hosting two-day information meetings on April 3 and 8th at 3:00 p.m. for home school families interested in scouting. The event will take place in 18 locations throughout the North Texas area.
Families can visit one of 18 locations to learn more about the Boy Scouts and the different scouting options available. Families will be able to ask questions, meet local scouts, and register for the type of scouting that best suits their needs.
The Boy Scouts offer several different scouting options, depending on the needs of your family:
Lone Scouts - Home school families are eligible to register boys age 7 and up for this program. Lone Scouts is a program that allows a boy to work individually with a parent or counselor to achieve the scouting requirements in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Cub Scouts - Families may register boys ages 7-10 to join an existing Cub Scout pack that is close to their residence. Boys are separated by age/grade and learn the skills and values of Cub Scouting along with other boys in their neighborhood. Group outings, camping experiences, and making new friends with similar morals and values is a benefit to this program. At the event, parents will be given the contact information for these groups to help them find a pack near them.
Boy Scouts - Families may register boys ages 11 and up to join an existing Boy Scout Troop that is close to their residence. Boy Scouts is a boy-run program advised by a team of adults. The boys elect leaders from their group to act in leadership positions for the troop. The troop is broken down into patrols where a patrol leader is elected. The boys work together to learn the skills and values of Scouting and then put them to use on outings and campouts.
Forming a new Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop - Home school support groups will have the opportunity to form a Pack or Troop with their families that are interested in scouting. More information about this option will be provided at the meetings.
Venturing - This program is for boys and girls 14 to 20 to learn real world experiences as a group. The group takes real scenarios and like “how to buy a car” and figures out how it really works.
A list of the current locations and dates is located at: www.heartoftex.org under