August 2008
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
AUGUST 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!
www.HEARTofTex.org
Our deadlines are as follows:
the 12th of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 27th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.
Thanks so much!
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Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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~Highlights ~
THROUGH AUGUST 10
RINGLING BROS. BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER
DALLAS, TX
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has extraordinary things in store for the 137th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth! You’ll have to check all realities at the door, because the 137th Edition of Ringling Bros. will take you on a journey filled with imagination, dreams come true and circus-sized spectacles. Packed full of surprises, this all-new Ringling Bros. breaks circus tradition with high-speed action, cutting-edge technology, and an interactive adventure that is sure to keep you talking for generations.
For FREE Circus-Related Lesson Plans: http://www.ringling.com/activity/education/
Circus Fitness Activities: http://www.circusfit.com/
CircusFit is a national youth fitness program from Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey that encourages America's youth to lead healthy, active lifestyles by combining the fun of circus skills with stretching, strength building, and aerobic exercise.
Dallas Circus Dates:
AUGUST 6 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 7 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 8 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 9 - 11:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m
AUGUST 10 - 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
Schedule and Ticket Info: http://www.ringling.com/schedule/schedule.aspx?id=96859
Get a special online customer code to save 10% on weekday performances (Monday through Friday matinee) when you purchase online at ticketmaster.com (Note: This discount is not valid on VIP or front row seating.)
To Purchase Tickets:
Online: at ticketmaster.com
(Receive your tickets via e-mail through ticketFast® -- learn more.)
By Phone: Call (214) 373-8000 or (972) 647-5700 to reserve your seats.
Group Sales: Call at (214) 665-4269 or (877) 224-4867.
Ticket Prices: $95.00(Circus Celebrity) / $75.00(Front Row) / $45.00(VIP) / $30.00(100 Level) / $20.00(200 Level) / $15.00(200 Level)
Military Discounts: SAVE 50% on general seating prices during select shows.
Click here for more information.
For Special Offers: http://www.ringling.com/offers/
(Baby’s First Circus, E-Specials/Discounts, Free Commemorative Certificate, etc)
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AUGUST 4
GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY CLASS + TOUR
Time: 10:00-2:30ish.
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Details: Investigate the process of enrichment for animals in captivity. A look at how Fossil Rim keeps its animals happy and entertained. Participants will make enrichment items for various animals during our morning class, then share a picnic lunch, followed by a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
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AUGUST 6
SUMMER MOVIE CLUBHOUSE PRESENTS:
VEGGIE TALES: THE PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING
CINEMARK MOVIES IN MCKINNEY
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Cinemark Movies 14
1701 S. Central Expressway
McKinney, TX
Cost: $1/person
For Other Listing in North Texas: Click Here
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AUGUST 9
DALLAS THUNDER BASKETBALL
PLAYER/PARENT MEETING
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Dallas Christian College - Gym
2700 Christian Parkway
Dallas, TX
Contact: David Parker at 972-475-3946 or dsjparker@sbcglobal.net
Dallas Thunder is a home school competitive basketball organization. For our 2008/09 season, we plan to have boys and girls teams ranging in ages from 12 and under through 18 and under.
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AUGUST 13
SUMMER MOVIE CLUBHOUSE PRESENTS:
VEGGIE TALES: THE PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING
TINSELTOWN IN GRAPEVINE
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Tinseltown 17
911 W.Hwy 114
Grapevine, TX
Cost: $1/person
For Other Listing in North Texas: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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THROUGH AUGUST 13-17
RINGLING BROS. BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER
FORT WORTH, TX
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has extraordinary things in store for the 137th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth! You’ll have to check all realities at the door, because the 137th Edition of Ringling Bros. will take you on a journey filled with imagination, dreams come true and circus-sized spectacles. Packed full of surprises, this all-new Ringling Bros. breaks circus tradition with high-speed action, cutting-edge technology, and an interactive adventure that is sure to keep you talking for generations.
For FREE Circus-Related Lesson Plans: http://www.ringling.com/activity/education/
Circus Fitness Activities: http://www.circusfit.com/
CircusFit is a national youth fitness program from Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey that encourages America's youth to lead healthy, active lifestyles by combining the fun of circus skills with stretching, strength building, and aerobic exercise.
Fort Worth Circus Dates:
AUGUST 13 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 14 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 15 - 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 16 - 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 17 - 2:30 p.m.
Schedule and Ticket Info: http://www.ringling.com/schedule/schedule.aspx?id=96860
Get a special online customer code to save 10% on weekday performances (Monday through Friday matinee) when you purchase online at ticketmaster.com (Note: This discount is not valid on VIP or front row seating.)
To Purchase Tickets:
Online: at ticketmaster.com
(Receive your tickets via e-mail through ticketFast® -- learn more.)
By Phone: Call (214) 373-8000 or (972) 647-5700 to reserve your seats.
Group Sales: Call at (214) 665-4269 or (877) 224-4867.
Ticket Prices: $95.00(Circus Celebrity) / $75.00(Front Row) / $45.00(VIP) / $30.00 / $20.00 / $15.00
Military Discounts: SAVE 50% on general seating prices during select shows.
Click here for more information.
For Special Offers: http://www.ringling.com/offers/
(Baby’s First Circus, E-Specials/Discounts, Free Commemorative Certificate, etc)
View Newsletter Headers
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AUGUST 14-16
2008 THSC STATE CONVENTION & FAMILY CONFERENCE IN AUGUST
Location: The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
1601 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Cost: FREE for adult members of THSC
Preview and purchase curriculum as you browse the carpeted Exhibit Hall filled with over 180 booths! Experienced vendors from all over the nation will be there to offer the very latest in educational material for home schoolers. There will be full-scale curricula, books and materials for specific subjects, traditional textbooks, unit study materials, life skills (needlework, carpentry skills, homemaking skills, mechanical skills, etc.), fun extras (educational games, videos, art supplies, science kits, music programs), and more.
Keynote Speakers: Jeff Myers
Jessica Hulcy
John Erickson (author of Hank the
Cowdog children’s book series)
Featured Speakers: Doug and Patsy
Arnold
Jim Weiss
Wade Hulcy
Tim & Lyndsay Lambert
Wade Hulcy
Tim & Lyndsay Lambert
Mary James
Doug & Patsy Arnold
Diana Waring
Becky Preble
Woody Robertson
Joseph Howe
FREE Thursday Evening
Sessions!
Doug & Patsy Arnold
Diana Waring
Becky Preble
Woody Robertson
Joseph Howe
Come Thursday for a FREE taste of the weekend to come! Have friends interested in homeschooling? Bring them along too!
Dr. Jeff Myers will Kick-off your Convention vacation with an evening of encouragement Following Dr. Myers, there will be a showing of the premiere documentary, Taking a Stand in Texas: The Battle for Home School Freedom.
Don’t want to hassle with Registration Friday morning? Convention registration, including Children's Program registration, will be open Thursday evening for your convenience!
• Quality Children's Program and Teen Staff Program!
• NEW!!! Special Buddies Program for Children with Special Needs!
• Thursday Field Trip to Washington-on-the-Brazos
• Vacation Add-Ons Also Available!!
For Registration and Many Other Details Available:
www.thsc.org/convention/General_information.asp
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AUGUST 18
NORTH IRVING CHRISTIAN HOME EDUCATORS
BACK-TO-SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Irving Bible Church
2435 Kinwest Parkway
Irving, TX 75063
Please RSVP to make sure we have enough ice cream for everyone!!
To RSVP or for More Information: texasniche06@gmail.com
View Newsletter Headers
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AUGUST
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
(Discount for HEART of Texas members)
REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL 2009
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.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call Emily Hubbard at 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
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.
Discount: HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on classes!
See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
View Newsletter Headers
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
The Colony Public Library Recognizes Homeschoolers in August
Dual Credit Versus High School Credit, the Question of the Day –– by Maureen Amend, TCC Instructor
How to Register Your Highschooler for the PSAT/NMSQT Test
–– by Anne Gebhart
Legendary King Tut Exhibit Coming to Dallas
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
1. Library Programs at North Texas Libraries -- North Texas
Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact info@heartoftex.org
Bedford Public Library
Fort Worth Public Library
Hurst Public Library
McKinney Memorial Public Library
Tyler Public Library
READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Reading Club -- Participating Texas Libraries
3. Book It! Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
4. Brain Food Summer Reading Program -- Deadline August 15
5. Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
6. BEST Robotics 2008 Preview: Just Plane Crazy! -- Texas Best
7. Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2009
8. National Engineers Week -- Future City Competition
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
9. City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
10. City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
11. Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
12. Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
13. National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
14. THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
15. Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
16. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
17 Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
18. Creative Arts in Action --- Watauga
19. Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
20. Fabulous Fridays -- Little Elm
21. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
22. Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
23. Homeschool Heritage Domus Schola -- Keller
24. Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist Euless -- Euless
25. Homeschool Theater Classes at PFAmily Arts --- Plano
26. Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes
27. YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving
BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
28. Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
Plano – July 31-August 2
Wichita Falls – August 2
Hurst – August 15
Dallas – September 6
The Colony – September 6
Sanger – September 13
Arlington – September 17-21 (Big Sale)
Ennis – September 18-20
Wylie – September 20
29. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
30. Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
31. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
32. Dallas Arboretum – Dallas
33. Day Camps at Camp Tonkawa
Attn: Boy Scout Troops
34. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
35. Fossil Rim
Go Ahead, Make My Day Class + Tour -- August 4
36. Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
37. Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
38. Sharkarosa Open-to-the-Public Days
39. Texas Discovery Gardens
40. Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
41. Homeschool Family Camp at Snow Mountain Ranch -- Colorado -- August 17-22
PERFORMING ARTS
42. Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse
43. Performances at CATS -- Arlington
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? – August 5-7
44. CERC Drama Camp Performances -- Rowlett
45. Cottage Theater – Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
46. Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
Peter Pan – August 15 - September 13
Jack & the Beanbag (Children's Performance) - Through July 31
Beauty and the Beach (Children's Peformance) - August 16 - Sept 13
47. Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
48. Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - September 19 - October 26
49. Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
Broadway Song & Dance – August 8-16
50. Texas Ballet Theater Performances
51. Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
ART MUSEUMS
52. Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
53. Dallas Museum of Art Exhibit -- Dallas
54. Kimball Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
55. Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
56. Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
57. Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
58. Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
59. Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
60. Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
61. Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
62. Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park
63. Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
64. Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers
65. Home School Athletic Association
66. THESA Riders Home School Sports Association
67. Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson (Taught by Rhett Hulcy)
68. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Highland Park
69. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Southlake
70. Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
71. Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
72. Tae Kwondo for Home Schoolers -- Plano
SUPPORT GROUPS
73. Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
74. Keller 4H Club Meetings -- Keller
75. North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
76. Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
77. Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
COLLEGE PREP
78. SAT Test Dates
79. SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
80. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
81. Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
82. Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals at The Stewpot -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
83. Great Opportunities for Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine
84. Cinemark Summer Movie Theater Schedule -- North TX Locations -- July/Aug
85. Advanced Placement, Pre-Advanced Placement English & CLEP Classes
86. High School Science Classes Beginning August 2008 -- www.coolscience.net
87. THSC State Convention & Family Conference -- The Woodlands -- Aug. 14-16
88. Sales-Tax Holiday -- August 15-17
89. Private Piano and Flute Lessons -- Northeast Dallas
90. Younger Generation Chorus of Plano Auditions -- Plano -- August 23 & 26
91. Registration Open for Homeschool Choir & Band Classes -- www.singandplay.com
92. Irving Homeschooler's 2nd Annual Homeschool Fair -- Irving -- Sept 27
93. Kids and Critters at State Fair of Texas -- Dallas County Only -- Sept 30-Oct 17
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FEATURED ARTICLE
The Colony Public Library Recognizes Homeschoolers in August
Getting a library card has never been so rewarding!
If you are heading to The Colony Library during the month of August for a library card or to check out books, there is a special gift waiting for you.
During the month of August, the library is recognizing Homeschools as their "School of the Month." Home-school students who are getting a library card or checking out books can stop by the reference desk to receive their gift. Students under 17 must be accompanied by a parent with a picture ID.
The library is located at 6800 Main Street, at the corner of North Colony Boulevard and Main Street.
For more information, please call the library reference desk at 972-625-1900, extension 3.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Dual Credit Versus High School Credit, the Question of the Day
–– by Maureen Amend
I have been a homeschool high school math teacher at Tarrant County College for the past five years and have been asked the question, "What is the difference between dual credit and high school credit?" over and over again. So I am going to try to explain the difference to you in the most concise way I can.
Dual Credit Courses are courses that a high school student can take at a community college campus to receive both high school and college credit. For example, a student might decide to take a dual credit Biology course, which will earn him both high school credit as well as college credit for Biology, by taking just one course. Hence, the term "dual credit."
Taking dual credit classes is an economical way to begin earning college credits, in terms of both money and time.
How can my child sign up for dual credit classes?
First, students who wish to take dual credit classes must be at least 16 years of age.
Second, a student cannot just sign up to take dual credit classes. A student must first take a placement test called the "Accuplacer" test through the community college they wish to attend. The test consists of three parts: reading, writing and math. The math portion consists of 32 questions, 12 basic algebra questions and 20 more advanced questions. If you get the first 12 questions correct, you are advanced to more difficult questions. If you answer some incorrectly, you are given easier questions. This test is designed to see how much knowledge you have in an area. The kicker is that you are not told which questions you missed.
Can my child take dual credit classes if he tests strongly in one area but weaker in another?
Most people do not know this fact, but even if your child is weak in one area, he may still qualify for dual credit classes. If your child tests strongly in English, but weaker in math, he can take English dual credit.
How do I get information that will help my child study for the Accuplacer test?
You may go to any testing center and get practice tests, or you can search online (type "accuplacer" in your browser) and get practice tests.
Can my child retake the test if he doesn't do well?
This test is very structured and does not allow of room for error.
If your child does not do well, he may retake only the portion he did not pass. This must be done within thirty days.
How much does the test cost?
The cost of the test is around $30.
What is Homeschool High School Credit?
Community colleges sometimes offer homeschool high school credit classes. These classes are strictly for high school credit. No college credits are awarded.
The high school math classes at Tarrant County College, were pioneered by yours truly in 2004. These courses are offered for highschoolers currently in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Advanced math, and are more geared to help with the Accuplacer test. We are hoping to offer an actual Accuplacer class very soon.
What is the difference between high school homeschool math classes versus remedlal college courses?
With both high school homeschool math classes and remedial classes, no college credit is received.
The primary difference is that the classes for homeschoolers are much smaller and offer greater communcation between parent and instructor. Grade reports are sent home and students with difficulty are followed up on. Additionally, there is no age requirement for the homeschool high school courses.
Homeschool high school courses, such as those offered at Tarrant County College, allows some early exposure to the college atmosphere and gives the registered student access to all of the services at the college.
What homeschool high school courses are offered at Tarrant County College?
During the Fall 2008, the Southeast and Northwest Campuses are offering Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. We are offering a FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
The Northeast Campus is offering Biology.
Contact me if you would like more information on any of these classes, or if you would like to give your input on how we can serve you better.
I hope this has helped answer a few questions that may have been hazy for you.
If not all questions were answered, please contact me personally.
Maurine Amend is a math instructor at Tarrant County College and is an NTA-certified tutor trainer at Mountain View College. She has worked as an educator for the past 13 years, both in public as well as private school settings. While at Tarrant County College, she also pioneered the college's homeschool high school classes, taught various GED-level courses, and served as an instructor for TCC's Kollege for Kids. She will coordinate a College Exploration Program at Tarrant County College in the Spring of 2009, geared to help high school seniors make the transition from high school to college. You may contact Maureen at 972-660-8414 or mdamend@tx.rr.com.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
How to Register Your High Schooler for the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT Test
-- by Anne Gebhart
Now is the time to contact your local public high school to get your child registered for the PSAT/NMSQT, if you are planning to have your high school student take it this fall.
Schools will administer the test on one of the official 2008 testing dates: either October 15 or October 18. Check with your local public school to find out which date they are offering the test.
Most high schools begin registering their students during the first couple of weeks of school, so you will need to contact your public school counseling office or principal as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss the registration deadline.
The PSAT/NMSQT, also called the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test that serves as a practice test for the SAT Reasoning test. It also gives students a chance to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Some students, including homeschoolers, have been able to win full scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship competition.
The PSAT/NMSQT is only administered once each year, usually in October. Test scores only count toward the National Merit Scholar awards in a student's eleventh grade year, although students may take the PSAT/NMSQT for practice in the years preceding their eleventh grade year.
The Texas Home School Coalition was instrumental in getting a law passed by the Texas legislature requiring independent school districts to allow home school students residing within their district to take the PSAT/NMSQT test with their students. The law went into effect September 1, 2007.
Additionally, the law states that public schools may not charge homeschool students a higher testing fee than they charge their own students. If the school charges its students $20, homeschoolers cannot be charged more than $20. If students at the school can take the test for free, homeschoolers must be able to take it for free as well.
For your reference, a copy of the law can be found here.
Some students prefer taking the test at a private school which offers the test. While there is that option, it must be pointed out that private schools are not required to open their testing to those outside of their student body, and are not subject to the state law.
When contacting your local public school to register your child for the test, if you experience resistance, confusion, or receive conflicting information from the school official, please contact the Texas Home School Coalition by email at staff@thsc.org. In your correspondence, include the following information: the date you contacted the school, the school district, the school name, the name of the person with whom you spoke, and the essence of the conversation, including the reason(s) given for not allowing your child to test at their school.
Since the law went into effect last year, most of the kinks have already been worked out; however, there might be a few school districts which may need to be familiarized with the law, and THSC will be happy to help if necessary.
When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, he will need to include a School Code on his test sheet. The College Board's code for Texas Home School Students is "994499".
On test day, your student will need to provide a form of picture ID.
Until now, the only acceptable forms of photo identification were a driver's license, state-issued ID, valid passport, or a school identification card with a picture. This has been an issue in the past, as homeschoolers do not have school-issued photo ID cards, such as those provided to public school students.
The College Board's listing of acceptable forms of photo ID now includes a more accessible and less expensive option for homeschoolers: a Student ID Form that can be prepared by a local support group or by the local public school.
The SAT Student ID form can be downloaded from the College Board website and printed on the organization's official letterhead. The form must be dated and accompanied by a "recognizable" photo of the student. The student will need to sign the ID form in the presence of the organization's representative or public school principal. The student will also be asked to sign the ID form again at the testing center to verify the signature.
The Student ID Form is valid for one year, and must be presented each time the student tests.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Legendary King Tut Exhibit Coming to Dallas October 3
"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" is the renowned exhibition that has drawn 5 million visitors worldwide. Currently on view in London, the exhibition returns to the United States in a three-city encore tour opening at the Dallas Museum of Art, October 3, 2008-May 17, 2009. The other cities for the tour have not yet been announced. The exhibition was previously presented at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Contemporary Art, the Field Museum in Chicago, the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, and The Franklin in Philadelphia.
"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" explores the figures who guided ancient Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The exhibition focuses on the 18th Dynasty, a 100-year period when Egypt was at the height of its power and the "golden age" of Egyptian artistry. This was the era when Tutankhamun and his ancestors reigned. The extensive array of more than 130 extraordinary artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian sites features 50 of Tutankhamun's burial objects, including his royal diadem and one of the four gold and precious stone inlaid canopic coffinettes that contained his mummified internal organs.
To Reserve Tickets for Your Group:
Call Cilecia Foster at 213-763-2135 and mention HEART of Texas when you call.
Information Flyer pdf available at: http://www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
No deposit required to make a reservation.
$100 Free Gas Card: If your group is at least 50 miles from the exhibit (every 40 people including students and teachers), receive a $100 free gas card.
1 complimentary chaperone ticket: For every 10 student tickets purchased
Educators Guide/Lesson Plans: Available on the website soon at www.kingtut.org.
To View Exhibit Video: Click Here
For an Exhibition Preview: Click Here
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES
Summer Reading Programs, Clubs, Story Times, Events, Activities, and more! Libraries in North Texas are gearing up for an action-packed, fun-filled summer that will inspire a love of reading!
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information: Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Summertime may mean a vacation from the classroom, but it should not mean a vacation for your child's intellectual development! Let the Library help your child maintain or improve their reading skills by participating in our Summer Reading Club. Summer learning comes from reading books, playing games, listening to storytellers, and other free fun activities!
Ages: Birth through sixth grade. Reading logs are due August 1st.
SUMMER -- Summer Teen Volunteer Opportunities
This summer, we have two teen volunteer programs so you can have your choice of fun! We have our annual Summer Reading Club (SRC) volunteer program and our Summer Teen Tutoring program. Both program volunteers get to help with fun kid activities! Kid activities include things like game nights, crafts, and more. All who want to join the fun must submit a short essay of up to 2 pages, either