Mid-August 2008

HEART OF TEXAS   
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.

MID-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 ~


AUGUST 1-31
DOLLAR DAYS AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM
WEEKDAYS

Admision:  $1 per person
Parking:  $5

In an effort to address the concerns of prices at family venues, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is reducing all of its admission prices on weekdays in August to $1 per person, with admission returning to its normal pricing in September.

Regular price is $8 per adult, so this is an incredible savings and great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a trip to the Dallas Arboretum!

For More Information:  Click Here

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AUGUST 18 & 20
PRACTICES BEGIN FOR DALLAS THUNDER BASKETBALL

Time:    Boys 12U,Boys 14U, and all Girls:  Noon - 2pm
            Boys 16U,& 18U:  2pm - 4pm

Location:   Sportsplex
                5204 Alpha Road
                Dallas

For More Information:  
www.dallasthunder.org

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AUGUST 19 & 22
ARLINGTON ASSOCIATION HOME EDUCATORS
OPEN HOUSE (8/19) AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL (8/22)

AUGUST 19 -- Open House
Time:  
7 pm
Location:   Mayfield Road Baptist Church
                Fellowship Hall
                1701 E. Mayfield Rd.
                Arlington, TX  76014
RSVP:  Yvonne Behneman 972-642-5798

AUGUST 22 - Ice Cream Social
Time:  7 pm
Location:   Cravens Park Pavillion
                 400 Cravens Park Dr.
                 Arlington, TX  76018
RSVP:  Yvonne Behneman 972-642-5798


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AUGUST 19 & 26
EVERYONE'S A KID ON TUESDAYS AT FOSSIL RIM

Everyone can visit Fossil Rim for the cost of Children's Admission
on Tuesdays in August!

For More Information:  
www.fossilrim.org

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AUGUST 20
"MEET AND GREET MULES BILL AND PETE" AT
FARMSTEAD HERITAGE MUSEUM

Time:  
4pm - 5pm
Location:  Heritage Farmstead Museum
                1900 West 15th St. in Plano
Details:  The National Landmark Heritage Farmstead Museum will welcome the new arrivals to their livestock program. The addition of Belgian Mules, Bill and Pete will further enhance the many programs and events that are held at the museum annually. Fifty Plano children have been invited to meet the mules, enjoy rides in the mule pulled wagon and be treated to refreshments.


The general public may visit the museum Tuesday through Sunday between 9am and 4:30pm or attend the Fall Harvest Festival and Craft Fair on Saturday October 5th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm where wagon rides will be available to visitors attending the Festival.

For information: Contact acarroll@heritagefarmstead.org



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AUGUST 21
RICHARDSON HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
FALL KICK-OFF MEETING AND INFORMATION FAIR

Richardson Home School Association would like to let your group know about our upcoming Fall Kickoff Meeting and Information Fair.  Please pass this information to the members of your homeschooling group. We will have all of our ministries (including RHSA Co-op) available to answer your questions.  Please come meet the new RHSA Directors and see what we have to offer!


Time:
6:30 p.m.

Location:
 Waterview Church of Christ
                  
1409 N. Waterview Drive  
                Richardson (west side of Waterview, between Arapaho and Campbell)


Details:  Please join us for a short all-member meeting followed by the RHSA ministry fair.   Also, this meeting is open to guests. Feel free to invite your friends who aren’t members so they can learn what RHSA is all about.

In the meeting we will make a few introductions and announcements and have a brief overview of RHSA’s mission, current status and future plans.

In the ministry fair, the many ministries of RHSA will each have an information table set up to provide you opportunities to find about the ministries and their activities, get your questions answered, and find out how your family can get involved.

During and after the ministry fair, there will also be a time for fellowship, i.e. a time to catch up with old friends you haven’t seen for a while and to make new friends.

We will also have a membership sign-up table at the meeting, in case you haven’t yet joined RHSA for the 2008-9 school year.

We hope to see you there!
 
For More Information:  Virginia Jenkins at newsletter@rhsa.org or 214-641-7925


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AUGUST 22
REGISTRATION DEALINE FOR HOMESCHOOL CLASSES AT
YMCA OF IRVING

The Deadline for signing up for the Irving YMCA's "Home School University" is Friday August 22nd. 

These classes were designed especially for homeschoolers, with input from the homeschooling community.  

Parents, please call in and reserve your child's spot in the classes you've chosen.  Once we have achieved the minimum # of students in a particular class, we will call parents to come in and register. 

Classes Offered:
Spanish, Art/Painting, Youth & Government, Science, Basketball, Drama, Volleyball, Y-Achievers, FIT Squad
 
For More Information:  
Contact Doug Fox at 214-460-6337 or dougf.irving@ymcadallas.org  

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AUGUST 22-23
NORTH TEXAS HOME EDUCATORS NETWORK
CONFERENCE AND BOOKFAIR

Time:
9am - 5pm

Location:
  Plano Centre
                  
2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway    
                Plano, TX 75074


For More Information:  www.nthen.org



Volunteers Needed:  

Children's Conferences International is pleased to be serving at the North Texas Home Educator's Network Conference.

Our theme this year is the Sword and the Soap, teaching children how the Word of God is a powerful sword that directs our hearts to the cleansing blood of Jesus. Children will meet the wise King of Bath, his faithful servants Scrub and Squeaky, and his darling daughter Princess Gwendolin along with other characters in the Kingdom of Bath.

This year CCI introduces a brand new feature as well, professional ventriloquism!
Children will laugh and learn as they enjoy the hilarious antics of Dexter the Dragon.
The Sword and the Soap will also include exciting games, crafts, and an inflatable obstacle course!

CCI is also looking for volunteers to help with this event. If you or your young ladies and gentlemen enjoy ministering to children please consider joining us this year in Plano!

For more information about the children's program: Click Here


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AUGUST 27
SALT EDUCATIONAL CO-OP CLASSES
ORIENTATION AND REGISTRATION
DESOTO, TEXAS

Time:
        Orientation:  10am - Noon
                 Late Registration:  1pm - 3pm

Location:
   Faith Bible Church
                 1437 W. Pleasant Run Rd.
                 DeSoto, TX  75115


Details:  We offer classes from Nursery - 12th grade on Mondays and/or Wednesdays.  Our class choices range from extracurricular preschool to high school requirements. 

To Register:  We are offering online registration until August 22, 2008, simply go to our website and click on "Registration" to see our Monday Schedule and Wednesday Schedule and Class Catalog.  If you would like to register please send an email requesting a username and password to saltcoop@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to come to orientation on Wed., Aug. 27 10-12 and then we are offering a late registration on Wed., Aug 27 1-3.

For More Information:
saltcoop@sbcglobal.net



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AUGUST 28
READY TO ANSWER SPEECH AND DEBATE CLUB
REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION MEETING

Located in Decatur, Texas, we compete with students all across the nation.  Our goal is to facilitate the training of local home school students to analyze life issues and effectively communicate a Biblical worldview.  We look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy your visit.

Location:  JOY Christian Academy
1604 US287/1810 Decatur, TX
 (the red building on the right at the 287/1810 junction near the dance studio)

For More Information: Contact Mitzi at 940-399-9057 http://www.rta.embarqspace.com/

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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    

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

FEATURED ARTICLES

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers

How Soon Should My Child Start Preparing for the SAT?by Jean Burk

Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County Seeks Homeschool Volunteers – by Julie Donovan and Pam Bagby

Visit the Christian Home Educators Resource Center at Their New Location in Rowlett

Special Ticket Pricing for Homeschoolers: The Nutcracker Ballet at Bass Hall


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.   Book It!  Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
3.   Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
   
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4.   BEST Robotics 2008 Preview:  Just Plane Crazy! -- Texas Best
5.   Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2009
6.   National Engineers Week -- Future City Competition
    
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
7.   City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
8.  City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
9.  Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide

CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
10.  Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
11.  National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30

HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
12.  THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
13.  
Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
14.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
15.   Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
16.  Creative Arts in Action --- Watauga
17.  Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
18.  Fabulous Fridays -- Little Elm
19.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
20.  Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
21.  Homeschool Heritage Domus Schola -- Keller
22.  Legacy Home School Enrichment Program at First Baptist Euless -- Euless
23.  Homeschool Theater Classes at PFAmily Arts --- Plano
24.  Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes
25.  Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
26.  YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving

BOOK SALES & HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
27.  Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
      Dallas – September 6
      The Colony – September 6
      
Wichita Falls – September 6
      Sanger – September 13
      Arlington – September 17-21 (Big Sale)
      Ennis – September 18-20
      Wylie – September 20
28.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
29.  Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga
30.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
   
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
31.  Dallas Arboretum – Dallas
32.  Day Camps at Camp Tonkawa
        Attn: Boy Scout Troops
33.  Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
34.  Fossil Rim
        Fossil Dig Class & Tour -- September 8
35.  Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
36.  Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
37.  Sharkarosa Open-to-the-Public Days
38.  Texas Discovery Gardens
39.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas

PERFORMING ARTS
40.  Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
            Sleeping Beauty -- September 26 - October 12
41.  Performances at CATS -- Arlington
        Cinderella – October 3-12
42.  Cottage Theater – Creative Arts in Action -- Watauga  
43.  Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
        Peter Pan – August 15 - September 13
        Beauty and the Beach (Children's Peformance) - August 16 - Sept 13
44.  Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
45.  Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
        
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - September 19 - October 26         
46.  Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
        Broadway Song & Dance – August 8-16
47.  Texas Ballet Theater Performances
48.  Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
          

ART MUSEUMS
49.  Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
50.  Dallas Museum of Art Exhibit -- Dallas
51.  Kimball Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth        
52.  Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas        
53.  Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
54.  Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas

IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
55.  Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
56.  Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History

HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
57.  Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
58.  Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas

SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
59.  Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
60.  Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park
61.  Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
62.  Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers  
63.  Home School Athletic Association
64.  THESA Riders Home School Sports Association
65.  Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
66.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Highland Park
67.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity Sports in Southlake
68.  Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
69.  Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
70.  Tae Kwondo for Home Schoolers -- Plano

SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
71.  Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
72.  Arlington Association Home Educators (AAHE) -- Arlington

73.  Keller 4H Club Meetings -- Keller
74.  North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
75.  Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
76.  Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
77.  SALT Co-Op -- DeSoto

COLLEGE PREP
78.  SAT Test Dates
79.  SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas
        Grapevine - October 3 & 4


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.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Hot Meals -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
83.  Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals at The Stewpot -- Dallas -- The Stewpot

OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
84.  Great Opportunities for Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine
85.  Advanced Placement, Pre-Advanced Placement English & CLEP Classes

86.  Tutoring/Group Lessons Available in Various Subject Areas
87. Private Piano and Flute Lessons -- Northeast Dallas
88. Younger Generation Chorus of Plano Auditions -- Plano -- August 23 & 26
89. Registration Open for Homeschool Choir & Band Classes -- www.singandplay.com
90. THESA Riders Girls Basketball Tryouts -- Fort Worth -- Sept 18 & 15
91. Irving Homeschooler's 2nd Annual Homeschool Fair -- Irving -- Sept 27
92. Kids and Critters at State Fair of Texas -- Dallas County Only -- Sept 30-Oct 17
93. Homeschool Day at the Fort Worth Zoo -- Fort Worth -- October 2
94. Heritage Farmstead Museum Presents: Annual Harvest Festival and Craft Fair -- Plano -- Oct 5


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FEATURED ARTICLE

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers

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

For a limited time, you can enjoy a 15% discount on materials plus FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more.

In addition, with any order you are automatically entered to win a $100 gift certificate that can be applied toward anything in their store: curriculum, videos, or even their selection of arts and crafts supplies.

Simply visit
http://www.nestlearning.com/c-5-homeschool.aspx?s_cid=heart&affiliateid=10059
to start shopping and begin enjoying your savings today! Use coupon code "HEART" when placing your order.  



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FEATURED ARTICLE

How Soon Should My Child Start Preparing for the SAT?
-- by Jean Burk

I personally believe ALL 9th graders should learn how to take the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. (The longer a student waits, the less time they have to improve.) Scoring high on these tests can not only result in getting into the college of their choice, but also can bring incredible scholarships. Most students wait until they are a junior or senior to start thinking about preparing for these tests. BIG Mistake!

The key to doing well on these tests is to learn the recurring patterns, hidden strategies and the test-taking techniques on how to conquer each question type. After learning these, then PRACTICING is the key. Students who make these tests a priority long before they count will have better success because they are able to pick out the patterns quicker and therefore answer the questions in a timelier manner. (Most students do not finish all the questions in each section.)

By learning the keys of the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT as early as ninth grade, students will have time to spend up to a couple of hours a week learning to find the recurring patterns on the test identifying weaknesses; this will make taking the test old hat when it really counts. They can also avoid cramming at the last minute using this information and lessen text anxiety because they can know and understand the tests.

Because we started researching how to do well on the PSAT when my son was in 9th grade, he became a National Merit Scholar and we literally threw away seven trash bags full of college offers. (full-tuition, room and board, graduate money, study-abroad stipends, etc.)These offers came from numerous colleges. Ouachita Baptist, with a tuition of $80,000, is where my son and daughter chose to attend. There is no way we could have ever afforded that kind of college money.

Jean Burk is the author of College Prep Genius and has written numerous articles about the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. She has been featured as an SAT expert on Good Day Dallas (Fox 4) and KXAS (NBC 5). She currently travels and speaks about the importance of college preparation, how to get free college and teaches her “Master the SAT” Prep Class all over Texas. Both her children received incredible scholarships because of their PSAT and SAT scores. Her teaching DVD was released in the summer of 2008. The first edition of her brand new VocabCafé Book Series, “The Summer of Saint Nick” is now out. These books are intended to help teenagers and younger children increase their knowledge of SAT-level vocabulary words.  College Prep Genius is a HEART of Texas partner, and offers HEART of Texas members discounts on their materials.  For more information, visit www.collegeprepgenius.com                                            

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County Seeks Homeschool Volunteers
by Julie Donovan and Pam Bagby

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

Weekly volunteers select on weekday to drive at the lunch hour.  Meals are picked up from local neighborhood sites and delivered to homes within close proximity.  Delivery typically takes about one hour after meal pick up.  Meals On Wheels, Inc. needs your help in order to continue this much-needed service to the homebound residents in your neighborhood.

Several home school families currently volunteer for our program.  

If you need additional information or a speaker for a presentation, please contact us.  Together, we can make Tarrant County a caring place to grow old.

Here are some details about the program.

1.  Meals On Wheels provides training, an established route, and hot, nutritious meals to deliver.

2.  You volunteer your time and the use of your car.

3.  One lunch hour a week, you pick up your meals at a distribution site near your home and make deliveries to clients.

4.  Sixty minutes later, you're feeling great that several Tarrant County neighbros received a hot meal . . . often the only one they'll have that day.  Time invested with Meals On Wheels helps improve the quality of life in Tarrant County and pays big dividends.  Like those who currently serve as drivers, you'll get a personal lift from being part of a team that makes a real difference in our community.


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

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

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

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

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

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


Contact Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County to schedule a tour of the central kitchen and learn more about this essential community program.


Julie Donovan and Pam Bagby are Coordinators of Volunteer Recruitment for Meals On Wheels, Inc. of
Tarrant County.  They are available to give presentations to your group and can be contacted at 817-336-0912.  



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FEATURED ARTICLE

Visit the Christian Home Educators Resource Center at Their New Location in Rowlett

The Christian Home Educators Resource Center has moved to a new location in Rowlett.  They are now
located at 4501 Rowlett Road, Suite 105 in Rowlett, Texas, 75088.  Their phone number has not changed, so they can still be reached at 972-457-4138.  

CERC is in partnership with HEART of Texas, and offers our members discounts on various materials.  To learn more about their discounts, or to learn about our other partners, visit http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Special Ticket Pricing for Homeschoolers:  The Nutcracker Ballet at Bass Hall


Enjoy the Nutcracker Ballet this Christmas, and save on the best seats!

HEART of  Texas and PEACH (Plano Educators Association of Christan Homeschoolers) have partnered together with Bass Hall to offer a special discount rate for Nutcracker Ballet tickets.

The Bass Hall is offering us their best available seats at the time we turn in our registrations.  That means we need to get the word out right away!  The sooner we get our registration and payments turned in, the better the seats!  

DECEMBER 12 -- Special Homeschool Night at the Nutcracker Ballet
Time:  8pm
Cost:  $20/seat (best available seats at the time we register)
Contact:  Tracy Walton at 972-881-5221 or tracy1476@verizon.net

To Register:  Include the following on a 3x5 index card:
• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Email
• Number of people attending from your group or family
• Amount enclosed (# attending x $20)  
• Homeschool group name (if registering as a group)

Registration Deadline:  October 19

Send information, payment, and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to: Tracy Walton, 1476 St. Patrick Drive, Plano, TX 75074

You will receive a confirmation notice via email from HEART of Texas when payment is received. If you don't receive your confirmation with a few days of mailing your registration, contact Tracy at the number above.

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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



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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location:      500 W. 3rd St
        817-871-7701

DIAMOND HILL/JARVIS
Location:      NE 35th Street
        817-624-7331

EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location:      4300 E. Berry St.
        817-536-1945

EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location:    6301 Bridge St.
        817-871-6436

MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location:      2800 Stark St.
        817-451-0916

NORTHSIDE LIBRARY
Location:    601 Park Street
        817-626-8241

RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location:    3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
        817-737-6619

RIVERSIDE LIBRARY:
Location:    2913 Yucca Avenue
        817-838-6931

SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location:      959 East Rosedale St.
        817-871-6621

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location:    4001 Library Ln.
    817-782-9853

SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location:      4205 Basswood Blvd.
        817-232-0478

WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location:      3816 Kimberly Ln.
        817-292-3368


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HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location:  901 Precinct Line Road
               Hurst, TX  76053
               817-788-7300
Contact:  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




ON EXHIBIT:
FOYER DISPLAY:
GALLERY WALL: 
HISTORICAL GALLERY:  

To put your collection on exhibit at the Hurst Library:  Contact the Information Specialist to fill out a form with your contact information and a description of your collection.  To be considered, personal collections must meet the Library display criteria.


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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


Program Calender: Click Here    

For More Information:  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

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Preschoolers DayCare StoryShare
MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
Time:  10:30 a.m. in the Storyroom
Friends share stories, songs, and books with childcare groups.
Please email or call to register

ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS &  THURSDAYS
Time:  10:30 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”


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2.  BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM

ENROLL TODAY FOR 2008-2009 PROGRAM
(individual families only may enroll)

Who Can Participate:  Children in grades K-6.

The Book It! Reading Program is sponsored by Pizza Hut and runs from October 2008 through March 2009. It is available for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.

The reading program allows the children to earn free personal pan pizzas for meeting their reading goals.

Important Note:  This year, the Book It! Program is changing its enrollment procedures for home schoolers.  Support groups will no longer be able to register families for the program.  Each family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate.

For Program Information: http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/k6enroll.asp

To Enroll Your Homeschool: http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/pub_priv_enroll.asp   

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


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3.