Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
AUGUST 2014 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Families and Friends,
We are excited to share information that we feel may be of interest to home schoolers in North Texas. Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to your friends or other homeschooling families in your network.
If you use content from this newsletter for placement within your own newsletter, website, or other communications, please acknowledge the HEART of Texas newsletter as your source via a link to our website: www.heartoftex.org.
If you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at editor@heartoftex.org so we can share it in our next bi-weekly e-newsletter. Advertising space is available for those wishing to advertise their businesses, classes, job listings, or other opportunities.
Additionally, if you or anyone in your homeschool group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at editor@heartoftex.org.
We would love to hear from you!
www.HEARTofTex.org
You can also "Like" HEART of Texas on Facebook!
Our deadlines are as follows:
the 1st of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 15th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.
Please send all submissions to editor@heartoftex.org for consideration in the newsletter.
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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MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
AUGUST 2
HOMESCHOOL NUTS AND BOLTS CONFERENCE
HEART OF TEXAS
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm (Check-In/Registration Begins at
8:30)
Location: Bedford Public Library
2424 Forest Ridge Drive
Bedford, 76021
Cost: $20 (includes conference,
handouts, lunch, and snacks); Spouse $8
Details: Do you have questions about
homeschooling? Need help getting started?
Not sure how
to choose a curriculum?
Want tips for how to organize
your home school or how to plan your year?
Unsure about
how to prepare your home school student for high school and beyond?
Join
HEART of Texas founders Dave and Anne Gebhart, as they help guide you
through the process of homeschooling, from understanding the law in
Texas, to getting organized, to preparing for graduation.
Topics
Include:
* Home Schooling 101: What is Home Schooling and How to Get Started
* How to Choose Curriculum
* How to Organize Your Homeschool
* How to Plan Your Year
* How to Prepare for High School & Beyond
* Q&A Session
For more Information and to Register: Conference or Email Here
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AUGUST
REGISTRATION
OPEN FOR SPEECH & DEBATE SUMMER CAMP
Ages 6-18
Camps are held in July and August
Details:
DFW
Speech & Debate's summer camp training is an excellent opportunity
to help students sharpen their critical-thinking and communications
skills in an encouraging, fun environment! Students age 12-18 can
experience the benefits of speech and debate firsthand in their 2-day
Intro to Speech and 3-day Intro to Policy Debate camps! Junior Speech
camps are offered for ages 6-11!
To
Register: Click Here
For More Information: Email Suzanne: Contact Here
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JULY-AUGUST
SUMMER MOVIES AT
HARKINS THEATER
About: Kids
can enjoy a movie a week for 10 weeks, for less than $1 per film. All
adults must be accompanied by children. Tickets on sale now at
participating locations.
Summer Movie Lineup:
Turbo - July 28-
August 1
Horton Hears a Who! -
August 4-8
FreeBirds - August
11-15
For more details:
Click
Here
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JULY-AUGUST
CINEMARK SUMMER
MOVIE CLUBHOUSE
About: $1
Per Show when purchased at Box Office
Summer Movie Lineup:
The Lego Movie - July
30-31
Rio 2 - August 6-7
Peabody & Sherman
- August 13-14
For More Information and To Find a Location
Near You:
Click
Here
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JULY-AUGUST
CHILDREN'S
SUMMER SERIES AT STUDIO MOVIE GRILL
About: Tickets
are $2
Summer Movie Lineup:
Kung Fu Panda 2 - July
28- August 1
Puss in Boots - August
4-8
Madagascar 3 - August
11-15
For more details:
Click
Here
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AUGUST 5
SPECIAL SERIES
TOUR 1 (Class 1 of 3)
HOME SCHOOL CLASS AT FOSSIL RIM
Time:
10am-4pm
Cost: $23/participant
Details: Each
class can stand on its own, but come to all three for the full impact! Grab your stethoscopes! We
take our ailing planet to the doctor – actually, we take on the role of
the doctor - and ask three questions: Who is the patient? What is the
diagnosis? What is the treatment plan? Fun, engaging, informative,
challenging!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960
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AUGUST 8-10
SALES TAX HOLIDAY
The Texas legislature has set Aug 8-10 as a Sales Tax Holiday. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.
Subject to the criteria explained below, all sales of qualifying items made during the holiday period qualify for the exemption, including items sold online, or by telephone or mail. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.
List of Qualifying Clothing/Footwear: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/tx98_490_clothing.html
Qualifying School Supplies: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/tx98_490_sch_sup.html
FAQ: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/faq_holiday.html
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A
WORD FROM
OUR
SPONSOR:
MATTHEW ROAD ACADEMY OPENS REGISTRATION TO NEW STUDENTS
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears
will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
A
University Model Education setting, MRA comes along side Christian
families in the partnership of their child’s education and walk with
the Lord.
Benefits of a UME:
· Academic Structure and Accountability
· Challenging Christian Curriculum
· Ability to Place Child Outside of Grade Level
· School Field Trips and Special Activities
· Cost Effective College Preparatory Education; Courses
Start at $120 Per Year
· Qualified Teachers with Specialized Focus of Study and Low
Student/Teacher Ratios
· Students Develop Strong Work Ethics and Study Habits
Needed for College Coursework
MRA currently has openings in the following
Secondary courses (9th-12th):
World History, Government, Economics/Personal Finance, Chemistry,
Biology, Geometry, Algebra 1, American Sign Language, Spanish 1,
Health, Writing with IEW, Sewing, College Test Prep, Drama, Spiritual
Formation, Classic Literature, Speech, Publications, SAT Prep
Matthew
Road Baptist Church offers a full day Mon/Wed Kinder/1st program.
Matthew
Road Academy offers UME model courses for grades 2-12; students attend
courses 32 weeks a year on Tuesday and Thursday. Currently, 2nd-8th
grade courses have very limited space.
Full course information can be found online:
www.mracademy.net
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
MORNING GLORY ACADEMY
Classes for Homeschoolers – in a College-Style Schedule
At Morning Glory Academy (MGA), we are wrapping up our sixth year of offering core classes in support of home-centered learning! Students 5 to 18 years old (K-12th) are enrolled at MGA in our college-style schedule (CSS). CSS offers the many benefits of classes, without dominating your family’s schedule. Our CSS consists of classes two days per week, offered in the core areas:
MATH:
K through 6th - math foundations, arithmetic skills.
7th-12th - Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus.
HISTORY:
World and US History. High school includes World History; Western Civilization with
World Geography; US History with US Geography; Government & Economics with Apologetics/Worldview.
LANGUAGE ARTS:
K-5th - from pre-reading and pre-writing to reading and writing fluency
6th-12th – systematic Grammar and Writing instruction; Literature discussion and extension activities
SCIENCE:
K-5th - Hands-on science fun and review of concepts.
6th-8th - Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science;
9th-12th – Biology, Natural Science, Chemistry, Physics.
MGA is located in the Keller area. We are classical and Christian in our approach. MGA is a nonprofit corporation that exists to partner with families for their children’s education.
We believe the CSS model is the perfect ‘hybrid’ of homeschooling and group classes.
Please visit our website, www.theMGA.org, for MUCH more information about our teachers, courses, schedule, and curricula.
Contact: Grammar School Director Susan Riddle, 817-706-9888 (k-5th).
Upper School Director Leslie Kent, 817-905-3861 (6th-12th).
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
TRIUMPH SPORTS
Triumph Sports has been running summer sports camps for kids for 10 years in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston areas.
Programs are often run by our Dallas Theological and Southwestern Seminary students.
We are currently looking for outstanding High School Junior or Senior or college aged athletes who would like to work as Assistant Coaches at these programs.
To apply, Click Here and fill out an online application.
Parents can sign their children ages 5-12 up for just one month ($40) or they can sign up for the "Semester Pass," for $120.
We only have 30 spots available for each location - so please make sure to sign up soon!
We have 4 Home School PE locations:
Highland Park - Highland Park United Methodist Church - Biggers Gymnasium - Tuesdays 10:30pm-Noon
Southlake - Trinity Presbyterian Gymnasium - Tuesdays, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Richardson - First United Methodist Church Richardson Gymnasium - Thursdays, 11:30pm-1:00pm
McKinney - Stonebridge United Methodist Church Gymnasium - Thursdays, 2:00pm-3:30pm
To Register: Click Here
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
BEGINNER VIOLIN LESSONS
For All Sutdents ages 4 and up
Uses Suzuki Method
Affordable Rates; payment options
available
Conveniently located in the Mid-Cities area
Lessons include both private and group classes
Discount for the 2014-25 School Year: Sign
up by August 15 2014 and get a 15% discounted rate off of tuition. You
may receive an additional 5% discount if you refer a friend.
About Suzuki: Based on how
young children learn their mother tongue, the Suzuki method was
developed over 50 years ago by Japanese violinist, Shinichi Suzuki.
Suzuki's method has been established world-wide, boasting of over 8,000
teachers and over a quarter million students. A recent poll done in
Juilliard School of Music showed that nearly 80% of music students were
Suzuki trained.
Suzuki's
method emphasizes ear training, parent involvement and early childhood
development, though students of all ages can learn. Realizing that each
student develops differently, the method is structured to allow
students to move at their own pace. Lessons are ideal for both serious
students and students who just want to learn more about music.
About the Teacher:
Christina Leano was Suzuki trained and has been playing the violin
since she was four years old. Homeschooled through high school,
Christina graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Dallas in
2011. She is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
For more Information: Click Here
Contact: 817-296-3361
or cleano@udallas.edu
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
TACA FOOTBALL RETURNS AFTER A 9-0 SEASON!
ANNOUNCING ELEVEN MAN FOOTBALL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL & JV TEAMS FOR 2014
"HOMESCHOOL FOOTBALL" for $100.00 with no equipment to buy!
There's "no catch" just Top Quality/11 Man Football. Top quality Coaching!
All gear is leased out with zero Cost to parents. $100 regular fee . Don't spend $700-$800.00 to play Football. Come Check out TACAinfo.com for all the details!! JV and Middle school - ages 12-17 for the 2014 season. We'll add Varsity next year. No Football experience necessary.
We're a Christ Centered group organized to use athletics as an opportunity to spread the Gospel of Jesus.
• We’re coached by a group of believers such as: former Pro Jason Wallace, Greig Altieri,
Curtis Tucker, and Jim Rooney.
• We're competitive, but if you have the desire to learn the game, we will Coach you from where you're at today!
Practices: Magnet School Field 450 Abrams Road Richardson, TX 75081.
To Register or for more information: Click Here
Games: We have a nine game schedule in place. We should be finished by Halloween.
Equipment: Spring camp requires only sweats, cleats, and a mouthpiece.
All equipment is leased out at "Zero-net-cost". Just a deposit check is required.
Parents need to provide only a cup, cleats and a mouthpiece.
Cost: Our registration is sponsored, so the registration cost to a parent is only $100.00. Athletes will be required to participate in a fund raiser.
Questions: Please contact Turk Akturk (Director of Athletic Development) 214-675-8740.
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:
REGISTRATION OPEN
HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM
LANTANA GOLF CLUB
Experience the Game of Golf! Lantana Golf Club is offering three separate golf programs for juniors, age 8-17. The Spring, Summer and Fall programs will each offer weekly clinics over a period of 8-10 weeks.
Participants will receive instruction on full swing, short game (chip, pitch, putting) and bunker play. Participants will also receive a basic introduction to the rules & etiquette of golf and the opportunity for quality time on course.
Our objective is to introduce juniors to the game of golf, improve playing skills and provide the opportunity for personal growth and learning. We hope to build and strengthen character, develop new friendships, and enjoy the experience and life lessons this great game provides.
Marc Brooks will provide lead instruction with assistance from other local golf professionals as needed. Mr. Brooks is a PGA member and currently Director of Instruction at Lantana Golf Club. He was recently named "Best Golf Instructor Denton County 2012" and a member of the PGA President’s Council for his continuing efforts to promote and grow the game of golf.
To Register: click here to download the registration form.
For more information, contact Marc Brooks, PGA at 940-728-4653 or click here to email.
Discount: Marc Brooks is offering HEART of Texas supporting members (with a current HEART of Texas member card) a 10% discount.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
August -- Camp Tonkawa Camps and Activities
August -- Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
August -- Museum Exhibits in Dallas & Fort Worth
August -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs at Select Parks
August -- Homeschool Classes at the Fort Worth Zoo
August -- Perot Museum: Parent/Child Classes
August --Library Used Book Sales Across North Texas
August -- Imax and Omni Movies
August -- Registration Open for Speech & Debate Summer Camp
August -- Summer Movies at Harkins Theater
August -- Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
August -- Children's Summer Series at Studio Movie Grill
August -- Free Summer Activities at the Dallas Museum of Art
August -- The Jungle Book Kids Opens at Artisan Theater in Hurst (Artie's Children's Playhouse)
August -- TCC Homeschool Math Program Registration Ends First Week in August
July 28-Aug 1 -- Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Center: Wilderness Survival Camp
July 31 -- Xanadu Jr Opens at Artisan Theater in Hurst (Main Stage)
Aug 2 -- Fort Worth Museum Star Party
Aug 2 -- Texas Discovery Gardens: Butterfly House Discovery Tour
Aug 4 -- HSAA Football: First Practice of the Season
Aug 5 -- Fossil Rim: Special Series Tour 1 of 3
Aug 7 -- Texas Discovery Gardens: Stories and More! Title: Grandpa’s Garden
Aug 8-10 -- Sales Tax Holiday
Aug 9 -- Texas Discovery Gardens: Garden Explorers Walk: 5 Senses Garden Tour
Aug 9 -- Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Center: Night Hike
Aug 15 -- Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Center: Stars on the Prairie
Aug 16 -- Texas Discovery Gardens: Butterflies and Bugs! Family Festival
Aug 18 -- Fossil Rim: Special Series Tour 2 of 3
Aug 19 -- Fossil Rim: Special Series Tour 3 of 3
Through Aug 23 -- Disney's Tarzan at Artisan Theater in Hurst (Main Stage)
Sponsor -- Matthew Road Academy Opens Registration to New Students
Sponsor -- Morning Glory Academy Classes for Home Schoolers
Sponsor -- Triumph Sports
Sponsor -- Beginner Violin Lessons
Sponsor -- TACA Football Eleven Man Middle School & JV Football Team for 2014 Season
Sponsor -- Registration Open: Home School Golf Program at Lantana Golf Club
FEATURED ARTICLES
CPS Working to Block Adoption of Child by Tutt Family; THSC Still Seeking Transcript -- Tim Lambert, President of THSC
No Greater Joy Ministries Offering FREE Magazines to Support Groups and Home School Families!
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount to Our Readers!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
1. Library Programs at North Texas Libraries -- North Texas
Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact editor@heartoftex.org
Bedford Public Library
Fort Worth Public Library
Hurst Public Library
Lewisville Public Library
McKinney Public Library System
Rockwall County Library
Tyler Public Library
Arlington Public Library (Homeschool Thursdays at the Southeast Branch)
READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2. Book It! Reading Program -- Enrollment: May 1 through 2nd Friday in June each year
3. Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
Six Flags Read to Succeed -- Enrollment for 2013-2014
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4. BEST Robotics
5. FIRST Lego League: 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE
6. Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Deadline March 31, 2014 (yearly contest)
7. National Engineers Week
8. USA Mathematical Talent Search
9. Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -
10. Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest --
CIVICS/GOOD CITIZENSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
11. City of Fort Worth Youth Advisory Board -- Fort Worth
12. City of North Richland Hills Teen Court -- North Richland Hills
13. Hurst-Euless-Bedford Teen Court -- Hurst-Euless-Bedford
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
14. Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition for Graduating Seniors
15. National Congressional Art Competition -- Districts 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 26, 30
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your Enrichment Program or Homeschool Classes
16. Center for Home Education -- Watauga
17. Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
18. Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas -- Cedar Hill/SW Dallas area
19. E.A. Young Academy -- North Richland Hills
20. Eastfield College -- Mesquite
21. Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Grapevine
22. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
23. Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
24. JOY Christian Academy -- Decatur
25. Matthew Road Academy -- Grand Prairie
26. Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
27. Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes
28. THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
29. Quo Vadis Educators -- Garland
30. Vine Academy -- McKinney
BOOK SALES & OUR PARTNERING HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
31. Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
32. Center for Home Education -- Watauga
33. Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
NATURE CENTERS, ZOOS, & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your program
34. Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
35. Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
36. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
37. Fort Worth Botanic Gardens -- Fort Worth
38. Fort Worth Zoo Homeschool Classes -- Fort Worth
39. Fossil Rim
40. Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
41. Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
42. Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
43. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
43. Nash Farm -- Grapevine
Oliver Nature Park -- Mansfield
44. Ride with Pride -- Southlake
45. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
46. Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
47. Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas
Purtis Creek State Park -- Athens
Cedar Hill State Park -- Cedar Hill
Ray Roberts Lake State Park -- Denton
Eisenhower State Park -- Denison
Dinosaur Valley State Park -- Glen Rose
Fort Richardson SP and HS/Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway -- Jacksboro
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway -- Mineral Wells
Tyler State Park -- Tyler
Lake Tawakoni State Park -- Wills Point
PERFORMING ARTS
48. Artisan Center Theater Performances -- Hurst
49. Breitling Youth Theater/Acting for Children Performances -- Garland
50. Cantare Performance Choir -- Southlake
50. Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse Performances -- Fort Worth
51. CATS Theater Performances -- Arlington
52. Cottage Theater Performances -- Watauga
53. Dallas Children’s Theater Performances -- Dallas
54. Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- Dallas
55. Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra -- Fort Worth
55. Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra -- Dallas
56. Plano Children’s Theater Performances -- Plano
57. Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
57. Texas Ballet Theater Dance School -- Dance Classes -- Fort Worth
58. Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
ART MUSEUMS
59. Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
60. Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
Variations on Theme: Contemporary Art 1950s - Present
Through Encountering Space in the Center for Creative Connections -- Throughout Spring 2013
61. Kimbell Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
Admission to the museum's Permanent Collection is always FREE
62. Perot Museum -- Dallas
Homeschool Programs:
63. Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
64. Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
OMNI THEATERS
65. Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
Rocky Mountain Express
Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure
Animalopolis
Forces of Nature
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
66. Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
67. Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
68. Old Red Museum -- Dallas
SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
69. Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
70. North Texas District Science Fair for Home Schoolers
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your non-profit Sport/PE program
70. Aledo Christian School's Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball Teams -- Aledo
71. Berne Academy's Varsity Boys Basketball Team -- Lancaster
72. Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
73. Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
74. Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
75. Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
76. Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers
77. Home School Athletic Association
78. Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
79. Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Southlake
80. Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
81. Parker-Tarrant Home School
82. Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
83. THESA Riders Home School Association
84. Training For Confidence Martial Arts School -- Colleyville
85. Best Gymnastics -- Flower Mound
86. Home School Golf Program -- Lantana Golf Club
SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Become a HEART of Texas Support Group Partner to list your Support Group here!
87. Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
88. DFW Speech and Debate Club -- Coppell
89. Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
90. Irving Home Schoolers -- Irving
91. PEACH -- Plano
COLLEGE PREP
92. SAT Test Dates
93. SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
94. Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities must indicate a direct homeschool interest to be included in this listing.
95. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
96. Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
97. Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals; Friendship -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
98. Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Johnson & Ellis Counties
99. Home School Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
100. Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange Program
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
101. Free Organ Recital -- Dallas
102. Greater Plano Area Cotillion -- 2013-2014 events
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FEATURED ARTICLE
CPS Working to Block Adoption of Child by Tutt Family; THSC Still Seeking Transcript
Tim Lambert, President of Texas Home School Coalition
Reprinted with permission from Tim Lambert's blog on THSC.org, July 9, 2014
The last week of June there were several hearings in the Tutt case in Dallas. THSC-retained attorneys represented the Tutt family as they sought in one hearing to continue the adoption process of a child who is still in foster care and who is the sibling of two other children already adopted by the Tutts who are back in their home. CPS has said that they are working to prevent the adoption of this child by the Tutts, in spite of no issues raised to support that action.
In another hearing that week the judge ruled that Mrs. Tutt must pay child support to her former husband, with whom the judge placed her teenage son. Mrs. Tutt has still not seen a teenage son who was taken in November and placed with her ex-husband. In spite of the ex-husband defying the court order to have this son attend counseling with a court appointed counselor and Mrs. Tutt, the judge later agreed to allow the father to use a different counselor, who would only comply with the court-ordered counseling if Mrs. Tutt prepaid a $4000 fee for services. Now the judge is requiring Mrs. Tutt to pay child support to her ex-husband for the child, whom the judge has ruled should not have been removed from the home in the first place.
In yet another hearing, Dr. Ronald Johnson gave testimony as an expert witness for the family that it would be in the best interest of these children to be returned to the home schooling of their parents. The judge seemed to accept this testimony but found it necessary to say that the focus on the education of the children “had nothing to do with home schooling,” even though the hearing in December was focused on the alleged lack of education of the children as a justification for CPS to keep the children away from their parents.
The judge reportedly said at the hearing in January, “If your children were in public school and were two years behind, you would be banging on their doors. Well, we are banging on your door.” That statement would certainly undermine her current statement that this situation was “not about home schooling.”
The January statement was reported to us by family and home schooling friends who observed that hearing. We cannot yet corroborate that statement, since we still don’t have a redacted copy of the transcript that Judge Callahan ruled in March we could have. We have paid $2500 for that transcript but still don’t have it. In addition, Judge Callahan ruled that she would not allow the Tutts’ current attorney of record to have the transcript. When the attorney pointed out that she was legally entitled to the transcript, the judge said that she was not the attorney of record at the time and asked why the attorney needed it. The attorney stated that she needed it to file a writ of mandamus with the court of appeals. The judge responded that if the court of appeals told her that she had to give it to the attorney, she would do so. Legal observers are shocked by this action, since any attorney representing a client has a legal right to the court records of the client he or she represents.
In addition, the judge chastised CPS officials for not having the psychiatric evaluations of Mr. and Mrs. Tutt, which she had ordered 60 days earlier. She ordered that the Tutts have an evaluation done by a qualified psychiatrist before the next hearing in August.
Unfortunately, the Tutts are not the only Texas family dealing with such actions by CPS. A recent news article highlighted a hearing in Austin in which another family recounted the egregious actions of CPS workers that devastated their family and their children and destroyed them financially. THSC is committed to continuing to publicize the unlawful actions of CPS workers and judges and to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Please continue to pray for justice to be done soon and for the Tutt family to be restored and in full control of their children. Please also pray that they will be able to adopt the child in foster care so she can be with her siblings. If you would like to make a contribution to the legal defense of the Tutt family, you can do that through our Parental Rights Litigation Fund.
Tim Lambert is the president of the Texas Home School Coalition, the state advocacy organization whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms. For more information about THSC, please visit www.thsc.org.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
No Greater Joy Ministries Offering FREE Magazines to Support Groups and Home School Families!
Mike & Debi Pearl of No Greater Joy Ministries would love to send your home school group FREE magazines! They have set aside some extra copies just for your group to pass out at your monthly meeting. To request copies for families in your group, please email Debi Pearl with the number of magazines you need, and where to mail them.
Or, if your family would like to get your own FREE subscription, visit their site and sign up for their
magazine.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
NEST Family Learning Offering Discount to Our Readers!
NEST Family Learning has partnered with HEART of Texas to offer a special discount to readers of our newsletter!
Simply visit this link to start shopping and begin enjoying your savings today! Use coupon code "HEART" when placing your order.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES
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: 2424 Forest Ridge Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2373
Contact: Carrie Glinderman
TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m.–10:20 a.m.
TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and listener)
Time: 11 a.m.–11:25 a.m.
THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
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
NORTHWEST BRANCH
Location: 6228 Crystal Lake Dr
817-392-5420
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: Click Here to email
For Kids--Birth through Elementary
Chapter Chats
Who: 3rd-6th graders
When: 2nd Tuesdays
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Do you love books? Do you enjoy talking about them with others? Here’s your chance! Share your views with other kids who have read what you have. Interested parents are welcome, too.
Puppet People
Who: 4th-8th graders
When: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Calling Puppet People—old and new! Would you like to try your hand—or two—at puppetry? Now’s your chance! We’ll be working on shows for kids this summer. Call 817-788-7302 to register.
Babygarten
Who: Children birth-18 months and an accompanying caregiver
When: Saturdays
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Babygarten is an educational curriculum involving songs, rhymes and activities that help babies with language acquisition and preliteracy skills. Space is limited, so please register at 817-788-7302.
Bedtime Stories
Who: For all ages
When: Tuesdays
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Wear your pajamas and slippers and come for some stories and fun that might (or might not!) make you ready for bed!
Teen Zone --7th through 12th graders
Anime Club
Who: For 7th-12th graders
When: 1st Thursdays
Time: 6-8 p.m.
If you enjoy anime—watching it and talking about it—this is the place for you! Come to the Teen Zone with other teens that love anime, just for fun!
Teen Night
Who: For 7th-12th graders
When: 2nd Thursdays
Time: 7 p.m.
Can’t wait to share your thoughts on some popular books? Join together in the Teen Zone to voice your opinions!
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time for ages 3-6
Time: 10:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS -- Toddler Time for ages 1-3
Time: 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
MONDAYS -- Chess Club (elementary ages and up)
Time: 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
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.
Live Homework Help (online tutoring)
Hurst Public Library now offers Live Homework Help
Subjects: math, science, social studies, and English
Time: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free - must have a Hurst Library Card
How To Access: Visit www.hurst.lib.tx.us
From a library computer, or from your home PC or Mac
Spanish-speaking tutors are available to help students in math and science.
All sessions are confidential and monitored for quality and safety.
For More Information: Call Youth Services at 817-788-7302 or www.hurst.lib.tx.us
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LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1197 W. Main Street, Lewisville, 75067
972-219-3577
Contact: Click Here to email or call 972-547-7319
SUMMER HAPPENINGS AT LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Summer Reading Club
There's still plenty of time to register for Summer Reading Club at Lewisville Public Library! The last day to register is July 14, but the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can get to work on accomplishing your summer reading goal and earning cool prizes! Summer Reading Club is for ALL ages, infants through adults, and we have lots of special activities and events planned.
Special Summer Reading events for elementary students (entering grades K - 5), middle school and high school students (entering grades 6 - 12), and preschool children (ages 3 - 6) continue throughout the summer. Weekly early literacy storytime classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are also offered, along with two weekly elementary classes: Prime Explorations for children entering grades 1 - 3, and Discovery Club for children entering grades 4 & 5.
Exhibit: Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World
Through July 12, Lewisville Public Library presents the national traveling exhibit Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World, organized by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary and the American Library Association, on loan from Humanities Texas. Several events are planned in conjunction with the exhibit.
For More Info: Click Here or call the Youth Services Desk at: 972-219-3577.
Homeschool Tours of Library
Would you like to know more about your local library and its many resources? The Lewisville Public Library invites Lewisville-area homeschooling families to learn how they can get the most out of their public library! We are happy to conduct library tours for groups of homeschooling students and their parents; call the Youth Services Desk at 972-219-3577 to make a tour reservation. If you prefer to do a tour on your own, we also offer a self-guided tour of the Cynthia Bennett Children's Wing. Just ask for a self-guided tour sheet at the Youth Services Desk. The tour is a little like a library scavenger hunt, with tasks to complete and questions to answer along the way. The activity is designed for elementary-aged students with parent guidance.
Library Resource Training
If you have a group that would like a more in-depth library orientation including an overview of electronic resources such as the library catalog, databases, and eBooks, we are able to offer such trainings by request as time, staffing, and library event schedules allow. Contact the Youth Services Desk at 972-219-3577 and ask to speak to a librarian if you are interested in discussing opportunities. This type of activity is best-suited to upper elementary, middle, or high school students.
Classes and Events
Lewisville Public Library offers a variety of classes and events throughout the year, and homeschooled children and teens are always invited to join us. To see a list of upcoming classes and events, visit the library's webpage at library.cityoflewisville.com, and find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LewisvillePublicLibrary) for the latest updates, reminders, and announcements.
We look forward to seeing you at the library!
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McKINNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Location: 101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
972-547-READ
Contact: Click Here to email or call 972-547-7319
Program Calender: Click Here
Preschool Programs: For children from birth through entering Kindergarten. Tickets will be handed out for all preschool programs beginning at 10am
STORYTIMES
Fun with Baby: 6-17 mos & caregiver.
When: Tuesdays
Time: 10:15am
Hold My Hand: 18mos-3 yr & caregiver
When: Tuesdays
Time: 10:15am
On My Own: 3-5 yr olds
When: Tuesdays
Time: 11am
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
18 mos-3 yrs old: child and caregiver
When: Mondays
Time: 10:15am
3 through 5 year olds: Independent child
When: Mondays
Time: 11am
FAMILY STORY TIME
For caregiveres and children of all ages
When: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30pm
SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS
Details: For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Animal Kingdoms: Learn about different areas of the world and the animals who live there.
Time: 3:30-4:15pm
When: Jan 15: Super Heroes; Feb 12: Artists
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ROCKWALL COUNTY LIBRARY
Location: 1215 E. Yellowjacket Lane
Rockwall, TX 75087
972-204-7700
Contact: Click Here to email
Registration required for programs: Click here to register
• An Intermediate Computer Class will be held on May 9 from 10:00-11:30am. Call 972-204-7770 to register.
• The Library has book bags available at the front desk for a donation of your choice.
FREE CONTACT SCIENCE EXHIBIT NOW OPEN
This exciting interactive science exhibit known as Contact Science is at the Rockwall County Library. The first explorative unit is called MicroWorld Adventures. Discover what your skin looks like up close. Examine the legs and wings of a grasshopper and see penicillin the way scientists see it. This unit has both a "scope on a rope" microscope and a high magnification microscope. Come and learn to use them to view prepared specimens as well as other objects of your own choosing and start exploring the micro-worlds around you. MicroWorld Adventures will be at the Rockwall County Library through May 2012 and is available most hours the Library is open.
While the exhibit is primarily for children in grades 3-6, younger and older children and adults may enjoy exploring it as well. For more information about the exhibit, contact the Youth Services Department of the Library at 972-204-7740.
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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
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 a.m. 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 p.m. – 5 p.m. 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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ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
The Southeast Branch of the Arlington Library is starting a program called: “Homeschool Thursdays”. Being held every other Thursday.
(Events are free)
Event Dates: TBA
To Register: Click Here
Sharing Our Voices (High School) 8 week session
Date: Sat afternoons from Sept 14-Nov 2
Location: George W Hawkes Central Library
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Details: High School students will learn to use poetry as a means of creative expression and will use art to create an enhanced eBook with the guidance of UTA professor, Dr. Cedrick May.
For more information and to register online: http://www.arlingtonlibrary.org/calendar/sharing-our-voices-poetry-workshop-high-school-students
Finding Your Own Voice (Junior High) 6 week session
Date: Tues afternoons Oct 8 through Nov 12
Location: George W Hawkes Central Library
Details: Led by local, award-winning poet and the DFW National Youth Poetry Slams founder Mike Guinn. Junior High students will build an appreciation for the art of poetry and develop creative performance skills through SLAM (Spoken Language Arts Method) poetry
For more information and to register online (starting September 16): http://www.arlingtonlibrary.org/calendar/finding-your-own-voice-poetry-workshop-junior-high-students-0
Both of these workshop series are made possible by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts in Education.
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2. BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM
MAY 1, 2014 -- Enrollment Opens for Home School Students
Who Can Participate: Children in grades K-6.
The Book It! Reading Program is sponsored by Pizza Hut and runs from October 1 through March 31 each school year. 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: Support groups may not register families for the program. Each home school family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate, for their children in grades K-6th grade. They must not be attending another educational facility.
For Detailed Program Information: Click Here
To Enroll Your Homeschool: Click Here (Enrollment opens in May 1, 2013)
Book It! Hotline: 1-800-426-6548
Hotline hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT (Monday through Friday)
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3. BRAUMS BOOK BUDDY PROGRAM
The Braum's Book Buddy program gives children the opportunity to read for delicious prizes from Braum's! This program is open to home school families!
Who Can Participate: Children in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
Program Runs: September through end of school year.
Reward: Each child can earn up to six Braum's treats throughout the year including Single Dip Sundaes, Single Dip Ice Cream Cones and more! The best part...it costs nothing to participate in Braum's Book Buddy reading program. We're happy to offer this program to elementary schools and home schools absolutely free! At Braum's, we want to promote a positive attitude in children for a lifetime love of reading.
How does Book Buddy work?
Teachers distribute Braum's Book Buddy booklets to their students and then monitor book reading by placing a Book Buddy sticker in the student's booklet for each book read. When a student has read six books, the teacher rewards the student with a coupon for a free treat from Braum's!
To Enroll:
Send us a written request for enrollment information on school letterhead to:
Braum's Book Buddy Reading Program
PO Box 25429
OKC, OK 73125
Upon receipt of your written request (and upon meeting criteria) we will add your school to our mailing list and your school will automatically receive information on the program each year. Braum's Book Buddy program is a great way to encourage children to read and earn prizes at the same time!
For More Information: Click Here
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SIX FLAGS READ TO SUCCEED
Read to Succeed is an exciting program that encourages students in grades K through 6 to read for fun. Students who complete six hours of recreational reading earn free tickets to Six Flags! The program is available to teachers and schools at no cost to participate, and it's a great way to motivate kids to read.
To register for Read To Succeed for the 2013-2014 school year, please click the Registration link below. Even if you participated last year, you will need to register again for the new school year. Click here to register.
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4. BEST ROBOTICS
BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.
Get a glimpse of the teaser video for this year's competition: Click Here
For Rules: Click Here
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5. FIRST LEGO LEAGUE: 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE
Challenge Release: Click here for more information about the 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS Challenge
Tournament Season: Coming August 26 2014
If you are interested in coaching or being involved next year:
visit the website to learn more.
About the 2014 Challenge: What is the future of learning? FIRST® LEGO® League teams will find the answers. In the 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS℠ Challenge, over 230,000 children ages 9 to 16 from over 70 countries will redesign how we gather knowledge and skills in the 21st century. Teams will teach adults about the ways that kids need and want to learn. Get ready for a whole new class – FLL WORLD CLASSSM!
FLL challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers. During FLL WORLD CLASSSM, teams will build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. They will also choose and solve a real-world question in the Project. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of Core Values.
Core Values of FLL:
The FLL Core Values are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FLL from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.
* We are a team.
* We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors.
* We honor the spirit of friendly competition.
* What we discover is more important than what we win.
* We share our experiences with others.
* We display Gracious Professionalism and "Coopertition" in everything we do.
* We have fun.
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6. TEXAS STATE FISH-ART CONTEST
ENTRIES DUE MARCH 31 (ongoing annual contest)
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is the official host for the Texas State-Fish Art Contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever. All Texas entries in the annual contest are to be sent to TFFC for judging. Winning Texas entries will be forwarded to Wildlife Forever to compete for national best of show and art of conservation stamp honors.
About the Contest: The State-Fish Art Contest is part of a conservation education program designed to spark the imaginations of students while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas' aquatic resources. We also offer you the choice to use our free lesson plan.
Who Can Participate: All Texas students in grades K through 12. Four winners from each state will be selected, one winner per grade group (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12), for a total of 200 winners nationwide.
Prizes: All contestants will receive a certificate of participation. Four winners from each state will be selected, one winner per grade group (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12), for a total of 200 winners nationwide. Participants will compete within their own state and grade category regardless of species submitted. Winning designs will be displayed at the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Expo in the summer following the contest deadline. All winning designs will be displayed on the State-Fish Art website.
The Art of Conservation Stamp Award: Each year Wildlife Forever will select one design (based on specific criteria) from all the entries for an attractive fish stamp.
How to Enter: Students must create an illustration of the Texas state fish or one of the other state fishes (see list of official fish) and write a composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation. Texas students are encouraged, but not required, to depict the Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass. Texas entries are judged only against other Texas entries no matter what fish is depicted.
For Rules, Prizes and Other Details: Click Here
For More Information: Click Here
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7. NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 6-8TH GRADERS
The North Texas Regional Competition is open to all public, private, parochial and home school 7th and 8th grade classes. Teams must be willing to make the trip to Arlington to present their designs. The Competition offers students a hands-on way to build their math and science skills and learn about engineering by solving the real-world problems in designing cities of the future.
Program Timeline: Click Here
Through the program, students will:
* Work as a team under the guidance of a teacher and a technical professional,
* Use a popular award-winning computer game, SimCity, to design a logical model of a future city,
* Realize their design with a physical scale model built with recycled materials,
* Research and write an essay on an assigned engineering topic,
* Communicate their design to a panel of judges in a public presentation, and
* See firsthand how engineers turn ideas into reality.
Nominal Cost: $25 per school for registration, and we provide the software.
Registration is by school. Schools may have more than one team competing.
Schools are limited to spending no more than $100 per team on the model and presentation, combined.
Upon receipt of registration and fee, you will receive:
• One copy of SimCity (for either Windows or Mac operating systems)
• The Teacher-Mentor Handbook - more than 150 pages of basic rules and information on the competition, lists of resources, ideas on how to incorporate the program into the curriculum, and hints for teachers
• A tutorial CD
• Specific rules and schedules for the North Texas regional competition
• Posters
Teams: 3 students, 1 teacher-sponsor, 1 engineer-mentor.
The program employs a team-based approach. All members of the team have an important role that is necessary for the completion of the project.
Benefit: The winning team gets a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals.
Details: TBA
To Register: Click Here
To Download Brochure: Click Here
For More Information: Click Here to send email or visit http://www.dfwfuturecity.org
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8. USA MATHEMATICAL TALENT SEARCH
The USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) is a FREE mathematics competition open to all United States middle and high school students.
The USAMTS allows students a full month to work out their solutions. Carefully written justifications are required for each problem. The problems range in difficulty from being within the reach of most high school students to challenging the best students in the nation. Students may use any materials - books, calculators, computers - but all the work must be their own. The USAMTS is run on the honor system - it is an individual competition, whose competitive role is very secondary. (Although we do give prizes.)
The USAMTS consists of three rounds, with each round featuring five problems. Each round of problems is published at least four weeks before solutions are due.
Student solutions to the USAMTS problems are graded by mathematicians and comments are returned to the students. Our goal is to help all students: develop problem solving skills, improve their technical writing abilities, and mature mathematically. We wish to foster not only insight, ingenuity and creativity, but also the virtue of perseverance, which is equally essential in scientific endeavors.
The USAMTS is one of the ways to enter the process of selecting the USA Mathematical Olympiad team, which participates in the International Mathematical Olympiad. The USAMTS score necessary to qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is set by the American Mathematics Competitions (which run the AIME) and varies from year to year. Students who score well on the USAMTS after the first three rounds are invited to take the AIME, the second step in the process of selecting the USA Mathematical Olympiad Team. With permission, USAMTS participant's names and addresses are provided to colleges, universities, and employers for recruitment purposes.
Round 3 Solutions of the USAMTS is now available: Click Here
Rules governing the USAMTS: Click Here
Rules for submitting solutions: Click Here
Submissions that do not follow these guidelines may be rejected.
To Register: Click Here
(If you have already registered in a past year, you do not need to register again.)
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9. IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CONTEST FOR K-12
About the Challenge: Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) is a national student contest promoting creativity and environmental stewardship. ICE is unique in the realm of student contests due to a commitment to allowing rather than restricting. Entries in the contest range from poetry, videos, essays, 3D models, games to anything else a student may be able to imagine and create.
Rules of Eligibility: (subject to change)
• No purchase necessary. This is a competition of skill.
•Entries must be postmarked
• The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada. Void in Quebec.
• Entries must be submitted individually with the exception of group projects.
• Group projects may be submitted, however each individual in the group must submit his/her own entry form and written explanation and will be judged independently. All prizes will be awarded to individuals.
• Entries must relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy".
• Entries must be the student's original work.
• Entries must be complete, legible and include required signatures.
• Students may enter multiple projects in any creative form within the following limits:
• Documentation or written entries (500 words or 3 page limit).
• Audio or Music (3 minute limit).
• Media or electronic (10 minute limit). Videos in VHS or DVD format only.
• All entries must include a written explanation (not to exceed one page) describing how the entry relates to the theme. (see judging criteria below)
• Entries must be accompanied by the official Igniting Creative Energy entry form (click here).
• Entry forms must include signatures of the student and parent or legal guardian.
• Employees of Johnson Controls, Inc. and the National Energy Foundation and their immediate families, household members and dependents may participate, but are not eligible for prizes.
• The Challenge is open to all students K-12, however only students enrolled in accredited public and private schools are eligible for the grand prize.
• State winners will be selected from each state that has a minimum of 25 entries
Can home school students enter? Yes. All students K-12 are invited to enter. However, home school students are not eligible for the grand prize.
Awards and Other Details: TBA
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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST
JULY 1, 2014 – Contest Registration Deadline
AUGUST 3, 2014 – Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest Takes Place
at Kleberg Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Who Can Participate:
Any student, aged 17-20 (17 as of July 30, 2013, and not over 20 by Jan 1, 2014), who is enthusiastic about the beef industry is eligible to compete. The four individuals with the highest combined scores are selected to join the team.
To be eligible to compete, contestants must complete the following:
1) One Media Interview: local, state, or national print, radio or television media
2) One Consumer Promotion: such as in-store demonstrations and health fairs
3) One Youth Presentation: made to elementary age youth. If it is not possible to make the presentation in the classroom, after school programs or youth organizations such as 4-H, YMCA or scouts groups may be used.
Awards: The top four winners of the TBLT contest will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship. In addition, the winners receive industry and media training, travel opportunities across Texas, invaluable experience and exposure in the beef industry. The high point winner will represent Texas in the National Beef Ambassador Competition which affords more opportunities for prizes and scholarships. Expenses to the National Beef Ambassador Competition will be funded by the Texas Beef Checkoff.
Contestants compete in four categories:
1) Media Interview – The contestant will participate in a mock media interview. The interviewer will have pre-determined questions to ask each contestant with the option to ask follow-up questions in order to extrapolate additional knowledge or clarify a point. A panel of judges will observe the interaction for: knowledge, articulation, poise and the contestant’s ability to “Tell the Beef Production Story” and present the industry in a positive light. Scoring will be done by the judges only. The contestants should be well versed in all areas of beef production and the beef industry relating to consumers. Questions will be taken from the website www.explorebeef.org; however, special attention should be paid to all current industry issues.
2) Consumer Promotion – A mock consumer promotion event will be set up for the contestants. Each contestant will be provided with a “sample” to serve as well as beef industry production and nutrition literature and recipes. Scripted “Consumers” will approach the table to take the sample. They will ask questions to test the contestant’s knowledge, capacity to perform in the field and ability to present beef in a positive light. A panel of judges will observe and score each contestant on their ability to educate the consumer and provide the consumers with the appropriate information to answer their questions.
3) Youth Presentation – On competition day contestants will submit a report to represent the presentation made to youth. The report must contain the following items:
1. A lesson plan
2. An overall written report detailing your presentation and the response of your students.
3. A Teachers Evaluation form (provided)
4. Four pictures of you presenting to students
5. Examples of any items used in presentations may be included in two additional photos.
This report will be evaluated at the competition by two judges. Contestants will not be present at the evaluation nor will they be required to make a youth presentation at the competition. Reports and all materials contained in them become the property of the Texas CattleWomen.
4) Issues Response – Contestants will be provided with a recently published news article regarding the beef industry. Each contestant will compose a brief (150 words or less) response to the article. The judges will score the contestants on their ability to respond to an industry article by thoughtfully answering questions, identifying misinformation and listing positive consumer information.
For Contest Information, Rules & Forms: Click Here
For More Information: Click Here to Email
Contest hosted by Texas CattleWomen and sponsored by the Beef Checkoff
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11. CITY OF FORT WORTH YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
In recent years, there has been a growing trend to involve youth in local government. The Fort Worth City Council believes that the voices of young people are important. To facilitate that, the Council has approved a new Youth Advisory Board for the City of Fort Worth. The Youth Advisory Board will advise the City Council on issues regarding the youth in the City of Fort Worth. A brief summary of the Youth Advisory Board follows.
Who May Apply: High school age students who are between the ages of 14-18 and who reside in Fort Worth may submit an application for consideration for appointment to the advisory board.
Purpose:
The Youth Advisory Board shall:
• act in an advisory capacity to the Fort Worth City Council;
• study youth issues important to the community;
• encourage youth to become actively involved in matters pertaining to the community; and,
• act as a source of information and education on issues important to youth.
Members:
The Youth Advisory Board shall be composed of 27 members who will meet bi-monthly.
Activities:
To be determined by the Youth Advisory Board, following the direction of City Council.
For More Information: Click Here to Email
Community Relations Department, School and Youth Outreach
1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, TX 76102
817.392.8444 817.392.7529 (fax)
For an application: http://www.heartoftex.org/downloads/downloads.html
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12. CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS TEEN COURT
Teen Court benefits both youth and community by providing an alternative method of adjudicating juvenile offenders and allowing teen volunteers to learn about the judicial system, while documenting Community Service hours.
Who Can Volunteer: Full time students ages 13-18 who are in PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR HOME SCHOOLS.
Volunteers may serve as jurors for our Teen Court sessions, or once trained, can act as a defense attorney or prosecutor in our Teen Court trials.
Teen Defendants are held responsible for their behavior while giving them the opportunity to participate in and become knowledgeable about the judicial system. Juvenile Offenders "pay" for their offense(s) by performing community service and participating in Teen Court. Volunteer teen attorneys present offender's cases to a jury of their peers.
Upon successful completion of the program, offender's cases are dismissed and do not appear on their permanent records. Teen Court alleviates the strain on the regular court system, besides giving juvenile offenders a second chance. The program also provides youths in the area a chance to participate in the judicial process.
Location: North Richland Hills Teen Court
6720 N.E. Loop 820
North Richland Hills, Tx 76180
817-427-6705
To Volunteer: Click Here to email
For More Information: Click Here
You may also come to Teen Court on any night Teen Court is in session to observe, prior to signing up to be a volunteer.
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13. HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD TEEN COURT
The Hurst-Euless-Bedford Teen Court is a program that allows juveniles with Class C misdemeanor offenses an alternative to the criminal justice system. Offenders' cases are presented to a jury of their peers by volunteer teen attorneys. Teen jury members assign community services sentences, and upon completion of the program the offenders' case(s) are dismissed and removed from their record.
HEB Teen Court is currently open for both ADULT AND TEEN VOLUNTEERS! Adult volunteers can serve as Jury or Master Jury Monitors. Teens can serve as clerks, bailiffs, and attorneys. Teen Court is held on various Monday evenings, usually twice a month. If you have a few hours you can spare on a Monday evening, come volunteer with HEB Teen Court.
There are many great benefits for teen volunteers such as earning community service hours for school (National Honor Society, CAS, International Baccalaureate), your college resume, and for scholarship opportunities. For more information contact Mindy Eichorst in Teen Court at the number or email below.
Location: HEB Teen Court
2000 Forest Ridge Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2468
To Volunteer: Click Here to email
For More Information: Click Here
You may also come to Teen Court on any night Teen Court is in session to observe, prior to signing up to be a volunteer.
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14. CERTIFICATES OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
District 24
Congressman Kenny Marchant, U.S. House of Representative, would like to give each graduating senior, who resides in the 24th District of Texas, a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
The certificates will be printed with the name of the senior and will be signed by the Congressman.
The completed certificates will then be mailed directly to the senior’s home address.
If interested, please call 972-556-0162 or Click Here to send an email with the name of the graduating high school senior, the date of graduation and the senior’s home address to.
Address:
Congressman Kenny Marchant
9901 E. Valley Ranch Parkway, Ste. 3035
Irving, Texas 75063
To find out if your Congressman has a similar program, please contact your representative:
To Locate Your Representatives:
www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
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15. ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
"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.
24th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2014 ART COMPETITION
The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! Additionally, the winner will be provided airfare and lodging for two to visit Washington, DC where he or she will be recognized among the other winners from across the country.
Every contestant will have his or her artwork digitally displayed on the Congressional website and receive a special certificate of recognition. A group of 5 finalist will be invited to a special ceremony where the winner will be announced. The 4 runner-ups will receive a special consolation prize of showcasing their artwork in North Texas gallery.
Who Can Participate: All high school students living in the 24th Congressional District, including homeschoolers.
DEADLINE APRIL 14
For More Information or to Enter: Click Here
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16. CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION - WATAUGA
Center for Home Education provides, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
Enrichment Classes
See our website for details about these and other classes, and call 817-281-2293 or visit the store to register.
Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)
Website: http://centerforhomeeducation.com/
Discount: Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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17. CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER IN ROWLETT
Christian Educators Resource Center has a full line-up of electives for the elementary student through the high school student!
Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any in-stock items. You must present your current HEART of Texas Family I.D. card to qualify for the discount.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
Location: Christian Educators Resource Center
4501 Rowlett Rd., Suite 105
Rowlett, TX 75088
Contact: 972-475-4138
http://www.cerconline.org
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18. CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ALLIANCE OF TEXAS
Enrichment Days is a fun, exciting, and educational learning group that meets six times each semester at a local church.
Classes vary each semester based on the interests of the individual teachers. You can view a sample class schedule on our website at www.c-h-a-t.org . The classes offered that semester will not necessarily be offered again, but this will acquaint you with the kinds of classes available.
You must be a member family in the Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas to participate. Membership is $30 per year. New member families can join mid-year for $15.
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19. E.A. YOUNG ACADEMY -- North Richland Hills
E.A. Young Academy is offering summer programs and enrichment classes to home school students.
Location:
8521 Davis Blvd
N. Richland Hills, TX 76182
For More Information: Click Here
Discount: E.A. Young Academy is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid ID Card) a
$45 discount off each Ignit Summer program Intensive. Members will also receive discounts off
enrichment classes as they are developed.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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20. EASTFIELD COLLEGE
For Class Registration or Other Information: 972-860-7113
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21. ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN GRAPEVINE
We offer classes from preschool through high school with a nursery available. In addition, we offer monthly activities for families to connect outside of classes.
For More Information: 940-455-7000 or Click Here
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23. HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE ENRICHMENT CLASSES
The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.
For Class Descriptions, Fees and Other Information: Click Here
Classes Offered:
Art
Science
English
Foreign Language
Girls Gymnastics
Guitar Lessons
History
Math
Physical Education
Robotics
World View
Location:
1288 W. Main Street Suite 203
Lewisville, TX 75067
972-956-8320
Website: http://homeeducatorsresource.com/
Discount: Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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23. HOMESCHOOLERS EAST CO-OP CLASSES -- EAST DALLAS
Classes Offered:
Mock Trial I (Grades 1-3)
Mock Trial II (Grades 4-6)
Model United Nations (Grades 9-12)
Youth and Government I (Grades 6-8)
Youth and Government II (Grades 9-12)
Ballroom Dancing (Grades 4-6)
Readers’ Theater I (Grades 1-3)
Readers’ Theater II (Grades 4-6)
Contact For More Information: Click Here to send an email
Location: The Summit Church
4101 East Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75074
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24. JOY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN DECATUR
For more information on the JOY Christian Academy and the home school enrichment courses we offer, please go to www.joyca.org.
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25. MATTHEW ROAD ACADEMY
An affordable Christian university model school, we offer academic and elective courses from Kinder to Highschool. Pick and choose courses from Art to English Composition to Algebra and more! Limited spots available in each course.
Please check out our website for more information: http://matthewroad.org/#/schools/matthew-road-academy
Or call Candice McClellin, 469-261-3779, MR Academy Registrar
Matthew Road Academy opens registration March 1st for the 2013-2014 school year.
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26. MORNING GLORY ACADEMY
Morning Glory Academy (MGA) is a classical Christian school which uses a college-style schedule of classes, offering classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students study at home according to their family's schedule the other days of the week.
To Register: Click Here to email
For more information: http://www.themga.org/
Location: Morning Glory Academy -- The Mount Church: 860 Keller-Smithfield Rd. Keller, TX 76248
MGA: Your Home . . . Our School . . . Perfect Fit.
Discount: HEART of Texas Members receive a discount on tuition at MGA!
See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/ for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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27. TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS
TCC SE and South Campus offering homeschool math classes this fall.
Classes offered:
South Campus FW
Alegbra I MW 1pm-2:30pm
Algebra II MW 2:30pm-4pm
SE Campus Arlington
College Alegbra: Fridays, 12pm-3pm
Geometry: Fridays: 9am-12pm
Cost: $173 for class and software.
For more info contact:
Maurine Amend
mdamend@tx.rr.com
maurine.amend@tccd.edu
972-660-8414
First come first serve
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28. THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Located in Plano, THEO’s 20 Christian, talented teachers—most homeschool moms—offer a myriad of classes for 6-12th grade home educated students.
Discount: THEO is offering HEART of Texas family members with valid ID cards 20% off their regular application fee.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
For More Information: 214-282-6936
For Complete List of Available Classes or More Information: www.THEOsonline.org
Testing Available:
Stanford Achievement testing
Iowa Basic Testing (two day testing periods for three hours each day)
the weeks of May 18-22 and May 26-29.
Location: 1301 Custer Road, Suite 703
Plano, TX 75075
214-282-6936
For Questions: Click Here to email
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29. QUO VADIS EDUCATORS
"Serving the Home-School Community"
Classes held in Garland, TX
To Learn More: click here to email or 972.271.0673.
For More Information: www.quovad2000.org
Discount: HEART of Texas Members (with a valid, current HEART of Texas Family ID card) receive $5/month off tuition all year (up to 9 months per student per school year) AND Children's Theater Workshop Half-Price Tuition ($45 value, limit one discount per workshop) See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/ for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: www.heartoftex.org
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30. VINE ACADEMY -- McKINNEY
The Vine Academy seeks to assist home school parents by providing classes for middle and high schol students. Classes meet once a week, with the student completing homework during the week. All classes taught from a Christian perspective.
For More Information: Click Here
Discount: HEART of Texas Members (with a valid, current HEART of Texas Family ID card) receive $5/month off tuition all year. See http://www.heartoftex.org/partners/ for more details.
To learn more about HEART of Texas membership: www.heartoftex.org
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31. LIBRARY USED BOOK SALES IN NORTH TEXAS
Looking for inexpensive literature books and other resources to add to your home school library? Library used book sales are excellent opportunities to purchase books at bargain prices. Here are a few sales that we know about in the North Texas area.
WITCHITA FALLS -- AUGUST 2
Time: Noon-5pm
Location: Friends of the Library Bookstore
Wichita Falls Public Library
600 11th St.
940-767-0868 x248
Books: 3,000 books; 100% donated; 85% hardcover; .50-$2; Half-price sale on most books 1st Saturday of each month
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DALLAS -- AUGUST 8-9
Time: Fri: 10am-5pm; Sat: 10am-4pm
Location: Renner Frankford Library
6400 Frankford Rd
214-670-6100
Books: 3,000 books; 100% donated; 50% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; hardcovers $2
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PLANO -- AUGUST 8-10
Time: Fri: 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6p; Sun 11am-3pm
Location: Friends of Plano Public Library at Plano Centre
2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy
972-208-8002
Books: 100,000+ books; 100% donated; 75% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; $2 or less; Sun $10/bag; Credit cards accepted
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32. CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION
Center for Home Education in Action, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.
Location:
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293
(Between 377 and Rufe Snow in Northeast Fort Worth, Texas)
Website: http://www.centerforhomeeducation.com/
Discount: Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount off all new and used curriculum and tickets to our student theatre performances, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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33. HOME EDUCATORS RESOURCE
The Home Educators Resource sells a large array of new and used books and curriculum, plus they offer classes and other resources to homeschool families.
Visit them at their Location:
401 E. Church St
Lewisville, TX 75057
972-956-8320
Website: http://homeeducatorsresource.com/
Discount: Home Educators Resource is offering 10% off new and used books to HEART of Texas family members. Plus, members will still earn punches on their HER Buyer's Card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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34. CAMPS AT CAMP TONKAWA
Camp Tonkawa is an Outdoor Learning Center, where we teach nature through hands on experiences. Located outside of Collinsville, TX, on a 35 acre tract of land certified as a wildlife refuge.
AUGUST 2014
19 -- Partnership 1 - Horse Connection - 8-12 yr olds
20 -- Partnership 1 - Horse Connection - Teens, adults, and more experienced horse people
Each person will have a horse to work with during the 2.5 hours of class time. You will learn creative things to do both on and off your horse. Working on the ground with the horse and riding on the horse. These activities develop a communication that will lead to better riding success. Some review of Horsemnship basic class will be included when necessary. We will provide notebooks for progress keeping.
For More Information: 940-440-8382 or Click Here to email
http://www.camptonkawatexas.com
Discount: Camp Tonkawa is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount for HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card. Offer not valid in conjunction with semester discount rates for Nature Awareness Camps.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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35. DALLAS ARBORETUM EVENTS
No matter the time of year, the Arboretum is always in bloom. Both spring and fall feature wild bursts of color. Summer does nothing to diminish the bloom of the Arboretum plantings, which thrive on the warmth of Dallas' summer months. And, because of Dallas' temperate winter temperature, the arboretum is even in blooming the middle of winter.
Hours: Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission:
$15 for adults
$12 for seniors (65+)
$10 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children under 3 years
Senior Citizen Thursday Discount: Seniors get in for just $5 with photo ID and can receive 20% discount at gift shop.
Onsite parking:
$10 per vehicle
Offsite parking is available at selected locations during peak visitation. Shuttle busses transport guests directly to the Arboretum ticket booth.
Discount tickets are available for groups of 20 or more.
Advance registration is needed.
For Group Sales Information: Click Here
Located:
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75219
214-515-6500
http://www.dallasarboretum.org
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36. FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS
Location: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135
Located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, four miles west of I-820 on Jacksboro Hwy (TX Hwy 199), just inside the city limits of Fort Worth.
Admission: $5 ages 13+; $2 ages 3-12; under 3 free; $3 Seniors (65+)
$1 discount per person with military ID
For More Information: 817-392-7410
Refuge Hours: 8am-5pm daily
Hardwicke Interpretive Center: 9am-4:30pm daily
Programs
AUGUST 2 -- Harmless Snakes
Time: 2-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
Come hear about our non-venomous snakes and meet a couple of them firsthand. Some of these animals
have amazing abilities to climb, swim, and even put on a big bluff to try to scare enemies away. Learn about how to tell them apart from venomous snakes
AUGUST 9 -- Summer In the Shade, Riverbottom
Time: 1:30-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
All along the Riverbottom trail, hikers can enjoy the fauna and flora of this habitat while under the canopy of shade cottonwoods provide. During our walk, we will practice some sketching and learn about the wildlife that use this most treasured resource, the West Fork of the Trinity River. Bring some sketching paper or journal, camera and dress for the weather. Bring water and insect repellant.
Recommended ages of 16+
AUGUST 10 -- Summer In the Shade, Spillway Road
Time: 1:30-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
Explore a shady unmarked trail with opportunities for identifying different species of birds, insects and plants. We will also practice some nature journaling and sketching. Bring some sketching paper or journal, camera and dress for the weather. Bring water and insect repellant.
Recommended for ages 16+
AUGUST 17 -- Reptile Hike
Time: 7:30-8:30am
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
Join a Park Naturalist, and learn about the 4 different types of reptiles and where they live.
Meet at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center.
AUGUST 23 -- Summer In the Shade, Forked Tail Creek
Time: 1:30-3pm
Cost: FREE (with paid admission)
This trail gets overshadowed by some of the more traveled trails, but the Forked Tail Creek Trail is shaded and home to lots of wildlife. If you are patient enough, owls will begin hooting during the day, Join us as we survey this trail and learn about the animals that we may encounter. Recommended for ages 16+.
Dress for the weather. Bring water and insect repellant.
SATURDAYS, Naturalist-Led Hikes
10am-Noon
Cost: FREE (with paid admission).
Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on the trails of the FWNC&R. Hikes feature current natural history events such as blooming wildflowers, commonly seen insects, birds, other animals and current projects on the Refuge. Bring water and dress for the weather
MAXIMUM 15 participants. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
THURSDAY & SATURDAYS, Natural Guard Volunteer
9am-Noon
Cost: Free
Individuals can help keep the Nature Center beautiful by volunteering for the Natural Guard. Volunteers assist Refuge staff in trail maintenance, brush clearing, bridge building and much more. Please call 817-392-7410 for information on projects and meeting places.
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37. FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDENS PROGRAMS
YEAR ROUND -- Green Thumb Club
Little Diggers -- Age 4 by class date
Green Thumb Club Juniors -- Grades K-2
Green Thumb Club -- Grades 3-5
Details: Green Thumb Club provides children the opportunity to learn more about the natural world around them. We use the Fort Worth Botanic Garden as a living laboratory for students to explore topics such as native plant studies, pollination, tree structure, climate change, and more.
For more information: Click here
For more information about the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens: call 817-871-7686
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38. FORT WORTH ZOO HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
2014 Classes
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
Cost: $25/student Ages 6-12; $50/student Ages 13-15
Includes snack, Interactive Lab (For Ages 13-15), live animal presentation,
and admission to the Zoo on class day.
Class Schedule: See listing below for monthly class themes
To Register or For More Information: Click Here
Location: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Ages 6-8
All living things need energy to live and grow. Where does the energy come from? Follow the food chain to find out. See how important each and every animal is to its ecosystem as we uncover the complexities of the food web. We will explore a wide variety of topics, while focusing on the importance of a food chain in an ecosystem. Food chains, life cycles, the water cycle, conservation, and other fascinating topics will also be studied during this semester. Each student will learn grade-appropriate information based upon Texas Department of Education standards for Science, Math, and English and Language Arts.
Aug 19 -- Food chains: Texas Wild!
Sept 9 & 23 -- Food chains: Museum of Living Art (MOLA)
Oct 7 & 21 -- Food chains: African Savannah and World of Primates
Nov 4 & 18 -- Food chains: Asian Falls and bird exhibits near Raptor Canyon
Dec 2 & 16 -- Food chains: Great Barrier Reef and Penguins
Ages 9-12
All organisms participate in relationships with organisms of different species in their ecosystems. Some relationships benefit the organisms and are essential for both species to survive. Others are detrimental to one organism, but critical for the other organism and still essential to the interdependence of species within the ecosystem. We will learn about the different forms of symbiosis with grade-appropriate information based upon Texas Department of Education standards for Science, Math, and English and Language Arts.
Aug 19 -- Parasitism
Sept 9 & 23 -- Mutualism
Oct 7 & 21 -- Commensalism
Nov 4 & 18 -- Man’s symbiotic relationship with nature and wildlife
Dec 2 & 16 -- Ecological relationships as they pertain to biomes
Ages 13-15
Biomes are communities of animals and plants that live together in a particular type of natural environment such as a hot, dry desert or the dark cold deep sea. We will be learning about different levels of communication within the level of biomes. Systems work similarly at all levels, by touching on solar systems and galaxies we will be able to compare the biggest level of biome with the smallest level. The lessons are planned with grade-appropriate information based upon Texas Department of Education standards for Science, Math, and English and Language Arts.
Aug 19 -- Atoms: What makes an animal?
Sept 23 -- Cellular biology: Inside flora and fauna
Oct 21 -- Ecology: From organisms to ecosystem
Nov 18 -- Biospheres and biomes
Dec 16 -- Solar systems and galaxies
TEXAS NATURE TRADERS
Details: Located in Texas Wild! near the wishing well, the Zoo’s newest building is the home base for many Texas-based education programs, primarily the Zoo’s latest offering, Texas Nature Traders. This formalized program encourages kids (age 3 and older) to explore the outdoors and bring to the building fossils, rocks, bones, plants and other artifacts in exchange for points. Traders can redeem points (or save them for future use) for items in the Nature Trader inventory. Texas Nature Traders operates seven days a week, opening at 11 a.m. and closing one hour before the Zoo closes. Stop by to look around, ask questions and become a nature trader!
SAFARI SAM
Details: Sam is a fictional character that the Zoo has created to teach wildlife biology and conservation lessons to students, mostly 3rd through 5th grade. Sam posts a “brain teaser” every Monday, the brain teaser answer on Tuesday, a “spotlight” blog on Wednesday (usually telling a specific animal’s conservation story), teacher resource on Thursday and occasionally an applicable video on Friday. Safari Sam is busy!
Safari Sam's “Nature Finders Contest”
Get kids outside on a nature journaling activity!
For more information: click here
Visit Safari Sam's Blog at: Click Here
Discount: The Fort Worth Zoo is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid ID card) a free Ft. Worth drawstring backpack when they register for Spring Zoo Classes (classes are monthly, January through May). Offer not valid in conjunction with semester discount rates for Nature Awareness Camps.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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39. FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS
AUG 5-- Class 1 of 3 + Special Series Tour 1
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $23/participant
Details: Each can stand on its own, but come to all three for the full impact! Grab your stethoscopes! We take our ailing planet to the doctor – actually, we take on the role of the doctor - and ask three questions: Who is the patient? What is the diagnosis? What is the treatment plan? Fun, engaging, informative, challenging!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960
AUG 18 -- Class 2 of 3 + Special Series Tour 2
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $23/participant
Details: Each can stand on its own, but come to all three for the full impact! Grab your stethoscopes! We take our ailing planet to the doctor – actually, we take on the role of the doctor - and ask three questions: Who is the patient? What is the diagnosis? What is the treatment plan? Fun, engaging, informative, challenging!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960
AUG 19 -- Class 3 of 3 + Special Series Tour 3
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $23/participant
Details: Each can stand on its own, but come to all three for the full impact! Grab your stethoscopes! We take our ailing planet to the doctor – actually, we take on the role of the doctor - and ask three questions: Who is the patient? What is the diagnosis? What is the treatment plan? Fun, engaging, informative, challenging!
To Register, Call: 254-897-2960
For more information about homeschool events, click here
In addition to their scheduled homeschool events, Fossil Rim offers their faculty, teachers, and curriculum for privately-scheduled events. For more information, please click here or call 254-897-2960 and ask for the Homeschool coordinator.
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40. HAVEN'S HORSES HORSEMANSHIP & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASSES AT CHRIST'S HAVEN
Christ's Haven is offering homeschoolers Christian Horsemanship and Outdoor Education programs at their facility in Keller, Texas. The classes will be held during the day, while their foster children are at school.
Monday–Fridays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Mondays at 4 p.m.
Christian Horsemanship
Ages 4-18
Cost: $25/child
Class Length: 1 hour, 15 min.
Details: Spiritual Values are incorporated into each Horsemanship Lesson through group devotions and activities. It's more than a basic riding lesson! Christian Horsemanship unites children and inspires them to grow in the areas of Horsemanship Skills (grooming, saddling, feeding, groundwork, riding and horse anatomy); Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Communication Skills.
Outdoor Adventure
Ages 7-14
Cost: $20/class
Course Length: 1 hour, 15 min.
Details: Teaches children about God's creation in an outdoor spiritual setting. Activities include: day hikes, fishing, flying kites, and much more! Outdoor Adventure classes focus on: Science in the Outdoors, Servant Leadership, Self Expression, Self Reflection and Silent Retreats.
Group rates available. Please call for details.
Location: 4150 Keller-Haslet Road
Keller, TX 76248
For More Information: 817-925-1982 or click here to email
Discount: Haven's Horses is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid Family ID card) 50% off their first ride! You must show your card to be eligible for this discount!
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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41. THE HEARD MUSEUM–HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
These Homeschool Classes will introduce your student to the Natural Sciences. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets. Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum's education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of home school families.
All curricula are based on current scientific theory.
Please note that you will need to submit a medical record form including immunization history to be able to participate in their programs.
Click here for information
For more information: Click Here to send an email
972-562-5566 x237
Location: One Nature Place
McKinney, TX 75069
www.heardmuseum.org
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42. HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Preschool Programs:
Fun on the Farm: Ages 2-5
Cost: $10 for 1 Adult/1 Child Combo; $5 additional child; $3 additional adult
Registration Required
To Register and for More Information: 972-881-0140.
Events:
Summer Camp Registration Open! Click Here
Docent-Led Tours
Time: 1:30 p.m. Tues-Sun. (one tour daily)
Tour begins on the front porch. Includes Farrell-Wilson house, outbuildings, and grounds.
Admission: $5 Adults; $3.50 Children 5 & up, Students, and Seniors (65+);
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free
Docent will collect admission fees before the tour begins.
Self-Guided Grounds Tours
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tues–Sun
Tour the grounds only. No access to the Farrell-Wilson house or outbuildings.
Grounds guide available.
Admission: $2 per person
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free.
Group Tours
Time: Each program lasts about 1 1/2 hours
Available by appointment only.
Cost: $5/child; $3/adult chaperones
Depending on the size of the group, up to two teachers can attend free of charge
Tour Themes:
Farmer Duck (PreK- 3) -- Based on the book, "Farmer Duck" by Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury. We begin the tour reading aloud to the group. We discuss chores; comparing turn-of-the century chores with modern chores. Feeding chickens, washing dishes in washtubs, and even milking Buttermilk, our incredible milking cow. Each activity teaches a very important lesson.
Tag-Along Tom (Grades 1-4) -- Loosely based on Mark Twain’s, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Visitors tour the Heritage Farmstead Museum with Tom’s playful character in mind. Children experience the HFM as if it were the farm young Tom grew up on with his Aunt Polly. Children learn of all the chores that were expected of them. Visitors will beat rugs, enter the storm cellar, “whitewash” a garden fence, plant seeds, take a walk to the creek and so much more. They will find jump ropes, beanbags, skipping rocks and a pirate ship along the way.
Blackland Prairie Tour (Grades 2-5) -- The tour is led by volunteer docents and includes the historic Farrell Wilson House as well as the complete 4 acre site. Visitors experience and interpret life on the Blackland Prairie with a series of “hands-on” activities which could include beating rugs, feeding chickens, milking our Incredible Milking Cow, washing clothes, and visiting a turn of the century school house to scrutinize replica artifacts.
Sarah Plain and Tall (Grades 3-5) -- The tour captures the theme of Patricia MacLachlan’s wonderful story about a widowed Midwestern farmer with two children who places a newspaper ad for a wife. A woman from Maine named Sarah answers the ad. The widower and his children are worried she will miss her home too much and leave them. In the end Sarah convinces them that while she would always miss her old home, she would miss them more. Visitors experience the HFM as if it were the farm where Caleb and Anna are living somewhere on the Kansas Prairie. Children try charcoal or pencil drawing, see and discuss different modes of transportation, visit the ram barn and learn about farm animals upclose; take a walk down to Pitman Creek; play turn of the century games and visit the replica turn-of-the century school house.
For More Information: Call 972-881-0140
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH -- Scout Tours
REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS -- Call the Farmstead office to reserve a date.
Tours are booked on a first come first served basis
Cost: Pricing has been revised. Contact the Farmstead office for more information.
(No siblings under 4 years old)
Tours must be PREPAID.
Scouts will receive a patch from the Farmstead.
For Registration and Other Information: 972-881-0140 or Click Here
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX
Discount: Heritage Farmstead Museum is offering HEART of Texas members a $1 off the adult regular admission price (up to 4 people) and .50 cents off child's regular admission, good for either the 1:30 p.m. Historic Farrell-Wilson house tour or for the following special events: Harvest Festival, Lantern Light, Spring Festival.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://heartoftex.org/resources/membership
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42. LEWISVILLE LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING AREA
Events and Activities:
AUG 9 -- Night Hike
Time: 8:30-10:30pm
Info: Ages 5 and up; $10 per person
Registration Required: 972-219-3930 or click here to email
AUG 15 -- Stars on the Prairie
Time: 8:30pm-10:30pm
Registration Required: 972-219-3930 or click here to email
HOMESCHOOL NATURAL SCIENCE CLASSES:
Classes are for students K-8th grade.
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $12 per class, or enroll your child in four classes for $40
Details: Students in each class will participate in hands-on outdoor activities related to the day's theme. Parents may choose to attend with their students, or may drop the student off after submitting a medical release form.
Younger siblings are welcome, but must be supervised by a parent during class time.
Each student should bring a water bottle and sack lunch and wear closed-toe shoes with long pants.
Registration Required: 972-219-3930 or click here to email
Upcoming Classes:
TBA
Discount: HEART of Texas members (with valid ID card) receive $1 per child discount.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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42. NASH FARM -- GRAPEVINE TX
Nash Farm, circa 1859, is the oldest operating farmstead in Tarrant County. Through interpretive programs, events and exhibits, Nash Farm educates the community about the heritage and importance of the Grapevine Prairie and Grapevine’s pivotal role in the development of North Texas.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TBA
FIRST FRIDAYS: Life Skills Demonstrations by Nash Farmhands
Cost: Tickets $3 per person.
Time: 10am-12pm
Details: Step back in time and join us. Daily life in late 19th century Texas required knowledge of a number of skills, methods and even recipes that will be demonstrated by Nash Farmhands. Each month features a different theme, so be sure to check the website for more information regarding the demonstrations and activities of that month. Help us preserve and protect our great heritage with First Fridays at the Farm. Demonstrations are on the first Friday of the month.
Location: 626 Ball Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
Contact: 817-410-3185
For more information: click here
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OLIVER NATURE CENTER-- MANSFIELD TX
Located at the intersection of two ecoregions: the eastern Cross Timbers and the northern Blackland Prairies. The 80 acres of the park contains several different ecosystems such forests, prairies, and riparian areas. Each section is unique in plant and animal life. Each animal and plant is adapted to a certain area of the park. Look for other examples of these kinds of adaptations along approximately 1 mile of trails.
HOMESCHOOL NATURE WALK WITH A NATURALIST
Cost: $5 per child
Time: 10-11am
For More Information and to Register: Click Here (Click on "Nature Education Programs")
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43. RIDE WITH PRIDE
Ride With Pride, Inc. Horsemanship School in Southlake specializes in teaching students ages 3 and older how to care for and ride a horse safely. Ride With Pride, Inc. has been in operation since 1980. They offer Western & English lessons, and their instructors are certified with the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).
For Enrollment Information: Click here to send an email or 817-481-2893
Discount: Ride with Pride is offering HEART of Texas members (with a current HEART of Texas Family ID card) a 10% discount on tuition.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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44. SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch sits on 126 breathtaking acres near Lake Ray Roberts in Denton County, Texas. Our mission is to provide the North Texas community with the opportunity to experience rare and endangered exotic wildlife in a unique and personal setting. What better way to learn about conservation than by seeing it up close and hands on?
Open to the Public Days are every Saturday March through November. All other events require an advanced reservation. We offer educational park offers field trips, private tours, open to the public Saturdays and rental for events large and small! Group camping, bucket train rides & dining area help make Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch your next wild adventure!
2014 SUMMER CAMPS
One Day Camps: For Ages 12-17
Keeper for a Day
Dates: August 1st
Time: 10 am - 4pm
Cost: $40
Details: Be prepared to get dirty! Campers will learn the importance of zoological parks in educating and entertaining the public, as well as the role they play in conserving and protecting wildlife. Campers will experience many different aspects of animal keeping, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and presentations.
To Register Call: 940-686-4600 or Email Here
WILD HOMESCHOOL DAY
Date: May 28
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $5 per attendee
Pre-registration Required!: Click Here or call: 940-686-4600
Open to the Public Days
Saturdays and Sundays -- March 8- Dec 1
Time: 10 a.m. (last tour begins at 4)
Admission: $10/ages 13+; $8/ages 3-12 and Seniors 65+; children 2 and under are free
INCLUDES:–Meet & Greet with our Education Animals (kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs & more) *Animals available for meet and greet vary with the season and off-site events schedule*
–Safari Wagon ride through exotic pastures to see camels, zebra, buffalo & more
–Kids Bucket Train rides thru 22 acres of “wild” trails!
–Use of pavilion for lunch (you may purchase lunch at our concession stand or bring your own)
Directions: Click Here
Please do not use MapQuest it WILL get you lost!
Please visit the Field Trip page under the "Visitors Guide" section of our web site for details on booking a field trip for your home school group.
For More Information: Click Here
940-686-4600 (main)
940-686-3715 (fax)
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45. TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS
Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round urban oasis located at historic Fair Park. The gardens showcase beautiful native and adapted plants that are grown using sustainable methods that help to protect the environment. The first certified organic public garden in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens offers educational programs and exhibits that teach children and adults how to provide vital habitat for butterflies and other native Texas wildlife, add beauty, conserve water and restore the natural environment in urban areas.
AUG 2 -- Butterfly House Discovery Tour
Time: 11am
Details: Join entomologist John Watts for a guided tour of the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium. Enjoy a behind the scenes look at these winged wonders. Followed by our daily noon butterfly release!
Cost: FREE With Admission
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
AUG 7 -- Stories and More! Title: Grandpa’s Garden by Stella Fry & Sheila Moxley
Time: 11am
Details: Join our butterflies for story time! We’ll make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks! The programs end with our daily noon butterfly release and are geared for the under-five/stroller crowd. Let's read! Adults pay regular admission.
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
AUG 9 -- Garden Explorers Walk: 5 Senses Garden Tour
Time: 11am
Details: Get out in the garden on this family friendly walk! Take a garden tour with our garden docent and search for plants that stimulate all of your senses. It ends in time for you to catch the Butterfly Release talk at noon in our conservatory.
Cost: FREE With Admission
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
AUG 16 -- Butterflies and Bugs! Family Festival
Time: 10am-3pm
Details: Join us for our annual celebration of insects! Enjoy displays of live and pinned insects, family friendly activities, butterfly house tours, crafts and more.
Cost: FREE With Admission
Admission: $8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Regular Admission & Hours:
$8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Each Tuesday: Gardens are open for free (butterfly house admission is regular admission price)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last ticket to Butterfly House sold at 4:45 p.m.
For More info: 214-428-7476 ext. 341 or Click Here
Location: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fair Park.
Fair Park is two miles east of downtown Dallas just south of Interstate 30.
Children's Outdoor Education Programs:
Cost: $5/person; $60 minimum fee per program
Availability: Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
To Make Reservations: 214-428-7476
Gardening for Children:–introduction to gardening and seeds. Students even plant thier own seeds to take back to the classroom. (Grades Pre-K–2)
Butterflies, Bugs & Botany:–Insects and their amazing lives help students inderstand the concepts of adaptation, habitats, and pollination. (Grades 1-8)
Terrarium Worlds:–Your class will build a terrarium (a home for a plant) and see the water cycle, the carbon-oxygen cycle, and the nitrogen cycle in action. (Grades 1-8)
Life in the Compost Bin:–Recycling and decomposition come alive as students see that an ecosystem is powered by a complex web of creatures and energy. (Grades 1-8)
Math in Nature:–Math is seen as a real world tool as students visit diverse garden habitats to record data, such as temperatures, time, and mesurements. (Grades 2-8)
Careers in the Garden:–Explore the various careers that are necessasry to keep the garden beautiful and running, including landscape design and greenhouse management. (Grades 2-8)
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46. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
ATHENS, TX
Location: 14225 FM 316, Eustace, TX 75124
903-425-2332
Things to do: Camping, picnicking, boating, hiking
For upcoming events: click here
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CEDAR HILL, TX
Location: 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972-291-3900
Things to Do: Camping, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming beach, Playgrounds, Boating
For upcoming events: click here
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DENTON, TX
Location: Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Isle Du Bois Unit:
100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258
940-686-2148
Johnson Branch Unit
100 PW 4153, Valley View, TX 76272
940-637-2294
Things to Do: picnicking, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rollerblading, swimming on a beach area (unsupervised), boating and fishing. Johnson Branch also offers backpacking
For upcoming events: click here
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DENISON, TX
Location: 50 Park Road 20, Denison, TX 75020
903-465-1956
For upcoming events: click here
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JACKSBORO, TX -- FORT RICHARDSON STATE PARK
Location: 228 State Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458
940-567-3506
For upcoming events: click here
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MINERAL WELLS, TX -- Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Location: 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
940-328-1171
For upcoming events: click here
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TYLER, TX -- Tyler State Park
Location: 789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706
903-597-5338
For upcoming events: click here
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WILLS POINT, TX -- Lake Tawakoni State Park
Location: 10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169
For upcoming events, click here
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Free TPWD Coloring and Activity Books to Download: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/learning/color/
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48. PERFORMANCES AT ARTISAN THEATER IN HURST
Artisan Center Theater holds quality, "in the round" performances that are family-friendly, entertaining, and affordable! The theater's full-length stage productions include musicals, comedies, and family dramas which are entertaining, as well as family-friendly. Past performances have included such classics as Godspell, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Sound of Music.
Artie's Playhouse, their Interactive Children's Theater, offers original, fun-for-all-ages productions featuring familiar characters and themes, but with fresh twists that keep it entertaining and exciting for parents as well as children. Each story has its own character focus, which is reinforced throughout the play. The "Artie's Playhouse" productions are about 30-45 minutes long, and include lots of audience participation to hold the interest of even the youngest child in the family.
Location: 420 E. Pipeline Road in Hurst, Texas (in the Bellaire Shopping Center)
To Reserve Tickets: 817-284-1200
For More Information: Click Here
Artie’s Children’s Playhouse Productions:
Cost: $5/Children; $7/Adults
Showtimes: Shows are Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 am; Fridays at 5pm.
JULY 19 - August 23 -- The Jungle Book Kids
Details: The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like “The Bare Necessities,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.”
On the run from Shere Khan, a ferocious tiger who has banished him from the jungle, a human boy named Mowgli is aided by an agile panther named Bagheera. Along the way, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants, and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. Shere Khan returns, leading our protagonists to rally their follow jungle creatures into battle and restore peace to the jungle.
For more information: Click here
SEPTEMBER 6 - OCTOBER 11 -- Into the Woods Jr.
Details: The Brothers Grimm “go Broadway” as Sondheim and Lapine offer up a cockeyed fairy tale in INTO THE WOOD JR., an adaptation of one of Sondheim’s most popular works designed especially for young performers.
All of your favorite characters—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch—meet and interact in this whimsical original story. The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.
For more information: Click here
Artisan Main Stage Productions:
Showtimes:
Mon & Tues: 7:30 p.m.; Thurs/Fri: 7:30; Sat: 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Mon, Tues, Thurs: $12/Adults; $12/Students & Seniors (60+); $7/Ages 12 and under
Fri & Sat: $16.00/Adults; $14/Students & Seniors (60+); $9/Ages 12 and under.
JULY 11 - AUGUST 23 -- Disney's Tarzan
Details: The jungle will come to life in this world famous story of a young man who searches for his roots and finds his great love. It’s all set to rousing music and just maybe, some swinging acrobatics..
For more information: Click here
AUGUST 29 - OCTOBER 4 -- Smoke On the Mountain
Details: The Sanders Family is back on the road, picking, grinning and singing. Of course the bus broke down, the twins are fighting, and sister June can’t really sing – still it’s going to be the best revival Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has ever seen.
For more information: Click here
Artisan Theater can come to you!!!
For more information about how to schedule a performance at your location, contact the theater at 817-284-1200. They can perform for events, birthday parties, church functions, and more!!! Bring their family-friendly, entertaining shows to your front door!! Very reasonable prices!
SPRING 2014 ACTING, DANCE, AND VOICE CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS:
For more information: Click here
To Register for classes or for more information: 817-929-0852 or click here to email
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49. BREITLING YOUTH THEATER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER & FALL 2014 CLASSES
Details: Our Summer Classes for teens and children Ages 4-19 are designed for kids with little
or no previous film acting experience. Students will learn about Acting For Film through
exercises and games. They will learn the differences between stage acting and camera acting.
They will develop on-camera skills, techniques and movement. Students will also learn basic film vocabulary and terms.
For More Information or to Register: Click Here
Performances:
Cost: Advance tickets are $8 (add $1 at the door). Children 3 and under are free.
Performance Location: The Plaza Theater, 521 West State Street, Garland, TX 75040
Auditions & Classes:
– Ages 4-19/No experience necessary
– Have fun, learn, gain confidence
– $50 plus costume fee
– Or work on the tech crew!
Discount: Breitling Youth Theater is offering $10 off their annual family registration fee of $20 to HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card.
To learn More About This Partner: Click Here
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
Breitling Youth Theater is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing theater opportunities to children ages 2-19 in the North Texas area. Whether your child is attending one of our Acting Workshops, or particpating in one of our productions, they will have fun, learn, and create lasting friendships!
Location: 303 Main St, Garland, TX 75040
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50. CANTARE PERFORMANCE CHOIR IN SOUTHLAKE
Contare is an auditioned choir available for exception 3rd-12th grade singers in the NE Tarrant County are. Previous experience is not necessary; however, an audition is required. Auditions are by appointment only.
Location: The choir rehearses at the White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, TX.
Rehearsals are Thursdays from 5:45pm to 7pm, with additional rehearsals leading up to performances.
For More Information: Click Here
To request an audition: Click Here
Discount: Cantare Performance Choir is offering HEART of Texas members (with calid ID card) a $15 discount off annual tuition.
To learn More About This Partner: Click Here
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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50. THEATER PERFORMANCES AT CASA MANANA CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE
For over 40 years, Casa Manana's Children's Playhouse has introduced children of all ages to the magic of live theatre. This tradition continues as Casa Manana's Children's Playhouse proudly presents:
OCT 10-OCT 26 -- Snow White and the Prince
NOV 28-DEC 23 -- Here Comes Santa Claus
2015:
FEB 6-FEB 22 -- Charlotte's Web
MAR 20-APR 5 -- Disney's Cinderella
APR 17-MAY 10 -- The Wizard of Oz
Order Season Tickets!
Order a 5-Show Season Ticket package to secure GREAT SEATS for these fantastic, family fun productions at Casa Manana Theatre.
For More Information: Call 817-332-2272
Location: 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Box Office: 817-332-2272
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday 12pm-5pm; Sunday and Monday Closed
Open one hour prior to every show
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51. PERFORMANCES AT CATS THEATER IN ARLINGTON
CATS PRESENTS:
HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
Intermediate Acting: Ages 10-11
Time: Wednesday: 1:00pm-1:55pm
Details: A creative imagination experience! Every child will engage in imagination, vocalization, and movement activities that will prepare them for the stage. They will learn how to act out favorite stories, learn improvisation techniques, and use their bodies and voices to become different characters! Basic stage and blocking direction and an understanding of theatre terminology will help the young actors explore their creative process.
Advanced Acting: Age 12+
Time: Wednesday: 12:00pm-12:55pm
Details: Think like an Actor! The actors learn how to implement an analysis through improvisation-based exercises and scene work. The focus is on how to simplify acting and find the parallels between behavior in real life and behavior on the stage. As the year progresses, students will have identified a specific and repeatable set of skills, which can be used to approach any scene work they perform.
For More Information: Click Here
Location: 1100 West Randol Mill Road
Arlington, TX 76012
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52. THE COTTAGE THEATER – CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION
Center for Home Education’s Cottage Theater Presents:
Upcoming Performances:
TBA
Performance Times:
TBA
To purchase tickets: Call 817-281-2293
Discount: Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas members a 20% dicount off all show tickets for HEART of Texas members (with valid ID Card).
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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53. DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES
2013-2014 Season:
(Please note that not all productions may be suitable for all audiences.)
SEPT 19 - OCT 26 -- Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale
In this hilarious musical take on the classic fairy tale, Princess Rapunzel must find a way to escape from the wicked (and wickedly fabulous) Lady Za Za. Thankfully, the handsome Sir Roderick is ready to help Rapunzel take her rightful place as ruler of the kingdom. A wise old dragon, a hairstylist named Edgar, and a mysterious gypsy woman round out this goofy cast of characters.
Box Office Hours
9am to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Ticket Sales are subject to availability.
Reservations are recommended and require prepayment with either
Cash, Check, Mastercard,Visa, or Amex.
Coupons and discount offers must be arranged in advance with the box office and may be suspended at any time.
Student Matinees: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: $7.50/person for groups of 10 or more $7.50 per person (1 FREE chaperone per 20 student tickets)
Deposit required with reservation
Balance due SIX WEEKS before performance.
All plays, locations, dates and times are subject to change.
To Make Reservation: Call 214-219-2049 or click here to email
Locations: (refer to individual production to determine location)
Rosewood Center for Family Arts
5938 Skillman Street
El Centro College Theater
801 N. Main St.
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54. DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES
GENERAL DSO INFORMATION
Admission: $6/person (payment must be received with all reservations)
Parking: $6 per car in the Arts District Parking Garage
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before concert time.
Concerts last approximately 45 minutes.
Special Students at the Symphony Program: Free seats are available to mentally and physically challenged students. To participate, complete the appropriate information on the reservation form.
To Reserve Tickets: Click Here or call 214-871--4006. Mention that you saw their ad in the HEART of Texas newsletter when you contact them.
Only reservations confirmed in advance can be seated. No walk-ins.
Concert Location: Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(intersection of Pearl & Flora Street in the heart of the Downtown Dallas Arts District)
For Directions: Click Here
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55. FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YOUNG PERSON'S CONCERTS
Events:
TBA
Orders for Fewer than 20 Seats: Must be paid in advance.
Orders for 20 or More: May be reserved without advance payment.
Approximately one month before the concert, you will receive a notice confirming the number of seats you have ordered and the total amount due (if applicable). If the final number of seats needed for the concert is different from that listed on the notice, please call with a corrected number immediately upon receiving the confirmation. Full payment is due two weeks before the concert date for groups of 20 or more.
Absolutely NO refunds for changes in reservation numbers after this date.
Special Note for Groups of 20 or More: When you reserve a seat, that seat is held for you and not sold to another individual until you release it. Therefore, we ask you to verify the actual number of seats needed before making concert reservations. We understand that you may need to adjust the number of reserved seats before the payment due date, and those emergencies may cause cancellations. However, the privilege of reserving seats without advance payment may be revoked if your organization cancels more than 20% of its total reserved seats or fails to attend a concert for which it has reserved seats.
Children Under Age 3: Because of the nature of the event, we request that children under age three not be brought to these concerts, particularly to the concerts at Bass Performance Hall. You must purchase a seat for each person to be admitted to a concert, regardless of age.
For Questions: Click Here to send an e-mail message 817-665-6500.
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54. GREATER DALLAS YOUTH ORCHESTRA
MAY 18 -- Grand Finale
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
(at the intersection of Pearl & Flora St. in the heart of Downtown Dallas Arts District)
Cost: $10/Dress Circle; $20/Orchestra Floor; $25/Orchestra Terrace; $40/Loge Tickets
Details: Join us for the final concert of the 2013 – 2014 season!
Featured on this program will be:
Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. 8 (with the winner of the GDYO Student Conductor Competition)
Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from “On the Town”
Williams’ Escapade from “Catch me if you can” with saxophone soloist
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.
Pre-concert activities include a catered dinner and silent auction. Come celebrate the end of a great year!
To Purchase Tickets Online: Click Here (Loge Tickets not available online)
To Purchase Tickets By Phone: 214-528-7747, Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm
We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash, or checks made out to "GDYO".
You may request your tickets to be mailed or placed under your name at Will Call.
Tickets also available for purchase on the day of the concert.
For Directions and Seating Chart: Click Here
GDYO Subscription Tickets: $24-$100
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56. PLANO CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES
Location: Plano Children’s Theater, 1301 Custer Road, Plano, TX 75075
Website: www.planochildrenstheatre.com
NOTE: Some productions may not be appropriate for children. Each family is encouraged to exercise discretion when considering to allow your children/family to view these productions.
Now Showing:
To Purchase Tickets or For More Information: Click Here
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57. TEXAS BALLET THEATER PERFORMANCES
The Texas Ballet Theater is once again partnering with HEART of Texas to offer our newsletter readers (that's you!) and other homeschoolers special ticket pricing during select performances. The dates and times of these select performances are listed below. You can purchase tickets as a group or as a family -- all homeschoolers can enjoy these great discounts. You do not have to be a member of HEART of Texas or any other home school support group, but you must mention HEART of Texas when you call. Also, you must speak with Jana Landin when you call or email (see below) for ticket information.
Select Performances: TBA
Tickets are sold on a first-come, first served basis, so please reserve your tickets as soon as possible to ensure the best section seating available during our select performances. All tickets, even group tickets, must be paid for up front. Please be aware that all sales are final.
Please Note: Some performances may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please use your own judgment when considering allowing your children/family to view these productions.
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57. TEXAS BALLET THEATER DANCE SCHOOL -- DANCE CLASSES -- FORT WORTH
$50 Discount for HEART of Texas newsletter readers!
The Texas Ballet Theater School is offering our readers a $50 discount on registration if you mention HEART of Texas.
They currently offer classes during the day for 3 & 4 year olds, but if you have a group of at least 6 students who are close in age/ballet experience, they will try to put together a class for your students!
For more information: Click here to email Ashley Friedman or 877-828-9200, ext 108
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58. HOME SCHOOL DISCOUNT TICKETS TO DALLAS THEATER PERFORMANCES
Save 20% on regular priced tickets.
Location: Music Hall at Fair Park
Offer valid on Tues, Wed, Thurs, & Sun evening performances in price level 2-4
To Order Tickets Contact Susan Frederick at: Click here to email
Offer open to homeschoolers, friends and family. The TX State Fair show is The Addams Family. Free admission to the Fair with your theater ticket. Contact Susan Frederick for details on TAFFIE offers and how to order. Unlike some of the other theater offers, DSM gives us a different link each time so Susan will need to provide the correct link for the current offers.
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59. AMON CARTER EXHIBITS
The Carter houses one of the nation’s preeminent collections of American art, from works by the early nineteenth-century artist-explorers through those of the mid-twentieth-century modernists and up to the work of contemporary photographers. The museum also holds one of the most comprehensive collections of work by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.
Museum Exhibits:
Through January 11 2015 -- Benito Huerta: Axis Mundi v.2
Local artist Benito Huerta strives to expand the boundaries of art by creating works that are symbolic, interactive, and relevant to viewers. Having completed many public art commissions, such as designs for Terminal D at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Mexican-American Cultural Center in Austin, and serving as professor and director/curator for the Gallery at University of Texas at Arlington since 1997, Huerta understands what it means to make artworks that are physically and psychologically integral to the community.
Through August 17 -- Underground: Photographs by Kathy Sherman Suder
Photographer Kathy Sherman Suder gained international acclaim in 2004 for her poetic, oversized color close-ups of men boxing. Now she returns with an intimate sonnet to urban transit. The culmination of more than six years of photographing people riding the subways of London, New York, and Tokyo, this exhibition of twelve oversized works, reflects a symphony of performance.
Through August 17 -- Enriching the Collection: Gifts from Joan and John Richardson
This past year Joan and John Richardson, longtime patrons of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, generously gifted seventeen works on paper to the museum’s permanent collection. This gift encompasses an array of prints and drawings by a diverse group of American artists who worked in different time periods and different regions across the country.
Guided Tours for Students: Click Here
Museum Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays
Admission: Admission to permanent collection is FREE.
Tickets for special exhibitions can be purchased at the information desk.
All galleries in the Amon Carter Museum offer barrier-free access.
Location: Amon Carter Art Museum
3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-738-1933
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60. DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITS
Current Exhibitions:
Through October 12 -- North and West Africa
This exhibit focuses on and celebrates the dyer’s art from North and West Africa, including the countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Drawn primarily from the DMA’s collection, this exhibition presents eleven dye-decorated cloths produced by traditional techniques and worn as garments or accessories. Before the introduction of European manufactured printed textiles to Africa in the 19th century, textile designs were made with natural dyes on plain homespun cotton, wool, raffia, or other materials. Women were most often the dyers, and dye-decorated cloth was a major form of feminine artistic expression.
Admission is FREE
Through October 26 -- Mind’s Eye: Masterworks on Paper from David to Cézanne
From quick sketches to watercolors, works by artists such as Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Jacques-Louis David, Théodore Géricault, and Eugène Delacroix are brought together in the DMA-organized exhibition Mind’s Eye: Masterworks on Paper from David to Cézanne. Drawn from the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection, as well as from several private collections, the exhibition features more than one hundred works on paper, many of which are rarely on view, in various media by seventy artists. Mind’s Eye offers new insights into the working methods and practices of these artists, providing an intimate view of their approach to art making while also presenting the drawings and watercolors as finished works of art in their own right.
$8 Special Exhibition Ticket
FREE First Tuesdays of each month
Time: 1-2pm
Cost: General admission to the Museum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
Location: Center for Creative Connections (C3)
Ages: Programming is designed for children ages five and under, but all are welcome.
Details: Enjoy thematic art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities.
HOMESCHOOL CLASS
Fourth Thursday of every month, with some exceptions.
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Details: The Dallas Museum of Art’s homeschool classes offer an interactive Museum experience for families with children ages 6 and above. Parents and children learn about works of art together in the galleries, participate in hands-on activities as a family, and create a work of art together in the Art Studio. During the program, parents learn techniques and skills for creating their own educational experiences in the gallery.
Cost: DMA members $5 per participating child (ages 6 and up).
To Register: To register for the class, click here to go to the ticketing website, select Family Programs from the sidebar on the left, and follow the instructions to add the number of tickets you need for the class (one ticket per child). Participating adults do not require a ticket. If you have any difficulties with the new system, call 214-922-1270 or 214-922-1822. When classes are filled, call 214-922-1818 or e-mail familyexperiences@DallasMuseumofArt.org to be placed on a waiting list.
For more information: click here
Family Activities:
Tuesday–Friday, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Cost: Family activities are free with paid admission. No registration is necessary.
Please call 214-922-1822 for more information.
Experience the Museum's premier collection through a cinematic lens with Summer Spotlight drop in activities for families. Meet in the Center for Creative Connections.
Location: Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, Texas 75201
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Late night Fridays–museum open until Midnight.
General Admission:
The general admission fee includes viewing the Museum’s permanent collection and most exhibitions. An audio tour of the permanent collection is included in general admission. Audio tours for adults and families are available.
Ages 12 and under: FREE; $5/Students (with current school ID card); $10/Adults $10; $7/Seniors (65 and over)
FREE on Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (special ticket prices may apply to exhibitions)
FREE on the first Tuesday of each month (special ticket prices may apply to exhibitions)
Group Discounts (10 more more): Call 214-922-1222 or click here to email
To Purchase Advance Tickets: 214-922-1803
For more information about family experiences: 214-922-1822 or click here to e-mail
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61. KIMBELL ART MUSEUM EXHIBITS
The Kimbell Art Museum’s holdings include artworks ranging in period from antiquity to the 20th century. The collection includes masterpieces by Fra Angelico, Caravaggio, El Greco, CÄ Ĺ zanne, Matisse, and Picasso, as well as antiquities, Asian, African, and pre-Columbian art.
FREE Admission to view the museum's Permanent Collection
KIMBELL KIDS DROP IN STUDIO
Time: 1pm-1:45pm
This free program introduces children (ages 12 and younger) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio art project.
Upcoming Programs: (Monster Portraits)
August 2
August 9
August 16
August 23
August 30
No advance registration for this drop-in program; space is limited to 20 children, plus adults.
Sign up at the entrance to the education studios in the Renzo Piano Pavilion, beginning one hour before the program.
For More Information: Contact Here or call: 817.332.8452
Exhibits:
THROUGH AUGUST 31 -- Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection
Travel back in time and discover the life, culture and pageantry of the revered and feared Japanese samurai warriors through more than 100 remarkable objects from one of the best and largest collections in the world. Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection features the extraordinary artistry of the armor used by samurai—the military elite led by the shoguns, or warlords, of Japan from the 12th through 19th centuries.
Children's Workshops
Connect with artworks, new friends, and creative activities during Saturday workshops for children (ages 6–14) and their adult partners. Limit three children per adult; no charge for parents. Individual session fees are $15 ($12 for Kimbell members). To register, call 817-332-8451, ext. 351.
Museum Hours: Mondays – Closed
Tuesdays–Thursdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fridays, noon–8 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sundays, noon–5 p.m.
Closed New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day
Admission to the Museum’s permanent collection is always free.
There is a charge for special exhibitions.
Half-Off Admission: Tuesdays from 10am to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
(not applicable for Member audio tours).
Group Sales: Discounted tickets for groups of 20 or more are available with a reservation for a specific date and time, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. For reservations, call 817-332-8451, ext. 229. Reservations for groups should be made at least two weeks in advance.
Location: Kimball Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2792
817-332-8451
Metro: 817-654-1034
Fax: 817-877-1264
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62. PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE IN DALLAS
Exhibits:
The World's Largest Dinosaurs
Picture four city buses, parked bumper to bumper. Now, imagine that instead of four chassis and several sets of wheels, you’re looking at the body and tail of a single enormous dinosaur, supported by four sturdy legs as wide and as tall as trees! That’s about the size of some of The World’s Largest Dinosaurs — the super-sized sauropods that thrived on Earth for approximately 140 million years.
The World’s Largest Dinosaurs includes specimens of sauropod vertebrae, a giant femur, skin impressions and many other fossil finds. It also offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on discovery, including a hand pump that demonstrates how much pressure would have been needed to circulate blood through a sauropod’s long neck to its head, and a simulated fossil dig at the end of the exhibit.
To Purchase Tickets: Click Here
NEW PARENT/CHILD PROGRAM
Time: Mondays 9am-10:30am (For children ages 4-5)
Registration is now open, classes start Monday, January 13, 2014.
Classes begin an hour before the Museum opens to the public, so the children will get unprecedented access to the galleries without distractions or interruptions.
Classes are 1.5 hours to allow time for supplemental hands-on experiences such as art projects and experiments that reinforce the concepts learned while visiting each of the four galleries:
The Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall
The Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall
The Rees-Jones Foundation Dynamic Earth Hall
The Rose Hall of Birds
Parents participate alongside the children, and we predict parents will learn almost as much as the children!
Classes start soon, so remember to register today!
For more Informtion: 214.756.5728
To Register: Click Here
HOME SCHOOL EVENTS (Mondays from 10am-Noon)
For ages: 3-5 years; 5-7 years; 8-10 years; and 11-13 years
Dates: TBA
To Register: Click Here
For Additional Information: Click Here to send an email
Details: Beyond our upcoming Homeschool days, we offer additional time in the Museum and recommend that you stay and take advantage of visiting all five levels. Five floors house 11 permanent exhibit halls containing state-of-the-art video and 3D computer animation with thrilling, life-like simulations where visitors can exercise their brains through hands-on activities, interactive kiosks and educational games. The extraordinary building and outdoor space serves as a living science lesson, offering provocative illustrations of engineering, technology and conservation.
FEATURED FILMS AT THE PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
COMING 2014:
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1 -- Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D
Walk the Earth with dinosaurs... If it weren't for a series of cataclysmic events, a comet impact being first on the list, our planet could still be the domain of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs fascinate us so much, that many people wish they were still among us. Fortunately, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia will be the one of the closest encounters your students will have with these extraordinary creatures. Deeply rooted in science, the film carries the audience back in time to witness these amazing beasts come to life. Meet the largest living animals to have ever walked Earth: the titanesque plant-eating Argentinosaur and its nemesis the Giganotosaur, a bipedal carnivore that could easily challenge the famous T. rex! Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia follows Dr. Rodolfo Coria, a world-renowned Argentinean paleontologist, as he visits sites of major discoveries.
THROUGH OCTOBER 31 -- Flight of the Butterflies 3D
Flight of the Butterflies 3D takes audiences on a journey through one of the most incredible migrations on Earth. Following the year-long annual migration cycle of monarch butterflies, the award-winning production team filmed hundreds of millions of monarchs in their remote overwintering sanctuaries in Mexico in 2011 and again in 2012 and also along their migratory routes from Canada, across the U.S. and into Mexico. The film immerses audiences in the astounding migration experience as two generations of the butterflies migrate north and then a Super Generation miraculously finds its way from Canada to a few isolated mountaintops in Mexico – to a place it has never been!
THROUGH NOVEMBER 20 -- Pandas: The Journey Home 3D
Audiences will fall in love with this iconic, delightful creature and better understand the desperate plight of pandas in the wild. The filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to the Wolong Panda Conservation Centre, to bring to light the extraordinary efforts of the Chinese to secure the pandas’ future in the wild. Made at a critical time in the history of the species, the film shows how, after finally achieving success at captive breeding, the Chinese scientists involved with this effort must now face the ultimate challenge of successfully re-introducing pandas into their natural habitat. Meet all of the pandas at the Centre as they get ready for their new lives in various parts of the world; learn about their fascinating habits as you chuckle at their hijinks. Turns out pandas are as much fun as they are cute, and they love getting the best of their keepers!
Planetarium Shows
Secrets of the Sun
From the nuclear forces churning at the heart of the sun to the mass ejections of solar material into the surrounding space, we will experience the power of the sun and its impact on the planets and ultimately life on Earth. We will trace the life cycle of the sun itself, going back to its beginnings and moving forward in time to its eventual death.
Universe
Universe allows audiences to experience an historical look at how we have envisioned the universe though the ages. We visit some of the ancient sites where our ancestors erected great structures with special astronomical significance. Finally we look at the Universe through the eyes of today’s science and space explorers to build up a spectacular overview of the heavens.
Texas Night Sky
Enjoy this informal narrated introduction to the wonders of the sky featuring a view as it may appear tonight in your own backyard. Learn which planets, stars, and constellations are currently visible, the unique stories behind their names, and tips on how to locate them in the night sky. The things available to see change as the calendar changes and so do these shows!
Seven Wonders
Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world as they have not been seen for thousands of years. Travel to Egypt to visit the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Pyramids, to Persia to see the original Mausoleum, to Babylon to explore the fabled Hanging Gardens, to Greece to tour the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, and to Rhodes to stand in the shadow of the towering Colossus. We will investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe’s greatest wonders. Narrated by Sean Bean, Boromir from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Wonders of the Universe
Peer deep into space through the eyes of the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and travel back billions of years in time to witness the birth of the universe. On this breathtaking excursion you’ll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you’ll fly deep into our own Milky Way galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.
Hubble Space Telescope Images
The Orion Nebula, a cavern of rolling dust and gas some 1,500 light-years away, is the nearest star-forming region to Earth. This image is the sharpest ever taken of the nebula. The bright central region is home to the four heftiest stars in the nebula, collectively called the Trapezium. Ultraviolet light from them is carving a cavity in the nebula and disrupting the growth of hundreds of smaller stars. Nearby are stars still young enough to have disks of material encircling them, too small to be seen clearly in this image. The disks are the building blocks of solar systems. Faint red stars near the bottom are myriad brown dwarfs. Sometimes called “failed stars,” brown dwarfs are cool objects too small to be ordinary stars because they cannot sustain nuclear fusion in their cores the way our Sun does. Astronomers used 104 five-color Hubble images to make this composite picture, adding ground-based photos to fill out the edges. The mosaic covers approximately the apparent angular size of the full moon. The observations were taken between 2004 and 2005.
Permanent Exhibits at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Open Dec 1, 2012):
Moody Family Children's Museum
Where Little Children Make Big Discoveries: Park your stroller-and rev up for a day of discovery with your child! Here, kids 5 and younger can climb a replica of Reunion Tower, discover Texas wildlife or simply paint a picture.
Sports Hall
Give Your Mind and Body a Workout!: Could you outrun a Tyrannosaurus rex, or through a football better than a pro? Get ready, get set-and get active as you explore your body in motion!
Discovering Life Hall
The Power of Adaptation: What is life, and how do different species adapt over time? From single-cell organisms to the largest creatures on the planet, this exhibit hall explores and celebrates the diversity of life on earth.
Being Human Hall
What Does it Mean to be Human?: Study a sliver of real human tissue-or use your brain waves to launch a ping-pong ball. There's more to being human than you may realize!
Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall
How Does it Work? Ask an Engineer: What do bridges, prosthetics and robots have in common? Discover how engineers use math and science to solve everyday problems.
The Rees-Jones Foundation Dynamic Earth Hall
Forecast: 100 Chance of Change: Where else can you experience an earthquake, touch a tornado and broadcast a weather forecast all in the same day? Discover how earth, air, and water interact to provide dynamic results.
Tom Hunt Energy Hall
Empowering the Future of Energy: Take a virtual expedition deep underground to explore a drilling rig from the inside out! From natural gas to solar and wind energy, every source of energy is fueled by science.
Gems and Minerals Hall
Natural Brilliance: Gems and minerals not only serve as as the building blocks of our planet-many of them also happen to shimmer, sparkle and glow! Explore both the practical side and beautiful aspects of these complex structures.
Expanding Universe Hall
Your Space for Discovery: Embark on a journey through our solar system and beyond, and discover how scientists uncover the secrets of the universe.
T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall
Clues and Insights from the Fossil Record: Discover how studying the bodies and behaviors of modern-day animals can give scientists a glimpse of dinosaur life.
Rose Hall of Birds
Let Your Mind Take Flight: Create your own virtual species of bird as you explore the adaptations that help birds thrive in diverse environments.
Museum Information:
The Museum of Nature & Science consists of several buildings all located in Fair Park, Dallas. The Nature Building is located at 3535 Grand Avenue, the Science Building is located at 1318 South Second Avenue and the Planetarium Building is located at 1620 First Avenue.
Location: 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas (located at the corner of Woodall Rodgers and Field Street
Phone: 214-428-5555
Email: info@natureandscience.org
Hours and Admission:
All buildings: 10am-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
(In the event of inclement weather, please call 214-421-3466 ext. 382)
Admission Pricing: http://www.natureandscience.org/information/admission.asp
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63. FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
Explore innovative learning studios and a wide variety of interactive exhibits in the new Museum of Science and History.
Admission:
$14 for adults
$10 for children (3-12) and seniors (60+)
Admission to ExploraZone and all National Cowgirl Museum exhibits is one price and free for all Museum members
For Ticket Information: 817-255-9540
(Exhibit admission includes half-price admission to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is open daily Mon – Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.)
Location: 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, 76107 (corner of Montogomery & Gendy)
Exhibits:
Indiana Jones™ and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition
March 8 - August 10, 2014
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, uses the Indiana Jones™ film series as both a starting point and a backdrop for an exciting and entertaining introduction to the real science of field archaeology. Showcasing items from four different collections, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is far more than a static display of movie props. Museum-goers learn how archaeology has changed from the mid-20th century, when Indy’s adventures took place, until the present day.
For More Information: Click Here
Planetarium Shows:
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
LASER Light Family Style
Our Amazing Solar System
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64. NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER
Location: Dallas Arts District
2001 Flora Street
214-242-5100
Exhibits:
THROUGH AUGUST 17 -- Bettina Pousttichi
Details: For her exhibition at the Nasher, Pousttchi expands on the relationship between photography, sculpture, and architecture to create a unique environment.The artist will transform one of the upstairs galleries into a closed urban streetscape recalling the gasoline service stations and parking lots that formerly occupied the Nasher location. The floor of the gallery will be “blacktopped” and painted to resemble a street, creating a “drive thru” art gallery for selected works from the Nasher Collection.
For More Information: Click Here
THROUGH AUGUST 17 -- Mark Grotjahn Sculpture
Details: Los Angeles-based artist Mark Grotjahn came to prominence for large, richly worked paintings that evoke aspects of contemporary discourse. In two different series—the Face and the Butterfly paintings—Grotjahn used essential subjects to explore textures, colors, and form with refreshing boldness and almost hallucinogenic intensity. Alongside his paintings, Grotjahn has been working privately on sculpture for over a decade. The Nasher’s exhibition, the first presentation of Grotjahn’s sculpture in a museum, will highlight many new, never-before-seen, three-dimensional works.
For More Information: Click Here
First Saturdays (FREE Admission)
10 a.m.–noon–Children’s Art Activity
Express yourself by creating unique artworks connected to the month’s Big Idea.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.–Art in Action Sculpture Demo
See how sculpture is made and feel the materials artists use at our live artist demos.
10 a.m.–2 p.m.–Art Scavenger Hunt
Exercise your detective skills to search the Nasher for art related to the month’s Big Idea. Complete the hunt for a special prize!
10:15 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.–Family Tours
Discover and discuss each month’s Big Idea on an interactive tour for the whole family.
11 a.m.–2 p.m.–NasherKids Meal Available at Nasher Cafe (for additional charge)
11:30 a.m.–Yoga
12:30 p.m.–Storytime with the Dallas Public Library
Share in the joy of reading with storytellers from the Dallas Public Library.
1 p.m.–NasherKids Live!
Join in the fun with an exciting, live performance for families and young children.
http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org
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65. SHOWS AT THE FORT WORTH OMNI THEATER–MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
Now Showing
Rocky Mountain Express
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details: Climb aboard the Rocky Mountain Express, a steam train journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies, highlighting the adventure of building the nation’s first transcontinental railway. Retrace the original route aboard the majestic steam engine 2816. You'll be transported back to the age of steam to re-live this incredible engineering feat. The film weaves together spectacular IMAX aerial cinematography, breathtaking vistas of the west, archival photographs and maps and the potent energy and rhythms of a live steam locomotive to immerse audiences in a an era of remarkable ingenuity and struggle and a region of stunning natural beauty. Ride the rails along deep river canyons and over high mountain passes. Discover some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes on earth and the heroic human drama and epic engineering that shaped a continent.
For More Information about Rocky Mountain Express: Click Here
Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details: One of the Omni Theater’s all-time favorites is back! Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure is a live-action nature drama filmed on location in Borneo and in a purpose-built studio in Oxford, England, Bugs! explores the dramatic and savage lives of an Old World praying mantis and a beautiful butterfly, known by their Latin names, Hierodula and Papilio. This 40-minute feature combines incredible footage with cutting-edge IMAX® technology to deliver a fantastically entertaining and enlightening experience about the little guys in life.
For More Information about Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure: Click Here
Animalopolis
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details: Take a voyage into the magical world of animals in Animalopolis. It’s a bit fanciful, a bit "Seussian" perhaps, and just plain fun for kids and their parents. The whimsical film is done in rhyme and verse with a humorous tone while concentrating on real-world animal activities. It takes a lighthearted and imaginary look at a variety of animals, including cheetahs that race like a Ferrari, bears that run their own fishing school, an operatic lion, scary crabs that hold a town hostage and even attempt to cuddle with children, and much more. Whether going nose to nose with hippos as they graze upon nature's massive salad bar, or eye to eye with dancing bears, sea lions turning somersaults, or an otter that prays, we are reminded that nature provides us with humor and wonder everywhere.
For More Information About Animalopolis: Click Here
Forces of Nature
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 2-12 and Seniors 65+
Details:It’s one thing to contemplate the immense power of nature, quite another to experience it first-hand. Forces of Nature showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms and follows scientists on a ground-breaking quest to understand what triggers these natural disasters. You travel to the very brink of erupting volcanoes, into the paths of deadly pyroclastic flows, along massive fault lines, and aboard vehicles barreling toward tornadoes. Along the way, you learn what can be done to predict and prepare for these events and minimize their deadly effects.
For More Information about Forces of Nature: Click Here
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66. PROGRAMS AT LOG CABIN VILLAGE
AUGUST 14 -- Garden Thyme
Details: Come learn about a variety of gardening and nature topics in this brand new monthly series hosted by our resident gardening guru, Master Composter, and Master Naturalist Pat. Topics will vary by month, but may include anything from herbs to bluebirds. Come dressed to get dirty! No reservations required. Cost is regular Village admission.
Location: 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane, Fort Worth, TX
Admission: $4.50 ages 4-17 and 60+; $5 ages 18+
$4.00 each for groups of 10+; Free for ages 3 & under
Hours: Tue-Fri, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Phone: 817-392-5881
For More Information: Click Here
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67. DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE
Events:
Family Past Times
3rd Sunday of the Month
Time: Noon - 4pm
Admission: Children FREE; Adults $9; Seniors $7
Bring the whole family for historic fun and participate in themed activities.
Nip & Tuck
Stories, Music and Hands-On Activities for Preschoolers
Please RSVP: 214-413-3674 or e-mail us. You can even purchase your advance tickets online.
Tickets can be purchased by phone, at the gate or online.
RSVP: 214-413-3674 or by email
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68. OLD RED MUSEUM OF DALLAS COUNTY HISTORY AND CULTURE
Home School Programs
Future Home School Programs to be announced
Chose your Date, Chose your Program:
Your group can schedule the date and choose the program from the many we offer. The date and program can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm or on limited Saturdays from 9:30am till noon.
All visits will include: Four interactive galleries, over forty computer touch screens, the Children’s Education Center, Discovery Carts and Interactive Gallery Guides.
Time: Registration: 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
Program Begins: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $6/children; $3 Adults
Includes program, all day admission to the museum galleries and program supplies.
Please note that we have changed to a cash only admission the day of the program.
Location: Old Red Museum
100 South Houston Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214-757-1949
To RSVP: Click here to email the sales dept with the following info:
Names of attending adults, email address, phone, number of adults, number of children, ages of children. If you are a group leader, please list your group name with each family unit listed separately, as this makes preparation and registration run more smoothly.
Parking: Museum guests may purchase an underground parking vouchers for $2.
Details: Everyone enjoys a celebration! What brings families and communities together? How are traditions enjoyed? Come and join us at Old Red as we discover some of the rich traditional celebrations that help create the great city of Dallas. Students will enjoy music, making sand art, designing special placemats, creating cards and other items to be taken home and shared with family and friends.
CURRENT EXHIBITS
NOVEMBER 6 - AUGUST 31, 2014 -- Dream No Small Dreams: How Erik Jonsson Led Dallas from
Tragedy to Triumph in the 1960s
Details: This exhibit will tie in to other events throughout the city commemorating the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. David Biegler, Chairman of the Board, remarked that “the Old Red Museum will tell the rest of the story with a particular emphasis on the aftermath of the assassination. It is a story of civic action that pulled the city from depression and helped it regain the pride and momentum that had been so much a part of its past. The story will be examined through the individual leader who, as Mayor, took the helm of the city. [Dream No Small Dreams] will focus on his extraordinary leadership after the dark days in 1963.”
Other Exhibits:
Early Years: Prehistory to 1873
Trading Center
Big D
World Crossroads
Discount: The Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid HEART of Texas Family ID) a $1 discount per person/ticket. Discount may not be used for the Home School Workshops.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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69. STAR PARTIES at FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY
Have you ever seen the rings of Saturn? Have you ever wanted to view the moons of Jupiter? Have you been dazzled by a star cluster? Are you in the market for a telescope and don't know where to start? This and more can be discovered every month outside the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History during the free monthly telescope observing. The star gazing events are held every month on area north of the Museum on the Saturday nearest the first quarter moon, weather permitting. They are presented by the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society.
The Noble Planetarium is under construction, but you can still gaze at the stars and learn about the night sky during our free monthly Star Parties.
2014 STAR PARTIES
AUGUST 2
SEPTEMBER 6
Cost: Free
Location: In the Musuem's South Parking Lot.
Parking: Parking is available in the lot south of Harley Street.
Time: Dusk–10:30 p.m.
Details: Join the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society in front of the Museum on Gendy Street. You’ll find plenty of telescopes for viewing and even more astronomy buffs to help you navigate your way through the skies. This event is weather permitting.
For more information: click here
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70. NORTH TEXAS DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR FOR HOME SCHOOLERS
Need a boost to your homeschool science curriculum? Have a detail inclined child or one who loves science or technology? Need something on a college application to convince the staff your child can compete with the best? Science fair should be in your future!
Your 6th graders have a chance to participate in the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair (DRSEF) too!
Private homeschooled students in grades 3-12 may enter in one of 4 divisions. Those living in TEA region 10: Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman and Rockwall counties compete for the opportunity to enter the DRSEF. Students in other near-by counties may compete at our NDTSF for awards, but cannot be guaranteed entry into a regional ISEF event: some have gone on to the FortWorth Regional event.
All 6 - 12 grade projects need some ISEF forms (like the research plan) to be filled in BEFORE experimentation begins! 6th graders' projects may NOT include any handling of toxic/dangerous substances or require permission for human or animal subjects. Higher grades must submit forms for these BEFORE experimentation begins - start early. Please find out more on our website. This is the most confusing part of science fair participation, so let's get it worked out early - contact us. We don't want students eliminated on technicalities.
Students from our NDTSF have done very well at DRSEF (placing and even Grand Prize!) and at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair (placing). You don't have to place to win a special prize. Add that "WOW" factor to your project by checking out our new links to give your project even more "Marvelocity". Ask how we can help. Don't forget to check our "Links" page for more homeschool friendly science competitions (some links need to be fixed at Texas A&M).
For More Information: Click Here to email
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70. ALEDO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL'S BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL TEAMS
Aledo Christian School, located in Aledo,TX, is offering their sports programs to home schoolers.
Who: 7-12th grade boys and girls
Girls Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
Boys Sports: Basketball & Baseball
Location: Aledo Christian School
400 Queen Street
Aledo, TX 76008
For Information About Baseball: 817-939-2979 or click here to email
For Information About Other Sports: Contact 817-441-7357
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71. BERNE ACADEMY'S BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Berne Academy, located in Lancaster, TX, is looking for homeschoolers to play on their Boys' Varsity Basketball Team. They are associated with T-CAL (Texas Christian Athletic League) out of San Antonio.
Who: 7-12th grade boys
Location of Practices: Tommie Allen Recreation Center on Bonnie View Road
For More Information: 972-218-7373 or click here to email
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72. HOMESCHOOL SWIM-- The Colony Aquatic Park
Brand New! Expanded Homeschool Swim in The Colony!!
The price for fall season passes are very reasonable, especially since there are now three different days a week that you can come!
When: Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Location: The Colony Aquatic Park
5580 N. Colony Blvd
The Colony, TX 75056
Cost: $4 per person or purchase a season pass
Note: Children 6 and under MUST be directly attended by a swimming adult within arms reach.
Seasonal Passes available: $45–Individual
$60–Micro-family (2-3 members)
$80–Family (4+ members)
For More Information: 972-624-2225 or Click Here to email
http://www.TCpard.com
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73. HOME SCHOOL SWIM AND SWIM TEAM AT DON RODENBAUGH NATATORIUM
IN ALLEN
Home School Open Swim
Half-Price Fridays at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium!
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. during the school year
Who: Home school students and their families.
Cost: $2/Students; $2.50/adults
For More Information: Call 214-509-4770 or visit http://www.allenparks.org/
City of Allen Home school Swim Team
Practices: Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium
For more information: Call 972-992-3996 or visit http://www.metro-aquatics.org/
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74. CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS
Christian Martial Arts, an outreach of First Baptist Church of Euless, is offering a free month of classes to HEART of Texas newsletter readers who wish to try out their program. Christian Martial Arts has been ministering to the physical as well as spiritual needs of local families for almost ten years at First Euless!
It is a fun way to get plenty of exercise in an environment that seeks to honor God and teach respect for others. The tenets of CMA are Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable spirit. Students learn fundamentals of self-defense, balance, flexibility, practice and repetition. We encourage progress through belt promotions but each student is only in competition with himself to advance. We have sparring nights, optional board breaking, tournaments and special events including Christmas parties and demonstrations. If you are looking for a great family activity, you've found it!
Cost: $25/month per person
Times/Class Descriptions:
Monday: 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.–Children only
Monday: 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.–Beginners & Advanced of all ages
Thursday: 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.–Beginners of all ages
Thursday: 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.–Advanced students
Saturday: 10:00 am–12:00 p.m.–Open Workout for all students
For More Information: Click Here
Discount: Christian Martial Arts, an outreach of First Baptist Church of Euless, is offering a free month of classes to HEART of Texas newsletter readers who wish to try out their program.
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75. DALLAS THUNDER HOME SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Dallas Thunder is a home school competitive basketball organization.
Dallas Thunder offers:
Christ-centered, competitive Basketball for Home schooled boys and girls
Experienced, Professional Coaches.
The opportunity to play top public and private schools in the area
Participation in the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament.
Website: http://www.dallasthunder.org
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76. ELITE TRACK CLUB/CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM
For More Information: Click Here to email or 817-800-3922
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77. HOME SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Home School Athletic Association is a Christian-based organization providing athletics for homeschoolers through volunteer home school parent. They provide various programs including football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball for high school and middle school home schoolers.
If you are interested in joining HSAA Cross Country, please click here to contact the Track Commissioner.
If interested in a two day football camp for middle schoolers this summer, please click here.
AUGUST 4
HSAA Football - First Practice of the Season
Home School Athletic Association
Location: Richardson North Junior High School, 1820 N. Floyd Rd, Richardson, TX
75080
Details: 11-Man Tackle Football...Middle School, JV, and Varsity!
Open to boys, ages 11 to 18 and in grades 6 through 12, HSAA Football promises to provide each student-athlete with a Christ-centered approach to sports. Though competitive in nature, to be sure, HSAA will not sacrifice core values to win at all costs.
Instead, coaches and parents – and team mentors (varsity players and those who have recently graduated) – work with the players to build character for life.
Registration details: Click Here
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78. HULCY HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES IN RICHARDSON
Come try your first class for free and see if our 20 year reputation of helping kids enjoy in a competitive Christian atmosphere is right for your family. 100% of the children that have tried it... have stayed.
Ages: 6-12
Cost: $20 a month for first child... $15 a month for any additional children.
When: Tuesdays (once a week)
Girls meet from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Boys meet from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
To sign up just call 214-695-5560
Where:–Heights Park in Richardson on Floyd
in between Belt Line and Arapaho on the West side of 75 (south of Arapaho).
We play an array of competitive for kids at any skill level: dodgeball, football, kickball, flag tag, capture the flag, war, softball, baseball, crazyball, flipperball, Frisbee golf, soccer, circle dodgeball, track and field, and tons more. We also play fun and easy games such as: squirrel in a tree, two headed monster, parachute games, and much more!
We have a family camp out in January, and a Field Day at the end of the year that includes a picnic dinner, volleyball, hay ride, playing in a tree house, games, a bonfire, and cooking hotdogs outside!
Call RHETT HULCY directly to enroll or for any questions about the class:
214-695-5560
Discount: Rhett is offering HEART of Texas members one free month of classes, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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79. HOME SCHOOL PE PROGRAMS AT VELOCITY IN SOUTHLAKE
Location: Velocity Sports Performance
1800 East Highway 114, Suite 101
Southlake, TX
817-416-0606
Discount: Velocity /Southlake is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount on all training, whether it is with the Home School program, regular training program or any camps that are held at this location., with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
Velocity Sports Performance in Southlake has designed a program to meet the needs of Home School Families!
Location: 1800 East Hwy 114, Suite 101, Southlake, TX
For More Information: Call 817-416-0606
To Learn More About Velocity: www.velocitysp.com/southlake
Velocity Performance is a training facility with a staff of degreed and certified coaches. Their programs focus on all facets of athletic performance, including speed and agility, strength and explosive power, flexibility and mobility, endurance and energy system develo p.m.ent, and injury risk prevention.
Their 18,200 sq. ft. indoor facility includes a 30 yard turf field, 60 yard speed track, regulation volleyball court, Olympic weight area, comfortable viewing area for parents/coaches with wireless internet, men's and women's showers, electronic timing system and video analysis, and SPARQ testing.
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80. HOME SCHOOL FENCING CLASSES AT FENCING INSTITUTE OF TEXAS
Fencing Institute of Texas is committed to supporting our Home Schooled children by providing physical fitness that challenges the mind as well as the body.
Home School Classes
Times: 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Tuesdays and Thursdays
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 am. – Saturdays
Instructor: Coach Rhonda Trietsch
For More Information: 972-444-8498 or visit: http://www.fenceintexas.org/homeschool.html
Students enjoy private lessons, group training, and mini-tournaments during this time.
Parents are welcome to participate along with their children in these programs.
Additional classes during the week between the hours of 10 AM and 4 p.m. will be added
as this program and need grows.
Open Enrollment: Students may join this program at any time; the first month's fees are prorated. There is no pro-ration of fees after the first month. Fees are $90 per month plus $50 tuition ($140), and are due by the 5th of the month. Fees are due in advance and are non-refundable.
Students may take additional private lessons outside of the class meeting time for an additional fee.
To Register: Class size is limited to 15 students; pre-registration is required. If you are interested, please call our school at (972) 444-8498, or complete and mail or FAX the Home School Registration form.
To Download Registration Form: http://www.fenceintexas.org/homeschool.html
Discount: Fencing Institute of Texas is offering HEART of Texas members a $10 discount off the monthly tuition (individual or family) with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card. HEART of Texas students participating in the FIT Saturday Page or Squire programs receive a $5 discount off the monthly program fee with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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81. PARKER-TARRANT HOME SCHOOL
Parker-Tarrant Home School exists to promote and accomplish education for the Texas Home School student in a Christian environment. With a focus primarily in the Parker County and West Tarrant County areas of North Texas, the organization’s objective is to provide a competitive environment for middle school and high school competition that is not normally provided by traditional home school organizations or support groups. PTHSS desires to accomplish this goal in a way that both works alongside the parents and honors Jesus Christ.
Currently the PTHSS organization offers boys' Varsity and Junior Varsity Baseball, boys' Basketball from middle school through high school, girls' high school basketball and girls' Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball. Six-Man boys' football is being added this fall! Other programs and age divisions may be offered in the future.
Many of the PT Warriors athletic activities occur at Birchman Baptist Church in West Fort Worth.
For More Information: click Here to email or www.pthss.org/
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82. POP-IN PLAYTIME AT PUMP-IT-UP OF GRAPEVINE
WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: 2-6 years old
WEDNESDAYS
Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Ages: 6-12 years old
Discount: Pump-It-Up of Grapevine is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount on private parties. Members also receive $1 off Pop-In-Playtime on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for ages 2 through 6, and on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 for ages 6-12. Members must present their valid HEART of Texas Family ID card to take advantage of these special offers.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
For More Information: 817-329-1332 or grapevine@pumpitupdfw.com
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83. THESA RIDERS HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
THESA Riders is a home school association, providing the DFW area with competitive and Christ-centered athletic programs for home schoolers at the high school and junior high level.
THESA offers the following:
Baseball -- Boys Basketball -- Girls Basketball -- Girls Cheer -- Boys Football -- Boys and Girls Golf -- Girls Softball -- Girls Volleyball
THESA Riders is offering a competitive HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER program for 2013-2014.
TRYOUTS: Dates to be announced SOON – check web site or email us
Who is THESA?
THESA (Texas Home Educators' Sports Association) exists to support families with a calling to home educate their children by providing high quality, competitive sports programs, enabling children to grow in Godly character and skills at the junior and senior high level.
What does a THESA soccer tryout look like?
The coaches will spend about 20 minutes at the beginning of the tryouts with a parent/player orientation – expectations, what a season looks like, practices, commitment.
The coaches will then put players through 1 Ä‚ -2 hours of stretching, conditioning, skills, drills, and team play.
Do players need to attend all the tryouts?
If your schedule allows, attending all the tryouts is best. While attending all the tryouts is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged for each player to make the best showing, get to know the other players and coaches.
What does a player need to bring?
Players need to come with a GREAT attitude, dressed in appropriate soccer attire and equipment, bring a personal ball (only size 5) and LOTS of water, maybe even a snack.
Questions?
Web site: http://www.thesariders.net/
Email us at thesaridersoccer@gmail.com
For More Information: http://www.thesariders.net
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84. TRAINING FOR CONFIDENCE MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL IN COLLEYVILLE
Training for Confidence is a full-time martial arts school in Colleyville.
We currently have several families at our Colleyville school location who home school
their children. We would welcome the opportunity to partner with Heart of Texas and
offer discounted tuition to your members.
Discount: Training for Confidence is offering HEART of Texas members a 25% discount off the monthly student membership fee, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
To Learn More: TFCKarate.com
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85. BEST GYMNASTICS IN FLOWER MOUND
Gymnastics is the best sport available to create young athletes and proper athletic foundations for all future sporting endeavors. We offer several classes for all ages including: Little Tots class for 14mo-3 years, Best Kids 3-4 years. For ages 5 and up we offer Tumbling, Girls Gymnastics, Boys Gymnastics and a Home schooling class.
Location: 601 Cross Timbers Rd. Suite 100 in Flower Mound.
To Learn More: 972-874-8800 or click here
Home School Class
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Details: Best Gymnastics does not have sessions, so you can join at anytime! This co-ed class for ages 5 and older will focus on athletic conditioning, tumbling, flexibility, core strength, and of course, fun! The class has a 10:1 student/teacher ratio.
Cost: $59/month
For more information: Click here
Open Gym
Date: Every Friday
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $12/child
Details: This is a drop off event. Lots of exercise and lots of fun! No reservations required.
For more information: Click here
Best Night Out
Date: Swpt 14
Time: 6:00-10:00pm
Cost: $25/child; siblings receive $5 discount
Details: Best Night Out is designed for parents to get the night off while kids have a blast at the gym! Dinner and a drink are provided. Children 3 (potty trained) and older may attend Best Night Out.
For more information: Click here
Upcoming dates: Sept 14: Best Bucks Spending Spree; Oct 19: Monster Mash Madness; Nov 9: Pirates and Princesses Party; Dec 14: Winter Wonderland
Discount: Best Gymnastics is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount off all of their recreational gymnastics classes, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
To Learn More about Best Gymnastics: 972-874-8800 or click here
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86. HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM AT LANTANA GOLF CLUB
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM
SPRING 2014 SESSION
Experience the Game of Golf! Lantana Golf Club is offering three separate golf programs for juniors, age 8-17, in 2014. The Spring, Summer and Fall programs will each offer weekly clinics over a period of 8-10 weeks.
Participants will receive instruction on full swing, short game (chip, pitch, putting) and bunker play. Participants will also receive a basic introduction to the rules & etiquette of golf and the opportunity for quality time on the course.
Our objective is to introduce juniors to the game of golf, improve playing skills and provide the opportunity for personal growth and learning. We hope to build and strengthen character, develop new friendships, and enjoy the experience and life lessons this great game provides.
Marc Brooks will provide lead instruction with assistance from other local golf professionals as needed. Mr. Brooks is a PGA member and currently Director of Instruction at Lantana Golf Club. He was recently named "Best Golf Instructor Denton County 2012" and a member of the PGA President's Council for his continuing effors to promote the grow the game of golf.
To Register: click here to download the registration form.
For more information: Contact Marc Brooks, PGA at 940-728-4653 or click here to email
Discount: Marc Brooks is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount, with a current Heart of Texas family membership card.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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87. SMOOTHING THE WAY MEETINGS -- NORTH TEXAS
Smoothing the Way is a support group dedicated to serving first-year homeschooling mothers. Each month a topic of specific interest to the new homeschooler is offered. We will offer you information that will make your first year less confusing. We will also offer you the opportunity to meet other new homeschoolers who are sharing your experiences — both good and bad! You will meet veteran homeschoolers who can reassure you that these experiences are very normal and can help you to navigate through your first year.
For Information about Smoothing the Way groups near you, or to find out how you can lead a group: http://www.smoothingtheway.com/
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88. DFW SPEECH & DEBATE CLUB
REGISTER NOW FOR 2014 SPEECH & DEBATE SUMMER CAMPS!
Camps are held in July and August
Details: Expose your students to the benefits of speech and debate training firsthand at DFW Speech & Debate camps this summer. Beginners age 12-18 are encouraged to sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills at their 2-day Intro to Speech and 3-day Intro to Policy Debate camps. Younger students age 6-11 can also get started at their Junior Speech camp.
To Register: Click Here
For More Information: Contact Here
DFW Speech & Debate is committed to providing quality communications training to help students sharpen their ability to analyze problems, think and listen critically, and communicate their ideas in an organized and compelling manner. Our communications training includes:
Speech & Debate Summer Camps
We train hundreds of students each summer who go on to excel in competition! Our camps are engaging and fun and serve to inspire students to cultivate their critical thinking and communication skills. We offer a wide variety of training including introductory, intermediate and advanced Speech and Debate camps, Model UN, Moot Court and much more for ages 12-18! This summer we are expanding our offerings to include Junior Speech for ages 6-11!
Private Coaching! - for speakers, debaters and writers who would like to advance their skills at a faster pace
Most great competitors have great coaches. Our veteran team of coaches provide individualized training for students prior to and during the school year. Coaching sessions include helping students develop a high level of competency writing AP quality essays, writing and performing speeches, and writing and arguing their debate case. See specific Coaching Services here.
Tools for Debate Curriculum
Most great competitors also have great TOOLS. Our easy-to-use 12-week curricula puts valuable instruction in the hands of debate students and club leaders to prepare students for Policy and Lincoln Douglas debate competition. Our curriculum includes a dual track approach to help beginners master foundational skills such as Writing a Case, 4-Point Refutation, Organization and Cross-Examination (C/X) and more. Experienced debaters will advance to the next level with round-winning techniques on C/X Strategies, and NEG strategies (e.g. identifying unproven or faulty assumptions). Packed with examples, drills, quizzes and a FREE affirmative case!
For More Information: dfwspeechanddebate.com
Discount: DFW Speech & Debate is offering HEART of Texas member-supporters (with current Family ID) 10% off their Summer Camp fee.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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89. DENTON COUNTY CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION
This group has no announcements this month.
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90. IRVING HOME SCHOOLERS
A support group for families in Irving and all surrounding communities.
Time: 7pm
Details: We are a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to serving home school families in Irving and all surrounding communities. Our mission is to reach out to all homeschooling families - providing resource information, ongoing activities, and support. All are welcome. We meet the 1st Thursday of the month (Sept. - May except Dec.) at Lee Park in Irving.
For more information: click here
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91. PEACH
A support group for families in the Plano area
Click Here for More Information
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92. OFFICIAL 2012-2013 COLLEGE BOARD TEST DATES
2014 PSAT TEST DATES:
To Find out When Your Local High School is Offering the PSAT Test: Click Here
PSAT TESTING FEE: $14 (some schools charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs)
Homeschoolers who take the test at their local public school should not be charged more than the school charges its own students. The College Board makes fee waivers available to schools for students in eleventh grade from low-income families who can't afford the test fee. See the school counselor for more information about fee waivers. Special testing situations are also available for special needs students. Ask the school counselor for more details.
2014 SAT TEST DATES:
OCT 11
NOV 8
For SAT Subject Test Calendar: Click Here
For More Information: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html
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93. MASTER THE SAT CLASSES WITH JEAN BURK
College Prep Genius will be offering their incredible "MASTER THE SAT CLASS" in several Texas cities. This revolutionary course will give students all the tools needed to conquer the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. Students will learn the logical patterns behind standardized test questions as well as necessary strategies that could help increase their test scores tremendously. A high score on the SAT or PSAT/NMSQT can open doors to college entrance and colossal scholarships that could include full tuition, room and board, honors dorms, graduate money and stipends to study abroad! Many of their students have raised their test scores as much as 600 points and received scholarhips over $200,000 from Ivy-League schools. College Prep Genius has been featured on NBC, CBS, Fox, TXA21 and The Homeschool Channel.
Their carefully selected teachers will show students how to ace the SAT so they can raise their scores and get scholarships to college. The SAT and PSAT are tests of logic (not high school subjects) and most students do poorly on them because they don't understand the test. She will teach how to look at the test questions correctly so they don't fall for the wrong answer and she will not only explain why the right answer is right but also why the wrong answer is wrong. Students will gain confidence in their test-taking skills and be given the necessary tools for scoring high on these standardized tests.
Watch College Prep Genius founder, Jean Burk, give speeches on "How to Ace the SAT" and "Free College Can Happen to You" click here
What's Covered in Class:
"Master the SAT Class” is a thorough investigation of the SAT and PSAT including an extensive review of all three test sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.
Register at collegeprepgenius.com
Download the e-book “15 Secrets to FREE College” for a penny at www.collegeprepgenius.com Use code: heart
Discount: College Prep Genius is offering a $5 discount off classes and products to HEART of Texas family members. You must have a valid membership card to qualify for the discount.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners: Click Here
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94. BAYLOR & AIR FORCE ROTC (AFROTC) SCHOLARSHIP
Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) have teamed up to provide an enormous scholarship opportunity to help students afford a Christian college education while pursuing their dream in a career in aviation, medicine, science, engineering, law, space, business, etc.
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 1, 2014
To Apply: Visit http://www.afrotc.com/ and fill out the on-line application.
Highlights:
• We appreciate the homeschooled student and know first-hand the talent and intellect they offer. Our Cadet Wing Commander last Fall was homeschooled and she was outstanding!
• Who do we want to help? Your students interested in leadership who are about to graduate, applying to a service academy (Baylor would be a great Plan B), excels academically, involved in Eta Sigma Alpha or other honor societies and service organizations, as well as competitors of all kinds.
• The application deadline for AFROTC high school scholarships is December 1, 2012.
• AFROTC’s best scholarship (Type 1) pays full tuition and fees (~$25,000/year at Baylor).
The second best scholarship (Type 2) pays $15,000/year.
The majority of our cadets are on these two types of scholarships.
• Baylor is very generous with their merit scholarships which range from $3,000–$14,000/year. Have your student go to http://www.baylor.edu/admissions/calculator/ and input their ACT/SAT scores and class ranking into the Scholarship Calculator to see what they could be offered. You will be amazed.
• If your student receives an AFROTC high school scholarship and brings it to Baylor, they will receive the Baylor AFROTC Incentive Scholarship worth $3,000/year. They get this just by simply bringing the AFROTC scholarship to Baylor!
• Students on scholarship also receive $900/year for books and a monthly, tax-free stipend of $300-$500. They can use this stipend however they like (cheeseburgers and coffee??).
• A student with a high school scholarship can try AFROTC their freshman year, and if they decide not to continue, they can simply walk away without having to pay back their scholarship. No kidding!
• If your student does not receive a high school scholarship, there’s an even greater opportunity to receive an AFROTC scholarship once they are at Baylor. AFROTC has a $60 million scholarship budget to award scholarships from and as of the end of the Spring semester, 86% of Baylor cadets were on scholarship.
• Baylor AFROTC is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year (the Air Force is 61 years old) and for the first time in our history, we are opening an AFROTC Living & Learning Center where cadets have the option to live among themselves. Visit http://www.baylor.edu/rotc/llc/ for more information.
• If you would like to come for a visit, we have a “Bunk with a Bear” program where your students can spend the night with a cadet, attend classes, eat with them, meet other cadets, take the campus tour, talk to academic advisors, and get the feel of Baylor.
For More Information: Click here to email or call 254-710-3513.
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95. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE for HOME SCHOOLERS IN 21 COUNTIES ---- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit voluntary organization in the world. The Society depends on the competence, creativity and dedication of its 2 million volunteers nationwide to achieve its mission. Along with learning the value of volunteering in your community we can offer your home schooled student a way to apply all they are learning in a real world atmosphere.
Counties in the North Texas Region of the American Cancer Society: Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Wise, Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rains, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Eastland, Comanche, Erath, Hood, Rockwall
For more information: 817-570-0612 or Click Here to email
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96. BECOME A HOST FAMILY FOR A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT THROUGH INTO EdVENTURES HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE ORGANIZATION
Learn to Laugh in Another Language!
INTO EdVENTURES High School Exchange Organization offers you the opportunity to host a young high school student from another nation in your own home...let these incredible young people from other countries show you their culture, up close and personal. Welcome them as a son or daughter...touch their lives, and change their world, and your's too. The experience will teach you and your children how another family lives across the world, while they, in turn, learn about you and the American culture...many of them love to cook and share themselves and their family with you.. They become part of your family for a lifetime.
Share your heart, your faith, your family and your home with a high school foreign exchange student.
IF you have children at home, they can learn so much and make a life long friend. If you do not have kids at home you will LOVE the new dimensions they will add to your life, and the new life they will give to your home.
There are boys and girls ages 15-18 from South america, Asia and Europe. They bring their wide-eyed enthusiasm and a desire to learn our culture, and in turn share their's.
They will attend your local high school for the academic year.
IF THIS SPEAKS TO YOUR HEART...you can make a huge difference in a young person's life. You will touch a nation, and change the world!!
All host families are volunteer
Who can become a Host Family:
Young families with small children, families with teens, empty nesters, grand parents, even single parents!
Our host families must provide: Room, Board, Food, and Transportation. Host families
Must also be financially able take in another child.
The students have: Full health insurance coverage and their own spending money ($200-$300/month, which takes care of personal things or extra things they want, and school activity expenses). These will not have to be provided by the host family.
Student information: Our students are boys and girls ranging in age from 15-18. They are from South America, Asia, and Europe. They arrive the third week of August, hopefully a week or two before school starts.
They will attend the LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL for either the ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR...OR ONE SEMESTER (either spring for fall)
INTO EdVENTURES will share with the prospective host families the student's & letters to the host family from the student and their parents...
How are families and students matched: We do our best to match common interests, etc. And once a match is made, host families can begin communicating with their new "son/daughter"...usually, the student overseas emails as soon as they hear they have been placed with a family... THEN, MEETING THEM AT THE AIRPORT IN AUGUST… IS AWESOME!!
For more information: 817-545-5058 or Click Here to email
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97. MEALS ON WHEELS, INC. OF TARRANT COUNTY SEEKS HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES TO DELIVER HOT MEALS AND FRIENDSHIP
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 community service as well as a unique 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.
Several home school families currently volunteer for our program and we would like you to join us.
Weekly and substitute volunteers are needed now.
Meals are picked up from local distribution sites and delivered to homes within close proximity.
Delivery typically takes about hour.
If you join our volunteer team you will feel great ensuring that several Tarrant County neighbors
have received food and a friendly visit.
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.
For More Information: 817-336-0912
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98. MEALS ON WHEELS OF JOHNSON & ELLIS COUNTIES SEEKS HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES TO DELIVER HOT MEALS
Volunteers Needed!!!
Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties serves the children of yesterday by helping needy elderly and disabled persons to remain independent and healthy in their own homes by providing home-delivered meals, daily personal contact, and support for individuals and their families.
Meals-on-Wheels could not operate one day without the help of volunteers. Dedicated, caring volunteers assist in providing hot, noontime meals. Not only do our volunteers deliver nutritious meals, they also ensure the safety of our clients. Daily contact is as important as the meals we serve.
A meal route takes approximately 45 minutes to deliver with convenient pick-up sites located throughout each county. By volunteering, you help bring hope, love, and friendship to the elderly and disabled homebound in your community.
To Volunteer: 817-558-2840 or 972-351-9943.
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99. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE MEALS AT THE STEWPOT IN DALLAS
Is your family or support group looking for an opportunity to help the needy?
The Stewpot is a 501c(3) organization that reaches out to the homeless of Dallas by providing meals and other services.
The Stewpot serves 3 meals a day, every single day of the year.
To meet this great need, The Stewpot is seeking volunteers (individuals or groups of 10-15) to serve a meal once a month.
For more information: 214-746-2785 ext. 320 or Click Here
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100. TEXAS GLOBAL EDUCATION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Experience the world and expand your family's horizons this summer!
Open your heart and your home to a global visitor and enable your teenager to stay with a family abroad.
Details: Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange provides several one-month home-stay opportunities.
Home-stays (instead of staying in a hotel) have many advantages:
•Experience life from the inside - not as a tourist
•Learn, appreciate, understand and evaluate another culture - and your own
•Establish a close relationship with someone - from another culture
•Develop cross-cultural understanding through communication and interaction
The focus of a cultural exchange is friendship, but lasting friendships and warm memories aren't the only results. Young people who have the opportunity to live with a host family in a foreign country or to host an international youth in their home enjoy a priceless educational experience that better prepares them for a life in a global society.
For more information: Call 940.241.3097
Info.texasglobaleducation@gmail.com
www.texasglobaleducation.org
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101. FREE ORGAN RECITALS IN DALLAS
Time: 12pm-12:30pm
(followed by a one hour tour of the Center)
Cost: FREE
Location:
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora, Dallas, 75201
Details: Recital
given by Mary Preston, resident organist with the Dallas
Symphony
Orchestra, on the Lay Family Concert Organ. This 30 minute presentation
will be followed by a one-hour tour of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony
Center.
Reservations not
required, but requested for groups of 15 or more.
For More Information or for a Group Reservation:
214-670-3331
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102. 2013-2014 GREATER PLANO AREA COTILLION
When: We will hold three fall and four spring cotillions, excluding December and April. Dates should be considered tentative, however, until the receipt of your invitation approximately two weeks beforehand. Tentative dates for the 2013-2014 year are: 9/15, 10/20, 11/10, 1/19, 2/16, 3/16 & 5/11
Details: We are a fellowship of homeschooling parents offering instruction to teens in etiquette and various forms of traditional dance along with the opportunity to build socialization skills and new relationships for God’s glory. The cotillion is open to homeschoolers aged 12 to 18. 2013—2014 Selective Sundays of the month 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gleneagles Country Club: 5401 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Cost: $50 non-refundable, annual registration fee per family; $25/per person for each cotillion (includes meal and dance instruction); parents may R.S.V.P. for dinner as space allows for $25:
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If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider becoming a member supporter! For $25 a year, your family can receive all of the benefits of membership, including $15 off THSC annual membership, discounts at various area homeschool stores and other businesses and
organizations that have partnered with us.
Support groups can also partner with us for just $25/year, which includes a FREE HEART of Texas family membership for the primary leader of the group. Board Members of Partnering Support Groups will also receive a discounted rate to our annual Leadership Conference.
To learn more about becoming a member supporter: www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
To view our growing list of partners: www.heartoftex.org/partners/
This newsletter is free to any and all homeschool families and support group leaders who wish to receive it!
HEART of Texas P.O. Box 211882 Bedford, TX 76095-1882 http://www.heartoftex.org
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