HEART of Texas

Homeschool with HEART!
April 2018
HEART OF TEXAS   
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.

APRIL 2018 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 share this newsletter with 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.

Support groups meeting listings are free. If you are a new group please contact us so we can also add you to our database so families can find you.  
Non-profit clubs and organizations that are in partnership with HEART of Texas can also promote their meetings in our newsletter.  Advertising space is available for those wishing to advertise their businesses, proms/dances, classes, workshops, conventions/conferences, job listings, or other opportunities.  Special rates and other benefits are given to businesses and organizations which partner with us. Email us for more information about our Partnership Programs.

Additionally, if you or anyone in your homeschool group would like to submit articles, or volunteer to serve on our newsletter or advertising teams, 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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
Click Here to View Month at a Glance


MONTHLY
"HOMESCHOOLING 101" INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
BEDFORD

Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Cost: FREE

LOCATION:
Bedford Public Library
, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, 76021

For More Information:  Click Here
To Register:  Click Here

To Ask Questions:  Click Here

Details:  Thinking about homeschooling? 
Wondering what's involved, how it works, and if it's right for your family?  
Our "Homeschooling 101" informational meetings are designed to teach you the basics of homeschooling and give you the information you need to help you get started on the right foot.   

Some of the Questions answered during the session:
What is required to homeschool in the state of Texas?
Where can I find curriculum?
What about teacher certification?
How do homeschoolers perform on standardized tests?
Can homeschoolers go to college?
How do homeschoolers perform in the real world?
and MORE!!

Other Homeschooling 101 Informational Meetings: TBA 
If your support group would like to host an Info Meeting, or if you would like to become a part of our Homeschooling 101 Presentation Team, p
lease contact us via our website.  


BECOME A MENTOR!!
If you are a veteran home school mom or dad homeschool group leader and would like to stay connected to the homeschooling community by serving in this way, we would love for you to consider becoming a Mentor!  We are recruiting Mentors for our Homeschool Mentor Program.  Mentors assist new homeschool families with getting started on their journey.  It is not a tutoring service or classes for homeschool students.  This is a ministry to parents who are seeking guidance in getting started homeschooling their children. 
For more information, please contact us via our website.

View Highlights

View Month at a Glance

View Newsletter Articles and Headers


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

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
Apr -- Reading Programs
Apr
-- Amon Carter Museum Exhibits
Apr -- Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits
Apr -- Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Apr -- Dallas Arboretum
Apr -- Fort Worth Botanic Garden Programs
Apr -- Texas Discovery Gardens
Apr -- Library Used Book Sales Across North Texas
Apr -- Library Programs
Apr -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs (Select Parks)
Apr-- Purtis Creek State Park -- Athens
Apr -- Cedar Hill State Park -- Cedar Hill
Apr -- Ray Roberts Lake State Park -- Denton
Apr -- Eisenhower State Park -- Denison
Apr -- Fort Richardson State Park/Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway -- Jacksboro
Apr -- Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway -- Mineral Wells
Apr -- Tyler State Park -- Tyler
Apr -- Lake Tawakoni State Park -- Wills Point
Apr -- 3D Films at Perot Museum's Hoglund Foundation Theater -- Dallas
Apr -- Films at Omni/Imax (FW Museum of Science & History)
Apr -- HEART Partner: Homeschool Classes at the Fort Worth Zoo
Apr -- HEART Partner: Old Red Museum - Current Exhibits
Apr --  "Homeschooling 101" Informational Meetings
Sponsor -- HEART Partner Matthew Road Academy


April 2018
Apr -- Dallas Arboretum:  Cool Thursdays Concerts (through June 28)
Apr -- Dallas Arbortum: BOGO Admission Wednesdays (through July)
Apr -- Perot Musuem: Journey to Space (through May 6)
Apr --
FW Museum: Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World (through May 6)
Apr -- Artisan (Main Stage): The Little Mermaid (through May 12)
Apr 3 -- Oliver Nature Park (Home School Class): Decomposers (9-14)
Apr 3  -- Kimbell Museum (Picts & Pages): Brush of the Gods, by Lenore Look
Apr 3 -- Perot Museum (Homeschool Program): Family Science Day: Lab Program
Apr 3-19 --
Plano Children's Theater: Year with Frog & Toad
Apr 4 -- Oliver Nature Park (Home School Class): Decomposers (5-8)
Apr 5 -- Texas Discovery Gardens: Stories & More
Apr 6 -- Heritage Farmstead (Fun on the Farm): The Three Little Pigs
Apr 6 -- Nash Farm (First Fridays): Gardening
Apr 6-7 -- FW Botanic Gardens: Spring Plant Sale
Apr 6 -- Artisan (Children's Theater): Curious George-Golden Meatball
Apr 6 -- SAT Test Registration Deadline for May 5 Test
Apr 6-14 -- Cottage Theater: Music Man
Apr 6-14 -- Genesis Theater: Shrek, Jr.
Apr 7 --
Texas Discovery Gardens: Stories & More
Apr 7 -- LLELA: Nature Walk
Apr 7 -- Lake Mineral Wells SP: Storytelling Down in the Hollow
Apr 7 -- Kimbell Museum (Children's Wkshop): Seasonal Patterns: Kimono Collages
Apr 7 -- Nasher (First Saturdays): Big Idea: Abstract / Art Project: "Get it together" Puzzles
Apr 7-8 -- FW Botanic Gardens: Flowercade & Iris Show
Apr 8 -- GDYO Application Deadline: Chamber Ensemble Competition May 3
Through Apr 8 -- Casa Manana: Madagascar - A Musical Adventure
Apr 9 -- Dallas Zoo: Homeschool Day
Apr 9 --
Fossil Rim (Homeschool Class & Tour): Birds & Birding
Apr 11 & 14 --Dallas Heritage (Barnyard Buddies): Gregory the Terrible Eater  by Mitchell Sharmat
Apr 12 -- LLELA: Home School Natural Science Classes
Apr 12 -- Dallas Museum of Art: Power of Gold: Asante Royal Regalia from Ghana (thru Aug 12)
Apr 12 -- Kimbell Museum (Family Educator Morning): From the Lands of Asia
Apr 12-15 --
Dallas Symphony Orch: Beethoven Symphony No 2
Apr 13 -- Dallas Museum of Art (Homeschool Tour): Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Apr 14 -- LLELA: Bird Walk
Apr 14 -- River Bend Nature Ctr (Science Sat): Grow Your Own Food
Apr 14 -- Lake Mineral Wells SP: Night Hike
Through Apr 15 -- Dallas Museum of Art:  Paris at the Turn of the Century
Through Apr 15 -- Dallas Museum of Art: Young Masters 2018
Apr 15 -- Log Cabin Village:  Up Close with a Village Artisan
Apr 15 -- Log Cabin Village:  Drop Spindle & Wheel Spinning with Michele
Apr 17 -- Oliver Nature Park (Home School Class): Jr Botanist (9-14)
Apr 18 -- Oliver Nature Park (Home School Class): Jr Botanist (5-8)
Apr 19 -- Kimbell Museum (Family Educator Morning): From the Lands of Asia
Apr 20 -- Heritage Farmstead(Fun on the Farm): Three Little Pigs
Apr 20 -- Dallas Arboretum: Homeschool Overnight
Apr 20 -- Casa Manana: Beauty & the Beast, Jr. (through May 13)

Apr 20-28 -- Genesis Theater: Beauty & the Beast, Jr
Apr 21-22 -- Camp Tonkawa: Breathe AIR /Use all our senses
Apr 21 -- Nash Farm:  Annual Spring into Nash
Apr 21 -- LLELA: Saturday at the Cabin
Apr 21 --
Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch: Archery in the Park
Apr 21 -- Lake Mineral Wells SP: Cross Timbers Cowboy Poetry & Stories
Apr 21 -- Dallas Children's Theater: Blue (through May 6)
Apr 21 --
Log Cabin Village: Spring Social
Apr 21 -- FWAS: Star Party (free and open to the public)
Apr 21 -- FW Nature Center: Nature Hike; Emerging Insects
Apr 22 -- FW Nature Center:  Go Birding Day Celebration
Through Apr 22 --Nasher: Foundations-First Sculpture
Apr 24 --
River Bend Nature Ctr (Science Sat): Celebrate Earth Day
Apr 24 -- Camp Tonkawa Primitive Survival Day Camp (4)
Apr 24 -- Fossil Rim (Homeschool Workshop & Modified Tour): Nature Journaling
Apr 24 -- Dallas Summer Musicals: Les Miserables (through May 6)
Apr 26 -- LLELA: Home School Natural Science Class
Apr 26 -- FW Nature Center:  Nature Center After Hours
Apr 27-28 -- College Prep Genius SAT Boot Camp in Frisco, Texas
Apr 27-29 -- Dallas Arboretum: Artscape
Apr 28 -- FW Botanic Gardens: Ft Worth Rose Society Show
Apr 28 -- LLELA: Night Hike
Apr 28 -- Lake Mineral Wells SP: Kid's Wilderness Survival
Apr 28 -- Log Cabin Village:  Cherokee Basket Weaving Class
Apr 28 -- FW Nature Center:  Nature Hike; Legends of Spring Flowers
Through Apr 28 -- Artisan (Children's Theater): Curious George - Golden Meatball
Through Apr 28 -- First Sculpture: Hand Axe to Figure Stone
Apr 28-29 -- FW Japanese Garden: Japanese Spring Festival
Apr 28-29 -- FW Botanic Gardens: Brief Encourters with the FW Opera
Apr 28-29 -- Camp Tonkawa: Between Earth & Sky /younger kids & their families
Apr 29 -- FW Nature Center:  Cross Timbers Trail Hike;  Full Moon Paddle

May 2018
May -- Dallas Arboretum:  Cool Thursdays Concerts (through June 28)
May -- Dallas Arbortum: BOGO Admission Wednesdays (through July)
May 1-3 -- River Bend Nature Ctr: Dallas Zoo Animal Show
May 3 -- SAT Test Registration Deadline for JUNE 2 Test
May 4 -- Heritage Farmstead Museum:
Fun on the Farm:  Otis the Tractor
May 4 -- Nash Farm (First Fridays):
Decoration Day
May 5 -  SAT Test (Registered by April 6)
May 5 -- Camp Tonkawa: Horsemanship Day Camp (ages 7 and up)
May 5 -- Log Cabin Village:  Beginning Knitting Class
May 5 -- FW Nature Center:  Nature Hike; Hike & Seek Wildlife
May 5 -- TX Discovery Gardens:
Stories and More!
May 5 -- LLELA: Nature Walk
May 5-6 -- Camp Tonkawa: Native American Indian Camp AHG
May 6 -- Log Cabin Village:  Up Close with a Village Artisan
May 6 -- Log Cabin Village:  Watercolors with Sydney
Through May 6 -- Perot Museum (Exhibit): Journey to Space
May 7 -- Fossil Rim: Attwater's Prairie Chicken Class & Tour
May 8 --
Japanese Gardens:  Docent Tours
May 9 & 12 --Dallas Heritage (Barnyard Buddies): Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
May 10 -- FWAS: Star Party (free and open to the public)
May 10 -- LLELA: Homeschool Natural Science Class
May 12 -- FW Botanic Gardens: Mother's Day High Tea
May 12 -- FW Nature Center:  Buffalo Boogie
May 12 -- LLELA: Bird Walk
May 12 -- Nash Farm (Heritage Workshop): Cheese Making Workshop
May 12-13 -- Camp Tonkawa: Wonders of Water  It's Your Planet Love It!  - Leadership Journey
May 16 -- Oliver Nature Park (Home School Nature Class): Jr. Ichthyologist
 May 19 -- FW Botanic Gardens: Herb Festival
May 19 -- FW Nature Center:  Nature Hike; Pollinators of the Prairie
May 19 --
LLELA: Saturday at the Cabin
May 19 --
LLELA: Stars on the Prairie
May 22 -- Fossil Rim: Fossil Dig Class & Tour
May 22 -- Oliver Nature Park (Home School Nature Class):  Jr. Ichhyologist
May 26 -- FW Nature Center:  Nature Hike; Snakes of Tarrant County
May 26 -- LLELA: Guided Kayak Tour
May 26-28 -- Camp Tonkawa: Summer Family Nature Camp - Memorial Day Wkend
May 28 -- FW Nature Center:  Bison Feeding Hayride
May 29 -- Camp Tonkawa: Primitive Survival Day Camp (Tracking/Snares/Traps)
May 29-- FW Nature Center:  Full Moon Paddle
May 31 -- FW Nature Center:  Nature Center after Hours




FEATURED ARTICLES

You Could Become One of the Next THSC Watchmen!

HEART of Texas:  Social Media Coordinator Needed!

Are You Connected Yet?
-- Anne Gebhart, HEART of Texas

Wanted: Homeschool Veterans to Help Get Families Off to a Successful Start


No Greater Joy Ministries Offering FREE Magazines to Support Groups and Home School Families

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount to Our Newsletter 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

      Arlington Public Library (Homeschool Thursdays at the Southeast Branch)
   
 Bedford Public Library    
     Fort Worth Public Library
     Hurst Public Library
     Lewisville Public Library
     McKinney Public Library System
     Rockwall County Library
     Tyler Public Library 

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
   
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4.   BEST Robotics
5.   FIRST Lego League: WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE

6.   Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Deadline March 31 (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.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
21.  Hurst-Euless-Bedford Homeschool Association -- HEB and surrounding areas
22.  JOY Christian Academy
-- Decatur
23.  Matthew Road Academy -- Grand Prairie
24.  Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
25.  Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes
26.  
THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
27.  Quo Vadis Educators -- Garland
28.  Vine Academy -- McKinney
29.  Westcliff Tutoring Physics Classes -- Southwest Ft Worth


HOME SCHOOL CLUBS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your Club

30.  GEMS Girl's Club
31.  Dallas STEAM Explorers
32.  Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering

BOOK SALES & OUR PARTNERING HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
33.  Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
34.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
35.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
 
NATURE CENTERS, ZOOS, & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
Become a HEART of Texas Partner to list your program
36.  Camp Tonkawa (Day Camps and Outdoor Education) -- Collinsville
37.  Dallas Arboretum -- Dallas
38.  Dallas Zoo -- Dallas
39.  Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
40.  Fort Worth Botanic Gardens -- Fort Worth
41.  Fort Worth Japanese Gardens -- Fort Worth
42.  Fort Worth Zoo Homeschool Classes -- Fort Worth
43.  Fossil Rim
44.  Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
45.  Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
46.  Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
47.  Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
48.  
Nash Farm -- Grapevine
49.  Oliver Nature Park -- Mansfield
50.  Ride with Pride -- Southlake
51.  River Bend Nature Center - Wichita Falls
52.  Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
53.  Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
54.  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
55.  Artisan Center Theater Performances -- Hurst
56.  Breitling Youth Theater/Acting for Children Performances -- Garland
57.  Cantare Performance Choir -- Southlake
58.  Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse Performances -- Fort Worth
59.  Cottage Theater Performances -- Watauga
60.  Dallas Children’s Theater Performances -- Dallas
61.  Dallas Summer Musicals -- Dallas
62.  Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- Dallas
63.  Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra -- Fort Worth
64.  Genesis Theater -- Plano
65.  Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra -- Dallas
66.  Park Cities Studios/The Dallas Conservatory -- Dallas
67.  Plano Children’s Theater Performances -- Plano
68.  Shine -- Plano
69.  Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
70.  Texas Ballet Theater Dance School -- Dance Classes -- Fort Worth
71.  Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
    
ART AND SCIENCE MUSEUMS
72.  Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
73.  Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
74.  Kimbell Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
       Admission to the museum's Permanent Collection is always FREE
75.  Perot Museum -- Dallas                             
76.  Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
77.  Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas

OMNI & 3D FILMS 
78.  Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
79.  3D Films at the Perot Museum in Dallas -- Perot Museum
  

HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
80.  Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
81.  Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas
82.  Old Red Museum -- Dallas

SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
83.  Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
84.  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
86.  Aqua Kids -- Flower Mound & Keller
88.  Best Gymnastics -- Flower Mound
89.  Bowman Sports -- Roanoke, Prosper, Haltom City, McKinney, Flower Mound
90.  316 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (316BJJ) -- Rockwall
91. 
Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
92.  Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization
94.  DasCHE Spartans -- DeSoto
95.  Home School Athletic Association
96. 
Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
97.  Home School Golf Program -- Lantana Golf Club
98.  Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
99.  Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen

100.  Parker-Tarrant Home School 
101.  Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine
102. THESA Riders Home School Association
103. Training For Confidence Martial Arts School -- Colleyville
104. Turbo Techniques -- Flower Mound 

SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Become a HEART of Texas Support Group Partner to list your Support Group here!
105.   HEART of Texas Mentor Program
106.  
DFW Speech and Debate Club -- Coppell
107.   Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton

108.   Irving Home Schoolers -- Irving
109.   PEACH -- Plano

COLLEGE PREP
110.  SAT Test Dates
111.  Master the SAT Classes with Jean Burk

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
112.  Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities must indicate a direct homeschool interest to be included in this listing.
113.  Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
114.  Laugh in Another Language: Host a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdvENTURES
115.  Home School Weekday Volun-Teens Program -- Fort Worth Zoo
116.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Meals On Wheels, Tarrant County
117.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Johnson & Ellis Counties
118.  Home School Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
119.  Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange Program 

OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
120. Free Organ Recitals -- Dallas
121. Reading Programs
122. City of Arlington: Animal Essay Contest


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FEATURED ARTICLE

You Could Become One of the Next THSC Watchmen!

HEART of Texas is looking for a few volunteers to help us fill the following positions:

Social Media Coordinator
-- If you are a frequent Facebook poster, you probably already have what it takes!
We are looking


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FEATURED ARTICLE

HEART of Texas: Social Media Coordinator!

Who is eligible: Homeschool graduates 17 or older residing in Texas
Deadline to apply: Saturday, June 30, 2018, at 11:59 PM CT
How to apply: Go to thsc.org/watchmen to request an application
Questions: Click here to email Joshua Newman

How do you know if the THSC Watchmen program is a good fit for you? To find out, ask yourself the following questions:
    * Are you a graduating or recently graduated homeschool student?
    * Are you looking for an effective way to build your professional experience?
    * Are you looking for a meaningful work to contribute to?

If your answer to the above questions is yes, then the THSC Watchmen may be what you’re looking for.

A THSC Watchmen is a legislative intern who serves within the THSC Public Policy Department as a legislative analyst and lobbyist for the homeschool community.

The role of a THSC Watchman is to keep track of bills that are filed in the Texas legislature and analyze them for content that affects Texas families and homeschoolers; to promote THSC bills and lobby the legislature in order to pass them; to interact with Texas legislators and staff members to promote THSC’s legislative goals.

As a THSC Watchmen, you will be working on issues that have a direct impact on every family in Texas. Here are some of the things that the THSC Watchmen accomplished in 2017:

    **Passed 9 new CPS reforms which will prevent families from being taken advantage of in CPS investigations and will protect children from the harmful effects of unnecessary CPS removals

    **Successfully stopped a bill (HB 1549) which would have given CPS the power to perform home visits of any family they deemed “at risk” of committing abuse or neglect. The definition that this bill gave for “at risk” families was extremely loose and included one criterion that put families on the CPS radar simply for being poor.

As a 2019 THSC Watchmen, you will have the chance to accomplish things just like this and help make a difference for every family in Texas

For detailed information about what the THSC Watchmen position entails and for a timeline of the application process, visit thsc.org/watchmen.



Back to Featured Articles Listing

View Month at a Glance

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Are You Connected Yet?
-- Anne Gebhart, Regional Director, HEART of Texas

In the 70s, Bell Telephone created a television commercial encouraging people to, "reach out and touch someone" with a phone call.  Back then, talking on the phone was one of the few ways people could "reach out" to others to say "hi" or offer a timely word of encouragement.  When news had to be spread within an organization or group quickly, leaders would often coordinate a "phone tree," where one person would call another person with a message, and that person would call the next person on the list to deliver the message, and so on.  It worked pretty well back during a time when people were home and answered their phones.

We've come a long way since the 70s in terms of technology.  The home phone (land line) is quickly growing obsolete as people gravitate toward phones they can keep in their purse or pocket.  Yesterday's phone trees have given way to today's email lists, today's cell phones do a whole lot more than call people, and we have many communication options to choose from when we wish to "reach out" to someone.

While the ways we communicate have changed since the 70s, there is something that has not changed:  the need to be connected to others.  This is especially true of new homeschool families looking for encouragement and support, but even we older homeschoolers need to remember the importance of connecting with others even if we feel like we're doing okay on our own.

The Bible instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to "encourage each other and build one another up."
How can we do this unless we are in communication (fellowship) with others?

Hebrews 10:24-25 says that we should "encourage each other, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
We certainly have lots of communication tools at our disposal to "reach out" and encourage each other!  If you see as I do the darkness and grim events all around us, you probably recognize that we all need lots of encouragement to keep us headed in the right direction.  Is it possible that we need to be more in communication with others than those in the 70s?  While technology can be a bane in many regards, we have never had so many different ways to communicate and encourage each other as we do today -- and just in time for End-Times Encouragement!

Ever wonder how often we are to encourage each other?  Don't freak out, but this might come as a surprise.  According to Hebrews 3:13, we are to encourage others "every day, as long as it is called 'today".  Every day.  Whew! That's a tough one for me because I'm not always in the mood to encourage others.  Some days I can be pretty grumpy.  But, the beauty of today's versatile phones and computers is that they give us options that don't require us to be "up" for a phone call.  We can send a text.  We can post a message on Facebook.  We can send an email.  We can even "share" something that someone else sent.  We are no longer limited to the phone to make a timely deposit into someone else's Encouragement Account.

Encourage each other.  Even more as the Day draws near.  Every day. 

Are you connected?
If not, we can help.

The mission of HEART of Texas
is to provide leadership, information, training, and educational support to the families and support group leaders in North Texas.  We have an extensive database of homeschool groups, classes and other resources, and part of what we do in serving this region is to help families find what they need to be successful as they endeavor to teach and train their children.  

We also host a variety of regional events such as our annual HEART of Texas Regional College Night, a Regional Home School Expo, homeschool informational meetings, a Nuts & Bolts Conference where parents can learn more in-depth how to homeschool from Kindergarten through High School and Beyond, and other special events as opportunities arise.

In short, we help people make connections.


We connect homeschool families with groups, classes, resources, and information to educate their children in a way that is best for their family.

We connect support group leaders with other leaders, and with training to help them to be effective leaders.  It takes more than one organization to serve North Texas homeschoolers, and we are happy to support the leaders who serve with us.

We connect businesses and organizations with the homeschool community through events and our Partner Program.

We connect community leaders and elected officials with issues that are important to homeschoolers.


We'd love to connect with you!  Here are just a few ways to do that:

Subscribe to our free biweekly enewsletter, chock-full of events and activities going on all across the region. 

Become a member of HEART of Texas to connect with our wide array of Partner Discounts and Benefits.

Become a volunteer!  We have many opportunities for adults as well as students to volunteer with HEART of Texas while helping to serve the homeschool community in a meaningful way.

If you are a veteran homeschooler or support group leader looking for a way to support the next generation of homeschooling families, consider becoming a Mentor. 

And if you'd like to speak by phone, we can still do that too!   Just include your number when you email.


Thank you for connecting with us!  


Anne Gebhart, is the regional director of HEART of Texas, and co-founder with Dave, her husband of 26 years.  They have homeschooled their 6 children for 22 years.  For more information about HEART of Texas, or to subscribe to their FREE newsletter of activities, events, and field trip ideas, visit heartoftex.org.  

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Wanted: Homeschool Veterans to Help New Families Get a Successful Start

We are excited to announce that we are rolling out our new HEART of Texas Homeschool Mentor Program for homeschooling families!  The purpose of the Mentor Program is to provide real-time, face-to-face, one-on-one help for new homeschool moms and dads who are starting their homeschool journey.

If you are a veteran home educator who would like the opportunity to encourage and support the next generation of home schoolers, please consider becoming a HEART Mentor.  Please email Anne regarding the program (include Mentor in subject line) and she will connect you with our Mentor Coordinator.



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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 Special 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

Spring 2017-2018 Dates
TBD


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


Ages 1-3
MON/THURS:  Toddler Time
10am-3pm


Ages 3-6
TUESDAYS:  Story Time

10:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

Elementary Ages and Up
MONDAYS:  Chess Club
4 p.m.–5 p.m.

7th - 12th Graders
FIRST THURSDAY:  Teen Game Night
7 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: V
isit 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:  C
all 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
Contact:  Click Here to email  or call 972-219-3577


STEM KITS available for check-out!!
STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Our STEM kits contain materials such as books, DVDs, and equipment for conducting experiments, with each kit focusing on a specific STEM concept. These kits are most appropriate for children in grades 2-6 and are a great way for you and your children to explore a variety of STEM topics together through fun, hands-on learning activities.
 
How do I check out a STEM kit?
STEM kits are available to anyone with a Lewisville Public Library card, and cards are free to all Texas residents.  For more information about applying for a Lewisville Public Library card, visit: http://www.cityoflewisville.com/index.aspx?page=207#librarycard
STEM kits check out for one week with no renewal and are limited to one kit per card at a time.

What kits are available?
Astronomy
Bridges
Force and Motion
Human Body
Light and Color
Math: Measurement
Microscopy
Nature
Weather
Sustainability Kits (developed in partnership with Lewisville’s Office of Sustainability):
Alternate Energy Sources and Conservation
Water Convervation
Field Observation Backpacks (developed in partnership with LLELA):
Birds Field Observation Backpack
Bugs and Butterflies Field Observation Backpack
For more information:  Lewisville Public Library’s Youth Services Desk at 972-219-3577.


2018 Weekly Classes and Events
(Thursdays) – Prime Explorations (ages 6-8)
4pm
Join us every week for S.T.E.A.M. classes that incorporate age-appropriate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math activities.  Space is limited, and a free ticket is required to attend. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Youth Services desk beginning 30 minutes before the class start time on the day of the event.

(Last Sunday of the month) – LegoMania! (all ages)
2pm
We have lots of LEGO and DUPLO blocks for building, so bring your imagination and create whatever you like!  Each month features a different building theme.
 
(2nd Monday of month) – Family Craft Night
7pm
Bring the family for make-and-take crafts on the second Monday of each month.  All supplies are provided.
 
*Note: Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult during these events.
 

LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH -- Maker Mondays (Grades 6-12)
4:30pm
Put your creativity to work in these maker workshops for teens (grades 6-12)!
Schedule TBA
 
THIRD THURSDAYS at 7pm -- Teen Advisory Group (Grades 6-12)
Calling all teens!  Let your voice be heard -- help create the teen experiences you would like to see at your library.  Pick up an application at the Youth Services Desk.


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 


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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 or
Click Here to email 

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

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Southeast Branch of the Arlington Library is starting a program called: “Homeschool Thursdays”. Being held every other Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00
and will include science projects, books, crafts, poetry and more.
For More Information: Contact Here

 
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2.  BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM


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  

Book It! Hotline:  1-800-426-6548
Hotline hours:  9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST (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.
School must be located within 30 miles of a Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store.  
Participation is on a first come, first serve basis.
Once supplies run out, we cannot accept any more schools.

Program Runs:
  October 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:  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 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.
View the Eligibility Rules
To Register:  Click here

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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.

For more information:  Click Here


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5.  FIRST LEGO LEAGUE:  FLL WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE

Challenge Release: Click here for more information about the FLL WORLD CLASS Challenge

If you are interested in coaching or being involved next year:
visit the website to learn more.


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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 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes, as well as approved youth groups (the only limitation is that teams must be willing to make the trip to Arlington to present their designs).

Registration is by school/organization. Schools may have more than one team competing.
 
Program Timeline:  Click Here
Program Details: 
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.



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.

To view Solutions for each round of the USAMTS
:  Click Here

Eligibility Requirements & Rules governing the USAMTS:  Click Here

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.

To Learn More:  Click Here


Awards and Other Details:  Click Here


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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST

Who Can Participate:
Any student, aged 17-20 (not over 20 by Sept 1 of the contest year), 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.

For Contest Information, Rules & Forms:  Click Here

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 (must be at least 15 years of age) 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. Since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.


24th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2017 ART COMPETITION
Open to all high school students living in the 24th Congressional District, including homeschoolers.

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.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:  TBA:  Stay Tuned for the 2018 competition
For More Information or to Enter: click here



26th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2017 ART COMPETITION
The juried contest is open to public, private and home-schooled high school students residing and/or attending schools located in the 26th Congressional District.  Each art teacher may submit up to 5 entries with no student allowed to submit more than one entry; all works must be submitted as a group through the art teacher. 

The Grand Prize is the display of the winning student's artwork for an entire year in the U.S. Capitol. 
The First Place winner will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in my Lake Dallas district office for the upcoming year.
 
Qualified submissions will be posted in a virtual gallery on the website during a selected period of time.  The "Best of School" awards will be selected by the art juror and will be given to one student artist from each school; as a finalist, they will have their artwork further considered for the Grand Prize and First Place. 
 
In addition, the public will be able to vote online for their favorite pieces in a virtual gallery on my website; the artwork earning the most votes will be named the "Texas Choice" winner.  Please encourage your school's students and teachers to vote for their favorites online.  The "Texas Choice" and "Best of School" awards will be announced online and via email to art teachers. 
 
Competition finalists, their parents, teachers and school administrators will be invited to attend a reception  to view the "Best of Schools" and "Texas Choice" artwork.  All the student finalists will be honored during the reception.  The Grand Prize and First Place winners will be announced at the reception.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:  TBA (Stay tuned for next year's competition!)
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 Ignite 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.  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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21.  HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

If you are looking for support, fellowship for your kids, encouragement from experienced moms who have "been there and done that," and field trips and activities to round out your homeschool, come and check us out!  We offer monthly field trips, Moms' Night Out, Activities and Family Fun for all ages.

Contact:  Click here to send an email to the group leader. 


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22.  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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23.  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: matthewroadacademy.org
or call the school office at 469-200-0227.


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24.  MORNING GLORY ACADEMY

Morning Glory Academy (MGA) is a classical Christian school located in the Keller area.  MGA 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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25.  TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS


For more info contact:
Maurine Amend
mdamend@tx.rr.com
maurine.amend@tccd.edu
cell:  972-743-9179

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26.  THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Located in Plano, THEO’s 20 Christian, talented teachers—most homeschool momsoffer a myriad of classes for 6-12th grade home educated students.  Testing is also available.

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 Complete List of Available Classes or More Information:  www.THEOsonline.org

Location:  1301 Custer Road, Suite 703
                Plano, TX 75075
                214-282-6936

For Questions:   Click Here to email


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27.  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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28.  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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29.  WESTCLIFF TUTORING  - PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY CLASSES - SW FORT WORTH

2 Hours of Instruction/week
3-6 Hours of Homework/week

Location:  SW Fort Worth
Cost: $360/semester
Class Size: 8 Students
Documentation for Transfer Credit

About the Teacher:
Bachelor Degrees:
Zoology
Petroleum Engineering
Secondary Science Education
Private High School Instructor (9 yrs)

Email:  westclifftutoring@gmail.com
Website: westclifftutoring.com

Discount:  WestCliff Tutoring is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid membership card) a 5% discount on Physics & Chemistry Class Tuition.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


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30.  GEMS GIRLS CLUB

Our GEMS club invites interested girls of the ages 6 - 13 to come and experience GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior)!  We are a mentoring ministry just for girls led by moms with a heart for guiding and training in godliness.  We meet twice a month during the school year at an Allen church, on Wednesdays from 1:30 - 3:00.   Our club meetings include large group worship time, followed by small group time in similar age groups. Our club meetings are fun and dynamic and include a variety of activities to learn about Jesus and serving others.

To Learn More About Becoming a Member of GATE GEMS Girls' Club: Email Here
To find out more about the GEMS organization: Click Here


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31.  DALLAS STEAM EXPLORERS

Dallas STEAM Explorers is a Club for students interested in careers in Science, Technology,
Engineering, Tech Art, & Math


Meetings are held the first Monday of the Month at the UTD Campus
Although we recommend that you RSVP, walk-ins are welcome. We encourage parents and/or teachers to attend with students. Participation is free and there is no membership or dues.

For More Information:  
Click Here


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32.  TEXAS ALLIANCE FOR MINORITIES IN ENGINEERING (TAME)

TAME is a science and math non-profit organization geared to create interest in STEM. Regional events take place during the winter.  State events take place in the spring.  There is no cost to families.
If you or your organization is interested in starting up a TAME club, please click here to send
an email
to the Dallas Chair.

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33.  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.
To advertise your library book sale in our newsletter, please contact us by email.

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WICHITA FALLS -- APR 12-14
Time: Fri & Sat: 9am-8pm
Location: Wichita Adult Literacy Council
                at Midwestern State University
                Sikes Lake Center
                3410 Taft Blvd
                940-766-1954
Books: 
75,000 books; 50% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; paperbacks $1; hardcovers $2; Book bags for $10 purchase. Fri, Sat: unlimited refills for $10 each

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KERRVILLE -- APRIL 14, 2018
Time:
10am-4pm
Location: Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library
              505 Water St.
               830-895-0592
Books:   .50-$2.50, coffee table books $4
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BURLESON -- APRIL 27-28
Time:  Fri: 10am-6pm;  Sat: 10am-4pm
Location:  Burleson Public Library
                248 SW. Johnson Ave
                817-295-6161 x264
Books:   5,000 books; 50% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; .10-$2
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MESQUITE -- APRIL 27-28; OCT 27-18
Time:  Fri: 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-3pm
Location:  Mesquite Public Library
                300 W. Grubb Dr
                972-216-6220
Books:   7,000 books; 75% donated; 80% hardcover; sorted; suggested donation .25-$1

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FLOWER MOUND -- APRIL 27-29; AUG 3-5; OCT 19-21
Time:  Sat: 11am-5pm;  Sun: 1pm-4pm
Location:  Flower Mound Public Library
                3030 Broadmoor Lane
                972-874-6151
Books:   20,000 books; 70% hardcover; sorted; no buyer restrictions; Includes audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, computer programs, records; paperbacks .75; hardcovers most $2

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GRAND PRAIRIE -- APRIL
Time:  Wed/Thurs: 10am-7pm;  Sat: 9am-5pm; Sun: 1-5pm, (Closed Fri)
Location:  Grand Prairie Library
                901 Conover Dr
                972-262-8015
                (Enter thru Eastern most door from the parking lot.)
Books:   28,000 books; sorted; not 'picked over'; .25-$2; Sunday is half price day


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WICHITA FALLS -- MAY 5; JUNE 2; JULY 7; AUG 4; SEPT 1
Time: Sat: 7am-1pm
Location: Friends of the Library Bookstore
               7th & Austin
                940-263-9403
Books: 
Bookstore half price sale, 1st Saturday of each month. In case of severe weather, sale will be postponed until the following Saturday.



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34.  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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35.  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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36.
 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.

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

Location:  
Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center
1036 CR 203
Collinsville, TX  76233
For Information: 940-440-8382 or Click Here to email


CAMP SCHEDULE


APRIL 2018
Apr 7 --
Horsemanship Day Camp (ages 7 and up)
10am-2:30pm
Cost: $50/ person
This class is the first step in our equine offerings.  This is for all of you who wish you had a horse, or are looking for a refresher.  (For those with years of horse experience, it gives you an opportunity to meet our horses!) You will get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size.  You will get a chance to do some basic riding, along with lots of other hands on time with the horses.
See details for list of things to bring and other information.

Apr 7-8 -- Native American Indian Camp
Sat 9:30am through Sun 2:30pm
Cost: $45/ages 15 & under; $60/Adults
(large family rates available)
Our camp is named after the Native American Indian Tribe that lived in its immediate area, the "TONKAWAS". This camp will explore, through lots of fun activities, this particular tribe along with other plains Indians. The camp founders have always held a deep respect and honor to the Native Americans, who lived in harmony with our mother earth. How did they live for thousands of years on Turtle Island (North America), keeping it so pristine that when the Europeans came to this continent, they believed it to be uncivilized? Let us take a look at their lifestyle.  Help with setting up a Tipi.  See details for list of things to bring and other information

Apr 14-15  - Get Moving / Clean Energy - It's Your Planet Love It! - Leadership Journey
Sat 9:30am through Sun 2:30pm
Cost: $45 each attendee
Nature Connection is an important part of our Human Development, critical to our personal health but also the planet's.  Join us for the various levels of these Love Our Planet camps.  Here at Camp Tonkawa we make learning and connecting to nature FUN.  This camp is designed around the Girl Scout Leadership requirements, but open to families who want to participate. 
See details for list of things to bring and other information.

Apr 21-22 -- Breathe AIR /Use all our senses to connect with nature - It's Your Planet Love It! - Leadership Journey
10am-3pm
Cost: $45 each attendee
Nature Connection is an important part of our Human Development, critical to our personal health but also the planet's.  Join us for the various levels of these Love Our Planet camps.  Here at Camp Tonkawa we make learning and connecting to nature FUN.  This camp is designed around the Girl Scout Leadership requirements, but open to families who want to participate. 
See details for list of things to bring and other information.

Apr 24 -- Primitive Survival Day Camp (4)
Sat 9:30am through Sun 2:30pm
Cost: $30/children;  $35/adults (for one camp)
For all 5 camps: $110 (8-12 years old), $120 (13-15 years old), $150 (16-adult).
Empower yourself and your family with the skills to Survive.  It should not be a struggle if you know your skills and have the right mind set.  We make it fun, teaching you with hands on learning, the skills that will keep you alive. This day camp series will cover information that we learned and have been trained to teach, from the Tom Brown Primitive Survival School. 
See details for list of things to bring and other information.

Apr 28-29 -- Between Earth & Sky / geared for younger children and their families - It's Your Planet Love It!  - Leadership Journey
10am-3pm
Cost: $45 each attendee

Nature Connection is an important part of our Human Development, critical to our personal health but also the planet's.  Join us for the various levels of these Love Our Planet camps.  Here at Camp Tonkawa we make learning and connecting to nature FUN.  This camp is designed around the Girl Scout Leadership requirements, but open to families who want to participate.  See details for list of things to bring and other information.

MAY 2018
May 5 --
Horsemanship Day Camp (ages 7 and up)
10am-2:30pm
Cost: $50/ person
This class is the first step in our equine offerings.  This is for all of you who wish you had a horse, or are looking for a refresher.  (For those with years of horse experience, it gives you an opportunity to meet our horses!) You will get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size.  You will get a chance to do some basic riding, along with lots of other hands on time with the horses.
See details for list of things to bring and other information.
   
May 5-6 -- Native American Indian Camp AHG
Saturday at 9:30am through Sunday at 2:30pm
Cost:
Ages 15 and under: $45/Adults $60
Bring your drums, moccasins and buckskins if you have them for our evening camping fire pow wow. For a week-end immerse yourself in the Native American Indian way of living.  We will all take part in cooking dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday, the meals that the camp provides. Vegetarian Fare Available. You need to bring your own lunches along with a plate, bowl, mug, and eating utensils (please no disposables). Also bring a water bottle plus your own bed roll (sleeping bag). Bring your own tents. Camp chairs, camera, flashlights, air mattress, and insect repellent are nice to have but are not a necessity.  Check link for more details.

May 12-13 -- Wonders of Water  It's Your Planet Love It!  - Leadership Journey
9:30am Saturday til Sunday
Cost: $45 each attendee

Nature Connection is an important part of our Human Development, critical to our personal health but also the planet's.  Join us for the various levels of these Love Our Planet camps.  Here at Camp Tonkawa we make learning and connecting to nature FUN.  This camp is designed around the Girl Scout Leadership requirements, but open to families who want to participate.  See details for list of things to bring and other information.

May 26-28 -- Summer Family Nature Camp - Memorial Day Weekend
10am Saturday til 3pm Monday (two nights)
Cost: Adults $75 / Children 15 and under $60 / Toddlers 4 and under $35
This will be a family event, at least one parent must be in attendance, (Summer Camps are for kids alone.) Children under 5, must be supervised and accompany by parent, at all times.
See link for details and activities.
Click here to register

May 29 -- Primitive Survival Day Camp (Tracking/Snares/Traps)
10am until 3pm.
Costs: $30 children/$35 adults.
**Parents must accompany and take the class with their children, who are not teens for safety and support in these "Life Skills"
Empower yourself and your family with the skills to Survive.  It should not be a struggle if you know your skills and have the right mind set.  We make it fun, teaching you with hands on learning, the skills that will keep you alive.

JUNE 2018
June 5-7 -- Girls Horsing Around Camp
June 11-13 -- Walk in the Woods Summer Camp
June 11-15 -- Week in the Woods Summer Camp
June 18-20 -- Western Days Girls Session
June 25-27 -- Western Days Boys Session
June 30 -- Horsemanship Day Camp



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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37.  DALLAS ARBORETUM

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 blooming in the middle of winter.

Location:
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX  75219
214-515-6500
http://www.dallasarboretum.org  

Hours:  Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Open Wed evenings until 8pm through October 26
Customer Service hours:  Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
(Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Year's Day)
Admission: 
$15 for adults (13-64)
$12 for seniors (65+)
$10 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children ages 2 and under
Children's Adventure Garden Admission: $3 (in addition to general garden admission)
Onsite parking:                                                                
$15 per vehicle self-parking or parking garage
$9 daytime parking pass available by online purchase only                                                


EVENTS at the ARBORETUM
APRIL --  BOGO Admission on Wednesdays through JULY

APRIL-JUNE 28 -- Cool Thursdays Fall Concerts
6pm: Gates Open
7:30-9:30 - Spring Concerts
Admission: 
$30/Adults;  $10/Children age 3-12
Location: 
Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. The garden closes at the conclusion of each concert.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside to Rosine Hall.
Due to limited space, inside seating is based on a first come, first served basis.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring low-to-the-ground chairs and blankets as no seating is provided.
A determination of weather-altered plans will be made by 3 p.m. on the day of the concert.
Check our homepage or our Facebook page for updates the day of the concert.
There are no refunds or exchanges for concert tickets.
Schedule and pricing subject to change.
Details and Concert Lineup: Click Here

APRIL 20 -- Homeschool Overnight
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Cost:
$55 per person (light snack, continental breakfast & parking included in fee)
Spend an unforgettable night in the Children’s Adventure Garden! Homeschool groups will investigate the waters of our Texas Native Wetlands, explore alternative energy on the Pure Energy islands and travel to distant planets in the OmniGlobe theater with our highly-trained education staff. Once the sun goes down, navigate the garden and search for nocturnal animals on a flashlight night hike. Participants will also learn about the importance of pollinators and make wildflower seed bombs to beautify your yard! A light snack and continental breakfast are included. Sleeping accommodations will be inside the Exploration Center which is nestled in the middle of the Children’s Adventure Garden. Open to homeschool families, groups or co-ops.

APR 23 -- (Homeschool Day) Earth Explorers
10am or 11:15am
Ages 5-8
$10/Students;  $8/Adults
Parking $15/day of event;  $9 online pre-paid
Introduce your students to the world of geology as they take a closer look at rocks and soils. Students will make detailed observations of diverse rock and soil samples and explore how we use these natural resources every day. 
Pre-Registration Required.
For series discount or questions: click here
Register here

APR 23 -- (Homeschool Day) Restless Earth
10am or 11:15am
Ages 8-13
$10/Students;  $8/Adults
Parking $15/day of event;  $9 online pre-paid
Every place has a story. In this lab, students study maps to identify features of Earth’s surface. Then, they explore the slow processes that create geological change: weathering, erosion and deposition. Students use this information to explain why a certain place looks this way it does and predict how the area could change in the future.
Pre-Registration Required.
For series discount or questions: click here
Register here


APRIL 27-29 -- Artscape
Delight in the joy of spring when Artscape, the Dallas Arboretum’s juried fine art and craft show and sale, brings together outstanding artists from around the country. The show features a variety of mediums including Painting, Sculpture, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, photography and more. Listed as one of the 15 most beautiful gardens in the world by Architectural Digest, the Arboretum is a perfect complement to the beautiful artwork selected for the show. The layout for the show is architect-designed for maximum visibility of artists and audience flow. A blue ribbon committee reimagined Artscape and inventive, audience-pleasing elements attract larger crowds of people anxious to experience the excitement.

MAY 7
-- (Homeschool Day) Wonders of Water
10am or 11:15am
Ages 5-8
$10/Students;  $8/Adults
Parking $15/day of event;  $9 online pre-paid
Explore the wonderful world of water! In this lab students will first use tools to observe the properties of water and then identify how we use water every day. Students will discuss natural sources of water and work together to create a filter that can remove debris from a freshwater sample.
Pre-Registration Required.
For series discount or questions: click here
Register here


MAY 7-- (Homeschool Day) H2Oh!
10am or 11:15am
Ages 8-13
$10/Students;  $8/Adults
Parking $15/day of event;  $9 online pre-paid
Water has some amazing properties! Students take a closer look at the physical properties of water and work in teams to create a usable water wheel, showing how this natural resource can serve as renewable source of energy.
Pre-Registration Required.
For series discount or questions: click here
Register here

MAY 21 --
(Homeschool Day) Texas Native Plant Lab
10am or 11:15am
Ages 5-13
$10/Students;  $8/Adults
Parking $15/day of event;  $9 online pre-paid
Texas is home to a great diversity of flora. This program focuses on plants which are specially adapted to survive on the plains, mountains and basins: cacti and succulents, grasses and wildflowers. Through hands-on investigations utilizing digital equipment, students refine their scientific observation skills while exploring our newest educational garden. Get up close and personal with some of our state's most fascinating plants!
Pre-Registration Required.
For series discount or questions: click here
Register here

SEPT 6 - OCT 25 -- Cool Thursdays Fall Concerts
6pm: Gates Open
7pm-9pm - Spring Concerts
Admission: 
$30/Adults;  $10/Children age 3-12
Location: 
Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. The garden closes at the conclusion of each concert.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside to Rosine Hall.
Due to limited space, inside seating is based on a first come, first served basis.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring low-to-the-ground chairs and blankets as no seating is provided.
A determination of weather-altered plans will be made by 3 p.m. on the day of the concert.
Check our homepage or our Facebook page for updates the day of the concert.
There are no refunds or exchanges for concert tickets.
Schedule and pricing subject to change.
Details and Concert Lineup: Click Here




DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
Featured Discounts:  click here

TEACHERS & EDUCATORS DISCOUNT
Complimentary admission to the Main Garden and Children's Adventure Garden is available to Teachers and Educators. Present a valid educator picture ID at the ticket booth for the complimentary admission. If a picture ID is unavailable, an educators ID plus a driver’s license can be presented. Teachers and educators can purchase a Dallas Arboretum membership and receive a 10% discount for the first year with their IDs. Offer is only valid on daytime admission. Offer does not apply for paid educational programming. Parking fees apply.

GROUP DISCOUNT
Groups of 15 or more receive $2 off General Admission and have the opportunity to have one of our experienced tour guides lead your group on an educational and entertaining tour of the gardens. Guided tours include seasonal highlights and are available year-round. These tours are an additional $7 per person. For more information, please see the Group Sales page.

CityPass Tickets:
Save 41% or more off admission to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, plus the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower Geo-Deck, and a choice between the Dallas Zoo and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Valid for 9 days after first coupon has been redeemed.


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38.  DALLAS ZOO & CHILDREN'S AQUARIUM

Location:
650 South RL Thornton Fwy
Dallas, TX  75203

The Zoo is located 3 miles south of downtown Dallas, on I-35E at the Marsalis exit.

Hours of Operation:
9am-5pm daily
(Closed Christmas Day)

Admission:
Adults (12-64):
  $15 (Mar - Dec);  $5 (Jan-Feb)
Children (3-11):
 $12 (Mar-Dec); $5 (Jan-Feb)
Seniors (65+):
   $12 (Mar-Dec) ; $5 (Jan-Feb)
Children (2 and under):
FREE all year
Parking:
$8 per car

Family Zoo Adventures for Homeschool families

2018 Homeschool Day at the Dallas Zoo: APRIL 9, 2018
Time:
9am-3pm
Cost:  $10/adults (includes Backpack); $6/Ages 3 – 14;  $6/Extra Adult; FREE/Ages 2 and under
Additional Backpacks: $4
Homeschoolers and their families are invited to spend the day at the Dallas Zoo.  Fun, interactive, and educational activities are available for Kindergarten – 8th grade!
Your Homeschool Day ticket Includes:
*Admission to the Zoo
*Access to Homeschool Day activity areas available only to registered Homeschool Day participants.
*Hands-on activities and curriculum from the Dallas Zoo and other community partners.
*Homeschool Day Backpack (included with Adult Participant tickets) with activity materials and supplemental curriculum appropriate for home classroom instruction.

These Add-Ons are Also Available When You Pre-Register:
* Animal Adventures Shows at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Tickets are $3 each for adults and youth.
* Participants can pre-purchase additional Homeschool Day Backpacks for $5 each while registering.
* Additional Backpacks and Animal Adventures Shows are available in the Add Ons category.
Registration Coming Soon!


2018 Homeschool Day at the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park: FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Cost: $4/Adult;  $4/Youth;  FREE/Ages 2 and under
A day especially for homeschooling families at our affiliated Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park! Join us for a day of learning and fun that includes hands-on activities, community partner activity booths, and Aquarium admission.
Register Coming Soon!

To Learn More:  
Click Here


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39.  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
-Active/Retired
For More Information:    817-392-7410  

Refuge Hours:  Oct-April: 8am-5pm, daily;
                       May-Sept: 7am-5pm Mon-Fri;  7am-7pm Sat-Sun
Extended Hours Beginning Sept 7 (Labor Day):  
7am - 7pm (Refuge only)
Hardwicke Interpretive Center:
9am-4:30pm daily

Monthly Programs

April Programs
APR 7 -- Nature Hike
10am-Noon
Cost: $5 (with paid admission)
Spring is here! Walk with us as we look for blooming wildflowers and insects taking in the sweet nectar they provide. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Activity Number: 6050

APR 7 -- Backyard Sanctuaries
1pm-2:30pm
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission)
Explore the diversity of native bees in our region and how we can provide backyard sanctuaries for them. We will take a closer look at native bee nesting cycles, the flora that attracts them, and consider natural and man-made housing in your yard.
Activity Number: 11998

APR 8 -- Kayak Tour
9am-11:30am
Cost:
$20 (with paid admission)
Hop in a kayak and paddle with us to remote areas of the Refuge as we search for alligators and great blue herons. Kayakers must be at least 14 years old. Minors must be accompanied by their guardian; otherwise at least 18 years old.
Meet at the Canoe Launch.
Pre-registration required

APR 8 -- Spring Wildflowers
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission)
Wildflowers are carpeting green spaces with splashes of color. The diversity of flora includes crow poison, wine cups, and more. A naturalist will share interesting facts about these petaled beauties as you take a leisurely hike on the trail.
Activity Number: 9520

APR 8 -- Spring Wildflowers
April 8 @ 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Cost: $5 (with paid admission)
Wildflowers are carpeting green spaces with splashes of color. The diversity of flora includes crow poison, wine cups, and more. A naturalist will share interesting facts about these petaled beauties as you take a leisurely hike on the trail.
Activity Number: 11997

APR 14 - Nature Hike
10am-12pm
Cost: $5 (with paid admission)
Spring is here! Walk with us as we look for blooming wildflowers and insects taking in the sweet nectar they provide. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Activity Number: 6053

APR 14 -- Hummingbird Hoopla
2pm-3pm
Cost: $5 (with paid admission)
Tiny and mighty, our resident hummingbirds will soon be visiting backyard feeders. Learn more about how these birds survive and raise a family and how you can help them.
Activity Number: 12000

APR 15 -- Canoe Fest
12pm-4pm
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission) Cash only please.
Before you embark on a Canoe Tour, test out a canoe and enjoy the river. All equipment is provided. Children must be 5 years or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED, FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED.
Meet at the Canoe Launch.
Activity Number: 5444

APR 21 -- Nature Hike
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission)
Spring is here! Walk with us as we look for blooming wildflowers and insects taking in the sweet nectar they provide.
Pre-registration required.
Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Activity Number: 6055

APR 21 -- Emerging Insects
April 21 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Cost: $5 (with paid admission)
During the winter months, insects were out of sight, out of mind. With temperatures warming up, we will begin to see them crawling, jumping, and flying. Come along as we search for emerging insects this time of year.
Activity Number: 9521

APR 22 -- Go Birding Day Celebration
1pm - 2:30pm
Cost: $5 (with paid admission)
Do you enjoy birds? Celebrate National Go Birding Day (April 28) by learning the basics of birdwatching and bird id. We will walk around the Visitors’ Center searching for our fine feathered friends.
Activity Number: 12001

APR 26 -- Nature Center After Hours
7:30pm-9pm
Cost:
$10 (with paid admission)
Join a naturalist and learn more about local bat species. We will use a special bat detector to observe them using their echolocation to find tasty bugs to eat. Bring a flashlight and bug spray and dress for the weather.
Meet at the Front Gate.
Activity Number: 11983

APR 28 -- Nature Hike
10am-Noon
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission)
Spring is here! Walk with us as we look for blooming wildflowers and insects taking in the sweet nectar they provide.
Pre-registration required.
Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Activity Number: 6058

APR 28 -- Legends of the Spring Flowers
2pm-3:30pm
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission)
Hike the Prairie Trail with a naturalist and hear about the legends and folklore of Texas wildflowers. Opportunities to see insects among the flowers will be a possibility.
Activity Number: 11999

APR 29 -- Cross Timbers Trail Hike
1pm-3pm
Cost:
$5 (with paid admission)
Join a naturalist for a hike through ancient trees on the Cross Timbers Trail. This is a great place to look for wildlife and enjoy the shade of an old growth oak forest.
Activity Number: 9523

APR 29 -- Full Moon Paddle
7:30pm-10pm
Cost:
$20 (with paid admission)
Paddle with us under that big spotlight in the sky, the Moon. Perhaps the sounds of an owl will accompany our tour.
Please arrive by 7 p.m. and enter through the Back Gate (8700 Shoreline Drive, FW 76135). Proceed to the Canoe Launch.
Pre-registration required.
Activity Number: 11977

May Programs
MAY 5 -- Nature Hike
10am - 12pm
$5 with paid admission
Wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Come see the variety of flowers blanketing the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE. Click link above for details and registration

MAY 5 -- Hike and Seek Wildlife
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
$5 with paid admission
Hike with a naturalist and seek out organisms that are hiding along the trail in plain sight, but often overlooked due to their camouflage.
Click HERE to register

MAY 12 -- Buffalo Boogie
7am-Noon
The bison are an important resource and attraction to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Sign up for the Buffalo Boogie to support our herd and enjoy a competitive run or fun walk/run in the stillness found at the Refuge.
For More Information:  Click Here

MAY 19 -- Nature Hike
10am - 12pm
$5 with paid admission
Wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Come see the variety of flowers blanketing the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click Here to Register

MAY 19 -- Pollinators of the Prairie
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
$5 with paid admission
Explore the diversity of pollinators that use the prairie habitat. Bees, beetles, and butterflies are a sampling of an insect community that has an incredible connection to wildflowers and grasses.
Click HERE to register

MAY 26 -- Nature Hike
10am - 12pm
$5 with paid admission
Wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Come see the variety of flowers blanketing the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click Here to Register

MAY 26 -- Snakes of Tarrant County
10am - 5:00pm   
Come see the variety of snakes found in Tarrant County and learn from the experts from the Dallas-Fort Worth Herpetological Society.

MAY 28 - Bison Feeding Hayride
10:00 am - 11:30 am
$16 - 3 years and older (with paid admission)
Under 3 years old FREE, but child must sit on adult’s lap.
Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to the bison range where you will get to see the bison up close as you assist staff in feeding them range cubes. During the entire hayride, we will discuss the habitats represented at the Nature Center. Pre-registration required.
Click HERE to Register

MAY 28 -- Bison Feeding Hayride
10:00 am - 11:30 am
$16 - 3 years and older (with paid admission)
Under 3 years old FREE, but child must sit on adult’s lap.
Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to the bison range where you will get to see the bison up close as you assist staff in feeding them range cubes. During the entire hayride, we will discuss the habitats represented at the Nature Center. Pre-registration required.
Click HERE to Register


MAY 29 -- Full Moon Paddle
8pm-10:30 pm
$20 (with paid admission)
Join us for a peaceful paddle under the stars and light of the moon. Please arrive by 7:30 p.m. Meet at Back Gate, 8670 Shoreline Drive, FW 76135. Pre-registration required.
Click HERE to register

MAY 31 -- Nature Center After Hours
7:30pm-9pm
$10 (with paid admission)
Join us in the evening hours to search for the glowing eyes of spiders. From web weavers to ambush hunters, view firsthand these small arachnids in their natural habitat. Meet at the Front Gate. Pre-registration required. Click HERE to register

June Programs
JUNE 2 -- Nature Hike
9:00AM-11am
$5 with paid admission
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click HERE to register


JUNE 2 -- Dashing Dragonflies
1:30pm-3pm
$5 with paid admission
They dash, dart, and maneuver across prairies and bodies of water. Join us a we find these skilled flyers of the insect world.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 3 -- Nature Hike
9am - 11am   
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 3 -- Natural Dyes
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm   
$5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.
Explore ways of creating natural dyes while completing creative art projects.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 4 -- Early Birds
June 4 @ 7:30 am - 9:30 am
$5 (with paid admission)  
Hike with us in search of roadrunners dashing across the road and hawks soaring over the prairie. Pre-registration required.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 9 -- Nature Hike
9am - 11am   
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 9 -- Poisonous Nature
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$5 (with paid admission)  
Poisons can be found in both plants and animals, but some things we think are poisonous actually are not. Learn more about where you can find poisons in nature and the crucial defensive role they play
Click HERE to register

JUNE 10 -- Nature Hike
9am - 11am   
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups. 
Click HERE to register

JUNE 10 -- Nature Event
9:00 am - 11:30 am
$20 (with paid admission)  
During the summer months, diving Osprey and paddling wood ducks can be found. Join us as we look for these birds and other aquatic wildlife. Children must be 5 years or older and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meet at the Canoe Launch.  Pre-registration required.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 10 -- Eat a Bug
2pm-3pm
$5 (with paid admission)
Are you brave enough to eat a bug? Join us as we investigate why bugs serve as an important protein source in various places around the world. 
Click HERE to register

JUNE 16 -- Nature Hike
9am-11am
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 16 -- Spiders & Webs
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm   
$5 (with paid admission)
Spiders can be found throughout the Refuge in great variety. These arachnids play an important role in their ecosystem and are beneficial to our society. Join us as we take a closer look at these incredible hunters and the webs they create.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 17 -- Nature Hike
9:00 am - 11:00 am   
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 17 -- Canoe Fest
12pm - 4pm   
$5 (with paid admission) Cash only, please.
Take your dad canoeing on Father's Day. Enjoy the time on the water paddling along the West Fork of the Trinity River. All the equipment is provided. NO REGISTRATION NEEDED, FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED. Meet at the Canoe Launch.
Click HERE to register

JUNE 23 -- Nature Hike
9am-11am
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 23 -- Worm Composting
2pm-3pm 
$5 (with paid admission)
Learn to use the abilities of earthworms to make compost for your garden or yard. This is a simple way of getting rid of food scraps that can be done indoors or out. Handouts will be provided.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 24 -- Nature Hike
9am-11am
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 24 -- Kayak Tour
9am-11:30am
$20 (with paid admission)
White-tailed deer often approach the river to quench their thirst. Paddle with us and maybe one will pop up for a quick drink. Kayakers must be at least 14 years old. Minors must be accompanied by their guardian. Meet at the Canoe Launch. Pre-registration required.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 24 -- Super Snakes
1pm-2pm 
$5 (with paid admission)
Bring the whole family and learn to love our slithering snake neighbors. We will discover the amazing feats snakes accomplish without arms or legs and make a snake craft to take home.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 27 -- Full Moon Paddle
8pm-10:30pm
$20 (with paid admission)
Sunsets can be awe-inspiring. Join us for this paddle and see the sun set and give way to the light of the moon. Please arrive by 7:30p.m. Meet at Back Gate, 8670 Shoreline Drive, FW 76135. Pre-registration required.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 28 -- Nature Center After Hours
8:30pm-10pm
$10 (with paid admission)
Join a naturalist as we use a special detector to listen for our local bats. We will learn more about the challenges bats face and what species call north Texas home. Wear insect repellent and bring a flashlight. Pre-registration required.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 30 -- Nature Hike
9am-11am
$5 (with paid admission)
Butterflies are attracted to the sweet nectar wildflowers provide. Come along as we search for the variety of butterflies and more. Pre-registration required. Hikes not designed for organized groups. Click HERE to register
Find out more »

JUNE 30 -- Terrific Turtles
1pm-2pm
$5 (with paid admission)
They have a horny beak instead of teeth, but are not birds. They carry their protection on their backs, but are not snails. Join us as we learn about turtles and their interesting traits and adaptations.
Click link above for registraton information

JUNE 30 -- Terrific Turtles
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm   
$5 (with paid admission)
They have a horny beak instead of teeth, but are not birds. They carry their protection on their backs, but are not snails. Join us as we learn about turtles and their interesting traits and adaptations.
Click link above for registraton information





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40.  FORT WORTH  BOTANIC GARDEN PROGRAMS

Location:  3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth  76107


APRIL PROGRAMS
APR 6-7 -- Spring Plant Sale

APR 7-8 -- Flowercade & Iris Show
The Garden Club Council of Fort Worth’s annual Flowercade will be presented at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center at the Botanic Gardens Center, 3220 Botanic Garden Drive, Fort Worth. This year’s theme is titled “Circus Fun Fair (Lion, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!)"
The flower show is open to the public for viewing at no charge on Saturday, April 7, 12-6 p.m. through Sunday, April 8, 1-5 p.m.  Market Day, with opportunities to purchase plants, rose bushes and gardening-related items, will be held on Saturday.

APR 28-29 --Japanese Spring Festival
10am-5pm (last admittance at 4:30pm)
$12/adults;  $4/ages 4-12;  Free/ages 3 and younger
The Fort Worth Botanical Society and the Fort Worth Japanese Society are pleased to host the Japanese Spring Festival at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
The Spring Festival will feature; taiko drummers, tea ceremonies, raku pottery, Japanese dancers, martial arts, and so much more!

APR 29 -MAY 1-- Brief Encounters with the Ft Worth Opera
5pm -8:15pm
Show dates: April 29th, 5:00 pm, April 30th, 7:30 pm, and May 1st, 7:30 pm.
Love blossoms. Love inevitably fades. The perfect union is not always so perfect. This season, Fort Worth Opera invites Festival audiences to step onto the battlefield of love and witness three intimate tales of desire, doubt, fear, and longing with Brief Encounters.

This riveting trio of 15-minute pocket operas by acclaimed composer-librettist Mark Adamo (Avow); Fort Worth Opera Artistic Director Joe Illick (Feel The Tango); and award-winning composer Jake Heggie (Again), explore the expectations about marriage versus the reality of “till death do us part.” Four rising stars of the opera world — soprano Maren Weinberger (The Barber of Seville, Buried Alive | Embedded), mezzo-soprano Kate Tombaugh, tenor Javier Abreu (Before Night Falls), baritone Samuel Schultz, are joined by international operatic bass and Broadway actor Zachary James to bring these mini-operas to life.

APR 28 -- Ft Worth Rose Society Show
9am-5pm

APR 29-MAY 1 -- Brief Encounters with the FW Opera
Ticket Info & Purchasing:
Click Here
This season, Fort Worth Opera invites Festival audiences to step onto the battlefield of love and witness three intimate tales of desire, doubt, fear, and longing with Brief Encounters.
This riveting trio of 15-minute pocket operas by acclaimed composer-librettist Mark Adamo (Avow); Fort Worth Opera Artistic Director Joe Illick (Feel The Tango); and award-winning composer Jake Heggie (Again), explore the expectations about marriage versus the reality of “till death do us part.” Four rising stars of the opera world — soprano Maren Weinberger (The Barber of Seville, Buried Alive | Embedded), mezzo-soprano Kate Tombaugh, tenor Javier Abreu (Before Night Falls), baritone Samuel Schultz, are joined by international operatic bass and Broadway actor Zachary James to bring these mini-operas to life.

MAY PROGRAMS
MAY 8 -- Docent Tours of Japanese Gardens
10am-11am
Regular Admission Rates apply
Japanese Garden Public tours are offered the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am.
Docents wait in the courtyard of the Japanese Garden. No reservations are necessary.
Regular admission rates apply to non-members.
For more information: click HERE.

MAY 12 -- Mother's Day High Tea
2pm-4pm
$35/ages 4-12;  $45/adults
$10/extra for reserved table
Spoil your mom, daughter, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt or friend this Mother’s Day with a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, delectable pastries, and treats. Offering spectacular outdoor views from the Historic Rose Garden with live harp music, you’ll be sure to enjoy a special afternoon with your friends and family. Tea “masters” will be on hand to discuss the benefits of tea as well as the teas being served. Hats, gloves and pink outdoor attire are the theme.
To reserve a table: click here to email or 817-392-5535.

MAY 19 -- Herb Festival
9am-3pm
Admission: $4/person (CASH ONLY). Free/under 12
PLEASE NOTE: Most of our vendors accept credit and debit cards; but some require payment in cash
This FUN event, held at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, can be equally enjoyed by both gardeners and non-gardeners because the festival isn't merely a plant sale; it's a day sprinkled with interesting speakers and studded with a host of awesome vendors offering a wide variety of unique items. Bring your family and friends and spend thyme shopping for "scent"sational handmade herbal soaps and lotions; beautiful handcrafted baskets, pottery, ceramics, artwork, and jewelry; nature crafts; garden structures and decor; herbal pet products; specialty kitchen- ware and household products; award-winning handmade cheeses; and much more. There’s even a SILENT AUCTION (9:00 - 12:30)!

JUNE PROGRAMS
JUNE 1 -- Concerts in the Garden - The Texas Tenors

8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
Since their whirlwind debut eight years ago on NBC’s America's Got Talent,The Texas Tenors have accumulated an enthusiastic fan base and a long list of awards and accolades, including three Emmy Awards for the PBS special You Should Dream. Be there when The Texas Tenors return to Concerts In The Garden with their unique blend of country, classical and Broadway, breathtaking vocals, humor, and a touch of cowboy charm.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 2 -- Concerts in the Garden - Dennis Deyoung: The Music of the Styx
8:15pm-10:30pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
He was a founding member of the band Styx and the lead vocalist and writer for seven of the band’s eight top ten hits. Travel back in time for hits like “Lady,” “Babe,” Come Sail Away,” “Best of Times,” “Mr. Roboto,” and much more when Dennis DeYoung joins the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for an evening showcasing the music of Styx.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.


JUNE 3 -- Concerts in the Garden - 1812 Overture & Symphonic Sparklers
8:15pm-10:30pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
There is simply nothing quite as awe-inspiring as experiencing some of classical music’s greatest hits performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in the idyllic setting of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the annual evening of symphonic masterpieces including Tchaikovsky’s popular 1812 Overture set to a stunning fireworks display! It’s the perfect soundtrack for your picnic under the stars.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 6 -- North Texas Daylily Society Flower Show
9am-3pm

JUNE 8 -- Concerts in the Garden - The Music of Michael Jackson
8:15pm-10:30pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his mega-hit album Thriller and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the music industry with hit after hit.Windborne Music's “Music of Michael Jackson” takes you through each era of this storied performer from “ABC” and “I'll Be There” to “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Rock With You,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and many, many more. Join us for an evening filled with fabulous music spanning 40 years of Michael Jackson's influential and celebrated career!
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 9 -- Concerts in the Garden - The Music of Queen
8:15pm-10:30pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
“We will, we will rock you” when The Music of Queen returns to Concerts In The Garden for the first time since 2010. Experience your favorite hits by the classic rock band including “I Want It All,” “You’re My Best Friend,” “We Are The Champions” and the chart-to “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the beautiful setting of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 10 -- Concerts in the Garden - Tribute to Benny Goodman Featuring Dave Bennett
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
Benny Goodman will forever be the King of Swing! Clarinetist Dave Bennett celebrates Goodman’s legacy in a program that features new arrangements of his popular hits and jazz classics, including “Moonglow,” “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Slipped Disc,” “Sing Sing Sing,” and many others. It’s the perfect concert to help you swing into summer!
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 12 -- Docent Tours of the Japanese Garden
10am-11am
Regular Admission Rates apply
Japanese Garden Public tours are offered the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am.
Docents wait in the courtyard of the Japanese Garden. No reservations are necessary.
Regular admission rates apply to non-members.
For more information: click HERE.

JUNE 15 -- Concerts in the Garden - Star Wars and Beyond: A Laser Light Spectacular
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
The force is strong in Fort Worth, and due to popular demand, this year’s Star Wars and Beyond concert is expanding to THREE performances just in time for Father’s Day! First, you will delight in music from the wonderful world of Disney films. Then after the sun sets, get ready to fire up your lightsaber and enjoy some fantastic music from the Star Wars franchise, enhanced by a stunning laser light show. Luke, this weekend is for your father!
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 22 --Concerts in the Garden - The Music of the Rolling Stones
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
ntroduced to the festival lineup in 2013, The Music of The Rolling Stonesthrilled fans with hits like “Get Off of My Cloud,” “Paint it Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and more, backed by Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. “Satisfaction” is guaranteed when the music of the Rolling Stones fills the Fort Worth summer night once again!

For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 23 -- Concerts in the Garden - The Music of Journey
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” in one of Concerts In The Garden’s most popular events. Fire up that phone lighter app because The Music of Journey is back once again this summer! Enjoy some of the most legendary anthems of all time including “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” “Any Way You Want It,” and more. Then when the “Lights” go down in the city, you will enjoy a stunning fireworks finale.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 24 -- Concerts in the Garden - The Old 97s
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
Since the Old 97's roared out of Dallas more than twenty years ago, they have blazed a trail through alt-country and power-pop, led by the piercingly observant lyrics of lead singer Rhett Miller. Be there when the Old 97’s return to Concerts In The Garden for the first time since 2012, and get ready to rock to some of their greatest hits.  Please note: The orchestra does not perform at this concert.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 29 -- Concerts in the Garden - 1950s Dance Party
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
Break out the bobby socks and get ready to twist the night away when Concerts In The Garden takes you back to the 1950s for a stirring tribute to rock legends Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. You’ll experience timeless hits like “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” and “Chantilly Lace” in an unforgettable concert that will make you think you’ve traveled back in time.
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.

JUNE 30 -- Concerts in the Garden - Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles
8:15pm-10:15pm
Tickets go on sale starting April 2.
Get ready to enjoy that “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” when Eagles tribute bandHotel California joins the FWSO for an evening of hits by the legendary group. Get up and dance with your sweetheart during ballads like “Best of My Love” or “Tequilla Sunrise,” then rock out to “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Heartache Tonight” and of course, “Hotel California.” Be sure to get your table tickets before we tell you they are “Already Gone.”
For more information or to purchase tickets please click here to visit the FWSO website.




FAMILY & CHILDREN PROGRAMS
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.
Registration required: 817-392-5534 or click to email
For more information: Click here


Little Sprouts Program
For children 18-36 months
One child per caregiver (parental supervision required)
This activity is free. 

Limited to 12 children.
Location: 
Backyard Vegetable Garden

If you plan to participate: Click to email


Family Drop-In Program (Once a month, April - November)
Come-and-go craft time for all ages, and all supplies are furnished. We meet throughout the Garden. Find out some Garden history from our Garden educator and tour the area with your family! Bring a picnic for afterwards.
6pm-7pm

Location: 
Leonard Courtyard just outside the Garden Center

If you plan to participate: Click to email
For More Info:  Click Here

Family Discovery Program (Once a month, April - November)
Program is for children ages 4 and up.
Free to the public.
Two children per caregiver please.  
No registration required.
Location:
Backyard Vegetable Garden at Ft Worth Botanic Garden

For More Info:  Click Here


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41.  FORT WORTH JAPANESE GARDENS

Location:  3400 Japanese Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX  76107

Hours:  April - October:  9am-7pm
November - March:  9am-5pm
Last Entrance is 30 minutes before closing
Admission:  $7/adults;  $4/ages 4-12;  $5/ages 65+;  FREE/ages 3 and under
Parking is free


EVENTS

APR 28-29 -- Japanese Spring Festival



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42. FORT WORTH ZOO HOME SCHOOL CLASSES

Location:  1989 Colonial Park
Fort Worth, TX 76110
Hours:  Monday-Friday:  10am-5pm
            Saturday-Sunday: 10am-6pm

TBD: HOME SCHOOL DAY
Cost: $6/ages 13 and up;  $4.50/ages 3-12;  FREE/ages 2 and under. Tickets purchased at the gate the day of the event will be $7 for adults and $5.50 for children 3 to 12 years.
All home-schooled children and their families are invited to a fun-filled educational day in the wilds of the Zoo. Learn amazing facts from our zookeepers at more than 20 Wild Encounters and enjoy asking Zoo staff your best animal questions around the Zoo’s world-class exhibits!

Home School Day visitors are able to participate in zoo-wide adventures!

    Education Program - New show that is great for the whole family! Come meet us at the Outdoor Learning Theater at either of the following show times: 11 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
    Animal Meet and Greet at the Outdoor Learning Theater at 1 p.m.
    Outside organizations such as Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Tarrant County College, Fort Worth Nature Center, and more set up in Texas Wild! Make sure to visit their booths.
    Wild Encounter keeper chats around the zoo.
    Texas Nature Traders program in Texas Wild! Bring a nature item to trade from your backyard.
Online registration closes at 5 p.m. the day before the event.
Tickets are good for the event date only. Parking is $5 and is not included in the price of the ticket.
Tickets are nonrefundable, non-exchangeable and no rain checks will be issued.

TBD -- Summer Zoo Camps (children 3 years - 5th grade)
Mon-Fri, Half day and full day sessions.
For more information: click here

TBD -- Middle School Camps: Keepers in Training (students entering grades 6-8)
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 7.
For More Information: click here

SEPTEMBER 2017-MAY 2018 -- Zoo Preschool (ages 3-5)
Class meets for three hours once a week.

For More Information: 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 FIVE Zoo Home School Classes (notify the zoo and they will have your backpack when you come to class).
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership


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. The 6-8 year old classes 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 class will include a STEM based activity.
Aug 22 -- Food Chains: Texas Wild!
Sept 5, 19 -- Food Chains: Museum
Oct 10, 24 -- Food Chains: African Savannah/World of Primates
Nov 7, 14 -- Food Chains: Asian Falls/Bird Row
Dec 5, 19: Food Chains: Great Barrier Reef and Penguins
To Register:
 Click Here

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. Each class will learn about the different forms of symbiosis with grade-appropriate information including a STEM based activity.
Aug 22 -- Ecological Relationships
Sept 5, 19 -- Parasitism
Oct 10, 24 -- Commensalism
Nov 7, 14 -- Mutualism
Dec 5, 19 -- Our Role and Relationship with Nature
To Register:  
Click Here



WEEKDAY HOME SCHOOL VOLUNTEENS (ages 12-17)
This program provides local home-schooled teens the opportunity to assist our Zoo Preschool teachers. They help set up, clean up and assist students with crafts and excursions into the Zoo. Volunteens come in once a week for half of the day, either from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. or 12:45 to 4:15 p.m. The fall session runs from September to December and the spring session runs from January to May. Applications are completed online and interviews are scheduled after the final application date. After interviewing all applicants, the Education staff will make selections. Selected Volunteens are required to attend a mandatory orientation prior to the start of the semester.

For More Information: click here


TEXAS NATURE TRADERS
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!



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43.  FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS


Fossil Rim is located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth and 75 miles southwest of Dallas, near Glen Rose.
GPS address is:
2299 County Road 2008
Glen Rose, Texas, 76043
254.897.2960


HOME SCHOOL CLASSES/EVENTS
February Classes
FEB 27 -- Biomes Class & Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
At Fossil Rim, we emphasize understanding and valuing biodiversity; and biodiversity is packaged in biomes.  If the world is a town, biomes are the neighborhoods.  Discover what biomes are, what they share in common, and what makes each biome unique.
To register: 254.897.2960


April Classes
APR 9 -- Birds & Birding Class & Modified Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
Join us for fun in the classroom – learning the basics about birds (bird families, feathers and flight, bird behaviors) and birding (finding and identifying birds in the wild); then fun in the field –finding and identifying some of the 200+ bird species of Fossil Rim. 
We will also observe some of Fossil Rim’s exotics! (Participant limit: 24)
To register: 254.897.2960

APR 24 -- Nature Journaling Workshop & Modified Tour
10am-4pm
Cost: $27/person
Enjoy this fun and formative day of learning and practicing 4 different nature journaling techniques in our beautiful setting.  We will be back and forth between ‘the classroom’ and ‘the living classroom’ of nature.   Learn some basic art techniques to enhance your journaling experience.  Finally, we will put it all together by touring through Fossil Rim, stopping to sketch and journal as we do!
To register: 254.897.2960

May Classes
MAY 7 -- Attwater's Prairie Chicken
Class + Behind the Scenes Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
In 1900, there were a million on the coastal prairie of Texas and Louisiana; today, there are maybe 20-30 in the wild!  Fortunately, there are a few captive populations– including one here at Fossil Rim.  Come see these rare and beautiful birds, where and how they are raised, and meet some of the special people that are working hard to save them.
To register: 254.897.2960

MAY 22 -- Fossil Dig Class + Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
Fossil Rim used to be under a whole lot of water!  Many sea creatures left a lot of interesting evidence that they lived here - evidence found in rocks! Learn about rocks and fossils. Find and identify fossils, understand them and how they got here, even take one or more home! 
To register: 254.897.2960

June Classes
JUN 18 -- Composting/Keyhole Gardening Class + Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
You can hardly overstate the importance or the beauty of plants!  See our pollinator garden and keyhole gardens, get ideas and practice skills for your own home and yard!
To register: 254.897.2960

JUN 19 -- Giraffes Class + Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
Come join us for an encounter you won’t soon forget – and one day before World Giraffe Day!  There are so many amazing things to learn about giraffe – one day will just be a beginning of discovering the beauty and wonder of these gentle giants!
To register: 254.897.2960

July Classes
JUL 9 -- Composting/Keyhole Gardening Class & Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
You can hardly overstate the importance or the beauty of plants!  See our pollinator garden and keyhole gardens, get ideas and practice skills for your own home and yard!
To register: 254.897.2960

JUL 10 -- Robin Hood Day Camp + Tour
9am-4pm
Cost: $32/person
Come join our merry band for a day of discovery and adventure!  Take up a bow and notch an arrow!  Learn about the forest habitat and some skills of living in the forest; about ‘The King’s Deer’ (European Red Deer) and Whitetail Deer, camouflage and poaching!
To register: 254.897.2960

August Classes
AUG 6 -- Animal Capture Class + Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
How do we safely capture wild animals?  How do we make sure they don’t get hurt and we don’t get hurt?  There are a number of ways. See demonstrations of the tools we use and get involved by using a safety blow dart to ‘tranquilize’ a Styrofoam zebra! 
To register: 254.897.2960

AUG 7 -- Insects / Natural Dyes Class + Tour
10am-3pm
Cost: $23/person
Insects are amazing and important!  One Texas insect is the source of a beautiful red dye.  (Its story is told in the book, A Perfect Red, by Amy Butler Greenfield.)  After we overview insects, we will find this species in the wild, learn about it and the dye made from it, then dye a bandana for you to keep.
To register: 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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44. 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.

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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45.  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: 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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46.  HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
 
The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location:      Heritage Farmstead Museum
                    1900 West 15th Street
                    Plano, TX
Discount:  Heritage Farmstead Museum is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid membership card)
$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




April Events:
APR 6 -- Fun on the Farm:  The Three Little Pigs
10:30am-Noon
Cost: 
$11 (includes adult & child);  $7/additional child; $4/additional adult
Once upon a time there were three little pigs... Can you find the third little pig on our farm? Come read a classic children’s tale and have a special visit with our pigs! Children ages 2-5 learn about themes through a story and a unique activity, enjoy a fun craft project and have a wagon ride. Fee includes one parent and one child.  Space is limited.  Registration will close end of business day the Wednesday before each program as long as there is still availability.
Online Registration Closes APR 4 @5pm or 972-881-0140

APR 20 -- Fun on the Farm:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar
10:30am-Noon
Cost: 
$11 (includes adult & child);  $7/additional child; $4/additional adult
Munch, munch, munch. Come see what caterpillars eat on the farm! Children ages 2-5 learn about themes through a story and a unique activity, enjoy a fun craft project and have a wagon ride. Fee includes one parent and one child.  Space is limited.  Registration will close end of business day the Wednesday before each program as long as there is still availability.
Online Registration Closes APR 18 @5pm or 972-881-0140


May Events
MAY 4 -- Fun on the Farm:  Otis the Tractor
10:30am-Noon
Cost: 
$11 (includes adult & child);  $7/additional child; $4/additional adult
Putt-puff-puttety-chuff says the tractor. Come play with the tractor on our farm. Children ages 2-5 learn about themes through a story and a unique activity, enjoy a fun craft project and have a wagon ride. Fee includes one parent and one child.  Space is limited.  Registration will close end of business day the Wednesday before each program as long as there is still availability.
Online Registration Closes MAY 2 @5pm or 972-881-0140

June Events
JUN 11-15 -- Pioneer Camp (Session I)
9am-1pm
Cost:
Pioneer Camp at the Heritage Farmstead Museum encourages campers to put away the gadgets of today and experience farm life in the middle of Plano. It is 4 hours of good old fashioned fun with a smattering of chores which include caring for our sheep, chickens, guineas, pigs, and mules. Where else can you experience days gone by activities like Croquet, Graces, Horse shoes, Sack races, Basketball with real Peach Baskets and honest to goodness watermelon eatin’ contests? Campers will receive hands-on outdoor cooking lessons and there will be time to cool off with water games which include a water fight and water relays. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Unable to pick your child up at 1:00?  Let the fun continue with the after camp care program.
Registration:  Click here
Online Registration Closes JUNE 10 @5pm or 972-881-0140
 
JUN 19 -- Let's Get Mooving
10am-1pm
Cost:
$5/person
Celebrate Dairy Month with "Let’s Get Mooving" where visitors can immerse themselves in farm life at the turn of the century.  Let’s Get Mooving will feature Buttermilk the incredible milking cow and our Southwest Dairy Farmers’ Exhibit. Other activities throughout the day include feeding our chickens, wagon rides, washing clothes the old fashioned way and much more.
Preregister your group and receive 1 free chaperone entry for every 10 kids.
Online Registration Closes JUN 18 @5pm or 972-881-0140

JUN 25-29 -- Creek Camp (Session 1)
9am-1pm
Cost:
Creek Camp is the perfect opportunity for campers to GET OUTSIDE and PLAY. At Creek Camp our campers have fun with science while keeping cool during our hot Texas summer!  The highlight of Creek Camp is a daily trip down to the creek to explore plant and animals life.  Campers will also conduct experiments, learn to be a part of a team and have a better understanding of what life was like over 100 years ago. In an effort to keep cool there will be a  myriad of water games. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Unable to pick your child up at 1:00?  Let the fun continue with the after camp care program.
Registration:  Click here
Online Registration Closes JUNE 24 @5pm or 972-881-0140

July Events
JUL 9-13 -- Pioneer Camp (Session II)
9am-1pm
Cost:
Pioneer Camp at the Heritage Farmstead Museum encourages campers to put away the gadgets of today and experience farm life in the middle of Plano. It is 4 hours of good old fashioned fun with a smattering of chores which include caring for our sheep, chickens, guineas, pigs, and mules. Where else can you experience days gone by activities like Croquet, Graces, Horse shoes, Sack races, Basketball with real Peach Baskets and honest to goodness watermelon eatin’ contests? Campers will receive hands-on outdoor cooking lessons and there will be time to cool off with water games which include a water fight and water relays. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Unable to pick your child up at 1:00?  Let the fun continue with the after camp care program.
Registration:  Click here
Online Registration Closes JUL 8 @5pm or 972-881-0140

JUL 23-27 -- Creek Camp (Session II)
9am-1pm
Cost:
Creek Camp is the perfect opportunity for campers to GET OUTSIDE and PLAY. At Creek Camp our campers have fun with science while keeping cool during our hot Texas summer!  The highlight of Creek Camp is a daily trip down to the creek to explore plant and animals life.  Campers will also conduct experiments, learn to be a part of a team and have a better understanding of what life was like over 100 years ago. In an effort to keep cool there will be a  myriad of water games. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Unable to pick your child up at 1:00?  Let the fun continue with the after camp care program.
Registration:  Click here
Online Registration Closes JUL 22 @5pm or 972-881-0140

JUL 30-AUG 3 -- Creek Camp (Session III)
9am-1pm
Cost:
Creek Camp is the perfect opportunity for campers to GET OUTSIDE and PLAY. At Creek Camp our campers have fun with science while keeping cool during our hot Texas summer!  The highlight of Creek Camp is a daily trip down to the creek to explore plant and animals life.  Campers will also conduct experiments, learn to be a part of a team and have a better understanding of what life was like over 100 years ago. In an effort to keep cool there will be a  myriad of water games. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Unable to pick your child up at 1:00?  Let the fun continue with the after camp care program.
Registration:  Click here
Online Registration Closes JUL 29 @5pm or 972-881-0140

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47.  LEWISVILLE LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING AREA

Hours of Operation:  
Winter Hours (Nov 1-Mar 1):  Fri, Sat, & Sun:  7am-5pm

Summer Hours (Mar 2-Oct 31):  Fri, Sat, & Sun: 7am-7pm

Entrance Fees:

$5 person;  Children 5 and under FREE
Cash payments only;  Prescheduled groups can pay by check or cash.
Annual Passes:  
$30/Individual;  $60/Family

EVENTS


April 2018
APR 7 -- Nature Walk
10am-12pm
Cost: $5/vehicle (cash or check only)
Animal tracks, singing birds, trees with personality – we never know what we’ll find on our monthly nature walk! All ages are welcome.
Reservations not required.

APR 12 -- 
Homeschool Natural Science Class
10am-1pm
Cost: $40/four classes;  $12/per class
Series of four classes for K-8th grade home-schooled students.
Home School K-2K-8th grade home-schooled students will examine life in Denton County at a moment of great change (1869), then take a look at our native ecosystems, past and present. Each class includes discussion, a nature walk or field study, and hands-on activities.
Registration Required:  click here
Discount:  HEART of Texas members (with valid Member ID card) receive $1 per child discount on home school science classes.

APR 14
-- Bird Walk (ages 10 and up)
7:30am
Cost:
$5/vehicle (cash or check only)
Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert birder to explore birding locations at LLELA.
Reservations not required. 
More information:
972.219.3550 (Mon-Fri) or 972.219.7980 (weekends)


APR 14-- Saturday at the Cabin
Noon-3pm
Cost: $5/vehicle (cash or check only)
Step back in time when you visit the historic Minor-Porter Log House. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the log home, smoke house, and dugout.
Registration Not Required

APR 26 --  Homeschool Natural Science Class
10am-1pm
Cost: $40/four classes;  $12/per class
Series of four classes for K-8th grade home-schooled students.
Home School K-2K-8th grade home-schooled students will examine life in Denton County at a moment of great change (1869), then take a look at our native ecosystems, past and present. Each class includes discussion, a nature walk or field study, and hands-on activities.
Registration Required:  click here
Discount:  HEART of Texas members (with valid Member ID card) receive $1 per child discount on home school science classes.

APR 28 -- Night Hike
10am-1pm
Cost: $40/four classes;  $12/per class
Join our trail guides as they lead a twilight stroll down one of LLELA’s nature trails. We may hear some bumps in the night, but have no fear...it’s probably just an armadillo. Howling coyotes, hooting owls, and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience. Ages 5 and up.
Registration required by 11a.m. the Friday before the night hike.
Registration Required:  click here

May 2018
MAY 5 -- Nature Walk
10am-12pm
Cost: $5/vehicle (cash or check only)
Animal tracks, singing birds, trees with personality – we never know what we’ll find on our monthly nature walk! All ages are welcome.
Reservations not required.

MAY 10 -- Homeschool Natural Science Class
10am-1pm
Cost: $40/four classes;  $12/per class
Series of four classes for K-8th grade home-schooled students.
Home School K-2K-8th grade home-schooled students will examine life in Denton County at a moment of great change (1869), then take a look at our native ecosystems, past and present. Each class includes discussion, a nature walk or field study, and hands-on activities.
Registration Required:  click here
Discount:  HEART of Texas members (with valid Member ID card) receive $1 per child discount on home school science classes.

MAY 12-- Bird Walk (ages 10 and up)
7:30am
Cost:
$5/vehicle (cash or check only)
Join an expert birder as we explore prime birding locations on LLELA's nature trails. Ages 10 & up, no registration required. Free with entry.Reservations not required. 
More information:
972.219.3550 (Mon-Fri) or 972.219.7980 (weekends)


MAY 19-- Saturday at the Cabin
Noon-3pm
Cost: $5/vehicle (cash or check only)
Step back in time when you visit the historic Minor-Porter Log House. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the log home, smoke house, and dugout.
Registration Not Required

MAY 19 --Stars on the Prairie
10am-12pm
Cost: $5/vehicle (cash or check only)
In this naked eye astronomy program, learn how to find the north star and identify constellations.
Join us for a fascinating evening as we trek to LLELA’s prairie restoration area to view the wonders of the night sky. Constellations both familiar and unusual, satellites, and sometimes planets and the moon are features of the ever-changing night sky. If the sky is cloudy, we will have a night hike. Ages 5 and up.
Registration required by 11a.m. on May 18th.

MAY 26 --Guided Kayak Tour
10am-12pm
Cost: Class Fee + $5/vehicle (cash or check only)
All skill levels are welcome and all equipment is provided. LLELA instructors will give an intro to kayaking and water safety basics. Ages 7 and up.
Registration is required by 11a.m. the Friday before the tour.





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


Discount:  HEART of Texas members (with valid ID card) receive $1 per child discount on home school science classes.
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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48.  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.

Location:  
626 Ball Street, Grapevine, TX  76051

Guests may enter Nash Farm at the following locations:
• Ball Street near the service drive
• Homestead Lane through picket fence gate in front of the farmhouse
• Homestead Lane, west side of the farm near the barn
• College Street near the Grapevine cemetery

This event is handicap accessible and concessions will be available.
For more information:  www.NashFarm.org


FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE FARM
10am-Noon
Cost: $3/person ages 3 and up
Each program has a different theme that highlights the heritage skill that you can use to enrich your life today.
Registration Required.  Space is limited.
To Register Online:  Click Here
Themes:
APR 6: Gardening
MAY 4: Decoration Day
JUN 1: Fun on the Farm
JUL 6:  Keeping Cool
AUG 3:  Meme's Pickles
SEP 7: Frontier Travel
OCT 5: Cowboy Cooking
NOV 2: Farm Animals
DEC 7: Christmas Decorating


Nash Farm Heritage Workshops
10am-2pm
$3/person
Visit Nash Farm and experience what it's like to step into a 19th century home while learning the essential farm skills.
This open-house setting allows guests to discuss the activities with the interpreters and involvement may be encouraged when possible. Following your visit to the farmhouse, you may visit the farm grounds to complete your experience.
Registrations is required, but walk-in registration is also encouraged. Space is limited.
Themes:

MAY 12:  Cheese Making Workshop
AUG 4:  Pin Cushion Workshop


Events at Nash
APR 21 -- Annual Spring into Nash
10am-2pm
Certain activities require coupons that can be purchased on site. 
Spring is the perfect time to bring the entire family to Grapevine's Historic Nash Farm. Children and adults alike will enjoy learning what life was like when the city's earliest settlers made their home in Grapevine. Activities at the 16th Annual Spring Into Nash include heritage toys, kitchen gardening, cotton planting, farm animals, tractor-drawn wagon rides, field cultivation, wood carving demonstrations, jump rope making, wood-burning stove cooking demonstrations and blacksmith demonstrations.

OCT 20 -- Nash Farm Fall Roundup
10am-2pm
Concessions will be available for purchase at the event.
Experience life on the farm at the 17th Annual Fall Round-Up at Grapevine's historic Nash Farm, 626 Ball St. Admission is free but some activities require a participation fee. Activities at the 17th Annual Fall Round-Up include kitchen gardening, live music, farm animals, blacksmith, and wood carving demonstrations, cotton picking, heritage toys, heritage games, wood-burning stove cooking demonstrations, petting zoo and more.



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49. 
OLIVER NATURE PARK-- 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.

Park Hours: 
    Daily 5am-9pm (March-October)
    Daily 5am-6m (November-February)
Location: 1650 Matlock Road, Mansfield, Texas

Programs


April Classes
APR 3 --
Home School Nature Class: Decomposers (9-14 years old)
1-3pm
Cost:
$14 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregisteration Required at Olivernaturepark.com


APR 3 -- Home School Nature Class: Decomposers (9-14 years old)
1-3pm
Cost:
$14 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregisteration Required at Olivernaturepark.com

APR 4 --Home School Nature Class: Decomposers (5-8 years old)
2:30-3:30pm
Cost:
$9 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregisteration Required at Olivernaturepark.com

APR 17 --
Home School Nature Class: Jr Botanist (9-14 years old)
1-3pm
Cost:
$14 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregisteration Required at Olivernaturepark.com

APR 18 --Home School Nature Class: Jr Botanist (5-8 years old)
2:30-3:30
Cost:
$9 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregisteration Required at Olivernaturepark.com

May Classes:
MAY 2 --
Home School Nature Class: Jr Herpetologists (5-8 years old)
2:30-3:30
Cost:
$9 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregisteration Required at Olivernaturepark.com


MAY 8 --Home School Nature Class: Jr Herpetologists (9-14 years old)
1-3pm
Cost:
$14 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregistration Required at Olivernaturepark.com

MAY 16 --Home School Nature Class: Jr Ichthyologist (5-8 years old)
2:30-3:30
Cost:
$7/$9 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregistration Required at Olivernaturepark.com


MAY 22 --Home School Nature Class: Jr Ichthyologist (9-14 years old)
1-3pm
Cost:
$14 per child
Join us for science & nature related lessons and guided investigation of Oliver Nature Park.  Learn how plants and animals interact in local ecosystems and explore new topics in science. 
Preregistration Required at Olivernaturepark.com




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50.  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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51.  RIVER BEND NATURE CENTER - WICHITA FALLS

River Bend Nature Center
2200 3rd Street, Wichita Falls, TX  76301
riverbendnaturecenter.org

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm

Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and Independence Day

Admission:
General Admission $5.00
Seniors (62 and Older) $4.00
Military $4.00
Children ages 1 and under Free
Group Rate (20 or more): $4/person

SCIENCE SATURDAYS
11am-Noon
Cost:
Included with General admission
Science Saturday begins at 1:00 pm and ends at 2:30 pm (ages 6 to 12). Kids will perform science experiments, walk the forest trail, make crafts and so much more! Every Science Saturday will have a different theme and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This program is included with general admission and is free for members.
Themes:
MAR 10 -- Blowing in the Wind
MAR 24 -- Why do we have Seasons?
APR 14 -- Grow Your Own Food
APR 28 -- Celebrate Earth Day


MAY 1-3 -- Dallas Zoo Animal Show
10am  & 11:15am (two shows a day)
Cost: $5/person; free/babies 1 and under
The Dallas Zoo is coming to River Bend Nature Center May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! There will be two animal shows each day at 10 am and 11:15 am. This 45-minute interactive program features animals from around the world! This program is open to schools and the public. Groups of 10 or more must call to reserve their spot. Don’t miss your chance to see these exotic animals up close and personal!
If you have 10 or more in your group:  Register Online Here

SEPT 22 -- Over the Edge: Rappel for a Cause
Face your fears, catch your breath, step up to the edge and rappel down 12 stories of Big Blue in Downtown Wichita Falls. The first 90 individuals to raise a minimum of $1,000 by September 22nd will earn a spot to go Over The Edge for River Bend Nature Center! No climbing or rappelling experience is necessary, anyone can participate! Last year we connected 35,000 people with nature. Help us inspire more people to treasure the world around them! Over The Edge will take place September 23rd from 9-5 pm at Big Blue in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Registration:  Registration will be open soon, stay tuned!



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52.  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?

MARCH 12-MARCH 16 -- Spring Break 2018
10am-5pm
Cost:
$12/ages 13+;  $10/ages 3-12 and over 65;  Free/2 and under
Purchase Tickets:
Click here



Bears Den: Eat with the Bears
Tues-Fri: 5pm-9pm
Sat: 11am-9pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
The Bears are fed dinner each night, Tuesday through Saturday, at 6:30 p.m.
Have lunch at the Bears Den while you visit Sharkarosa on Saturday and Sunday.
No reservations required!
Bear presentations are at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 each Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday Night - $9.99 All-U-Can Eat Alaskan Cod Buffet
Thursday Nights - Live Music
Friday Night - Karaoke and our $5.99 All-U-Can-eat buffet
Buy Tickets:
click here


WILD HOMESCHOOL DAY
Date: TBD
Time:
10am-5pm
Cost: $5 per attendee
Pre-registration Required!: Click Here or call: 940-686-4600

Open to the Public Days
Saturdays and Sundays -- Mar 7 - Nov 29 (all other events require advance reservation)
Time:
  10 a.m. (last tour begins at 4)  
We recommend arriving no later than 2pm to ensure you are able to see lots of animals at the front of the ranch and are able to ride the Safari Tram.
Admission:  $12/ages 13+; $10/ages 3-12 and Seniors 65+; children 2 and under are free
Season Passes: $30/Child & Seniors 65+; $36/Adult Pass $36, $115/Family of 4 ($30 additional)
Season Passes are good for one year from date of purchase
Ticket Includes:
– Animal Presentations: Lemurs, Kangaroos, Black Bears, Cobra and more!
Safari Tram: 35 minute ride through exotic pastures to see camels, zebras, emus, endangered deer, zedonks, zorses and more!
– Small Barn Viewing: Walk around small animal barn and see a variety of animals up close in their habitats
– "Kangaroo Kourt" Marsupial Habitat & Joey Junction: Watch Kangaroos & Wallabies!!
– Kids Barrel Train Ride: Our popular 3 minute ride; adults are welcome to ride too!
– Meet and Greets with our Education Animals: Kangaroo Joeys, Camels, Lemurs, Lizards, Snakes and more! (Animals available for meet and greet vary with the season and temperature).
– Use of our two covered picnic areas for lunch: bottled water, soda & snacks are available in our gift shop. Snow Cone Shack is now open and The Bears Dens Restaurant will be open for lunch! www.bearsdentx.com
– Entry to the Petting Zoo ( feed is available at an additional $2 )


Schedule a Field Trip, Private Tour or Party:  Click here for details.
Field trips are scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:30am or 10:30am
Cost is $8 person
A minimum of $200 is required for a field trip.
A deposit of $200 is required to make a field trip reservation (this is applied towards your total ticket cost)
At the end of each field trip, our gift shop will be open with items for your group to purchase. Items are 50 cents and up. We appreciate your school allowing students to visit the gift shop as this helps keep our admission costs low.

For More Information:  Click Here
940-686-4600 (main)
940-686-3715 (fax)

For Directions:
Click Here
Please do not use MapQuest it WILL get you lost!


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53.  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.


Regular Admission & Hours:
$8/adults; $6 seniors (60+); $4 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Group Pricing Available for 10 or more:  Call 214-428-7476 ext 343
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.
Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, & Christmas Day
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.



April Programs
APR 5 -- Stories and More!
11am-12pm
Cost:  $8/ages 3-11;  $3/ages 1-3;  $8/Adults   At door: $2/child surcharge.
Ticket price includes admission to the Butterfly House and the Gardens.  
Details: Join our butterflies for story time! We make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks.  Stories and More is appropriate for toddlers, but older siblings are welcome! The fun continues after Stories and More during our Noon Butterfly Release in our tropical Butterfly House.
Register Online:  Click Here

APR 7 -- Stories and More!
11am-12pm
Cost:  $8/ages 3-11;  $3/ages 1-3;  $8/Adults   At door: $2/child surcharge.
Ticket price includes admission to the Butterfly House and the Gardens.  
Details: Join our butterflies for story time! We make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks.  Stories and More is appropriate for toddlers, but older siblings are welcome! The fun continues after Stories and More during our Noon Butterfly Release in our tropical Butterfly House.
Register Online:  Click Here

May Programs
MAY 5 -- Stories and More!
11am-12pm
Cost:  $8/ages 3-11;  $3/ages 1-3;  $8/Adults   At door: $2/child surcharge.
Ticket price includes admission to the Butterfly House and the Gardens.  
Details: Join our butterflies for story time! We make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks.  Stories and More is appropriate for toddlers, but older siblings are welcome! The fun continues after Stories and More during our Noon Butterfly Release in our tropical Butterfly House.
Register Online:  Click Here

June Programs
JUNE 2 -- Stories and More!
11am-12pm
Cost:  $8/ages 3-11;  $3/ages 1-3;  $8/Adults   At door: $2/child surcharge.
Ticket price includes admission to the Butterfly House and the Gardens.  
Details: Join our butterflies for story time! We make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks.  Stories and More is appropriate for toddlers, but older siblings are welcome! The fun continues after Stories and More during our Noon Butterfly Release in our tropical Butterfly House.
Register Online: Click Here

JUNE 7 -- Stories and More!
11am-12pm
Cost:  $8/ages 3-11;  $3/ages 1-3;  $8/Adults   At door: $2/child surcharge.
Ticket price includes admission to the Butterfly House and the Gardens.  
Details: Join our butterflies for story time! We make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks.  Stories and More is appropriate for toddlers, but older siblings are welcome! The fun continues after Stories and More during our Noon Butterfly Release in our tropical Butterfly House.
Register Online: Click Here

JUNE 14 -- Butterfly Tea Party
10:30am-12:30pm
Cost:
$4/ages 1-2;  $15/ages 3-11;  $8/adults
Enjoy ‘fancy’ activities, crafts, tea, & snacks, as we celebrate the book, “Bonjour Butterfly,” by Jane O'Connor! We end our party with our noon butterfly release. Fancy Nancy Series © 2009 Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.
For Information and Registration: click here

JUNE 30 -- Fangs!
10am-3pm
Cost:
Included with admission to Texas Discovery Gardens
Learn all about native Texas snakes, tarantulas, and other animals with venomous fangs! Join us for ongoing talks, crafts, and animal encounters.  Full schedule coming soon.
For Information and Registration: click here



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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54.  TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

ATHENS, TX -- Purtis Creek State Park

Location: Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316, Eustace, TX 75124
903-425-2332

Things to do:
Camping, picnicking, boating, hiking

Upcoming Events at Purtis Creek State Park: 
MAY 5 -6 -- Texas Outdoor Family
Join us for a fun-filled weekend designed to help your family discover the joys of camping and Texas State Parks. All camping gear and equipment required for an overnight stay at the park is included with each reservation! Click for a list of activities offered and specific information for this workshop.


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CEDAR HILL, TX -- Cedar Hill State Park

Location: Cedar Hill State Park, 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972-291-3900

Things to Do:
Camping, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming beach, Playgrounds, Boating

Upcoming Events at Cedar Hill State Park:
MAR 17 -- Ladies Hike
2pm-3pm
A women-only hike on the Duck Pond Trail
Explore the Duck Pond Trail with a female ranger and learn more about best hiking practices in North Texas. This hike is open to women and girls of all levels of experience and offers a breathtaking views of the Plum Valley, Joe Pool Lake (and into Arlington), and the ongoing prairie restoration project. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.



For Details about these and other Events:  click here


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DENTON, TX -- Ray Roberts Lake State Park/Isle du Bios Unit

Location:  Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Isle Du Bois Unit:
100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258
940-686-2148 x258

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

Upcoming Events at Ray Roberts Lake State Park/Isle du Bois & Johnson Branch Unit:
MAR 2 -- Marvelous Mammals
Learn about (and see!) the mammals of Johnson Branch!

MAR 3 -- Edible Plant Hike
Discover nature's grocery store!

MAR 3 -- Jr Rangers: Wildlife Detectives
Calling all Junior Rangers: We need your help to find critter clues!

MAR 3 -- Creepy Crawly Bug Safari
On the hunt for creepy crawlies!

MAR 3 -- Reading with a Ranger
Join us for a nature-themed story time.

MAR 9 -- Primitive Fire
Learn how to make fire as our ancestors once did.

MAR 9 -- Owl Prowl
Come learn all about the who's whoooo of the night!

MAR 10 -- Nature Photography 101

MAR 10 -- Guided Nature Hike
Learn about the local flora and fauna with a Texas Master Naturalist volunteer.

MAR 10 -- Dutch Oven Cookin'
Join us for a tasty history lesson.

MAR 12 -- Intro to Birding
Come learn about our flying, feathered friends.

MAR 13 -- Birding 101 -- Discover birds using binoculars

MAR 13 -- Bird Nerds
Explore what makes our flying, feathered friends special.

MAR 13 -- Busy Beavers
Architect, engineer, and lumberjack all rolled into one, the American Beaver is truly a renaissance critter.

MAR 13 -- Edible Plant Hike
Discover nature's grocery store!

MAR 14 -- Breathe the Forest
Join us for a relaxing hike through the forest.

MAR 14 -- Sssslitherin' Snakes
Join us for a slitherin' good time!

MAR 14 -- Dutch Oven Cooking
The classic way to cook outdoors.

MAR 14 -- iNaturalist: How To
This app has been called the Pokémon Go of the nature world

MAR 15 -- Junior Rangers: Wildlife Detectives
Calling all Junior Rangers: We need your help to find critter clues!

MAR 15 -- Critter Tracks
Who's track is that?!

MAR 16 -- Magnificent Mammals
Come learn about our local mammalian neighbors.

MAR 16 -- Two Night Event: Texas Outdoor Family | Dallas Area
Join us for a fun-filled weekend designed to help your family discover the joys of camping and Texas State Parks. All camping gear and equipment required for an overnight stay at the park is included with each reservation! Click for a list of activities offered and specific information for this workshop.

MAR 17 -- Solar Viewing
Marvel at our closest star.

MAR 17 -- Create a Star Wheel
Equip yourself to discover the night sky.

MAR 17 -- Stories in the Stars
Discover the stories behind our night sky.

MAR 23 -- Goin' Batty
Will the bats at Ray Roberts Lake State Park suck your blood???

MAR 23 -- Wonders of the Night
Join a ranger for a night hike to find what goes bump in the night!

MAR 24 -- Kayaking for Beginners
Enjoy Ray Roberts Lake by kayak!

MAR 24 -- Kayaking for Beginners
Enjoy Ray Roberts Lake by kayak!

MAR 30 -- Geocaching 101
Become a modern day treasure hunter!

MAR 30 -- Night Geocaching
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
Become a nocturnal treasure hunter!

MAR 31 -- Wildflower Walk and Art
Enjoy the beauty of Spring wildflowers.

MAR 31 --  Incredible Edible Plants Hike
Can I eat this plant???

MAR 31 -- Monarch Madness!
The Spring monarch migration is underway!

April 2018
APR 21 -- Archery in the Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Registration is closed.

May 2018
MAY 19 -- Archery in the Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Registration is closed.



For Details about these and other Events: click here


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DENISON, TX -- Eisenhower State Park

Location:  Eisenhower State Park, 50 Park Road 20, Denison, TX 75020
903-465-1956

Upcoming Events at Eisenshower State Park:

MAR 1 -- Trail Workday
Help us improve Eisenhower's trails! We will pick up trash, trim vegetation, and fix problem areas with hand tools.

MAR 3 -- Trail Workday
Help us improve Eisenhower's trails! We will pick up trash, trim vegetation, and fix problem areas with hand tools.

MAR 10 -- Park Guide Volunteer Orientation
Learn about your local park and then share your love of nature with others!


For Information about Events: click here


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JACKSBORO, TX -- FORT RICHARDSON STATE PARK

Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site/Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway, 228 State Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458
940-567-3506

Upcoming Events at Fort Richardson State Park/Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway:


MAR 10 -- Texas Independence Day Celebration
Come out and hear about life on the Texas frontier

MAR 31 -- Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt


For Details about these and Other Events: click here


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MINERAL WELLS, TX -- Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway

Location:  Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
940-328-1171

Upcoming Events at Lake Mineral Wells State Park

MAR 3 -- Cross Timbers Bird Walk
Join our guided birding walk in the park. How many species can we find?

MAR 3 -- Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk
Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.

MAR 10 -- Cross Timbers Bird Walk
Join our guided birding walk in the park. How many species can we find?

MAR 10 -- Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk
Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.

MAR 17 -- Night Sounds
After attending the Night Sounds program, I found my daughter sitting on the back porch the next night, not watching TV or playing video games, but listening to nature!” – Park Visitor

MAR 24 -- Kid's Wilderness Survival
A great program for your child’s outdoor safety and parents learn as much as the kids.

MAR 31 -- Name that Bird!
“Learn new songs! Songs written and performed by our native birds.”

April
APR 7 -- Storytelling Down in the Hollow
Listen to stories, cowboy poetry and folklore in a beautiful setting.”

APR 14 -- Night Hike
Discovery fun night time activities in the outdoors!

APR 21 -- Cross Timbers Cowboy Poetry and Stories
“Learning about our cowboy heritage can be fun!”

APR 28 -- Kid’s Wilderness Survival
A great program for your child’s outdoor safety and parents learn as much as the kids.

June 2018
JUN 15 -- Two Night Event!  Texas Outdoor Family | Ft Worth Area | (Open)
Join us for a fun-filled weekend designed to help your family discover the joys of camping and Texas State Parks. All camping gear and equipment required for an overnight stay at the park is included with each reservation! Click for a list of activities offered and specific information for this workshop.




For Details about these and Other Events: click here


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GLEN ROSE -- Dinosaur Valley State Park

Location:  The park is located four miles west of Glen Rose. Take U.S. Highway 67 to FM 205 for four miles to Park Road 59; then go one mile to the headquarters. Use the honor box located at headquarters to pay fees after office hours.
254-897-4588 

Upcoming Events at Dinosaur Valley State Park

MAR 2 -- Night Hike
Explore the park after dark!

MAR 3 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 3 -- Painting with a Ranger
Capture the beauty of Dinosaur Valley State Park with watercolors!

MAR 3 -- Night Hike
Explore the park after dark!

MAR 4 -- Coffee with a Ranger


MAR 4 -- Hike to the Summit
Hike to the park's most visited overlook site.

MAR  4 -- Atlatl Demo
Prehistoric hunting!

MAR 10 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 10 -- Fossil Diggin'
Play the role of a Paleontologist and pretend that you’re on a real dig.

MAR 10 -- Star Party in the Valley - CANCELLED FOR 2/17

MAR 11 -- Coffee with a Ranger

MAR 11 -- Hike to the Summit
Hike to the park's most visited overlook site.

MAR 11 -- Atlatl Demo
Prehistoric hunting!

MAR 12 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 12 -- Fossil Diggin'
Play the role of a Paleontologist and pretend that you’re on a real dig.

MAR 13 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

Mar 13 -- Atlatl Demo
Prehistoric hunting!

Mar 14 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 14 -- Pi Day - Dutch Oven Pies
Happy Pi Day!!

MAR 15 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 15 -- Geocaching 101
High-tech treasure hunt!

MAR 16 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 16-- Moonshiner's Adventure
Learn what it was like to be a Texas moonshiner

MAR 16 -- Nocturnal Jeopardy
An outdoor twist on the classic game show

MAR 17 -- Archery 101
Learn the basics of archery with a ranger

MAR 17 -- Painting with a Ranger
Capture the beauty of Dinosaur Valley State Park with watercolors!

MAR 17 -- Star Party in the Valley - CANCELLED FOR 2/17

MAR 18 -- Coffee with a Ranger

MAR 18 -- Hike to the Summit
Hike to the park's most visited overlook site.

MAR 24 -- Bug Picking
Catch and learn about water critters!

MAR 24 -- Moonshiner's Adventure
Learn what it was like to be a Texas moonshiner

MAR 24 -- Star Party in the Valley - CANCELLED FOR 2/17

MAR 25 -- Coffee with a Ranger

MAR 25 -- Hike to the Summit
Hike to the park's most visited overlook site.

MAR 30 -- Silent Night Hike
Hike in silence to experience nature in a new way.

MAR 31 -- Archery 101
Learn the basics of archery with a ranger

MAR 31 -- Dutch Oven Cakes
Mmm...Cake!!!

MAR 31 -- Night Hike
Explore the park after dark!



For Details about these and Other Events: click here

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TYLER, TX -- Tyler State Park

Location:  Tyler State Park, 789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706
903-597-5338

Upcoming Events at Tyler State Park:

MAR 3 -- Dutch Oven Cooking: History in a Black Pot
Caution: You will be hooked!

MAR 3 -- Backcountry Hike Series
Trail B

MAR 10 -- Lakeshore Nature Hike
Enjoy beautiful views of the forest and lake.

MAR 10 -- Does This Stream Need a Doctor?
Amphibians and insects as indicators

MAR 17 -- Wildfood Walk
Discover edible and useful wild plants

MAR 17 -- Navigation Revelation
What do you do when your GPS batteries die?

MAR 24 -- Tyler State Park Birding Tour
Let's Go Birding!

MAR 24 -- Birding 101: Introduction to Birding
Discover one of the fastest growing hobbies in the nation.

MAR 24 -- Vultures: Carrion the Clean-up Duties


For Details about these and Other Events: click here

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WILLS POINT, TX -- Lake Tawakoni State Park

Location:  Lake Tawakoni State Park, 10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169

Upcoming Events at Lake Tawakoni State Park:

MAR 3 -- Lake Tawakoni State Park | Texas Outdoor Family | Dallas Area | (Open)
Join us for a fun filled weekend designed to help your family discover the joys of camping and Texas State Parks. All camping gear and equipment required for an overnight stay at the park is included with each reservation! Click for a list of activities offered and specific information for this workshop.


For Details about these and Other 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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55PERFORMANCES 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.

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
production is 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

Artisan Children’s Theater Productions:
Cost: $7/Children 12 and younger;  $10/Adults
Showtimes: Shows are Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 am; Fridays at 5pm.


THROUGH MAR 24, 2018 -- Pinkalicious the Musical
Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes. But when her pink indulgence turns her pink from head to toe, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of her pink predicament.
More Info & Tickets:  Click Here

APR 6 - APR 28, 2018 -- Curious George: The Golden Meatball
Everyone's favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical.
More Info & Tickets:  Click Here

JUNE 9 - JULY 14, 2018 -- Disney's Peter Pan, Jr.
Fly away to Neverland with Peter and the Darling children in this adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film.

More info & Tickets: 
click here

JULY 28-AUG 18, 2018 -- Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids
Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course... sharing snacks.
More Info & Tickets: click here

OCT 5 - NOV 3, 2018-- Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory – or suffer the consequences.
More Info & Tickets: click here

NOV 17-DEC 22, 2018 -- Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Fancy Nancy is a young girl with a larger than life personality, who adores all things fancy...and what could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles - and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, Nancy has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She can't wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?
More Info & Tickets: 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: $20 Adults; $20/Students & Seniors (60+); $9/Ages 12 and under
            Fri & Sat: $22.00/Adults; $20/Students & Seniors (60+); $11/Ages 12 and under.


FEB 9 - MAR 17, 2018 -- The Wizard of Oz
The beloved tale of a Kansas farm girl who makes a miraculous journey over the rainbow, celebrating the joy and healing power of home.
For More Information:  Click here

MAR 30 - MAY 12, 2018 -- The Little Mermaid
In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.
For More Information:  Click here

MAY 25 - JUL 7, 2018 -- Beauty and the Beast
"Be Our Guest!" The Academy Award-winning film comes to life in this romantic and beloved take on the classic fairy-tale.
For More Information:  Click here

JUL 20-AUG 18, 2018 -- West Side Story
Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in this groundbreaking retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
For More Information:  Click here

AUG 31 - SEPT 29, 2018 -- Oklahoma!
In the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the twentieth century, two young cowboys vie with a violent ranch hand and a traveling peddler for the hearts of the women they love.
For More Information:  Click here

OCT 12 - NOV 3, 2018 -- Cats
The all-singing, all-dancing Tony-winning musical spectacular is set on a gigantic rubbish dump which, after dark, becomes alive with cats of all types, shapes and sizes.
For More Information:  Click here

NOV 16 - DEC 22, 2018 -- Meet Me in St. Louis
In the year leading up to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York.
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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56.  BREITLING YOUTH THEATER

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:  The Plaza Theater, 521 W, State St, Garland, TX  75040

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 becoming a HEART of Texas member: Click Here


Tickets:
Row 1-5:  $12/seniors;  $15/adults; $12/students
General:  $8/seniors;  $10/adults;  $8/students
Children up to age 3 are admitted free.
Purchase Tickets: online
or 972-205-2782

Homeschool Classes
MONDAYS @ 1:15-2:1pm - Alice in Wonderland
The prices below include costumes.

Monthly Tuition 60-minute classes
1st class  $63/mo.
2nd class $53/mo.
3rd class  $43/mo.
4th class   $38/mo.


Monthly Tuition Beginning Theater (not offered every semester)
1st class  $40/mo.
2nd class $35/mo.
3rd class  $30/mo.
4th class   $25/mo. 
    

If you have 1 student taking 2 classes, the first class is at the 1st class rate and the 2nd class is at the 2nd class rate. If you have 2 students taking 1 class each, the first student is at the 1st class rate and the 2nd student is at the 2nd class rate.                           


Homeschool Class Information: click here


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57.  CANTARE PERFORMANCE CHOIR IN SOUTHLAKE

Cantare is an auditioned choir available for exceptional 3rd-12th grade singers in the NE Tarrant County area. Previous experience is not necessary; however, an audition is required.

Any young person that loves to sing and is entering 3rd through 12th grade may audition. While prior musical training is not necessary, an audition is required.

Auditions

To request an audition:  Click Here to send an email.
Auditions are by appointment only -- www.cantaretexas.com
Complete the online audition registration form.
An email will be sent to you confirming the audition time.

Location:  The choir rehearses at the White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, TX.
Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the times above, 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


Click Here

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58.  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:


Shows
MAR 23-APRIL 8, 2018 -- Madagascar - A Musical Adventure
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto Casa’s stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime.  Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

APRIL 20-MAY 13, 2018 -- Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr, the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This “tale as old as time” will delight audiences of all ages.

Children's Season Ticket Prices
Boxes, Sections 2 and 3:
$109/each
Sections 1,4,5, and 9: $69/each


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 or click here


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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59.  THE COTTAGE THEATER – CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

Center for Home Education’s Cottage Theater Presents:

Upcoming Performances:
2018 Season:
MAR 2-3 -- The Crimson House Murder
APR 6-14 -- Music Man


Admission:  $10 for adults, $8 for students. Small children who sit in laps are no charge. No baby carriers or strollers, etc.
Student Night Thursday:  
$5 student tickets
To purchase tickets:
Call 817-281-2293;  Sorry, no refunds

For More Details: click here

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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60.  DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES

Location:    Baker Theater
                 Rosewood Center for Family Arts
                 5938 Skillman Street
Box Office:  214-740-0051
 

2018 Season:
(Please note that not all productions may be suitable for all audiences.)  


MAR 23-APR 8, 2018 -- Yana Wana's Legend of the Bluebonnet
Ten-year-old María is having trouble in school, so her mom sends her to stay with her Coahuiltecan grandmother in distant Laredo for discipline and perspective. There, María is told an ancient story of young Yana Wana who followed a revered deer to find water to save her people. Yana Wana's story exposes an amazing and unknown ancestral connection to the bluebonnet that gives María a renewed sense of self and family pride. You may have read one version in school; now we invite you to come see the legend through the eyes of Yana Wana in this world premiere. A beautiful, original play that illustrates the power of heritage and the value of one's own story - especially one as ancient as the petroglyphs of Texas.
Recommended for ages 6 and up
ASL Interpreted Show: April 8 4:30 pm
Sensory Friendly Show: March 24 1:30 pm (Phone only)

APR 21-MAY 6, 2018 -- Blue
A growing body of research speaks to the benefits of theater for the very young. BLUE is returning as part of this initiative while additional new works for these audiences continue to be developed.
Pale Blue and Inky Blue are very happy in their blueness. When a red sock enters their kitchen, Pale and Inky AND the audience are surprised by the way their world is turned upside down. This play introduces the idea of acceptance in an age-appropriate, soft-hearted theatrical experience. It is filled with fun, humor, and whimsy - and at the end of the show, you will be too!
Recommended for squirmy toddlers and their families
ASL Interpreted Show: APR 29 4:30 pm
Sensory Friendly Show: MAY 5 1:30 pm (Phone only)

MAY 4-26, 2018 -- Jungalbook
See Kipling's original 1894 coming of age tale brought to the stage, and join Mowgli in learning the moral lessons of home, betrayal, life and death, and loyalty. Mowgli lives in the jungle surrounded by panthers, bears, wolves, snakes, and tigers. They are his protectors, and he believes he is one of them. When Mowgli comes face to face with a fearsome tiger, he is forced to choose between his bond with the jungle and the reality of his humanness. This classic story of the struggle for survival and a place that feels like home will have audiences on the edge of their seats.
Recommended for ages 5 and up

JUN 15-JULY 8, 2018 -- How I Became a Pirate
Ahoy matey! It's time to sail off on a swashbuckling musical excursion with Jeremy Jacob and his new pirate friends. On board the ship, Jeremy travels to new worlds while learning the rules of pirate life, and searches for a place to bury their treasure. But it isn't long before he misses his family and yearns for someone to tuck him in at night back home. A story of adventure and finding one's own heart - a path that can't be found on any map!
Recommended for ages 4 and up
ASL Interpreted Show: July 1 4:30 pm
Sensory Friendly Show: July 7 1:30 pm (Phone only)


Sensory-Friendly Performances
General production adaptations include leaving the house lights up a few levels higher than for a standard performance and reducing the sound level. We also offer a "Quiet Room" for children who need a break.
There will be some fun and engaging activities presented before the play, so plan to come as early as one hour before the show.
Sensory Friendly Performance Tickets:  
$5 per person (regular tickets range from $13 -$28)
To Purchase Tickets: 214-740-0051



Sensory-Friendly Resources for Visiting the Dallas Children's Theater:
Click Here for a Pictorial Guide
Click Here for Parent Tip Sheet


Box Office Hours

9am to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday
On performances days: Friday evenings until 30 minutes past curtain.
Saturdays 11:00am until 30 minutes past last curtain.
Sundays 11:00am until 30 minutes past last curtain.
214-740-0051
Ticket Sales are subject to availability. No refunds or exchanges on single tickets.
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.
Ticket Prices: Range from $13 - $28
For Ticket Information: Click Here
               

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61.  DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS

Location: The Music Hall at Fair Park
909 1st Ave
Dallas, TX 75210   


APR 24-MAY 6 -- Les Miserables
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history

JUNE 13 - JULY 8 -- The Lion King
Giraffes strut.  Birds swoop.  Gazelles leap.  The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before.  And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Music Hall at Fair Park!  More than 90 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.

(Please note that not all productions may be suitable for all audiences.)
HEART of Texas is proud to partner with Dallas Summer Musicals!
Your family or homeschool group (group of 10 or more) can get discount rates to great family-friendly performances for the upcoming season.  
Be sure to mention HEART of Texas when you order. 

Check out the Group Discount Form on our Downloads page for details.
Special Discounts for Groups with 10 or More:  Click Here for pricing and show times
(Then scroll to the bottom of the page to see the Performance Schedule and Pricing)



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62.  DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES

2018 Youth Concerts:
MAR 2-3 -- Remix: Overtures-William Tell & The Barber of Seville
Moody Performance Hall
(formerly Dallas City Performance Hall)
7:30pm -
Concert Begins (doors open at 6:30)
8:45pm - Post-convert mingling with the musicians
A fun and intimate series of classical concerts in a casual setting - enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer and appetizers before the concert, and stay after the concert to chat with the musicians.
Tickets: click here

MAR 3 -- My DSO Concert
For kids on autism spectrum & with developmental disabilities
11am
FREE Concert (Reservations Mandatory) – patrons may reserve up to 4 tickets
My DSO Concert will not vary from a traditional orchestra concert programmatically, but arrangements will be made to accommodate the individual needs of people with acute sensitivities. “Quiet rooms” will be set aside in case the music becomes overwhelming. House lights will be set to a brighter level. There will be remarks from the stage to welcome the audience and introduce the music.  My DSO Concert is approximately one hour in length with no intermission. Before the performance, patrons will be able to interact with musical instruments at an instrument petting zoo and learn more about resources in Dallas for families and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Tickets: click here

MAR 4 -- Overtures: William Tell & the Barber of Seville (Denton)
3pm
Murchison Performing Arts Center
(2100 S Interstate 35 E, Denton, TX 76201)
The DSO comes to Denton to perform Rossini and Berio.
Tickets:
$19/General Admission;
             $9/Student Tickets (Promo Code: STUDUNT)
             $15/Apex Seniors (Promo Code: APEX)
The DSO comes to Denton to perform Rossini and Berio.

MAR 16-18 -- The Nat King Cole Songbook
Denzal Sinclaire’s superb voice and engaging rapport brings the music of Nat King Cole on stage with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

MAR 22-25 -- The Brandenburg Concertos
The complete Brandenburg Concertos – six baroque masterpieces – spotlight the superlative musicians of the DSO.

APR 12-15 -- Beethoven Symphony No 2
Energetic, cheerful and effervescent, the Second Symphony never ceases to delight and amaze listeners.

MAY 2 & 3, 2018 -- Carnegie Hall's The Orchestra Rocks
10am & 11am
$6.50/person
Carnegie Hall's innovative Link Up curriculum delivers an exhilarating, interactive concert experience. Your students will learn how composers and musicians use rhythm to propel musical works. Includes hands-on activities and an opportunity to play along with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on recorders or strings. Free Teacher Training will take place at the Meyerson Symphony Center on January 8 at 9:30am (Dallas ISD Professional Development credit offered), with a make-up session on January 27.  Call 214-871-4006 to reserve your spot!
Reservations:  Click here to fill out a Youth Concert Reservation Form
Final headcount and payment are due three weeks before the concert.

Admission:  $6.50/person (payment must be received with all reservations)
Only reservations confirmed in advance can be seated.  No walk-ins.

To Order Tickets Online or by Phone:  Click Here or call 214-871-4054.  
Final headcount and payment are due three weeks before the concert.

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)


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63.  FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERTS

Orchestra Performances:
MAR 9-11 -- Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert
Mickey Mouse calls to the magic in all of us in this not-to-be missed high-definition screening of scenes from Walt Disney’s immortal films FANTASIA and FANTASIA 2000. Remember Donald Duck’s ark? The hippopotamus in a tutu? Mickey as the sorcerer’s apprentice? Your Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs a live soundtrack to these scenes and more.
Tickets:  Click here

MAR 16-18 -- Beethoven's 7th
The second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 has achieved immortality as one of the most somber, yet simultaneously uplifting symphonic movements in the repertoire. Guest conductor Ward Stare takes to the podium to lead the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s complete masterpiece as well as Arnolds’s delightful Four Scottish Dances. Plus, FWSO Principal Horn Molly Norcross and tenor Paul Appleby unite to perform Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings, a setting of six poems on the subject of night.
Tickets: click here

MAY 11 -- Raiders of the Lost Ark Concert
7:30pm
The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before! Relive the magic on the silver screen with the original great adventure… Raiders of the Lost Ark… with John Williams’ epic score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra!
The year is 1936, and professor of archeology and “obtainer of rare antiquities” Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is tasked by U.S. Army Intelligence to recover the legendary Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Indy’s quest takes him to Nepal and Egypt, reuniting him with an old friend (John Rhys-Davies), an old foe (Paul Freeman), and an ex-flame (Karen Allen) who falls somewhere in between. Armed with his hat, whip and wits, our intrepid hero must face formidable enemies – and impossible odds – to save the day and the world.
Tickets: click here

MAY 18-20 -- Scheherazade
With the gentle, delicate strains of the violin and harp depicting one of the most famous storytellers of all time, Miguel Harth-Bedoya and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra close the 2017-2018 Symphonic season with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a musical realization of the vividly colorful and mesmerizing tales spun by a storyteller at risk for her very life. The program opens with visiting composer Mason Bates’s Anthology of Fantastic Zoology, a work Bates describes as “teeming with strange creatures and wild sonic effects.”
Tickets: click here



2018 Young Person's Concerts 
Designed to engage the interest of children of all ages, these concerts are open to school groups, home school groups and individuals.
You must have a reservation.  No walk-ins.

Young Person's Concerts -- Visions of America
JAN 24 @10:30am & 12:30pm
JAN 25 @10:30am & 12:30pm
Discover how composers like Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and John Williams interpret the American landscape and people through music with the Fort Worth Symphony and Kids Who Care. This program also features images from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Young Persons’ Concerts last approximately 45 minutes and are appropriate for children ages 7 through 13.
Online Tickets for Groups of 20 or less: 
JAN 24 at 12:30 PM
JAN 25 at 10:30 AM
JAN 25 at 12:30 PM
Online Tickets for Groups of more than 20: Online Reservation Form 

Kinderconcert --
Aesop's Fables
FEB 15 @10:30am & 12:30pm
FEB 16 @10:30am & 12:30pm
Learn about the important lessons fables can teach us with the Fort Worth Symphony and Kids Who Care.  We’ll use music to tell three of Aesop’s classic tales – The Lion and the Mouse, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and The Tortoise and the Hare – in a bilingual work written for these concerts by local composer, Till MacIvor Meyn. Kinderconcerts last approximately 35 minutes and are appropriate for children ages 3 through 6.
Online Tickets for Groups of 20 or less:

FEB 15 at 10:30am
FEB 15 at 12:30pm
FEB 16 at 10:30am
FEB 16 at 12:30pm
Groups of more than 20:  Online Reservation Form


For Questions:  Click Here to send an email message or call 817-665-6500.

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64.  GENESIS CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Discount:  Center for Home Education is offering HEART of Texas Members (with valid membership card) 10% off production tuition (to be used one time a year).
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here
 

Location:    3100 Independence Parkway Suite
                 324b Plano, TX 75075
Box Office:  972-599-3505
Online Ticketing: click  here


Upcoming Shows at Genesis Theatre --
APR 6-14 -- Shrek, Jr.
APR 20-228-- Beauty & the Beast
MAY 11 - 19 -- Junie B. Jones, Jr

Children's Theater Classes at Genesis Theatre
MAR 6-MAY 1 -- League of Justice
MAR 7 - MAY 2 -- Avalor's Princess Elena
MAR 21 - MAY 9 -- Audition!

For More Information: click here


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65.  GREATER DALLAS YOUTH ORCHESTRA

2018 Concert Schedule -- 

MARCH 4 -- GDYO Young Virtuosi
7:30pm

APR 8 -- GDYO Chamber Ensemble Competition Application Deadline

MAY 3
-- GDYO Chamber Ensemble Competition
5pm-9pm
Sammons Center For the Arts
(3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas TX 75219)
Chamber Ensemble Concert Date: Sunday, May 20, 2018 2:00 p.m.
For Rules & Prize information: click here

MAY 6 -- Rising Talent featuring YPO, DSE & Sinfonietta
2:30pm

MAY 6 -- Presenting Philharmonic, Wind Symphony, and Flute Choir  
7:30pm

MAY 13 -- GDYO Season Finale
7:30pm

MAY 20 --
Chamber Ensemble Concert
2pm


Auditioning for GDYO
If you would like to be added to the audition email list, please
click here.   
If you have not done so already, you can look over the Audition FAQs, Audition Requirements, etc. 
If you have any questions, please email us
If you auditioned this spring (for the 2015-2016 season), results will be mailed May 17, 2015. 
Under NO circumstances will results be given over the phone

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66.  PARK CITIES STUDIOS/THE DALLAS CONSERVATORY

Park Cities Studios offers world-class instruction for ages 18 months and older, in dance, singing, and acting.

Discount:  Park Cities Studios/The Dallas Conservatory is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid HEART of Texas Family ID) 10% off their class tuition.
To learn More About This Partner:  Click Here
To learn about becoming a HEART of Texas member: Click Here


Location:  7979 Inwood Rd, Suite 201, Dallas, TX  75209
Phone:  214-357-8888
For More Information:  Click Here

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67.  PLANO CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES


Location:  Plano Productions: Plano Children’s Theater, 1301 Custer Road, Plano, TX 75075
                McKinney Productions: Heard Craig Hall, 306 North Church Street, McKinney, 75069
                McKinney (MPAC): McKinney Performing Arts Center 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX
                Frisco Productions: Expedition Frisco (9073 Berkshire Drive, Frisco 75033)
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:

MAR 1-4 -- Little Women
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

MAR 1-JUN 2 -- Page to Stage: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Page to Stage is a course for homeschool students exploring the intersection of theatre and literature. Students will examine two versions of the text, the novel and the script. The examination of the novel will focus on themes, symbolism, and adaptation—how a novel is transformed into a script. Students will be introduced to basic theatre instruction and examine the narrative development. Students will create the set, costumes, and props for the final production. Students may also choose to participate in the production working backstage technical roles, working on marketing, or performing in the production.

MAR 8-11 -- Sleeping Beauty Kids
It’s Princess Aurora’s sixteenth birthday, and three fairies – Flora, Fauna and Merryweather – must use their magic to save her from the spell of the evil sorceress, Maleficent! The fairies ensure that Aurora only falls into a deep sleep that can be ended with a kiss from her betrothed, Prince Phillip. To prevent Phillip from rescuing Aurora, Maleficent kidnaps and imprisons him. The good fairies are the last hope to free Phillip so that he can awaken Aurora.

APR 3-19 -- Year with Frog & Toad
Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

To Learn More:  
www.planochildrenstheatre.com



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68.  SHINE PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO

Shine is a family-friendly, faith-based performing arts studio for kids and teenagers to hone their skills in singing, acting, and dancing.

Discount:  Shine is waiving their $25 class registration fee for HEART of Texas members (with valid HEART of Texas Family ID).  
To learn More About This Partner:  Click Here
To learn about becoming a HEART of Texas member: Click Here


Location:  3616 Churchill Lane, Plano, TX  75075
Phone:  214-218-4779
For More Information:  Click Here

2018 Performances:

FEB 23-25 -- Fiddler on the Roof


AUDITIONS:
MAR 3 -- Les Miserables

MAR 7 -- Willy Wonka


Willy Wonka

Discount:
 
Shine is waiving their $25 class registration fee for HEART of Texas
members (with valid HEART of Texas Family ID).  
To learn More About This Partner:  Click Here
To learn about becoming a HEART of Texas member: Click Here



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69.  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.


Performances:
TBD


HEART of Texas Discount Tickets TBA for selected performances.
You must mention HEART of Texas Home School Discount Program to get the discount.
Any homeschooler may take advantage of this program
 
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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70.  TEXAS BALLET THEATER DANCE SCHOOL -- DANCE CLASSES -- FORT WORTH

Discount:  The Texas Ballet Theater School is offering our readers a $50 discount on registration if you mention HEART of Texas.
To learn More About This Partner:  Click Here
To learn about becoming a HEART of Texas member: Click Here


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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72.  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/Programs:
MAR 13 --Spring Break at the Amon Carter
1-3pm
Artmaking and more for all ages
Staying in town for spring break? Round up your friends and spend the afternoon at the museum!
Enjoy art projects, creativity challenges, gallery games, food trucks, lawn games and more throughout the afternoon. Be prepared to create, compete, and consider American art in a new way!

THROUGH MARCH 25, 2018 -- Darryl Lauster: Trace
For his sculptural installation Trace, Texas-based artist Darryl Lauster (b. 1969) created ten fragmentary Carrara marble tablets and carved phrases in them using a font reminiscent of monuments. The blocks of stone seemingly speak essential truths—such as language from American founding documents, various militia and splinter group manifestos, and parts of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty—uniting fundamental phrases intended for entirely different purposes and obscuring their original meanings. Because the stones appear to be broken pieces of a full inscription, any overarching meaning is difficult to discern, much as many of the texts in their entirety are subject to differing interpretations. They seem to have fallen from an ancient building, as he remarks, “alluding to the possibility of an empire in its potential decline.”

THROUGH SEPT 2, 2018 -- Gabriel Dawe: Plexus no. 34
The Amon Carter has commissioned a large-scale, site-specific installation of more than eighty miles of multicolored thread by internationally celebrated Mexican-born, Dallas-based artist Gabriel Dawe.
Words cannot do justice to the transformative power of Dawe’s sculptural marvels, which he weaves from thousands of thin strands. They look like frozen light and Technicolor vaporous mist, drawing attention to the majestic architecture and natural light of the museum’s Atrium, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. The Amon Carter will be the home of Plexus no. 34 for two years.

THROUGH NOV 18, 2018 -- Commanding Space: Women Sculptors of Texas

The evocative power of sculpture seems boundless in the hands of five living women artists whose work fills the Amon Carter’s gallery dedicated to regional artwork. Texas-based artists Celia Eberle, Kana Harada, Sharon Kopriva, Sherry Owens, and Linda Ridgway take the traditions of sculpture in new directions for the twenty-first century. Allusions to nature and human figures connect the diverse themes present in their work, which range from evocations of history and metaphor to explorations of memory, myth, and ritual.

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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73.  DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITS 

Location:  Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75201
Hours: Monday:  Closed
            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 on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
            Late night Fridays (3rd Friday of the month, excluding December) museum open until Midnight.


General Admission:  General admission is FREE every day
Special Exhibit Admission:  $8/person;  Ages 11 and under:  FREE


CURRENT AND UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS:

MAR 9 -- Homeschool Tour: American Sculpture (ages 5-18)
10-11:30am;  2pm-3:30pm
FREE
During this exciting 3D experience, students will explore innovations in sculpture from the mid-nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. Using the exhibition A New American Sculpture and objects from the Amon Carter’s collection, gallery teachers will demonstrate how artists have shared techniques over time, pushed the boundaries of the medium to achieve new sculptural feats, and used the human form to bridge ancient ideas and modern-day techniques.
To Register: click here

APR 13 -- Homeschool Tour: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
10am-11:30am;  2pm-3:30pm
Conservation, preservation, and appreciation are the three key principles in this environmentally minded museum experience. Students will explore contemporary artist Jan Staller who uses found objects and material culture to convey an artistic message of consumerism. Gallery teachers will provide artistic ideas to celebrate Earth Day and appreciate everyday objects in a whole new way.
To Register: click here

THROUGH APRIL 15, 2018 -- Paris at the Turn of the Century
Level 2
Whether depicting Paris's broad avenues or dazzling nightlife, painters, printmakers, and photographers were drawn to capturing everyday life in the city in the second half of the 19th century. Paris at the Turn of the Century features works on paper from the 1880s, 1890s, and early 1900s, drawn exclusively from the DMA’s collection, that celebrate the French capital’s beauty and dynamism, as well as its seedier and less glamorous aspects.Focus Installation
Admission is FREE

THROUGH APRIL 15 -- Young Masters 2018
Concourse
The Young Masters exhibition features selected works created by Advanced Placement® Studio Art, Art History, and Music Theory students from ten Dallas-area high schools participating in the O’Donnell Foundation’s AP Arts Incentive Program. Celebrating 20 years, the 2018 Young Masters exhibition includes 64 original works and features two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces created by AP Studio Art students, essays analyzing works in the DMA’s collection by AP Art History students, and four-minute original compositions by AP Music Theory students.
Admission is FREE

APRIL 15 -AUGUST 12, 2018 -- The Power of Gold: Asante Royal Regalia from Ghana
Chilton I Gallery
Be dazzled by over 200 gleaming gold items of regalia, colorful and intricately woven silk kente cloth, ceremonial furniture, state swords, linguist staffs, and other significant objects related to Asante royals from the 19th through the 21st centuries. Founded around 1701 with wealth derived from the gold trade with North Africa and Europe, the Asante Kingdom was a very powerful polity in West Africa. The Power of Gold: Asante Royal Regalia from Ghana, inspired by works in the DMA’s collection and featuring objects from public and private collections, reveals the splendor of Asante regalia, much of which is made of gold.
Tickets:
$16 ticket with discounts for seniors, students, and military. Children 11 and under are free.

MAY 11 -- Homeschool Tour: All About Stuart Davis
10am-11:30am;  2pm-3:30pm
FREE
Students will learn about the life, artworks, and artistic processes of Stuart Davis (1892–1964), who experimented with abstraction, landscapes, and portraiture during his prolific career. Gallery teachers will introduce new ways to look at and appreciate Davis’s artworks and facilitate a Davis-inspired art project that students can take home.
To Register: click here

THROUGH DEC 2, 2018  -- Hopi Visions: Journey of the Human Spirit
Focus II Gallery
Journey of the Human Spirit, by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie and Delbridge Honanie, narrates the history of the Hopi people, from the mythic emergence, through the arrival of Europeans, to the rebirth of Hopi traditions in the information age.
Tickets: $5

THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2018 -- Asian Textiles: ARt & Trade Along the Silk Road
Level 3
Drawn from the DMA’s collection, this exhibition showcases fine examples of garments and ornamental hangings. The works on view come from India, Central Asia, China, and Japan, with some objects featuring colored ink paintings on textile backgrounds. The garments range from a Japanese fireman’s coat to an Indian sari and a Chinese dragon robe. Asian Textiles highlights the passage of luxury goods along the Silk Road between eastern Asia, India, and places like Uzbekistan. This historical trade route led to an interchange of arts and crafts from the Mediterranean to India and the Far East.
Admission is FREE


THROUGH APRIL 26, 2020 -- The Keir Collection of Islamic Art Gallery
Focus Gallery
The Keir Collection of Islamic Art Gallery is the largest public presentation in the history of one of the world's most important private collections of Islamic Art.



FREE First Tuesdays of each month (Sept - May)
First Tuesday programming is specifically designed for children ages five and under, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy thematic art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities.
Time: 11:00 am–2:00 pm
Center for Creative Connections (C3)
For More Information: click here
Themes:
March 6 - Greatest Show on Earth



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:
$8/child (ages 6 -12). Adults do not require a ticket.
To Register/
To Purchase Tickets:  Click Here  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. Class size is limited to 20 students.  When classes are filled, call 214-922-1818 or click here to send an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list.
Themes:
DEC 14 OR 15 --All in the Family
For more information about family experiences:  214-922-1822 or click here to e-mail


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74.  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, Cezanne, Matisse, and Picasso, as well as antiquities, Asian, African, and pre-Columbian art.

Location:  Kimball Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2792
Phone: 817-332-8451   Metro: 817-654-1034   Fax: 817-877-1264
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:  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.


CURRENT & UPCOMING EXHIBITS
MARCH 4, 2018 - AUG 19, 2018 -- From the Lands of Asia: The Sam & Myrna Myers Collection
Renzo Piano Pavilion
When Americans Samuel and Myrna Myers visited Paris in the mid-1960s, they became so enamored with the city that they decided to make their home there. This was where they built an extraordinary collection that until now has never been exhibited publicly. Over the course of more than 40 years, the Myers assembled some 5,000 works of art that, together, offer a very personal vision of the world of Asian art. This exhibition will present over 400 objects selected from this remarkable collection, with works representing key periods in the history of the art of China, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Korea and Vietnam.

OCT 7, 2018 - JAN 6, 2019 -- Balenciaga in Black
Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895–1972) is often called “the couturier’s couturier”—the fashion designer revered by all other fashion designers. From his first runway collection, in 1937, through the closure of his Paris salon, in 1968, Balenciaga’s clients were among the most influential trendsetters of the day.  The carefully selected costumes and accessories, all made by hand in the haute-couture ateliers of this fashion genius, share one major feature: they are all black. For Balenciaga, black was vibrant, capable of exhibiting a dazzling interplay of light through luxurious fabrics and materials. This exhibition reveals the masterful shapes created by the artist with apparently simple cuts and impeccably composed adornments of lace, embroidery, silk, fringes, beads, and sequins. These expertly executed, timeless silhouettes continue to inspire modern fashion.


OCT 7, 2018 - JAN 6, 2019 -- Goya in Black & White
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes is among the best-known figures in the history of Spanish art and renowned as one of the greatest painters of all time. He is also revered as one of history’s greatest draftsmen and printmakers. This exhibition will showcase more than seventy-five of his paramount works on paper from the unparalleled collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Goya in Black and White will explore the evolution of the artist’s graphic work in all media. The importance of black and white will be shown throughout the exhibition—not only literally, in black ink on white paper, but also figuratively, as in the oppositions of night and day, the balance between menacing shadow and hopeful light, that pervade the artist’s imagination. In the Kimbell’s exhibition, Goya’s principal series and best-known compositions, including the Caprichos series, The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters, Disasters of War, Disparates, and Tauromaquia, will be represented in detail, some works in multiple impressions, to show the creative evolution of the artistic process of a genius.

SPRING BREAK
MAR 13 - 16 -- Spring Break Extravaganza
10am-3pm (Tues, Wed, Thurs)
Noon-4pm (Fri)
No charge; no reservations required
Celebrate vacation time at the Museum with ongoing art activities, interactive family tours, storybook readings, teen studios led by guest artists, and children’s films. There is no charge for this program or to visit the permanent collection.  A complete schedule will be available in late February.

FAMILY FESTIVALS
View current exhibitions & preview upcoming exhibitions.
Network with other educators and participating institution staff
Enjoy light refreshments.
Learn about programs for educators and students.
Receive free resources for your classroom.
Explore ideas for using primary sources.
For More Information:  Click here to email
Upcoming Family Festivals:
JUNE 3 -- Passport to Asia
Noon - 5pm
This free and fun-for-all-ages event will celebrate ancient traditions and precious objects from across Asia with music and dance performances, craft demonstrations and art-making activities, gallery explorations, and more. Participants will also enjoy free admission to the special exhibition From the Lands of Asia: The Sam and Myrna Myers 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.
Registration: 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
Upcoming Themes
FEB 24 -- Ready, Set Draw
FEB 28 -- Ready, Set, Draw


PICTURES & PAGES
Time:
Select Tuesdays, 10:00-11:45am
Museum learning begins early with this special program for preschoolers (ages 4–6) and their adult partners. Popular children’s books inspire group conversations and simple art activities.
Free Program, but Registration is required:  
817-332-8451, ext. 351, or click to email
Space is limited. Maximum two children per adult. Please note that space in each session is very limited; all participants will recieve confirmations or be notified if placed on the waiting list.
Piano Pavillion Education Studios
Themes: 

MAR 6 -- Mystery Bottle, by Kristen Balouch
APR  3 -- Brush of the Gods, written by Lenore Look
MAY 2 -- City Shapes, by Diana Murray
JUNE 5 -- One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, by Daniel Bernstrom
JUNE 6 -- One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, by Daniel Bernstrom
JULY 10 -- A Beginners Guide to Bear Spotting, written by Michelle Robinson
JULY 11 -- A Beginners Guide to Bear Spotting, written by Michelle Robinson
AUG 7 -- Thunder Boy, Jr, by Sherman Alexie
AUG 8 -- Thunder Boy, Jr, by Sherman Alexie


Children's Workshops
Time:  10am-Noon on select Saturdays
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; series of 3 sessions for $37.
To Register:  817-332-8451, ext. 351.
Upcoming Themes:

MAR 24 -- Dragons & Lions: Sculpting in Clay
APR 7 --
Seasonal Patterns: Kimono Collages


Family Educator Morning
Time: Selected Dates, 10:15am-12:30pm
During this popular homeschool series, families will enjoy arts-based learning experiences designed for different age groups, staff-led discussions about teaching strategies for parents, and a group reflection period at the end of each program. Maximum capacity for each student group is approximately ten participants.
Families may register children for three different age groups (5-8, 9-12, 13-17); space is limited.
Cost:  $10/Single session for one non-member child or additional adult: $10
One accompanying adult is admitted free; additional adults will be charged.
No unregistered siblings may attend; please refer to Kimbell Kids Drop-in Studio (ages 12 and younger) as a free option that includes younger children.
For questions or more information: 
817-332-8451, ext. 351. or click to email
Upcoming Programs:
APR 12 -- From the Lands of Asia: The Sam and Myrna Myers Collection
10:15 AM to 12:30 PM

APR 19 -- From the Lands of Asia: The Sam and Myrna Myers Collection
10:15 AM to 12:30 PM



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75.  PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE IN DALLAS

Location:  2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, 75201 (located at the corner of Woodall Rodgers and Field Street
Phone: 214-428-5555  
Museum Hours:  Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm
(Moody Family Children's Museum (Lower Level) Mon: Noon-5pm, Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm)
                        Sunday: noon-5pm
                        First Thursday Late Night: 5-9pm
Extended hours first Thursday of each month. Also enjoy a late-night film and special interactive programming!
Last exhibits entry at 3:30pm regular hours, or an hour and a half before closing for extended hours.

School Group/Field Trip Traffic Calendar:
                            Monday-Friday: 9am-2:30pm, September-June 5
                            Tuesday-Friday: 9am-2:30pm, limited groups June-August 28 


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.


Traveling Exhibits

THROUGH MAY 6 -- Journey to Space
Time: 10am-5pm (Mon-Sat); 12pm-5pm (Sun); 5pm-9pm (First Thurs. late night)
Location: Lower Level of the Perot Museum, in the Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones Exhibition Hall.
The Journey to Space exhibition will take you as close to being in space as you can get without leaving Earth. It’s an incredible and unforgettable hands-on, climb-aboard cosmic adventure of science fun and learning that you can’t find anywhere else. You’ll experience the sights, sounds, and smells on board an orbiting space station, and find out first-hand just what it takes to be an astronaut working in the hostile environment of space.

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS

APR 3 -- Homeschool Family Science Day Events: Lab Program
10am-11am
$13/youth;  $6/adults
Experience the effects physics has on your body and everything around you through fun, hands-on experiments including catapults, magnets, LEGO®, robots, amusement park rides, and more! Homeschool Family Science Day allows parents and students to explore the Perot Museum’s 11 permanent exhibit halls, and exercise their brains through interactive experiments and activities.
Children must be accompanied by an adult over 21 that must remain with child/children at all times.
PK-K and 1st- 2nd Grade
Physics Fun: Discover the exciting world of physics and engineering with this hands-on program. Explore the wonders of force, motion, and energy by interacting with magnets, LEGO® kits, robots, and more!
3rd- 4th and 5th- 6th Grade
Catapult Science: Explore force, motion, and energy by using catapults simulating the three classes of levers, then follow the steps of the scientific method to determine which class of levers launches a ball farthest.
7th-12th Grade
Amusement Park Physics: In this station-based program, learn how physics plays a role in your favorite amusement park rides. Activities will explore topics such as potential and kinetic energy, Newton’s laws of motion, and conservation of energy.
For More Information and Tickets:  click here



JUNIOR MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM
Registration Closed for both Sessions
Times:  
1st Thursdays from 6pm-7:30pm at the Museum;
                and Saturdays 10am-Noon at north Texas parks (see schedule for locations)**
For Ages:  4th - 6th Grade
Cost:  
$180/person.
Location:
Perot Museum Learning Labs, plus 4 field trips to natural parks
Do your kids get excited about catching bugs, collecting rocks or tracking wildlife? The Junior Master Naturalist program offers a whole new way to explore and protect the natural wonders of Texas. Led by Perot Museum education staff and North Texas Master Naturalist volunteers, this program combines engaging classroom training with inspiring field-based discovery to help kids develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of Texas ecosystems. Through exciting hands-on explorations and outdoor adventures, your child will gain the skills and knowledge to become good stewards of the environment.  Classes take place during First Thursday Late Nights at the Museum — and on Saturdays, participants and their parents meet at different parks in the North Texas area to explore Texas terrain, vegetation and wildlife firsthand. Once they’ve completed the program, your kids will even have the opportunity to help train future Junior Master Naturalists by becoming volunteers themselves!
**Please note that at least one guardian must provide transportation and accompany his or her children during each field trip.

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 PEROT MUSEUM

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.



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76.  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.

Location:  1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, 76107 (corner of Montogomery & Gendy)
Admission:  $15 for adults;  $11 for children (2-12);  $13 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.
)


EXHIBITS:
MAR 2 -- Maker Studio Homeschool Afternoon
2pm-4pm
FREE with regular museum admission
Try creating your own instruments using cardboard, craft supplies, and recyclables! Want to dial it to 11? Try adding technology that allows you to use circuitry to turn your cardboard masterpiece into an electric instrument!
Register for your one hour timeslot by clicking here!

THOUGH MAY 6 - Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World
GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World offers guests an entertaining, engaging and educational hands-on experience with one of the most important cultural icons in history: the guitar. The exhibit is comprised of three elements: the science of sound; the evolution, engineering and design of the guitar; and its cultural impact. The exhibit engages visitors in an experience that is visual, tactile and aural. GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World has it all: Music. Science. History. Pop culture. Video. Education. Interactives. Games.
It has an immense cool factor and is designed from the outset to attract all age groups – from individuals to families. Kids, teenagers, adults . . . every age group has its own connection to the guitar, from classic rock songs and concert memories to film soundtracks and videogames. And the guitar has no boundaries: every form of popular music features the guitar.

Go Figure

Throughout this discovery-filled exhibit, five popular children’s books are brought to life in gigantic reproductions of the artists’ original illustrations. Inside each large-scale book, you will find an attached copy of the featured book, a math based interactive relating to the book’s narrative and tips for parents on supporting their child’s early explorations of math concepts. Notice, focus and explore the mathematical dimensions of our world including counting, sorting, patterning, measuring, observing, comparing and sequencing.
Go Figure! is based on five popular children’s books: Arthur’s Pet Business by Marc Brown, The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins, The Quilt by Ann Jonas, Frog and Toad are Friends: A Lost Button by Arnold Lobel and Goldilocks and the Three Bears by James Marshall.



PLANETARIUM SHOWS:
One World, One Sky:  Big Bird's AdventureJoin Big Bird, Elmo and their friend, Hu Hu Zhu as they introduce children to the night sky and very basic astronomy. Recommended for very young audiences (ages 2 to 7), and the very young at heart!
Back to the Moon, for Good! – In case you haven’t heard, the Moon is trending again… and in a big way. Like in the glory days of the 1960s and 1970s, our big white space neighbor is enjoying the attention of lunar explorers. Only this time, they’re going back to the moon for good.


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77. NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

Location:  Dallas Arts District
                2001 Flora Street
                214-242-5100
Hours:  Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Cafe Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 3:30 pm (for food services) & 4 pm (for beverage services)
Please note that hours are subject to change depending on private events and/or volume of business.
Closed Mondays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission:  
Adult: $10; Seniors 65+: $7; Military w/ID: $7; Student w/ID: $5; Child under 12: FREE
Regular admission includes a free audio tour and entrance to special exhibitions.
FREE admission every first Saturday of the month, 10am-5 pm.


MAR 13-18, 2018 -- Spring Break at the Nasher
11am-5pm
Bring the whole family to enjoy a week of free programming at the Nasher and investigate big ideas from  Nasher Prize Laureate Theaster Gates through interactive resources.


MAR 25 -- Student-Centered Festival 2018
Spend an afternoon at the Nasher, see student performances, make creations with artists, and enjoy a sweet treat. Check out the work of Nasher Prize Laureate Theaster Gates and take away a ‘zine of original student artwork inspired by his ideas.


Exhibits:
JAN 27 - APRIL 28, 2018 -- First Sculpture: Hand Axe to Figure Stone
ents Sachs’ distinctive reworking of chanoyu, or traditional Japanese tea ceremony—including the myriad elements essential to that intensely ritualistic universe.  In the Nasher’s indoor galleries, Sachs will set a tea house in a garden accessorized with variations on lanterns, gates, a wash basin, a plywood airplane lavatory, a koi pond, an ultra HD video wall with the sublime hyper-presence of Mt. Fuji, a bronze bonsai made of over 3,600 individually welded parts, and other objects of use and contemplation, all made from commonplace materials easily procured at local art supply stores or through the McMaster-Carr hardware catalogue.  Sachs has also produced a complete alternative material culture of Tea—from bowls and ladles, scroll paintings and vases, to a motorized tea whisk, a shot clock, and an electronic brazier.


THROUGH APRIL 22 -- Foundations: First Sculpture
To coincide with First Sculpture: Handaxe to Figure Stone, the Nasher Sculpture Center’s curators have selected works that draw connections between the Paleolithic objects featured in First Sculpture and sculptures of the more recent past from the Nasher Collection.

Upcoming Exhibitions:
MAY 12 - AUG 19 -- A Traditions of Revolution
Over the last 150 years, artists have continuously re-evaluated conventions and accepted practices in an extended period of cultural innovation, with each generation pushing against the achievements of the preceding generation or striking out in new directions altogether. The constant push to forge new paths to express the human experience in the modern age can be seen most clearly, perhaps, in the medium of sculpture.

SEPT 15 - JAN 6, 2019 -- The Nature of Arp
The Nature of Arp provides a long-overdue look at the achievements of Jean (Hans) Arp (1886-1966), one of the most important and multifaceted artists of the modern era.  As a founder of the international Dada movement during World War I, Arp pioneered the use of chance, spontaneity, and collaboration as artistic processes and subsequently developed a vocabulary of curving, organic forms that was to become the lingua franca for several generations of artists.


First Saturdays (FREE Admission)
10am-5pm (family activities from 10am-2pm)
Bring the kids and enjoy free admission and fun family programming on the first Saturday of every month.  
Themes:

MAR 3 -- Big Idea: Materials / Art Project: Material Worlds
APR 7 -- Big Idea: Abstract / Art Project: "Get it together" puzzles
MAY 4 -- Big Idea: Surfact/Art Project: Surface Safari
JUNE 2 -- Big Idea: Collecting / Art Project: Collection Collage
JULY 7 -- Big Idea: Construction / Art Project: Build-it Boxes
AUG 4 -- Big Idea: Process / Art Project: Process Postcards


HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOPS
TBA

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78.  SHOWS AT THE FORT WORTH OMNI IMAX THEATER–MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

NOW SHOWING:
America's Musical Journey
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, America's Musical Journey celebrates the unique diversity of cultures and creative risk-taking that characterize America, as told through the story of its music.  The film follows Grammy Award®-nominated singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc as he traces the roots of America’s music and follows the footsteps of Louis Armstrong through the colorful locales and cultures where America’s music was born. Visiting cities such as New Orleans, Chicago, New York City, Nashville, Memphis, Miami and more, audiences will experience uniquely American adventures such as paddle-wheel boating up the Mississippi Delta, flash mob dancing in Chicago and skydiving with Elvis impersonators in scenes shot exclusively for the giant screen. As audiences join Blacc on a joyful, tune-filled tour of the nation’s most iconic music cities, they’ll discover the unique collision of cultures that gave birth to America’s diverse musical heritage. In these cities every chord, every riff, every bang of a drum tells a story, culminating in a unique blend of sound, culture and innovation unlike anywhere else in the world. 
Trailer: Click Here

Coral Reef Adventure
Welcome to a world unlike any other, a world that has been called the “soul of the sea.” This is life on a coral reef – where some of the planet’s most diverse, fascinating and mysterious landscapes and creatures exist hidden from our sight. It is a world few humans will ever experience up close, yet one that helps sustain the very balance of life on earth, and one that might contain solutions to human medical problems. Now it is under siege.
The story of the reefs and how they’ve come to face worldwide decline is brought to life in Coral Reef Adventure. Following husband and wife cinematography team Howard and Michele Hall on a 10-month quest, the film takes audiences on a fantastic voyage of discovery to the South Pacific’s reefs, revealing both their remarkable contribution to life on earth and the imminent dangers they face right now.
Trailer: Click here

Coming Soon:
Returning MARCH 1
Rolling Stones At The Max (PG)
$10/all ages
A filming of the 1990 Rolling Stones "Steel Wheels" concert that traveled Europe.
Trailer: Click Here

Returning MARCH 9
Tornado Alley (G)
TORNADO ALLEY is a science adventure revealing the beauty and the power of some of our planet's most extreme -- and least understood -- weather phenomena.  Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Armed with a 70mm camera, a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds, torrential rains and unrelenting hail, and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created, the cast of Tornado Alley takes audiences on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado’s destructive power at point blank range. Experience the adrenaline and the science of nature’s most dramatic phenomena.
Trailer: Click here

Returning MARCH 1
Flight of the Butterflies (G)
FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES is an awe-inspiring tale of extraordinary insect endurance and human perseverance. Audiences will be immersed in the enchanting world of monarch butterflies.
Flight of the Butterflies is actually two stories, intertwined. It’s about the astounding Monarch butterfly migration, the longest known insect migration on earth, and the determined scientist who spent 40 years trying to discover exactly where the butterflies mysteriously went when they flew south for winter.
Trailer: click here


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79. 
FEATURED 3D FILMS AT THE HOGLUND FOUNDATION THEATER AT PEROT MUSEUM

Big Dream 3D (40 minutes)
From the world’s tallest building to underwater robots and a solar car race across Australia, Dream Big celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and reveals the heart that drives engineers to create better lives for people around the world.
To View Trailer: click here
Tickets: Click here

Hurricane 3D
(20 minutes)
A force so powerful, ancient civilizations revered it as a deity, Hurricane 3D is the journey of a storm named Lucy as it transforms from bubbling clouds to a raging monster covering 500 miles. The view of this storm is from space, through the eyes of animals, from the emergency agencies meant to warn and help, and ultimately from the ground – as it explodes and unleashes its fury.
To View Trailer: Click Here
Tickets:
Click Here

Journey to Space 3D (20 minutes)
In the past half century, humans have punched through the stratosphere, walked on the moon, and lived continuously in orbit. In the coming decades, our unquenchable curiosity will take our species beyond the cradle of Earth to touch the face of another world.  Journey to Space 3D will both inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space, and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program among an older generation who came to take it for granted. Through extensive interviews, brilliant narration, and stunning 3D, discover the foundation behind the next giant leaps being taken into space.
To View Trailer: Click Here
Tickets:
Click Here

Coming Soon:
Flying Monsters 3D (20 min)
Just as dinosaurs began their domination of Earth, pterosaurs ruled the prehistoric skies. Some with wingspans as long as a modern jet plane, these flying reptiles were as spectacular in appearance as they were amazing in flight. Join world-renowned naturalist and documentary filmmaker David Attenborough as he recounts the fascinating story of how humans first discovered these creatures and how they were able to get off the ground and soar...until their sudden disappearance from Earth.
To View Trailer:  Click Here
Tickets:
Click Here


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80.  PROGRAMS AT LOG CABIN VILLAGE

Location:  2100 Log Cabin Village Lane, Fort Worth, TX  
Phone: 817-392-5881
Admission:  $4.50 ages 4-17 and 60+;  $5 ages 18+
Groups:  $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

Upcoming Programs
MAR 24, MAY 5 -- Beginning Knitting Class
12-1:30pm
$50/person (includes knitting needles, yarn, 3 instruction sessions, and Village admission.
Join Michele and Jeanie as they introduce you to the basics of knitting. Class is designed as an adult or adult/child activity.  The class occurs in three sessions: Feb 24, Mar, 24, and May 5.
Limit 2 children (ages 10 & up) per adult
Registration/Payment Required by FEB 14 (the earlier the better)
Registration Form

MAR 11, APR 15, MAY 6 -- Up Close with a Village Artisan
1:30-3:30pm
Cost: Regular village admission
Explore “new frontiers” at the Tompkins cabin as some of our interpreters demonstrate historic skills with a modern sensibility.  The materials may be contemporary, but the techniques are timeless! 
No reservations required.
Featured artisans include: 
MAR 11:  Polymer clay sculpting with Ashli
APR 15: Drop spindle and wheel spinning with Michele
MAY 6: Watercolors with Sydney
Please Note: These are demonstrations not hands-on classes.  Bring lots of questions, however!

APR 21 -- Spring Social
1-4 p.m.
Cost: $6.50/ages 18+, $6/ages 4-17 & 60+, $5.50/Groups of 10 or more.  Ages 3 & under/Free
(cost includes admission and all activities)
Come help us celebrate our 52nd birthday with fun activities for the whole family!  In addition to historical interpreters demonstrating frontier skills, we’ll have: Music, Historic Games, Crafts
No reservations required.

APR 28  -- Cherokee Basket Weaving Class
1-4 p.m.
Cost: $25/person
Join Hannah as she guides you through the process of making your own beautiful Cherokee-style double walled basket.  Class is designed an adult or adult/child activity.
Limit of 2 children (ages 8 & up) per adult
Registration/Payment Required by APR 15 (the earlier the better)
Registration Form

MAY 21-27 -- Log Cabin Village Closed for Maintenance


For More Information about the programs:  Click Here

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81.  DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE AT OLD CITY PARK

Location:  
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park, 1515 South Harwood St.
                  (
located near the heart of downtown Dallas, close to the junction of Interstates 30 and 35)
Admission:  $9 Adult;  $7 Senior (65+);  $5 Child (4 to 12 years)
Group Pricing:
 15 - 49 People Adults: $8 per person; Seniors (65+): $6.50 per person
                       
  50 - 99 People Adults:  $7 per person; Seniors (65+): $6 per person
                         
100+ People Adults: $5 per person; Seniors (65+): $5 per person
*Admission prices for special events vary. Detailed information about upcoming events is listed in our Calendar of Events.

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
           
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
           
Monday: Closed to the public
Closed:
January and August
Closed the following holidays:
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

EXHIBITS
MAR 10-17 -- Spring Fling
Join us this Spring Break for historic fun at Dallas Heritage Village. Transporting you back in time, different hands-on activities will be occurring around the Village as your learn about how life was back in the nineteenth century. Are you able to beat all the dust out of a rug? Would you get straight As during the penmanship lesson? Could you send a coded message through the telegraph?

EVENTS

Barnyard Buddies
2nd Wed of the month (March – May & October – December) & every Wed in June.
11am-Noon
Cost:
$5/person (ages 2 and up)
MAR 10 & 14:  Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
APR 11 & 14:  Gregory the Terrible Eater  by Mitchell Sharmat
MAY 9 & 12: Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
JUN 9 & 13:  The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg
JUL 11 & 14:  Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
SEPT 8 & 12: Book TBD
OCT 10 & 13:  Book TBD
NOV 7 & 10:  Book TBD
DEC 12 & 15: Book TBD  
Located within our early childhood playspace, The Parlor, participants will be able to interact with the new space after the program until 1:00pm.

Homeschool Workshops:

Cost:  $15 per participating student;  Parents & children 3 and under free
Registration Details:  Workshops & tours must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance,
and are conducted during regular museum hours.
Workshops are held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Topics Offered:
--Teens Telegraphing

How did kids know what the weekend plans were? What did they do to let friends know what was happening? Today, everything and everyone is connected, and within seconds of something happening, texts and photos are being sent across town and the country. How did people communicate long ago? Learn how we kept in touch when we were restricted by technology, etiquette, and social rules.
--Home Arts of the Pioneers
Pioneers knew how to spin, weave and sew along with the many other chores needed just to survive. With all the labor required every day just to persevere, why would they take the extra time to learn the additional skills and techniques to decorate basic everyday objects? We’ll go back in time and try to understand the creative heart of the pioneers.
--Pioneer Pets
Could your pet make it in the Old West? How do you pet a chicken? Can you envision your pampered lap cat with the job title of “Rat Killer”? Just like the pioneer children, the animals had chores too! During your workshop, learn a lesson in Donkey Care 101, what Fluffy would have to do to earn her keep and more.
For More Information:  Click Here to email or 214-413-3664

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82.  OLD RED MUSEUM OF DALLAS COUNTY HISTORY AND CULTURE

Location:  Old Red Museum, 100 South Houston Street, Dallas, TX  75202
Phone: 214-757-1949
Hours:
The Museum is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
The Museum will be closed on the following days:
December 24th & 25th

Admission:
General admission: $8
                 Senior (64+)/Student admission: $6 (students must show current high school or university ID)
                 Children ages 3-16: $5
                 Children under age 3: Free
                 Old Red Members: Free (Must Provide Proof of Membership)
                 Sunday Only – Early Bird Special: $5 for tickets purchased before noon
                 Jury Duty – Visitors can receive a reduced admission of $4 with proof of jury duty
General Admission tickets include admission to both the permanent galleries on the second floor and any special exhibit on the first floor.
Special Exhibits Only:  
Free with Old Red Museum General Admission
Special Exhibit Gallery Only: 
$3.00 adults; $1.00 children 3-16; Free for children under 3 years of age
Groups:  
Groups of 20 people or more, $5 each. This special pricing is ONLY AVAILABLE BY MAKING ADVANCED ARRANGEMENTS. Please call the group sales department at 214-757-1949 or click to email to book a group sale to take advantage of this price.

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


CURRENT EXHIBITS
Through JUNE 8, 2018 -- Dallas Curated: 50 Objects/ 50 Stories
In celebration of the Old Red Museum’s 10th anniversary, this exhibit takes you on a journey into the curator’s world of examining and mining stories from the museum’s own collection. Whether handcrafted or mass-produced, every day or extraordinary, objects have the power to evoke a wide range of responses. Visitors are encouraged to share their own favorite objects that tell the story of Dallas.

July 1, 2018 through June 9, 2019 -- American Childhood: Celebrating Classic Toys
This self-curated exhibit showcases more than 100 of America’s favorite toys dating from the 1880s to the 1980s!   Join us to gain insight on how economic and social history shaped the development of toys and leisure-time play. Iconic favorites like Lincoln Logs, Barbie,and Fisher-Price are highlighted along with model trains, vintage dollhouse furniture, and classic board games. Relive your childhood by peering into a recreated Woolworth’s display window that promises fun and excitement for pennies on the dollar!

JULY 1 2019-JUNE 7 2010 -- Creating a Postwar Life: Dallas in the 1950s
Through the years, the Old Red Museum has explored some of the most defining decades in Dallas County’s history, from the 1940s home front experience to the turbulent 1960s. What happened in between? Experience life in Dallas during a period of highway construction, suburban development, and sweeping social change. Sound familiar? The exhibit balances the decade’s complex social and political environments with the golden age of television and popular culture that continue to draw enthusiasts nearly 70 years later!


OTHER EXHIBITS:
Early Years: Prehistory to 1873
Trading Center

Big D
World Crossroads


HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Future Home School Programs TBA


 
  
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83.  STAR PARTIES

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?  The well-attended, monthly public star parties presented by the Fort Worth Astronomical Society (FWAS) have moved to Tandy Hills Natural Area, a 160-acre indigenous remnant of Fort Worth prairie located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas.  We have all the telescopes like we had at our other monthly public star party location. And our members are there to show you the sky and answer your astronomy questions as usual.

FWAS STAR PARTIES
FREE and Open to the Public
Location:
Tandy Hills Natural Area, 3400 View Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103

2
018 Star Parties
MAR 24 - 7pm-11pm
APR 21 - 7pm-11pm
MAY 19 - 7pm-11pm
JUNE 16 - 8pm-11pm
JUL 21 - 8pm-11pm
AUG 18 - 7pm-11pm
SEPT 15 - 7pm-11pm
OCT 13 - 6:30pm-11pm
NOV 10 - 5pm-11pm


         
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84.  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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86.  AQUA KIDS

AquaKids Swim School, located in Flower Mound and Keller, provides year-round swim lessons beginning at 6 months of age. In addition, they provide Swim Team, Open Swim, and private birthday parties.

Discount:  AquaKids is offering an exclusive $30 per session discount for HEART of Texas families. This discount is available for Group, Private, or Semi-Private Lessons, or Private birthday parties.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

For More Information: 
Click Here


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88.  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


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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89.  BOWMAN SPORTS -- PE 101 CLASSES

PE 101 is a 90 minute class that allows students to explore many sports in a short time. This porogram is designed so that students can be active and learn about athletics and team sports. Each class begins with a dynamic warm-up and stretch. We rotate through agility sations and drills.  Each unit of study includes sport specific drills and games, including rules of the game, strategy and the fundamentals required to play.  We also enjoy fun classic games like kickball, dodgeball, whiffleball and capture the flag.  

Roanoke Classes:  
Meet Fridays at 10:30am
Location: Ronoake Recreation Center, 501 Roanoke Rd, Roanoke, TX 76262
Click Here to register.

Prosper Classes:  Meet TBD 
Click here to register

Haltom City Classes:  Meet Tuesdays at 9:30am
Location:  Haltom City Recreation Center, 4839 Broadway Ave
Click here to register or 817-831-6464

McKinney Classes:  Meet Thursdays at 10:30am
Location:  McKinney Community Center, 2001 S Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75070
Click here to register

Flower Mound Classes:  Meet Tuesdays at 12:30pm
Click here to register

Discount:  HEART of Texas members (with current HEART of Texas member card) will receive a $5 discount off monthly class fees.  Some classes are eligible to combine for an additional sibling discount - ask at registration.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership
 
Email:  click here to email or 817-929-3333



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90.  316 BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ACADEMY (316BJJ)

316 BJJ is a Christian organization located in Rockwall, TX, designed to help people train their mind, bodies, and spirits in a safe environment. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for everyone to learn self-defense and to increase their skill as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student.

Discount:   HEART of Texas members (with current HEART of Texas member card) will receive a 20% discount.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/resources/membership

For More Information: click here



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91.  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

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.

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


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92.  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.

Teams forming for 2017-2018
Forney Sports Center
Monday - 2-4pm
Wednesday - 1-3pm
Click here to register

Website: http://www.dallasthunder.org 


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94.  DasCHE Spartans


Location:
Faith Bible Church – 1437 W. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto, TX 75115
RM 208 in back building

For More Information: click here

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95.  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.
 
Cheerleading:  Girls junior high cheerleading squad for the 2015 football season.  Click here to contact the coach.  

Cross Country:
If you are interested in joining HSAA Cross Country, p
lease click here to contact the Track Commissioner.

Football: 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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96.  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.

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



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


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97.   HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM AT LANTANA GOLF CLUB

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOME SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAM
SPRING 2015 SESSION

Experience the Game of Golf! Lantana Golf Club is offering three separate golf programs for juniors, age 8-17, in 2015. 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 named "Best Golf Instructor Denton County 2011, 2012 and 2013" 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 ext. 308 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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98.  HOMESCHOOL SWIM-- The Colony Aquatic Park

Location:  
The Colony Aquatic Park
               5580 N. Colony Blvd  
               The Colony, TX  75056


For More Information: 972-624-2225 or Click Here to email
http://www.TCpard.com

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99.  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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100.  PARKER-TARRANT HOME SCHOOL SPORTS

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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101.  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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102.  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 2014-2015.
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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103.  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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104.  TURBO TECHNIQUES - FLOWER MOUND


Turbo Techniques provides a physical education class that is an hour long and focuses on enhancing speed, power, agility, core development, and balance.  
To Learn More: click here

Discount: HEART of Texas members (with current member card) receive a 20% discount!
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here




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105.  HEART OF TEXAS MENTOR PROGRAM

We are excited to announce that we are rolling out our new HEART of Texas Homeschool Mentor Program for homeschooling families! 
The purpose of the Mentor Program is to provide real-time, face-to-face, one-on-one help for new homeschool moms and dads who are starting their homeschool journey.

If you are a veteran home educator who would like the opportunity to encourage and support the next generation of home schoolers, please consider becoming a HEART Mentor.  Please email Anne regarding the program (include Mentor in subject line) and she will connect you with our Mentor Coordinator.

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106.  DFW SPEECH & DEBATE CLUB

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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107.  DENTON COUNTY CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION

This group has no announcements this month.

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108.  IRVING HOME SCHOOLERS

A support group for families in Irving and all surrounding communities.

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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109.  PEACH

A support group for families in the Plano area
Click Here for More Information


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110.  OFFICIAL COLLEGE BOARD TEST DATES

2018 PSAT TEST DATES:  OCT 17, 2018
(Altnerate Test Days may be offered: Oct 14 & Oct 31).
To Find out When Your Local High School is Offering the PSAT Test:  Click Here

PSAT TESTING FEE:  $15 (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.
PSAT Code for Texas Homeschoolers:  
994499

Information from College Board:
How to Get Started
Find and contact a local school that’s giving the test you want to take. Go to School Search.
Ask for the Official Student Guide, which includes a free practice test.

Start Early

Contact the school early. Our advice: Reach out at least four months before the test.

Find Out if You Can Test for Free
You might qualify for a PSAT/NMSQT fee waiver if:
*You are in 11th grade.
*Your family's annual income falls within USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines or you meet other criteria. Learn about fee waiver eligibility.

*Ask the counselor at the school where you’ll be taking the test if you qualify to take the PSAT/NMSQT for free.
* Fee waivers are not given out for the PSAT 10.

Testing with Accommodations
Students with disabilities must have College Board approval to take the PSAT/NMSQT or the PSAT 10 with accommodations. It can take up to seven weeks, so make your request early.
If you already have College Board approval, let the school know right away so that they have time to order nonstandard test materials if you need them.
Learn more about Services for Students with Disabilities

What to Bring on Test Day
*Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
*An approved calculator
*Email address (optional)
*Valid government-issued photo ID. If unavailable, students can use a notarized College Board Student ID Form (.pdf/488.05 KB).
Just as important: What not to bring


Score Reports
Score reports will be sent to your home address.


2018 SAT TEST DATES:

MAR 10 -- Registration Deadline Feb 9, 2018
MAY 5 -- Registration Deadline April 6, 2018
JUNE 2 --Registration Dealine May 3, 2018
To Register For SAT Test:  Click Here

AUG 25 --Registration Deadline TBA
OCT 6 -- Registration Deadline TBA
NOV 3 -- Registration Deadline TBA
DEC 1 -- Registration Deadline TBA
MAR 9 -- Registration Deadline TBA

For SAT Subject Test Calendar:  Click Here

For More Information:
Click Here



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111.  MASTER THE SAT CLASSES WITH JEAN BURK

APRIL 27 & 28 -- College Prep Genius SAT Boot Camp in Frisco, Texas
Friday: 9am-3pm; Saturday: 9am-3pm
Location: Comfort Suites – World Cup Room, 9700 Dallas Parkway, Frisco TX 75033
Cost: $249 per student and $149 for sibling  
What to Bring:
Snacks and Sack Lunch each day.  Water Provided.
Click here to register or learn more

SAT Boot Camp in the HEB/Mid-Cities area
We are putting together a class in the HEB/Mid-Cities area.  If you are interested in being a part of the class,
please send us an email.

  ​


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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112.  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. 

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
 (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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113.  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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114.  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 to 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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115.  VOLUNTEER AT THE FORT WORTH ZOO -- WEEKDAY HOME SCHOOL VOLUNTEENS PROGRAM

The Fort Worth Zoo's Weekday Home School Volunteens Program provides home-schooled teens, ages 12-17, the opportunity to assist Fort Worth Zoo Preschool teachers by helping set up, clean up, and assist students with crafts and excursions into the Zoo.

Volunteens come in once a week, for half of the day -- either from 8:45am to 12:15pm or from 12:45pm to 4:15pm.
The fall session runs from September to December;  the spring sessions runs from January to May.

Applications are completed online and interviews are scheduled after the final application date.  After interviewing all applicangs, the Education staff will make selections.  Selected Volunteens are required to attend a mandatory orientation prior to the start of the semester.

For More Information, or to Apply:
 Click Here


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116.  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 the 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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117.  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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118.  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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119.  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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120. FREE ORGAN RECITALS IN DALLAS

FREE ORGAN RECITALS
Dates TBD

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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121. READING PROGRAMS 2017

Barnes & Noble -- Read 8 Books & Earn a Free Book
Download the Reading Journal.
Read any 8 books this summer
Record them in the Reading Journal
Bring completed Journal to Barnes & Noble store
Choose your Free Reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of the Journal.


Chuck E. Cheese -- Read 14 Day & Get 10 free tokens

Half Price Books -- Read 300 minutes each month for $5 Bookworm Bucks
8th Grade & Under:  Read 15 minutes a day for a month in June & July (grown ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning).  
Download the Reading Log.
Program runs through July.  HPB Bookworm Bucks coupons are valid through August 27.
High School: Read a book each month in June & July and write a short review. No reading log.
Just bring your review to your local Half Price Books to claim your Bookworm Bucks.
Submit your review here starting June 1.

H.E.Buddy Reading Program
-- Read 10 books for tee shirt & prizes.
Download Reading Log.
Program is intended solely for children who are residents of Texas between the ages of 3-12.

PBS Summer Reading Camp -- Everything you need for 10 fun weeks of reading
Weekly Themes:  Bugs, Heroes, Reading Quest, Animal Antics, Make Music, Dragons & Dinos,
Play Outside, Get Wet!, Sports & Games, and World of Words
Must Subscribe to Education.com to Access

Six Flags Read to Succeed Program
Read to Succeed encourages students in grades K-6 to read for fun.
Students who complete 6 hours of recreational reading earn a free ticket to Six Flags.
To learn more: click here

Public Library Reading Programs -- Click here to locate a library near you.



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You are receiving this newsletter because you have requested it through our website or on a sign-up sheet at an event or at a booth.

If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider becoming a member supporter!  For $30 a year, your family can receive all of the benefits of membership, including $20 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!


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HEART of Texas     P.O. Box 211882    Bedford, TX  76095-1882    http://www.heartoftex.org