HEART of Texas

Homeschool with HEART!
August 2010 Newsletter
HEART OF TEXAS   
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.

AUGUST 2010 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
 
Dear Home School Families and Friends,

Several months ago, we celebrated the birth of our sixth child and have been savoring every precious moment!   We are ready once again to get back to publishing the newsletter, just in time for the new school year. Thank you so much for the many words of encouragement and the grace that you have shown us during this sweet time with our family.

As always, we are excited to share information that we feel is of interest to home schoolers in North Texas.  Please feel free to pass along this newsletter to the 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 info@HEARTofTex.org so we can share it in our next bi-weekly e-newsletter.  Advertising space is available for those wishing to advertise their businesses, classes, job listings, or other opportunities.

Additionally, if you or anyone in your group would like to submit articles, or have suggestions for future article topics, please contact us at info@heartoftex.org.   

We would love to hear from you!


www.HEARTofTex.org


Our deadlines are as follows:  
the 10th of the month, for the mid-month issue;
the 20th of the month for the issue that goes out at the beginning of the following month.  If you have questions, feel free to email us.

Thanks so much!
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Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling support groups, leaders and families in our regional service area. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, resources and support within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups, leaders, and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.

This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided.  HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.

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~UPCOMING HEART OF TEXAS EVENTS ~

AUGUST 7
5TH ANNUAL HEART OF TEXAS
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
BROOKHAVEN CHURCH (MARSH LANE OFF 635)

Do you help newbies get started homeschooling?
Do you coordinate activities or field trips?
Do you lead a home school support group, co-op, or e-list?
Our special guest speaker will conduct  a strategy session to help us understand the future/trends of homeschooling and how we can best position ourselves and our organizations to reach homeschool families, serve them effectively, and get them active and involved.

Time:  
8am - On-site Registration
           9am-3:30pm – Leadership Conference
Location:  
Brookhaven Church
                13000 Marsh Lane, Dallas, Tx  75234

Theme: 
Moving Forward with the New Face of Home Schooling

Speakers: 
Tim Lambert, president, Texas Home School Coalition
                Jim Loose, strategic planning specialist

General Admission at the Door: $35/person;  $45/married couple

Board Members of Partnering Home School Organizations:
$25/person $35/married couple

Registration includes coffee, light breakfast snacks, boxed lunch from Jason's Deli and drink, light afternoon snacks

Details: 
http://www.heartoftex.org/leadership/conference.html



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~MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS ~


AUGUST 1-31
AUGUST DOLLAR DAYS
DALLAS ARBORETUM

Cost:  $1/person
The Hoffman Family Gift Store will also have great items for $1
The Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace will feature $1 iced tea and sodas.
Things to Do while in the Garden:
   
* Walk through the misters of Palmer Fern Dell
    * Roll down the Martin Rutchik Concert Lawn behind the Camp House
    * Travel back in time in Texas Pioneer Adventure
    * Discover the hidden animal sculptures of Lay Ornamental Garden
    * Find the fish in the Koi Pond
Location:  
8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218
For More Information:  Click Here

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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 9
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS
HOME SCHOOL DAY AT COWBOYS STADIUM
SEPTEMBER 23

Deadline to Register:  SEPTEMBER 9
This is the first time the Cowboys are doing a home school day, so let's
give them a good showing so they will want to do this again next year!

Time:  First tour start at 10am.  Last tour starts as 1:30, depending on how many people participate. They will take people in small groups every 15 minutes.
Location:  Cowboys stadium in Arlington
Cost:  $20/person (regularly $27.50)
Strollers are permitted.
Come out for a behind the scenes VIP Educational Guided Tour of
the new Cowboys Stadium and have access to:
-The Cowboys locker room
-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders locker room
-Run through the Cowboys tunnel and explore our Field Club
-Luxury suites, private clubs, and press boxes
-Field Access (throw passes, kick field goal, or just stare in awe)
-Fun Facts Quiz, specialized for Home School Day participants

PLUS!!!  Receive 1 free photo on the star at the 50 yard line for each participant

To Register:  Click Here
Password:  
Homeschool

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AUGUST 6
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SALE
TEXAS BALLET THEATER PERFORMANCE:  CINDERELLA
AT AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Location:  AT&T Performing Arts Center
Valid only for the orchestra section seats
Contact:  877-828-9200
For More Information:
Click Here

Discount:  Texas Ballet Theater is offering ALL homeschoolers special ticket prices 
for select performances during the 2010-2011 Season.  For details click here.  


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AUGUST 2-6
CREEK CAMP - FUN & FARMIN' CAMP
AT HERITAGE FARMSTEAD IN PLANO

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $40/day or $150/week (program is directed to children ages 6-12)
Details: Advanced registration is required.
Location:  Heritage Farmstead Museum
               1900 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX  75075
                972-881-0140

Discount:  Heritage Farmstead Museum is offering HEART of Texas members (with valid family ID card) a $1 off the adult regular admission price (up to 4 people) and .50 cents off child's regular admission, good for either the 1:30pm Historic Farrell-Wilson house tour or for the following special events: Harvest Festival, Lantern Light, Spring Festival. 
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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AUGUST 9
FALL REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR CLASSES
AT CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION IN WATAUGA

Location:  Center for Home Education
5733 Watauga Road, Watauga, TX 76148
Contact:  817-281-2293
For More Information:
Click Here

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: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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AUGUST 10 or 12
AUDITIONS FOR ALICE IN WONDERLAND
COTTAGE THEATRE IN WATAUGA

Location:  Center for Home Education
5733 Watauga Road, Watauga, TX 76148
Contact:  817-281-2293
For More Information:
Click here to email
Call Backs:
August 13 starting at 4:30pm
Class rehearsals are Tues & Thurs, 4:30-6:30pm beginning August 17.
Tech Week is October 18-21 from 6:30-9:30pm
Pick up rehearsal October 27
Performances:  October 22, 23, 28 29, 30 at 7:30pm and October 24 at 2:30pm

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: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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AUGUST 11, 18, 25
NATURE AWARENESS DAY CAMPS
CAMP TONKAWA IN COLLINSVILLE

"Nature Camps"
Time:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Cost:  Preregistration $15 (mail in payment); walk-in registration $18
(group and family rates available)
Topics: Learn about what is happening in the nature that is in your own backyard.
What to Bring:  Lunches.
Details: Click Here

R.S.V.P:  940-440-8382
Location:  1036 CR 203,
                Collinsville TX 76233

For Info on Other Events at Camp Tonkawa:  Click Here

Discount:  Camp Tonkawa is offering 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: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here


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AUGUST 11-15
RINGLING BROS AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER

August 11         7:30PM
August 12         7:30PM
August 13         10:30AM, 7:30PM
August 14         1:30PM, 5:30PM
August 15         2:30PM

Tickets:  Click Here
Special Offers:  Click Here
For More Information:  Click Here

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AUGUST 13
CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN THEATER PRESENTS:
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
AT THE PLAZA THEATER IN GARLAND

Times:
1pm;  7pm
Location:  The Plaza Theater
               521 West State St, Garland, 75040
Cost:  1pm:  All tickets $6 (Free for ages 2 and under)
        7pm:  $8/Ages 12-Adult;  $6/Ages 3-11 and Senior Citizens;
        (Free for ages 2 and under)
To Pre-Order Tickets:  972-658-3915 or click here to email
Please Note:  Tickets are $1 more at the Door

Discount:  Children's Christian Theater is offering $1 off matinee tickets and $2 off evening performances to HEART of Texas members with a valid family 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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AUGUST 13
HOME SCHOOL NIGHT
FRISCO ROUGH RIDERS BASEBALL

Time:   7pm
Cost:    $16/each includes All-You-Can-Eat food and drinks;
           $10/each for Non-food tickets;
           Ages 2 and under FREE
Tickets are for the bullpen section and include a RoughRiders hat
To Order Tickets:  Click Here to email or 972-334-1938
Location:  Dr. Pepper Baseball Park
For Directions:  Click Here


For Schedule:  Click Here

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AUGUST 14-17
FREE CHILD ADMISSION
HALF PRICE ADULT ADMISSION
DALLAS ZOO -- TARGET ZOOFARI DAYS

For More Information:  
Click Here

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AUGUST 14
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

Time: 10am-5pm (must arrive by 4:15pm to enter butterfly house)
Cost:  Most activities are free, with paid Garden or Butterfly House Admission
Butterfly House Admission:  
$8/Adults; $6/Seniors (60+); $4/Ages 3-11; Free/Under 3
Butterfly House admission includes garden admission
Location:  3601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd,  Fair Park, Gate 6

For Schedule:  Click Here

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AUGUST 14-15
PRIMITIVE SKILLS SURVIVAL CLASS 1
CAMP TONKAWA

Time: 9:30am on Sat through 2:30 p.m. on Sun.
Cost:  $75/Ages 17 and up;  $60/Ages 12-15;  $50/Ages 8-11
(group and family rates available) 
What to Bring:  Lunches.  If spending night, bring tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, cup, and utensils.  Camp chairs and flashlights are nice to have, but not a necessity.  If you require vegetarian fare, let us know.
Details: Click Here
R.S.V.P:  903-429-6483
Location:  1036 CR 203,
                Collinsville TX 76233

For Info on Other Events at Camp Tonkawa:  Click Here

Discount:  Camp Tonkawa is offering 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: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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AUGUST 16 & 24
HOME SCHOOL CLASSES
AT FOSSIL RIM

August 16 -- "Scary Animals" Class & Tour
Time:  
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216 
Details:  Learn the truth about tarantulas, snakes, opposums, and other animals that many people have misconceptions about. End the day with a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216

August 24 -- Colors By Nature (Exploring Natural Dyes) Class & Tour
Time:  10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.
Details:  Use specialized insects to dye bandanas. End the day with a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216 

To view other events at Fossil Rim:  
Click Here


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AUGUST 18
OPEN HOUSE FOR EDUCATORS AND PARENTS
BARNES & NOBLE ARLINGTON AT THE PARKS

Time:  11:30am-1pm
Location:  3881 S. Cooper St, Suite 2027, Arlington  76015
Teachers get a 20% discount on materials.
Details:  
Cookies and samples of our summer drinks!
Storytime complete with a craft, keeping your little ones busy so you can browse.
Lots of prizes, gift baskets and give-a-ways too!
Our new educational section has excellent educational toys and games for babies through teens. Come see our great manipulatives, learning devices, and educational kits to really give your curriculum an edge!  Our newly expanded Resources for Parents and Teachers section has thousands of top workbooks in every subject, curriculum guides, the latest ideas on how to overcome teaching objectives and lesson ideas.
 

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AUGUST 19
VERITAS SPEECH/DEBATE CLUB
PARENT/STUDENT ORIENTATION
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF COPPELL

Time:  6:30-8:30pm
Location:  First Baptist of Coppell
                590 S. Denton Tap Rd, Coppell, 75019
This meeting is mandatory if your student is interested in speech/debate competition in the 2010-2011 school year.
Weekly Club Meetings:  Thursdays from 3-8:30pm from Sept. 9th until May
Weekly meetings are scheduled as follows:
3:00-4:00pm      Extemporaneous Speech (current events)
4:00-5:30pm      Speech Club & Lincoln Douglas Debate
5:30-6:00pm      Dinner Break
6:00-8:30pm      Team Policy Debate & Speech for LDers
Annual Dues:  $95
 
For additional club information and requirements:  Click Here


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AUGUST 20
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
FALL 2010 HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLASSES
AT TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE

Southeast Campus (Arlington)

PreAlgebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
College Alegbra for Homeschoolers, Trigonometry

NW Campus - FW

Alegbra I, Algebra II


South Campus Classes (to be offered in January 2010)
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry

Cost:  
$166 (includes book)
$10 fee charge at end of semester if book is damaged.   

FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
For More Information about the Math Classes:  Call 972-660-8414 or Click Here to email

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AUGUST 23
TICKET SALES BEGIN FOR
HOMESCHOOL DAY AT THE
FORT WORTH ZOO - OCTOBER 7

All home school students and families are invited to a fun-filled educational day in the wilds of the Zoo on Thursday, October 7, 2010.

Keeper chats and activity stations tailor-made for home schoolers will be available throughout the park. Enjoy asking keepers your best animal questions around the Zoo's world-class exhibits.  Consider purchasing additional tickets to the Zoo's Wild Wonders Live Animal Program (topic to be announced at a later date), self-guided back-pack tour and/or lunch!

On-line registration link will be live August 23:  Click Here
Or visit www.fortworthzoo.org & click on Home School Day under the Education tab.

The Zoo is now recruiting for Spring 2011 Home School Teens!
To Learn More: 
Click Here


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AUGUST 24
DALLAS HSAA BASKETBALL REGISTRATION & TRYOUTS
2010-2011 WINTER SEASON
CARROLLTON

Time:  Girls grades 6-12:  7-8pm;  Boys grades 6-12: 8-9pm
Please arrive 15 minutes early
Location:  IAD (Integrated Athletic Development) -- Carrollton
                George Bush Freeway (Hwy 190) @I-35
                (take Old Denton Hwy exit off George Bush and travel the service roads)
Tryout Fee:  FREE
What to bring:
1. A Signed HSAA Athletic Release & Medical Authorization (all players)
2. Copy of Birth Certificate (new players to HSAA only)
3. Wear basketball practice attire for 1-hour practice
To Register Online (mandatory):  Click Here
For additional club information and requirements:  Click Here to send email


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AUGUST 25
BAND CLASSES BEGINNING
FOR GRADES 6-12
AT THEO IN PLANO

Classes Meet:  Wednesdays from 11am-1pm
Prerequisites:  Students must already play an instrument.
Performances: Approximately 2 concerts will be planned for each semester. We also play at football games for area homeschool teams.
Maximum number of students:  Unlimited.  Parents who play are also welcome to join us at no cost.
Cost per student:  $45 per month.  There will be a family discount for those with more than one child who participates in the class.  There is a supply fee of $40 per year per family to cover the cost of music, equipment and other necessities.
For More Information:  Click Here

To learn more about THEO and other classes offered:  Click Here

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

Contact:   Click Here to email

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AUGUST 25, 27, 28, 29
RANGERS BASEBALL
DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Home school students, family, and friends are invited to take advantage of discounted tickets on up to nine pricing levels. Come join your Texas Rangers for a night of great baseball action. It's fun for everyone!

To Purchase Home School Discount Game Tickets:  Click Here
Password:  
Rangers

Home School Discount Ticket Game Nights:
AUGUST 25 -- Rangers vs. Twins
Autograph Wednesday (13 and under); Dollar Hot Dog Night

AUGUST 27 -- Rangers vs. A's
Fantastic Friday Fireworks

AUGUST 28 -- Rangers vs. A's
Rangers T-Shirt (First 8,500, 13 and under)

AUGUST 29 -- Rangers vs. A's
Rangers Chest Protector Backpack (First 8,500, 13 and under)


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AUGUST 26
KICK-OFF MEETING
IRVING HOMESCHOOLERS GROUP

Time: 7pm
Location:  Lee Park Recreation Center in Irving
For More Information:
Click Here

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AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 7
OPEN AUDITIONS -- AGES 5-18
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN THEATER

Every child will receive a part.
Sign up for performance class or tech crew.
To Enroll:
 $60/month
*$10 discount for additional sibling.
*Families with 3 children cost $145
*Each additional child after 3 children is $25/month
*Parent helpers are needed for $10 monthly tuition discount.
*We wish for every child who wants to participate to be able to. Limited financial assistance available.  Ask Annie.  
Registration Fee:  $20

To Register:  
Click Here.  Include your child's age, gender, and name.
An enrollment packet will be emailed to you.

Performances:  
The Plaza Theater in Garland
Rehearsals: 
First United Methodist Church in Garland

Parents are not required to stay during class time.

Discount:  Children's Christian Theater is offering HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card, 50% off the registration fee.  
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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SEPTEMBER 7 & 10
HOMESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
FREE TRAINING DAYS
VELOCITY SPORTS PERFORMANCE IN SOUTHLAKE

RSVP by SEPTEMBER 1
Time:  2pm-3pm
Location:  Velocity Sports Performance
                1800 East Highway 114, Suite 101
                Southlake, TX  
                817-416-0606
To RSVP:  Click here to email Velocity in Southlake
For More Information:  Click Here

Discount:  Velocity /Southlake is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount on all training, whether it is with the Home School program, regular training program or any camps that are held at this location., with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To learn about HEART of Texas membership: Click Here
To view our ever-expanding list of partners:  
Click Here

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

AUGUST/SEPT HIGHLIGHTS
August 1-31 --
Dollar Days at Dallas Arboretum
August 1-Sept 9 --
Reserve tickets for Home School Day at Cowboys Stadium
August 2-6 -- 
Fun & Farmin' Camp at Heritage Farmstead in Plano
August 9 --
Class Registration Deadline  - Center for Home Education
August 10 or 12 --
Auditions for Cinderella - Center for Home Education
August 11, 18, 25 --
Nature Awareness Day Camps - Camp Tonkawa
August 11-15 --
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus - Ft. Worth
August 13 --
Children's Christian Theater Presents: Anne of Green Gables
August 13 --
Home School Night - Frisco Rough Riders Baseball
August 14-17 --
Free Child Admission/Half-Price Adult - Dallas Zoo
August 14 --
Butterfly Festival - Texas Discovery Gardens
August 14-15 --
Primitive Skills Survival Class 1 - Camp Tonkawa
August 16 & 24 --
Home School Classes at Fossil Rim
August 18 --
Educator Open House - Barnes & Noble Arlington at the Parks
August 19 --
Veritas Speech/Debate Club - Orientation Meeting
August 20 --
Registration Deadline - High School Math Classes at TCC
August 23 --
Ticket Sales Begin: Home School Day at Ft Worth Zoo on Oct 7
August 24 --
Dallas HSAA Baskeball Registration/Tryouts in Carrollton
August 25 --
Band Classes Beginning at THEO in Plano
August 25, 27, 28, 29 --
Home School Discount Tickets -- Texas Rangers Baseball
August 26 --
Irving Homeschool Group Kick-Off Meeting
August 31 - Sept. 7 --
Auditions: It's a Wonderful Life - CCT in Garland
Sept. 7 & 10 --
Home School Open House/Free Training - Velocity in Southlake
Sept. 14 --
Home School Workshop - Old Red Museum in Dallas
Sept. 23 --
Home School Day at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington
Sept. 23 --Educator Open House in the Ft Worth Cultural District
Sept. 25 --
Fort Worth Day in the District



FEATURED ARTICLES

Have You Hugged Your Support Group Leader Today? - by Lyndsay Lambert, THSC

How to Register Your Child for the PSAT/NMSQT Test  - by Anne Gebhart


Texas Ballet Theater Offering HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Discount Tickets for Select Performances at Bass Hall and Winspear Opera House

Go for the Gold in College Scholarship Olympics -- by Jean Burk, College Prep Genius

Area Editors Needed for HEART of Texas Newsletter

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

LIBRARY PROGRAMS
1.   Library Programs at North Texas Libraries -- North Texas
       Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact info@heartoftex.org

     Bedford Public Library    
     Fort Worth Public Library
     Hurst Public Library
     McKinney Public Library System
     Tyler Public Library

READING REWARD PROGRAMS
2.   Book It!  Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
3.   Braums Book Buddy Reading Program -- Enrollment Open
   
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
4.   BEST Robotics 2010 Preview:  Total Recall -- Registration Open til Sept 1
5.   FIRST Lego League: Body Forward -- 2010 Kits begin to ship August 2
6.   Texas State Fish-Art Contests -- Entries Due March 31, 2011
7.   National Engineers Week -- Registration Deadline October 29
8.   USA Mathematical Talent Search -- Registration TBA late Summer 2010
9.   Igniting Creative Energy Challenge for K-12 -- 2011 Deadline TBA
10. Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest -- 2011 Deadline TBA
    
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.  Texas Home School Coalition Good Citizenship Award Program -- State-wide

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.  THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
17.  Christian Cottage Prep -- Fort Worth
18.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
19.  Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas -- Cedar Hill/SW Dallas area
20.   Cooke County Cotillion for Home Schooled Teens -- Gainesville
21.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
22.  Eastfield College -- Mesquite
23.  Enrichment Classes, Inc. -- Lewisville
24.  Faith Christian Academy -- McKinney
25.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
26.  Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes -- East Dallas
27.  JOY Christian Academy -- Decatur

28.  Morning Glory Academy -- Hurst
29.  Tarrant County College -- High School Math Classes for Home Schoolers
30.  Venture Home School Classes -- Colleyville
31.  YMCA/Irving Home School Classes -- Irving

BOOK SALES & OUR PARTNERING HOME SCHOOL BOOK STORES
32.  Library Used Book Sales in North Texas
         
Wichita Falls  August 7
          Bedford  August 12-15
            Temple – September 2-5
          Wichita Falls – September 4
          Arlington  September 23-26
33.  Christian Educators Resource Center -- Rowlett
34.  Center for Home Education -- Watauga
35.  Home Educators Resource -- Lewisville
 
NATURE CENTERS & 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.  Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Programs
39.  Fossil Rim
40.  Haven's Horses (Horsemanship & Outdoor Education)-- Keller
41.  Heard Museum Homeschool Classes – McKinney
42.  Heritage Farmstead Museum -- Plano
43.  Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -- Pilot Point
44.  Texas Discovery Gardens -- Dallas
45.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs -- State Parks in North Texas

PERFORMING ARTS
46.  Performances at Casa Manana Children’s Playhouse --Fort Worth
        
Snow White -- October 1-17
47.  Performances at CATS -- Arlington
       
Berenstain Bears -- August 3-5
48.  Cottage Theater –  -- Watauga
        
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland -- October 22-30
49.  Theater Performances at Artisan Center Theater -- Hurst
       
Steel Magnolias -- July 16-August 7
          South Pacific -- August 13-September 25
50.  Performances at Bass Performance Hall -- Fort Worth
       
Shen Yun -- August 4-5
51.  Children's Christian Theater -- Garland
         Anne of Green Gables -- August 13
52.  Dallas Children’s Theater -- Dallas
      
Miss Nelson is Missing -- September 17-October 24
53.  Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- Dallas
        Gone with the Winds -- October 6, 26, 27
        Peter & the Wolf -- February 16, 22, 23, 24
        Noble North America -- April 6, 7
54.  Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra -- Fort Worth
55.  Plano Children’s Theater -- Plano
        Androcles & the Lion -- August 14-19
        Annie -- August 13-22
56.  Texas Ballet Theater Performances -- Special Pricing -- Dallas/Ft. Worth
        Homeschoolers Receive Special Discount on the Following Performances:

            Cinderella (Winspear Opera House) – October 2 at 2pm
        Cinderella (Bass Performance Hall) – October 23 at 2pm
        The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House) – December 4 at 2pm
        The Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall) – December 18 at 2pm
        Mixed Repertoire (Bass Performance Hall) – February 20 at 2pm
        Mixed Repertoire (Winspear Opera House) – March 6 at 2pm
        Don Quixote (Winspear Opera House) – June 4 at 2pm
        Don Quixote (Bass Performance Hall) – June 11 at 2pm

57.  Home School Discount Tickets to Dallas Theater Performances
        Amazing Grace -- August 6
      
ART MUSEUMS
58.  Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
         
Constructive Spirit: Abstract Art in North and South America, 1920s-1950s --                 through September 5
        Ansel Adams: Eloquent Light -- through November 7
            Leon Polk Smith: The Tamarind Lithography Workshop -- through December 5
          Masterworks of American Photography: Popular Culture -- opens August 14
        American Modern: Abbott, Evans, Bourke-White -- opens October 2
59.  Dallas Museum of Art Exhibits -- Dallas
        First Tuesday (Free admission) -- August 3 (Theme: Picture Perfect)
                                                      Sept 7 (Theme: Fiesta)
        Weekend Family Film: August 1-29 -- Reading Rainbow: The Carousel
        Coastlines: Images of Land and Sea -- Through August 22
        Through the Eyes of Our Children - Something Beautiful -- Opening May 14
        Luc Tuymans -- Opening June 6
60.  Kimbell Art Museum Exhibit -- Fort Worth
       
Children's Workshop (ages 6-14) -- dates TBA
       
Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea - August 29-January 2
61.  Museum of Nature & Science -- Dallas
         
Water -- Through August 22

62.  Museum of Science & History -- Fort Worth
       
Fort Worth History Gallery
        Cattle Raisers Museum
        DinoLabs and DinoDig
        Energy Blast
        Native American Gallery - Gordon W. Smith North American Indian Collection
        Mexico: Festival of Toys -- through August 12
        Building Brainstorm -- through September 6
        Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius -- through September 6

63.  Nasher Sculpture Center -- Dallas
        Target First Saturdays:
        August 7 -- Theme: Drama 
        September 4 -- Theme: Character
        October 2 -- Theme: Mystery
        November 6 -- Theme: Conversation
        December 4 -- Theme: Harmony
        

IMAX/OMNI THEATERS
64.  Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
       
Alaska: Spirit of the Wild
        Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk

65.  Shows at the Fort Worth Omni Theater -- Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History
        Animalopolis -- Opens November 20
        Sharks -- Opens February 27
        Adrenaline Rush
        Van Gogh:  Brush with Genius
       
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
66.  Programs at Log Cabin Village -- Fort Worth
        Closed for Maintenance -- August 23-September 6

67.  Dallas Heritage Village -- Dallas

SCIENCE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
68.  Star Parties at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History -- August 14

HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
Become a HEART of Texas Supporting Partner to list your non-profit Sport/PE program
69.  Aledo Christian School's Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball Teams -- Aledo
70.  Berne Academy's Varsity Boys Basketball Team -- Lancaster

71.  Homeschool Swim -- The Colony Aquatic Park -- The Colony
72.  Homeschool Swim & Swim Team -- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium-- Allen
73.  Christian Martial Arts -- Bedford
74.  Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization -- Registration Open
75.  Elite Track Club/Cross Country Program for Home Schoolers  
76.  Home School Athletic Association
77.  THESA Riders Home School  Association
78.  Hulcy Home School PE Classes -- Richardson
79.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Highland Park
80.  Home School PE Classes -- Velocity in Southlake
81.  Home School Fencing Classes -- Fencing Institute of Texas -- Farmers Branch
82.  Parker-Tarrant Home School 
83.  Pop-In Playtime -- Pump It Up of Grapevine -- Grapevine

SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Become a HEART of Texas Support Group Partner to list your Support Group here & on our site!
84.  Smoothing the Way Meetings in North Texas
85.  Coppell Speech/Debate Club -- Coppell
86.  Denton County Christian Home School Association -- Denton
87.  Fellowship Church Homeschool Network -- Grapevine
88.  How Now Homeschooling -- Plano/Frisco/Allen/McKinney area

89.  Lewisville Area Speech and Debate Club -- Lewisville
90.  Matthew Road Home School Group -- Grand Prairie
91.  North Irving Christian Home Educators -- Irving
92.  Park Day Drama Club -- Plano
93.  Ready to Answer Speech and Debate -- Decatur
94.  SALT Co-Op -- DeSoto
95.  Homeschoolers Offering Moms Encouragement (HOME) -- Flower Mound

COLLEGE PREP
96.  SAT Test Dates
97.  SAT Prep Classes with Jean Burk -- Across North Texas   

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
98.  Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Scholarship -- Deadline December 1, 2009

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities must indicate a direct homeschool interest to be included in this listing.
99.  Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties -- American Cancer Society
100.  Learn to Laugh in Another Language: Be a Host Family for a Foreign-Exchange Student -- INTO EdVENTURES
101.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals; Friendship -- Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
102.  Homeschool Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals -- Meals on Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties
103.  Home School Volunteers Needed to Serve Meals -- Dallas -- The Stewpot
104.  Fort Worth Zoo Home School Volunteen Program -- Fort Worth Zoo

OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
105. Registration Open for Jubilate Chorus -- Plano -- Sept. 8, 2010
106. "Order in the Court" Homeschool Class at Old Red Museum - Dallas - Sept. 14
107. Home School Day at Cowboys Stadium -- Arlington -- September 23
108. Educator Evening in the Ft. Worth Cultural District -- Ft. Worth -- Sept. 23
109. Day in the Ft. Worth Cultural District -- Ft. Worth Museums -- Sept. 25


JOB OPENINGS
110.  Check-In Receptionist, Check-Out Receptionist, and Technician Positions Open -- DeSoto Area
111.  Great Opportunities for Home School Students at Pump It Up of Grapevine


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Have You Hugged Your Support Group Leader Today?
--by Lyndsay Lambert

Reprinted with permission.  THSC REVIEW© August 2002

Since 1990 when Tim and I began working with the Texas Home School Coalition, we have had the opportunity to attend annual national meetings for state leaders.  They have been very helpful to us, as we have been able to meet leaders from other states and share ideas and information.  We think that home schoolers in Texas have benefited from our participation in these meetings, because we have been able to implement new programs and directions based on what we have learned from other people in similar positions.

One time a sponsor of one of the meetings mentioned that, while they aimed at having good speakers and helpful information, one of the main reasons to hold such meetings was to encourage the state leaders, to give them a much needed pat on the back.  As we considered that statement, it dawned on us that, by and large, people are very supportive of us and the role that we have at the Coalition.  The time that we really could have used that pat on the back was when we were support group leaders.

In my opinion, support group leadership is one of the most thankless jobs around.  So often, people are quick to criticize and complain and very slow to recognize the sacrifice of time and effort that it takes to lead a group of home schoolers.  My husband often describes leading home schoolers as like trying to herd cats.  What a great visual picture!  Actually, we love home schoolers (After all, we are home schoolers.), but you have to admit that most of us are opinionated and strong-willed, or we would not be willing to go against the flow and teach our children at home.  Therefore, those in support group leadership have to deal with all of us “cats.”

Because of our gratitude toward home school support group leaders and our understanding of the sacrifices they make, the Texas Home School Coalition has developed several ways by which it seeks to recognize and encourage local home school support group leaders.  The Coalition has instituted Home School Leader Appreciation Week—in 2009 it is the week of April 19-25—during which we encourage support group members to take a little time out of their busy schedules to thank their leaders, who sacrifice to make their home schooling easier.

What can you do?  The following are just a few way that you might bless them:

Give them a special gift.
You could give your leaders bouquets of flowers or to offer to keep their children for an afternoon or, even better, for an evening while the couple goes to dinner using a gift certificate to a nice restaurant.  While they are in leadership, this might be a rare and special treat!

Give your leaders one of THSC’s free Certificates of Appreciation. 
These can be used to recognize these leaders and to affirm your gratitude.  We will fill requests for certificates of appreciation in recognition of Leader Appreciation Week, although we will also provide certificates as requested throughout the year.

Nominate them for THSC’s Leader of the Year.
THSC’s Leader of the Year is chosen from those who have been nominated for this honor by the members of their groups.  It takes at least three letters of recommendation to nominate, and more letters carry more weight in the choice.  These letters should giving reasons why this leader(s) is the best and why the leader(s) should receive this special honor.  Only one leader/couple may be nominated per group.
 
 
Lyndsay Lambert, a graduate of Texas Tech University, home schooled her four now-grown children for sixteen years. She has assisted Tim, her husband of over thirty-five years, in serving the home school community, first in helping to start and lead their local support group and, since 1990, in running the Texas Home School Coalition, the state organization committed to serving Texas home schoolers. As director of special projects, Lyndsay is the CFO and the editor of the Texas Home School Coalition REVIEW magazine, that reaches nearly 60,000 Texas home school families on a quarterly basis, and oversees the production of all publications of THSC. Her strongest desire, however, is to encourage home school moms and support group leaders in the work that they are doing.  Texas Home School Coalition is our state advocacy organization whose purpose is to help protect home school freedoms. For more information about THSC, please visit their website at www.thsc.org.  



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FEATURED ARTICLE

How to Register Your High Schooler for the PSAT/NMSQT Test
--by Anne Gebhart

Now is the time to contact your local public high school to get your child registered for the PSAT/NMSQT, if you are planning to have your high school student take it this fall.

Schools will administer the test on only one of the official 2010 testing dates:  either October 13 or October 16.  Check with your local public school to find out which date they are offering the test.

Most high schools begin registering their students during the first couple of weeks of school, so you will need to contact your public school counseling office or principal as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss the registration deadline.

The PSAT/NMSQT, also called the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test that serves as a practice test for the SAT Reasoning test.  It also gives students a chance to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  Some students, including homeschoolers, have been able to win full scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship competition.  It is wise to encourage your student to learn test-taking skills, take practice tests, and even take the full-fledged PSAT in the 9th and 10th grades for practice.

The PSAT/NMSQT is only administered once each year, usually in October.  Test scores only count toward the National Merit Scholar awards in a student's eleventh grade year, although students may take the PSAT/NMSQT for practice in the years preceding their eleventh grade year.

The Texas Home School Coalition was instrumental in getting a law passed by the Texas legislature requiring independent school districts to allow home school students residing within their district to take the PSAT/NMSQT test with their students.  The law went into effect September 1, 2007.

Additionally, the law states that public schools may not charge homeschool students a higher testing fee than they charge their own students.  If the school charges its students $20, homeschoolers cannot be charged more than $20.  If students at the school can take the test for free, homeschoolers must be able to take it for free as well.

Some students prefer taking the test at a private school which offers the test.  While there is that option, it must be pointed out that private schools are not required to open their testing to those outside of their student body, and are not subject to the state law.  Private schools may also charge more for your student to take the test at their school.

When contacting your local public school to register your child for the test, if you experience resistance, confusion, or receive conflicting information from the school official, please contact the Texas Home School Coalition by email at staff@thsc.org.  In your correspondence, include the following information:  the date you contacted the school, the school district, the school name, the name of the person with whom you spoke, and the essence of the conversation, including the reason(s) given for not allowing your child to test at their school.  

Since the law went into effect two years ago, most of the kinks have already been worked out; however, there might be a few school districts which may need to be familiarized with the law, and THSC will be happy to help if necessary.

When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, he will need to include a School Code on his test sheet.  The College Board's code for Texas Home School Students is "994499".

On test day, your student will need to provide a form of picture ID.

Until last year, the only acceptable forms of photo identification were a driver's license, state-issued ID, valid passport, or a school identification card with a picture.  This has been an issue in the past, as homeschoolers do not have school-issued photo ID cards, such as those provided to public school students.

The College Board's listing of acceptable forms of photo ID now includes a more accessible and less expensive option for homeschoolers:  a Student ID Form that can be prepared by a local support group or by the local public school.

The SAT Student ID form can be downloaded from the College Board website and printed on the organization's official letterhead.  The form must be dated and accompanied by a "recognizable" photo of the student.   The student will need to sign the ID form in the presence of the organization's representative or public school principal.  The student will also be asked to sign the ID form again at the testing center to verify the signature.

The Student ID Form is valid for one year, and must be presented each time the student tests.

We hope that this information makes registering your student for the PSAT test a little easier.  If we can help you with any questions, please contact us by clicking here to send us an email.



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FEATURED ARTICLE

Texas Ballet Theater Offers HEART of Texas Newsletter Readers Discount Tickets for Select Performances at Bass Performance Hall and Winspear Opera House

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 on great seats, 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 -- everyone can enjoy these great discounts regardless of  the size of your party.  But you must mention HEART of Texas when you call as well as our special promo code (we will announce that when it is ready).

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 note 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.


2010 - 2011 SEASON:
OCTOBER 1-3 -- Cinderella (Winspeare Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  OCTOBER 2 at 2pm

OCTOBER 22-24 -- Cinderella (Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  OCTOBER 23 at 2pm
                                                         
DECEMBER 3-5 -- The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  DECEMBER 4 at 2pm


DECEMBER 10-24 -- The Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  DECEMBER 18 at 2pm


FEBRUARY 18 & 20 -- Mixed Repertoire (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   FEBRUARY 20  at 2pm

MARCH 4 & 6 -- Mixed Repertoire (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   MARCH 6 at 2pm


For the first time in North Texas!!
JUNE 3-5 -- Don Quixote (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   JUNE 4 at 2pm


JUNE 10-12 -- Don Quixote (Bass Performance Hall)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   JUNE 11 at 2pm



Special Ticket Prices for HEART of Texas Discount Days:
Bass Performance Hall:  $30 for Front Orchestra, Side Orchestra, or Parterre Circle
                                                 (we need a 20 ticket minimum for the $30 price)
                                     20% off all other seating (no minimums)

Winspear Opera House:  $30 for Orchestra Terrace
                                       (we need a 20 ticket minimum for the $30 price)
                                     20% off all other seating
(no minimums)

To Purchase Tickets By Phone:  
817-877-9200  Give the ticket agent the promo code below.
If you have questions or problems ordering, ask to speak with John Jacobe.
Online Ordering:
Not yet available
Promo Code:  Not yet available

Can't attend one of these performances?  

Texas Ballet Theater still has a great deal for you!
All other performance dates will be discounted 20%.

Promo Code:  
Not yet available


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Go for the Gold in College Scholarship Olympics!
--by Jean Burk

GO FOR GOLD IN THE SCHOLARSHIP OLYMPICS

Let the games begin! Looking for scholarships can seem like a marathon. The competition is fierce, but hard work can pay off in scholarship gold. With the right knowledge and some persistence, students can put themselves ahead of the game and bring home the prize in the way of college money. 

Finding college scholarships as a homeschooler is not as hard as you may think.  Begin looking at your local high school guidance counselor’s office as well as in your own community.  Local organizations often have contests for area students who will represent their companies well.  And the fastest growing scholarship resource is the internet with sites such as www.fastweb.com and www.collegeNET.com.  Many are offered at the beginning of the school year and generally have a deadline.  Make sure you only apply for the scholarships that you are qualified for.

On your contest application, be sure to convey who you are, where you are going, and what you have to offer them (i.e., the contest giver, the college).  Make a good first impression with a concise and memorable description of yourself. The judges may never meet you so it will be your writing that will win the contest. Do not be afraid to brag a little on yourself. 

You should also enclose the following items in your scholarship letter:  a list of your volunteer work, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and awards received.  Add several letters of recommendation from teachers and employers. Attach a cheerful picture of yourself so the judges can connect your face with your application.

Most scholarship contests require an essay.  Make sure to keep the topic positive and upbeat.  Put yourself in the place of the judges and ask yourself how they might feel after reading your paper.  Read some previous winning essays to help find clues to the judges’ preferences.  Be as specific as possible when asked about your accomplishments.  Somewhere in your essay, interject how you are a world-changer and a future leader who will represent the contest well if chosen as the winner.

Winning scholarships can be within your reach.  Finding known and little-known contests and creating a stand-out application can make a great team to help you triumph in your college financial goals.  Victory can be yours so good luck and go for the gold. 

Jean Burk is a published author, speaker and teacher. Her “Master The SAT Class” has been featured on NBC, CBS and Fox. To sign-up for her free report, “Good-bye Student Loans, Hello Free College, go to www.collegeprepgenius.com      Contact info:   jean@collegeprepgenius.com      81-SAT-2-PREP

Jean Burk is a published author, speaker and teacher.  Her "Master the SAT Class" has been featured on NBC, CBS and Fox  To sign up for her free report, "Good-Bye Student Loans, Hello Free College," go to www.collegeprepgenius.com.  You can contact Jean at 81-SAT-2-PREP or click here to email her.

Discount:  College Prep Genius is in partnership with HEART of Texas, offering our member families with current ID a $5 discount on classes and products.  To learn more about HEART of Texas Membership click here.  To view our ever-expanding list of partners click here. 


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FEATURED ARTICLE

Volunteer Area Editors Needed for HEART of Texas Newsletter

Do you enjoy searching out fun activities, inexpensive field trips, discounts, freebies, and other things homeschoolers love?

The HEART of Texas newsletter staff is looking for volunteer editors from different parts of the North Texas region to join our team and help us find information to share with the thousands of homeschoolers who read our newsletters each month.

Whether you are a homeschool parent, a "completed" homeschooler, or even a responsible homeschool student looking for activities to include on your high school résumé, if this opportunity sounds appealing, we would love to hear from you!

Anyone in any area is welcome to apply, but we would especially be interested in hearing from those in or near the following areas:  Tyler, Sherman, Frisco, Midlothian, Weatherford, Rockwall, Waxahachie, Cleburne, Mansfield, Gainesville, Wichita Falls, or Corsicana.

Please click here to email Anne.  Include your name, phone number, city, along with a brief explanation of why you are interested in being an area editor.  



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FEATURED ARTICLE

NEST Family Learning Offering Discount and Free Shipping to Our Readers!

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

For a limited time, you can enjoy an additional 15% discount on materials plus FREE shipping on orders over $59!

Simply visit http://www.nestlearning.com/c-5-homeschool.aspx?s_cid=heart
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:  1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
                Bedford, TX  76021
                817-952-2342
Contact:  Jeannie Green

TUESDAYS -- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time:  10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room

TUESDAYS -- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room

THURSDAYS -- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information:  Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373



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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- Story Time for ages 3-6
Time:  10:45 – 11:15 a.m.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS -- Toddler Time for ages 1-3
Time:  10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

MONDAYS -- Chess Club (elementary ages and up)
Time:  4:00 – 5 pm

SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH -- Chapter Chats (4th-6th graders)
Time:  
7-8pm
Details:  
Do you enjoy talking about books? Here’s your chance! Share your views with other kids who have read what you have!
To Find Out Which Books We'll Be Talking About Each Month:  Call 817-788-7302

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

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


Live Homework Help (online tutoring)
Hurst Public Library now offers Live Homework Help
Subjects:  math, science, social studies, and English
Time:  3pm - 10pm
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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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    


Home School Classes:
(MONDAYS) JANUARY 4, 11 -- Texas Bluebonnet Book Club
Time:  
3:30 p.m.
Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Libary - Children's Dept
The Bluebonnet book club will meet 5 times to discuss all the 2009/2010 Bluebonnet book nominees and then participantes will vote for their favorite nominee.
Registration required for programs:  Click here to register


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TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
(all events are free and open to the public)
Location:  201 S. College Ave
One block southwest of the square in downtown Tyler
Contact: Evelyn James – 903-593-7323 – programs@tylertexas.com

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

ReadAloud Crowd
WEDNESDAYS &  THURSDAYS
Time:  10:30 in the Storyroom
Storyteller Evelyn James and friends share songs, stories, and simple crafts with preschoolers and their families

AfterSchool Rules!
THURSDAYS
Time:  3:30 – 5:00 in Taylor Auditorium
A reading incentive program for children in grades K-5
Reading games and activities PLUS! One on one reading time with middle and high school “reading buddies”


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2.  BOOK IT! READING PROGRAM

Who Can Participate:  Children in grades K-6.

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

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

Important Note:  Support groups may not register families for the program.  Each family will need to enroll individually to be able to participate.

For Program Information: Click Here

To Enroll Your Homeschool: Click Here  

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


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3.  BRAUMS BOOK BUDDY PROGRAM

The Braum's Book Buddy program gives children the opportunity to read for delicious prizes from Braum's!

Who Can Participate: Children in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.

Program Runs:  September through end of school year.

Reward:  Each child can earn up to six Braum's treats throughout the year including Single Dip Sundaes, Single Dip Ice Cream Cones and more! The best part...it costs nothing to participate in Braum's Book Buddy reading program. We're happy to offer this program to elementary schools and home schools absolutely free! At Braum's, we want to promote a positive attitude in children for a lifetime love of reading.

How does Book Buddy work?
Teachers distribute Braum's Book Buddy booklets to their students and then monitor book reading by placing a Book Buddy sticker in the student's booklet for each book read. When a student has read six books, the teacher rewards the student with a coupon for a free treat from Braum's!

To Enroll:
Send us a written request for enrollment information on school letterhead to:
Braum's Book Buddy Reading Program
PO Box 25429
OKC, OK 73125

Upon receipt of your written request (and upon meeting criteria) we will add your school to our mailing list and your school will automatically receive information on the program each year. Braum's Book Buddy program is a great way to encourage children to read and earn prizes at the same time!

For More Information:  Click Here  
   
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4.  BEST ROBOTICS 2008 PREVIEW:  TOTAL RECALL
      Registration Deadline: September 1, 2010


BEST is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.

Get a glimpse of the teaser video for this year's competition:  Click Here

YES Program Information
Igus® Inc. offers free products through the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, designed to foster the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering. The program aims to not only support students and engineers, but also educate them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. The program offers donations to students and engineering competitions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The benefits of the Y.E.S. Program are boundless for both igus and
young engineers.

ATTENTION FIRST TEAMS!
Due to the excited, enthusiastic, yet overwhelming number of requests from FIRST teams this season, igus must alter its policy regarding its product donation to teams. As of February 1, 2008, igus will only be able to donate products included in the original kit of FIRST parts to teams.

Student Sample Request Form
If you are a student or individual involved with an engineering project or robotics competition who would like request products, please fill out the Student Sample Request Form located at
www.igus.com/yesprogram/student_request.asp

Please note that the Y.E.S. Program is not limited to students, but also welcomes requests from all individuals or organizations competing in robotic and autonomous vehicle competitions.

Curriculum Product Request Form
If you are a teacher, professor or advisor and would like to request products and information to incoroporate into your curriculum or would like an in-class presentation from a cable carrier or bearings expert, please fill out the Curriculum Product Request Form located at www.igus.com/yesprogram/curriculum_request.asp

For more information on the Y.E.S. Program:
Please contact Y.E.S. Program Administrator at (800) 521-2747 ext. 146
or click here to e-mail or visit www.igus.com/yesprogram


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5.  FIRST LEGO LEAGUE:  BODY FORWARD

The 2009 Registration Deadline is past.

If you are interested in coaching or being involved next year:
please click here to email Mike or visit the website to learn more.

Teams consist of up to 10 students.  Students cannot be older than 14 years of age as of January
1, 2009.  Students may only participate in one team.  Coaches, however, may coach more than one team
if desired.

Core Values of FLL:
The FLL Core Values are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FLL from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.
    * We are a team.
    * We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors.
    * We honor the spirit of friendly competition.
    * What we discover is more important than what we win.
    * We share our experiences with others.
    * We display Gracious Professionalism in everything we do.
    * We have fun.

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6.  TEXAS STATE FISH-ART CONTEST

ENTRIES DUE MARCH 31, 2011 (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.

Who Can Participate:  All Texas students in grades 4 through 12.

Categories: State-Fish Art Contest entries are judged in three categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. One Texas winner from each category is selected each year.

Winners are invited to attend the national awards ceremony at Minnesota's Mall of America each summer. Winning designs will be featured on the official State-Fish Art website. One piece of artwork in each grade category will be selected as the national best of show winner, and one entry will be chosen as the annual art of conservation stamp award and be featured on Wildlife Forever's conservation stamp for the coming year. Entries must be postmarked by March 31 each year and must comply with all rules and regulations. An official entry form must accompany all entries.

How to Enter:  Students must create an illustration of the Texas state fish or one of the other state fishes 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.

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.

For Rules:  Click Here

For More Information: Click Here


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7.  NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FOR 7-8TH GRADERS

Registration Deadline is October 29, 2010

The North Texas Regional Competition is open to all public, private, parochial and home school 7th and 8th grade classes.  Teams must be willing to make the trip to Arlington to present their designs.  The Competition offers students a hands-on way to build their math and science skills and learn about engineering by solving the real-world problems in designing cities of the future.

2010-2011 Theme: Providing a Reliable and Effective Health Care System That Improves a Sick, Injured or Disabled Patient's Quality of Life and Comfort

The Challenge: Support and sustain healthy living and wellness programs that health care providers and patients will expect in the future. Keep It Green! The physical model of all required infrastructure must be built using recycled materials, and the student will also write an essay detailing the delivery systems for virtual and on-site medicine of the future.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Through the program, students will:
    * Work as a team under the guidance of a teacher and a technical professional,
    * Use a popular award-winning computer game, SimCity, to design a logical model of a future city,
    * Realize their design with a physical scale model built with recycled materials,
    * Research and write an essay on an assigned engineering topic,
    * Communicate their design to a panel of judges in a public presentation, and
    * See firsthand how engineers turn ideas into reality.

Nominal Cost: $25 per school for registration, and we provide the software.
Registration is by school. Schools may have more than one team competing.
Schools are limited to spending no more than $100 per team on the model and presentation, combined.

Upon receipt of registration and fee, you will receive:
    • One copy of SimCity (for either Windows or Mac operating systems)
    • The Teacher-Mentor Handbook - more than 150 pages of basic rules and information on the competition,        lists of resources, ideas on how to incorporate the program into the curriculum, and hints for teachers
    • A tutorial CD
    • Specific rules and schedules for the North Texas regional competition
    • Posters

Teams:  3 students, 1 teacher-sponsor, 1 engineer-mentor.
The program employs a team-based approach. All members of the team have an important role that is necessary for the completion of the project.

Benefit:  The winning team gets a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals.

Details:  Last year was the eighth year DFW hosted a regional competition. More than 500 students participated. Dozens of engineers have already signed up to support the 2007-08 competition.

To Register:  Click Here
To Download Brochure:  Click Here

For More Information:  Click Here to send email or visit 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.

2010-2011 Registration Information
Submission Deadline for Round 1 Problem:
October 12, 2010
Download Round 1 Problems:  
Click Here
Web Deadline:
3pm Eastern/Noon Pacific on October 12, 2010
Mail Deadline: Postmarked on or before October 12, 2010

Important:  All answers must be fully justified.  Don't just send numerical answers.

Future Round Deadlines:
Round 2:  
November 22, 2010
Round 3:  January 10, 2011
Round 4:  March 7, 2011

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 four 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 Be Eligible to Participate (2010-2011 forms available in September)
• Students must be citizens or residents of the United States. (no exceptions).
• Students must not have completed high school. Middle school students are permitted to participate.
• Students must register on the USAMTS website and provide an email address to which USAMTS correspondence may be sent.
• Students must submit a USAMTS Entry Form. (This form must be filled out and submitted every academic year, even if the student participated in a past year.)
• Students under the age of 13 must also submit a USAMTS Under 13 Permission Form.   (Please see our privacy statement for more information on why we must collect this form.)

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


2011 CONTEST NOT YET ANNOUNCED


Incentives:  The most creative & deserving entry, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be published.
    * A list of winners will be posted in the Winners Gallery area.
    * A total of 4 Grand Prizes will be awarded to 3 students and 1 teacher.
    * Three students (one in each grade cluster) whose work best exemplifies the Challenge Criteria will receive trip to Washington, D.C. for 2 (each student-winner and one parent/legal guardian). Winners will also be invited to participate in the National Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 2010, where they will share their ideas with energy and government leaders.
    * The teacher with the highest average score of their top 15 entries when submitting 15 or more qualified student entries (entries earning 25 or more points each based on the Challenge Criteria) will also receive a fabulous Washington, D.C. trip for 2 (the teacher and one family member) for the same fun and educational experience. The teacher winner will also be invited to participate in the National Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 2010, where she/he will share hers/his ideas with energy and government leaders.

Rules of Eligibility:
• No purchase necessary. This is a competition of skill.
• The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada. Void in Quebec.
• Entries must be submitted individually with the exception of group projects.
• Group projects may be submitted, however each individual in the group must submit his/her own entry form and written explanation and will be judged independently. All prizes will be awarded to individuals.
• Entries must relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy".
• Entries must be the student's original work.
• Entries must be complete, legible and include required signatures.
• Students may enter multiple projects in any creative form within the following limits:
• Documentation or written entries (500 words or 3 page limit).
• Audio or Music (3 minute limit).
• Media or electronic (10 minute limit). Videos in VHS or DVD format only.
• All entries must include a written explanation (not to exceed one page) describing how the entry relates to the theme. (see judging criteria below)
• Entries must be accompanied by the official Igniting Creative Energy entry form (click here).
• Entry forms must include signatures of the student and parent or legal guardian.
• Employees of Johnson Controls, Inc. and the National Energy Foundation and their immediate families, household members and dependents may participate, but are not eligible for prizes.
• The Challenge is open to all students K-12, however only students enrolled in accredited public and private schools are eligible for the grand prize.
• State winners will be selected from each state that has a minimum of 25 entries
 
Can home school students enter?  Yes. All students K-12 are invited to enter. However, home school students are not eligible for the grand prize.

Awards:  
There are separate prizes for elementary, middle school and high school students in addition to a teacher prize.  The grand prize in each category is a trip for two to Hawaii.  In addition to the national grand prizes each state has a prize winner. 

Various local, state and national partners are providing extra awards and recognition above and beyond the national grand prize trip:
1. The highest scoring student in each state and province will receive a prize package valued at $1,000 U.S. If you are a national winner, you will not be recognized as a state or province winner.
2. A lighting project winner will be announced. The student with the highest scoring project that addresses lighting as it related to the theme Igniting Creative Energy will win a special prize for the student and an energy-efficient lighting upgrade for a designated area within his or her school. If you are a national grand prize winner, you will not be eligible to win this award.
3. Some cities, state energy offices, and individual school districts wanting to recognize students in their specific geographical areas are sponsoring local challenges. Click on Local Challenges to see the participating areas and the awards that are available.

Official Online Entry Form:  Click here
Mail In Entry Form:  Click Here
For Guidelines:  Click Here

To Enter:  
Follow these simple steps:
1. Think about how you use electricity, gasoline, natural gas...energy (ex. electricity, gasoline, natural gas and/or if you could use less or how you could help your community use less).
2. Think of a creative new way to use less energy.
3. Use your talents and skills to create an exciting unusual project that will communicate your idea to someone else. Your project could be a science project, essay, story, artwork, photograph, music, video or web site project.
4. Write a one page explanation of how your project relates to the theme. Be sure to include the following:   * What motivated you to enter this Challenge?
                * What actions and ideas are you trying to express?
                * What is the impact of your project in your life and/or in the lives of others?
5. Make sure your name is on your project.
6. Complete the entry form. Make sure that you have your parents or legal guardian and teacher sign it.
7. Mail your project, entry form and explanation to:

            IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY CHALLENGE
            NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
            145 South 400 East
            Salt Lake City, UT 84111

8. Wait patiently.
9. Sit back and feel great about doing something yourself to conserve energy and help the environment.
10. Grand Prize winners will be notified.

If you aren't selected for the Grand Prize trip, no worries there is always next year. Plus you may be featured on the ICE web site for the world to see.

For More Information:  Click Here


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10. TEXAS BEEF LEADERS OF TOMORROW CONTEST

2011 Contest TBA  

Win up to $1500 prizes/scholarships
 
There are four first places!

Contest Takes Place August 1
2010 Contest TBA

Contestants must be 17-20 years old
 
Compete in a live media interview and live beef sample demonstration

Contest also includes an essay and lesson plan

2010 Competition Held:  July 31, 2010 at Texas A&M
University in College Station
 
For More Information:  Click Here to Email or call 281-375-8836                    
 
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.  TEXAS HOME SCHOOL COALITION GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD PROGRAM

Do you ever scratch your head when thinking about how to fulfill the requirement of a "study of good citizenship"?  THSC offers a Good Citizenship Program, which rewards students for their participation in the political process and helps them fulfill that requirement.

Certificates are printed, upon request, for students who have volunteered at least forty hours in Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process, in any combination.


Each year the program culminates with rewards presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet.

  The volunteer hours may be tracked on a form that can be downloaded and printed as often as needed. Students will be granted eight hours for each Capitol Day attended.

Please note that, while certificates will be issued upon request at any time, the awards will be given based on hours worked between April 1, 2009, and April 1, 2010. The forms must be postmarked or e-mailed no later than April 1 if students are to be considered for awards.
 
What is a course in good citizenship:  For a detailed description, please visit:  http://www.thsc.org/Categories.aspx?Id=GoodCitizenship
 
The Good Citizenship Certificates and Awards                
Home school students may be awarded THSC Good Citizenship Certificates at any time following the completion of 40 hours of good citizenship work.   Any home schooled student who earns a Good Citizenship Certificate is automatically entered into the competition for THSC’s Good Citizenship Awards.  The following awards recognize the Texas students with the most volunteer hours (highest number of voters registered for the Alamo Award) in each category and are presented at the annual THSC Awards Banquet.

Alamo Award
New voters can be registered most easily when an adult becomes a deputy voter registrar.  The parent or support group member can then work with home school students as a deputy voter registrar to take voter registration cards to people who fill  them in and give them to the deputy voter registrar.  These completed cards will then be delivered by the deputy voter registrar to the voter registrar of the county.  Home school students can use meetings of support groups, church meetings, and other gathering to register new voters.  Deputy voter registrars will be responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Alamo Good Citizenship Award to the student who registers the most new voters in Texas for each year.
 
Ranger Award
Credit for the certificate may also be earned by volunteer work in the campaign of candidates for public office.  Any local, state, or federal campaign qualifies for this effort.  Campaign officials are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Ranger Good Citizenship Award to the student with the most hours of volunteer work in political campaigns.

Lone Star Award
Home school students may earn credit for good citizenship in the political party process by volunteering to help at precinct, county/senatorial, or state conventions or other political party functions of their chosen political party.  Political party officers are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Lone Star Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours in the category of the political party process in Texas.

Republic Award
Finally, credit for this certificate may also be earned by students who are involved in the legislative process at any local, state, or federal level.  Time spent in working for or against any particular issue qualifies.  Parents or leaders of any group working on such issues are responsible for documenting the number of hours completed by home school students in this area for credit toward the THSC Good Citizenship Certificate.  In addition, THSC will award the Republic Good Citizenship Award to the home school student with the most hours each year in the category of the legislative process.


The THSC Good Citizenship Certificates will be mailed to students upon receipt of verification from the officials documenting the hours.  The Alamo, Ranger, Lone Star & Republic Awards will be given to winners at the THSC Awards Banquet held each year.

 
 To View a Sample Certificate: http://www.thsc.org/Categories.aspx?Id=SampleCertificate    

To Download the Good Citizenship Registration and Tracking Form: http://www.thsc.org/images/pdfs/GoodCitizenshipRecordForm2010.pdf    
    

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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

2010 ART COMPETITION -- TBA

"An Artistic Discovery" is the annual nationwide Congressional High School Art Competition initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Each Congressional District may host its own competition, and since the competition was first launched in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in over 5000 locally conducted contests.

The winning student from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year! In addition, the winners and their two guests are invited to the nation's capital in the summer to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the winning artists from across the country and opening the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" exhibition.  Thousands of people visiting the nation's capitol, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs, are able to walk through the exhibit daily, viewing artwork from Congressional districts throughout the country—each piece highlighted with the name of the work and student artist.

Who Can Participate:  All high school students including homeschoolers.

Acceptable Medium:  Paintings (oil, acrylics, watercolor); drawings (pastels, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers); two-dimensional collages; prints (lithograph, silkscreen, block prints); mixed media; computer generated art; and photography. All work must be original in concept, design, and execution, and must not violate any U.S. copyright laws.



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16.  THEO IN PLANO OFFERING CLASSES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

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

CLASSES OFFERED CURRENTLY (this is not the complete list):
Saxon Algebra ½-Calculus,
BJU pre-Algebra through pre-Calculus,
General Science through Saxon Physics, including Apologia Physics and Chemistry
Spanish I-III
Starting Points to Worldview I, II, III
JASON science curriculum
Texas history
World History
Geography
Debate
Speech
Research and Debate
Institute of Excellence in Writing courses plus two other writing methods
Art
Drama
English Literature
Economics and Honors Economics
Government
Sign Language
Total Language Plus classes
BJU World History and Literature classes
Understanding the times
Ensemble a/k/a band a/k/a orchestra a/k/a pep band

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

Testing Available:
Stanford Achievement testing
Iowa Basic Testing (two day testing periods for three hours each day)
the weeks of May 18-22 and May 26-29.


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


For Questions:   Click Here to email


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17.  CHRISTIAN COTTAGE PREP

 
Christian Cottage Prep is accepting registration for the second semester of the school year 2009/2010. Classes are available for one or more days per week in core subject classes.  

Classes begin January 5, 2010.

Pick and choose the schedule that best fits your educational needs.  Limited scholarships are available.  Scholarship applications are found at www.christiancottageprep.com . 
 
Classes are for students in grades 6th-12th grade.
  
LITERATURE AND WRITING- Great Expectations by Dickens is the first core book of the semester.  Class meets Tue and Thur from 1:15-3:10
 
MATH CLASSES with openings - Saxon 7/6, 8/7, pre algebra, or Algebra 1 (for students who have had difficulty in math in the past).....pick your days 1-5 days per week.  8:40-10:35
 
ENGLISH for middle and high school - Vocabulary, Spelling, Latin Roots, Latin for English grammar, grammar, and Bible....pick your days 1-5 days per week.  10:40-1:10 with a thirty minute lunch break.  Students can bring their lunch or there is a sandwich stand on the first floor lobby.
 
SCIENCE - BIOLOGY AND ADVANCED LIFE SCIENCE.  Classes meet once per week on Monday's from 1:15-3:15.  Dissection of worms, frogs, cow eye, dog shark, fetal pig, stomach, heart, and lung with trachea will be done this semester.  This lab is to supplement your biology class from home.

Location:  5601 Bridge Street, Suite 335

                Fort Worth, TX 76112
                  (in the Western Insurance Building)

Contact:    817-975-6209 or click here to email the director  
    

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18.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RECOURCE CENTER IN ROWLETT

Christian Educators Resource Center is a dedicated homeschool bookstore that offers new and used curriculum, faith-based readers and educational resources.  It also has classrooms available for co-operative teaching.

Bookstore Hours: Mon-Thur 9-5pm
Saturday 10-2pm
 
Testing:
CERC offers Stanford and Iowa Testing year round!
Don’t miss the deadline for ordering your tests and reserve your spot on-line.
 

See our Schedule and find Registration Forms on-line under CLASSES

Classes begin January 12!

Discount:  CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any in-stock items.  You must present your valid HEART of Texas Family I.D. card to qualify for the discount.  
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

Location:  Christian Educators Resource Center
        4501 Rowlett Rd., Suite 105
        Rowlett, TX 75088

Contact:    972-475-4138
        www.cerconline.org


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19.  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.  Spring Semester Classes begin February 20, and meet every other Friday over a period of twelve weeks.
 
Each child (K-12) signs up for three classes.  Preschoolers have playtime, snack time, and age appropriate activities or crafts.  Nursery is available for children three and under at no additional cost.
 
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.  The actual spring class schedule will be posted in mid February on the website.
 
Each parent is expected to teach or assist for two of the three class periods with one free period for fellowship with other moms.  If you are interested in teaching a class, please click here to email.
 
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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20.  COOKE COUNTY COTILLION FOR HOME SCHOOLED TEENS!

Our mission is to provide our homeschooled teens an opportunity to learn etiquette, semi-formal dining etiquette, and ballroom dancing skills in a Christian environment.  We meet 8 times per season with our last cotillion of the season a formal and usually at a special location.
 
Cost:  $30 per family per year for registration.  Each event is $15 per teen.  We emphasize RSVP for each event.  Teens are not required to pay for an event if they are unable to attend.
 
We also allow non-homeschooled teens.  Each season we have had a couple of teens who were not homeschooled yet wished to participate in our cotillion.  They have all been a blessing to our group.
 
This past year, our teens came from Denton, Sherman, Denison, Ft. Worth, Mansfield, Burleson, as well as Gainesville and the surrounding small communities.


Contact:    940-668-7833 or 940-736-6792 (cell) Click Here
        

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21.  CLASSES AT CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

Center for Home Education, located in Watauga, provides the best in curriculum, classes and classical theatre.

Classes will begin the week of August 16, 2010.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to partner with you in the education of your students.

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 valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html



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22.  EASTFIELD COLLEGE

For Class Registration or Other Information:  972-860-7113 or Click Here to Email


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23.  ENRICHMENT CLASSES, INC, IN LEWISVILLE

We offer classes from preschool through high school with a nursery available.  In addition, we offer monthly activities for families to connect outside of classes. 

For More Information:  940-455-7000 or Click Here


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24.  FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

FCA is a Christian School in McKinney, Texas which offers Academic and Enrichment classes to home school families with children Pre-school aged through High School.  

For More Information:
Click Here to email Faith Christian Academy
 
Location:      Faith Christian Academy
                    115A Industrial Boulevard

                    McKinney, TX  


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25.  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: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
    

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26.  HOMESCHOOLERS EAST CO-OP CLASSES -- EAST DALLAS
    
Classes Offered:
Mock Trial I (Grades 1-3)
Mock Trial II (Grades 4-6)
Model United Nations (Grades 9-12)
Youth and Government I (Grades 6-8)
Youth and Government II (Grades 9-12)
Ballroom Dancing (Grades 4-6)
Readers’ Theater I (Grades 1-3)
Readers’ Theater II (Grades 4-6)

Contact For More Information:  Click Here to send an email

Location:  The Summit Church
        4101 East Park Blvd.
        Plano, TX  75074


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27.  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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28.  MORNING GLORY ACADEMY

At Morning Glory Academy, we just wrapped up our fall semester of part-time classes for homeschooled students.  I thought I'd give you all an update on news from MGA, if you are considering classes for your children.  (Isn't it a blessing to have so many options for classes?  We homeschoolers are truly blessed to have SO many resources available to us in this DFW area.)
 
First, we are able to lower tuition!  Our base tuition is now $60.00/week first student, $45.00/week for each sibling.  This is for our complete program, which is three mornings a week, 30 weeks per year.
 
Second, we have a new Inclusion Specialist, Nancy Bliss.  Nancy holds a B.S. in Special Education and has extensive experience working with children with learning differences.  She is currently taking graduate courses in educational strategies for children with learning challenges or who learn in non-traditional ways.  Many parents find themselves homeschooling when traditional, full-time schools do not meet the needs of their child.  Nancy will work with students, parents and teachers to optimize the MGA class learning environment for each child.
 
Third, though most of our students are enrolled in our complete program, we do offer 'a la carte' classes in science and math.  We offer several Life Science/Biology classes for students 6 to 15, and Pre-Algebra and Algebra I classes in math.
 
For more information, visit our website or email me privately.
 
 
To Register:  Click Here to email
For more information:
www.theMGA.org
 
 
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/partners.html for more details.

To learn more about  HEART of Texas membership: http://www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html    
 

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29.  TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLASSES
FOR HOME SCHOOLERS

MATH CLASSES Offered Fall 2010

Southeast Campus (Arlington)

PreAlgebra
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
College Alegbra for Homeschoolers
Trigonometry

NW Campus - FW
Alegbra I
Algebra II


South Campus Classes (to be offered in January 2010)
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry

Cost:  
$166 (includes book)
$10 fee charge at end of semester if book is damaged.   
Books ordered upon registration for course.

FREE math assessment tests offered upon request.
Cost equates to $3.50 an hour, $166 for entire semester including book.
For More Information about the Math Classes:  Call 972-660-8414 or Click Here to email

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30.  VENTURE HOME SCHOOL CLASSES

Venture Classes are forming now -- Grades 1 through High School

Registration Information:  
Click Here
For More Information:  Contact 817-788-5248 or Click Here to send an email
Location:  First Baptist Church Colleyville
               5405 Pleasant Run
               Colleyville, TX  76034
                       

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31.  YMCA OF IRVING HOME SCHOOL CLASSES

For More Information:  Contact 972-986-8898


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32.  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.

WICHITA FALLS –  August 7, September 4
Time:
 noon-5 p.m.
Location: Friends of the Library Bookstore
               Wichita Falls Public Library
               600 11th Street
               940-767-0868 X248
Books:   3,000 books; 100% donated;
85% hardcover; .50-$2
Half-price sale on most books 1st Saturday of each month

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BEDFORD –  August 12-15
Time:  Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
          Sneak preview Thursday 6 p.m.-8 p.m. ($10 fee)
Location: First Baptist Church of Bedford - in the gymnasium
               2045 Bedford Road (3 blocks from the Library)
Books:    10,000 books; 50% donated; 75% hardcover; .50-$2
No buyer restrictions

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TEMPLE –  September 2-5
Time:  Thursday 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
          Sneak preview Wednesday 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Friends; join at door)
Location: Temple Public Library
               100 West Adams Avenue
               254-298-5556
Books:    15,000 books; 85% donated; 70% hardcover; $1-$2
No buyer restrictions

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ARLINGTON – September 23-26
Time:   Thursday 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
           Sneak preview on Wednesday the 22nd 3 p.m.-7 p.m. for Friends only (can join at the door)
Location: Friends of the Arlington Public Library
               at Meadow Brook Rec Center
               1400 East Dugan Street (Meadowbrook Park)
               817-907-1485
Books:    50,000+ items; most items $1; mass market fiction paperbacks .75 or $10/flat
All items half-price on Sunday; cash or check only (no credit cards);



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33.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS RESOURCE CENTER

CERC, located in Rowlett, is a home school book store offering classes, testing, and other home school resources.

Location:
3810 Industrial, Suite 300
Rowlett, TX  75088
972-475-4138

Website: http://cerconline.org/    

Discount: CERC is offering HEART of Texas members a 15% discount on any materials that are in stock,
with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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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.

Stanford Achievement Test for Grades 2 - 8
(We recommend students in highschool take the PSAT, ACT or SAT.)

The Stanford Achievement Test is a nationally standardized test.
It is not a timed test and is given each spring.
It evaluates students at various grade levels in the following areas:
Word study skills(K5-grade 4)
Reading Skills/Comprehension (K5-grade 12)
Vocabulary (grades 2-12)
Mathematics (K5-grade 12)
Language (grades 1-12)
Spelling (grades 1-12)
Social Studies/Science (K5-grade 12)
Listening (K5-grade 8)

Stanford results provide:
       Scaled, percentile, grade equivalent scores
Achievement percentiles graphed
Content cluster skills evaluations
Skills performance ratings

For more information including scheduled days and times: 817-281-2293 or Click Here


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: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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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 NEW 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: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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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.

Nature Awareness Day Camps
Schedule a day each month for a fun learning session with us! 
Fall Class Topics (other dates can be arranged for a group):
AUGUST 4, 11, 18, 25 - Learn about what is in your own backyard in the North Texas area.  Each month we focus on what is happening in nature right outside your window.  

Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
What to Bring:  
Lunches, drinking water, nature journals (notebook or sketch book) and pencils.
Who: Children of all ages (younger children must have a parent or guardian in attendance with them)
Cost:  $15/Pre-Registered by Mail, $18/Walk-ins, $10/4 year olds, FREE/Under 4 and parents with at least one paying child.  Sign up for 4 camps this fall for only $50 (a $10 savings)

Native American Indian Day Camp
Schedule a day each month for a fun learning session with us! 
Class Topics (other dates can be arranged for a group):
TBA
Topics will include hunting methods and fishing techniques, transportation, native drumming and other instruments, dance steps, and story telling . . . plus much more!

Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
What to Bring:  
Lunches, drinking water, nature journals (notebook or sketch book) and pencils.
Who: Children of all ages (younger children must have a parent or guardian in attendance with them)
Cost:  $15/Pre-Registered by Mail, $18/Walk-ins, $10/4 year olds, FREE/Under 4 and parents with at least one paying child.  Sign up for 4 camps this fall for only $50 (a $10 savings)

2 and 3-Day Primitive Survival Camp Classes
Come on out to Camp Tonkawa to learn the Tom Brown method of surviving with minimal resources.  Prepare yourself for any life situation and build your self esteem by knowing that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones.  This is set up as teaching workshops and is NOT an actual survival situations. 

Class Dates:
AUGUST 14-15 -- Primitive Survival Skills Class 1
SEPTEMBER 18-19 -- Primitive Survival Skills Class 2
OCTOBER 9-11 -- Primitive Survival Skills Combo Class 1 & 2
TBA-- Primitive Survival Skills Class 3
Time:  Class 1 or 2 -- 9:30 Saturday to 2:30 Sunday
          Class 1 & 2 Combo -- 9:30am Friday to 2:30 Sunday

Cost:  Class 1 or 2: $75/Adults (17+); $60/Ages 12-15; $50/Ages 8-11 (call for family & group rates)
         Class 1 & 2 Combo:
$150/Ages 16-Adult; $120/Ages 12-15; $100/Ages 8-11 (with adult)
Class Descriptions:  Click Here for Class 1
                             Click Here for Class 2
                             Click Here for Class 1 & 2 Combo
Bring:  Bring your lunches.  Dinner and breakfast provided. Vegetarian fare available; let us know. If spending the night, bring tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, cup and utensils. Camp chairs and flashlights are optional, but not necessary.  We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions.
Class 2 requires a
non-folding knife. Bring your own or purchase a Swiss Mora survival knife at camp for $20.
Class Minimum:  Each class must have a minimum number of registrants or it will be cancelled. We can schedule a date for your group.

Other Overnight Camps:

OCTOBER 2-3 -- 
Wildlife Camp
OCTOBER 23-24 -- Basic Camping Skills
NOVEMBER 6-7 -- Native American Indian Camp
NOVEMBER 20-21 --
Native American Indian Camp
Bring: A sketch book to create or add to an existing nature journal plus pencils, and any fishing gear you have. Bring your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, plate, bowl, mug, eating utensils).  Bring lunches. Dinner Saturday night and Breakfast Sunday will be provided. Vegetarian Fare Available. Camp chairs and flashlights are optional but nice to have. We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions if you plan to take part in these.
Class Minimum:  Each class must have a minimum number of registrants or it will be cancelled. We can schedule a date for your group.

Horsemanship Day Camps
If you are not with a group, and want to join any one of the scheduled days, call for available dates.
Class Dates:
SEPTEMBER 11
OCTOBER 9
NOVEMBER 14
DECEMBER 4
Time: 10am - 3pm
What to Bring:  
Lunches and drinking water
Cost:  $45/Ages 17 and Under, Call for family & group rates)
Parents or leaders who aren't riding are free.
Class Description:  This class is for all of you who "wish" they had a horse. You will get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size. Wear your old blue jeans and boots, if you happen to have them (hiking boots the next best footwear, then gym shoes), because you will get a chance to do some basic riding. make sure to bring hats and suncreen for sunny days.
Topics to Be Covered:  Horse anatomy, Grooming, Various tack (bridles, saddles, etc.), Feeding, Health maintenance, Teeth and age, Ferrier care, Halter, Lead, and Tie correctly, Riding Basics, Horse gaits, Rules of the Trail, Safety when working with horses.
***Once you have taken this class you can schedule a 2 hour horse groom/tack/ride session ($35/person - minimum of 2 riders) or Enroll in our Trot Camp ($75 - 5 hours w/horses, mostly riding)
Bring: Bring your own lunch. Bring plenty of drinking water. Camel packs are great if you have one.
We now have some Helmets in various sizes, or bring your own.

Other Horse Activities
:
Horse Lease Program
Adults and children with some experience can pay for a monthly usage of one of our horses and then enjoy partial ownership - grooming, riding, feeding, training.  Detailed information is on the web site.
Horse Birthday Parties
Bring your own cake and ice cream, we provide the rest


Boy Scout Camps/Merit Badges:
Wilderness Survival Camp
Earn your merit badge and learn to make a Bow Drill Fire!  All must have a Tote & Chip because you will be working with your knives.
Horsemanship Camp
We schedule a monthly Day Camp where individuals or small groups can earn this merit badge.  We can schedule a date or week-end camp for your whole troop!
Indian Lore Camp
Come and get started on this extensive merit badge! Schedule a date for your troop. Group rates available!
Hiking and Backpacking Camp
We wil teach the basics and set you up on a training program to prepare you for a trek of your own.  Schedule a date. Group rates available!
Nature Related Merit Badges:
Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study
Schedule a week-end camp out to work on any of the above listed. 
We can customize the camp for your troop.

Family camps available for the Cub Scouts and Webeloes:
We can help youearn outdoor skills needed for rank advancement and belt loops.



For More Information: 940-440-8382 or Click Here to email
www.camptonkawatexas.com      


Discount:  Camp Tonkawa is offering HEART of Texas members a  10% discount for HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card.  Offer not valid in conjunction with semester discount rates for Nature Awareness Camps.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

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37.  DALLAS ARBORETUM EVENTS

No matter the time of year, the Arboretum is always in bloom. Both spring and fall feature wild bursts of color. Summer does nothing to diminish the bloom of the Arboretum plantings, which thrive on the warmth of Dallas' summer months. And, because of Dallas' temperate winter temperature, the arboretum is even in blooming the middle of winter. Regardless when you come, there will be plenty to see and plenty of flowers to enjoy.

Hours:  Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission:
 
$9.50 for adults
$8 for seniors (65+)
$6 for children (ages 3-12)
Free for children ages 3 and under.
Senior Citizen Thursday Discount:  Seniors get in for just $5 with photo ID and can receive 20% discount at gift shop.
   
Onsite parking:                                                                
$5 per vehicle                                                     
Valet Parking:  $10 for non-members; $8 for members
Offsite parking is available at selected locations during peak visitation. Shuttle busses transport guests directly to the Arboretum ticket booth.

Discount tickets are available for groups of 20 or more.
Advance registration is needed.
For Group Sales Information: Click Here

Located:
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX  75219
214-515-6500

www.dallasarboretum.org    


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38.  FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE PROGRAMS


Location:
 9601 Fossil Ridge Road

        Fort Worth, TX 76135

For More Information:    817-237-1111  
http://www.fwnaturecenter.org  


The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge (FWNC&R) is located just inside the city limits of Fort Worth, TX.

The FWNC&R is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands reminiscent of how much of the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex once looked. Replete with native flora and fauna, the area beckons to those searching for a piece of nature to refresh their spirits and reintroduce a measure of tranquility to their increasingly urban lifestyles.

Over 3600 acres, the FWNC&R is the largest city-owned nature center in the United States and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural history of north central Texas.  Over 20 miles of hiking trails provide easy access to a myriad of natural wonders to be found on the Refuge.

Staff naturalists at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center are available to facilitate your exploration.   

The FWNC&R is located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, four miles west of I-820 on Jacksboro Hwy. (TX Hwy 199).

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39.  FOSSIL RIM HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS

August Classes:
August 16 -- "Scary Animals" Class & Tour
Time:  10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.
Details:  Learn the truth about tarantulas, snakes, opposums, and other animals that many people have misconceptions about. End the day with a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216 

August 24 -- Colors By Nature (Exploring Natural Dyes) Class & Tour
Time:  10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    Break for Lunch:  12:00-1:00
Cost:  $16/person (ages 2 and under free)
Bring a picnic lunch.
Details:  Use specialized insects to dye bandanas. End the day with a guided tour of Fossil Rim!
To Register:  Call 254-898-4216 

For more Details:     www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html


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40. HAVEN'S HORSES HORSEMANSHIP & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASSES AT CHRIST'S HAVEN

Christ's Haven is offering homeschoolers Christian Horsemanship and Outdoor Education programs at their facility in Keller, Texas.  The classes will be held during the day, while their foster children are at school.

Monday - Fridays at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm
September 1 through December 13
Thursdays at 10:30am and 4pm; Mondays at 4pm


Christian Horsemanship
Ages 4-18

Cost:  
$25/child
Class Length:  1 hour, 15 min.
Details:  Spiritual Values are incorporated into each Horsemanship Lesson through group devotions and activities.  It's more than a basic riding lesson!  Christian Horsemanship unites children and inspires them to grow in the areas of Horsemanship Skills (grooming, saddling, feeding, groundwork, riding and horse anatomy); Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Communication Skills.

Outdoor Adventure
Ages 7-14
Cost:  
$20/class
Course Length:  
1 hour, 15 min.
Details:  
Teaches children about God's creation in an outdoor spiritual setting.  Activities include:  day hikes, fishing, flying kites, and much more!  Outdoor Adventure classes focus on: Science in the Outdoors, Servant Leadership, Self Expression, Self Reflection and Silent Retreats.

Discount Prices available for group rates.
Please call for details.

Location:  
4150 Keller-Haslet Road
                Keller, TX  76248

For More Information:  817-925-1982 or click here to email



Discount:  Haven's Horses is offering HEART of Texas members (with a valid Family ID card) 50% off their first ride! You must show your card to be eligible for this discount!
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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41.  THE HEARD MUSEUM - HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
 
These Homeschool Classes will introduce your student to the Natural Sciences. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets.  Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum's education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of home school families.

All curricula are based on current scientific theory.


Please note that you will need to submit a medical record form including immunization history to be able to participate in their programs.

Fall 2010 Classes Run:  13 weeks (beginning in September), Tues or Thurs, 1-3pm
Registration:  now until September 2
Cost:  Only $8 per hour, sibling discount, monthly payment option

5 year olds
Which Ology is Which?
“Ology” refers to the study of a topic, and in this class young scientists are introduced to the study of a variety of scientific fields. Ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), entomology (insects) and mammology (mammals) are just a few of the “ologies” that are explored in class, on the sanctuary, and with our live animals and specimens.
 
6-7 year olds
Discover Your World: Plants
Explore the amazing world of plants, and how important they are to our existence here on earth.  Study what plants were around during the time of dinosaurs, as well as adaptation, parts of a plant, plant life cycles, and reproduction.
 
8-9 year olds
Explorers: Ecosystems
Explore how animals and plants need each other while studying food chains, food webs, and life cycles.  Different ecosystems will be explored on the sanctuary grounds where students will practice their observation skills.

The Nature of Math (Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.)
Build your math skills while exploring nature!  The class will focus on addition, subtraction, and multiplication, as well as explore mathematical concepts such as patterns, graphs, measurements, estimation, geometric figures, perimeter, and percentage.
 
10-12 year olds
Earth Trek: Understanding the Planet
Understand how our planet functions by studying geology, geography, meteorology, and ecology and how they are important to our survival.  See how these forces play a critical role at the sanctuary.


NEW FOR 13-16 YEAR OLDS
Homeschool Biology Labs (geared to 9th grade biology; Thursdays 1-3:30 p.m.)  Can register for individual units

Environmental Studies (September 9, 16, 23, 30)
Study the local environment by conducting water and soil tests, as well as install and monitor a weather station. Data collection and analysis are integral to fully understanding understanding our local environment.

Cell Biology and Microscopes (October 14, 21, 28, November 4)
This unit includes a basic introduction to microscopes and how they work.  Explore similarities and differences between plant and animal cell structures.  Students will be expected to keep a lab journal.


Complete application includes:
• Registration form
• Medical Record Form
• Payment according to selected payment plan
Only complete application packets will be processed.  Medical record forms already on file at the museum may be used.  One registration form per participant.  Complete applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are paying by check and fax your reservation it won't be complete until the check is received.


For more information:
Click Here to send an email
                                  972-562-5566 x237
                                                       
Location:  One Nature Place
                McKinney, TX  75069
               
www.heardmuseum.org


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42.  HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM -- PLANO
 

The Museum Grounds are Open Year-Round (Except Mondays and Holidays)
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 4:30pm

Docent-Led Tours
Time:  1:30 p.m. Tues-Sun. (one tour daily)
Tour begins on the front porch.  Includes Farrell-Wilson house, outbuildings, and grounds.
Admission:  $5 Adults; $3.50 Children 5 & up, Students, and Seniors (65+);
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free
Docent will collect admission fees before the tour begins.

Self-Guided Grounds Tours

Time:  9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues - Sun
Tour the grounds only.  No access to the Farrell-Wilson house our outbuildings.
Grounds guide available.
Admission:  $2 per person
Children 4 and under are free; Museum members free.

Group Tours

Time:  
Each program lasts about 1 1/2 hours
Available by appointment only.
Cost:  $5/child; $3/adult chaperones
Depending on the size of the group, up to two teachers can attend free of charge
Tour Themes:  
Farmer Duck --
This pre-school program is designed for children ages 3-6 and follows the story Farmer Duck written by Martin Waddell (about a lazy farmer who doesn’t work and a duck that does all the chores around the farm), a discussion and hands-on experiences at 3 – 10 different stations, depending on the program/needs of group.  Costumed Docent(s) lead children in groups of 10 through each hands-on activity. 
On the Wagon Trail --
Designed for elementary school- age participants, this program focuses on the thoughts and activities of a 10 year-old boy as he leaves his home in Illinois to move with his family to Plano at the turn-of-the-century.  Activities include packing a wagon, riding the wagon to different spots on the property and rein-acting the diary entries.  Two costumed Docents lead children along this trip.  Each program is volunteer-led and lasts about 1 ½ hour long.  Best with a small group, 8-10 children.
Tag-Along Tom -- This costumed volunteer-led program introduces the children to the fictional character of Tom Sawyer while experienced chores around the farm.  Designed for children ages 6-12, activities include white-washing the side of the Pole Barn, gathering water from the creek for the Children’s Garden, and playing turn-of-the-century games. 
What's Inside a Barn --
Features the elements of a barn; how they are built, their daily use, and seasonal activities farm families celebrated inside a barn.   A craft is included.  Designed for children 3-6.
Traditional Children's Tour -- 
Offers children an inside look at the Farrell-Wilson house and out-buildings; its theme, life at the turn-of-the-century, and participants experience three early 19th century chores.  Leaders are dressed in period costume.  Designed for children ages 6-16.
Living on the Prairie --
This program is designed to give children a variety of hand-on experiences revolving around the four fictional characters in Patricia MacLachlan’s book, Sarah, Plain and Tall.  Children will visit the one-room schoolhouse, create an original watercolor, compare and contrast prairie and coastal landscapes and practice critical thinking skills. Program is led by costumed Docents and is designed for children ages 8-12
For More Information:  Call 972-881-0140


FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH -- Scout Tours

REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS -- Call the Farmstead office to reserve a date.

Tours are booked on a first come first served basis
Cost:  Pricing has been revised.  Contact the Farmstead office for more information.
    (No siblings under 4 years old)
Tours must be PREPAID.
Scouts will receive a patch from the Farmstead.


VOLUNTEER GARDEN HELPER AND TOUR DOCENTS NEEDED:
The Heritage Farmstead Museum is looking for a volunteer garden helper and tour docents.
Please contact 972-881-0140 for more information.

 
For Registration and Other Information:   972-881-0140 or Click Here                                                   
           
Location:      Heritage Farmstead Museum
                    1900 West 15th Street
                    Plano, TX


Discount:  Heritage Farmstead Museum is offering HEART of Texas members a $1 off the adult regular admission price (up to 4 people) and .50 cents off child's regular admission, good for either the 1:30pm Historic Farrell-Wilson house tour or for the following special events: Harvest Festival, Lantern Light, Spring Festival.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

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43.  SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch sits on 126 breathtaking acres near Lake Ray Roberts in Denton County, Texas.  Our mission is to provide the North Texas community with the opportunity to experience rare and endangered exotic wildlife in a unique and personal setting. What better way to learn about conservation than by seeing it up close and hands on?

Open to the Public Days are every Saturday March through November. All other events require an advanced reservation.   We offer educational park offers field trips, private tours, open to the public Saturdays and rental for events large and small!  Group camping, bucket train rides & dining area help make Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch your next wild adventure!

Special Event for Homeschoolers
WILD Homeschool Day -- Rescheduled for March 30, 2010

Time:  9am - 4pm

Open to the Public Days (MARCH - NOVEMBER)
SATURDAYS
Time:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4:30)
OCTOBER 3; 10; 17; 24; 31

Admission:  $8 per person;  kids 2 and under are free
INCLUDES: - Meet & Greet with our Education Animals (kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs & more) *Animals available for meet and greet vary with the season and off-site events schedule*
- Safari Wagon ride through exotic pastures to see camels, zebra, buffalo & more
- Kids Bucket Train rides thru 22 acres of “wild” trails!
- Use of pavilion for lunch (you may purchase lunch at our concession stand or bring your own)

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

Please visit the Field Trip page under the "Visitors Guide" section of our web site for details on booking a field trip for your home school group.

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


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44.  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:
$4/adults; $3 seniors (60+); $2 children 3-12yrs; free children under 3yrs.
Hours:  Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm.  Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm.
For more info:  214.428.7476 ext. 23.
Location:
3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fair Park.
Fair Park is
two miles east of downtown Dallas just south of Interstate 30.

THIRD SATURDAYS – Garden Walks

Garden Walks are a guided tour on various topics. Unless noted, Garden Walks are on the third Saturday of the month and last one hour.
Time:  10am - 11am

Cost:  Free with garden admission.
Pre-Registration is required.


Other Events:
AUGUST 14 -- Caterpillar Crawl
Time:
 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Cost:  F
ree with Garden admission

AUGUST 14 -- Butterfly Festival
Time:  
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Cost: Most activities free with Garden or Butterfly House admission



Children's Outdoor Education Programs:
Cost:  $5/person;  $60 minimum fee per program
Availability:  Tuesday - Friday, 9am-4pm
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)


SCOUTING PROGRAMS:

Girl Scouts: We offer 'Try-Its' and 'Let's Get Outdoors' badge programs for younger Girl Scouts.
For more information on these programs: http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/girl_scouts.htm
Boy Scouts: We have a number of 'Achievements' and 'Arrow-point' badge programs for younger Scouts.  We also work with Scout Leaders to put together Webelos and Eagle Scout projects, and have a number of Community Service opportunities for older Scouts.   For more information please click here.
Community Service Projects:  Opportunities for older scouts are available on special projects and community events such as Day at Fair Park. Training is provided by the staff of Texas Discovery Gardens.
For Scouting Program Info: 214-428-7476 x 27

For More Information: Click Here


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45.  TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

ATHENS, TX

DECEMBER 12, JANUARY 9 - Bird and Nature Walk
Location:  Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Time:  9am - 11am
Details:  Expect to see 25 or more different species of birds as we explore our Interpretive Wetland Trail and other areas of the hatchery. Bring binoculars; field guide welcome. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Fees:  $2.75 Texas State Parks Pass members, $5.50 non-members, $4.50 senior citizens and $3.50 children 12 and under.
For More Information:  903-676-BASS.


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CEDAR HILL, TX

AUGUST 7 - Traveling the Talala Trail
Location:  Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Details:  We will hike approximately 2 miles on the beautiful Talala Trail, and we will take it slowly to allow for discussions and learning. Bring a snack and water, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the trailhead, weather permitting (call to confirm).
Call: 972-291-5940

AUGUST 14 - The Lost Prairie
Location:  Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Details:  Come learn all about the now endangered part of Texas called the Blackland Prairie Ecological Region. In learning about the tallgrass grasslands, people will explore how history, plants, animals, and humans have had an impact on this region and what can be done moving forward to protect these grasslands. Held at Penn Farm Amphitheater.
Call: 972-291-5940

AUGUST 14 - Mammals -- Our Furry Friends
Location:  Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Details:  Come listen to stories about local animals at the park. Includes skins and skulls, along with some songs, to help remember all that we learn. Held at Penn Farm Amphitheater.
Call: 972-291-5940

AUGUST 21 - Duck Pond Trail Nature Walk
Location:  Cedar Hill State Park
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Details:  Take a leisurely stroll as we learn all about the animals in the park. This is one-mile stroll and is a great hike for families with children! Meet at the trailhead, subject to trail conditions (call to confirm).
Call: 972-291-5940


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DENTON, TX

No events scheduled for this month.

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EUSTACE, TX (Henderson/Van Zandt Counties)

AUGUST 7 – Kids Camp Crafts
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Details:  Do you want to make a snake or a s'more?  Or would you rather make a bluebonnet or cast an animal track? You can choose one of these crafts! Meet at the amphitheater.
Call: 903-425-2332

AUGUST 7 – Saturday Night Movie
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Details:  Enjoy a family movie under the stars!  Bring your own blankets and chairs to the Amphitheater.  This event is listed as "weather permitting."  Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-425-2332

AUGUST 8 - Guided Canoe Trip
Location:
  Purtis Creek State Park

Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Details:  Learn about the local area's wildlife accessible only by boat! Take a leisurely trip on the park's lake either in your own canoe or kayak, or rent a canoe at the park. Some experience preferred. All participants must wear a life vest. Meet at the boat launch. Subject to cancellation due to weather. Reservations required.
Call: 903-425-2332

AUGUST 14 - Take a Walk Through the Solar System
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 3 p.m.
Details:  Learn all about our solar system by taking a walk along our Solar Walk Display.  Make a star wheel and learn how to use it.  Meet at the overflow camping parking lot for this "weather permitting" event.  This one-mile walk is suitable for strollers.
Call: 903-425-2332

AUGUST 14 - Stargazing
Location:  Purtis Creek State Park
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Details:  A telescope will be available to view the night sky.  Meet at the overflow camping parking lot for this "weather permitting" event.  Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-425-2332



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GLEN ROSE, TX

AUGUST 8, 14 - Track Talk and Hike to Coral Reef Formations
Location: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Time:  2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Details: Take a look at the dinosaur tracks in the river, and then take a half-mile hike to see fossilized coral reef formations found in the park. Wear appropriate shoes. Meet at Track Site #2; contingent on river conditions.
For More Information:  254-897-4588

AUGUST 13 - Trackmakers
Location: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Time:  9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Details: Learn about dinosaurs that roamed the area in the past and find out what Texas was like in prehistoric times.
For More Information:  254-897-4588


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JACKSBORO, TX

AUGUST 21 - Cowpokes 'N Country Folks With Doc 'N Hal
Location: Fort Richardson State Park & Historical Site/Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Time:  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Details: The poetic duo "Doc and Hal" will perform on the steps of the Fort Richardson Hospital. This is something you won't want to miss!
For More Information:  940-567-3506


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MINERAL WELLS, TX

AUGUST 7 - Cowboy Campfire, Music and Poetry
Location: Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Time:  8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening around a campfire as we learn and experience the cow camp lifestyle.  Bring a lawn chair.  Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-327-8950


AUGUST 14 - Night Sounds
Location: Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Time:  8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Details: Listen to actual and recorded sounds of Texas' animal night life, as we identify insects, birds, frogs, and mammals.  Bring a lawn chair.  Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-327-8950


AUGUST 28 - Owl Prowl
Location: Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Time:  8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Details: Learn about the importance of owls in Texas, and then see what response you get when using a owl call! We may travel to different locations nearby to get more responses.  Meet at the Lone Star Amphitheater. Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 940-327-8950


SEPTEMBER 11-12 - Texas Outdoor Family
Location:  Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Time: 9 a.m. Saturday - 12 p.m. Sunday
Details:  Come learn the basics of how to have a successful, enjoyable family camping experience.  Basic skills training will include camping, outdoor cooking, and using a GPS on trails.  Find special geo caches and explore other nature activities.
Cost: $55 per family up to 6; reservations required.

Call: 512-389-8903


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PILOT POINT, TX

Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit

No events scheduled for this month.


Ray Roberts Lake/Isle du Bois Unit


No events scheduled for this month.

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TYLER, TX

AUGUST – Snake Feeding (PG Rated)
Location:  
Tyler State Park
Time:  2 p.m. - 3 p.m. every Saturday
Details: Learn how to identify poisonous snakes and what to do if you have a close encounter of a snake kind.
 Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-597-5338

AUGUST 14 – Knotty Time for Kids!
Location:  
Tyler State Park
Time:  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Details: Celebrate past cultures and enhance outdoor living skills by learning of few basic camp knots. 
Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-597-5338

AUGUST 14 – Brown's Point Nature Hike
Location:  
Tyler State Park
Time:  11 a.m. - Noon
Details: Explore the plants and animals along an easy, half-mile, lakeside hike.
Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Call: 903-597-5338

AUGUST 14 – Kids' Wilderness Survival
Location:  
Tyler State Park
Time:  3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Details: Create a survival guide with hidden messages while also learning how to make a survival pack!

Call: 903-597-5338

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Free TPWD Coloring and Activity Books to Download: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/learning/color/

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46.  THEATER PERFORMANCES AT CASA MANANA CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE

For over 40 years, Casa Mañana's Children's Playhouse has introduced children of all ages to the magic of live theatre.  This tradition continues as Casa Mañana's Children's Playhouse proudly presents its 2010-2011 Season:

2009-2010 Season Performance Schedule
2010-2011 Performances
OCTOBER 1-17 -- Snow White
Come enjoy this musical classic!  When an evil queen stops at nothing to be considered "the fairest of them all," Snow White finds shelter and seven new friends in the forest. This show is suitable for all audiences.

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 23  -- Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolf is sad because he is different - that is, until his difference is exactly what Santa needs in order to deliver Christmas gifts to children everywhere! Rudolf is transformed from misfit to hero in this musical rendition of the TV special loved for generations. This show is suitable for all audiences.

To Order Online Tickets: Click Here

Order Season Tickets!
Order a 5-Show Season Ticket package to secure GREAT SEATS for these fantastic, family fun productions at Casa Mañana Theatre. 
For More Information:  Call Customer Service at 817-332-2272  

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47.  PERFORMANCES AT CATS THEATER IN ARLINGTON


2010 Summer Performances
AUGUST 3-5 -- Berenstain Bears
A small bear, named Small Bear, may be only a cub, but soon he will be a big brother! Enjoy the craziness that ensues when Mama decides it's time for a major clean-up, and then see what Brother does when bullies dare him to steal one of Farmer Ben's watermelons. It's never dull with the Berenstain Bears!

2010-2011 Performances
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 10 -- Alice In Wonderland
OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 14 -- Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
DECEMBER 4-19 -- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 6 -- James & the Giant Peach
FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 13 -- Madeline
APRIL 1-17 -- Schoolhouse Rock
MAY 6-22 -- TBA


Show Times:
Friday: 7:30 p.m;  Saturday: 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m;  Sunday: 2:30 p.m.
Tickets:
2007/2008
  * Regular admission $8.
  * Group rate for a group of 10 and more $6.
  * Lap passes for children 0 to 3 years old are $4.
  * School Matinees group rate $5. See link below for group rates
  * 2008 Fundraiser Show $15 for adults & $10 for children/students

To Order Tickets Online: Click Here
For Information on Group Rates: Click Here
For More Information:  817-861-2287;   metro: 817-265-8512

Location:  1100 West Randol Mill Road
                Arlington, TX  76012


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48.  COTTAGE THEATER – CENTER FOR HOME EDUCATION

Center for Home Education’s Cottage Theater Presents:

OCTOBER 22-30 – Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Times: October 22, 23, 28, 29 @7:30 p.m.;  October 24, 30 @2:30 p.m.
Tickets:  $10/adults; $8/children; no charge for lap children.
To Purchase Tickets:  817-281-2293.  No refunds.
Story: Enjoy a modern version of an old classic! Alice still travels to a world filled with talking animals, and we couldn't leave out Mad Hatter's frantic tea party.  Along the way, Alice deals with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! And then there is the trial Alice is watching when she suddenly realizes that she stands accused . . . such nonsense can make very good sense, especially if your name is Alice.


For More Information:
  817-281-2293

http://centerforhomeeducation.com/thecottagetheatre.aspx  
 

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49.  PERFORMANCES AT ARTISAN THEATER IN HURST

Artisan Center Theater holds quality, "in the round" performances that are family-friendly, entertaining, and affordable!  The theater's full-length stage productions include musicals, comedies, and family dramas which are entertaining, as well as family-friendly. Past performances have included such classics as Godspell, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Sound of Music.

Artie's Playhouse, their Interactive Children's Theater, offers original, fun-for-all-ages productions featuring familiar characters and themes, but with fresh twists that keep it entertaining and exciting for parents as well as children. Each story has its own character focus, which is reinforced throughout the play.
 The "Artie's Playhouse" productions are about 30-45 minutes long, and include lots of audience participation to hold the interest of even the youngest child in the family.

Location:  420 E. Pipeline Road in Hurst, Texas (in the Bellaire Shopping Center)


Full-Length Productions:
JULY 16-AUGUST 7 -- Steel Magnolias
Set in a small town in Louisiana, six women share their tears and laughter as well as wisdom and wit.

AUGUST 13-SEPTEMBER 25 -- South Pacific
Come enjoy one of the greatest musicals of all time as we travel back to the days of WWII, where adventure and romance come to life on stage.  Music/lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Showtimes:
Mon & Tues: 7:30pm;  Thurs/Fri: 7:30;  Sat: 3pm & 7:30pm

Tickets:
Mon, Tues, Thurs: $12/Adults; $12/Students & Seniors (60+); $7/Ages 12 and under
            Fri & Sat: $16.00/Adults; $14/Students & Seniors (60+); $9/Ages 12 and under.
Reservations recommended.
Season Tickets and Group Discounts Available.
To Reserve Tickets: 817-284-1200
For More Information:  Click Here


Artie’s Children’s Playhouse Productions:

May 1-29 -- Jack and the Giant
Jack and his mother must sell their cow, Drusilla, so they can buy some food.  When Jack is tricked and sells her for magic beans, his adventures truly begin when the beans grow into a giant beanstalk.  A classic!


Artie’s Playhouse Ticket Prices:  $5 per person

Showtimes:  Tues: 4:30 p.m;   Thurs/Sat:  10 a.m.
To Reserve Tickets: 817-284-1200
For More Information:  Click Here

Artisan Theater can come to you!!!
For more information about how to schedule a performance at your location, contact the theater at 817-284-1200. They can perform for events, birthday parties, church functions, and more!!! Bring their family-friendly, entertaining shows to your front door!! Very reasonable prices!!


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50.  PERFORMANCES AT BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

Broadway at the Bass Presents:
AUGUST 4-5 -- Shen Yun
Listen to stories of heavenly realms, enchanting dreams, and the classic struggle between good and evil in a breathtaking display of Chinese cultural music and dance.
To Order Tickets Online:  Click Here



Location:  Bass Performance Hall

                Fort Worth, TX

To Order Tickets:    817-212-4280 or 817-332-2272
Discount Group Tickets (10 or more):  817-321-5028

To Purchase Tickets at the Box Office or to Learn About Season Tickets:
Call 817-212-4280 or 817-332-2272.


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51.  CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN THEATER PERFORMANCES

AUGUST 17 -- ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Times: 1pm;  7pm
Location:  The Plaza Theater
               521 West State St, Garland, 75040
Cost:  1pm:  All tickets $6 (Free for ages 2 and under)
        7pm:  $8/Ages 12-Adult;  $6/Ages 3-11 and Senior Citizens;
        (Free for ages 2 and under)
To Pre-Order Tickets:  972-658-3915 or click here to email
Please Note:  Tickets are $1 more at the Door

Discount:  Children's Christian Theater is offering $1 off matinee tickets and $2 off evening performances to HEART of Texas members with a valid family ID card. 
To Learn About HEART of Texas Family Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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52.  DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES

2010 - 2011- Season:
(Please note that not all productions are suitable for all audiences.)  

SEPTEMBER 17-OCTOBER 24 -- Miss Nelson Is Missing
Baker Theater/Rosewood Center

Suggested Age:  5 years and above
A classroom comedy for unruly children everywhere. What happens when you take advantage of a teacher's good will?  Well, you might get the most terrifying substitute teacher of all: Miss Viola Swamp! The kids decide to work together to answer the most pressing question they face: what has become of sweet Miss Nelson?
 

OCTOBER 8-31 -- The Curse of Castle Mongrew
Studio Theater/Rosewood Center

NOVEMBER 19-DECEMBER 23 -- Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Baker Theater/Rosewood Center

NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 23 -- The Snow Queen
Studio Theater/Rosewood Center

  
Box Office Hours
9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
Ticket Sales are subject to availability.
Reservations are recommended and require prepayment with either
Cash, Check, Mastercard,Visa, or Amex.
Coupons and discount offers must be arranged in advance with the box office and may be suspended at any time.

Student Matinees: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time: 10am
Cost:  $7.50/person for groups of 10 or more $7.50 per person (1 FREE chaperone per 20 student tickets)
Deposit required with reservation
Balance due SIX WEEKS before performance.
All plays, locations, dates and times are subject to change.
To Make Reservation:  Call 214-219-2049 or click here to email

Locations:  (refer to individual production to determine location)
               
 Rosewood Center for Family Arts
                 5938 Skillman Street
               
                 El Centro College Theater
                 801 N. Main St.
               


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53.  DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES

OCTOBER 6, 26, 27 -- Gone with the Winds (grades 3-6)
Meet a family full of personality, from the golden trill of the flute to the rich rumble of the bassoon. Maestro Rei Hotoda and the symphony’s principal woodwind players lead the audience on a voyage of discovery full of curricular connections, including science, history, and music.

FEBRUARY 16, 22, 23, 24 -- Peter and the Wolf (grades PK-2)
Prokofiev’s beloved musical classic is paired with Beatrix Potter’s delightful tale of Squirrel Nutkin in this fun and engaging program for younger concert-goers. Children love a good story, and when the story is illustrated by great music, it allows them direct insight into the story’s characters and emotions, which improves both comprehension and appreciation.

APRIL 6, 7 -- Noble North America (grades )
This fascinating program explores the rich mine of great music that has been written in North America over the past century. From Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring to John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine, there is something for everyone in this concert. A wide range of musical elements will be placed into their cultural context, providing a wealth of curricular connections from social studies to the fine arts.


Admission:  
$6/person (payment must be received with all reservations)
Parking:  $6 per car in the Hall Arts Center Parking Garage
Times:  10am and 11:30am
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before concert time.
Concerts last approximately 45 minutes.
Special Students at the Symphony Program: Free seats are available to mentally and physically challenged students.  To participate, complete the appropriate information on the reservation form.
To Reserve Tickets:  Click Here or call 214-871--4006.  Mention that you saw their ad in the HEART of Texas newsletter when you contact them.

Additions to your reservation must be received and confirmed by Noon, two days before your concert date. Only reservations confirmed in advance can be seated.  No walk-ins.

Concert Location:  Meyerson Symphony Center
                            2301 Flora Street
                            Dallas, TX  75201
                            (intersection of Pearl & Flora Street in the heart of the Downtown Dallas Arts District)
For Directions:  Click Here


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53.  FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YOUNG PERSONS CONCERTS

2010-2011 Season To Be Announced

Times:  9:45am and 11:15am
Tickets:
$4/person
Location:   McKinney Memorial Bible Church
                3900 South Hulen Street in Fort Worth

To Order Online with Credit Card:  Click Here

Orders for Fewer than 20 Seats:  Must be paid in advance.

Orders for 20 or More:  
May be reserved without advance payment.
Approximately one month before the concert, you will receive a notice confirming the number of seats you have ordered and the total amount due (if applicable). If the final number of seats needed for the concert is different from that listed on the notice, please call with a corrected number immediately upon receiving the confirmation. Full payment is due two weeks before the concert date for groups of 20 or more.
Absolutely NO refunds for changes in reservation numbers after this date.
Special Note for Groups of 20 or More:   When you reserve a seat, that seat is held for you and not sold to another individual until you release it. Therefore, we ask you to verify the actual number of seats needed before making concert reservations. We understand that you may need to adjust the number of reserved seats before the payment due date, and those emergencies may cause cancellations. However, the privilege of reserving seats without advance payment may be revoked if your organization cancels more than 20% of its total reserved seats or fails to attend a concert for which it has reserved seats. 

Children Under Age 3:  Because of the nature of the event, we request that children under age three not be brought to these concerts, particularly to the concerts at Bass Performance Hall. You must purchase a seat for each person to be admitted to a concert, regardless of age.

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

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54.  PLANO CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMANCES

AUGUST 4-19 -- Androcles and the Lion
A slave named Androcles pulls a thorn from a lion's paw and is later saved by the lion in Rome's arena.  Along the way, Androcles helps two people find love.

AUGUST 13-21 -- You Can't Take It With You
Come laugh, cry, and think along with the zany Sycamore family as they struggle with and overcome difficulties in all areas of life. A wonderful comedy for all ages!


Location:  Plano Children’s Theater
        1301 Custer Road
        Plano, TX 75075
Times:     Fridays and Saturdays:  7:15 p.m.
               Saturdays and Sundays:  2:15 p.m.

Contact:    972-422-2575
        www.planochildrenstheatre.com/

NOTE:  Some of these productions may not be appropriate for children.  Please use your own judgment when considering allowing your children/family to view these productions.  

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55.  TEXAS BALLET THEATER PERFORMANCES

The Texas Ballet Theater is once again partnering with HEART of Texas to offer our newsletter readers special ticket pricing on great seats, during select performances.  The dates and times of these select performances are listed below.

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.


2010-2011 Season:
OCTOBER 1-3 -- Cinderella (Winspeare Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  OCTOBER 2 at 2pm

OCTOBER 22-24 -- Cinderella (Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  OCTOBER 23 at 2pm

                                                         
DECEMBER 3-5 -- The Nutcracker (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  DECEMBER 4 at 2pm


DECEMBER 10-24 -- The Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:  DECEMBER 18 at 2pm


FEBRUARY 18 & 20 -- Mixed Repertoire (Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   FEBRUARY 20  at 2pm

MARCH 4 & 6 -- Mixed Repertoire (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   MARCH 6 at 2pm


For the first time in North Texas!!
JUNE 3-5 -- Don Quixote (Winspear Opera House in Dallas)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   JUNE 4 at 2pm


JUNE 10-12 -- Don Quixote (Bass Performance Hall)
HEART of Texas Discount Day:   JUNE 11 at 2pm



Special Ticket Prices for HEART of Texas Discount Days:
Bass Performance Hall:  $30 for Front Orchestra, Side Orchestra, or Parterre Circle
                                                 (20 or more are needed for the $30 price)
                                     20% off all other seating

Winspear Opera House:  $30 for Orchestra Terrace
                                                (20 or more are needed for the $30 price)
                                     20% off all other seating


To Purchase Tickets:  
www.texasballettheater.org/?q=showschedule
Promo Code:  To Be Announced

Can't attend one of these performances?  
Texas Ballet Theater still has a great deal for you!
All other performance dates will be discounted 20%.

Promo Code:  To Be Announced

To order by phone:  817-828-9200.  Give the ticket agent your promo code.
 


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56.  HOME SCHOOL DISCOUNT TICKETS TO DALLAS THEATER PERFORMANCES

AUGUST 6 -- Amazing Grace
Amazing dancers bring the story of Civil Rights to life on stage in this original work by Mahogany Dance Theatre of Texas.
Save 15% on regular priced tickets.
Location:  Music Hall at Fair Park
To Order Tickets:  Click Here
Password:
SUPER

If you order, please click here to send an email with the date you chose and the number of tickets ordered.

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57.  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:
MAY 25-DECEMBER 5, 2010 -- Leon Polk Smith: The Tamarind Lithography Workshop
Leon Polk Smith (1906-1996) was a leading practitioner of the geometric, hard-edge abstraction popular in the mid-20th century.  This exhibition of 15 prints from the Carter's permanent collection embraces both Smith's American Indian heritage and the modernist abstraction of artists like Dutch painter Piet Mondrian (1872-1944).


MAY 29-NOVEMBER 7, 2010 -- Ansel Adams: Eloquent Light
This exhibition of 40 landmark and lesser-known works by the renowned artist-photographer is drawn from the Carter's holdings and a private collection.

JUNE 26-SEPTEMBER 5, 2010 -- Constructive Spirit: Abstract Art in North and South America, 1920s-1950s
Featuring approximately 80 seldom-seen paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, drawings, and films, this exhibition juxtaposes the work from artists of the Americas, providing a fresh and innovative look at this dynamic and cosmopolitan period of modernism.

AUGUST 14-JANUARY 23, 2011 -- Masterworks of American Photography: Popular Culture
Explores the role of photography in documentation.

OCTOBER 2-JANUARY 2, 2011 -- American Modern: Abbott, Evans, Bourke-White
This special exhibit demonstrates how documentary photography transformed modern art in America through an examination of the work by Berenice Abbott, Walker Evans, and Margaret Bourke-White.

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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58.  DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITS  

FREE First Tuesdays of each month

Exhibits:

THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2010 -- Coastlines: Images of Land and Sea
OPENING MAY 14, 2010 -- Through the Eyes of our Children - Something Beautiful
OPENING JUNE 6, 2010 -- Luc Tuymans

Family Events:
AUGUST 3, SEPTEMBER 7 -- Free Admission on First Tuesdays of the Month
Theme:  
Picture Perfect (August 3); Fiesta (September 7)
Time: 11am - 2pm (Center for Creative Connections)
Ages:  Designed for children ages five and under and their families.
Details: Enjoy thematic art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities.
Schedule:
11am-2pm: Make map of neighborhood using colorful materials.
11am-2pm: Say hello to Arturo.  Don't forget to write him a letter.
11am-2pm: Experiment with our kid-friendly website and play online art games.
11:30-Noon: Join storyteller Ann Marie Newman for stories, songs, & games based on works in the Museum.
12:15-12:45pm: Take an imaginary trip through the neighborhood as we look at how artists have portrayed communities in paintings and photographs.
1-1:30pm: Listen to stories told by our librarian friends & participate in a "ready to read" mini-workshop.
1:30-2:15pm: Mr. Mark and his recycled puppets retell favorite stories reminding us that success is not about having the most but about doing what you can with what you've got.


Family Activities:
Tuesday­–Friday, 2:00­–3:00 p.m.
Cost: Family activities are free with paid admission. No registration is necessary.
Please call 214-922-1822 for more information.
Experience the Museum's premier collection through a cinematic lens with Summer Spotlight drop in activities for families. Meet in the Center for Creative Connections.

Family Audio Tour:
Tuesday-Sunday from 11am-5pm
Cost:  Free; at the Visitor Services Desk
Ages 5–11.

Late Night for Kids
AUGUST 20, SEPTEMBER 17, OCTOBER 15, NOVEMBER 19
Time:
6pm-Midnight
One Friday a month, the Museum is open until midnight with music, tours, and performances in the galleries.

Weekends at the Museum:
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS -- Studio Creations
1pm-3:30pm in the Art Studio
Discover a new art-making activity each month! Join us in the studio, where volunteers are on hand to help your family make unique art projects. All materials are provided.
JANUARY 2-31 --  Explore movement in costumes, music, and dance in the exhibition All the World's a Stage, and then stop by the studio and use movement and music to create your own watercolor paintings.

Sketching in the Gallery for Kids

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY with some exceptions
1pm-3pm

Families are invited to sketch from original works of art. All supplies are provided.
AUGUST 14 -- American Art, Level 4
SEPTEMBER 18 -- Ancient Art of the Americas, Level 4
 

Collections Connection:
SUNDAYS
1:30 - 3:30pm, Level 3
Take an in-depth look at a different work of art each month. A trained volunteer will be in the galleries with engaging materials for all ages.
AUGUST 8-15: Gothic Bed, Level 4
SEPTEMBER 5-26: Lady Bolon K'an, Level 4

Family Films
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS at 2pm in the Theater, Center for Creative Connections
AUGUST 1-29 -- Reading Rainbow: The Carousel (30 min.)
Sisters search for memories of their mother's legacy.



Location:  Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, Texas 75201

Hours:  Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Late night Fridays - museum open until Midnight.

General Admission:  
The general admission fee includes viewing the Museum’s permanent collection and most exhibitions.  An audio tour of the permanent collection is included in general admission. Audio tours for adults and families are available.
$10/Adults $10; $7/Seniors (65 and over) $7;  $5/Students (with current school ID); Free/12 and under

FREE on Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (special ticket prices may apply to exhibitions)
FREE on the first Tuesday of each month (special ticket prices may apply to exhibitions)

Group Discounts (10 more more):   Call 214-922-1222 or click here to email
To Purchase Advance Tickets:  214-922-1803

For more information about family experiences:  214-922-1822 or e-mail familyexperiences@DallasMuseumofArt.org.


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59.  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, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, as well as antiquities, Asian, African, and pre-Columbian art.

AUGUST 29 - JANUARY 2 -- Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea
Beginning August 29, over 90 works - many not seen before in the United States - come together to help propose a new interpretation of the Mayan civilization: the central importance of water in life, art, religion, and ties to ancestors. With the central theme of the sea, cultural and religious merge into some of the world's finest art.
To Learn More About this Exhibit:  Click Here

DECEMBER 12 - MARCH 27 -- Salvator Rosa:  Bandits, Wilderness, and Magic
Salvator Rosa was one of the most fiercely independent and exciting painters of the entire 17th century. When the Museum opens what is only the second exhibition ever devoted to Rosa in America (the first was in 1979), visitors will experience the extraordinary range and power of his feverish imagination.
To Learn More About this Exhibit:  Click Here


Topics for Teachers
Explore various topics relating to the permanent collection and special exhibitions with learning activities, hands-on demonstrations, and docent-guided tours designed for teachers.
SEPTEMBER -- Educator Evening in the Cultural District

Children's Workshops (ages 6-14)
Fall Schedule TBD
Time:  
10am - Noon
From Vincent Van Gogh's brushstrokes to Paul Klee's color combinations, explore how artists experiment with paint to express ideas and emotions on canvas.

Pictures & Pages (ages 4-6)
AUGUST 3 -- Matthew's Dream by Leo Lionni

Time:  
10:30-11:45am
Popular children's books inspire group conversations and simple art activities.
Advance registration is required.  Space is limited. Maximum two children per adult.
To Register:  817-332-8451, ext. 297


Museum Hours:  Mondays – Closed
            Tuesdays–Thursdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
            Fridays, noon–8 p.m.
            Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
            Sundays, noon–5 p.m.
            Closed New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day

Admission to the Museum’s permanent collection is always free.

There is a charge for special exhibitions.
Half-Off Admission:  Tuesdays from 10am to 5pm and Fridays from 5pm-8pm
                          (not applicable for Member audio tours).

Group Sales:  Discounted tickets for groups of 20 or more are available with a reservation for a specific date and time, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. For reservations, call 817-332-8451, ext. 229. Reservations for groups should be made at least two weeks in advance.


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


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60.  MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE


Exhibits:
Water -- May 29-August 22
Water is everywhere - from the deep, wide oceans to the tiniest raindrop.  Yet the fresh water we need to stay alive makes up only 3 percent of the water on Earth's surface.  All over the world, plants, animals, and people are constantly adapting to survive, and even thrive, in places where fresh water is either scarce, extremely hot, or even frozen!
To Read More about this Exhibit:  
Click Here

Events:
FEBRUARY 15-19 -- Engineers Week
FEBRUARY 20-21 -- Tech Fest
From the smallest conveniences to the biggest innovations, this annual event encourages visitors to rethink technology and get excited about future scientific discoveries and achievements. Join us for hands-on activities, crafts and more!

Planetarium Shows
Texas Sky Tonight....Live!
The sky will no longer be a mystery when you exit Texas Sky Tonight.....LIVE!  Join our Noble Planetarium staff as they fly you through the wonders of the stars, constellations, planets and exciting objects that are in the real sky on the day of your visit. 
One World, One Sky:  Big Bird's Adventure
Join 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 3 to 7), and the very young at heart!
Fragile Planet
Earth is truly the “Goldilocks” planet, located in just the right place in our solar system.  Join us as we explore for more of those “habitable zones” around newly discovered exoplanets!
Black Holes:  The Other Side of Infinity
There's a place from which nothing escapes, not even light, where time and space literally come to end. It's at this point, inside this fantastic riddle, that black holes exert their sway over the cosmos ... and our imaginations. Can you feel the pull?"
For Planetarium Prices/Times:  Click Here

Online Exhibits:

Journey to Alaska

Dr. Tony Fiorillo explores Alaska
http://www.natureandscience.org/exhibits/alaska/default.asp

Permanent Exhibits:

Putting DNA to Work
Examine DNA sequences and see how that knowledge can be used to unlock the secrents hidden in our genes
Your Incredible Body
Your Incredible Body is a brand new addition to our permanent galleries designed to help lead you and your children through many of the common questions about homeostasis and balance in the body.
Lagoon Nature Walk
Explore the Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk
Paleontology Lab
See fossils brought back from the field for preparation
Ice Age Dallas
Fossils from the last Ice Age
Ocean Dallas
See ocean creatures that once swam near Dallas
Texas Dinosaurs
Life and death in the Big Bend examines dinosaurs that once lived in Texas
Wildlife Dioramas
View the Museums four distinct wildlife diorama halls
Little Urban Farm
Vividly illustrate to children and families the crucial role that farms play in all our lives
NetWorks:  The World of Digital Communication
Take a virtual ride through a network
Astronomy & Space
Visit the only public planetarium in Dallas County.
Dino Trail Guide
Explore and imagine what dinosaurs' lives were like
Mineral Majesty
Explore beautiful and amazing minerals in our Nature Building!

Children's Hand-in-Hand Program
Time: 10-11:30am
Hand-in-Hand is a literacy-based program for adults and their preschoolers to imagine, explore, and discover together. Hear a story, get your wiggles out to music, create theme-related crafts and enjoy fun activities!
DATES TBA

Discovery Days (SECOND SATURDAYS)
-- Starting in March 2010

AUGUST 14: Discover Fine Arts
Learn about how some of the most creative forms of art are rooted in math! In this hands-on setting, use different materials artists use to create masterpieces, and see how computation and inspiration work together.


Museum Information:

The Museum of Nature & Science consists of several buildings all located in Fair Park, Dallas. The Nature Building is located at 3535 Grand Avenue, the Science Building is located at 1318 South Second Avenue and the Planetarium Building is located at 1620 First Avenue.

Location:  535 Grand Avenue and 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park     
Phone: 214-428-5555     
Email: info@natureandscience.org

Hours and Admission:
All buildings: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, Noon-5pm Sunday
(In the event of inclement weather, please call 214-421-3466 ext. 382)
Admission Pricing: www.natureandscience.org/information/admission.asp


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61.  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. Exhibit admission also includes entry to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Admission:

$14 for adults
$10 for children (3-12) and seniors (60+)
Admission to ExploraZone and all National Cowgirl Museum exhibits is one price and free for all Museum members

Location:  1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, 76107 (corner of Montogomery & Gendy)

Exhibits:
MAY 5-AUGUST 12:  MEXICO: FESTIVAL OF TOYS
Opening on Cinco de Mayo, this exhibit demonstrates traditional Mexican toys and their connection to cultural or ethnic groups through the use of local materials.  The strong puppetry tradition in Mexico that goes back more than 500 years reflects the story of historical and cultural events including bullfights, soccer games, and indigenous dances with ceremonial costumes and masks.  The dolls from Mexico are dressed in traditional cultural clothing and represent the lives of adults.


MAY 26-SEPTEMBER 6:  BUILDING BRAINSTORM
Discover a variety of shapes, materials, and building components in a design studio environment built to stimulate aspiring architects, construction workers, and engineers. Designers will discover the basics of buildings, as well as explore the process of creating structures that match the needs of those inside the buildings!


MAY 22-SEPTEMBER 6:  LEONARDO DA VINCI: MAN, INVENTOR, GENIUS
With little formal education Leonardo da Vinci's brilliance reveals a man ahead of his time. Explore the myths and legends surrounding da Vinci's life, and consider how his "Renaissance Man" legacy inspires and challenges us today.




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62. NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

Location:  Dallas Arts District
                2001 Flora Street
                214-242-5100


Exhibits
MAY 22 - AUGUST 15 -- Rachel Whiteread Drawings
The exhibition is the first museum retrospective of drawings by contemporary artist Rachel Whiteread.  Featuring over 150 drawings and collages selected from the artist's studio, as well as from leading public and private collections in Europe and the United States.

SEPTEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 28 -- Revelation:  The Art of James Magee
Over the past four decades, James Magee has produced a compelling body of work that has rarely been seen in public. His great project, The Hill, an extraordinary art and architectural installation in the desert near El Paso, has been constructed largely by hand over the past thirty years and will take its place among the great American artistic monuments as it approaches completion in ca. 2025.  Using an astonishing array of materials—bits of iron, glass, concrete, wax, enamel, lead, wire mesh, linoleum, grease, brake fluid, shellac, car parts, ceramic tiles, roof panels, even hibiscus, honey, and paprika—Magee creates powerful, sensuous sculptural reliefs.  Often framed in steel behind protective glazing, the works function as poetic paradoxes, preserving the broken, rusted, decaying materials they contain.  The artist occasionally extends the experience of the works in their elaborate “titles,” prose poems that Magee intones only for the rare, fortunate visitor, recordings of which will be available in the exhibition.
OCTOBER 2-JANUARY 2, 2011 -- Sightings: Alyson Shotz
Sightings begins this October with an installation of new work by Brooklyn-based artist Alyson Shotz. Working with translucent and reflective materials, Shotz challenges traditional notions of sculpture as closed, massive, or weighty. Her airy, open-form sculptures define volumes without mass. Works such as The Shape of Space (2004) and Equilibrium (2009) expand on the strung, translucent, or open-form sculpture of modern masters such as Naum Gabo, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore, as well as more recent predecessors like Richard Deacon.
For Sightings, Shotz is creating a series of complex, volumetric forms made of stainless steel wire strung with silvered glass beads. A pair of elliptical volumes will be suspended from the ceiling, the reflective strands cascading to the floor creating looping, bulging forms. Each exterior ellipse will contain additional beaded strands defining shapes in their interiors. The pair of interior/exterior forms will transform the Corner Gallery into a transparent, reflective, experiential environment. In addition, Shotz will link the installation to the adjacent spaces, installing a related geometric string drawing on the wall in the café and programming the music for the spaces in collaboration with composer Simon Fisher Turner.
DECEMBER 11-MARCH 6, 2011 -- Alexander Calder & Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy
The seven contemporary artists in this exhibition—Martin Boyce, Nathan Carter, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Aaron Curry, Kristi Lippire, Jason Meadows, and Jason Middlebrook—have taken important cues from Calder including a return to hands-on production, the creative reuse of materials, and explorations of form, balance, color, and movement. Combining rigorous concept with a renewed emphasis on formalism, the work of these artists prioritizes the visual and visceral qualities of sculpture. Both directly and indirectly influenced by Calder, all of the artists are looking towards modernist forms and ideas, challenging and recontextualizing what is for many a familiar art history.

Target First Saturdays -- FREE Admission from 10am-2pm
AUGUST 7 -- Drama
SEPTEMBER 4 -- Character
OCTOBER 2 -- Mystery
NOVEMBER 6 -- Conversation
DECEMBER 4 -- Harmony

First Saturdays Schedule:

10am-Noon - Children’s Art Activity
Express yourself by creating unique artworks connected to the month’s Big Idea.
10am-12:30 - Art in Action Sculpture Demo  
See how sculpture is made and feel the materials artists use at our live artist demos. 
10am-2pm - Art Scavenger Hunt
Exercise your detective skills to search the Nasher for art related to the month’s Big Idea. Complete the hunt for a special prize!   
10:15; 11:15; 12:15 - Family Tours
Discover and discuss each month’s Big Idea on an interactive tour for the whole family.  
11am-2pm - NasherKids Meal Available at Nasher Cafe (for additional charge)
11:30 - Yoga
12:30pm - Storytime with the Dallas Public Library
Share in the joy of reading with storytellers from the Dallas Public Library.
1pm - NasherKids Live!
Join in the fun with an exciting, live performance for families and young children.


www.nashersculpturecenter.org


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63.  SHOWS AT THE DALLAS IMAX THEATER - MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & NATURE

Now Showing
Alaska: Spirit of the Wild
Ticket Prices:  $7/adult; $6/child (3-11) and seniors (62+); $6 students 18+
Details:  Join us as we marvel at the last great frontier: Alaska.  Fish with the brown bears, soar with bald eagles, dodge calving glaciers, and race on the hooves of caribou - all from the comfort of a theater seat.

Grand Canyon Adventure: River At Risk
Ticket Prices:  $7/adult; $6/child (3-11) and seniors (62+); $6 students 18+
Details:  This important movie tells a story of how ordinary people can have an impact on the extraordinary problem of our parched planet: not enough clean, fresh water.  Using the backdrop of river-rafting, this expedition is led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Wade Davis along with the first Native American National Park Ranger and river guide, Shana Watahomigie.  Narrated by Robert Redford.


For Showtimes: Click Here

Online Tickets: Click Here


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64.  SHOWS AT THE FORT WORTH OMNI THEATER - MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

The Omni  Theater is currently undergoing renovation while the Museum builds its new campus.  The Theater will reopen in late Spring 2008 with digital sound system, improved facilities, and all-new Imax adventures.

Now Playing:
FEBRUARY 27 - SUMMER 2010 -- Sharks, Up Close and Personal
Tickets:  
$7/adults; $6/ages 3-12 and Seniors 60+
Through the all-encompassing power of IMAX, students will learn all about this apex predator in the wild, as well as how its past reputation has a direct impact on its future survival.  Many shark species will be shown, including the Great White, Whale shark, and Hammerhead.
For Information About the Movie:  
Click Here

THROUGH SUMMER 2010 -- Animalopolis
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 3-12 and Seniors 60+
Order Tickets: 817-255-9540 or Click Here for online ordering
There is a small service fee for tickets purchased online and by phone.
Details: The whimsical film is done in rhyme and verse with a humorous tone while concentrating on real-world animal activities. It takes a lighthearted and imaginary look at a variety of animals, including cheetahs that race like a Ferrari, bears that run their own fishing school, an operatic lion, scary crabs that hold a town hostage and even attempt to cuddle with children, and much more. Whether going nose to nose with hippos as they graze upon nature's massive salad bar, or eye to eye with dancing bears, sea lions turning somersaults, or an otter that prays, we are reminded that nature provides us with humor and wonder everywhere.
For more Information about Animalopolis:  
click here

MAY 22-SEPTEMBER 6 -- Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk

Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 3-12 and Seniors 60+
Details: Two risk-taking experts take on a challenge of trying to fly the parachute Leonardo da Vinci imagined back in 1485, the first parachute design ever recorded. Physiological and psychological forces behind risk-taking are explained as well, and the audience will learn that risk-taking is a part of everyday life.  
For more information about Adrenaline Rush:  click here

MAY 22-SEPTEMBER 6 -- Van Gogh: Brush With Genius
Tickets: $7/adults; $6/children 3-12 and Seniors 60+
Details:
Viewers will be taken on a journey through Van Gogh's short 10-year career, during which he painted more than 700 paintings.  This film follows three main characters through the Netherlands to French cities such as Auvers-sur-Oise, Arles, Saint-Remy and Paris. From the dazzling yellow of the artist's famous cornfields to the deep blue of his famous night sky, audiences will rediscover the source of some of the most important works in art history.
For more information about Van Gogh:  click here


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65.  PROGRAMS AT LOG CABIN VILLAGE

Location:  2100 Log Cabin Village Lane
        Fort Worth, TX  
        817-392-5881


AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 6 -- CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

SEPTEMBER 17 -- Timber Tales Storytime
Time:  
10-11am
Cost:  $4 fee includes a story, fun activities, and craft geared toward 3-5 year olds.
Details: Featured story:  Featured stories: Tortillas and Lullabies by Lynn Reiser and The Copper Tin Cup by Carole Lexa Schaefer. How can the objects we treasure bring back powerful memories? Learn with two wonderful stories about the continuity of family and our heirlooms.
Reservation Required:  Call 817-392-5881


SEPTEMBER 25 -- Harvest Homecoming
Time:  
Noon - 4pm
Cost:  FREE
Details: No admission charge for this day only!!! Celebrate Fort Worth’s “Day in the District” at the Village! Enjoy a day full of music, crafts, living history and activities for the whole family. This is the Village's biggest event of the year!
No Reservation Required


OCTOBER 22 -- Timber Tales Storytime
Time:  
10-11am
Cost:  $4 fee includes a story, fun activities, and craft geared toward 3-5 year olds.
Details: Featured story: Anansi Does the Impossible: An Ashanti Tale retold by Verna Aardema. The adventures of Anansi the spider continue with this delightful tale from our West African ancestors about securing folktales for the people.
Reservation Required:  Call 817-392-5881

OCTOBER 23 -- Jeepers Reapers
Time: 1:00—4 p.m.
Cost:  Regular Village admission plus $3 craft fee to make a corn husk doll.
Details:
We just celebrated Harvest Homecoming, but now it’s time to reap what we’ve sown! Experience grinding grain by hand, thresh wheat, mix masa, press tortillas and more. Then we’ll use corn husks to make dolls!

No Reservation Required

NOVEMBER 13 & 14 -- Candle-Dipping
Time:  
1-4p.m.
Cost:  Regular village admission, plus $3 fee to dip candles.
Details: It’s candle-making time! Come dip your own candles to take home.
No reservations required. 

NOVEMBER 19 -- Timber Tales Storytime
Time:  
10-11am
Cost:  $4 fee includes a story, fun activities, and craft geared toward 3-5 year olds.
Details: Featured story: Kindle Me a Riddle: A Pioneer Story by Roberta Karim. Frontier days are brought to life through a series of riddles in this charming story about a 19th century family.
Reservation Required:  Call 817-392-5881

NOVEMBER 20 & 21 -- Candle-Dipping
Time:  
1-4p.m.
Cost:  Regular village admission, plus $3 fee to dip candles.
Details: It’s candle-making time! Come dip your own candles to take home.
No reservations required.  


DECEMBER 18 -- Holidays at the Hearth
Time:  
1-4p.m.
Cost:  Regular village admission, plus $2 fee to dip candles.
Details: Enjoy holiday music, string popcorn and cranberries, spin the dreidel, help make pomander balls, tamales, paper chains, embossed cards, ornaments, and more! No reservations required.
No reservations required. 



For More Information:  Click Here

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66.  DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE

OCTOBER 8 -- Lone Star History Day: Family Stories
Time:  
10am-4pm
Tickets:  $5/adults, Children 4-12, and Seniors
Details:  Every family has a story. What's yours?  As you explore the families featured at Dallas Heritage Village, start preserving your own family's story.
Oral History Workshop (Church), 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. How can oral history be used to preserve your family’s stories? How do museums and historians use oral history? How do you become an oral historian? Staff from The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza will share how their museum uses oral history, give tips on ways to become an oral historian, and help the group determine a list of questions so you can start recording your history.
To Register by Phone: 214-413-3674 between 8:00am-Noon, Mon-Fri
Registration Deadline:  
October 6
For Details:  Click Here


Family Past Times
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Admission:  
FREE
Bring the whole family for historic fun and participate in themed activities for everyone to enjoy.

Dates TBA


Nip & Tuck's Barnyard Buddies Storytime
SECOND WEDNESDAYS (SEPT - MAY)
Stories, Music and Hands-On Activities for Preschoolers
Hear a story or two and make a craft with your child. All in the only historic village in Dallas!
Time:  11 a.m
Cost:  Non-members:  $5/child – includes admission to Dallas Heritage Village before or after program.
Tickets can be purchased by phone, at the gate or online.
RSVP: 214-413-3674 or by email
Monthly Themes:
Dates and Themes TBA


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67.  STAR PARTIES at  FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

Have you ever seen the rings of Saturn? Have you ever wanted to view the moons of Jupiter? Have you been dazzled by a star cluster? Are you in the market for a telescope and don't know where to start? This and more can be discovered every month outside the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History during the free monthly telescope observing. The star gazing events are held every month on area north of the Museum on the Saturday nearest the first quarter moon, weather permitting.   They are presented by the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society.

The Noble Planetarium is under construction, but you can still gaze at the stars and learn about the night sky during our free monthly  Star Parties.

AUGUST 14
SEPTEMBER 18
Cost:  
Free
Location:   In the parking lot just south of Museum construction (corner of Montgomery and Harley).
Time:  Dusk - 10:30pm

OCTOBER 16 -- Stars Over Euless
A special star party event sponsored by the City of Euless Parks & Community Services
Time: Dark until 10pm
Location:  Bob Eden Park in Euless (901 E. Mid Cities Blvd.)

For more information:  Contact Linda Krouse at 817-255-9409
                http://fortworthmuseum.org/noble/parties.html


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68.  ALEDO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL'S BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL TEAMS

Aledo Christian School, located in Aledo,TX, is offering their sports programs to home schoolers.

Who:  7-12th grade boys and girls
Girls Sports:  
Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
Boys Sports:  Basketball & Baseball

Location:  Aledo Christian School
                400 Queen Street
                Aledo, TX  76008

For Information About Baseball:  817-939-2979 or click here to email Coach Snethen.
For Information About Other Sports: Contact Tim Barton at 817-441-7357
 

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69.  BERNE ACADEMY'S BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Berne Academy, located in Lancaster, TX, is looking for homeschoolers to play on their Boys'  Varsity Basketball Team.  They are associated with T-CAL (Texas Christian Athletic League) out of San Antonio.

Who:  7-12th grade boys
Location of Practices:  Tommie Allen Recreation Center on Bonnie View Road
For More Information:  972-218-7373 or click here to email
 

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70.  HOMESCHOOL SWIM-- The Colony Aquatic Park

Brand New!  Expanded Homeschool Swim in The Colony!!
The price for fall season passes are very reasonable, especially since there are now
three different days a week that you can come!
 

When: 
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Time:  
11-Noon

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


Cost:  
$3 - ages 7 & up
         $2 - ages 6 & under

Note:  Children 6 and under MUST be directly attended by a swimming adult within arms reach.

Seasonal Passes available:
 $45 - Individual
                                          $60 - Micro-family (2-3 members)
                                               
  $80 - Family (4+ members)

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


And for those of you who are concerned about the Cryptosporidium Outbreak in the DFW area, please paste this link to read what we have done to prevent the problem:
www.ci.the-colony.tx.us/Depts/PARD/Aquatics/CryptosporidiumUpdate.html
 

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71.  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:  1pm – 3pm 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 www.allenparks.org


City of Allen Home school Swim Team
Practices:  Monday through Friday from 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Location:  Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium
For more information:  Call 972-992-3996 or visit www.metro-aquatics.org


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72.  CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS

Christian Martial Arts, an outreach of First Baptist Church of Euless, is offering a free month of classes to HEART of Texas newsletter readers who wish to try out their program.  Christian Martial Arts has been ministering to the physical as well as spiritual needs of local families for almost ten years at First Euless!

It is a fun way to get plenty of exercise in an environment that seeks to honor God and teach respect for others. The tenets of CMA are Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable spirit. Students learn fundamentals of self-defense, balance, flexibility, practice and repetition. We encourage progress through belt promotions but each student is only in competition with himself to advance. We have sparring nights, optional board breaking, tournaments and special events including Christmas parties and demonstrations. If you are looking for a great family activity, you've found it!


Cost: $25/month per person

Times/Class Descriptions:
Monday: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Children only
Monday: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Beginners & Advanced of all ages
Thursday: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Beginners of all ages
Thursday: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Advanced students
Saturday: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm - Open Workout for all students



For More Information: Click Here


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73.  DALLAS THUNDER HOME SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Contact:  972-475-3946 or Click Here to email

Dallas Thunder is a home school competitive basketball organization.  For our 2008/09 season, we plan to have boys and girls teams ranging in ages from 12 and under through 18 and under. 


Dallas Thunder offers:
Christ-centered, competitive Basketball for Home schooled boys and girls
Experienced, Professional Coaches.
The opportunity to play top public and private schools in the area
Participation in the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament.

Website: www.dallasthunder.org 


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74.  ELITE TRACK CLUB/CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM


For More Information:  Click Here to email or 817-800-3922                                


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75.  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.

AUGUST 2 -- Season Begins

HSAA General Football Information 2010
Who:  Boys who will be in the 6th–12th grade in the Fall of 2010
What:  Competitive football against private and home school teams.
Practices begin on August 2, 2010.
This is 11-MAN TACKLE FOOTBALL.
We are forming the following 2010 Fall Teams:
    1. 7th Grade (6th graders allowed to try out)
    2. 8th Grade
    3. High School JV
    4. High School Varsity
(*6th graders will be evaluated by the coaches, and a decision will be made on an individual basis.)
 
2010 HSAA High School Football
(scroll down for Middle School Football Information)
Please mail forms and payment to Celia Kinville prior to August 2nd. Celia will also be collecting forms and payments on Monday, August 2nd and Tuesday, August 3rd at the practice field. Please mail or bring the following:
1.     2010 HSAA Football Application (2 pages, signed by parent/player)
2.     HSAA Medical Authorization and Release
3.     Copy of current physical (form may be provided by doctor)
4.     Player Contract
5.     Parent Contract
6.     Check made out to HSAA for $725
 
Practice Schedule:

AUGUST 2-20 -- M-F, 6:30-8:30 pm at Lake Highlands Field in The Colony.
 
Additional Conditioning Practices held at Point North Park in Richardson:
AUGUST 7
-- 7:30-8:45am
AUGUST 9-12 -- 6:30-8:00am
 
AUGUST 23 through the end of the Season:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Lake Highlands Field in The Colony.
Wednesdays:  5:30 to 7:30 pm at Point North Park in Richardson

AUGUST 9 -- Mandatory Parent Meeting
Time:  6 pm
One parent must attend.  Coaches will discuss expectations and answer your questions.  Volunteer sheet will be available. See website for game schedule.
For More Information:  Click Here to email
 
Field Locations:
Practice Field:
Lake Highlands Field, 4719 E. Lake Highlands, The Colony, TX
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=The+Colony&state=TX&address=4719+
 
Wednesday Practice Field:
Beginning Wednesday, August 25th
Point North Park in Richardson:
Renner Rd and Synergy Park Rd.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Richardson&state=TX&address=3200+Synergy+Park+Blvd
 
2010 HSAA Middle School Football
Please mail forms and payment to Pam Wheeler prior to August 2nd. Pam will also be collecting forms and payments on Monday, August 2nd and Tuesday, August 3rd at the practice field. Please bring the following:
1.    2010 HSAA Football Application (2 pages, signed by parent/player)
2.     HSAA Medical Authorization and Release
3.     Copy of current physical (form may be provided by doctor)
4.     Player Contract
5.     Parent Contract
6.     Check made out to HSAA for $350
 
Practice Schedule:
AUGUST 2-20 - Practice will be from 6 to 8 pm at Point North Park in Richardson - Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
 
AUGUST 23 through End of Season -  
Mon & Tues 6:00 – 8:00pm - full pads/contact.
Wednesday 5:30 – 6:30pm “walk-through" - helmets, no pads
Thursday - game day
 Friday - off (Varsity Football games) The exception will be Friday, Sept 17 and Friday, Oct 15 - those will be film nights - more details to follow.
 
Week 1 - NO CONTACT - Players need to wear shorts, t-shirt, cleats, mouth guard, and helmet.
Week 2 to the end of the season - full contact with full pads.
 
AUGUST 10 -- Mandatory Parent Meeting -
Time:  5:30 to 6:00pm
One parent must attend.  Coach Duncan will discuss expectations and answer your questions.  Volunteer sign-up sheet will be available. It takes all of us to run this awesome program, so please volunteer where you can.  See website for game schedule.
For More Information:  Click Here to email
 
Practice Field:
Point North Park, Renner and Synergy Rd
Link to Point North Park in Richardson:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Richardson&state=TX&address=3200+Synergy+Park+Blvd
 
Dallas HSAA is a homeschool sports organization that serves the Dallas / North Texas areas.



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76.  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: Click Here    

Boys Basketball: Click Here    
Girls Basketball: Click Here    
Girls Volleyball: Click Here    

For More Information: http://www.thesariders.org/


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77.  HULCY HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES IN RICHARDSON

Register Today for Fall 2008!

Come try your first class for free and see if our 20 year reputation of helping kids enjoy  in a competitive Christian atmosphere is right for your family. 100% of the children that have tried it... have stayed.
 
Ages:  6-12
Cost:  $20 a month for first child... $15 a month for any additional children.

SEPTEMBER 7 -- First Class

When:  Tuesdays
(once a week)

Girls meet from 2:00-3:30 pm.
Boys meet from 3:30-5:00 pm.
To sign up just call 214-695-5560
 
Where: - Heights Park in Richardson on Floyd
in between Belt Line and Arapaho on the West  side of 75 (south of Arapaho).
 
We play an array of competitive  for kids at any skill level: dodgeball, football, kickball, flag tag, capture the flag, war, softball, baseball, crazyball, flipperball, Frisbee golf, soccer, circle dodgeball, track and field, and tons more.  We also play fun and easy games such as:  squirrel in a tree, two headed monster, parachute games, and much more!

We have a family camp out in October, and a Field Day at the end of the year that includes a picnic dinner, volleyball, hay ride, playing in a tree house, games, a bonfire, and cooking hotdogs outside!
  
Call RHETT HULCY directly to enroll or for any questions about the class:
214-695-5560

Discount:  Rhett is offering HEART of Texas members one free month of classes, with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.  
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html


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78.  HOME SCHOOL PE PROGRAMS AT VELOCITY  IN HIGHLAND PARK

This location is closed.

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79.  HOME SCHOOL PE PROGRAMS AT VELOCITY  IN SOUTHLAKE

SEPTEMBER 7 & 10 -- Homeschool Open House/Free Training Days

RSVP by SEPTEMBER 1
Time:  2pm-3pm
Location:  Velocity Sports Performance
                1800 East Highway 114, Suite 101
                Southlake, TX  
                817-416-0606
To RSVP:  Click here to email Velocity in Southlake
For More Information:  Click Here

Discount:  Velocity /Southlake is offering HEART of Texas members a 10% discount on all training, whether it is with the Home School program, regular training program or any camps that are held at this location., with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

Velocity Sports Performance in Southlake has designed a program to meet the needs of Home School Families!

Location:
     1800 East Hwy 114, Suite 101
, Southlake, TX  
For More Information: Call 817-416-0606
To Learn More About Velocity:  www.velocitysp.com/southlake

Velocity  Performance is a  training facility with a staff of degreed and certified coaches.  Their programs focus on all facets of athletic performance, including speed and agility, strength and explosive power, flexibility and mobility, endurance and energy system development, and injury risk prevention.

Their 18,200 sq. ft. indoor facility includes a 30 yard turf field, 60 yard speed track, regulation volleyball court, Olympic weight area, comfortable viewing area for parents/coaches with wireless internet, men's and women's showers, electronic timing system and video analysis, and SPARQ testing.

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80.  HOME SCHOOL FENCING CLASSES AT FENCING INSTITUTE OF TEXAS

Fencing Institute of Texas is committed to supporting our Home Schooled children by providing physical fitness that challenges the mind as well as the body.  

Home School Classes
Times:      4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Tuesdays and Thursdays
        10:00 a.m. – 11:30 am. – Saturdays

Instructor:  Coach Rhonda Trietsch

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 PM will be added
as this program and need grows.  

Open Enrollment: Students may join this program at any time; the first month's fees are prorated.  There is no pro-ration of fees after the first month.  Fees are $90 per month plus $50 tuition ($140), and are due by the 5th of the month.  Fees are due in advance and are non-refundable.

Students may take additional private lessons outside of the class meeting time for an additional fee.

To Register: Class size is limited to 15 students; pre-registration is required.  If you are interested, please call our school at (972) 444-8498, or complete and mail or FAX the Home School Registration form.

To Download Registration Form: http://www.fenceintexas.org/homeschool.html

Discount:  Fencing Institute of Texas is offering HEART of Texas members a $10 discount off the monthly tuition (individual or family) with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.   HEART of Texas students participating in the FIT Saturday Page or Squire programs receive a $5 discount off the monthly program fee with a valid Heart of Texas family membership card.
To Learn About HEART of Texas Membership: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html

For More Information: 972-444-8498 or visit: http://www.fenceintexas.org/homeschool.html


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81.  PARKER-TARRANT HOME SCHOOL 

Parker-Tarrant Home School  exists to promote and accomplish  education for the Texas Home School student in a Christian environment. With a focus primarily in the Parker County and West Tarrant County areas of North Texas, the organization’s objective is to provide a competitive environment for middle school and high school  competition that is not normally provided by traditional home school organizations or support groups. PTHSS desires to accomplish this goal in a way that both works alongside the parents and honors Jesus Christ.

Currently the PTHSS organization offers boys' Varsity and Junior Varsity Baseball, boys' Basketball from middle school through high school, girls' high school basketball and girls' Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball. Six-Man boys' football is being added this fall! Other  programs and age divisions may be offered in the future.

Many of the PT Warriors athletic activities occur at Birchman Baptist Church in West Fort Worth.


For More Information:  click Here to email Corey Linscombe or
www.pthss.org/

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82.  POP-IN PLAYTIME AT PUMP-IT-UP OF GRAPEVINE

WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Time:  Between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages:  2-6 years old

WEDNESDAYS
Time:  Between 3:30 and 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: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html    

For More Information:  817-329-1332 or grapevine@pumpitupdfw.com


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83.  SMOOTHING THE WAY MEETINGS -- NORTH TEXAS

Smoothing the Way is a support group dedicated to serving first-year homeschooling mothers. Each month a topic of specific interest to the new homeschooler is offered.  We will offer you information that will make your first year less confusing. We will also offer you the opportunity to meet other new homeschoolers who are sharing your experiences — both good and bad! You will meet veteran homeschoolers who can reassure you that these experiences are very normal and can help you to navigate through your first year.

For Information about Smoothing the Way groups near you, or to find out how you can lead a group: http://www.smoothingtheway.com/


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84.  ARLINGTON ASSOCIATION HOME EDUCATORS (AAHE)

This group has no announcements this month.

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85.  COPPELL SPEECH & DEBATE CLUB

This group has no announcements this month.

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86.  DENTON COUNTY CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION

This group has no announcements this month.

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87.  FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOMESCHOOL NETWORK

A support group for families in the Grapevine/Flowermound area.
Click Here for More Information

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88.  HOW NOW HOMESCHOOLING

This group has no announcements this month.

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89. LEWISVILLE AREA SPEECH & DEBATE CLUB

This group has no announcements this month.


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90. MATTHEW ROAD HOME SCHOOL GROUP

Matthew Road Home School Group in Grand Prairie has opened registration for Spring 2010 Co-op Classes.
MRHSG provides comprehensive support for local Christian home educators. E-group membership is free.

For More Information:  Click here for website or click here to email.

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91.  NORTH IRVING CHRISTIAN HOME EDUCATORS

No announcements this month.


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92.  PARK DAY DRAMA CLUB

This group has no announcements this month.

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93.  READY TO ANSWER SPEECH & DEBATE CLUB

This group has no announcements this month.
    

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94.  SALT EDUCATIONAL CO-OP CLASSES -- DeSOTO, TX

This group has no announcements this month.



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95.  HOMESCHOOLERS OFFERING MOMS ENCOURAGEMENT (HOME)

This group has no announcements this month.

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96.  OFFICIAL 2008 -2009 COLLEGE BOARD TEST DATES

2010 PSAT/NMSQT TEST DATES:
OCTOBER 13, 16
(each school offers only one test date)
To Find out When Your Local High School is Offering the PSAT Test:  Click Here

PSAT TESTING FEE:  $13 (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.

2010-2011 SAT TEST DATES:
OCTOBER 9 (registration deadline September 10)
NOVEMBER 6 (registration deadline October 8)
DECEMBER 4 (registration deadline November 5)
JANUARY 22 (registration deadline December 23)
MARCH 12 (registration deadline February 11)
MAY 7 
(registration deadline April 8)
JUNE 4 
(registration deadline May 6)

For SAT Subject Test Calendar:  Click Here


For More Information: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html


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97.  MASTER THE SAT CLASSES WITH JEAN BURK

After hearing Jean Burk speak at the HEART of Texas Regional Homeschool College Night, people from all over Texas organized a “Master the SAT Class” in their city. If you are interested in a class for your student, please contact Jean Burk about organizing a class in your town.

What's Covered in Class:
"Master the SAT Class” is a thorough investigation of the SAT and PSAT including an extensive review of all three test sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.

Testimonial:  A father put his younger son, Buddy, in one of my classes.  Buddy raised his SAT score 600 points and received a $200,000 scholarship from Brown. He is also the first student from SW Christian to go to an IVY League school.

For More Information:  www.collegeprepgenius.com


August 6, 7 Colleyville
August 21, 28 Aledo
August 23, 24   Longview
September 4, 6  Rowlett
September 10, 11  Spring
September 11, 18 Azle
September 12, 19 Keller
September 13, 20, 27 Sherman
September 14, 18 Denton
September 18, 25 Godley
October 4, 6 Keller
October 7, 8 San Antonio
October 11, 12, 14 Mesquite
October 27, 28 Denton
November 6, 13 Grapevine

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: www.heartoftex.org/membership/membership.html
                     
 
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98.  BAYLOR & AIR FORCE ROTC (AFROTC) SCHOLARSHIP

Baylor and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) have teamed up to provide an enormous scholarship opportunity to help students afford a Christian college education while pursuing their dream in a career in aviation, medicine, science, engineering, law, space, business, etc. 

DEADLINE:  DECEMBER 1, 2010

To Apply:  Visit www.afrotc.com and fill out the on-line application.


Highlights:

• We appreciate the homeschooled student and know first-hand the talent and intellect they offer.  Our Cadet Wing Commander last Fall was homeschooled and she was outstanding!
 
• Who do we want to help?  Your students interested in leadership who are about to graduate, applying to a service academy (Baylor would be a great Plan B), excels academically, involved in Eta Sigma Alpha or other honor societies and service organizations, as well as competitors of all kinds.
 
• The application deadline for AFROTC high school scholarships is December 1, 2008. 

• 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 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 2008 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 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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99.  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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100.  BECOME A HOST FAMILY FOR A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT THROUGH INTO EdVENTURES HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE ORGANIZATION

Learn to Laugh in Another Language!

INTO EdVENTURES High School Exchange Organization offers you the opportunity to host a young high school student from another nation in your own home...let these incredible young people from other countries  show you their culture, up close and personal.  Welcome them as a son or daughter...touch their lives, and change their world, and your's too.  The experience will teach you and your children how another family lives across the world, while they, in turn, learn about you and the American culture...many of them love to cook and share themselves and their family with you.. They become part of your family for a lifetime.

Share your heart, your faith, your family and your home with a high school foreign exchange student. 

IF you have children at home, they can learn so much and make a life long friend.  If you do not have kids at home you will LOVE the new dimensions they will add to your life, and the new life they will give to your home.

There are boys and girls ages 15-18 from South america, Asia and Europe.  They bring their wide-eyed enthusiasm and a desire to learn our culture, and in turn share their's.

They will attend your local high school for the academic year.

IF THIS SPEAKS TO YOUR HEART...you can make a huge difference in a young person's life.  You will touch a nation, and change the world!!

All host families are volunteer
Who can become a Host Family:  
Young families with small children, families with teens, empty nesters, grand parents, even single parents!

Our host families must provide:  Room, Board, Food, and Transportation.  Host families
Must also be financially able take in another child.

The students have:  Full health insurance coverage and their own spending money ($200-$300/month, which takes care of personal things or extra things they want, and school activity expenses).  These will not have to be provided by the host family.

Student information:  Our students are boys and girls ranging in age from 15-18.  They are from South America, Asia, and Europe.   They arrive the third week of August, hopefully a week or two before school starts.

They will attend the LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL for either the ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR...OR ONE SEMESTER (either spring for fall)  

INTO EdVENTURES will share with the prospective host families the student's pictures & 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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101.  MEALS ON WHEELS, INC. OF TARRANT COUNTY SEEKS HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES TO DELIVER HOT MEALS AND FRIENDSHIP

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

Several home school families currently volunteer for our program and we would like you to join us. 
Weekly and substitute volunteers are needed now. 
Meals are picked up from local distribution sites and delivered to homes within close proximity. 
Delivery typically takes about hour. 
If you join our volunteer team you will feel great ensuring that several Tarrant County neighbors
have received food and a friendly visit.


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

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

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

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

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

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


For More Information:  817-336-0912


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102.  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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103.  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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104.  VOLUN-TEEN PROGRAM AT THE FORT WORTH ZOO

Ft Worth Zoo is Recruiting Now for Spring 2011 Home School Teens!
Attention Home School Parents! The Fort Worth Zoo's Weekday Volunteen Program is looking for energetic teens ages 12 to 17 years old to volunteer one half-day each week at the Zoo assisting with our Weekday Zoo School Toddler Program during the fall or spring semesters.

For More Information:  
Click here to e-mail Stefanie Spivey



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105.  REGISTRATION OPEN FOR JUBILATE CHORUS IN PLANO

SEPTEMBER 8

An opportunity for 4th–12th graders to sing in a choir that focuses on joy,     
reverence, and beauty.  Combines a Christ-centered approach to worship with an emphasis on musical excellence.  Outstanding instruction in music theory and healthy vocal training for young voices.

Time:  
5-6pm
Location:  St. Johns Episcopal Church
                848 Harter Rd. Dallas, 75218
Cost:  $50 per family (annual cost)
Rehearsals:  Wednesdays beginning Sept. 15, 5pm-6pm
Performance:  Select Sundays at St. John's and community events
Contact: Click here to email

Details:  JOIN MARY PRESTON, St. John’s Organist and Choirmaster and Resident Organist for the Dallas  Symphony Orchestra, as she leads the Jubilate Chorus,
a choir for the church and the community.


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106.  
HOME SCHOOL WORKSHOP at OLD RED MUSEUM IN DALLAS

Time:  10am-1pm
Location:  Old Red Museum
                100 South Houston Street, Dallas, 75202
Cost:  $6/Children;  $3/Adults (price includes all-day admission)
To RSVP:  Click here to email the sales dept
Students will be divided into separate age groups.
Parking:  Available below the Old Red Courthouse.  Museum guests may purchase a discounted parking voucher at the Museum front desk for the parking garage.
Description:  Judge, jury, bailiff, lawyers, and witnesses all come to life as students participate in a mock trial in Old Red's 1892 Restored Courtroom.  Students take on the roles and responsibilities of a civil court case while learning about the details of court proceedings, the importance of a trial by jury, and how to create and analyze arguments.  Older students sharpen critical thinking skills and have a unique opportunity to practice public speaking by writing opening statements, questioning witnesses, and crafting closing arguments through the characters they create while younger students learn about various roles as they try on different "hats" in the courtroom.  Students of all ages will enjoy learning about our justice system in a fun and interactive way.

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107.  
HOME SCHOOL DAY AT COWBOYS STADIUM IN ARLINGTON

SEPTEMBER 23

Deadline to Register:  SEPTEMBER 9

Time:  First tour start at 10am.  Last tour starts as 1:30, depending on how many people participate. They will take people in small groups every 15 minutes.

Location:  
Cowboys stadium in Arlington

Cost:
 $20/person (regularly $27.50)
Strollers are permitted.

Come out for a behind the scenes VIP Educational Guided Tour of
the new Cowboys Stadium and have access to:
-The Cowboys locker room
-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders locker room
-Run through the Cowboys tunnel and explore our Field Club
-Luxury suites, private clubs, and press boxes
-Field Access (throw passes, kick field goal, or just stare in awe)
-Fun Facts Quiz, specialized for Home School Day participants

PLUS!!!  Receive 1 free photo on the star at the 50 yard line for each participant

To Purchase Tickets:  Click Here
Password:  
Homeschool

This is the first time the Cowboys are doing a home school day, so let's
give them a good showing so they will want to do this again next year!

Important Note!!
This is the same day as the Educator Open House in the Fort Worth Museum District!!  Make a day of it, particularly if you would be driving in from other areas. Visit the stadium for homeschool day, grab lunch, and hang around for the educator open house at the museums, where you can visit the musuems for free and get valuable information about their education programs and field trips!!

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108.  EDUCATOR "OPEN HOUSE" EVENING IN THE FT. WORTH CULTURAL DISTRICT

SEPTEMBER 23

Time:
 4-7pm
Cost:  FREE

Details:  Join us for a free educators' "open house" with light refreshments, networking, resources, free Omni for the first 250 educators (Forces of Nature at 5:35pm) and more! View current exhibits, preview upcoming exhibits, receive free resources for your classroom, explore ideas for using primary resources.

The Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Kimbell Art Museum, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will open their doors.

All educators are encouraged to attend, including homeschool educators, preservice teachers, university faculty, and public and private school teachers of all grade levels and disciplines.

No reservations are required.  There will not be free shuttle service available during this event.

Important Note!!
This is the same day as the Home School Day at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.  Make a day of it, particularly if you would be driving in from other areas. Visit the stadium for homeschool day, grab lunch, and hang around for the educator open house at the museums, where you can visit the musuems for free and get valuable information about their education programs and field trips!!


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109.  
FORT WORTH DAY IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT

SEPTEMBER 25

Time:  10am-5pm
Free Admission to Seven Local Destinations:
Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, Kimbell Art Museum, Log Cabin Village, Modern Museum of Fort Worth, National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame

Many of Fort Worth's cultural organizations will offer free performances in and around the museums.  


Free Transportation: The T will provide complimentary transportation, making a continuous circuit throughout the Cultural District from 10am - 5pm.  
The T will stop at the following locations approximately every 30 minutes:
Gendy St.:  In the circle plaza in front of the Museum of Science & History/National Cowgirl Museum
Landcaster Ave:  In front of the Amon Carter Museum
Van Cliburn Way: (formerly Arch Adams St.) In front of the Kimbell Art Museum
Darnell St.: In front of the Modern Art Museum
Gendy St:  In front of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Harley St: At eastern end of Harley Street parking lot, near entrance to Botanic Garden

For More Information:  
Click Here

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---------------------------------------------------paid advertisement

110.  CHECK-IN RECEPTIONIST, CHECK-OUT RECEPTIONIST & TECHNICIAN

A DeSoto area Ophthalmologist's office has the following openings for students looking for a job experience.  Positions will be unpaid initially, but could lead to a permanent part or full time employment annd certification as an opthalmic technician.  Students will go through a hiring interview and positive attitude will be a big factor in the selection process.  Hours are flexible, but dependability is essential.

Parents are welcome to visit the office and meet the doctor to be comfortable and feel safe with the environment.

Check-in Receptionist:
Answer the phone
Input patient data into computer system and paper files
Prepare paperwork for patient arrivals
Call patients the day before their next visit to remind them of that appointment.
Keep paper and electronic schedules updated
Cover check-out's position during their lunch break
Other duties as required
 
Check-out Receptionist:
Answer the phone
Fax exam reports
Collect and record payments
Cover check-in's position during their lunch break
Assist check-in as needed
Other duties as required
 
Technician:
Taking patients through a general exam
Recording info in chart
Basic care of equipment
Keep exam room supplies stocked
Call to check on post-operation patients
Other duties as required


For More Information:  Bill Purcell at 214-549-8676



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111.  GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS . . . AT PUMP IT UP

Pump It Up of Grapevine is seeking "cast members"  to work with kids in a fun, safe, clean environment.

We have very flexible schedules and have many home school students in our current cast.
If you know of outgoing, fun, warm-hearted young people who seek a great place to learn and earn .... tell them to stop by for a Cast Member Application.
 
Contact:     
General Manager
850 Mustang Drive
Grapevine, TX

817-329-1332

Website:     
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/StoreHome.aspx?StoreID=63&PageName-StoreHome.aspx
 
 
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If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider becoming a member supporter!  For $25 a year, your family can receive all of the benefits of membership, including $15 off THSC annual membership, discounts at various area homeschool stores, Velocity in Southlake and Highland Park, and other 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/membership/membership.html 
To view our growing list of partners:  www.heartoftex.org/partners/partners.html

This newsletter is free to any and all homeschool families and support group leaders who wish to receive it!

HEART of Texas     P.O. Box 211882    Bedford, TX  76095-1882    www.heartoftex.org    
To subscribe:  Visit www.heartoftex.org  Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter email address in newsletter field.
To unsubscribe, go to: www.heartoftex.org/unsubscribe/unsubscribe.html