Sunday, January 31, 2010

HUB news update--Jan. 31

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Jan. 31
 
Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094
email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org
Editor: Annette Ernsperger
 
The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered by the Homeschool HUB. 
 
Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com
 
ON THE CALENDAR:

Feb. 1 and 4--Open swimming for homeschoolers at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2
Feb. 5--Homeschool bowling, Strikes and Spares, 2-4, $5
Feb. 6--Chess at Niles library, 9:30 a.m., free

Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub

HERE'S THE BUZZ:
 
1) Drama tryouts
2) Sewing lessons
3) Upcoming performances
4) Six Flags reading program
5) Tubing/cross country skiing

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news.  See also the Letting it Ride section at the end.
 

1) Michiana Home School Drama Group has scheduled tryouts for this year's Academy of Arts Drama Camp.  Tryouts for "Joseph of Arimathea" (Jr/Sr High Drama) and "A Day in the Country" (Elementary Musical) will be held on February 5th at First Baptist Church in Niles.  There is still time to register before tryouts.  To register, go to michianadrama.org and download the registration form.  For questions, call Deb or Rebekah Barrows at 574-288-0394.

2) Sewing Lessons available for all ages! My name is Kat Esparza & I am 19 years old. I'm offering my skills with sewing to teach anyone who would like to learn how to sew. I've learned all my sewing skills from my mother who has 25 years of experience. I'm located in Niles, MI & I give the lessons out of my home. Each lesson is $15.00--not hourly--just each lesson!  I teach basic sewing (how to use a machine), sewing terms, & how to make everyday household stuff like pillows, curtains, place mats, etc.  Not many people know how to sew & use a machine, so it's a great unique skill to learn & you'll use it throughout your life! 
Please email me at katesparza@yahoo.com or call at (765)-586-4279 with any questions & please leave a message. I will get back with you asap. Thank you!
 
3) For the following events, contact Diane Day 269-445-1900 or 269-370-4589 or joharding_20@yahoo.com.

Mendel Center presents The Underground Railroad; The Story of Harriet Tubman, Friday, February 5. Ticket prices are $10 & $15 for PUBLIC admission.  They are offering a matinee performance for area schools on that day at 10 am.  These seats are only $3 each.  Call or email to reserve your seats 2 weeks prior to the event.

Bethel College presents the musical "Jane Eyre" Feb. 11 and 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.  I also have seats reserved for this play.  Bethel College offers a field trip performance on Thursday, February 11 at 9:30 am.  These tickets are $5 for students and teachers are free.  Call or email to reserve your seats 2 weeks prior to the event.
 
4) The Six Flags reading program is for elementary students (gades K-6). You need to log 6 hours of reading by February 24th.  List the teacher, who will also get a ticket.  If you have two children, list mom as teacher for one, and dad as teacher for the other and submit 2 separate forms (only one ticket allowed per teacher).  Send the form, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the Homeschool HUB:  P.O. Box 286, Niles, MI  49120 attn: Peggy Schindler. We should receive it no later than March 1st.  Please don't forget the SASE -- we need it to send you your 6 Flags tickets when they come.  Admission tickets will be valid at participating Six Flags theme parks from June 14 to August 8, 2010.  For more info, contact: Peggy Schindler at 269-695-2686.

5) Homeschool tubing/cross country ski day is coming up at Five Pines--Friday, Febuary 19th, 10am-2pm.
 
The cost is $6 for tubing or $9 for tubing AND cross country skiing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLASSIFIEDS

I am trying to find a good home for a 9-mon. old Earlop bunny, named Peaches.  She is light brown and white in color.  The cage, food, & bedding are all included with the FREE bunny.  Please contact Criselda Steere at 269-697-4858 or cell #574-323-3476 if interested.

Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):

Head of the Class Web site: http://www.theHeadoftheClass.com for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. We will be releasing our content for third through sixth grade later this year!  Head of the Class provides online supplemental learning for free! You will find thousands of free resources for math, reading, writing, spelling, science, history, geography, Spanish, art, music, and more!

Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LETTING IT RIDE:
February is just around the corner and the start of our winter play season.  Here are some dates that are coming up.

February 5, 10 a.m.:  Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad at Mendel Center.  Seats are $3 each.

I have seats reserved for this performance and need to have all money in hand before I CONFIRM the seats on or near January 10.

I will be out of town until the 15th of January.  If you send a check or payment through paypal or would like to pay some other way, call me.  269-445-1900 before December 30 or 269-370-4589 after December 30.  Let's have a good turnout for this performance. 
 
January 15, 16, 23, 24:  Home School Performing Arts presents, "The Music Man". Their auditorium is located in Kalamazoo.  I have attended many of their performances and feel that they are the best around, easily compared with Bethel College plays.  I believe their tickets are $7 each.  This troupe consists of home schoolers from all over Southwestern Michigan including the orchestra!

Find out more at www.hpami.org

On Feb. 11, 12* & 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13, at 2:00 p.m.: the Bethel College theater department will present "Jane Eyre" the musical (book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon). Based on the classic novel by Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre is a haunting retelling of the Charlotte Bronte classic about an orphan girl who grows up to become the governess of Thornfield Hall. There she meets and falls in love with the enigmatic Edward Rochester, an earl with a dark secret. Filled with soaring melodies, Jane Eyre is a sweeping love story, breathtaking in its scope and beauty.

Seats will be reserved for this play also.  Right now, I believe that it will be Thursday, February 11, at 9:30 AM.

Just a note - I have had some pay me for the whole season that includes both Mendel Center plays and Bethel Plays.  If you are interested in doing that, call me.

Diane Day
_______________________

The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions.

--AND--

We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on:

Betty Crocker goods
Gold Medal Flour
Nestle products
Cherrios
Cascadian Farm products
Chex
Cocoa Puffs
Cookie Crisp
Country Cornflakes
Fiber One products
Golden Grahams
Honey Nut Clusters
Lucky Charms
Oatmeal Crisps
TotalTrix
Wheaties
Green Giant vegetables
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
Totino Pizza olls
Hamburger Helper meals
Old El Paso
Suddenly Salad
Yoplait
Fruit Flavored shapes
Ziploc
Kleenex
Scott
Kotex
Poise
Depend
Hefty
Nature Valley
Cottonelle
Huggies
Goodnites
Pull Ups
Avery School supplies

Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any of our functions that we will be having.  Thank-you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISCLAIMERS:

While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children.

Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

HUB news update--Jan. 23

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Jan. 23

 
Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094
email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org
Editor: Annette Ernsperger
 
 
The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered by the Homeschool HUB. 

 
Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com
 
ON THE CALENDAR:
 

Jan. 25 and 28--Open swimming for homeschoolers at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2
Jan. 29--Homeschool bowling, Strikes and Spares, 2-4, $5
Jan. 29--Game night, Niles and Berrien Springs, see below for more details
 

Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub
 

HERE'S THE BUZZ:
 
 
1) Homeschool game day
2) GoNorth! Polar Husky online expedition
3) Upcoming performances
4) Michiana Covenant Academy open house
5) Homeschoolers support Haitian community
 

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news.  See also the Letting it Ride section at the end.
 

1) Are you ready to play?!  There are two different game days from which to choose, both on Friday, Jan. 29:
 
 
Niles--7-12 p.m. at the Niles Police Station, 1600 Silverbrook.  The Homeschool HUB is hosting this one where there will be board games going on in one room and electronic games such as Wii and Nintendo, etc., in another room.  Please bring snacks and drinks to share.  Paper products will be provided.  And if you have Campbell's labels or Box Tops you may drop them off at that time.
 
 
Berrien Springs--1-3 p.m. at the Berrien Springs Library.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  The event will be held in the library's community room.  The library is located at 215 West Union Street, Berrien Springs.  Questions can be directed to Lakeshorelifelonglearners@hotmail.com
 

2) This is an interesting expedition to follow with your students.  Go to their website to sign up.  These huskies spend their summers here in SW Michigan, and a group from the HUB visited them the summer before last!
 
 
Greetings from Education Basecamp,
It's that time of year again! Polar Huskies are pulling 4-wheelers across
the snowy field, gear is being tested and checked off the list, and at
Education Basecamp we are working around the clock: We are gearing up for
the upcoming adventure learning expedition:
GoNorth! Greenland 2010 will take us to Greenland - or Kalaallit Nunaat
meaning "Land of the People" in the Native language of Kalaallisut. The
program goes live February 22 at 8 AM US Central Standard Time running for
14 weeks ending May 28th.
 
 
Setting out to explore the biggest island in the world inhabited for 4,000
years by the Kalaallit, an Inuit people depending on the resources of the
ocean, our focus this year is "the ocean and marine resources."
This years Curriculum & Activity Guide will consist of four three-week
modules:
 
 
Module 1 - Explore: The Arctic
Why Explore?
The human history of science and exploration is underpinned by the skill of
observation, not least that compiled in the traditional knowledge of Native
peoples - the world's first explorers, who adapted to survive on every
corner of the planet. An ocean people, Inuit migrating from Canada were the
first to settle in Greenland some 4,000 years ago. Knowledge passed from
generation to generation is at the heart of lifestyle and identity of the
Native Kalaallit in Greenland, and has been holding tremendous value to our
collective knowledge - not least today in our study of climate change and
sustainable development. Chat topic: Arctic exploration.
 
 
Module 2 - Geology: People
How do places and cultures shape over time?
We are shaped by our environment - and we shape our environment. Our
clothing, languages, and customs are all linked to our sense of place. But
as we live in a place we change it, and these changes, in turn, influence
our culture. This slow flux has taken place throughout human civilization,
but since the Industrial Revolution change has accelerated. Today, earth's
climate is changing rapidly, in turn changing places and forcing cultures
to adjust expeditiously - as is seen in Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat. An
ice cap covers more than 80-percent of Greenland, the world's biggest
island, and sea ice surrounds it for most of any year. These conditions,
upon which the people of Greenland have relied and which have shaped their
culture, are swiftly changing. Chat topic: The Human Connection.
 
 
Module 3 - Ecology: Sustainable Development
How should our used of resources be handled?
Each of us uses natural resources in order to provide for our basic needs
of food, clothing, and shelter - to say nothing of items like
transportation and consumer goods. Sustainable development recognizes these
resources as finite and seeks to manage our uses for the long term.
Greenland's diverse coastal ecosystem has experienced both the pitfalls of
unchecked resource extraction and some successes in sustainable solutions.
By studying the population dynamics and management strategies of
Greenland's marine ecosystems, we gain an understanding of the complex
global relationships between humans and our environment. Chat topic: World
Resources.
 
 
Module 4 - Climate: Ocean
How does natural regions and climate affect each other?
Covering about 2/3 the surface of earth, oceans are largely responsible for
making earth a livable environment to humans as they regulate climate
long-term and provide the world with most of its oxygen. Today ocean
temperatures are rising at the same time CO2 pollution is transforming the
chemistry of the ocean making the water more acidic. The most rapid change
is taking place in the Arctic's cold-water regions, leaving its marine
environment, such as that of Greenland, in double jeopardy. Oceans are
resilient, however, and studying the interplay between earth, ocean and
climate, we will explore our role in protecting life in the oceans - and
ourselves. Chat topic: Climate Change.
 
 
We will be sending you Alerts by email, as the modules along with standard
alignments become available for download and online viewing at
PolarHusky.com. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to check out
Module 1 from last year's Curriculum & Activity Guide.
 
 
How a module is structured remains the same from year to year, and while
this year's Module 2, 3 and 4 will differ in content from that of past
years - Module 1 is different in that it will use different primary
resources etc. but the gist of the activities remain the same. You access
Modules in Get Curriculum in the Support section of PolarHusky.com.
Education Basecamp is here to support you, so don't hesitate to ask for
help!  Think Snow!
 
 
University of Minnesota
130D Peik Hall
159 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
P: 612-625-8550
F: 612-624-8277
E: info@polarhusky.com
Explore the Arctic and experience adventure learning online!
Visit: http://www.polarhusky.com
 
 
3) For the following events, contact Diane Day 269-445-1900 or 269-370-4589 or joharding_20@yahoo.com.
 

Grace Apostolic Lighthouse Church's Youth Choir is planning a free special performance on Thursday, January 28 at 7pm.  Location: 37377 M-51, Decatur, MI. 
 

Mendel Center presents The Underground Railroad; The Story of Harriet Tubman, Friday, February 5. Ticket prices are $10 & $15 for PUBLIC admission.  They are offering a matinee performance for area schools on that day at 10 am.  These seats are only $3 each.  Call or email to reserve your seats 2 weeks prior to the event.
 

Bethel College presents the musical "Jane Eyre" Feb. 11 and 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.  I also have seats reserved for this play.  Bethel College offers a field trip performance on Thursday, February 11 at 9:30 am.  These tickets are $5 for students and teachers are free.  Call or email to reserve your seats 2 weeks prior to the event.
 
 
4) Michiana Covenant Academy is excited to present our 3rd Annual Open House.  This is the only Academy around designed to support homeschooling families.  Please join us Friday, February 19th, 7:00-8:30pm to see how the Academy can help support you in your homeschooling endeavors.  We are located at:  14567 Cleveland Rd  Granger, IN 46530  http://michianacovenantacademy.org/
 

5) Homeschoolers around the world band together to support the Haitian community during their time of crisis.
 
 
Through World Vision and CurrClick.com, homeschool families can now come together to support Haitian earthquake victims and their families. Small donations of $5 and $10 are being accepted at http://www.currclick.com CurrClick.com will be matching donations. A counter is being kept on the CurrClick.com homepage that will keep track of the donation amount as it grows.
 
 
"Homeschoolers are generous, giving people and CurrClick is excited about being able to match that generosity with a donation to World Vision. World Vision is a great organization and we look forward to donating a significant amount to their efforts in Haiti," said Staley Krause of CurrClick.
 
 
Leah Nieman, also from CurrClick asks that homeschoolers help spread the word about this opportunity by posting the following text on Twitter and Facebook: Homechoolers Help Haiti! Join with other homeschoolers & donate now: http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=33677&it=1
 
 
"Social media is one of the best and fastest ways to spread the word," says Nieman.
 
 
All donations will go directly toward distributing life-saving relief supplies – including food, clean water, blankets, and tents -- to children and families devastated by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.
 
 
To make a donation, visit: http://www.currclick.com/index.php
--

Leah Nieman
Sales and Marketing
www.CurrClick.com
leah@currclick.com
309-678-9576

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLASSIFIEDS
 

As a homeschooling family, we want to offer other homeschool families a 10% discount on our family friendly Beach Condo in Okaloosa Island.

 
Our Condo is located on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, just 5 minutes from Destin.  You can easily take advantage of the beach (beach towels, chairs, and toys provided) or make a visit to the Aquarium, Golf Courses, Fishing Pier, Boardwalk, and Outlet Malls. You can relax in the heated pool, Jacuzzis, or exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness room. There are also plenty of casual and fine-dining choices nearby, plus a grocery store down the street if you choose to cook.  We offer free WIFI, in addition to so many extras to make your vacation special. Our kitchen is fully-equipped with plenty of cooking gear, appliances, a stainless steel refrigerator, espresso machine, toaster, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer and flat screen TV's in every bedroom!  We also provide fishing poles, boogie boards, and buckets to build that memorable sand castle! Our rates include the 11% Florida tax, Cleaning Fee, and Linen Fee. There are no additional fees.
 

You can view photos and availability on our vrbo site: www.vrbo.com/202079
Blessings,
Michele Day
337.552.7880
www.vrbo.com/202079
 

--AND--
 

Commemorate your Graduation or End-of-Year with a Celebration Party, Cap & Gown Photo (Kinder, 8th & 12th) and a personalized Certificate of Completion for all students.  Add a wonderful family vacation, hands-on learning workshops and family-fun activities ... and you have
 
 
SCHOOL AT SEA - HOMESCHOOL CRUISES
The World is Our Classroom, Where homeschooling families and friends make memories to last a lifetime. 
 
 
In addition to an exciting vacation onboard a luxurious cruise ship, School at Sea provides a unique program of special interest to homeschooled families and friends who share a love of learning by experiencing the world.  Along the way we will visit exciting ports of call.  Our Group Cruise Specialist will be onboard to help ensure your family has a wonderful vacation experience. 
 
 
Graduation/End-of-Year:  In addition to our School at Sea program, our April / May cruise events include a Graduation Ceremony and End-of-Year Celebration Party.   All students are recognized (parents may provide accomplishments information to be announced) and receive a certificate of completion.  Cap & Gown photo opportunity is available for Kinder, 8th & 12th graduates.
 
 
April 18th-25th, departing Galveston, TX - sailing to the Western Caribbean
May 16th-23rd, departing Baltimore, MD - sailing to the Bahamas
 
 
"NOT" Back To School:  In addition to our School at Sea program, our August / September cruise events include a New School Year Kickoff Celebration with Teacher Gifts and Students Survival Kits for all participants. 
 
 
August 28th-September 2nd, departing Mobile, AL - sailing to the Western Caribbean
September 5th-12th, departing Los Angeles, CA - sailing to the Mexican Riviera
 
 
 
Happy New Year 2011:  In addition to our School at Sea program, our January cruise event includes a Celebrate 2011 Party with souvenirs for all party guests.  We will also make Time Capsules and share our Zaniest Resolutions.
 
 
January 15th-23rd, departing San Diego, CA - sailing to the exotic Mexican Riviera
For more details, please visit: www.worldwidefamilyvacations.com/SchoolAtSea
or contact:    
 
  
Karen Hall - School at Sea
part of  Worldwide Family Vacations
(949) 466-3571   or   (866) 746-5712
14 Via Arribo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  92688
Karen@WorldwideFamilyVacations.com
 
Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):


Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LETTING IT RIDE:

The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions.

--AND--

We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on:

Betty Crocker goods
Gold Medal Flour
Nestle products
Cherrios
Cascadian Farm products
Chex
Cocoa Puffs
Cookie Crisp
Country Cornflakes
Fiber One products
Golden Grahams
Honey Nut Clusters
Lucky Charms
Oatmeal Crisps
TotalTrix
Wheaties
Green Giant vegetables
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
Totino Pizza olls
Hamburger Helper meals
Old El Paso
Suddenly Salad
Yoplait
Fruit Flavored shapes
Ziploc
Kleenex
Scott
Kotex
Poise
Depend
Hefty
Nature Valley
Cottonelle
Huggies
Goodnites
Pull Ups
Avery School supplies

Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any of our functions that we will be having.  Thank-you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISCLAIMERS:

While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children.

Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

HUB news update-Jan. 12

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Jan. 12
 
Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094
email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org
Editor: Annette Ernsperger
 
The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered by the Homeschool HUB. 
 
Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com
 
ON THE CALENDAR:

Jan. 14--Open swimming for homeschoolers at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2
Jan. 15--Homeschool bowling, Strikes and Spares, 2-4, $5
Jan. 15--Tubing/cross country skiing at 5 Pines, 10:00 a.m., $6 or $9 for both
Jan. 16--Chess, Niles library, 9:30 a.m., free

Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub

HERE'S THE BUZZ:
 
1) Homeschool Science Academy
2) Niles library offerings
3) Iowa standardized testing
4) Homeschool Hangout changes
5) Piano lessons
6) Six Flags reading program
7) Author wants material
8) MME testing for Michigan students
9) Spelling bee info
10) Blessings Photography
11) Winter bird survival challenge

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news.  See also the Letting it Ride section at the end.

 

1) Here are some items of interest from the Homeschool Science Academy:
 
*My Utmost for His Highest--If you're between 13 and 18 years old and would
like to commit to read along with us for 30 days, I'll send this book (free) to this first 20 people to commit. Details are here: http://www.homeschoolscienceacademy.com/1209.htm
 
*Postcard Addressers Needed--We need ten people willing to address 1,000 postcards for us.. and get paid for it.  Details are here:
http://www.homeschoolscienceacademy.com/1209.htm
 
*Artist Needed--We need a talented individual to do lots of science sketches (pencil) for us.. and get paid for it.  Details are here:
http://www.homeschoolscienceacademy.com/1209.htm
 
*Camp Counselors Needed--We need a male and a female to spend a month this
coming summer as counselors at our Anatomy and Physiology Camps.  Details are here: http://www.homeschoolscienceacademy.com/1209.htm
 
*Some Spring (January) Classes Almost Full
-- Young Scientists Anatomy & Physiology (4th-6th grade)
   3 spots left in this class
-- Pre-Chemistry (6th - 9th grade)
   6 spots left in this class
-- FULL Pre-Anatomy and Physiology (6th - 9th grade)
-- FULL Pre-Biology (6th-9th grade)
-- Anatomy and Physiology (9th - 12th grade)
   8 spots left in this class
-- Forensic Anatomy CSI (8th - 12th grade)
   5 spots left in this class
-- CLEP/ACT Science Prep (9th - 12th grade)
 
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call or email me: Greg@homeschoolscienceacademy.com or office:828-265-4101, cell: 828-964-1662.
Thanks,
Greg Landry, M.S.
Director, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab

2) February will be Fantastic in the Children's Department at the Niles District Library.
 
Chess enthusiasts meet on February 6th and 20th at 9:30 a.m. to play their favorite board game. Chess Club is open to people of all ages and expertise.

On Saturday, February 13th at 1:00 p.m., the Jr. Garden Club meets to make bird feeders and learn how plants help animals in mid-winter. This hands-on group is educational and fun. What a great way to spend an afternoon!

Book Bingo is the theme for February's reading program. A child fills out a raffle ticket for every book read during the month. Two raffle tickets will be awarded for every book that is listed on the Bingo card. The drawing for prizes will be on March 1st. Bingo cards are available at the Children's Service Desk.

Mother Goose finishes telling her rhymes at Storytime on February 10th and then the Preschoolers will start to learn their shapes through books and stories on February 17th to March 24th. Storytimes are on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.,  10:30 a.m. and 1:30p.m. No registration is required.

During the month of February, the Squiggler group will learn about vegetables, play band instruments, sign the alphabet, sing about clocks and calendars and lots more. Squigglers meet on Wednesdays at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Any Wednesday in February, wear one silly sock or two and prizes will be given to the children who put those silly socks on their feet, head, ears or nose. Anything goes when silly socks are involved.

Valentine books will be featured, of course, in February but there will also we displays on Black History, candy, the Presidents, Laura Ingalls Wilder, bulls and toes. While you are browsing the special books, pick up the free coloring pages and crafts.
Niles District Library
620 E. Main St., Niles
Phone: 269-683-8545  
Contact persons: Nancy Studebaker or Darlene Jackson

3) 2010 IOWA/ITBS Standardized Testing/IOWA Test of Basic Skills--Wed, April 19/20/21, 2010

Registration:  Send to Christy Hanlon postmarked no later than Feb. 20, 2010
NOTE:  If your high school student scores 90% or greater on the composite battery of the IOWA test, he/she qualifies for membership in the National Home School Honor Society. A test score of 90% or greater on the math battery of the IOWA test qualifies them for the National Math Honor Society.
Place: Mishawaka-Penn Public Library – Lincolnway East -  downtown, Mishawaka, IN
Dates:  4th-8th grades – Three Mornings  (Spencer Gallery downstairs)
 April 19th, 2010  9:00am-12:15pm  (Monday)
 April 20th, 2010  9:00am-11:30 am  (Tuesday)
 April 21st, 2010  9:00am-10:45am  (Wednesday)
 9th-12th grades – Two Mornings  (Lions Room downstairs)
 April 19th, 2010  9:00am-12:15pm  (Monday)
 April 20th, 2010  9:00am-11:30am  (Tuesday)
Cost:  $50 (including 7% IN sales tax) per child. Full payment required with registration.
Ages: Testing offered for any homeschooled child 4th through 12th grades.
Results: Computer-scored results will be mailed to Christy Hanlon and she will immediately send them to the parents at the address provided on your registration form. Results are usually received by the end of June, but the timing is dependent on how busy the scoring agency is.
 
Registration: February 1-20, 2010
INSTRUCTIONS:
Please complete the form in this newsletter and send it along with a check/money order (payable to Christy Hanlon) @ $50.00 per child to: Christy Hanlon, 420 N. Beech Road, Osceola, IN 46561. Please Note: you will be expected to cover all fees/costs if your check bounces! Please mail your paperwork by Feb. 20th so I will receive it no later than Feb. 23rd. I will send a confirmation email to let you know that I have received your registration. If you do not receive a confirmation email from me by Feb. 23rd, please contact me immediately. I will be unable to make any changes/additions after Feb. 25th. Please email Christy at the7hanlons@juno.com or call 574-674-9552 with any questions.
IOWA/ITBS TEST of BASIC SKILLS Registration Form
(Postmark no later than February 20, 2010)
Parents: _______________________________________________________________
Street Address: _______________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code: _________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Email address: ______________________________________________
(For testing correspondence only -- Christy will not give your email address to anyone)
 
First Name  Last Name      Birth date       Boy/Girl  Grade Level   
______________ __________________   _____________    ________ ___________
______________ __________________   _____________    ________ ___________
______________ __________________   _____________    ________ ___________
______________ __________________   _____________    ________ ___________
______________ __________________   _____________    ________ ___________
______________ __________________   _____________    ________ ___________
Instructions:
Complete this form (be sure to sign the Parent Signature area) and send it along with a check/money order (payable to Christy Hanlon) @ $50.00 per child to:
Christy Hanlon
420 N. Beech Road
Osceola, IN 46561
NOTE: You will be expected to cover all fees/costs if your check bounces!

4) Hi fellow homeschoolers,
I know many of you have enjoyed the weekly hangout time, but for now, I will need to move it to the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. My boys have added more out of the house activities that take us out of the house more often, so a regular, but non-weekly Hangout schedule allows us to have some full days at home. I thought the first and third would be easiest to remember.

It is very fun getting together each week, but I hope you will use this time to get together at other venues. Invite someone over this week! I need to work in other varied social activities as well. I also notice that not many of you make it every week, so I'm hoping you can empathize with my line of reasoning.
 
If you would like to get together with others who come, or communicate and find their info., please feel free to post a message to the Google group asking them to email you. You can also add your name next to your email address in the Google group so we know who belongs to each email.
Blessings to you all!

5) Experienced piano teacher with daytime openings for homeschooled students.  I teach on a grand piano and hold weekly private lessons with a monthly group theory class. I teach all ages and levels; from beginners to adults.  I am an active member of National Guild of Piano Teachers which affords my students the opportunity to prepare a yearly Guild program and be adjudicated in the spring at Lake Michigan College.  My studio holds two recitals each academic year.
 
Julia Oberheu
429.429.6388
Juliaon88@gmail.com

6) The Six Flags reading program is for elementary students (gades K-6). You need to log 6 hours of reading by February 24th.  List the teacher, who will also get a ticket.  If you have two children, list mom as teacher for one, and dad as teacher for the other and submit 2 separate forms (only one ticket allowed per teacher).  Send the form, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the Homeschool HUB:  P.O. Box 286, Niles, MI  49120 attn: Peggy Schindler. We should receive it no later than March 1st.  Please don't forget the SASE -- we need it to send you your 6 Flags tickets when they come.  Admission tickets will be valid at participating Six Flags theme parks from June 14 to August 8, 2010.  For more info, contact: Peggy Schindler at 269-695-2686.

Go Online for FREE Lesson Materials--Visit the Wild About Reading section of weeklyreader.com/sixflags to download teacher's guides, student activities, suggested reading lists, and extension lesson ideas to supplement your language arts curriculum. 

7) Psychology today wants your self-directed learning anecdotes:

8) Time to sign up 11th graders for MME test
If you have an 11th grade student, or if you don't use grade levels, a student who was 17 by Dec 1st, it's time to call your local high school and register them to take the MME test at the school on March 9, 10, and 11.  There are two benefits to having your student take this test:

**One benefit is not a certain thing, because the $4,000 scholarship attached to it has not been funded again yet, but if they do come through with the funding, any student who completes the test would receive the money to attend a Michigan college.  Here is info from a couple different spots on the State of Michigan web site:

At this time, Michigan Promise funds are not available; however students should be advised to take the complete MME to ensure their eligibility status should funds become available.

Pursuant to PA 132 of 2009, funding was not provided for the Michigan Promise Scholarship for the current Fiscal Year 2009-10.  Therefore, all Promise payments, for all class years beginning with the Class of 2007, will be suspended.  This suspension will apply to both installment and final payments.  No new rosters/lists of eligible students will be forwarded to colleges and students will no longer be able to certify their awards.

You may continue to check the Paying for College web site for updated information concerning any change in the funding status of the Promise program.

**The student will be taking the ACT test the first day and will get ACT scores that can be used for college applications. 

It's a good idea to have your student look at an ACT study guide during the next two months.  They are sold at Borders and Barnes & Nobles, and put out by companies like Princeton Review, Kaplan's, etc.

When you call the local school to sign up, if they are unfamiliar with the state's rules, here is the pertinent section regarding homeschooled students:

Michigan law (Public Act 521 of 2002) requires the public school district in which you reside to offer you the MME. You are not permitted to test anywhere else. It is YOUR responsibility to contact your local public school district in a timely manner, so do not delay. The district is not required to make special arrangements just to fit your schedule. You will test as if you were one of their students, but your scores will not be mixed with their students' scores. If they ask you to contact them later when details about testing dates and times have been finalized, be sure to follow-up.

9) Spelling Bee
The date has been moved up one week to Friday, January 22nd, due to national deadline rules.  The bee will be at Lake Michigan College's Bertrand Crossing campus at 9:30am.  The cost is $12/student.  The top three spellers will advance to the regional bee at the Mendel Center at LMC's main campus in Benton Harbor on February 9th.  If you want your student to participate, please email Kathy Joyce at kathyjoyce@yahoo.com or call at 269-695-1654. 

10) Hello to my fellow homeschoolers!  My name is Elizabeth Babler, and I want to tell you about the new photography business that our homeschool family of 9 has started.  Many of us have felt the same frustration of taking our children to a studio to get their pictures taken. By the time we leave the studio, we are feeling frustrated, more than one of our children are likely crying, and we've paid money for one or two pictures that are average at best!  This is the struggle that I have had as a mother, and I know many of you have as well.  So, I am using my talent for photography to bless others with on location, fun photoshoots for families, children..including school year pictures, seniors, couples, and any other events that are special to you that you would like captured!  If you want to experience a much more relaxed and fun photoshoot at outdoor locations of your choosing, contact us at Blessings Photography.  We exist to serve your photography needs!  We have affordable packages to serve you, which also includes discounts for homeschool, military, pastor, and missionary families.  You can view our portfolio by going to www.blessingsphotography.smugmug.com.  You can also contact me at rebabler@comcast.net to find out all the information you need, and ask any questions you may have about our services.  I can also be reached at 269-684-8534.  Don't worry about how big a family you have....I do not charge extra for extra people!  We are scheduling now for March-October of 2010.

11) Take Our Winter Bird Survival Challenge
 
Dear Friend,
How do birds withstand wicked winter weather and other daily threats to survival, even in warmer climates? We have a new environmental challenge for you from the Celebrate Urban Birds project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We invite you to show us how birds are surviving in your neighborhood this winter. It can be a photo, artwork, video, even a story or a poem describing how birds are finding the food, water, and shelter they need. You can take part no matter what your age or skill level. Groups such as schools, libraries, clubs, and businesses are also more than welcome. As you may know, Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen-science project focused on birds in neighborhood settings.

I find it unbelievable how even tiny birds can survive being outdoors 24/7 in places where winter is cold and snowy! Your entry for this challenge could show a crow huddling near a chimney to get warm, birds visiting feeders or raiding a berry bush for food, birds dabbling in a fountain for water, or maybe even one of the lucky birds soaking up the sun in a warm, southern state.

We have more great prizes including a pair of Eagle Optics binoculars, bird feeders, a birdsong calendar, books, posters, cards and more. The first 50 people who enter will receive a copy of the "Little Green Places" poster and selected images and videos will be posted on the Celebrate Urban Birds website.

Here's how to enter:
1. Email entries to urbanbirds@cornell.edu. If you submit a video, post it on YouTube and send us the link.
2. Write "Survival_yourfirstname yourlastname yourstate" in the subject line.
3. Include your mailing address in your email
4. Explain why you submitted your entry—describe your winter conditions and what you observe the birds doing during winter. 
5. One entry per person, please.

Deadline for entries is February 15, 2010

Visit the Celebrate Urban Birds website for more information, to see entries for past challenges, and to read the terms of agreement for all entries. Then take the challenge--I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Sincerely,
Karen Purcell, Project Leader
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLASSIFIEDS

We no longer have room for our National Geographic magazines. They are in excellent condition, and range wildly in age. They are free to a good home, taken together.
Please email slhollister@gmail.com if interested.

Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):

Science and technology of WWII: http://www.ww2sci-tech.org/

Make your own science toys: http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LETTING IT RIDE:

The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions.

--AND--

We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on:

Betty Crocker goods
Gold Medal Flour
Nestle products
Cherrios
Cascadian Farm products
Chex
Cocoa Puffs
Cookie Crisp
Country Cornflakes
Fiber One products
Golden Grahams
Honey Nut Clusters
Lucky Charms
Oatmeal Crisps
TotalTrix
Wheaties
Green Giant vegetables
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
Totino Pizza olls
Hamburger Helper meals
Old El Paso
Suddenly Salad
Yoplait
Fruit Flavored shapes
Ziploc
Kleenex
Scott
Kotex
Poise
Depend
Hefty
Nature Valley
Cottonelle
Huggies
Goodnites
Pull Ups
Avery School supplies

Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any of our functions that we will be having.  Thank-you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISCLAIMERS:

While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children.

Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property. 

Sunday, January 3, 2010

HUB news update-Jan. 3

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Jan. 3
 
Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094
email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org
Editor: Annette Ernsperger
 
The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered by the Homeschool HUB. 
 
Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com
 
ON THE CALENDAR:

Jan. 4 and 7--Open swimming for homeschoolers at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2
Jan. 8--Homeschool bowling, Strikes and Spares, 2-4, $5
 
Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub

HERE'S THE BUZZ:
 
1) New HUB phone number
2) Piano lessons
3) Upcoming stage plays
4) Art classes

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news.  See also the Letting it Ride section at the end.

Merry Christmas one and all!  Be sure to check out the Classifieds section this week.

1) The Homeschool HUB has a new phone number, please make a note of it:  269-240-6094.

2)  Anthony Beer is accepting new students of all ages in the South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger and Niles area.  His studio offers a wide range of opportunites for students to excel with his/her skills at the piano. The Studio exposes each student to many different styles of music, ranging from classical, jazz, religious and contemporary music. This enhances their musical knowledge in theory, music history and their musicianship and performance skills. His goal as a teacher is to nurture each student and to help them explore the beauty and love of music. He encourages all students to support the arts in their community.
 
He is conservatory trained as a classical pianist and teacher and has studied at Goshen College, IUSB and the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY.
 
Contact: 574-292-2038 or email apbeer@yahoo.com
 

3)  February is just around the corner and the start of our winter play season.  Here are some dates that are coming up.

February 5, 10 a.m.:  Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad at Mendel Center.  Seats are $3 each.

I have seats reserved for this performance and need to have all money in hand before I CONFIRM the seats on or near January 10.

I will be out of town until the 15th of January.  If you send a check or payment through paypal or would like to pay some other way, call me.  269-445-1900 before December 30 or 269-370-4589 after December 30.  Let's have a good turnout for this performance. 
 
January 15, 16, 23, 24:  Home School Performing Arts presents, "The Music Man". Their auditorium is located in Kalamazoo.  I have attended many of their performances and feel that they are the best around, easily compared with Bethel College plays.  I believe their tickets are $7 each.  This troupe consists of home schoolers from all over Southwestern Michigan including the orchestra!

Find out more at www.hpami.org

On Feb. 11, 12* & 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13, at 2:00 p.m.: the Bethel College theater department will present "Jane Eyre" the musical (book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon). Based on the classic novel by Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre is a haunting retelling of the Charlotte Bronte classic about an orphan girl who grows up to become the governess of Thornfield Hall. There she meets and falls in love with the enigmatic Edward Rochester, an earl with a dark secret. Filled with soaring melodies, Jane Eyre is a sweeping love story, breathtaking in its scope and beauty.

Seats will be reserved for this play also.  Right now, I believe that it will be Thursday, February 11, at 9:30 AM.

Just a note - I have had some pay me for the whole season that includes both Mendel Center plays and Bethel Plays.  If you are interested in doing that, call me.

Diane Day

4) This next art class is going to get you going on an exciting journey through many different cultures and a variety of art projects. The early elementary group is going to begin studying the Mesopotamian culture by making clay cuneiform tablets. Middle elementary students will be working on a plaster tomb painting, hieroglyphics included. And the advanced group will be making a gold scratch art Egyptian drawing. Other projects will include metal tooling, clay, pastels, watercolor, and more and we will be studying Japanese, Mexican, African, Vietnamese, and Chinese art.
 
I will be looking forward to receiving your registrations in the mail and on line.  I would like to know by January 4th if you plan on taking the class. That is the last day to save $5 on the early registration.
 
My website is www.newcreationsart.com
 
See you soon!
Gloria Seitz
Art Instructor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLASSIFIEDS

Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):

Science and technology of WWII: http://www.ww2sci-tech.org/

Make your own science toys: http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LETTING IT RIDE:

The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions.

--AND--

We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on:

Betty Crocker goods
Gold Medal Flour
Nestle products
Cherrios
Cascadian Farm products
Chex
Cocoa Puffs
Cookie Crisp
Country Cornflakes
Fiber One products
Golden Grahams
Honey Nut Clusters
Lucky Charms
Oatmeal Crisps
TotalTrix
Wheaties
Green Giant vegetables
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
Totino Pizza olls
Hamburger Helper meals
Old El Paso
Suddenly Salad
Yoplait
Fruit Flavored shapes
Ziploc
Kleenex
Scott
Kotex
Poise
Depend
Hefty
Nature Valley
Cottonelle
Huggies
Goodnites
Pull Ups
Avery School supplies

Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any of our functions that we will be having.  Thank-you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISCLAIMERS:

While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children.

Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.