| Homeschool HUB News Update--September 3 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy 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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Sept. 10--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy Competitions 2) Horsemanship classes starting 3) Fencing classes 4) Family Game Night 5) Homeschool Co-op Forming 6) FabLab Scholarships Available 7) Homeschool Brownie Troop 8) Scholarship Competition for Seniors 9) Free Family-friendly Movie Premiere 10) Volunteer Opportunities 11) Mid-Winter Homeschool Conference 12) Spirit of America performance at Van Andel Arena 1) Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy Competitions The VFW sponsors these two contests for which the deadline for entries is November 1st. The Patriot's Pen is for grades 6, 7, & 8, and is an essay contest. Students must write a 300 - 400 word essay on this years theme. Prizes are savings bonds from $1,000 to $10,000 in value. The Voice of Democracy contest is for grades 9 - 12. Students must record a 3 - 5 minute speech on this years theme. The top prize is a $30,000 college scholarship, with other scholarships that range from $1,000 to $16,000 as well. Top entrants receive a trip to Washington DC. To get more details and download the entry form go to: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc&cid=1836 2) Horsemanship classes starting We have asked Bittersweet, a local stable with an excellent reputation, to set up a group horsemanship class for homeschoolers this semester. The class will meet on Friday mornings from 9am to noon from Sept 17th until Dec 17th (13 weeks). Students will learn all about horses - care, feeding, cleaning stalls, meds and supplements, vet observations, farrier observations, safety, pasture maintenance, arena usage, groundwork, how to lead, halter, and pick the feet of their horse, tack - bridles, bits, saddles, and much more. In the riding sessions they will learn western pleasure, patterns, showmanship, horsemanship, and contest riding. They will start with a simple walk/trot. Parents should plan to stay at least the first time or two, and are welcome to stay every time if they wish. Helmets are required and will be provided. They are also available for purchase for $35. The cost of the class is $260 for the semester payable in two $130 payments due on the first day of class and the first lesson in November. Every student under the age of 18 must have a riding waiver signed by a parent. Class size 6 - 8 students. If the class fills, he will add another class on Thursday mornings. To sign up call Jason Hanson at 269 684-7361. To find out more about Bittersweet go to their web site at: www.bittersweetpetresort.com 3) Fencing Class still taking sign-ups The fencing class will start on Sept 14, if we get 25 students. So far we've had some interest and our list is growing. Please spread the word. The HUB would like to bring fencing lessons for students ages 10 and up to our area. We have an instructor willing to come and bring all of the equipment, and we have a location at a church in Niles. We want to do a six week introductory class on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 - 11am starting either Sept 7 or 14. For the 15 hours of instruction the cost will be $75/student; additional students in the same family at $60/student. The instructors credentials are below. Homeschoolers in Battle Creek say he is excellent, and brings a lot of history lessons into the class as well. In order to get this started we need to have 25 students. He is traveling a good distance to get here, and that is the minimum required to make it worthwhile for him. If things go well, he would continue to offer 6 week sessions. To sign up please call Kathy Joyce at 269 695-1654. We will start on Sept. 7th if we have enough students. If not, we will wait one more week to see if the class fills. Instructor: Craig Smith, Director/Owner Tri-Blade Fencing of Michigan and Maryland Instructor Qualifications: Fencing since 1978 at Western Michigan University . Competed in saber, foil, and epee' until 1988. Moved to Battle Creek Michigan to open a business and joined Avante Garde Fencing Academy in 1989. Avant Garde closed in 1989 and Tri-Blade Fencing opened in 1989. Tri-Blade Fencing had 4 members represent the United States in the North American Cup in 1990. Tri-Blade has continued with International Representation to present. In 2007 Grant Shymske represented the United States and Tri-Blade Fencing in the Junior Olympics. Organizations and Awards- United States Fencing Association Federal International D'Escrime' International Coaches Association Knights Templar Knights of Malta Knights of the Southern Cross Founder of The New Order Of Chivalric Knights Founder Tri-Blade Fencing of Battle Creek Founder of Tri-Blade Fencing of Ann Arbor Founder of Tri-Blade Fencing of Kalamazoo Founder of Tri-Blade Fencing of Marshal Founder of Tri-Blade of Maryland Master Instructor Award Lakeview Public Schools Maestro Fencing Master Remember, our list is growing, but we still need more. Please spread the word. 4) Games Night The Homeschool HUB is hosting another games night for area homeschoolers. Everyone is invited! It will be next Friday, Sept 10, from 7pm to midnight in the community room at the Niles police station at 1600 Silverbrook Avenue. Bring your favorite board games and a snack to share; the HUB will provide punch and paper products. The games nights are so much fun that the HUB has decided to do one every month this year. See you there!! 5) Interested in a Homeschool Co-op? WHAT: Informational discussion/meeting about starting a home school cooperative in the Elkhart area. WHO: Any homeschool parent WHERE: Voice Ministries front lobby at The Grand Horizon Center located at 1610 S. Nappanee Street, Elkhart, IN (SR 19 and Franklin St. behind Taco Bell and beside Save-a-lot). WHEN: Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 7pm (end around 8-8:30?) RSVP: nascar88kn@gmail. com We would like to offer fun classes for school-age children in an environment that encourages learning and friendships. We would also like to offer parents a place to share your talents and experiences, support each other, and build relationships. 6) Apply for a Fab Lab scholarship Great news! -- especially for Indiana homeschoolers who don't have the opportunity to take Fab Lab classes through the Berrien Springs Parent Partnership. The classes cost $350 for the semester and there are now several scholarships available for this semester. The classes take place at the Lake Michigan College Bertrand Campus in Niles. It's at the intersection of US 12 and the 31 bypass. Here are the class details: Course description: Students learn how to make just about anything by working on several projects, being introduced to the rudiments of product design, problem solving and prototyping using the Fab Lab machinery. Be a part of the global Fab Lab network and exchange ideas with students and fabbers from around the world via the real time satellite hookup in our Fab Lab. Emphasis is placed on safety and operation of Fab Lab tools, including the vinyl cutter and laser machines. Days and times: K - 8 students meet on Thurs from 4 - 7pm, high school class is on Mon from 5:40 - 10pm. If you want to apply for one of the scholarships the deadline is next Thursday, Sept 9. Classes would start the following week. The application form is attached. To read an interesting article about Fab Labs you can go to: http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2005/01/30/how_to_make_almost_anything/ 7) All girls ages 6 to 8 (or grades 1st to 3rd) are invited to join a homeschool Brownie Girl Scout troop. We started the troop last year and had a fantastic year. Scouts is a great chance for girls to learn and experience new things. We have regular meetings plus we do lots of other optional fun troop activities like a fall hayride, dances, holiday parties, service projects, going to plays, picnics, hiking and camping. Last year the girls loved earning badges, too, and the badge work lends itself quite well to a homeschool situation since there is a badge for nearly everything from sewing and creative writing to money matters and space exploration. The meeting day and time depends on the schedules of those who sign up, but meetings will every other week at Francis library for 2 hours and will start in September. Scholarships are available to cover all expenses, if needed. Those who want to know more can email me directly at abarber1@nd. edu or Michele Vance at twocor4ff@yahoo. com 8) Scholarship Competition for Seniors The Coca-Cola Company awards 50 scholarships for $20,000 and 200 for $10,000 each year. The entry deadline is October 31. For more info and to enter go to: https://www.coca-colascholars.org/cokeWeb/page.jsp?navigation=15 9) "Fresh Fruit Pie" Premiere Friday-Sunday, September 17-19 The locally produced video series "Fresh Fruit Pie" has made over 200 reservations, and quickly rising, for its World Premiere party the weekend of September 17-19 at the Hyatt Place in Mishawaka. Our locally produced kids' show, "Fresh Fruit Pie," teaches the "fruit of the Spirit" in a way that's relevant and fun for kids. The new series is a resource for parents and childrens' pastors to help kids build good attitudes through Biblical values. It presents moral challenges in a variety of live-action skits using a format similar to the hit TV show "Saturday Night Live." The September event is going to be a safe, fun extravaganza where we premiere the show (which has been family-approved for all ages by the Dove Foundation) and get people excited about a movement towards improving the quality of moral and faith-based kids' entertainment. The best part is that it's totally free. Join us at the Hyatt Place, 215 West Day Road, Mishawaka, during any 1-hour slot from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Sunday to premiere the show. The company is recommending reservations due to the limited seating of the event. Reserve your free seats atwww.freshfruitpie.com/reserve/. Director Carl Obremski is available for questions through e-mail at carl@freshfruitpie.com or by telephone at (574) 261-6456. 10) A list of one day volunteer options for you to consider: A team of volunteers is putting on a new roof at a family's home in Benton Harbor on Friday, September 17. If you have time in the morning to help prepare the roof for new shingles and would like to be on the volunteer team contact the Volunteer Center for details. Therapeutic Equestrian Center on M 140 in Watervliet on Sunday, September 12 from 4-6 pm volunteers will be preparing the horses and grounds for their annual celebration and fundraiser on September 18 called Pitching in for TEC, where there will be food, a horse shoe pitching contest, auction and other fun activities. For details and directions: www.tecfarm.org American Red Cross Blood drives: *September 14th Gast Manufacturing 11 am to 5 pm located at 2300 M-139 Benton Harbor *September 29th Benton Township Fire Department 11 am to 5 pm You can volunteer at a blood drive by: - arriving 2 hours before the drive to prepare the site by unloading the equipment and getting things set up. - registration of donors for the 6 hours during the drive - provide snacks to the donors, watching them as they have a moment to rest after giving blood. - packing up at the end of the drive for about ½ hour to an hour. The Berrien County Alcohol Task Force is joining the "Got Drugs" event on Saturday, September 25 from 10 am to 2 pm, with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency.) This national effort is an opportunity for people to drop off their unused and old medications so they can be disposed of properly. There will be 4 sites (to be determined) in Berrien county where law enforcement members will be collecting the drugs. Volunteers will assist in the drop off zones with parking, greeting people and removing drugs from blister packs. If you would like to get connected contact the Volunteer Center . Grab a friend, enlist your family, talk to your coworkers about doing clean up at your favorite beach on Saturday, September 25. It is Beach Sweep day with the Alliance for the Great Lakes . For additional details go to www.greatlakes.org Volunteers at this annual event pick up and record what is washing up on the beaches as an effort to track how clean/dirty our lake and beaches are, with comparisons being made with previous years and with various sites along the Great Lakes. Volunteering can be both fun and rewarding. A long term volunteer opportunity to consider is becoming a Mentor . A request I received this week was to mentor a young person that will be leaving foster care and becoming independent, living on their own. When you reflect on your own life, when did you truly become "independent?" Whom did you call when you chipped your tooth, playing football? Or the car broke down? Or when you were in college, where did you go for the holiday breaks? Even though you were moving into adulthood and thought you were independent, you still needed someone to encourage you to fill out the paperwork to get into college or to strategize how to pay for college or encourage you when you were facing midterm exams. If you would like to get involved with a young person in a meaning and rewarding way, contact the Volunteer Center to learn additional details. Who Mentored YOU? In honor of that mentor, you can provide support to a young person. 11) Mid-Winter Conference for Home Educators announces our 2011 speakers, dates and Early Bird registration! Plan to join us on January 28 and 29, 2011 as we welcome David Quine of Cornerstone Curriculum and Carol Barnier of Open Gifts, with special guest Karen Costello, author of Go Fly a Kite! Ten Surprising Strategies for Success in Your Homeschool! Don't miss the Early Bird price of just $40 per attendee or $75 per married couple SEPTEMBER 1ST to OCTOBER 15, 2010! Please visit our web site today for further conference details. www.midwinterconference.org Registrations can be made by using our secure online account with Paypal or by printing a copy of the registration form found on our web site and mailing this form with a check. Visa, Mastercard and HSB TRIP funds are all accepted. 12) Free tickets to Grand Rapids "Spirit of America" The 2010 Spirit of America schedule will bring more than 300 active duty Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington to the cities of Pittsburgh, Pa.,Highland Heights, Ky., and Grand Rapids, Mich., this September. The history of the nation will come to life through historical reenactments, musical entertainment and precision military drill. Historical accounts, taken directly from Soldiers' letters and diaries, provide the story line for this powerful drama, designed to entertain while presenting the history and development of the U.S. Army from its origins through the wars, conflicts and missions that have molded the Army and the nation. The Homeschool Hub has secured tickets to this event and is offering them to the homeschool community free of charge. Date for this event is Saturday, September 25 at 2 PM at Van Andel Arena. Distribution is now open to anyone. So hurry and reserve yours today! Diane Day 269-445-1900. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Free Homeschool Goodies Every Weekday: http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Used Curriculum for Sale: Teaching Textbooks Algebra I Set, like new, includes Textbook, Answer Key and Test Bank, Lecture and Practice CDs, Solutions CDs, and Test Solutions CD $120 for all The Mystery of History Vol. 1 Creation to the Resurrection - $20 The Timetables of History - A Horizontal Linkage of People and Events, Bernard Grun - $10 Spelling Power, 3rd Edition, with Quick Start Video and Activity Cards - $10 for all Exploring Creation with Botany, like new - $20 Exploring Creation with Chemistry Solutions and Tests - $10 The Learnables Spanish Level I on Computer (Mac) - $10 Basic Structures Spanish Book I Reader and CDs - $20 Considering God's Creation student book - $2 AlphaBetter - $1 Building Spelling Skills Book 4 - $1 Pathway Readers Workbooks Busy Times, More Busy Times, Days Go By, $1 each or $2 for all MathUSee Epsilon Teacher Manual and Student CD - $5 Rod and Staff Phonics Workbook 2, Units 4,5 - $1 Daily Language Review Grade 6 - $1 Purposeful Design Spelling Grade Five - $1 Write for College Instructor's Manual - $2 Miscellaneous Books for science projects (elementary), geography activities and unit studies (elementary), learning about the 50 US states, teaching kids sign language, etc. - free to a good home! Please email janeanmason@me.com or call 269-429-3465. These items are located in Berrien Springs, but I would be happy to meet you halfway if interested in these materials. Also can mail them for the additional postage. Have something for sale, free or trade? Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: Homeschool Parents - quick – what's the biggest drawback most people cite when talking about homeschooled children? Most of you likely said it's the perceived lack of socializing opportunities. We've all heard the questions: How will homeschoolers learn to be part of a team? How will they react when they leave home and face peer pressure? What about forming friendships? Though we know our homeschooled children will not end up living as hermits in a cave somewhere, the need for socialization is real. These are valid questions that deserve serious thought. Just how will you answer them? What socialization opportunities do your children have? "But mom, I have Facebook - it's not like I don't have any friends." Our children are sometimes referred to as "Digital Natives." They've always had the internet. Cell phones. Hand-held gaming systems. And now social networks. The outside world can be brought to them or re-created in their hands. Though many homeschoolers don't see the need for real social interaction, the need hasn't ceased to exist. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) conducted a study in 2003 and concluded that homeschooled children are on social par with their public schooled counterparts. To what did HSLDA attribute this? Homeschoolers' tendency to become involved in church youth groups and other programs like scouting and 4-H. In short, extracurricular social activity. To provide such extracurricular activity to area homeschoolers, several parents are working to coordinate social events over the course of the summer. The August event will be a campfire and yard games for 13-18 year old students held on Friday Aug 27th from 7:00 – 10:00 PM at the home of Shane and Laura Hollister. Light refreshments will be provided. The rain date is the next evening, Saturday Aug 28th. The address and phone number are shown below. If you are interested in helping to coordinate events or have suggestions, please post them to the list. Trips to the fair, skating, or any other public event can also be considered. We hope to continue meeting on "Fourth Fridays" through the winter, provided there is enough interest. Thank you! Shane & Laura Hollister 2090 Weiser Rd. Niles, MI 49120 269-684-7158 ------------------------ Homeschool Performing Arts 2010-2011 season presents: Little Women--Kalamazoo Performances: December 7-11 Auditions: August 12 Rehearsals: Thursdays, 10-6 beginning September 9 Little Women the Broadway Musical is based on the life of Louisa May Alcott and follows the adventures of her family as they grow up in Civil War America. This story of the March sisters is filled with a powerful score, dancing, laughter and even some tears, touching issues that are as relevant today as they were when the original novel was written. With music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, Little Women will remind us all of the true value of family and friendship. This show for students ages 13 and up requires a medium-sized chorus and has several lead roles for both males and females. Meet Me in St. Louis--Grand Rapids Performances: January 20-22, 2011 Auditions: August 10 Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 10-5 beginning September 7 Meet Me in St. Louis is an optimistic musical set during the 1904 World's fair. Join the Smith family as their love and respect for one another is tempered with genuine humor during hard times. This rare treasure of musical theatre includes such familiar songs as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Trolley Song" and "The Boy Next Door." This production calls for a large cast, ages 8 and up, with limited roles for children under 13. Brigadoon--Lansing Performances: April 7-9, 2011 Auditions: August 9 Rehearsals: Fridays, 10-5, January-April and 2-3 rehearsals per month in the fall beginning September 17 Brigadoon spins the story of a mysterious Scottish village that disappears into the Highland mist and returns onl y one day every hundred years. Worlds collide when two American tourists stumble upon Brigadoon and all its inhabitants. A lush musical score, lively dances and gorgeous harmonies help weave the story of this Highland romance. Marking the first Broadway smash hit for Lerner and Loewe, the classic story of Brigadoon heralds the ideas of love, loyalty and sacrifice, for "when ye love someone deeply, anythin' is possible". Annie Get Your Gun--Kalamazoo Performances: May 5-14, 2011 Auditions: August 12 Rehearsals: Thursdays 10-5, January-April and 2-5 on Sept. 30, Oct. 14, 28 & Nov. 11 Annie Get Your Gun, Irving Berlin's classic musical, features gunfights and glamour--old west style! Annie Oakley, a backwoods gal with a sure shot and quick wit, challenges dashing marksman Frank Butler, the star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West traveling show. Sparks fly faster than bullets, but the competition ricochets romance. Featuring great songs like: "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Anything You Can Do," "I Got The Sun In The Morning," and "You Can't Get A Man With A Gun." Featuring Cowboys, Indians, and a large chorus of old-west style performers, this musical is sure to hit the bull's eye! Disney's The Aristocat Kids Lansing Rehearsals: Fridays 8:30-11:10, beginning September 10 Performances: November 6 Auditions: August 9 Kalamazoo Rehearsals: Thursdays 8:30-11:30, beginning September 9 Performances: November 13 Auditions: August 12 Grand Rapids Rehearsals: Tuesdays 9-12, beginning September 7 Performances: November 20 Auditions: August 10 Disney's The Aristocats Kids takes audiences on a fast-paced adventure with memorable characters and jazzy songs. This 45-minute production focuses on actor development, vocals, and choreography. HPA Kids! is a great musical theatre experience for 8-12 year olds. Sets, props and family commitment are minimal. Homeschool Performing Arts, 7995 Timpson Ave. SE, Alto, MI 49302 --------------------------------- Homeschool high school science classes: A deposit of $75 is required to hold a spot in either class. Below are the age/grade levels we believe are appropriate for the courses we offer. There are overlaps allowing for difference in maturity, science interests and math skill level prior to taking a course. Approximate Level COURSE-Year offered AGE range GRADES MATH SKILL LEVEL 1 Physical Science-11/12 13-16 8-10 Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 Biology-10/11 13-16 8-10 Pre-Algebra or Algebra 2 Chemistry-11/12 16-18 10-12 Algebra or Advanced Math 2 Adv. Biology-10/11 16-18 10-12 Algebra or Advanced Math Courses in levels 1 or 2 can be taken in any order within that level but it is important to take Physical Science before taking Chemistry and Biology before taking Advanced Biology. Note: It is my goal to continue offering these courses as long as they are needed but the above schedule cannot be considered a guarantee as personal circumstances could dictate otherwise. Costs – Biology: $ 340 Tuition for the year Advanced Biology: $400 Tuition for the year Lab costs for either class: $90 approximate for the full year. The $75 deposit goes toward these lab costs. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Randy Graves, M.S. gravesr@andrews.edu 269.473.5935 --------------------------- 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 opportunities 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 ----------------------------- The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks. Contact Diane Day: joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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, September 4, 2010
Homeschool HUB News Update--September 3
