Homeschool HUB News Update--November 26

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 26 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 December 3--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Attachment correction 2) New Home School Co-op in Elkhart 3) Free geography materials 4) Softball Expo 5) 5th Grade Natural Resource Day 2011 6) Scripp's Spelling Bee 7) Little Women 8) Volunteer Opportunities 9) Christmas Cookie/Treat Exchange and PARTY 1) Please disregard the attachment "Advertisement2" from last week.  It was inadvertently sent in rough draft form.  It was not intended to be distributed in that form.  Our apologies for any confusion this may have caused. 2) New Home School Co-op in Elkhart We are excited to announce that FLAME (For the Lord And My Education) Home School Co-op will be starting in January 2011. Our vision is to encourage, enrich, equip, and empower all participants to be servants of God. We hope to provide an atmosphere to learn, build friendships, and offer support. We will meet first, third, and fifth Friday mornings thru May at 9:50am-12pm at Elkhart Church of God located at 28082 CR 4, Elkhart, IN. The classes we are offering are as follows: K/1/ 2 grades- *Cooking/Arts and Crafts- Students will be making an apron the first week so they won't get as messy when they do simple cooking, and arts and craft projects each week. *Discovering Disabilities- Students will discover what it's like to be blind for an hour, or to have no use of you your legs for an hour. This class will help children  better understand those who deal with disabilities on a daily basis. 3rd grade and up- *Intro to Guitar- This class is for those who have not had much experience, but want to learn basics of the guitar. You will need the appropriate size guitar to participate. 3/4/5 grades- *Beginning Sign Language- Students will learn vocabulary each week and do activities and play games to reinforce what they learn. They will learn the very basics in this course. *Learning Games- Students will play games to reinforce what they are learning at home. Bible trivia, Math Bingo, Speed Scrabble, etc. Jr/Sr High- *Public Speaking- This class will give students an opportunity to become more comfortable speaking in group situations. They will have small assignments each week. *Adventure Education- Students will learn team building skills as they work through fun situations to help them communicate and trust those they around them. Nursery/preschool is offered to support teachers and siblings of school-aged students participating in FLAME classes. Open house registration will be on Thursday, December 9, 2010, from 3-7pm at Elkhart Church of God. Membership fee is $10 per family per semester. Class fees are $5-$15 per class. Fees will be collected at registration. Come and find out where classes will be held, and get to know other home school families. Teachers will be on sight to answer any questions. Children are welcome. If you have any questions please contact Lisa Gregory at preciouspampering@yahoo.com or call her at 574-264-4389. Hope to see you there! 3) Free geography materials The HUB doesn't post the many things people send us about their new book, curriculum, online lessons, etc. that they tell us will benefit homeschoolers and want us to help them market to you.  We don't think our job is to advertise for people.  This one though, has many free items on their site, including free e-books about Canada, the U.S., China, and Europe that look particularly good, and 100% of the profit from the things they do sell goes to charities. E-book donation Posted by: "Ellen Weisberg" ellenweis1966@yahoo.com ellenweis1966   I am donating the e-book version of my and my husband's newest published book, "Fruit of the Vine" (Chipmunkapublishing, 2010) to homeschoolers. This book, which can be downloaded for free through our authors' website, www.weisberg-yoffe.org, is an illustrated children's fantasy based on bullying that is meant for the 8-12 age range. It is an adaptation of my first published story- in the Feb/Mar 2007 issue of the literary journal, PKA's Advocate. Also available as complimentary e-books through www.weisberg-yoffe.org are "All Across Europe" (print book in press, Chipmunkapublishing) and "Making Emmie Smile" (print book in press, Chipmunkapublishing). Several of our other Chipmunkapublishing books, including "All Across Canada" (2008) and "All Across China" (2009) are available as free e-books through our site. In addition, U.S. map quizzes and posters associated with "Friends and Mates in Fifty States" (Galde Press, 2008) are provided for free on the site. Just so you know, a French translation of "All Across Canada" (favorably reviewed by Kirkus Discoveries) is in the works, a Chinese translation of "All Across China" will soon be available through Beijing University and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies, and Scholastic Book Clubs is (still) considering licensing the rights to market "Friends and Mates in Fifty States." The interest and support that we have received from homeschoolers over the past few years has encouraged us to continue to write and illustrate new books, as well as support charities through personal royalties generated by book sales. These royalties have helped us to be able to donate $3,380 to foundations supporting heart disease and breast cancer research and awareness over the past several years. Please feel free to e-mail me at ellenweis1966@yahoo.com if you have any questions about our books. Best wishes, Ellen Weisberg 4) Softball Expo The Softball Expo will be held March 18, 19, 20, 2011. In the midwest there are: 83 local associations, 250,000 teams, with more than 4 million members, 365,677 high school players, 15,906 NCAA players and countless pick up games. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL. For more information call 708-240-8004 or visit thesoftballexpo.com 5) 5th Grade Natural Resource Day 2011 5th Grade Natural Resource Day 2011 will take place Wednesday, April 27th at the Youth Fair Grounds in Berrien Springs. A Registration Form can be found at the Berrien County Web Site, berriencounty.org/recycle, click on "5th Grade Natural Resource Day" on the left side of the screen. What: Natural Resource Day (NR Day) is a ½ day program where p;articipants attend sessions titled Soil & Water Conservation, Plant Science, Turning Trash Into Treasure, The Wonders of Wildlife, and The Great Outdoors. Each session is lead by environmental professionals. Unfortunately, we missed the deadline to register but you may be able to get in as they have room for 450 5th graders and may not have filled the event. Questions about this event should be directed to: Jill Adams, 269-983-7111, ext. 8234 6) Scripp's Spelling Bee It's not too late to sign up for the areas Scripp's Cloverleaf Spelling Bee! Word lists are available now! Contact Diane Day 269-445-1900 details to come. 7) Little Women Homeschool Performing Arts is presenting "Little Women" in Kalamazoo December 7, 9-11. All shows are nightly at 7 pm with a matinee at 1 pm on Saturday, December 11. Tickets are $8. Visit their website to order tickets hpmi.org. 8) Volunteer Opportunities This time of year the Volunteer Center office begins to receive phone calls from individuals or families that would like to volunteer to serve food on the holiday.  The Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor has a team of volunteers that does it each year - so they are all set.  But the challenge is: people will continue to come to the Soup Kitchen after the holidays for a warm meal and fellowship, a place to connect with folks and receive some nourishment of body and soul. The Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor is looking for an on going volunteer to help out on a regular basis.  Martin's grocery store in St. Joseph donates their day old bread, so they are looking for a volunteer to do the weekly bread pickup.  Their scheduled time is Monday morning.  It might work best if you have a van or truck to do the pick up, since it is often 5-7 large boxes.  It helps to have boxes or one volunteer just puts the bread in loose, in their vehicle, and they rack the bread on the storage shelves at the Soup Kitchen, when they drop it off.  If you are interested in taking on this task or perhaps sharing this task on a team of volunteers - contact the Volunteer Center for additional details.   The Salvation Army in Niles depends on the funds they raise in their Red Buckets during the holiday season to serve individuals and families through out the year.  The calls to them continue to increase with families needing assistance with utility bills - so they can stay in their homes.  Or help with food or a clothing need, an item to begin a new job, like work boots.  Each day is different as they receive calls from people.  What can you do to help your neighbor have a roof over their head or food in their stomach?  Ring a bell, smile and say thank you.  Choose a time that works for your schedule.  Bring a friend and smile together.  This is a great family opportunity to teach your children about service.  Even the smallest child can take a turn ringing the bell.  If you enjoy singing or have an instrument you could play - dust off the Christmas music and share your favorites.  A few hours can make a big difference as the phone will continue to ring at the Salvation Army, even after the holidays are over. To schedule your time to ring, call Captain Walters, on his cell phone at: 574-229-4247. He has the schedule with him and will handle the arrangements.   If you would like to consider other options - take a look at our web site: www.volunteerswmi.org and link to 1-800volunteer.org. Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 303 St. Joseph 269-683-5464 ext 322 Niles www.volunteerswmi.org 9) Christmas Cookie/Treat Exchange and PARTY Get your mixing bowls ready!  The Homeschool HUB is having a Christmas treat exchange and a PAR-TAY!   WHO: All homeschool families and friends WHAT: Christmas Treat Exchange WHERE: The Niles Police Complex WHEN: 7 pm-midnight on Friday Dec 10 OR Saturday Dec 11 (TBD) WHY: Fun and Fellowship with other homeschool families HOW: Bring snacks to share, games to play, and (if you want to participate in the treat exchange) at least two dozen treats packaged in groups of six.  Take as many packages of the other treats home as you bring of yours. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Art Lessons for All Grades http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/lessons.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org   YOUNG ACTOR'S CAMP This year, young actor's camp needs 5 children aged 10-12 years for their movie.  More info can be found at their website: http://www.youngactorscamp.com/app.htm   GUITAR LESSONS Strum Strum Strum (Imagine your child doing this.) Strum Strum Strum (Contact homeschooling dad Hugh Duncan for guitar lessons in Buchanan or Saint Joseph.) Strum Strum Strum (269-983-2888) Strum Strum Strum. SAXON MATH SALE As a fellow homeschooler I want to share that Classical Conversations is holding a 3-day sale on Saxon Math books. For the sake of blessing others, Classical Conversations is providing this savings as a thank you to their own program members and to the extended homeschooling community. For 3 days only, from 8:00 a.m. EDT November 19th through 9:00 p.m. EDT November 21st Saxon Books are 30% off at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com.  I invite you to pass this sale along to your members so that they may be blessed by it! Serving Christ through Home Centered Education, Crystal Pfeifer Michigan State Manager CCScribbleCCC-transparent cpfeifer@classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversationsbooks.com Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 19

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 19 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 HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Berrien County Homeschool Spelling Bee 2) Drama Opportunities 3) Accompanist Needed 4) Free Christian Lecture 5) College Scholarship Opportunities 6) HUB Christmas Party 7) Bittersweet Ski Area Discount Cards are Here! 8) Volunteer Opportunities 9) Niles Parent Partnership Starting - Meeting Monday 1) Berrien County Homeschool Spelling Bee   I have confirmed the dates at The Chapel Evangelical Free Church (4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, MI) for this year's spelling bee, so check your calendars and request your lists!   The Berrien County Homeschool Spelling Bee will be Friday, May 20, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., usually lasting until 1:00 p.m.  There will be one practice, which is set for Monday, May 9, 2011, at 3:00 p.m.  This will take one to two hours.   There are lists for kindergarten through 8th grade.  We use words from the Spelling Workout curriculum from Modern Curriculum Press, plus a simple kindergarten list.  It is not necessary to use the Spelling Workout curriculum.  If you prefer, your student can just study from the lists.  Even if you are using the curriculum, get a list to use before the bee because duplicate words have been eliminated from grade to grade.   You can request your list by calling at 269-849-0172 or email at mewmegna@sbcglobal.net I will ask for participation commitments in March 2011.  I expect that the fee will remain at $3.00 per student.   Be sure to include the names of all participating students and the grade list you wish to study.  If you are not sure which grade to use, I can send lists from additional grades.  To determine which list to use, test your student on some words from a list he has not yet looked at.  If he already knows approximately 50% or more of the words, go to the next grade level up and test again.  If your student knows very few of the words, or has a difficult time learning spelling words, go to a lower level.  The bee should be a fun challenge.  We don't want to make our students hate spelling!   If you have any questions please call or email me at the number or email listed above.  Happy Spelling!  Michele Megna 2) Drama Opportunities Lullaby of Broadway II It's that time of year again! Auditions for L.O.B. II.....Saturday, January 8th at 1:00 p.m. The auditions will be held at the Train Museum Theater located at 721 S. Main Street and they will include ages 7-Adult. We will teach the song and dance at the auditions.  Please come with a thorough list of schedule conflicts. Premier Arts Ambassadors We have a new opportunity for actors ages 12-18.   We are starting an Ambassador group!  This group will be representatives for Premier Arts at special functions and they will perform a Y.E.S. show for local schools. Once you become a member of the group, you will be required to attend rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you will pay group dues of $25.00 per month. Craig Gibson and Sue Frost-Mayse will be the directors and advisors. Ashley Frost will be the choreographer, and Liesl Bell will be the vocal instructor. Audtions will be held on December 14th and 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the Train Museum Theater located at 721 S. Main Street.   If you wish to audition, you must pick up an audition packet at the Box Office, 131 Tyler Street.  This packet will include a song, and a reading that you should prepare for the auditions.  You can pick up the packet anytime after November 21st. Questions:contact sue@premierarts.org We are offering a Christmas Camp for the first time ever! When:  December 27, 28, 29, 30 Where:  Location to be determined (in Elkhart) Times:  9-2 daily with a performance on December 30th at 7:00 p.m. Theme:  Since we can't go anywhere for Christmas...we will bring Disney to Elkhart! The camp will include selections from Disney Classics, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast...to name a few. Cost:  $195.00 Ages:  7-13 The children will be responsible for their own lunches for the camp. Snacks will be provided each day. Special offering:  If you want to purchase the "Gift of Christmas Camp" for a loved one, we will provide a specially wrapped gift with a camp gift certificate enclosed. The special child in your life can be surprised when they open up the gift on Christmas morning! -------------------------------- Save the Dates!   Lullaby of Broadway II  Feb. 24-27 Music Man and Music Man Jr.  July 15-17 (at the new Lerner Theater!) Pinocchio  October 14-16 A Christmas Carol    December 9-11 -------------------------------- Contact Sue Frost-Mayse   sue@premierarts.org Website   www.premierarts.org 3) Accompanist Needed Dolly Edwards needs a pianist to accompany her for a school recital.  She plays trumpet.  The song is Dedication by William Polz.  Date is Dec. 4.  Location is Edwardsburg, but not sure which school yet.  Time 11:11 am.  She  has the sheet music.  Please call her or me (Meg) at 269-683-3163 or email me at emeggke@sbcglobal.net. Thanks! 4) Free Christian Lecture If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there evil and suffering in our world?  This problem is one of the most common reasons that atheists give for not believing.  It also is one of the hardest questions that Christians ask when tragedy strikes their families.  Dr. Roy Gane, Seminary Professor at Andrews University, will address this question on Friday evening, December 3, at 7:00 pm at the Pioneer Memorial Church Youth Chapel. 5) College Scholarship Opportunities Scholarship Opportunities- applications are available in the Financial Aid Office at Bethel College for the following scholarships: Boren Scholarships- for students pursuing study abroad.  Application and information is  available at www.borenawards.org  .  Deadline is February 10, 2011. Dorsey-Gray Literacy Scholarship- open to all students.  Additional information is available at www.altheadorseygray.com .  Deadline is April 2, 2011. U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship-  open all students.  Application available at www.usbank.com/scholarship .  Deadline is March 2011.   ROTC / MILITARY PROGRAMS Army ROTC- Learn about leadership and full-tuition scholarship opportunities.  Additional information is available at www.nd.edu/~army . Air Force ROTC- It's a challenge. It's an opportunity. It's a head-start on a lifetime of success within the Air Force and a dedication to succeed in all you choose to do. Simply put, Air Force ROTC is a college program that prepares you to become an Air Force Officer. Additional information is available at www.nd.edu/~afrotc/ SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SERVICES- Try the following FREE websites for scholarship information:  www.fastweb.com  www.edfed.com  www.brokescholar.com  www.WeeklyScholarshipAlert.org  www.salliemaefund.org 6) HUB Christmas Party Our December Games Night will also be a Christmas Party!  We will have a Christmas treat exchange (cookies, candy, fudge, whatever you want to make).  Bring a minimum of 2 dozen and package them in groups of six.  Take as many home as you bring.  Bring a snack to share and your best holiday spirit.  More details to come. 7) Bittersweet Ski Area Discount Cards are Here! Bittersweet Ski Area Discount Cards are Here for the 2010 - 2011 Season! For each student card (up to high school age 18 yrs and younger) fill out a form and send in with money.  For each adult card (out of high school and above) fill out a form and send in with money.  The ski/snowboarding discount cards are available for EVERYONE.  Forward or send this to anyone interested. Get your forms in early...this has been a warm year and we could have an early season!  We have been skiing in the past on Thanksgiving weekend!  Think Winter! See attachments for all the information... 8) Volunteer Opportunities Do you have a talent to share and love senior citizens? Brentwood Assisted Living in Niles is setting up the weekend schedule for 2011 and would love to have you participate.  They are looking for individuals or groups to come anytime between 1 and 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  Perhaps you have a hobby that you could talk about or share - seniors enjoy hearing about new and interesting things.  They especially love music, bring your guitar or piano music to play or sing your favorite tunes.  If you are a teen and play an instrument in the band or orchestra, this would be a good opportunity to gather some friends and volunteer together.  One woman came and shared how she made quilts - what are you willing to share?  To find out more contact the Volunteer Center . If Niles is not close to your home and this sounds like a fun option - contact the Volunteer Center we will help you find a place to volunteer closer to home. As we head into the holiday season many people begin to think about what they can to share out of their abundance or how they could teach their children a lesson in sharing.  The Soup Kitchen has reported to me that they have plenty of volunteers for both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas since they have a regular team of volunteers that provides food and support each year.  So I will save you a phone call.  Here are a few other ideas for you to consider: 1)  A couple in Bridgman, where the wife is receiving hospice care would love to have a home cooked meal on Thanksgiving Day.  Perhaps you cook a large quantity of food and have some to share.  Call the Volunteer Center for details if you would like to provide a meal. 2)  Prepare the whole meal or parts of the Thanksgiving Day meal for the men staying at the Salvation Army Men's Shelter in Benton Harbor .   If you or your family would like to volunteer to serve it or join the celebration, call for details.  A friend of mine went with his family; they played checkers with the men while his daughter played the piano - making it more like a family gathering. 3)  Donate the items in a basket for a Thanksgiving Day dinner.  Contact the Food Line with the United Way of Southwest Michigan at 982-4100 and they will pass it on to a household that has contacted them about their need or been referred by a local organization. 4)  A project that you can do together at home as a family is to make cards for people who are homebound and receive Meals on Wheels.  It brightens their day.  They can have a holiday theme or just be of a general theme, since they will share them after the holidays.  You can drop off the cards at one of the Volunteer Center offices or at Senior Nutrition, Napier & Colfax in Benton Harbor .  You can also make cards for military personnel.  The Blue Star Mothers will be sending cards and letters through the year - even after the holiday. If you would like to consider other options - take a look at our web site: www.volunteerswmi.org and link to 1-800volunteer.org. Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 303 St. Joseph 269-683-5464 ext 322 Niles www.volunteerswmi.org 9) Niles Parent Partnership Starting - Meeting Monday Please see attached an advertisement for the Niles Community Schools version of the Parent Partnership.  An informative meeting will be taking place on Monday.   If you have any further questions please email Gail Bliss blissfamily@gmail.com or call her at 269-683-0439 or 574-340-1025 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Human Anatomy http://www.innerbody.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org     GUITAR LESSONS Strum Strum Strum (Imagine your child doing this.) Strum Strum Strum (Contact homeschooling dad Hugh Duncan for guitar lessons in Buchanan or Saint Joseph.) Strum Strum Strum (269-983-2888) Strum Strum Strum. SAXON MATH SALE As a fellow homeschooler I want to share that Classical Conversations is holding a 3-day sale on Saxon Math books. For the sake of blessing others, Classical Conversations is providing this savings as a thank you to their own program members and to the extended homeschooling community. For 3 days only, from 8:00 a.m. EDT November 19th through 9:00 p.m. EDT November 21st Saxon Books are 30% off at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com.  I invite you to pass this sale along to your members so that they may be blessed by it! Serving Christ through Home Centered Education, Crystal Pfeifer Michigan State Manager CCScribbleCCC-transparent cpfeifer@classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversationsbooks.com Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 12

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 12 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 Nov. 19--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Homeschool Survey 2) Two Kitties Need a Home 3) Online Piano Lessons 4) Homescool Conventions 5) Game Night TONIGHT! 6) HUB Christmas Party 1) Homeschool Survey I am researching the pedagogy of homeschooling at the University of Minnesota (this project is funded/supported by the U of M) as part of a design project involving web applications and tools for homeschoolers. I am disseminating a survey to homeschool parents across the US to find out about certain traits about *how* homeschooling is carried out by different families. More about me: I am a homeschooling mom to my 4-yr-old daughter, and am just getting started on our journey. We live just outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota and participate in local HS groups here. I support homeschooling and educational choice and am seeking to solve some of the logistical/procedur al/technical problems that families face. *If you could, please, forward this message and link to your group members and encourage them to participate in this survey*. The survey is anonymous and the results will be used for this research and design project only, and will benefit the homeschooling community. Follow this link for survey: http://matt0477.wufoo.com/forms/homeschool-management Thanks so much! Happy homeschooling! Amy Mattson matt0477@umn. edu 2) Two kitties need a home Would you like some loving company and need to get rid of mice? Well you might want to look into adopting one of these cute, lovable kittens. Or both! They have been together for all of their lives and have adopted our friend's porch. They came very healthy and active. Since our friend doesn't live in Michigan most of the time, we have been taking care of them at our friend's barn. We had them spayed and neutered and they are ripe for adoption! We think they may be 4 months old at the most. It's not necessary for them to stay together, tho it's hard to imagine them apart. Olive is the girl. She has olive green eyes and is a gray black tiger. She loves people and loves to cuddle. She loves people so much that she would often go across the street (since there was no one home where she lived) and find someone to make happy. She's a pretty mellow little girl and has sleepy eyes that entice you to pet her. She's smaller and more petit than Aqui and she curls up in little ball when she sleeps, tucking her head under her tail. She would make an excellent inside cat. She is spayed and will be ready to go soon. Aqui  is the boy and is completely black with greenish-yellow eyes.  He is very friendly and loves to be petted and scratched. He's squirmy and can't be bothered to be held for long, but you can hear him purring from a mile away! He likes to play and is a great hunter and often brings us moles and voles. He likes to climb and look for food. He'd be great inside or outside. He's adventurous, curious, and loves attention. Sometimes Aqui sleeps on top of Olive – she doesn't seem to mind These kittens are free, have been spayed and neutered, and have been to the vet once already. The preliminary work is done! If you're interested in either one or both of these kittens, please either respond to this email or call our mom's cell phone:  219-628-4322. If you're not interested, please send this on to a bunch of friends you think would make good cat owners. And in case you're wondering, our mom says we can't keep them because we already have 2 cats. Thank you! Sam, Josie, and Ellie Burck 3) Online Piano Lessons Dear fellow homeschooling parents, My name is Melissa and I'm a piano teacher and homeschooling mom of 3 in North Brookfield, Massachusetts.  We began our homeschool journey in 2006 when our oldest two children began Kindergarten.  As with a lot of homeschooling families that I talk to, we have our good days and our not-so-great days with this experience but overall I wouldn't change a thing! I'm writing as I have a very special opportunity to offer the homeschooling community.  With technology changing the way education and business is done these days it is essential that we keep up with the growing demand for online learning.  This is why we have decided to expand and offer private piano lessons - online. Private piano lessons online work the same way as traditional, private piano lessons.  These are not recorded video lessons; they are given live via webcam with a private instructor on a weekly or biweekly basis.  The benefits of online learning are: *Comfort of home *Save money on gas *Comfort of your own instrument *Save time and aggravation fighting traffic or inclement weather commuting to lessons *Consistency – ability to keep the same instructor in the event of a move I've been offering online lessons to children and adults all over the world since October 2009 and believe most of the technical quirks have been worked out.  The quality of the video will depend on your equipment and internet speed.  I am offering a special discount (23%) to those that sign up prior to November 30, 2010.  The discounted rate will be $10 per 30-minute lesson (normally $13) and will stay at this rate through September 2011.  There will be a free online consultation prior to the first lesson to work out any kinks and be sure we can connect on time without difficultly when lessons are scheduled.  Payment is accepted via Paypal or personal check.  There is absolutely NO obligation or long term commitment. In order to register for private online lessons, you must have or be willing to acquire the following: *A computer that is able to be near your instrument *High speed internet connection (no dial-up as the video quality would be poor) *A headset that plugs into the USB port in your computer (optional) *Web camera *Piano or piano keyboard with at least 61 keys *Lesson book – I can recommend one once I learn about the student's age and musical background Enrolled students will also be given a membership to MusicLearningCommunity.com which allows them to utilize 100's of games that reinforce music theory in a fun way.  My current students enjoy being able to play these games at home and their membership also lets me see their scores.  If he/she is having difficulty with a game that reinforces rhythm (for example) I am able to prepare some activities that help my student at the next lesson. If you are interested, please contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss a time that is convenient for lessons.  I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have as well. 4) Homescool Conventions MidSouth Homeschool Convention - Memphis, TN http://www.midsouthhomeschoolconvention.com/ SouthEast Homeschool Convention - Greenville, SC http://www.southeasthomeschoolconvention.com/ MidWest Homeschool Convention - Cincinnati, OH http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com/ NorthEast Homeschool Convention - King of Prussia, PA http://www.northeasthomeschoolconvention.com/ 5) HUB Game Night TONIGHT Don't miss the Homeschool Hub's monthly games night and social.  Every 2nd Friday of the month (THIS FRIDAY) at 7PM at the Niles Police Complex on Silverbrook.  Bring your favorite games and a snack to share. We also have tables reserved to exchange homeschooling materials, books, household goods or whatever you think someone else might want.  For free. Bring or take. Bring any and all books, Campbell's labels, and Box Tops for Education to donate to the Hub.  Also, membership forms are available to join the hub and receive your members only Educator's Discount Card good at area merchants including Border's Books. This event is open to all area homeschool families. SEE YOU THERE! Questions? Call Donnelda Lohr 269-683-2372 6) HUB Christmas Party Our December Games Night will also be a Christmas Party!  We will have a Christmas treat exchange (cookies, candy, fudge, whatever you want to make).  Bring a minimum of 2 dozen and package them in groups of six.  Take as many home as you bring.  Bring a snack to share and your best holiday spirit.  More details to come. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Toy Cars for Kids to Make http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/howtomaketoycarsartscraftsideaskids.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org    PIANO LESSONS BY SARAH CARLSON $13/lesson, kids and adults, beginner to advanced.  Sarah was a homeschooler and has a music education degree.  She welcomes new students www.pianobysarah.com Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 5

Homeschool HUB News Update--November 5 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 Nov. 12--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Teen Caving Trip 2) Michiana Covenant Academy Classes 3) Free Jazz and Percussion Concert 4) Transcript Preparation and College Admissions for Homeschoolers 5) Local Volunteer Opportunities 6) HUB Board Meeting 1) Teen Caving Trip Just wanted to inform you about a youth caving event.  Ages 13 and up.  Parents do not have to go in the cave with kids.  For every three kids an adult would be free.  It is $45.00 per person and will be December 3-5.  This includes food and lodging.  I will be helping lead the cave trip.  We will be going to wild caves and see bats, salamanders, etc.  If anyone is interested have them contact me (Peggy Sergio at 269-687-3096).  We will be camping at Timber Ridge Camp in Spencer, IN.   2) Michiana Covenant Academy Classes Michiana Covenant Academy is starting registration for their 2nd Trimester classes, on November 3rd.  Please visit the website, michianacovenantacademy.org, for classes offered, and registration forms.  Classes begin January 5th, and run through March 9th.  If you have any questions, please write to the Administrator at academy@michianacovenant.org. 3) Free Jazz and Percussion Concert The Bethel College Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble will present a free concert on Friday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. The program will include a wide variety of musical styles along with a great diversity of instruments. The Percussion Ensemble will feature a piece called "Japanese Impressions", as well as "William Tell's Canned Overture" which will be performed on tin cans. While the Jazz Ensemble will include: "In the Mood" by Glen Miller; "Oclupaca" by Duke Ellington; "Gospel John" by Jeffrey Steinberg; "Cantaloupe Island" by Herbie Hancock and "Tenor Madness" by Sonny Rollins. Soloist for the show include Samantha Hartsough ('11) singing "Cry Me A River" with the Jazz Ensemble, and Carmen Ritchie ('11) performing as a guest flute soloist with the Percussion Ensemble. "It will be an entertaining and exciting evening of American music performed by our Bethel College students!" says Professor of Music Reginald Klopfenstein, D. M. For more information contact the Bethel College music department at 574.807.7575. 4) Transcript Preparation and College Admissions for Homeschoolers Michiana Covenant Academy is pleased to present an informational session with Mrs. Kathleen Williamson on Thursday, November 11 at 7:00pm.  We invite area homeschoolers to come join us as we hear about "Transcript Preparation and College Admissions for Homeschoolers."  Mrs. Williamson will also discuss early college options and what is available for homeschoolers to further their education as much as they can, right from home.   Where:  Michiana Covenant Church, 14567 Cleveland Road (between Fir and Capital) When:  Thursday, November 11, at 7:00pm Who:  Any homeschooling parent and/or student wishing to learn more about preparing homeschool transcripts and college admissions. Cost:  None 5) Volunteer Opportunities St. Joseph: C'mon out this Saturday to Lakeland Continuing Care, 3425 Lakeshore Dr. in St. Joseph from 2-3 p.m....enjoy interacting with residents and making cards for the troops serving overseas. This is a great option for adults ,children and youth, of any age, to do together.  If you can draw a picture, you can volunteer.  If you can smile, you can volunteer because the residents enjoy spending time with babies and young children - so bring them along also.  Just show up and ask at the front desk what room the group is gathering in.  Our staff will be on hand to provide directions.  Call the Volunteer Center for info. Niles: Thanksgiving Day Run        Niles- Buchanan YMCA will host a 1 mile fun run, 5k run, 5 k walk & 10 k run on 11/25 Volunteers will assist at registration, pass out water & snacks, provide safety on the route by standing and pointing the direction the runners should be going in.  A parent/child team can work together.  Arrive about 8 am and complete your volunteer tasks by 10 am, you can have fun family time before you eat turkey.  www.nb-ymca.org Have questions or need details: Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 303 St. Joseph 269-683-5464 ext 322 Niles www.volunteerswmi.org 6) HUB board meeting The next Homeschool HUB board meeting will be Thursday, November 11 at 7 pm at the Niles Police Station.  Call the HUB before coming in case the meeting gets cancelled or moved at te last minute.  Everyone is welcome with questions, ideas, suggestions, and/or curiosity. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Video on Canging Education Paradigms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org     PIANO LESSONS BY SARAH CARLSON $13/lesson, kids and adults, beginner to advanced.  Sarah was a homeschooler and has a music education degree.  She welcomes new students www.pianobysarah.com Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: 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 many products. 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.