Friday, September 16, 2011

Homeschool HUB News Update--September 16

Homeschool HUB News Update--September 16


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

September 23--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp
October 11--HUB Board of Directors Meeting, 7 pm at the Niles Police Complex
October 21--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental.


GENERAL INTEREST

G1) Newsletter migration
G2) Appleseed Rifle Marksmanship Events


G1) Newsletter migration

The Homeschool HUB newsletter is moving to a yahoo group.  All the email addresses that currently receive this newsletter will be gradually shifted over.  Once your email is shifted, you will get an email from yahoo groups that will give instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe, so you can manage how and when and if you continue to receive this newsletter.  If you want to subscribe a new email or suggest the newsletter to someone else who might want to subscribe, the group is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HUBnewsletter/ and you can also send an email to the following addresses: Subscribe:     HUBnewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe:     HUBnewsletter-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com   It will take some time to complete the move, so please be patient.  Thank you.


G2) Appleseed Rifle Marksmanship Events

This might be an interesting opportunity to learn more about the Revolutionary War and hone your marksmanship skills, if you own a rifle.  It is open to kids, women, and people with special needs.

Project Appleseed is a nationwide family-friendly rifle marksmanship course which combines the teaching of fundamental rifle marksmanship skills with the story of our American heritage. Project Appleseed is an activity of The Revolutionary War Veterans Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to teaching every American our shared heritage and history as well as traditional rifle marksmanship skills.  Our volunteer instructors travel across the country teaching those who attend about the difficult choices, the heroic actions, and the sacrifices that the Founders made on behalf of modern Americans, all of whom are their "progeny."

With nearly 1000 weekend events scheduled for 2011, there's likely one within driving distance. The cost for kids 20 and under is $5 and for their mothers (women) is $10. Poor dad has to pay more – $70 – but there is no serious rifle marksmanship program available elsewhere at anywhere near the cost.

A substantial number of certified Appleseed instructors are themselves home schooling parents and students motivated by the importance of participating in the great American tradition of rifle marksmanship skills, while conveying the significance of our national heritage to other Americans.

We invite you to bring your family, friends, a .22 rifle and some ammunition, and head to an Appleseed near you! To find nearby Appleseed event locations, information on "what to bring" and "how to prepare", or information about hosting a shoot, please visit our main website, www.appleseedusa.org, and the home educator's page.


MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

1) Theatre for Children and Young Adults Fall 2011 Class Schedule
2) EDventours Fall Flings!
3) Bethel College Presents Four Horsemen Art Exhibit
4) Creative Writing Class--with a twist!
5) Photography class
6) Cool class--make your own movie!
7) Individual Sports class
8) Bethel Hosts Free College Fair
9) Hospice at Home Open Houses
10) Spelling Bee
11) Bethel College Presents "The Hobbit"
12) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI
13) Volunteer Opportunities


1) Theatre for Children and Young Adults Fall 2011 Class Schedule

Classes start Thursday, September 8, 2011 in South Bend and September 12, 2011 in Niles, Michigan. Please find our full schedule of classes, times and costs below.  We are very excited about seeing everyone in September.  Please sign up for classes and reserve your space now!  We are currently holding classes both Monday and Thursday starting the week of Labor Day.  Please visit website for sign up and more information at www.theatreforchildrenandyoungadults.com

 Our pricing is $250 per class per semester with the exception of the Music Notation Class which will be $350 and include the software for each student.  We are approved for both Berrien Springs Parent Partnership Program and Niles Extended Community Program.  All class fees need to be paid at the first class unless other arrangements have been made with the director.

Please note the Clay Location will meet until further notice at  the Community Congregational Church on Cleveland which is just behind the 1st Source bank at the corner of Cleveland and State Road 933/US 31
 
Mini Theatre: (Niles Monday 1-2 p.m.) 5 to 10 years old  We will be working on a short Disney Production and it will be a blast!

Music Writing and Software Notation Class: includes a student copy of either Finale or Sibelius(Niles Monday 2-3 p.m. ) Students will learn music theory, developing music phrases, melody lines and produce their own songs which will be presented to publishers for review through the National Songwriters Association.

Pop Band Class: (Niles Monday3:-4 p.m/Clay Thursday  3-4 p.m. ) We will be working on developing a small pop performance band or a couple of bands depending on participation. All students must have an instrument or be interested in vocals. All students will develop performance skills, marketing skills, cut a cd at the a rpofessional studio and perform in local youth friendly venues and more.

Christian Pop Band Class: (Niles Monday 4-5 p.m./Clay Thursday 4-5 p.m.)  Same as Pop Band Class but focusing on Christian Music and presentations.

Write your own play: (Niles Monday 5-6p.m./Clay Thrusday 5-6p.m.) Students will write and develop a drama to present in a full theatre setting.  Students who are interested in acting but not in music would benefit from this class and production.

Musical Theatre Class:(Niles Monday 6-7:30 p.m. / Clay Thursday  6-7:30 p.m.): Ages 10-16 Sing, Act and Dance. This class is opened to experienced and non-experienced students with a desire to learn and perform in a full theatre setting. We will offer a full production and everyone will receive a part in the production!  Sing, Act, Dance and Perform!
 
Musical Theatre Class for Teens and Young Adults: (Niles Monday 7:30-9p.m. /Clay Thursday 7:30-9 p.m.)  Ages 14-20 Sing, Act and Dance.  This class is opened to experienced and non-experienced students with a desire to learn and perform in a full theatre setting.

Contact Information:
Jane Marie Burkart and Diana Burkart
574-514-4000
theatreforchildren@gmail.com


2) EDventours Fall Flings!

EDventours are education-rich trips for homeschool families.  Coming up this fall are a trip to Cincinnatti and the Creation Museum and a trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg.  See attached file for more info.


3) Bethel College Presents Four Horsemen Art Exhibit

The Bethel College department of visual arts presents the "Four Horsemen" art exhibit, featuring sculptures and paintings by Adjunct Professor of Art Foundations Katharine Schmidt. The exhibit in on display now through Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be closed on Sundays.

"The Four Horsemen, in this interpretation, are metaphors for spiritual deficits — spiritual hunger, unease, conflict and fear," explains Schmidt. "The ceramic pieces are playful experiments with color, texture and form which attempt to portray various attitudes and defenses about end-time fears … The paintings are more personal."

The Weaver Art Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public and are located inside the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. For any questions, contact the department of visual arts at 574.807.7022.


4) Creative writing class--with a twist!

Creative Expression for the tech savvy generation  (This class is FREE if taken through the Niles or Berrien Springs programs)

This class will help students learn to convey thoughts and emotions through writing for today's "connected" world in ways that will be well received by their audiences. Scripts for digital presentation, blogging, and web sites will be explored.  In this workshop based class, students will be given exercises to hone their writing and their ability to integrate it with today's technology tools. Most reading materials will be provided for in class reading. If additional books are necessary students will be given a list of books to choose from which should be available at local libraries. Progress will be determined by improvement rather than meeting a standard. That way each student will have his or her own goals to set and meet. Students should be prepared to turn in digital copies of their work each week.

Instructor:  James Gigante
Meeting time: 10:30-12:00
Days: Thursdays
Contact Beth Denton for more info or to sign up: farmgirlbeth@gmail.com


5) Photography class (This class is FREE if taken through the Niles or Berrien Springs programs)

This class will teach students the basic principles behind design and composition in art, as well as the fundamentals of photography. We will focus on composition, framing, color, exposure, expression and styles in design, as well as the principles behind light capturing and the mechanics of photography. Reading materials and handouts will be distributed in class. Students must have a camera that allows manual control over ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. They may use a camera they own that fits these parameters or one will be provided for use during the class. Students will need access to their own laptops with Gimp (a free photo editing software). This editing software will be uploaded onto their computers by the instructor when it the laptop is brought to class.

Instructor: James Gigante
Meeting time: 2:30-4:00
Days: Thursdays
Contact Beth Denton for more info or to sign up: farmgirlbeth@gmail.com


6) Cool class--make your own movie! (This class is FREE if taken through the Niles or Berrien Springs programs)

Video Production

The purpose of this class is to help students gain a basic understanding of Digital Video Production. Students will learn the technical aspects of camera work, lighting and basic video and sound editing. Students will also be encouraged to improve their creativity and story telling skills. This is a year-long class with the first semester geared toward class instruction and acquiring new knowledge, and the second semester is working in teams with one-on-one time with the instructor to produce a video.  Equipment is provided.

Instructor:  James Gigante
Meeting time: 12:30-2:30
Days: Thursdays
Contact Beth Denton for more info or to sign up: farmgirlbeth@gmail.com


7) Individual Sports class (This class is FREE if taken through the Niles or Berrien Springs programs)

This class is designed to be offered for an entire year, encompassing two sports: tennis and skiing. From September to December, students will have tennis instruction, from December to March the student will ski (at either Bittersweet Ski Resort in Kalamazoo or Swiss Valley – student's choice), and then from March to June it's back to tennis. Tennis instruction will have a specific day and time of meeting, while the skiing will be of the skier's choice. The student will be limited to a specific number of days to go skiing.

Tennis day/time: Wednesdays, 1-2:30
Must have at least 10 to make this class happen.
Contact Beth Denton for more info or to sign up: farmgirlbeth@gmail.com


8) Bethel Hosts Free College Fair

Bethel College will host more than 40 Christian colleges for the annual South Bend/Mishawaka Christian College Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Wiekamp Athletic Center. High school, junior high, junior college students and parents are encouraged to attend.

Christian college representatives will be available to answer questions and discuss options for those interested in a four-year institution. Financial aid seminars will also be conducted on how a college education can be affordable. The free event is sponsored by the North American Coalition of Christian Admissions Professionals.

For more information or for a list of colleges attending, please visit www.nccf.us or call 574.807.7600.


9) Hospice at Home Open Houses

Hospice at Home is celebrating 30 years of serving our community.  They holding open houses at their facilities and have invited homeschoolers to join them for refreshments, tours, and good conversation. Details follow:
 
September 22, 4-7 p.m. - Buchanan, 4017 Chamberlain, 30 year Anniversary Open House
 
October 20, 4-7 p.m. - South Haven, 30 year Anniversary Open House 05055 Blue Star Highway
 
November 9, 4-7 p.m. St. Joseph,  Lory's Place, 445 Upton Drive, 7-Year Open House/Hospice at Home 30 year Anniversary Open House


10) Spelling Bee

The Homeschool Hub will again be sponsoring the Scripps Spelling Bee this year.  The date of the school spelling be will be announced later as those who sign up discuss the range of date possibilities.  Any student interested in signing up should email Diane Day for details. The enrollment fee is up this year so the entrance fee will be $15 per speller.  Please do not delay.  Email or call with questions or committments.  Diane Day 269-445-1900 or joharding_20@yahoo.com.


11) Bethel College Presents "The Hobbit"

Bethel College will present, "The Hobbitt" October 6, 7, & 8.  They are offering a field trip performance on that Thursday, October 6 at 9:30 am.  Ticket prices are greatly reduced to Students - $5, Teachers are free.  Those interested should contact Bethel ticket office directly at 574-807-7080. You may request seating with the Homeschool Hub.

The Bethel College department of theatre will present J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," dramatized by Patricia Gray. "The Hobbit" stirs the imagination and intellect of everyone. Bilbo, one of the most conservative of Hobbits, is asked to leave his home in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover an important treasure. It's the last thing that any sensitive Hobbit would want to do. The epic journey, filled with dwarfs, elves, goblins and other adventures is sure to thrill one and all. It's a show the whole family can enjoy.


12) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI

Right now, there are three local school districts (that we are aware of) with some sort of program partnering with homeschoolers. These programs are run by school districts in the state of Michigan, so students must be residents of Michigan to participate.  Registration is open and classes have started!  All the above classes are available through the Niles and/or Berrien Springs programs, meaning they would be FREE!

Berrien Springs info (grades 1-12): http://www.homeoftheshamrocks.org/  
Niles Info (grades 1-12):  http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp 
Bradywine is also introducing a virtual high school option through Job Skills Technology.  You can call the school 269-684-7150, or JST at 800-783-5780 for information.


13) Volunteer Opportunities

A) The Alliance for the Great Lakes will hold its annual September Adopt a Beach Cleanup Event this weekend. Volunteers from across the Great Lakes region will hit up beaches to remove litter and log what they find. Most clean ups will be taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 starting at 9 A.M.

There are several planned clean ups in Berrien and Van Buren Counties, such as Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor along with Silver Beach and Tiscornia Beach in St. Joseph.  You can register to help out at www.GreatLakesAdopt.org.

This international effort to clean up the waterways has volunteers recording what they find so that a database can be built to provide better beach management programs in the future.

Find a friend, enjoy the fresh air and do a good thing!

Debra Panozzo
Adult and family volunteer coordinator
Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan
269-983-0912 ext 13 St. Joseph
269-683-5464  Niles
www.volunteerswmi.org


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LINKS TO SHARE:

Lots of activities to download free:
http://www.amonco.org/montessori_spring_handson.html

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CLASSIFIEDS


BANJO TEACHER SOUGHT

Diane Day is looking for a banjo teacher to teach her 10 year old son.  If you know of someone or have the skill yourself, please give her a call - 269-445-1900.


FREE CURRICULUM

The Homeschool Hub has some used curriculum that is available for free.  They also accept anything, school related for donation and will keep it for use by other homeschoolers.  If you have and want to donate or need call Diane Day 269-445-1900.


Looking for a group?  Join the HUB!  We need you.

There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library that includes things like books, games, laptops, video cameras and other items to borrow (free, members only). 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 at www.hshub.org


Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!

Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free!

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LETTING IT RIDE:

Amazon.com--Please come to www.hshub.org before you shop at Amazon.  You can either shop the Associate Store listed in the Menu bar or click on the "Help the Homeschool HUB - Purchase at Amazon" link just below the Menu bar. By using this link to Amazon The Homeschool HUB will earn money through Amazon's Associates program on everything you purchase. So whenever you think "Amazon" please remember your purchase can help The Homeschool HUB.

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 functions that we have.  Thank-you!


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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.