Friday, August 3, 2012

[HUBnewsletter] Homeschool HUB News Update--August 3

 

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 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

To subscribe to this newsletter, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HUBnewsletter/ OR send an email to the following address: HUBnewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com  (You can also sign up on the home page of our website hshub.org--just type your email in the box!)  Don't forget to do one of these if you change your email address!

Yes, you are welcome to forward the newsletter to anyone who might be interested!  :-)


ON THE CALENDAR:

Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub  (Check with those offering the program for cancellations or changes before you go.)

August 7 Homeschool Beach Day, Fuller's Resort in Buchanan, $1.50 pp
August 10--Bowling at Chippewa Bowl 10:00am-12:00pm.  $1.50/pp per game
August 12--HUB Board of Directors Meeting, 7 pm at the Niles Police Complex
August 17--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental
August 28--Homeschool Info Night 6-8 pm  LMC Bertrand campus in Niles, MI
September 3--Club BLUE Martin's Cafe in Niles 7 pm


GENERAL INTEREST

G1)  Learn Video Game Development
G2) Free short story


G1) Learn Video Game Development

Greetings!

My name is Sam Salo, and I have recently started recruiting homeschoolers for a video game algorithm development project.  If you have a student who...

...wants to learn the ins and outs of game development and architecture...
...wants to be able to create huge games without millions of dollars...
...wants to learn academic subjects through a totally new lens...
...wants to gain five to ten credits for his or her transcript...
...wants to learn art, or programming, or both...then read on!

To reiterate, my name is Sam Salo, and I'm a former homeschooler and current artist and academic tutor.   In short, Red Letter Calculus is a set of algorithms that are designed around procedural generation of 3D worlds, characters, animation, and artificial intelligence. The end goal is to create a software program that would facilitate the creation of complete video games with a fraction of current monetary, people, and time requirements.  With a proper team to development this project, each member could be creating complete, triple-A quality games with their own hands in as little as one year from now.

Much of the work centers around dealing with fractal patterns found in nature, the human body, chemistry, and much more.  We will be doing in-depth studies of the natural sciences, biology, math, physics, programming, and more, all through the fun and cutting-edge environment of video game development.  As mentioned above, students who participate will...

-Learn all facets of game development in clear, easy-to-understand instruction
-Gain 5-10 (if not more) credits; academic subjects will be learned in fresh, unique ways
-Be a part of a fun environment with many tasks and rewards to choose from
-Learn new subjects and be relaxed; I'll always be there to help tutor and instruct 

Join for free by contacting me with your interests, skills, and background.  For those who wish to have tutoring supplied to help with any of the academic and technical topics, there are two options: $30/month for three one-hour tutoring sessions in subjects of your choosing (usually $20/hour, a regular total of $60 in my tutoring services), or $50 for unlimited tutoring help in a month as time allows. 

The website for the project is http://www.redlettercalculus.com.  Please feel free to contact me at the following:

Email: samuel.a.salo@gmail.com
Phone: 262-721-8887

I look forward to talking with any interested parties!

Sincerely,

-Sam Salo


G2) Free short story

This link goes to a free short story for kids with a few questions at the end.

http://www.knowonder.com/2012/07/30/danger-in-beaver-valley/



MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

1)  2nd Annual Homeschool Info Night--free stuff!
2) Annual Meeting
3)  Fencing Class--Urgent Response Needed!
4)  Michiana Covenant Academy Science Classes
5) Michiana Covenant Academy Registration
6) Fall Art Classes Update
7) Niles Homeschool Partnership
8) Berrien Springs Parent Partnership
9) Volunteer Opportunities


1)  2nd Annual Homeschool Info Night--free stuff!

Free refreshments will be served!  Please bring any books, curricula, and materials you no longer want that other families might be able to use--we will have a free exchange table--bring what you don't need and take what you can use!  The 2nd Annual Homeschool Info Night will be Tuesday August 28th from 6-8 at LMC Bertrand in Niles, MI.  If you have questions or want some advice or help with homeschooling, come join us!  Looking for new activities or opportunities for your kids?  Come join us!  If you are a homeschooler or thinking of homeschooling or curious about homeschooling, come join us!  It will be a night for info and connection with other homeschoolers.  Feel free to pass this info along to anyone you know who might be interested.  Contact Diane Day if you are interested in having an info table for your group or yourself : joharding_20@yahoo.com. 


2)  Annual Meeting

The Homeschoool HUB annual meeting will take place at LMC Bertrand at 7:30 pm on August 26th.  If you would like to participate, see hshub.org about how to become a member.  All members are invited to attend.  Anyone curious about the group or interested in becoming a member may also attend.


3)  Fencing Classs--Urgent Response Needed!

We have the opportunity to bring a Fencing Program to our area.  To do so there needs to be a minimum of 30 students. I have attached a link to the Tri-Blade website for your convenience.   http://www.akron-graphics.com/tri_blade/   This program has been embraced in the Gull Lake area.  So much so, they have added it to a list of courses their School Corporation students may choose.

This class will be a multi-aged class. The cost is $13/per hour for the classes. The classes run for 3 hours. I would arrange for him to come down here for 6 weeks for the first semester and then maybe lengthen it to 8 weeks for the 2nd semester if interest continues. That brings the cost to $234 for the first semester. There is an additional cost for the equipment of approximately $107.00 (This is a one time cost).   The majority of these costs would be covered if a Niles Partnership Student would like to elect it for a CR class.

Please contact me if you are interested.  I need to know before August 7th so I can determine if we can bring the program to the Michiana Area. Please email me at blissfamily@nilesschools.org.


4)  Michiana Covenant Academy Science Classes

Sciences Galore!  Michiana Covenant Academy is excited to announce that we now offer Apologia science classes for grades 3-12.  This year we have Zoology 3 Land Animals for grades 3-5, Botany for grades 6-8, Physical Science for grades 8-10 and Advanced Biology for grades 10-12 taught by a registered Medical Technologist.  Classes are small, with hands-on labs and exclusively for homeschool students. Michiana Covenant Academy only serves homeschool students and we have many other classes available. Come check out these classes and our other course offerings at: michianacovenantacademy.org If you have any questions contact us at: academy@michianacovenant.org


5) Michiana Covenant Academy Registration

We are so excited for the upcoming school year! We will be at four events this year to make registering even easier for you. Early registration for returning families is August 1-14 and you can see the classes online any day now. Just register as you have in the past with an e-mail to the Administrator.

For new families we will have a registration time at the Academy on Aug. 15th Wednesday from 1-3 for all new families and any returning families that missed open registration. We are located at: 14567 Cleveland Road, Granger (just north of Juday Creek subdivision).

We will have a table at the three events listed below and can accept registrations at any of these. Remember, classes fill up so register early. If you have any questions, e-mail us at: academy@michianacovenant.org

August 20th, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Monday evening at South Bend Christian Reformed Church, 1855 N. Hickory Road, South Bend, at the H.O.M.E. Open House.

August 24th 7:00pm-9:00pm Friday evening at Zion Missionary Church 1135 E. Hively in Elkhart at the TEACHers Open House.

August 28th 6-8pm Tuesday evening at Lake Michigan College (LMC) Bertrand Crossing Campus 1905 Foundation Drive in Niles at the H.U.B. Open House.


6) Fall Art Classes Update

There are a few changes on art class details. The startup for the Hobby Lobby class is one week later with no weeks off. The other classes will be taking the week of October 8th off (instead of the 15th)

New Creations Offers 2012 Fall Art Classes in the Michiana Area for Students in Grades 1-12. Adults and home schoolers welcome!

Gloria Seitz, a certified K-12 art teacher, will be teaching classes on the topic of Elements of Design. This seven week class will study the basic elements of design: line, shape, texture, value, color, and volume, including a variety of projects and mediums used. Some examples include fabric paint, tie dye, metal tooling, pastels, watercolor, and bean mosaics. Older students will also study the principles of design. CLASSES WILL BEGIN ON THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17 (skipping week of Oct 8th ) AND END THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 5. Hobby Lobby classes will not meet the first week, but will start on Thursday, September 27 and will not skip the week of the 8th. Please note the date changes on the week off and on the Hobby Lobby start date.

Tuesdays, classes at Community Free Church in Niles are as follows: Ages 6-9 will meet at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 meet from 11:45 -12:45 p.m. and 7th -adult meet from 1-2 p.m. (MI times). Classes meet in the south end of the building.

Wednesday classes meet at Trinity Free Church in South Bend. Ages 6-9 will meet at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 meet from 11:45 -12:45 p.m. and 7th -adult meet from 1-2 p.m. Classes meet on lower south entrance across from gym.

Thursday classes meet at Hobby Lobby in Mishawaka at the following times: Ages 6-9 will meet at 11:30-12:30 AND at 12:45-1:45 p.m.. Ages 9-13 will meet at 2-3. 7th through adult will meet from 3:15-4:15. 8 through 13 year olds will meet from 4:20 -5:20 p.m. Classes meet on right side of building near fabrics.

The cost for the seven week classes is $70 for the first child and $5 LESS for each additional child (ie. the first child is $70, second child is $65, third child is $60, etc.).You will save $5 on the total cost (not per student) if you pay by September 11 . Cost includes supplies (except sketch book, erasers, pencil, rulers, and folder: These you will need to purchase), room rental, and Art Festival. The Art Festival will be held on Friday, November 9.

You may print out a registration form on line at www.newcreationsart.com. Classes do fill up, so be sure to get your registration in early. You may reserve your spot by calling her at 574-271-8069 even before sending in your reservation. Be sure to check out our Facebook page, New Creations Art Classes.


7) Niles Homeschool Partnership Program

NEW:  There is no seated class required for students in grades 6-12.  Younger students (grades 1-5) are still required to take a seated class.

Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is open, and info about the class choices are available online, including some new ones.  More info at the site below (you may need to cut and paste it into your browser--it's a long one):

http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp?2113

Remember that middle school and high school students registered with the program are also allowed to participate in school sports teams.


8) Berrien Springs Parent Partnership

Berrien Springs Parent Partnership is a FREE program to enhance your child's homeschool education with elective class choices in a variety of settings.

What is different this year?
No seated class is required, for any student in grade 1-12!

Only 1-2 virtual classes are required per semester, depending on your student's grade level. All Community Classes are optional, and each student may choose up to 3 per semester.  The field trip and dance classes remain as just two of the many community classes offered.  We have more exciting community classes than ever!  Check out our NEW website at www.berrienspringspartnership.com for more information and how to register.

Registration will begin Sunday, July 29th through the online link found on the website.
Questions?  Call Sharon Haynes: 470-0352 or email: shaynes@homeoftheshamrocks.org


9) Volunteer Opportunities

A) WHAT: Project Connect in Niles    WHEN:  August 22, 2012  9:00 am - 1:00 pm  WHERE:  Niles Senior High School 1441 Eagle Street Niles , MI 49102 

Do you know someone who is need of services but they may not know where to connect - they can find answers at Project Connect.  Volunteers will assist on that day by guiding individuals to the various organizations that will be present, serving breakfast and lunch or distributing bags of food to taken home.  It is a positive day if you are someone who likes to see impact when you volunteer.  Respond to adult@volunteerswmi.org for more info.  Project Connect is a program of the Berrien County Housing Resource Network.


B) Summer Festival Fun for Berrien County Council for Children http://www.berrienchild.org

Big Bear Auction Company is hosting a summer festival as a fundraiser for the Berrien County Council for Children, which provides forensic interviews and therapy to sexually abused children in southwest MI.  This will be an all-day festival for families.  To link to volunteering go to volunteerswmi.org then to Berrien County Council for Children and link to the Volunteer Opportunities to choose on that is a good fit for you:
-Parking Assistance for attendees
-Judging Contests (pie eating, bake off, chili cook-off)  Are your taste buds one of your "talents?"
-Organize and hand out paperwork for the Car and Motorcycle show
-Help with entrance to the event
-Photographer, clowns, supervise the Bouncy House and more.

WHEN: Saturday, August 25, 2012 10:00 AM-7:00 PM   Come all day or for what work for your schedule.  WHERE: Eau Claire , MI 49111

C)   Consider the Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles for Wine and Weed Wednesdays: volunteers assist staff with weeding in the garden, followed by a glass of wine on the Cafe deck. Please join!  To connect go to volunteerswmi.org and link to Fernwood and their volunteer options.

D) The Niles Police Department is looking for 4 citizen volunteers who are mature adults to act as liaisons between City departments and citizens, report neighborhood concerns and needs to the Police Department, operate an electric vehicle in neighborhoods and parks, operate an automobile in neighborhoods and park areas, and assist the Police Department during parades, festivals, and other large gatherings.  Looking for volunteers with good communication skills and outgoing personalities, able to be problem solvers and trustworthy.  To complete an application go to www.volunteerswmi.org, link to the City of Niles and the volunteer option.

Debra Panozzo
Adult and family volunteer coordinator
Volunteer  Southwest Michigan
269-983-0912 ext 13
www.volunteerswmi.org

Volunteering made easy!


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LINKS TO SHARE:

If you have a favorite website or link, please share!
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CLASSIFIEDS

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

The HUB is a volunteer organization.  Without the support and participation of homeschool families, we can't function effectively.  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. 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


USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS  FOR SALE

FOR SALE:  Used homeschool books & resources VERY reasonably priced!  Mostly elementary grades K-5, ABeka curriculum and grade level readers.   Additional resources for students and teachers.  Visit www.mishbooks.weebly.com


Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!  (Advertisements stay in for two weeks unless we work out something else in advance)

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.

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