2008 August

PSAT Test - Registration Deadline September 26th

Home school students whose current instructional level is either Grade 10 or 11 are eligible to take the PSAT at Northside ISD schools if they live inside the Northside boundary.

Interested parents must complete the accompanying registration form for this testing opportunity, as well as provide proof of residence in Northside ISD, a picture ID for the student and the required administrative fee ($10.00).

Applications must be presented with a non-refundable fee of $10.00 (Cash or money order only. No personal checks accepted.) to the Northside Testing & Evaluation Department located in the Patrick Teicher Student Services Building at 5651 Grissom Road, 78238.

Proof of residency can be a CPS, cable, telephone, water bill or some other type of monthly notice that includes the parent’s name and the residence address.

The recommended picture ID is a state driver’s license or ID, passport, or school ID.

The PSAT test date is Wednesday October 15, 2008 with all home school students testing at one central site in Northside ISD—

Patrick Teicher Student Services Building
located at 5651 Grissom Road, 78238.

Students must report to the test site no later than 8:00 that morning. Students will need to have with them the same picture ID that was used for registration. The test should be completed by noon, and a telephone will be made available to students if they need to call for a ride home.

Barnes and Noble Teacher Appreciation

The Barnes & Noble store at San Pedro Crossing / 321 NW Loop 410 will host its reception on Saturday, October 11 at 12:00 PM.  The event will feature an Educator Appreciation Tea at noon where teachers can sample Harney and Sons gourmet teas and our Cafe pastries.  We’ll follow with an Open House store tour with information about all the resources available through Barnes & Noble and check out the latest in books and products for the classroom.

Sophienburg Museum Classes - Deutsche Schul

Deutsche Schul ---- October 22 - 24, 2009 ---- Wed. - Thurs. ----- $30 per student
 
Education was extremely important to the Germans.  Regular school was begun just 4 months after the arrival of the first immigrants in 1845.   School was held first under an elm tree (until the temperature reached 7 below freezing) and then in the log church buliding that Heritage Village is now moving. 
 
Guten Morgen!  Ich heise Frau Boardman.  Wei heist du? (Good morning!  I am Mrs. Boardman.  What are you named?)  After several requests, I decided to bite the bullet and do something with our German heritage.  We will have a 1 room schoolhouse and focus not only on the differences between then and now, but we will learn some beginning German.  Your child should learn greetings, the alphabet, colors, classroom objects, body parts and days of the week in the German language as well as participate in some old-fashioned playground games.  See you in school!
 
Grade 1 - 3 (6 thru 9 years) -------9 am to 11 am
Grade 4 - 6 (10 thru 12 years) ---12 pm to 2 pm
 
Please call Keva Boardman, Wed - Fri, @ 830-629-1572, before October 17, to register your children.

Make a Splash - Home School Water Festival

We would like to invite you all to our second annual Make a Splash Home School Water Festival on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Eisenhower Park. Eisenhower Park is located at 19399 NW Military Hwy. 78257. The festival will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  

Modeled after Make a Splash festivals attended by thousands of children nationwide, this event features over thirty unique learning and entertainment experiences all centered around water and the environment. Some elements to the day will include:

• Three age appropriate stages featuring educational presentations and demonstrations by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, San Antonio Water System and the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Natural Areas.
• Dinosaur presentations by the nationally acclaimed Dinosaur George Blassing.
• San Antonio Public Library children’s librarians on hand to read stories about water.
• Scheduled hikes throughout Eisenhower Park led by members of the San Antonio Natural Areas.
• Local water and environmental agencies hosting activities and lessons in the Learning Lab.
• Entertaining attractions such as a rock climbing wall and an inflatable caterpillar just for the little ones.
• Skill games such as Fishing for Pollution and Hazardous Waste Round-Up.
• FREE snacks and drinks including fruit, popcorn, granola bars, bottled water and sodas throughout the day.
• FREE Make a Splash water bottles for the first 300 people that enter the front gate beginning at 9:00 a.m.   

Here is some additional information that you may need to know before visiting:
1. This event is completely free for home school parents and students from across our region. 
2. You do not need to register for this event. The festival runs from 9:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m and you may come and go as you need to.
3. Lunch items will not be sold at the event so you may wish to bring lunch with you. Picnic tables are available inside the festival grounds and throughout Eisenhower Park.
4. Security will be available at the festival as well as a first aid tent that will be able to handle minor emergencies.
5. There will be educational activities, attractions, games and workshops for ages K-12. Even though most events will be manned by volunteers, we cannot guarantee supervision by the Make a Splash volunteers.
6. A schedule, listing of all activities and updates to this event will be posted at www.saws.org/education beginning in mid-September. 

Free Homeschool Information Session

SA-HERO will present a homeschool information session on "Everything you wanted to know about homeschooling but didn't know who to ask" at 7:00 pm at the Cody Library, Monday, September 15th. We will go over how to get started, review local resources, and answer any questions. All participants will receive a homeschool information bag from the HERO Roundup. Email info@sahero.org for more information. 

CREW Careers™

On Saturday, September 20, Girls, Inc., and CREW, the network of women in commercial real estate, will come together to present the second annual CREW Careers™, a free, day-long program to inspire teen girls to get involved in commercial real estate careers.  The workshop, which is open to the public, will take girls out of the classroom and onto a construction site where they can explore a variety of real estate careers, including construction, banking, architecture, brokerage, interior design, engineering and real estate law. The event will be held from 8:30 to 4 p.m. on UTSA’s 1604 campus and will feature a keynote by etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder and director of The Protocol School of Texas.  Call 212-2505 for more information.

YMCA Homeschool Fitness

New P.E. class through the Braundera YMCA, located at 9606 Bandera Road in San Antonio.  Here is the class description on their website, and here is the link to it:  http://www.ymcasatx.org/braundera/documents/Homeschoolfitnessc.pdf 

Homeschool Fitness provides a structured environment for students ages 5-16. Classes will increase flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and strength.  Join our wellness staff for a fun and exciting workout.   Classes begin September 2, 2008

Days:  Tuesday and Thursday
Time:  3:00-3:45pm  

Monthly Fees:
1st Child:  $20.00 per month for YMCA Facility Members
$50.00 per month for Community Participants (plus annual $30.00 Community Participant registration fee per family)
Each additional child $10.00 per month  

For additional information, please contact Craig Miller, Wellness and Aquatics Director, at (210)520-9700.

SAT Prep

Prepare for Oct. SAT
 
Our Lady of the Lake University
411 N.W. 24th St.
Metz Building Room 302
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
 
September 6, 13, 20, and 27
 
COST: $170.00
 
To register, send $170 check or money order to:
Pauline Bauml
9130 Oak Downs
San Antonio, TX 78230
 
Inquiries: Pauline Bauml
210 – 287 – 1898
 
Saturdays

Homeschool Tennis

Hello fellow Homeschoolers. It's fall again, well kinda, but many of
us are back to school and so I am inviting new kids to our New
Braunfels Home School Tennis group. We are having New Member
invitation.

Thursday September 4th
From 9am to 10:30 am
Cost is $10 per kid & one new can of balls if this is your first
time.

Once we see the turn out, we will identify class sizes and specific
Thursday morning time. This class meets weekly on Thursdays at the Prince Solms courts. I do drop in rates, if you play you pay. If
you can't come, you don't pay. Additional details available if you
come. Ages 7 and up welcome. I can discuss other ages if you come.

Hit Well!
Eric James - ericsjames@gmail.com

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas Photography Workshops

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas, formerly known as Bexar Land Trust, is a non profit organization that sponsors monthly workshops for youth 8-18 years of age.  Our workshops are based on preserving nature and teaching students the art of photographing it.  

We had several home school groups join us last year, and I want everyone to be aware of this great program available to all of you.  It's nature and photography oriented and a great way to help kids understand the importance of preserving our environment.  I'm attaching a workshop list so you'll know what I'm talking about. You can find additional information at greenspacesalliance.org. (formerly known as Bexar Land Trust).  Look for the Picture Your World menu.
All of the workshops will be patterned after this idea      

Students check in 15 minutes before the start time.  If he/she doesn't have a camera, one will be assigned for the duration of the workshop that day.    

Students receive information on taking care of the land and about making good photos.     

During the workshop, they will have time to learn about nature and take photos.

I'll make a cd for each of the students who have borrowed a camera and get it back to that individual. Students may use the photos for any competition or exhibit they'd like...even an AP portfolio on the high school level.  In April you'll receive info about the actual photo competition sponsored by Green Spaces Alliance.  Students will receive money awards for the winning pieces. 

If you have any questions, email me sherrychris@att.net.

Sherry Christensen Picture Your World project coordinator. Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas

Register at http://www.greenspacesalliance.org/index_files/Page458.htm

The program is open to all interested students age 8-18 and will
be conducted in groups of 8-12 and 13-18. The 8-12 group will meet from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and the 13-18 group will meet from 1-4:30 p.m. Check-in time is 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. Digital cameras are available, or you may bring your own. Parents may attend. All workshops cost $10 and will be taught by a photographer, a naturalist, and/or the project manager. Fees may be waived for students demonstrating financial need. To apply for a
waiver, submit a note from a teacher or other authority who can attest to the student’s financial status.

Sun., Sept. 14, 2008, Discovering Food Sources in Nature, Taught by Patty Pasztor & Lisa Mittler
Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Road, San Antonio, TX 78256

Sun., Oct. 12, 2008, Discovering Food Sources in Nature, Taught by Holly Camero & Lisa Mittler
Cibolo Creek Ranch, 1410 Obst Road, Bulverde, TX 78163

Sun., Nov. 9, 2008, Discovering Food Sources in Nature, Taught by Melanie Rush-Davis
Landa Library Community Garden, 233 Bushnell, San Antonio, TX 78212

Sat., Jan. 17, 2009, Textures & Patterns in Nature, Taught by Patty Pasztor & Lisa Mittler
Green Gateways Conservation Easement Property, 2120 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78209

Sun., Jan. 18, 2009, Textures & Patterns in Nature, Watercolor Workshop
Green Gateways Conservation Easement Property, 2120 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78209

Sun., Feb. 22, 2009, Exploring Diversity in Nature: Plants & Insects, Taught by Gail Dugelby & Melanie
Rush-Davis
Medina River Park, 15890 State Highway 16 S, San Antonio, TX 78264

Sun., March 22, 2009, Exploring Diversity in Nature: Birds & Insects, Taught by Brad Wier & Lisa Mittler
Warbler Woods, 19349 Old Wiederstein Rd., Cibolo, TX 78108

Sun., April 19, 2009, Portfolio Presentation
Say Sí, 1518 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204

Register at http://www.greenspacesalliance.org/index_files/Page458.htm

Art Time

Education through art. Classes for Homeschoolers ages 6-12

Art Time program includes:  imagination games, music and art projects to help bring out personal creativity.

Art Time program develops: creativity, imagination, self-confidence, thinking skills, decision making and choices.

Thursdays 12:45-1:45 at the Hobby Lobby Stone Oak,  23128 US 281 N. First class September 18

Mondays 11:00-12noon at Hill Country Bible Church, 20885 FM 306. First class September 15

Tuition fee is $90 plus $30 supply fee for 12 weeks.
10% off tuition fee for a sibling(s). 10% off tuition fee for you and a friend. Classes for ages 3-5 are also available at the Hobby Lobby Stone Oak. Call 830-481-7378 or e-mail arttimeparty@yahoo.com

Baseball Camp

For high school level players or soon to be, homeschoolers or non-homeschoolers welcomed. The camp will take place at Bain Field every Tuesday and Thursday between SEPT. 23RD and OCT. 30TH from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The cost is $65. Contact Nate Landry at natelandry@yahoo.com for registration information.

Homeschool Community Education Classes

All Aboard!! Escape the ordinary this fall with Community Education and experience the world. Whatever your destination may be—your journey starts here!

We have hand-picked a few classes geared especially for you. Come and join the adventures.

• Jazz It Up
• Beginning Spanish (Grades 4-7)
• Early Elementary Computer
• Imagine Tomorrow
• Intro to Computers and Technology
• In the Limelight
• Fashion Designer
• Great Artists with Acrylic and Clay (Grades K-5)
• Kids' Day Out-Great Artists with Watercolor and Pastels (Grades K-5)
• Percussion (Ages 9-13)

All aboard the Community Learning Express! More fun and exciting classes are available on-line.

Fall brochure and registration are available online at: www.communityed.neisd.net Fall session begins Sept. 26, 2008.

Phone: 210-657-8866
Fax: 210-57-8612
Email: wjones@neisd.net

Jazz It Up

This class will give the students the ability to indulge their creativity while learning basic jazz technique, conditioning, stretching and dance combinations. Students will gain self-confidence while performing dance skills and learning to work as a team. Throughout the structure of the course, the dancers will accomplish an exciting dance routine to perform for their families at the end of the session.

Community Learning Center, Rm. 103, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 3
1:00 PM-2:00 PM (Grades 2-5)
2:00 PM-3:00 PM (grades 6-8) $41

Beginning Spanish (Grades 4-7)

Come and learn the Spanish language through music, games and more, including the alphabet, greetings and vocabulary. This is an active hands-on process for the students to learn and have fun at the same time. Cultural topics will also be covered throughout the class. A $15 supply fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.

Community Learning Center, Rm. 205, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. September 26
9:00 AM-10:00 AM, $41

Early Elementary Computer

We will learn the basics of navigating through Windows, as well as doing design projects in Paint and Publisher and learning about word processing. The educational software being used in this class focuses on reinforcing phonics, reading, math, Spanish, and geography skills. Last but not least, we will also include great bridge into the world of computers at the elementary level!

Community Learning Center, Rm. 207, 12 Week( s), Fri., Beg. September 26
1:30 PM-2:30 PM (Grades 1-3) $145

Imagine Tomorrow

Every Imagine Tomorrow class combines a fun learning adventure with sophisticated technology concepts in a creative way that teaches your child to use computers as a tool. Children work on laptops using Imagine Tomorrow software that is custom built for each lesson and adjusts to your child's academic and technical levels.

Community Learning Center, Rm. 207, 8 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 3
9:30 AM-10:30 AM (Ages 3-8) $120

Intro to Computers and Technology

Does your child enjoy working and playing on the computer? Are they always asking you how it works? If so, this is the class for them. Students will learn the history of computers, what makes a computer "think" and the different uses of computers. This course offers a hands-on approach when practical, and utilizes computer applications where limitation prohibits using actual components. Grades 6-8), 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (grades 3-5) $45

Community Learning Center, Lab, 6 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 3
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

In the Limelight

Is your child on the shy side? Is the ability to speak in front of a group important? Learn how to speak in front of groups and not get the jitters, butterflies or sweaty palms. This class will give students the basic principles of public and group speaking. Texas Cheer and Dance.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 204, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. September 26,
12:15 PM-1:15 PM, (Grades 4-7)
11:00-12:00PM (Grades 3-5)$41

Fashion Designer

Young girls will graduate from playing dress up to actually designing their own fashions. Design basics such as sketching, color, pattern, and texture coordination will be applied to an individual style portfolio. Designs come to life with modern fabrics, beautifully patterned papers, yards and yards of ribbons, colorful sequins, glitzy jewels, glamorous feathers, and oodles of other embellishments. Girls will be grouped into "Design Teams" for a variety of fun, engaging activities such as, Dressmaker's Challenge, Fashion Show-Down, Lingo-Bingo and much more! There is no sewing experience required.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 201, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 10
10:00 AM-12:00 PM, (Ages 8-13) $107

Great Artists with Acrylic and Clay (Grades K-5)

This class is a wonderful way for students to learn and express their artistic abilities. Students will learn different sculpture styles and their history and then apply those ideas into their own work of art. Students will also learn about acrylics and the techniques of being a wonderful artist. All supplies are professional grade and included in the cost of tuition.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 201, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 31
1:00 PM-2:30 PM, $65

Kids' Day Out-Great Artists with Watercolor and Pastels (Grades K-5)

Are you looking for something to stimulate your child's creativity? Students will have a blast creating their own original artwork, as they study famous artists from the past and present. Students will explore principles of drawing, painting techniques with watercolor and working with chalk pastels. All supplies are professional grade and are included in the cost of tuition.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 201, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. September 26
1:00 PM-2:30 PM, $65

Percussion (Ages 9-13)

Have fun learning to make various hand-held instruments and even more fun learning to play different percussion instruments. Become acquainted with hand techniques, patterns and rhythms, drums, shakere (gourd shaker), bells and claves. Lab fee of $15 is payable to the instructor at the first class.
Inspire Fine Art Center, 12 Session( s), Thurs., Beg. September 18
4:15 PM-5:45 PM, $160

Chalk It Up

Register your group now for TeamWorks!
TeamWorks Registration Deadline: September 19, 2008

It's time to talk chalk! On October 11, 2008 from 10-5pm Artpace San Antonio is launching its fifth annual Chalk It Up. This one-day street scene is designed to showcase the creative talent of our city in a free public event.

Artpace invites you and your school, community group, or club to participate as official TeamWorks Artists. TeamWorks play a significant role in the event by working to create an original design in chalk, rendered directly on the sidewalk of downtown Houston Street. Your group's sidewalk canvas will be approximately 6' x 12' and situated along Houston Street.
 
To register your group for TeamWorks please contact Program Manager Mary E. Cantú (mcantu@artpace.org or 210 212 4900 x 313) for a Registration Form.
The $40 Registration Fee includes four 36-piece packs of multicolored artist pastels (chalk).

Multi-level Homeschool Girl Scout Troop

I am the leader of a multi-level homeschool Girl Scout troop that meets UTSA  (I-10 and 1604) every Tuesday afternoon, 2-4 pm. 
 
We are a large, active troop.  Because of our size, we have leaders for each group (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes/Seniors) that allows us to break up into small groups for individual attention.  In addition, the girls intermingle during weekly meetings, special events and activities so to have interaction with all levels of Girl Scouts. 
 
We currently have some openings, so if you are looking for a troop and would like more information, please contact me at creeksidemom@yahoo.com

Texas Parks and Wildlife Homeschool Resources

Resources for Home Schools – available through subscription or free on-line.

Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine is excited to introduce “Keep Texas Wild” – a magazine section for kids. Our kid-friendly four-page section includes fun facts presented with a lively writing style, eye-popping photos and a creative, whimsical design. The topics are Texas-specific, with special attention to conservation issues.
“Keep Texas Wild” includes hands-on activities that cross the spectrum of curriculum (including art, math, science and social studies) and a call-to-action that encourages students to get outdoors and get involved.

Our first issue in September focuses on Predators. Our goal is to help kids understand that predators are not “bad guys” but rather a vital component of the natural world. Upcoming issues will feature bats, bees and other pollinators, bird migration, turtles, water conservation and snakes.

“Keep Texas Wild” is available in the magazine as well as in printable PDF format on our Web site. Go to www.tpwmagazine.com and click on the “Teacher Resource” button for lesson plans, additional activities and supplemental information for students and teachers who want to delve deeper into the topic.

If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or want to subscribe, please feel free to contact us.

Ballroom Dance Class

Ballroom Dance Class with Fritzi at the Blue Bubble Ballroom will be starting it's next session on Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1-3. Cost is $5/lesson with a 4 lesson commitment ($20/child).
 
Ages 6-10 will begin at 1:00 pm and end at 1:50 pm and ages 11-up will start at 2:00 pm and go until 2:50 pm.
 
Fritzi teaches different dances each session. Some examples are: Tango, Fox Trot, Waltz, etc.  
If you would like to see the class that is going on now just come the next Wednesday or two to the Blue Bubble Ballroom on Broadway just outside the loop 410.
 
If you are interested please contact Teresa Johnson at 210-666-8139 or by email at mtc71792@hotmail.com. Payment is required up front and before the session starts.

Young People's Concert Series 2008-2009

Orchestral Arithmetic
The San Antonio Symphony is proud to announce the dates and titles for the 2008-2009 award winning YPC programs to be held at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium. All programs are 50 minutes in length. Concerts start at 9:45 am and 11:10 am.

October 7, 8 and 10, 2008
Classical Fractions

November 4, 12 and 13, 2008
Symphonic Shapes: Geometry in the Orchestra

January 27, 28 and 29, 2009
Counting Steps: Math, Music and Dance

April 14, 15 & 16, 2009
Musical Equations: Paint by Numbers

For further information about the concerts please contact Stephanie Brimhall, Director of Education and Community Engagement at: brimhalls@sasymphony.org or call 210-554-1006

Communicators for Christ (CFC) Conference

www.communicatorsforchrist.com

Mark your Calendars!
October 8-11, 2008
Early Bird Pricing until August 27th!  Sign-up NOW!
Communicators for Christ is coming to Frisco, TX!!

Communicators for Christ (CFC) believes that Christian must harness and use the skills of public speaking. We also believe you can!  We don't think the skills of communication, thinking clearly and speaking articulately, are negotiable. It's not like asking whether you want to play a musical instrument or be on the swim team.

Why it's Important
As a student, there’s no greater tool for success at school. As an adult, skillful communication leads to creative thinking and enlightened decisions in all areas of life and work. But many of us would rather die than answer a question in front of a group. Parenting experts recommend public speaking skills to help build confidence, but speaking in front of others has been cited as the top fear in America.

In one survey, fear of public speaking ranked #1, beating out fear of heights, deep water, bugs – even death.
We believe it is absolutely necessary for every Christian young person to become an excellent communicator, because once you identify with Christ, you are communicating for Christ. Are you communicating effectively?

What is available:    October 8-11, 2008, Wednesday-Saturday  

• Debate Conference – Conference Days 1 & 2, October 8-9, Wednesday-Thursday (ages 12-18)

• Speech Conference – Conference Days 3 & 4, October 10-11, Friday-Saturday  (ages 12-18)

• Beginning Public Speaking (BPS)  Conference – Conference Day 3, October 10, Friday (ages 7-11)

• Beginning Public Speaking PLUS  (BPS Plus) Conference – Conference Day 3, October 10, Friday (ages 9-11) (BPS Plus is for those younger students who have attended previous CFC conferences)

Conference Location for DFW:
               First Baptist Church – Frisco
               7901 W. Main Street
               Frisco, TX  75034
Texas Conference Coordinator:    Suzanne Mulder
To Registration for conference:   
http://commforchrist.com/conferences/agora.cgi?cart_id=1382035.8453*KX1TE8&xm=on&product=Conferences

Homeschool and Texas Heritage Weekend

Homeschool and Texas Heritage Weekend at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Hill Country
Friday September 5- Sunday September 7th
 
Welcome to a weekend of fun and educational activities before you start your fall routine. We'll have speakers including the Honorable Nathan Macias, State Representative, district 73, a longtime home school dad of 7 as he ties Texas heritage to a look at the past, the present and the future of our great state. We'll enjoy storytellers `round the campfire, star gazing, a hayride/water war, crafts, inspiring speakers,  information on college resources and alternatives, a home school question and answer cracker barrel session, outdoor movies, a roping contest, and more Texas heritage activities. This will be an annual event and time of refreshing and encouragement for home school families.
 
Jellystone Hill Country is located in Canyon Lake, between Austin and San Antonio and is owned by a home school family, Larry and Kim Jones. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, volleyball court, playground, and easy access to the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Canyon Lake, Schlitterbahn, Natural Bridge Caverns, and all the other great hill country area attractions. There are several home school friendly family-integrated churches in the area, as well as a Sunday Chapel Service which will be held at Jellystone Park.
 
RV sites will be 50% off, cabins and hotel rooms will be at winter rates (nearly 50% off), day rates at the park are $5 a person or $25 per family max., and tent sites will be greatly discounted.
 
1-877-964-3731
www.JellystoneHillCountry.com

HUGE Consignment Sale

For Wee World's upcoming Fall/Winter sale, we are inviting families to participate in several free activities we have for the children.  During our sale, we are excited to have award winning children’s entertainer, Joe McDermott, performing live on Friday, September 5th at 1:00 pm.  You can visit Joe’s website at www.joemcdermottmusic.com to learn more about him & his music.  We are also offering free face painting and a supervised gymnastics play area sponsored by J&R Gymnastics. 
 
Wee World’s consignment sale will be held on September 5th & 6th at the Live Oak Civic Center located at 8101 Pat Booker Rd (in NE San Antonio).  The sale allows families to recycle their gently used & new items, make and save money & help two incredible charitable organizations along the way.  After the sale, all remaining items will be donated to SAMMinistries & Blue Bonnet Babies.  We hope to spread the word to as many families as possible, who could benefit from this event, but we’d also like to specifically invite families of homeschoolers and preschoolers who can participate in our free children’s activities.  If you feel this event would be something that those in your organization would be interested in, please feel free to pass this information on to them.  To learn more about our event, please feel free to visit our website at www.weeworldresale.com or call 210-878-9519. 

Viva Books Homeschool Book Discussion

Coming in the fall of 2008! Viva! Books will be offering a wonderful literary experience for students which will include:

• Student book choice.
• Dynamic literature discussions.
• Engaging collaboration with peers.
• Meaningful art, writing, and digital activities designed to increase comprehension.

The group will be facilitated by Mary Ellen Galloway, a Montessori teacher with 15 years of classroom experience and graduate work in Reading and Literacy. $25 fee includes book, food, and materials. Call or email to register and declare your book choice!
 
Tween (8-12) selections for the meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2008 are:
 
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Wright 3 by Blue Balliet                           
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Teen (13-18) selections for the meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2008 are:
 
The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier           
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak           
Last Shot:  A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein

Viva! Bookstore at Viva Galleria
8407 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Tel: 800-826-1143
Fax: 210-826-8321
Email: amegall@grandecom.net
Contact: Mary Ellen Galloway

Fall Classes at Friedrich Park

Explore! Something Fishy
Elementary*:      September 23 or 25, 2008          9:30 am – 11:30 am   
Compare a real fish skeleton to other vertebrate skeletons.  Discover fish adaptations like lateral lines and swim bladders.  Age some fish scales.  Make a goyutaku fish print.
Middle School*:          September 25, 2008            1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above with focus on a fish dissection.
 
Explore! Raining Cats and Dogs
Elementary*:       October 14 or 16, 2008                9:30am – 11:30am
Demonstrate of properties of warm air.  Experiment with condensation.  Make simple weather instruments. Play a raindrop game.  Estimate wind speed from natural cues.
Middle School*:                   October16, 2008                            1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above with a field research mini project and more hands on demonstrations.
 
Explore! Rotten, Dirty Lives
Elementary*:        November 4 or 6, 2008               9:30m – 11:30am
Examine nature’s recyclers and make your own worm composting bin. Hike to see decomposition in action.  Investigate soils’ inorganic particles: sand, silt and clay.
Middle School*:                   Novermber 6, 2008              1:00pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above: experminents with termite orientation and worm bin (for home study).
 
Explore! Nature Journals
Elementary*:        December 2 or 4, 2008               9:30am – 11:30am
Learn simple sketching hints including visualizing shapes in subjects and contour drawings; focus on drawing birds.  Write a nature poem or story.  Make a nature journal.
Middle School*:                   December 4, 2008               1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above with emphasis on detail, color and shading and ‘Seeing the Forest for the Trees’ exercise.
 
 
*Middle School  (Target 6th – 8th grade)  Elementary  (Target 2nd – 4th grade)
Classes are $3/child/session – maximum of $6/family/session
Class limit is 15 children.  To ensure a spot for your child, pre-registration is suggested. Email peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov or call 210/564-6402 for information.

Also, Medina River is offering sessions that will frequently complement ours:
September 17 Fish (hopefully actual seining in the river)
October 8  weather
November 12 Fall leaves
December 10  Nature art and journaling
Flyers with more details will be coming soon,

Happy August,
Peggy
Park Naturalist City of San Antonio
210-564-6402
www.sanaturalareas.org