2009 February

San Antonio College Homeschool Day

San Antonio Community College has invited all of us to an information Symposium. The Faculty at SAC for Dual Credits, Early Admissions, Testing and Scholarships will all be together so you can get all your questions asked at once! We will also be getting a guided tour of the campus. Bring all your homeschool highschool friends - you don't want to miss this!

Wednesday April 29, 2009
1:00-4:00pm

Due to the amazing response this event is being moved to the
McAllister Auditorium - please plan on using parking lot 2 or 3.
Click Here to Sign Up please sign up so we can give SAC an idea of how many to expect!

https://www. service-life. com/sysfiles/ member/index. cfm?memberid= 414 

Dual Credits are offered to students that pass the ACCUPLACER entrance test (posted online sample on our website to try) 2 Dual Credit classes per semester are free to qualifying students which means by the time your student graduates from homeschool highschool they could have earned more than 24 college credit hours!

SAC is also interested in offering Dual Credit classes at other facilities around the city that may be closer to your home and consist of just homeschoolers that may be ready for college level work but not mature enough for a college campus. If you know of a church that might be interested in hosting Dual Credit classes please have them contact me at gridjumpers@ yahoo.com

Please forward this to other homeschoolers you know, sign up and let's turn out in great numbers! Thanks.  Sue Laprise

Picture Your World Youth Photography Project Contest Deadline 

The Picture Your World Youth Photography Contest promotes awareness of the need for preservation of our natural environment through images that reveal the interconnectedness of earth, water, sky, and the creatures – including man – who live in the environment.

Entries must be received by April 17, 2009, unless the contestant attends the Portfolio Workshop on April 19, in which case the entries may be turned in to the instructor at the conclusion of that class. The contest is open to students age 8-18.

Three art professionals will judge the entries: Lyn Belisle, a photographer and professor in the graphic design program at Trinity University; Arturo Almeida, curator for the UTSA art collection; and Martin Rodriguez, an artist and filmmaker. Contest winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 17.

See the contest entry form for complete contest details.
Contact: For more information, call 210-222-8430 or e-mail us.

Informal Geometry

Six Weeks  (Twice Weekly) 9a.m. – 12 noon; Tuesdays and Thursdays

May: 19, 21, 26, 28
June: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24

Program is designed to supplement the Saxon Math. It includes Proofs, Triangles, Circles, and more. Counts as a year of Informal Geometry. Call Pauline Bauml 210-287-1898. Cost: $100 per three week session

C.L.A.S.S. Caring, Learning and Some Smiles Support Group

This is class, which stands for Caring, Learning and Some Smiles. Which is something we all strive for---to help our kids learn with caring and support as well as having some fun doing it. This is a support group for parents and families primarily from the SW side of San Antonio and surrounding areas (but open to anyone wanting to join) who homeschool their kids. It's a place to discuss anything about homeschooling and to meet others who school their own children. This group is secular and is open to anyone and everyone so please be mindful of others beliefs and opinions. We also have park day at Medina Base Road Park on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. We are new so any input is welcome. I'd also like to set up some Mommy's day out nights. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Its_our_CLASS/

Homeschool F.I.T. and Fun

My name is Claudia and I am a Recreation Assistant at the Enrique Barrera Community Fitness Center. We currently have a program specifically for children in the home school groups. The Home School F.I.T. and Fun Package contains various activities for children and teens. The two hour session is broken up into 30 minute group activities. The first activity is a 30 minute Fitness Assessment and nutrition tips. In this class children and teens will have their fitness level evaluated and basic healthy eating tips will be discussed. The second activity is 30 minutes on our indoor traverse wall. We have a floor to ceiling traverse climbing wall that kids love. The third activity is an obstacle course. Children of all ages love our challenging obstacle course guaranteed to be fun and exhilarating. The final 30 minute session is a circuit training class for teens or fitness related games for youngsters. If you would like further information on the Home School Fun package or our center, please contact me.

Claudia R. Trevino
Recreation Assistant
Enrique  Barrera  Community  Fitness  Center
City of San Antonio, Parks & Recreation
5800 Old Hwy 90 West
San Antonio,  TX 78227
(210) 207 - 3221
Claudia.Trevino@sanantonio.gov

Teen Art Guide Applications

What’s a TAG?
* Get other teens and families talking about art.
* Help with media and technology programs.
* Assist education department with programs for families and teens.

The McNay Art Museum is looking for a few teen volunteers or TAGs for the 2009–2010 school year. Do you have what it takes? At the Mcnay, TAGs:

* Get other teens and families talking about art.
* Help with media and technology programs.
* Assist education department with programs for families and teens.

Eligibility to be a TAG, you must:
* Be a current sophomore or junior in San Antonio area.
* Sign a pledge of commitment to program and policies.
* Have reliable transportation to and from the museum.
* Have at least a C average.
* Submit a teacher recommendation.
* Interview with McNay staff.
* Agree to work with the staff, families, and works of art
(media, technology, and Spanish language skills a plus).

Due date: April 24, 2009. http://www.mcnayart.org/images/PDFs/TAGApplication2009.pdf Submit applications by email to education@mcnayart.org or to McNay Art Museum, Post Office Box 6069, San Antonio, Texas 78209

100 Hours of Astronomy

San Antonio Astronomical Association, April 2-5, 2009.  We're starting a day early with our weekly Astronomy in the Park at McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road [Map] event on April 1st and will have at least one event each night through April 5th.  SAAA members may be hosting their own events.  For more information contact our 100 Hours of Astronomy Coordinator, Keith Little.  

• April 1, 2009: Astronomy in the Park at McAllister Park, viewing begins at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting
• April 2, 2009: Telescope viewing at McAllister Park, viewing begins at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting
• April 3, 2009: Telescope viewing at McAllister Park, viewing begins at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting
• April 3, 2009: SAAA Night at the Scobee Planetarium on the campus of San Antonio College
• April 4, 2009: "Meet the Sky" Star Party with KLRN, at McAllister Park, viewing begins at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting
• April 5, 2009: Telescope viewing at McAllister Park, viewing begins at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting

Legacy Archaeology summer camps for children 7-12 years old

This year's theme is Ancient Rome. Join real archaeologists from the UTSA Center for Archaeological Research for hands on activities including learning about how archaeology is done, analyzing artifacts and participating in a mock dig! Dates: July 6-10 for 7-9 yr olds
           July 27-31 for 10-12 yr olds
           Aug 10-14 for 10-12 yr olds
Camp times are 9am-4pm daily.
Cost: $200 per camp (includes supplies, snacks and a t shirt)
Space limited to 18 children per week
For more info, visit http://car.utsa.edu or call 458-4462

Be Kind to Animals Poster Contest

National Be Kind to Animals Week is dedicated to raising awareness about treating animals with respect and kindness. The Helotes Humane Society will celebrate this special week with our first annual poster contest for young people. This year’s theme is “If Animals Could Talk”

Age Categories:
Entries from students in grades 1 – 5 may be submitted by schools or individuals. Judges will select winners from each grade.
Posters:
Posters must be no larger than 11” x 17” no smaller than 8” x 10” on white or buff paper or poster board. Crayon, pencil, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, magic marker and colored pencils may be used.
Theme: “If Animals Could Talk”
Identification: All entries must include the student’s name, grade, school address, teacher’s name and phone number. This information may be written on the back of the posters or an entry form may be attached to the back of the poster.
Tips:
Posters will be judged on originality, creativity and demonstration of the theme. Students making posters are encouraged to fill the page and make them colorful.
Deadline:
Friday – April 17, 2009
Drop off your entries at The Palms Pet Resort & Spa, 12410 Bandera Road @ Loop 1604

Prizes!!!  Entries will be judged within their own grade level. All winners will receive prizes and have their winning entries displayed at the Helotes Humane Society Booth at the Cornyval April 30 - May3.
 
For more information email: hhsanimals@yahoo.com or call Ph. 210-422-6242

Free Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre

Choreographic Collection: A morning of music and original choreography. This performance is free and open to local students and their chaperones only. It is closed to the public. AABT is excited to offer this free performance to help spread their passion for the arts with the students of San Antonio.

Thursday, April 16, 10:00 am. Jo Long Theatre, Carver Community Cultural Center. For information and to reserve seats contact Michelle at 210-844-5621 or email alamoartsballettheatre@gmail.com .

The Witte Museum will offer 2 “Project Wild” Workshops

The Witte Museum will offer 2 “Project Wild” workshops in April and May.   April 25 will be Project WILD and May 2 will be Project WILD Aquatic. Seating is limited, and these workshops have proven very valuable to homeschoolers.  Both programs are distributed through the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Project WILD office. You can only receive the K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guides by attending these workshops.  Each session will be held at the museum from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM with a 1 hour lunch break.  There is a $10.00 museum facilities fee.  For reservations for either workshop contact Witte Reservations at 210-357-1910. 

Project WILD Workshop – Saturday, April 25  The Project WILD K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide focuses on wildlife and habitat. The guide is full of 124 activities that emphasize hands-on, inquiry-based, and cooperative learning strategies with demonstrated classroom effectiveness. It is organized in topic units and is based on the Project WILD conceptual framework. Because these activities are designed for integration into existing courses of study, instructors may use one or many Project WILD activities or the entire set of activities may serve quite effectively as the basis for a course of study.

Each Project WILD activity contains all the information needed to conduct that activity including objectives, method, background information, a list of materials needed, procedures, evaluation suggestions, recommended grade levels, subject areas, duration, group size, setting, and key terms. A glossary is provided, as well as a cross-reference by topics and skills.

Project WILD Aquatic Workshop – Saturday, May 2 Learn how to teach young people about aquatic wildlife and ecosystems using fun, hands-on educational activities. During the six-hour training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers, homeschoolers, informal educators and youth group leaders may take the training.

The Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide emphasizes aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. The guide is full of 48 activities that emphasize hands-on, inquiry-based, and cooperative learning strategies with demonstrated classroom effectiveness. It is organized in topic units and is based on the Project WILD conceptual framework. Because these activities are designed for integration into existing courses of study, instructors may use one or many Project WILD Aquatic activities or the entire set of activities may serve quite effectively as the basis for a course of study.

For more information on these programs go to: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/project_wild/project_wild.phtml
or Tom Kinsey at tkinsey1@satx.rr.com
Tom Kinsey
Wildlife Education
Witte Museum
San Antonio, Texas
210-410-4564

Hill Country Home Schoolers S.A.C. Day

SAC Day Registration for 2009-2010 will begin soon.  Registration paperwork will be sent out via email on April 15 to all current SAC Day families.  Early registration (for returning families only) is scheduled for April 27 and May 4 at SAC Day.  Other registration periods are May 5 - June 1 (Regular Registration), and June 2 - August 14  (Late Registration).

New students of current families should schedule an interview with the SAC Day Board on either April 13 or 20 (so they can register during early registration). New Family Information Sessions are scheduled for May 14 @ 6:30 pm, and August 10 @ 9:00 am, at Bulverde Baptist Church. New Family Interviews are scheduled for May 18 and August 12, however new families must attend a new family information session before scheduling an interview appointment.
For additional information, either refer to your registration packet or email Belinda Dunn .

Informational Meeting About Community Gardens

Community gardens are a means for individuals to participate in the preservation of green space, come together with neighbors, cultivate healthy eating habits, educate others about the environment, give children places to safely play and learn, spend time outdoors, and get more physical activity. This meeting is to inform you of how such gardens can be started and to let you know what resources are available. The event will feature a presentation by Green Spaces's Community Garden Coordinator, Angela Hartsell. Apr 4, 2009 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
8231 Callaghan
San Antonio, TX 78230
Contact:
Please call 210-222-8430 for more information.

Texas Homeschool Track Meet

The first-ever State Homeschool Track Meet will be April 25, 2009, in Temple, Texas.  Because this is the first one, we will be playing some things by ear.  For example, we will start with four divisions, but we may combine divisions if there are not enough entrants in a particular division. Also, we may cut certain events if there are not enough entrants for that event.  This is one reason it is critical to get your registration in as early as possible! NOTE:  You do NOT have to be on a track "team" to participate in this meet!  Individuals are welcome!

ELIGIBILITY:  Eligibility for this meet will be determined by AGE ON THE DAY OF THE MEET.  You do not have to send in proof of age, but athletes must bring proof of age (preferably birth certificate) with them to the meet in case of a challenge.

DIVISIONS BY AGE: 17-18, 15-16, 13-14, and 12 and under.  There is no minimum age for the “12 and under” division.  If you have a young athlete who is willing to compete with 12-year-olds, he or she is welcome.  If time permits, we will have a PeeWee 50m Dash for children 10 and under (no registration required).  If you have any special circumstances to be considered concerning these divisions, please contact the meet director.

FEES: Athletes: $10 per athlete

Spectators: $5 for adults and $2 for students with a $15 family cap

Registration is DUE BY APRIL 11, 2009.  It should be mailed with athlete's payment to:
CenTex Homeschool Chargers
1506 Paseo del Plata, Suite 300
Temple, Texas  76502

There will be a scratch meeting the day of the event for last minute deletions, additions, and changes, but there are no guarantees that events will be available on that day.  Events may be cut for lack of interest, and events will be closed when they are full. Please get your entries in early! We look forward to seeing you all there!

For more information:
John Ash, Meet Director
agash@justice.com
Home: 254-933-2027
Office: 254-773-9321
Cell: 254-493-8469

Acting Classes

In PrimaDonna Productions’ acting classes, young actors can learn and develop the essential skills for performing on stage or screen in one of three small groups: a Kids session for ages 5-9; a ‘Tweens session for ages 10-14; and a Teens session for ages 15-19. The classes will be taught by Nikki Young, President of PrimaDonna Productions, Inc., and will cover the history of the craft, techniques, styles, genres, industry standards, job roles, set etiquette, slating, interviewing, commercials, monologues, and more. Each month focuses on a different topic, with April’s classes focusing on Film Acting/Scene Study, May’s classes focusing on Improvisation, June’s classes focusing on Acting for Commercials; and July’s classes focusing on Monologues.

PrimaDonna Productions, Inc.
8603 Crownhill Blvd. (near the Magic Time Machine)
San Antonio, TX 78209
COST: Only $125 per month.
TO REGISTER: Please call 210.822.3552 or e-mail info@primadonnaproductions.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.primadonnaproductions.com/a> or www.myspace.com/primadonnaproductions..

Boerne Library Looking for Stories of Living in Boerne

The Boerne Public Library, in conjunction with the Living History Festival on Saturday, May 16th, 2009, is seeking stories for a publication about our community, our people, our buildings - any and all stories that can give visitors to the festival a sense of who we are, and how we have lived. Co-sponsored by the Cibolo Nature Center and the City of Boerne, the Living History Festival will be held at the historic Herff/Rozelle Farm, celebrating the cultural heritage of our community. Many other community organizations will be involved as well.

You can help us by submitting your own story.  It can be an interview with your grandparents about how they lived in Boerne, a memory of your first impression of Boerne, your first friend and how you met, or your favorite restaurant or activity.  It can be any story at all, as long as it related to our community.

Submit stories by April 1.  Stories should be no longer than one page, and we'd love photos or video or CDs, MP3s or tapes of interviews as well!  (Be sure and label all supporting material).

You may pick up an informational brochure at one of many locations around town, including the library, the Cibolo Nature Center, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Rainbow Senior Center. You can also download and print a brochure by clicking on the attachment link at http://www.boerne.lib.tx.us/stories.

Submit stories and photos by email to librarian@boernelibrary.org, using the subject line "Boerne Stories." Or mail or drop them by the library, 210 North Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006. 

Children's Texas History Forum

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas would like to extend a special invitation to the area Homeschoolers. Attached is a copy of your invitation. Please forward this invitation to others that might be interested in our program. Please RSVP to Virginia Van Cleave by March 20 via email, albertv3@swbell. net

THE TENTH ANNUAL CHILDREN'S TEXAS HISTORY FORUM
PRESENTED BY THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
ALAMO COURIERS CHAPTER

Tuesday April 21, 2009
Alamo Hall
The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas

Three Sessions:
Session I 9:15-10:00am
Session II 10:30-11:15 am
Session III 11:45-12:30 pm

Come join us and experience Texas as children did during the Republic of Texas days. The Alamo Couriers Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas proudly hosts the 10th Annual Children's Texas History Forum in Alamo Hall on the south side of the Alamo grounds. This year marks the 104th anniversary of the Daughters of The Republic of Texas as custodians of the Alamo for the State of Texas.

The Children's History Forum will let the students take a step back in time and learn about their Texas history from noted historians in a manner both educational and entertaining. The schedule includes an exciting program on the famed Buffalo Soldiers which includes their rich history of battles and bravery, presented by John Jones, president of the Buffalo Soldiers Living History and Heritage Association. Mike Waters, president of the Alamo Lore and Myth Organization, will present a living-history program on life as a colonist in Texas. Admission: The event is free, but registration is required because of limited seating.

Wednesday Park-Schooling Programs

RavenStar's "Wednesday Park-Schooling" nature programs are designed specifically for Homeschoolers and will take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month! Join us for great adventures in nature! Please reserve your spots by phone or email. Registration begins at 9:30 AM; programs start at 10:00 and last an hour to an hour and a half; $5 per child age 4 and up ($15 max per family.) No charge for accompanying adults. In case of inclement weather, programs will be held inside. Programs that cannot be moved inside will be cancelled in case of rain and are noted below. To preregister for a program call (830) 626-1776 or email us at info@ravenstaroutdoors.org.

Current Open Homeschool Theater Discounts

Wicked - expires March 26
Disney on ICE - expires April 1
Frost/Nixon - expires April 3 - We need orders for this show!
Order your tickets by logging on to:
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales
and enter your special password:
taffiesa
http://www.jsoft.com/archive/taffie/BroadwaySA.html

If you order for any of these shows, please email Susan Frederick at sjf@jsoft.com and let me know how many tickets and which show you ordered for. That helps me keep track of if we are making our group minimum. Please cross-post and enjoy the shows!

Family Preparedness Day

The American Red Cross is looking for homeschool students to participate in Family Preparedness Day as a service learning project. In celebration of National American Red Cross month (March), we are hosting a variety of outreach events to touch the community and spread the message about Red Cross services.  On March 28, we will celebrate our second annual Family Preparedness Day at La Villita Maverick Plaza. We respectfully request your support by being part of our celebration at La Villita.

Family Preparedness Day is a truly special event as it is our biggest outreach effort to provide families with a fun and informative way to learn how to prepare for emergencies and disasters.  The event is open to the public and free of charge.  Activities will include educational demonstrations by Red Cross staff and volunteers, puppet shows and musical entertainment related to safety and preparedness, a tour of a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, a mobile blood bank, and more.  We have invited some of our partner agencies including the San Antonio Fire Department, the San Antonio Food Bank, Metropolitan Health System, and other agencies. These organizations will supplement the event with information to emphasize the importance of family safety and preparedness.

Emergencies and disasters know no boundaries and we encounter people who never thought they would need the Red Cross every day.  Family Preparedness Day helps us spread the critically important message of preparedness so that together, we can build safer communities for all San Antonio families.  Thank you for your consideration of this proposal.  We look forward to working with you to help San Antonio families Be Red Cross Ready.

Please call me if you are interested in participating in this great event. It will provide community service, leadership, and public speaking opportunities for your students.

Thank you, Luz.
Luz Lovins | Development Associate | American Red Cross | San Antonio Area Chapter
3642 E. Houston Street, San Antonio TX 78219 | (t) 210-582-1905 (c) 210-316-4758| (f) 210-242-6593
www.saredcross.org

Registration for the Community Center Summer Youth Program

8 a.m. to 12 noon at 25 year-round community centeres. The program will run from June 15 to Aug. 7. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Includes lunch and a snack. Fees are based on a sliding scale, according to income and family size. See Summer Recreation for more information on fees and a list of the community centers. School site registration will be announced later this spring. 207-3000.

SA HERO Odyssey of the Mind Teams Progress to State

San Antonio HERO was well-represented at the Regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament in Taylor, TX. Early this fall, the children chose one from a selection of five different "problems" offered this year for the Odyssey competitions.  One team chose the "Teach Yer Creature" problem, which among many other specific things, instructed the children to "create a humorous performance about a mechanical creature that acts like a real mammal or bird and learns lessons."  There are specifics about how the lessons are to be taught and learned as well as certain things that the creature must be able to do.  Each of the five problems really ask the kids to think "out of the box" and come up with creative ways to solve their problems. The teams are allowed no "outside assistance" which means no adult help for ideas or work.

All of the teams did really well. At least 3 teams are advancing on to the State tournament in Houston, and one team received the tournament's only Renatra Fusca for extreme creativity (in addition to 1st place).  Carol Pavliska's team came in first in Superstitions, and won a Renatra Fusca (this was Problem 5, the performance problem). Carol said that her team was totally surprised by how well they placed. When they were announcing the Renatra Fusca award (this is the highest award Odyssey gives) her son listened to the announcer describe their problem solution and said, "Oh no! Somebody stole our idea!" He just couldn't believe that HIS team had won!

Gwen's team came in 2nd in Teach 'Yer Creature, Problem 2, Technical Problem. Gwen's team competed at the middle school level. Yet the team consisted of only two middle schoolers and one as young as kindergarten! Gwen felt that the kids did really well considering they were competing with middle school students!

Jas's team came in 3rd in The Lost Labor of Heracles, Problem 3, Classics (and they were short a team member, who was supposed to be their narrator! Did not find out until the morning of the competition he would not be there.) SA HERO also had a team competing in Earth Trek, Problem 1, Vehicle who had a great time and were happy with how they performed and our adorable Primary team that did a super job.

Congratulations to all!!!

Summit Christian Academy (k- 6) Info Meeting

Please join us as we learn more about Summit Christian Academy a University-Model School offering grades k-6 in the Fall of 2009. Also, please pass this information along and bring any friends or family who may be interested. If you have any questions please contact SCA at school@scatx.net or visit www.scatx.net.

Location: Leon Springs Presbyterian Church (23943 IH-10 W)
Date: 03/11/09
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Please provide your own childcare

Summit Christian Academy is a University-Model School® located in the Hill Country of San Antonio. University-Model Schools allow parents more involvement in their children's education by combining the traditional private classroom environment with homeschooling. Classes are attended Tuesday and Thursday with optional electives on Wednesday. This allows for more family time on alternate days as parents guide their children through detailed lessons given by the teacher to complete their student's education. This formula allows for better character development as quality relationships between parents and children are fostered.

Used Book and Curriculum Sale

On Friday, March 27th the SACH group of San Antonio is having a book sale of used curriculum and educational materials. The sale is from 1 to 3 pm at Calvary Hills Baptist Church, 910 West Loop 1604 N, 78251. Please plan to come shop for next year's school bargains! If you have any questions please email Kristi at Wellfive2003@yahoo.com.

Summer at The Academy Registration

Summer At The Academy was launched twenty-one years ago and has grown into one of the most successful summer programs in the Southwest. Each year more than a 1700 boys and girls from South Texas and beyond attend a diverse array of over 350 classes taught by more than sixty of the area’s top teachers, coaches and artisans. Summer At The Academy, an eight-week enrichment program for boys and girls ages four and older, provides excellent opportunities to create, learn, explore and have fun.

Early registration is advised as all classes and Kids’ Place have a limited enrollment and many classes fill early. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, March 16, 2009, and payment in full must accompany completed forms. Visit The San Antonio Academy for more information.

Teacher/Teen Workshop: Focus Feature Creating Artful Digital Photography

 Inspired by Ansel Adams, Barbara Kruger, and others in Masterworks of Photography in American Concepts and Global Visions/ Selections from the AT&T Collection, work
with photographer Melanie Rush-Davis to create your own masterwork. Invert, skew, and modify your image using Photoshop or other editing software. Teachers earn three hours of continuing professional education credit; to register, email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1768. Teacher fee: McNay members $20, nonmembers $25. Teen fee: McNay members $15, nonmembers $18. Fee includes admission to the museum. McNay Museum.

Texas State Aquarium Home School Day April 21st

You are invited to register for the next Homeschool Day on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 9:30-12. Begin the adventure now at www.texasstateaquarium.org for detailed descriptions of the programs and a reservation form. Please complete the reservation form and send it in with your payment. Checks can be accepted as long as the check is made out to the Texas
State Aquarium. Credit card payments are accepted by calling 361-881-1307 to give your credit card information. Reservations are also accepted by phone as well.

SA HERO Beginnings

SA-HERO is pleased to announce the next Beginnings meeting will be at the La Madeleine on Broadway on March 3rd from 3:00 to 4:30.  The topic will be Burn Out Makes an Exit.

If you need to bring children, please bring something to keep them occupied as we will not have anything available for that.

La Madeleine is at 4820 Broadway, San Antonio 78209, across from HEB Central Market on Broadway about 4 blocks north of Hildebrand. Seating is limited. RSVP to cwaitz@sahero.org. The event is free. Dinner and drinks are not included. Come join us for a fun and enlightening event!

Spinning/Weaving Class

I am a homeschooler trying to organize a class/field trip for my children on spinning and weaving cloth.  Wendy Mooreland with Yarnivore agreed to do a class for us, but I need 10 participants for the class to "make." I belong to a small, unorganized church group, and we don't have enough people interested.  I was hoping you could mention the class to your group to see if anyone would want to attend.  Here is an except from an email Wendy sent me with details about the class.  Please let me know either way so I can try other sources. I really would like for my students to be able to do this since it correlates with something we are studying. The class is March 10 at Yarnivore. Interested families may contact me by March 4 (see my # below--or email me).

"It will include an overview of the history of handspinning, a chance to handle a greasy fleece, just as it comes from the sheep, and the same fleece cleaned and prepared for spinning (along with instructions for washing your own if you wish), examples and instructions for dying fleece with koolaid, and demonstrations of spinning with various types of spindles and wheels.  We’ll also have samples of fresh-off-the-critter alpaca and llama fiber, unspun cotton, and silk fiber with the sericin still in it.

Among the spindles shown will be spindles made from antique spindle whorls found on archeological digs in the Holy Land. After the demo, each participant will be given the opportunity to make their own spindle from a dowel and a couple of old cds, and will be given a bit of wool roving, so that they can learn to spin their own yarn.

I can either give you the list of materials for the spindles, many of which may be found in the home, and let you bring the supplies, or I can provide the supplies for an additional fee.  
The overall cost will be $15 per participant, which will include the cost of the wool fiber and handouts.  We’ll need a minimum of 10 participants for the class to “make."

Kimberly Perez
789-0486
kimperezmail@yahoo.com

Remember the Alamo Weekend

Saturday & Sunday, March 7, (10:00AM - 5:00PM) & March 8, (12:00AM -5:00PM) 2009. For God and Texas; Dios y Libertad - FREE in Alamo Plaza. This event is a dramatization of the events concening the final two days (March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13 day Alamo siege by General Santa Anna's Army of Operations, played out in Alamo Plaza. And, a special added vignette, the arrival of the Gonzales Thirty-two.  Click here to view the event schedule.

Saturday Morning Discovery

Saturday Morning Discovery is a free introductory art experience offered by the Southwest School of Art & Craft for children on Saturday mornings during the school year. This family-oriented program has been in place for nearly 40 years, giving children ages 5-16 a chance to work with artist-teachers in a wide variety of media -- ceramics, drawing and painting, pinhole photography, silk-screening, stained glass, origami, and seasonal activities. Parents or guardians are required to stay with the children throughout the program and often work alongside them.

In 2006, the San Antonio Downtown Alliance honored Saturday Morning Discovery with its Downtown’s BEST OF SAN ANTONIO Award in the Cultural category – which just goes to show that you don’t have to be the newest kid on the block to still be enriching lives and having fun. Each month-long session meets from 9:30 - 11:30am on Saturdays. Advance reservations are required. For more information, call Regina Sanders, SMD Program Coordinator, at 210.224.1848 ext 321. To register for a specific month, call our Registration Office, 210.224.1848, ext 327 / 334.

Spring Break on the Back 40

Each year, UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures offers its visitors a frontier-style Spring Break! The Back 40 will be open March 10-13 during Spring Break for families to learn how the earliest settlers in Texas spent their "spring breaks." Activities and games will include writing on slate boards in the schoolhouse, hopscotch, jumping rope, hoop rolling, doll making, and cow roping. Kids can even enlist in an honorary Buffalo Soldier regiment! $4-7. Admission to Spring Break on the Back 40 includes admission to the entire exhibit floor at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 S. Bowie Street. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 210-458-2330.

Survey of High School English Composition

Jamie Miranda, leader of HAVEN Home Educators, Our Lady of the Lake graduate program student, editor of OLLU’s literary magazine and tutor in the English lab at St Philip’s and Our Lady of the Lake University is beginning a high school writing survey class.  (A middle school course is being developed).  The high school class is modeled after the undergraduate class that Jamie is helping to develop for Our Lady of the Lake University.  Jamie has an excellent reputation as a teacher.

Nature of Class: Students will be emailed course modules as attachments in email. Students will read the modules and do the activities and assignments listed. Any assignments are to be emailed as Word or Works documents as attachments to the instructor by the due date. Assignments and due dates are listed in the Course Outline and are due on a weekly basis over the course of twelve weeks.

Course Objectives:
1. To develop and polish writing skills at a college preparatory level
2. To learn and employ prewriting and organizational techniques, such as brainstorming, spider webs, outlines, and other graphic organizers
3. To learn to critique a peer’s writing in a scholarly manner
4. To learn and employ proofreading symbols
5. To produce seven writing assignments:
·         A descriptive essay
·         A process essay
·         A compare and contrast essay
·         A persuasive essay
·         An autobiographical essay
·         A review
·         An argumentative essay 
The cost of this course is $40.00 per month to be paid in advance in one lump sum of $120.00 or three (3) payments of $40.00 each. A signed contract is required.

The class will start on March 13 with the final paper due by June 5. The final grade for the course will be emailed by June 12.   If interested a complete syllabus can be emailed to you. Email mypinkkoala@aol.com for more information.

Current Broadway Shows Discounts

LAST Day to order for the following shows:

David Copperfield at the Magestic Theater in SA
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 8:30pm
Great discounts, save over $15 per ticket on lower level seats

Bob the Builder at the Magestic Theater in SA
Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8pm, Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 11am, and Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 2pm
Great discounts, tickets start at $12.00, save over $12 per ticket on lower level seats

Wicked in SA expires Feb 28, Disney on Ice expires April 1, Frost/Nixon expires April 5.

http://www.jsoft.com/archive/taffie/BroadwaySA.html

Order your tickets by logging on to:
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales
and enter your special password: taffiesa

If you order for any of these shows, please send an email to Susan Frederick at sjf@jsoft.com and let me know how many tickets and which show, that helps us keep track of if we are making our group min.

Looking for a Speech Therapist

I am looking for a speech therapist tutor for my Homeschooling son. Must have experience as a past speech therapist or a current speech student. Looking for weekly or biweekly tutoring since we live outside of San Antonio. We live on the South Side near Castroville so anything before I-10 would be great at your home or meet at the library maybe?
If you know of someone that has this experience please let them know we are looking for them. Thanks so much.
Samantha ldytutor@yahoo.com

Mastering Table Manners

Learn the finer points of dining manners during a four course meal at some of our finest casual and formal dining venues. Introductions, greetings, conversations, and at least 150 points of dining etiquette are covered. You will definitely walk away knowing more than you did during this fast moving class! The $40.00/$50.00 fee includes professional instruction, a delicious four course meal, drink, gratuity, and a prize for the winner of the etiquette game.

The monthly Mastering Table Manners class is a great compliment to our cotillions. These classes help students practice and reinforce the skills learned during cotillion. Kirby Steak House Saturday, February 28th 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Call 315-1522 or visit https://www.clubetiquettesa.com.

Photography Workshop: Exploring Diversity in Nature - Plants and Insects

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. The 8-12 age group will meet from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and the 13-18 age group will meet from 1-4:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend. Green Spaces provides digital cameras to students who wish to borrow one, or participants may bring their own cameras. Each workshop costs $10, but this fee may be waived for students demonstrating financial need.
Location:
Medina River Park
15890 State Highway 16 S
San Antonio, TX 78264
Contact:
For more information, call 210-222-8430 or e-mail us.
Green Spaces Alliance

Wanna Be A Lifeguard Recruitment Party

Feb. 28, 2 - 4 p.m. San Antonio Natatorium, 1430 W. Durango. Bring your bathing suit. Take your prerequisite swim test. Free refreshments. Earn $9.02 an hour as a Parks and Recreation Department lifeguard. Free lifeguard training available. Classes start in February and run through March. 207-3113.

Aquifer Explorer, Educator, and Storyteller Doc Edwards to 'ride" at SA Stockshow & Rodeo

WHAT: Doc Edwards™, the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s fictional character, officially debuts the Doc Edwards’™ Amazing Aquifer Adventure! live action, animation movie. This educational video, the latest addition to the award-winning Doc Edwards™ instructional program, takes children on an amazing adventure underground and through the Edwards Aquifer system.
 
WHEN: Doc Edwards™ begins his 20- minute storytelling adventure Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the premiere of the Doc Edwards’™ Amazing Aquifer Adventure! movie.  Other live performances are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. that morning and the following Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.
 
WHERE: Texas Experience Pavilion on the grounds of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, 3201 East Houston Street
 
DESCRIPTION: The award-winning Doc Edwards’™ Amazing Aquifer Adventure! education program is designed to raise awareness of the Edwards Aquifer as a natural resource through a fun, interactive approach.  Every component is designed to support and cross-reference each other and allow educators to easily integrate the learning experiences into their curriculum.  The full program consists of live presentations at schools or public events, activity books, coloring pages, trading cards, interactive website (www.docedwards.org), lesson plans, and a new DVD video.  Additional Doc Edwards™ elements such as a teacher resource trunk and an early reader book are planned for the spring.

Robofest in San Antonio

Robofest in San Antonio!  On March 21st UTSA along with SA-HERO will be hosting robofest 2009.  Middle and high school age students are invited to create a robot!  The rules are simple, each team (no more than 7 people), has complete freedom to show off any creative autonomous robotics project that they have created.  You will find detailed rules, and pictures at Robofest.net under the "exhibition" link on the Robofest home page.  Registration is simple, just click on the link!  This event is also open to those who do not live in the San Antonio area.  For more information feel free to email at Stowers.mary@gmail.com

Calling all Explorers!

NASA Quest and the LCROSS mission invite you to register for Part II of the "Exploration through Navigation Challenge: Charting a Course to the Moon". In this challenge students will be tasked to chart a course from Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida to one of the lunar poles using navigation skills appropriate for outer space. The essential question used to keep students on task is “How do you stay on course?” See: http://quest.nasa.gov/challenges/lcross3/

The "Exploration through Navigation" Challenge is two-part. Part I, “Charting a Course at Sea,” was held in Fall 2008. Though participation in Part I is helpful, it is not required for participation in Part II. The two parts of the challenge complement each other but ultimately stand alone.

For Part II of this Challenge, students will submit a navigation plan (as a class) to NASA experts for review. Other activities will include weekly challenge questions (with prizes), an opening and closing webcast, and a chat with the author of "A Man on the Moon." At the end of the Challenge, students will be invited to compare and contrast methods of navigating on Earth (at sea) and in space.
Registration opens today, and we invite you to visit: http://quest.nasa.gov/challenges/lcross3/register.html for information and links to the registration and Pre-Survey Questionnaire online forms. Please note that we anticipate that educators or adult supervisors will submit the registration and the Pre-Survey Questionnaire. Your complete information on these steps helps us to evaluate the impact of our challenges.

Join us in this exciting adventure that parallels the challenges faced by the LCROSS mission as it departs Earth and travels to the Moon.

Hands On!! Art for the Homeschooled Child

The Majestic Ranch Arts Foundation is offering a new art program developed specifically for the homeschooled student, which is literally "hands on" art instruction.

Our mission is to provide quality, experiential art education for the home schooled child.  Our program is designed to offer the student an exciting variety of art mediums i.e. drawing, painting, ceramics and digital imaging in a beautiful, stimulating art studio with professional instructors.

Over a four month period, each student can receive his/her art credit, while developing the basic design principles of line, shape, form, texture, value and composition in all the areas offered.

Drawing is the fundamental basis of all art disciplines.  In this program, students will learn how to develop their observational skills while using a variety of media, including pencils, charcoal pencils and pastels to draw realistic subjects, both in and out of the classroom.

In the painting class, students will use age appropriate mediums such as tempra, oil paints, acrylics and/or watercolors to explore color and learn the use of brushes and pallet knives etc., for a finished painting(s).

The ceramics class will introduce students to 2 or 3-dimensional structure, form and shape.  Students will learn handbuilding techniques, and use the potter’s wheel to create their own sculpture or pottery.  The second period of instruction will be devoted to glazing or painting that work.

Digital Imaging will incorporate instruction on Adobe Photoshop®, with students learning how to develop photographs and images, and how to print their work.

These classes will be divided up as follows:
Group 1
i)   Kindergarten and first grade / 9am-11am
ii)  Second and third grade / 12pm-2pm
iii) Fourth and fifth grade / 3pm – 5pm
This group will meet on the second and fourth Friday of each month (except for April): February 13 and 27 (Drawing), March 13 and 27 (Painting), *April 16 (Thursday) and 24 (Photography), May 1 and 22 (Ceramics).

Group 2
iv) Sixth and seventh grade / 9am-11am
v)  Eighth and ninth grade / 12pm-2pm
vi) Tenth, eleventh, 12th grades / 3pm – 5pm
This group will meet on the first and third Friday of each month (except for April & May): February 6 and 20 (Drawing), March 6 and 20 (Painting), April 3 and 17 (Photography), May 8 and 29 (Ceramics).

* class moves to Thursday 2nd for Easter observance
Cost: $50 per month ( 2 x 2hr classes per month per student)
All supplies are included in this price.
This program is designed specifically for each age group, with a small class size, and individual attention.  Students may stay with the program and build upon their experience from semester to semester and build a portfolio, if so desired. http://www.mraf.org

Blanco State Park Homeschool Field Trip

Children will spend the morning exploring nature through hands on experiments and experiences. Parents will receive tips and handouts for encouraging more outdoor fun as a family and is a joint project between the park and the home. Children will earn credit towards the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Outdoor Kids! Certificate for each class attended. Class is appropriate for ages 7-12. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Children should wear clothes appropriate for being outside and bring drinking water. Class is specially designed for home schooling families, but open to everyone! Accessible for the mobility impaired. February 18th. 10-11:30 a.m. (830) 833-4333. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/blanco/

Volunteer Tree Watering Initiative

We need you!  Adopt a tree in the New Braunfels Park system by signing up to assist in our Volunteer Watering Program.   Our area has experienced a severe drought and supplemental watering is essential to the survival of our trees.

We are excited to be planting new trees, and our volunteer force is a major contributor to the success of these plantings!  Join our group of involved citizens today - make a difference in your community! Call for details - 830-221-4359.

Project Wild Aquatic Training

Teachers, informal educators and youth group leaders: Learn how to teach young people about aquatic ecology and wildlife using fun, hands-on educational activities. During the two-day, six-hour training, participants do sample activities and receive the Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide book. The Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide emphasizes aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Activities are integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. SBEC credit available for teachers. 

Saturdays: February 14th and 21st
CNC Members $30/person; non-members $40/person. Free for teachers at Title 1 schools.
Limit 20. Preregistration required. To register or for more information, call 830-249-4616.
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: CNC Back Porch

Introduction to Dance

A 6 week course from February 10, 2009 to March 17, 2009
Class meets Tuesdays 4:15-5:00
Free trial class February 3rd!
Ages 6-8
$60 for the 6 week session
Learn the basics of ballet, modern dance, acrobatic fitness, and tap!
This course blends dance with the study of international music and world geography.
Call now to register!

Dance Warehouse
5123 N loop 1604 W ste 106
San Antonio, TX 78249
(on 1604 btwn I-10 and the Lockhill Selma exit, inside the Sola-Lite Showroom)
Katie Ellison
210-845-7858

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Parent Conference

Are you meeting the unique needs of your gifted and talented child? Learn about the social and emotional needs of the gifted from Dr. James Webb, and participate in dozens of sessions designed to make you the successful parent of a thriving gifted child. Admission is $45 for everyone and includes lunch.

The 2009 TAGT Parent Conference will be in San Antonio at Wagner High School (3000 Foster Rd., San Antonio, TX 78244) on Saturday, February 28. It will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about parenting gifted and talented youth.

Congressional Academy for American History and Civics

From the heated debating floor of Independence Hall, to the bloodied fields of Gettysburg and the empowering steps of the Lincoln Memorial, American history is far more than just dates and speeches. The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics takes you on an exploration of the American experience with a careful study of three of America's most critical eras through the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

Spending twelve days in Washington, DC, you will immerse yourself in our nation's capital as well as venturing out on day trips to historic Philadelphia and Gettysburg. All the while, you will gain insight into America's past by visiting the actual locations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the battlefields of Gettysburg where Lincoln grieved for our splintered nation, and the steps where Martin Luther King, Jr. cried out for the payment of an overdue promise.

One hundred and two students will be selected to attend this two-week Academy in Washington, DC. All hotel, meal, and tour expenses are paid for by the U.S. Department of Education, and students receive a $250 stipend for travel to and from Washington, DC. Students also receive three-hours of college credit for participating in the Academy. Apply on-line today.

http://www.congressionalacademy.org/index.html

Club Etiquette Cotillion Classes

Club Etiquette Cotillion places as much emphasis on etiquette, manners and character education as it does on dancing. The social and character education components of the program include rules of proper telephone courtesy, acknowledgments of gifts, introductions, receiving lines, participating in group settings, polite conversation, first impressions, dress code for all occasions, manners in the home and in public places, table manners, formal place settings, styles of dining including American and Continental, skills involved in being a guest, hostess or host, and many other areas of social behavior.

The registration fee is $180 per student (includes dinner on May 5th), however; we are running a promotion of $130 per student. Registration will be based on a first-come, first-served basis call 210-315-1522 or online.

High School Softball and Baseball

Information on two different programs:

Homeschool baseball team is looking for high school players, grades 8 and up. Contact Nate Landry at natelandry@yahoo.com for more information.

We are recruiting High School Fast Pitch Softball players.  We are surely in the need of a pitcher and we know they are out there.  We have a group of Home School girls that have played together for over 5 years and are in need of a pitcher. You may contact me by email jram1710@yahoo.com or 210-846-1077. Thanks and God Bless. Joanne Ramirez