Current

Odyssey of the Mind

Carol Pavliska is organizing HERO's Odyssey of the Mind teams.  If you are interested in participating, please let her know ASAP. She will be holding an informational session in Wilson County and am happy to do one in San Antonio if there are interested families.   Odyssey of the Mind is a creative (and competitive) problem-solving program for kids in grades K-12.  Teams are comprised of 5-7 students and 1-2 coaches.  The program runs the length of the school year and culminates in a regional tournament, usually held in the Austin or Waco areas, and a state tournament in Houston. This is our family's 6th year to participate in Odyssey of the Mind through HERO's sponsorship.  It is a fantastic program that encourages creativity and out of the box thinking.  Participation requires committment, but in our experience it has been well worth it.  You can get more information at www.odysseyofthemind.com - or again - feel free to e-mail Carol privately at .

National History Day

SA-HERO will be sponsoring a National History Day competition for homeschoolers. National History Day (NHD) is open to students in sixth grade and above. Students prepare a project on the annual theme which this year is “Debate & Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences.” The great thing about NHD is the flexibility in the ways you can compete. Your submission can be a paper, exhibit, documentary, website, or performance.  Students can enter as individuals or as a group of up to five students except for the paper category.
 
My son has been competing in NHD for the last three years and I can tell you homeschoolers are welcomed. We will be holding the HERO NHD competition at the end of January but the time to prepare is now! Visit www.nhd.org for more information on possible topics and competition rules. You can email me any questions you have about the competition. If there is enough interest, I will hold a general information session or if you have a homeschool group, I will come and discuss the competition. Please email at mskretzschmar@gmail.com if you are interested.

Afternoon Zoo Homeschool Classes Opened!

  I just wanted to send out a quick e-mail to let all of you know that we have opened up afternoon classes for the home school families. Our morning classes maxed out and there was still a demand for the class, so we will offer the same exact class, just in the afternoon.   On the registration page, the classes are specifically designated as AM or PM classes. Morning classes are held from 9:30am until 11:30am. Afternoon classes are from 1:30pm until 3:30pm. Both are held in the Education Center.   October 20th - Dry Deserts November 17 - Fabulous Felines December 15 - Exploring Oceans January 12 - Beautiful Birds February 16 - "Monkey-ing" around (primates)   Please let me know if you are no longer interested in receiving e-mails from the Zoo regarding home school classes. We respect your privacy.   Until next time...stay WILD!  
Lana Reynolds
Education Coordinator - Schools
San Antonio Zoological Society
3903 N St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7184  X1504
(210) 734-6989  Fax
www.sazoo-aq.org
LReynolds@sazoo-aq.org

College Station TAMU Chemistry Open House

Event: TAMU Chemistry Open House
Date: October 23, 2010
Location: College Station

Every year the Department of Chemistry hosts a free, open to the
public, Chemistry Open House and Science Exploration Gallery to
celebrate National Chemistry Week. The Chemistry Open House features
the popular Chemistry Road Show, guided lab tours, hands-on and
computer activities, door prizes and science goodie bags. The
Chemistry Road Show* is recommended for all ages and includes
demonstrations of popular science.

Several departments including Physics, Engineering and Biochemistry
are represented at the Chemistry Open House.
The Chemistry Open House will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010.
Activities are held from 10am to 3pm. Chemistry Road Shows will begin
at 10am, 12 Noon and 2PM. People should arrive at least 15 minutes
early for all Chemistry Road Shows.
Free and open to the public. No reservations required.
For further details visit:
http://www.chem.tamu.edu/openhouse/

Trust in Learning 2011 Conference 

The Trust in Learning 2011 Conference is about how to be a homeschooling family. Instead of talking about different homeschooling methods, our speakers will give you insight and tools to help your family have the conversations that will guide you to the right educational choices for your family.

Our goal is to inspire stronger relationships, a greater clarity of purpose, a deeper trust in our choices, and ultimately the ability to enjoy life together more. Our speakers are Mary Hood of Association of Relaxed Christian Homes Educators, Kathy Wilson of Restitution Parenting, and Dr. Peter Gray of Boston College and Freedom to Learn at Psychology Today.

Friday, Feb 11th to Saturday, Feb 12th
Shenandoah Baptist Church
3003 Blue Ridge Dr.
Cedar Park, TX 78613

http://www.trustinlearning.info

Velocity Sports Homeschool Fitness Update

Thank you for all your help, we have slimmed down the class to only be offered on Fridays. Same time and the price is now $15 for first child and $5 for each additional sibling. Thank you for updating this info on your calendar.

Home School Family Roars & Snores Overnight

Ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Oct. 14, 6:30 pm - 8:30 am
Cost per person: $30

Come see what our animals do at night in an overnight designed just for home school families! Participate in a themed activity and night tour of the Zoo. An evening snack and light breakfast are provided. Enjoy a special morning animal presentation then spend the rest of the day in the Zoo working on your classroom activities.

http://www.sazoo-aq.org/edzoocation/schoolage.html

National Public Lands Day

NPLD is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. In 2009, 150,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants, planted trees and restored our water resources. Join us for the next NPLD on September 25, 2010.

Thousands of volunteers in every state will put their hands to work on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in a coast-to-coast effort to improve and enhance our treasured lands. From Plymouth Rock to the Golden Gate, the Tallgrass Prairie, the Rockies, the Rio Grande—volunteers will join in this national day of caring for their lands.

Volunteers build bridges and trails, improve habitat for wildlife, plant trees, remove invasive plants that threaten fragile natives, protect natural, historic and cultural resources—and much more. Volunteers work in parks and forests, at rivers, lakes, and wetlands, at cultural and historic sites and in their own neighborhoods. 

http://publiclandsday.org/

First Annual College Extravaganza

Attention high school students! You are invited to join George Gervin, Honorable Mayor Julian Castro, BBVA Compass Bank, and local university and college presidents as we come together in this historic initiative in supporting higher education.

This effort brings local colleges and universities together to nurture the relationship between home, community, high school, and institutions of higher learning. College Extravaganza 2010 aims to help our youth break down barriers toward obtaining their college degree. Our mission is to increase their knowledge about the college application and enrollment process, academic programs, scholarships and financial assistance.

Registration begins at noon
Free Admission
Meet with local college and university representatives
Financial aid application assistance and scholarships
Hands-on: College application process, sports, organizations and much more

Scholarships available
Enjoy live music
Free gifts
Fun and refreshments

St. Mary's University Bill Greehey Arena
Saturday - Sep 25, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Source: sanantoniotxcoc.weblinkconnect.com/cwt/External/WCPages/WCEvents/EventDetail.aspx

Texas State History Museum Homeschool Day

Home School Day - Explore Texas Aviation
September 28, 2010
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.


Targeted 4-8th Grade
Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) and Social Studies curriculum
Texas Essential Knowledge Skills (TEKS) aligned

Explore the rich history of aviation in Texas. Learn the stories of the people, science, and technology that made it all happen. Home school families will receive the discounted school group rates for Exhibit, IMAX® Theatre, and Texas Spirit Theater admissions. 

Student tours of the new special exhibition Tango Alpha Charlie: Texas Aviation Celebration will be available, along with a special Student Flight Log activity packet. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., education volunteers will lead students in hands-on activities, demonstrations, and much more!

See documentary films Hubble 3D or Legends of Flight in the IMAX Theatre, or The Star of Destiny and Wild Texas Weather in the Texas Spirit Theater.

Enjoy activities related to exhibits, and pick up complimentary materials at the Resource Table.

Homeschool Day Schedule
10 a.m. Homeschool Day educational materials table opens in the First Floor Rotunda
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn About Texas Aviation History in the Exhibits
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Activities in Classroom 137
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Wild Texas Weather  in the Spirit Theater
11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. Student tours of Tango Alpha Charlie: Texas Aviation Celebration
12 p.m. Book Nook opens on the Second Floor Lobby
2 p.m. Story Time on the Second Floor Lobby - geared to a pre-K - 3rd grade audience
3 p.m. End of Homeschool Day Activities

Wildlife Field Research

September 21 - 25.  Are you interested in mammals, insects, reptiles, birds, grasses, trees, fishes or aquatic invertebrates?  Become a citizen scientist!
Volunteers receive training and hands-on experience doing surveys that monitor our land management practices.  Join the research team of your choice for 1 - 3 days.  Attend the Friday evening Citizen Science Research seminar and dinner.
FREE but registration is necessary and CNC membership is encouraged.  For more information and to sign up, please contact Ben Eldredge, Citizen Science Director at (830) 249-4616 or ben@cibolo.org. 

WILDLIFE FIELD RESEARCH SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 21
7:30-10:30 am Weather Station
10-noon Prairie Photo Points
9-noon, 1-3pm Butterfly Survey

Wednesday, September 22
7:30-10:30 am Weather Station
9-noon Prairie Vegetation Review
4 pm Set Small Mammal traps
4-6:30 p.m. Water Snake Survey and Weather Station

Thursday, September 23
7:30-7:45 am Check-in, Breakfast
7:45-8 am Introductions and Announcements
8-noon Prairie Vegetation Survey, Riparian Woody Plant Survey, Small Mammal Survey, Water Snake Survey
8 am- 4 pm Weather Station
12-1 pm Lunch
1-4 pm Prairie Vegetation, Ant Survey Collection, Water Snake Survey/Time-Constrained Search
5:30-9:30 pm Amphibian Watch

Friday, September 24
7:30-7:45 am Check-in and Breakfast
7:45-8 am Introductions and Announcements
8 am-4 pm Weather Station
8-noon Prairie Vegetation Survey, Riparian Woody Plant Survey, Small Mammal Survey, Aquatic: fish, bugs, flow. E.coli; Water Snake Survey
12-1 pm Lunch
1-3 pm Prairie Vegetation transect completion only
1-4 pm Water Snake Survey/Time-Constrained Search, Ant Survey Collection
4-8 pm CITIZEN SCIENCE SEMINAR AND DINNER -Come as you are!
Matthew Fischer-"Wrede Marsh Aquatic Plant Inventory"
Ben Eldredge-"Citizen Science 2.0 - A Model for Expanding Citizen Science."
Donna Taylor-"CNC GIS Database - It's Growing!"
Rosemary Balfour-"Using Citizen Science Data to Assess the Impact of Environmental Changes on Populations of Terrestrial Birds."

Saturday, September 25
7:30-7:45 am Check-in, Breakfast, team assignments and orientation
7:30-10:30 am Basic Birding for Adults Workshop (3 Hours)-Tom & Patsy Inglet
7:45-8 am Introductions and Announcements
8 am-noon Small Mammal Survey, Prairie Vegetation Survey, Ant Identification, Water Snake Survey/Time-Constrained Search, Weather Station
10-noon Aquatic E. coli sample count
12-1 p.m. Lunch


Time: all day
Location: CNC Park

Young Birders Club

Friderich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Do you like to look at, listen to and learn about birds? Are you between the ages of 9 and 14? That makes you a Young Birder. Improve your birding and leadership skills along with others your age by attending a beginning birders’ program September 11, October 9 & November 13. Bring binoculars if you have them. (You must attend the September 11 session to be eligible to attend the October and November sessions!)

San Antonio Homeschool High School Baseball

We are a high school varsity level baseball program that believes that homeschools should enjoy the benefits for playing baseball at a competitive level. We also believe that homeschool players should have the same exposure the college and professional opportunities as public/private school students.  As such we strive to create a competitive baseball program that is on par with other public/private schools.

For High School level players we are looking for: Homeschool students interested in playing high school varsity baseball that are between the ages of 13 and 19 as of Sept 1 of the school year the player will be playing. Players must be certified by parents as 8th grade or older (8th graders may get 5 yrs. of high school eligibility) and in good academic standing.

We will have a team meeting for parents and players and start our fall workouts on September 14th at 5:00pm at Bain Field. Visit http://www.sahomeschoolbaseball.org/ for more information.

Back-to-Homeschool Kick-Off

Kick off your homeschool year with a San Antonio Homeschool Connections (SAHC) get-together on September 8 @ 10:00. We are an inclusive group, welcoming all types of homeschooling families in San Antonio and its surrounding areas. We offer support and resources to both new and seasoned homeschooling families, and provide opportunities for our parents and children to connect and form long-lasting friendships.
 
Normally we meet at the park on Wednesdays, however we have chosen Chuck E Cheese as the venue for this event. At this meeting, we will be welcoming new members and discussing what everyone would like to see on the calendar this year. We have a fairly large group coming already, but there is always room for more! If you would like to attend, please join SAHC @ http://www.meetup.com/San-Antonio-Homeschoolers/ and RSVP for this event. Or, if you’d like to see if this group is for you before joining, please email Pamela Moskwa @ pamoramagrace@hotmail.com, and I’ll add you and your children to the guest list and provide you with additional information.

Homeschool Academic and Arts Class Day (HAAC Day) on Wednesdays!

The Homeschool Academic and Arts Class Day (HAAC Day) serves to connect tutors with homeschool families who wish to delegate one or more subjects to the tutor(s) and, secondarily, to provide an avenue for fellowship and support for the students and their families. Our once a week Wednesday classes are held in the education building of the First Baptist Church of Bulverde which is located at the corner of the west side of Hwy 281 and the east end of Casey Road and is just over 11 miles north of Loop 1604. To help you know if HAAC Day is a good fit for your family, I'll share a few of our policies.

We have a completely open campus and parents and siblings are welcome to stay "quietly" on campus. We do also have access to a playground where younger siblings are welcome to play under their parent’s supervision.  We accept students anytime throughout the year as long as they can enter a classroom in sync with the rest of the class, for example, on the same chapter of the class book as the class is. And we do accept students who are new to homeschooling provided they can find a sponsor from our homeschooling community who is known to us who will give them a recommendation as being a good fit for our campus. Students are told that all adults on campus, student council members and students older than themselves have the authority to correct any misbehavior, providing, of course, that such corrections are Godly.

We offer a full slate of classes for 6th through 12th grades. Classes will be geared toward a specific traditional grade level, but a student may receive permission from the tutor to take a class that is geared toward older students. Such students must be ready for the class both academically and emotionally as one does not assure the other.

For more information about our class day, please visit our web site: www.haaclassday.org.

Fitness by Velocity Sports Performance

Train in our 20,000 square foot facility with degreed coaches. Each class will address strength, balance, fitness, coordination, body awareness, and FUN! Mondays and Fridays 1pm-2pm. Only $12.50 per session. FREE CLASSES UNTIL September 17TH! Call 210.40.3739 for more info or check us out at www.velocitysp.com/sanantonio

ParentPrep Workshops

Need help preparing your student to be a solid candidate for college admission? Interested in finding funds for that expensive university education?  Look no further!  Sign up for  informative and hands-on workshops presented by Marla Ripps and Beth Grasso, two successful veterans of the college admissions process.  Workshops are designed to effectively coach parents of public, private, and home school students through the challenges of preparing for college.  Dates, times, and descriptions are listed on the back.  Workshops meet at Crystal Sea Drama Fine Arts Studio, 8414 Speedway (near Jackson-Keller and 410). 

Email parentprep4U@gmail.com for more information.


Upcoming ParentPrep Workshops

Transcripts - The Ins and Outs to Satisfy Admissions           $15 Materials Fee
 Tuesday, September 28th     6:30 pm  – 9:30 pm   
Learn how to construct a transcript that will keep your application for a college or scholarship out of the “need to call” pile at the Admissions Office.  Parents will fill out a sample transcript and receive a CD with a blank transcript form that is accepted by colleges nationwide.  Although this workshop is geared toward home school parents, parents of traditionally schooled students will find the information useful. 

Alphabet Soup of College Testing      $5 Materials Fee                
Saturday, September 25      9 am – 12 Noon
Are you wading through the baffling alphabet soup of standardized test names and finding it difficult to determine what tests your student should take and when?  If so, this workshop will help you cut through the confusion by providing a comprehensive overview of tests available that you may use to gauge your student’s progress (Iowa, Stanford), tests that may be required for college admission (Accuplacer, ACT , SAT, THEA), and tests that can be taken to earn college credit (CLEP, DANTES, AP).

College Application Workshop           $15 Materials Fee       
Saturday, September 25      1 pm – 4 pm
Come learn how to put together a first-class college application package at this workshop for students and parents.  By the end of the session, students will have completed the Texas Common Application, drafted a resume, worked on one essay, and organized a deadline calendar.  We will also discuss letters of recommendation, private school applications, and additional senior year tasks.

The Great Scholarship Hunt       $15 Materials Fee              
Saturday, October 16th       10 am – 4 pm (lunch 12:30 – 1:30 pm)   
A university education is expensive, but there is money out there - if you know where to look.  This workshop for parents and students will provide guidance on finding and applying for scholarships.  Parents will be briefed on how to avoid scams, complete the FAFSA, and compile a personal list of possible scholarship sources.  Students will be coached through creating a resume, writing a stellar essay, requesting letters of recommendation, and filling out applications. 

A place is not reserved until payment is made.  No refunds unless the workshop is canceled.
1 workshop:  $50.           2 workshops:  $90.          3 workshops:  $130.        
 4 workshops:  $170.
Add Materials Fees as noted in the workshop description.

Tuesday Evening Crystal Sea Drama Classes taught by Irene Miller

For those who can't come to our Thursday classes we are now offering classes on Tuesday evenings

17th Century French Theatre Class 
Crystal Sea Drama Company 
Date: Date: Tuesdays, September 7-November 30 (no classes Sept., 21, Oct. 5, 26), 8-9 p.m. Registration August 19, 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. 
Grades 6-12. Students will become familiar with the manners and movement of the era and the technical theatre innovations of the time. Students will have an opportunity to perform Moliere scenes or monologues at the Renaissance Festival Nov. 3 and at the Studio November 4-7.
Cost: $75/session, $15 supply fee 
Address: 8414 Speedway 
Contact: irene@crystalseadrama.org, our website (above), or 210/849-0934 


Theatre Appreciation Classes 
Crystal Sea Drama Company 
Date: Tuesdays, September 7-November 30 (no classes Sept., 21, Oct. 5, 26, Nov. 2), 4:30-5:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. Registration August 19, 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. 
Grades 6-12. Learn about the conventions of theatre and audience etiquette. Compare theatre with other media and learn to evaluate theatre and media. Practice acting skills, such as characterization and blocking. Become familiar with such backstage issues as theatre safety and the production team. Topics covered will depend upon how fast the class moves through the material.
Cost: $75/session, $15 supply fee 
Address: 8414 Speedway 
Contact: irene@crystalseadrama.org, our website (above), or 210/849-0934

Also available:
Adult Acting classes taught by Irene Miller- meets on the 2nd Monday of the month in the evening at Crystal Sea Drama Co., 8414 Speedway, SA, TX 78230
Contact: irene@crystalseadrama.org or 210/849-0934 for more information and to register.

South Bexar County 4H Club

We are starting a 4H club in South Bexar County. Once we get started we will meet once a month on Priest Rd. right off IH 37 south and 1604. Our first informational/signup meeting will be Friday September 3, 2010 at 3pm. Homeschooled, private or public school children are all welcome. Only restrictions is that you must be at least 8 years old and in the 3rd grade and not older than 19 and in the 12th grade. You also must reside or attend school in Bexar County.

Besides livestock 4H offers many other categories to compete in and prizes are big scholarships. robotics, computer graphics, photography, dog training, and community service are just a few you might be interested in. Come and share you ideas and interests.

Look forward to seeing some new faces. please feel free to forward to anyone who might be interested.
blessings,
Diana Ortiz
210 286 5290

Homeschool Theater Offers

A reminder that ticket sales are going fast for some of our homeschool theater offers. In some cases sales are already available to the public so do not delay if you are interested in a particular show. Even though an offer may stay open for us, with the public also buying tickets, you will get a better selection of seats if you buy early. You should save the offer codes for future reference and check back for when new shows are added.

I added links to this page
http://www.jsoft.com/archive/taffie/events.html
but check the offer codes for any new shows added.

Questions or if order contact Susan Frederick at sjf@jsoft.com
These shows all offer a variety of price ranges and dates.

BAA San Antonio recently added Wicked, Toy Story 3, Cirque, Disney's Beauty and the Beast - final For Disney on Ice Toy Story 3, that takes place at the Alamodome, the other show take place at the Magestic.
http://www.jsoft.com/archive/taffie/BroadwaySA.html
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales
and enter your special password:
taffiesa

2010-11 San Antonio Zoo Education Department Field Trip Fund

Through generous funding from various community foundations, the Zoo is able to provide scholarships to a limited number of schools to visit the San Antonio Zoo. We will be awarding $3 per student and/or teacher this year. No fully funded trips are available. Click on application below to apply.

Application

Lana Reynolds
Education Coordinator - Schools
San Antonio Zoological Society
3903 N St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7184  X1504
(210) 734-6989  Fax
www.sazoo-aq.org
LReynolds@sazoo-aq.org

Jump Back into Acting This Fall

We are back and coming strong for our 2nd session of Acting Classes at The Rose Theatre! And we hope you guys are ready to start your semester with us! Join us in bringing in the School Year on stage. Let your child express themselves while learning valuable life lessons. We focus on your child's talents while building self confidence through acting. Each class is build for the age group of your child and we plan a performance together, making sure every child is a STAR on our stage.
 
We are not your typical theatre. We pride ourselves on thinking outside the boxes and making theatre cool and fun for kids and teens. I want them to want to enjoy theatre as much as going to the movies or playing video games. Start off the school year on the right foot at The Rose. Give your child the freedom to express themselves in a professional and safe environment.
 
If your child has taken classes/camps with us before you get 50.00 off your tuition! 

The Rose Theatre Company
11838 Wurzbach
San Antonio, Texas 78230
call us at  
210-360-0004
OR    www.therosetheatreco.com  

Schedule change for Tuesday School for the Performing Arts

PASA is pleased to announce the only performing arts programs designed for the home school community and taught by industry accomplished professional teachers. These classes are offered with special discounts for homeschooling families.  Vaughn Taylor and Paul Tinder, husband and wife, were original founders of the first Christian Theatre company in Hollywood, The Actors Co-Op. Besides starring on the Focus on the Family series “McGee & Me” and CBN’s “Another Life” they have starred on over 600 national network television shows, numerous feature films and over 400 national commercials. Their feature film, The Long Ride Home, was not only distributed by Lions Gate Films but was also featured by Family Christian Stores and Lifeway.

The Tuesday School for the Performing Arts begins September 7th, 2010.  School begins at 9AM and finishes at 4PM.  Students taking more than one class will receive 10% off of their monthly tuition in addition to the discount mentioned above.  Four areas of focus are offered:

• 9 – 10:30      Acting for Film & Television
  
• 10:30 – 12    Acting for Stage
  
• 1 – 2:30        Dance for Musical Theatre (Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary)
  
• 2:30 – 4         Musical Theatre/Voice
  

If you really want dynamic training in the performing arts, while being in a safe place, Tuesday School is for you! Visit http://performingartssa.org/ for more information. 

Haven Home Educators Back-to-School Meeting

You are invited to Haven's Back-to-School meeting on Monday, September 13, 2010, at 7:00pm, Western Hills Christian Church on Huebner at Eckhert. Join us as we begin our 16th year of fun and fellowship. We'd love to have you join us! The whole family is welcome to attend. Our membership fee is $15 for the year (August to August), and membership is accepted year-round.  

Haven offers quite a few activities. We offer monthly field trips, holiday parties, a children's book club and newsletter, an egroup, a teen club, a club for the little ones under 6 called Little Digits, one for 7-9 y.o. called Single Digits, one for the preteens called Double Digits, group tickets for plays, and much more. Haven currently has about 60 families in the group.  

Haven is open to people of all faiths and opinions, and we do not require a statement of faith. However, a majority of our members are Christian. We all agree to respect one another. Haven has a friendly, welcoming, casual, and relaxed atmosphere. We send out two e-newsletters per year to our members covering events for several months in advance. The next newsletter will come out in early September, but we stay in touch through the egroup. Members are added to the egroup upon joining. Membership may be paid at meetings or by mail.  We hope to see you there! 

Crystal Sea Drama Company Registration

Unless otherwise noted, classes meet for two semesters from September 2-December 16, 2010 and January 6-April 28, 2011. Spring break will be the week of March 17. There will be an end of the year Showcase either the evening of April 29 or the afternoon of April 30 (final date announced as soon as possible.)  For more information contact Irene Miller, irene@crystalseadrama.org or 210/849-0934, or visit our website, www.crystalseadrama.org.

Drama Classes - Thursdays
Costume Class: The Hat's the Thing – Spring Semester
7th & up                         1- 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marla Ripps

French and English Restoration Theatre
4th-7th                             10:30-11:30 a.m.
8th-12th                           9-10 a.m.
Instructor: Irene Miller

Fall/Spring Productions Class – September, 2010-May, 2011 (Students may also take just Fall or Spring)
6th-12th                          3-6: p.m.
Instructor:  Irene Miller

Intensive Makeup Class - Fall semester only 
7th & up                         1- 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marla Ripps

Scenic Painting Techniques
7th – College                  1– 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Linda Cowan

Theatre Appreciation
4th-7th                             1-2 p.m.
Instructor: Irene Miller

Technical Production Class – September, 2010-May, 2011
7th & up             2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marla Ripps; Advisor: Victor Lamphier

Winter Production Class – September 2, 2010- March 31, 2011
8th & up             10 a.m.-Noon
Instructors: Sharon Manacapilli and Marla Ripps


Enrichment Classes - Thursdays
Debate
Age 12 & up                  11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Instructor: Lee Ann Crockett

Elementary Art
K-6th                  11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Instructor:  Linda Cowan

Fun With Fine Arts
K-3rd                 10:30-Noon
Instructors: Linda Cowan, Andrea Miller

Evening Classes – Tuesdays
No classes Sept. 21 and Oct. 5
French Restoration Theatre – Fall Semester
6th-12th               8-9 p.m.
Instructor: Irene Miller

Theatre Appreciation – Fall Semester
6th-12th               4:30-5:30 p.m.
6th-12th              7-8 p.m.
Instructor: Irene Miller

Encino 4-H Club

Are you interested in joining a homeschool 4-H group? 4-H members have fun developing leadership and life skills, learning by doing, and
serving our community. Just about anything you are interested in can
become a 4-H project. Our Encino 4-H Club projects have included
Aerospace, Foods and Nutrition, Public Speaking, Clothing and Fashion Show, Entomology (insects), GIS (Geo Information System), Health, Home and Housing, Horticulture, Robotics, Photography, Bowling, and dozens of others. Some of the projects have contest opportunities. Several of our graduating seniors over the past years have earned scholarships through 4-H worth thousands of dollars.

Members are 8 to 18 as of August 31, and we have some activities for siblings aged 5 to 7. Our older members run the club meetings, and many of our projects have teen leaders.

We meet the 2nd Wednesdays of the month at Mac Arthur Park Church of God, 2938 Nacogdoches Rd, about a mile north of 410. We will have a moms' meeting Wednesday, August 11, and the first club meeting will be Wednesday, August 25. Contact Pat Knight at pkinsatx@gmail.com for more information.

A Gardening We Will Go

Learn to look at gardens not just a places to grow vegetables or flowers but as habitats for many insects, birds and other small creatures. You’ll take home what you plant and plan to get dirty!
Age: 7-12 Fee: $45 Saturdays Sept 4-25 10-11am

Register for camps, programs and special events at the Recreation Center and Parks Office, or via telephone (with VISA, Discover or Mastercard) at (830) 221-4370 or (830) 221-4350.

PSAT

Sophmores and Juniors can register to take the PSAT at the local school district for the same cost charged local students usually between $10 and $13. All districts are supposed to make this information easy to find, some do a better job than others. It's a good idea to contact the district as early as possible so that they make sure they have enough tests available. This is an easy and inexpensive way for students to get a feel for the SAT.

World Water Monitoring Day™ (WWMD)

World Water Monitoring Day™ (WWMD) is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.

An easy-to-use test kit enables everyone from children to adults to sample local water bodies for a core set of water quality parameters including temperature, acidity (pH), clarity (turbidity) and dissolved oxygen (DO). Results are shared with participating communities around the globe through the WWMD Web site.

World Water Monitoring Day is officially celebrated on September 18; however, the monitoring window was extended for the first time in 2009 from March 22 (World Water Day) until December 31. Participants are encouraged to celebrate with WEF and IWA in September or to observe their own WWMD anytime during the extended window. The deadline for submitting data to the WWMD database is December 31. The coordinators of WWMD, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) plan to expand participation to one million people in 100 countries by 2012.

Art Time classes for children 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, thinking skills, making choices and decisions.
Your children will work with foil, clay, oil/dry pastels, plaster, rice paper and much, much more.

• Hobby Lobby Bitters, Thursdays, 11:00am-12:15pm, First class September 16/Last class December 9
  
• Hobby Lobby Stone Oak, Fridays, 11:45am-1:00pm, First class September 17/Last class December 10
  

Tuition fee is $99 plus $35supply fee (due at registration time) for 12 weeks. 10% off tuition fee for a sibling(s). You must pre-register by e-mailing (preferred method) ArtTimeParty@yahoo.com or call 830-481-7378

Cultivate Your Art Class Schedule

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center offer an array of classes in dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts for everyone from beginners to experienced artists of all ages.   What would you like to learn? Classes offered in guitar, accordion, drumming/percussion, spoken word, Latina/Chicana literature, children's theater, Teen Arts Puentes Project, folklórico dance, flamenco dance, drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, stop-motion animation, and Cine en el Barrio. Take your pick!   Fall classes begin soon. Call 210.271.3151 for details.

Open House for the Tuesday School for Homeschoolers in the Performing Arts

 Performing Arts San Antonio cordially invites you to attend an Open House for the Tuesday School for Homeschoolers in the Performing Arts, Saturday August 14, 10AM to 6PM. This will be a fun, interactive opportunity to:

* Meet the Founders of Performing Arts San Antonio
* Compare the level of experience of our instructors to other local programs
* See high quality performances by students receiving real training in the performing arts
* Find out how to pursue your God-given talents
Refreshments will be served.  We hope to see you there!  
Paul and Vaughn Tinder
Performing Arts San Antonio
15717 San Pedro Avenue San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 557-1187

On the Indian Trail Program

The Institute of Texan Cultures will be offering a program for homeschoolers this fall: Walking with Texans: On the Indian Trail. There will be three sessions in Novemenber.

Three sessions: November 1, 8, 15
9 a.m. – noon, Institute of Texan Cultures
Schedule: You may register for one, two, or the entire series.
Price, per session: Nonmembers $20 per student and one accompanying adult per class
Members $18 per student and one accompanying adult per class
Registration fees are non-refundable and include the museum admission cost.
Register: Print Registration Form. Sorry, online registration is not available for this workshop.
Description
Explore the lifeways of Texas Indians through a series of interactive sessions.

Week 1: November 1
Shelters - Tipi Making
• Compare types of shelters used by Texas Indians (adobe, tipi, grass hut)
• Experience erecting a real size tipi with the help of our expert
Week 2: November 8
Tools - Cordage Making
• Learn about Texas Indians tools
• Make cordage from natural resources
Week 3: November 15
Plants - Natural Dye
• Explore some basic plant foods that Texas Indians would cultivate and consume
• Make flour from Mesquite beans and make syrup from the beans and sap of the tree
• Examine fibers that were dyed from natural sources and experiment dyeing fabric using similar products
Contact
Olga Paolucci, educational specialist
(210) 458-2122
Olga.Paolucci@utsa.edu
register at http://www.texancultures.com/education/workshops.html

Children's Fine Arts Series

The 2010-2011 schedule is posted. The Children's Fine Arts Series presents performing arts programs of excellence for children, ages 3 to 10, to educate, enrich and entertain, so that our children may come to appreciate and enjoy these riches through their own experiences. Bring a child and share the wonder and excitement! The performances are one hour in length to accommodate the attention span of the young child, and are chosen to enrich, educate and entertain. Music, dance, drama, and song create an environment rich with color, sound, and movement to delight the senses of our young audience. Visit http://childrensfineartseries.org/index.html for more information.

Children's Vegtable Garden

Texas AgriLife Extension Service provides an opportunity for children 8-13 in age to learn about gardening by growing their own vegetables through the mentoring of Bexar County Master Gardener volunteers. Each child is allotted a 3.5’x 28’ plot at the beautiful San Antonio Botanical Garden. Children will have fun growing different types of seeds, herbs, vegetables, and ornamental annual flowers. Weekly educational gardening presentations will stimulate these young minds. The children will also participate in fun, hands-on Junior Master Gardener activities.
In order to gain the most from the learning experience and to help ensure successful growing, participants are required to attend all sessions (two absences are allowed). Families are welcome to share the gardening experience with their child(ren); however, parents should remember that this is the child’s plot and learning experience.

Submit fall 2010 Application no later then Friday, August 6, 2010 to:
Children’s Vegetable Garden Program
San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston  San Antonio, TX 78209
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a division of the
City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information or any special child requirements, please contact the Program Coordinator:
David Rodriguez with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu

Spanish Classes

My name is David Pena-Alfaro. I am the Director of New World Spanish, a Spanish learning facility located in the Alamo Heights Area. We have been in business for 7 years. We have a lot of kids and teenagers students.
 
I would like to be able to offer you our services that include Spanish classes, assessments, and tutoring.
 
Kids and teenagers learn Spanish through our method Natural Learning Method, that has proved to be very effective. The idea is that they learn without noticing they are learning.
 
We are very committed to our job, and I would like very much to have the opportunity to show you our services.
 
Thank you
 
David Pena-Alfaro--
David Peña-Alfaro
New World Spanish
Director
210-216-3098
1864 Nacogdoches @ Carrousel Court
Alamo Heights, TX 78209

Girl and Cub Scouts of the Hill Country Homeschool Scouts

Join the GIRL and CUB SCOUTS of the HILL COUNTRY HOMESCHOOL SCOUTS! Friendship, camping skills, leadership skills, and fun are just some of the reasons you should consider joining us. For girls age 5-17 years old and boys age 6 through 11. We meet every other Tuesday at Beefy's Backyard, 25900 US 281 N 78258, about 5 miles north of Loop 1604. Cub Scouts' pack meeting is once a month at the Bulverde Community Center. We are a very camping oriented group, offering 5-6 campouts per year. Contact Michelle Vequist: miamid13@yahoo.com.

Enrique Barrera Community Center PE Class Update

I want to thank everyone for the numerous and positive response's  about the Free P. E classes that are starting next week.  I spoke with Claudia today and  so far we have the following  number of students signed  up in each class:
 
Tues.                                Thrus.
7-13 yr. olds                      4-6 yr, olds. 
2 students                         4 students.
 
*Each class needs a minimum of 5 students.  With the response from the past the older class should have at least 15 students and the younger class at least 6...
 
Please go by and sign up before Tuesday...simply add your name to the list and  complete a sign up form. 
 
Give them a call at 207-3221 if you need directions.   Some landmarks in the area are the Nelson Wolff baseball stadium and old Levi Strauss building these are located off  US Hwy 90 .....Old Hwy 90 runs parallel  to US Hwy 90....The center is on Old Hwy 90 behind these landmarks.

Another Homeschool PE Class - Copernicus Community Center

My name is Denise Ortiz. I work with the city of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department as a Program Coordinator at Copernicus Community Center. Copernicus Community is a beautiful community center located in East San Antonio. We are currently searching for home school youth interested in participating in out first PE program for home school youth on Mon Tues or Thurs for children ages 5-16yrs from 10-12pm. Our PE program will consist of the introduction of various sports, fitness and host some home school socials to give the home school youth the opportunity to interact with other home school youth through out San Antonio. If you are interested in registering for our program please contact Denise Ortiz @ 210-648-1072 or you can email me at denise.ortiz@sanantonio.gov<mailto:denise.ortiz@sanantonio.gov>

Lou Hamilton Homeschool PE Class Update

With the overwhelming response to the Monday class, we've added another day for homeschoolers to participate. So, now you can choose to either come on Monday, Wednesday, or both! The time is the same for both days, 12:30-2:00. Both classes are free of charge.

I  have set up a Yahoo group to help with communication between us all regarding the class. I will be sending an invitation to join the group to all of the homeschool group emails that I am aware of. The yahoo group is:  SAhomeschoolPE@yahoogroups.com  and if I've figured it out right, the way to subscribe is this:     SAhomeschoolPE-subscribe@yahoogroups.com I will try this week to set up a calendar to begin the helpers list.   Thanks for taking time to read this! Have a great Monday! Stacy Molina smolina23@satx.rr.com

Homeschool PE Class

Great news!!  The start date for the P.E class is Feb. 9th through April 11th,  this is an 8 week session.  The details are as follows:  

Location:       
Enrique Barrera Community Center                       
5800 Old Hwy 90 W.                       
Fee: $40.00 per child.....cash only...exact change  

7-13 yr. olds: Tuesdays; Feb 9 to Mar 30; 12:00 to 1:00
4-6 yr olds: Thursdays; Feb 11 to Mar 1; 12:00 to 1:00 

**We need a minimum of 5 children per class for the class be established.  Currently the  4 -6 yr Old class needs additional children to meet the minimum. The 7 -13 yr. old class has the minimum required at this time.   Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to complete the paperwork for your student. Some friendly reminders: Parents need to stay on site during the class. The facility does have a fitness center that parents can use, it does require a $25.00 annaul membership fee. You can decide on this at a later date. This is not required for your child to participate in the P.E. class.  I know that several families have responded.  Please kindly respond again to me at nancyw34@yahoo.com if you are still interested and will be attending.  Please include your child's name and age.   Sincerely, Nancy Warner