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This forum is for the discussion of the following themes:

1.  Homeschooling and related educational matters with links to fantastic resources
2.  The topic of Community–what it means, what we yearn for, how to achieve it
3.  Legislation and political events that relate to home education and family life.

The goal is to discuss the topics and examine viewpoints in a manner that will be helpful and edifying to the readers, even if views may differ. This is NOT a place for blaming, flaming, defaming or name calling each other or persons discussed, and those actions will not be tolerated and will be removed.

I believe that we can learn a lot from each other, and I know that my life is enriched by hearing other points of view and how people came to their ideas.  Questions are encouraged for the purpose of understanding, with a spirit of hearing the other person’s heart.

Thanks for checking out this blog!

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Homeschooler journalism students sought for Patrick Henry College Scholarship opportunity

Do you have a flair for writing?  Are you longing to get into a journalism school that combines a Christian classical liberal arts approach with apprenticeship programs that will pair you with some of the best writers and thinkers of the nation?

Would you be delighted to get a scholarship to help pay for that prestigious education?  Here is a great opportunity.

The Samuel Adams Scholarship for Journalism

Patrick Henry College is offering three scholarships for highly-qualified applicants to the College’s Journalism Major. Awards will be one $10,000 scholarship and two $5,000 scholarships. These privately funded scholarships will make it more financially viable for talented, dedicated young people to take advantage of the unique education opportunities available to Journalism students at PHC.

Patrick Henry Journalism Scholarship – Deadline Is December 1

Patrick Henry College (PHC) is offering scholarships for highly qualified applicants to the college’s journalism major. These scholarships will assist talented, dedicated young people in taking advantage of the unique education opportunities available to journalism students at PHC.

Please see the website for details.
www.phc.edu/journalism_schol_court.php

More info on Home Education:

Holly Craw Home Education Services

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If you would like to receive homeschooling updates as I post them, please subscribe using the RSS feed feature. You will receive one email when new articles are posted with the headlines. I would love to hear your comments, suggestions or questions in the comment portion below, or email me.

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Fabulous 50% off deals on homeschool curriculum

The best deals on used homeschool curriculum are at Covenant Home School Resource Center

This is a wonderful time of year!  As all the retailers prepare for the holiday sales, great bargains are abounding!  The same is true for homeschool curriculum, and even though that may not seem like a great Christmas gift for the kids, parents will certainly appreciate being able to save money on these essentials.

Covenant Home School Resource Center has a wide selection of new and used curriculum, readers, Christian living materials, games and much more!  Everything in the store will be on sale next week, so now is a great time to stock up.

COVENANT HOMESCHOOL RESOURCE CENTER  NOVEMBER BOOK SALE
November 17 – 19, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM

50% off all used books 10% off all new books1117 E. Devonshire Ave, Phoenix, AZ  85014
     1/2 mile west of the 51, 2 miles north of the 202 in central Phoenix.

Location: 

Phone:    602-277-3497
Email:  info@chsrc.org

Suggestions for making the most of your visit:

• Call ahead this week to see if the books you want are on hand
• If you are needing to find out more about curriculum materials, plan to go down on a non-sale day if possible and sit and browse the offerings to get a feel for different styles.
• If you want more assistance in getting started with homeschooling or understanding all the curriculum options, contact me.  I can set up a workshop or individual consultation to help customize your purchases with your family’s needs.

If you would like to receive homeschooling updates as I post them, please subscribe using the RSS feed feature.  You will receive one email when new articles are posted with the headlines.  I would love to hear your comments, suggestions or questions in the comment portion below, or email me.

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Arizona provides an 85 foot Christmas Tree to grace the White House Lawn

Arizona will make history with the first Capitol Christmas tree from the state for 2009.

Every year, one state is chosen to provide a Christmas tree to grace the US Capitol lawn, and will likely be the most photographed tannenbaum of the year.  For 2009, Arizona will supply the tree that will take the record for being the tallest of all the previous 45, measuring in at 85 feet. 

The magnificent Blue Spruce will be cut at a special ceremony Saturday, November 7, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.  Then it will tour Arizona for ten days before making its way across the country.  On Monday, November 30, it will be presented to the United States Congress in preparation for the decorating ceremonies.

School children from around Arizona have created ornaments to be hung on the Christmas Tree, and one student will be selected to help decorate and light the tree in Washington DC. 

Here are some unit study topic ideas:

• Make a graph of the heights of the previous trees and the contributing states
• Collect pictures and discover the differences in the varieties of spruce, fir, and pines that have been used at the White House
• Find the number of ornaments on the Capitol Tree and the number of other Arizona trees that will be brought into the government complex in Washington DC
• Who is the staff person in charge of the trees and the Capitol grounds?
• How did Arizona get to be this year’s donor, and who selected the tree to be cut?
• When is the decorating ceremony?  Can you watch it on TV or the Internet?
• Attend the tree cutting ceremony and one of the Arizona tour stops and create a photo-journal article about the event.
• Find out about the trees that are used in Arizona for local Christmas trees. What percentage come from our state, and what percent are brought in from elsewhere?
• Collect articles on the history of the Christmas tree, and the meaning behind various kinds of decorations
• Research the Christmas traditions at the White House and discover unique aspects from each of the presidencies
• Can the public attend the lighting ceremony?  How do people get tickets? (Hint:  application date is November 4-6, 2009.)
• How are the program participants selected for the Christmas tree event?

You are invited to the Cutting Ceremony of the Capitol Christmas Tree 2009
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Raising Truly Great Kids conference gives parents practical tips

Raising Truly Great Kids

Find new ways to enjoy and nurture your children.

Dr. Tim Kimmel has written numerous books on parenting and family relationships, and is a popular speaker.  Homeschoolers and other families will connect with his down-to-earth style and practical examples.

It’s never too early to start raising truly great kids… and it’s never too late.

Every parent wants to raise great kids, yet often we fall short of our dreams. Sometimes we’re just too busy and distracted. Some of us had less than ideal role models. Some of us are working at it, but we just don’t have a good game plan. Are you willing to invest one day in order to empower your kids… forever?

With God’s help and a plan, you can raise truly great kids. This conference is a grace-based, character-driven model to nurture confident and cooperative kids-and have a great time in the process.

Friday, November 6th from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Saturday, November 7th from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

East Valley Bible Church
1820 W Elliot Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85233
480.632.2220

More information on the conference

New art contest from NRA is open to homeschoolers

Students can enter the NRA Art Contest with their wildlife drawings.

NRA YOUTH WILDLIFE ART CONTEST
[Submitted by Kyle Jillson, National Rifle Association]

The NRA (National Rifle Association) is now accepting entries for the 2009 Youth Wildlife Art Contest. The contest is open to students in grades 1 through 12, including homeschooled students. The NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest can be a great way to help build a portfolio or show off your skills and compete for cash prizes.

The top pieces will be featured in a future issue of NRA InSights magazine and on www.NRAblog.com. Winners of each age category receive $500. Second-place finishers receive $250, and third-place gets $100. NRA membership is not required to enter. Visit the contest’s website for rules and a complete list of eligible animals and birds.

ENTRY DEADLINE: November 5, 2009

CONTACT: National Rifle Association, 703-267-1588, artcontest@nrahq.org

WEBSITE: www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp

Steve and Teri Maxwell offer encouragement to homeschooling families

This workshop is open to all families, but is especially being promoted to the homeschooling community. Positive family relationships are critical to enhancing the learning abilities for all children, and those who are home educating have “around-the-clock” opportunities to be with their children.

Steve and Teri Maxwell, from Leavenworth, Kansas, will engage families with their practical wisdom gleaned from their 25 years of homeschooling their eight children.

The Christ Led Family

This event is free and very child friendly. There will be a love offering box. There will be several sessions for young children and young adults as well. There is also a playground at the church to help little ones who need some time outside. There is NO childcare provided.

Date: January 15-16, 2010
     Jan. 15: 7-9:00pm
    Jan. 16: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
Location: Christ Community Church
    7801 E. Kenyon Drive Tucson, AZ 85710
Pre-Registration is now being accepted, please contact Katheryn Foudray at foudray5@msn.com, or 520-579-9779.

Please leave the following information:
how many adults, children, and phone number.

Do you feel like you are running on a treadmill? Do you want to have sweet relationships with your children as they are growing up and not experience the heartache of rebellion and immorality? Do your children have greater purpose in life than just to have fun? Be challenged and find ways that God can set your family on a journey of spiritual unity, purpose, and direction.

For more information please visit www.titus2.com.

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Excellent opportunity to hone art skills in a Pastel Painting Workshop

Pastel painting is a great way to explore color and texture.

Attention Artists!

 

Join this three-hour workshop and watch your artistic talents soar to a new level!

Connie Youmans is a gifted artist and teacher who is able to gently encourage students to bring out the best of themselves in their art work.  She has a series of once-a-month workshops designed to highlight different media and artists in each session.

Contact Connie right away to get in on the amazing opportunity for November.

Parents, you are welcome to join the class, or you participate in the College and Transcript Prep Workshop presented by Holly Craw at the same time.

Pastel Painting: SeascapesMark your calendars:

 

Date: Tuesday November 3rd 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Age: 5th graders through adults
Cost: $28.00 includes all materials
Location:  Covenant Home School Resource Center
    1117 E. Devonshire Ave, Phoenix, AZ  85014
Registration:  Contact Connie Youmans by email
or phone: 602/468-5792
 
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Homeschool workshop offers tips on getting college credit for almost-free

Give your homeschool graduate the best possible advantage with key tips on college and transcript preparation

Did you know that you can get college credits before you even enroll in any university classes?

There are three tests that homeschoolers and other high schoolers can take while they are completing secondary school which potentially can be turned into credits on the college transcript, for a fraction of the cost of course enrollment.

Join Holly Craw as she covers these “secrets” of using the AP, CLEP and SAT II exams to give your students a huge boost in college admissions and acquisition of transferable credits.  In addition, she will walk you through the key things that you need to do during the high school years and in the application process.

College and Transcript Prep Workshop*

· 8 key steps to the college admissions process:

• High School preparation
• Taking the admissions tests
• Filing your applications and paperwork
• The FAFSA
• Applying for financial aid
• Meeting deadlines
• College visitation
• Becoming a well-rounded student

· 5 secrets to a great transcript:

• What colleges are looking for
• Counting college credit and dual enrollment
• How to include AP, CLEP and SAT II subject tests
• Keeping records
• Counting credits from everyday life

Parents, you are welcome to bring your teens to the class, and the younger students may participate in the Pastel Painting Art Workshop presented by Connie Youmans at the same time.

College and Transcript Prep Workshop*

Mark your calendars:

Date: Tuesday November 3rd 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Age: Adults and teens–it is not too early to begin thinking about high school as early as 5th or 6th grade.

Cost: free, with optional materials packet for $15.00

Location: Covenant Home School Resource Center
1117 E. Devonshire Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Registration: Contact Holly Craw by email or phone: 602-942-7296  Space is limited.

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Bo’s Cafe kickoff party hosts The Shack author Paul Young as featured speaker

Paul Young shares his spiritual journey at the Bo's Cafe kickoff party.

What do you get when you combine the man who created the first wildly successful self-published book in the world [1] [2] [3] with a story of a highly successful man, now about to lose everything, who finds his way to restoration through a group of ordinary friends who gently push him to humbly face the truth about himself?

Answer:  A simple book entitled Bo’s Cafe which has a powerful message about grace and redemption, which the authors hope will become a touchstone of a spiritual revolution called Sanctification by Grace Through Faith.

Paul Young authored The Shack as a gift to his six children to describe his relationship with God.  Along his journey, he discovered some truths about pain and grace and relationships which he articulated in his book, and which have captured the hearts of over seven million readers. 

A year ago, he was contacted by Bruce McNicol, one of the three authors of the not-yet-published Bo’s Cafe and previously of Truefaced. It turns out that Paul had read Truefaced and had been incorporating its spiritual truths of grace and acceptance in Christ for years in his own work.  He offered to have the new novel published under his publisher, Windblown Media, and a dynamic coalition was forged which promises to open avenues of spiritual healing to millions of people around the world.

Homeschool graduation ceremony is offered by Arizona Families for Home Education

Over 150 homeschoolers typically participate in the Graduate Recognition Ceremony sponsored by Arizona Families for Home Education.

How does a homeschooler graduate from high school?  Where do we get a diploma?  Who signs the diploma?  Who needs to be notified to verify high school completion?

These are great questions and very common ones.  The answers for Arizona students are pretty simple, since we have really easy homeschool laws.

Graduation basically is the ceremony commemorating the successful completion of the minimum core requirements, and  recognizing that the student is ready for the next phase–higher education or work experience.  Arizona doesn’t require home educators to meet certain standards, so it is best to look at the coursework required for college entrance.  The ceremony can be put together by parents, a group of families, a support group, or a statewide organization such as Arizona Families for Home Education.  See below for details on the AFHE ceremony.

A diploma is the document created and signed by the people or person overseeing the student’s work, which in the case of homeschoolers is the parents.  It is perfectly legal for parents to create their own, or you can have one professionally created.

In Arizona, there is no need to notify nor be verified by any government official, although that will vary in other states.

Here is one opportunity to take part in a wonderful ceremony that is open to all Arizona homeschool graduates, sponsored by Arizona Families for Home Education.

2010 SENIOR HIGH GRADUATE RECOGNITION CEREMONY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Calling all Senior High homeschooled students! Plans are underway for the 18th Annual AFHE State Senior High Graduate Recognition Ceremony.

Friday, May 21, 2010
7:00 to 9:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center, South Ballroom

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 10, 2010

Go to www.afhe.org/graduations_2010_senior_high.htm for information and registration form.

More info:
College and Transcript Preparation Workshop
Holly Craw Home Education Services  Transcript Preparation Assistance
Other College Prep articles
New Arizona High School Graduation Requirements for Class of 2012 and 2013