Welcome to my Home-School-Community Blog!

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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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Homeschool families “get primal” with new physical fitness techniques

Amen Iseghohi delights in seeing homeschoolers become physically fit.

What type of physical fitness training might you expect from a business major from London and a nutritionist from France?

Whatever your expectation,  Amen Iseghohi is likely to surprise you with the program he has developed.

View slideshow of the workout program.

As a professional rugby player in the UK, Amen learned the standard athletic fitness program, and it served him very well in his career.  However, while spending some time as a child in Africa with his former pro-athlete grandmother, Amen was inspired to test out some non-standard methods of endurance and skill preparation.  The techniques involved use of car and truck tires, isometric exercises, and one’s own body weight.  Amen could see the benefits of such instruction for quickly building stamina, balance, and muscle mass.  Additionally, there is an extremely low injury factor.

He brought the concept to the United States under the name of Primal Fitness, and has used it to train hundreds of professional athletes, including members of the Phoenix Suns.  Amen has recently moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and offers classes at parks and his studio. AmenZone, in Central Phoenix. He is very concerned about the obesity rate among children and wants to do his part to motivate youngsters to understand and enjoy health and fitness.  His wife, the nutritionist, complements the health focus by running a juice bar at the studio with only organic ingredients.

Amen and his wife are homeschooling their son, and have a real heart for the homeschool community.  They are opening up special classes for homeschool families with a great discount good for up to four parents and children. Sessions are available now, and some additional opportunities will be kicked off in January.
********

HOME SCHOOL KIDS: LET’S GET PRIMAL!!
Come try Arizona’s newest fitness craze! This revolutionary, back-to-the-basics program will ignite your mind and body into the “zone”.

amenZone is an old school functional training program dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle at any age. Our brand of training promotes physical characteristics essential for natural instincts & survival in the real world. Each workout is methodical & traditional yet creative…you’ll never be bored! We choose to use natural training as a vehicle for self inquisition. Our program matches movement with intention…every workout is a journey that exposes who we are the very core. It is a proven natural and Fun way to say Fit and Healthy!

Workouts for ALL ages now offered in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Our bodies are designed to move…so let’s get moving!

Read more to find out how to get involved with this exciting new wave of fitness training.

Printable flier to hand out to your friends

$1000 essay scholarship offered to homeschoolers and other high school students

Homeschoolers often ask how they can get scholarships to college.  The good news is that there are thousands of sources for school funding, and many of them either seek out homeschoolers or welcome all students to apply.  Here is a brand new scholarship search site that is kicking off with a $1000 prize for an essay contest.

Dear Educator,

We wanted to let you know about a new scholarship program for your students. The $1,000 MoolahSPOT Scholarship is a short essay-based program that is open to students starting at age 16. Family income, test scores and financial need are not a consideration. The award may be used for any education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books and room and board. The deadline for applying is February 28, 2010 and applications are currently being accepted.

This scholarship is sponsored by MoolahSPOT (www.moolahspot.com) a free scholarship search engine that launched this past summer. The website is free to use and we encourage you to try it for yourself and let us know what you think.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions, and we wish your students the best of luck!

Sincerely,
Dan White
Community Outreach
MoolahSPOT.com

P.S. If you found MoolahSPOT helpful we’d really appreciate a link. If you do place a link, please send us an email and we’ll send you some free scholarship resources as a “thank you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MoolahSPOT $1,000 Scholarship
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sponsor: MoolahSPOT.com

Deadline: February 28, 2010

Award: $1,000

Eligibility: Any student at least 16 years or older who plans to attend, or is currently attending, college or graduate school. Students may study any major or plan to enter any career field at any accredited college or graduate school. A short essay is required.

How to enter: All applications must be completed online at www.moolahspot.com/award/

Contact:
MoolahSPOT
3286 Oak Court
Belmont, CA 94002
www.moolahspot.com
service@moolahspot.com

Read more about other homeschool college and scholarship opportunities.

Homeschoolers have exclusive opportunity to enter novel writing contest

Are you working on a novel that you know is going to be the next Best Seller?  Here is a great opportunity to let our work be seen by some contemporary authors and lots of other folks.

Let me introduce myself. I am Sherene Silverberg, the Homeschooling Examiner for Norfolk. A fellow homeschooler, Lydia Netzer (The Norfolk Books Examiner), and I have organized the 2nd annual Book Arts Bash and are asking for your help in promoting the event to homeschoolers.

The Bash is an amazing opportunity for budding homeschool novelists to showcase their writing. Last year over 300 entries came in, in five age groups and twenty categories. Judges like Lois Lowry (The Giver) and Robert Pinsky (former US Poet Laureate) judged and critiqued these homeschooled writers. Our web site is here: http://www.bookartsbash.com

What’s new for this year?

1. All digital.
2. All novels.
3. All free.
4. Larger monetary prizes – $100 for each 1st place winner per category.
5. Helpful critiques from leading literary agents in New York and Los Angeles for top three in each category.

All judges will all be best-selling novelists, such as Holly Black (Spiderwick Chronicles) and Sara Gruen (Water for Elephants). This year, all our entrants have the opportunity to share excerpts online as all entries are digital.

We will begin accepting entries on November 1.
The deadline for novels is January 1.

We invite you to be a part of this exciting event that promotes writing skills and presents a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to be mentored by industry professionals. The Examiner is a powerful tool in all fifty states to ensure that the largest number of homeschoolers included.  Each reader is encouraged to pass the word down through their homeschool circles and in your social media.

Please visit the website for more information.

Read more about the organizers.

Become a great speller with 50% off SpellQuizzer program

With SpellQuizzer, you can customize the word list by creating your own or importing one.

Have you ever tried to work with your student on spelling words, only to have the session end in frustration and tears (from the child and yourself!)? It seems that once the incorrect spelling has been planted in one’s brain, it is very difficult to change the thinking to accept the correct way.

SpellQuizzer was created by Dan Hite as a fun way to engage spellers and dispel the meltdowns.  The program is all done with interactive online software that is fully customizable to your needs:

• Create your own list
• Choose from existing lists
• Include audio and visual clues for the words
• Share your list with others in your group
• Quiz the student
• Ideal for school children of all ages in all school settings
• Perfect for parents who need to strengthen spelling skills

Since everything is online, you only need to register for a license one-time, and you have access to a wealth of features for improving anyone’s spelling.  There is a free 30 day trial for the program, and now is the perfect time to test it out, since you can get it for 50% off until December 25!

Read more to find out how to take advantage of this offer.  It is only being promoted to current users of the program and my readers, so act quickly to get in on this exclusive opportunity.

Take a few seconds to say “Thanks” to our troops

An abundance of handmade cards from school children are available for sending to our troops.

Can you imagine being far away from home at Christmas, missing out on all the fun and family and festivities?  Perhaps even having to be on duty when the rest of the world is celebrating.

Here is a great opportunity to say thanks to all the service men and women who are valiantly defending our country and working hard to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy.

Xerox Corporation will print and mail a card to someone serving in Iraq for every card that is selected.  Even though it is not Veteran’s Day, and Pearl Harbor Day just passed, it is always the right season to express our appreciation for the fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who risk their lives for our safety,

• Go to this website:  www.LetsSayThanks.com
• Choose your card from several dozen
• Personalize the message or use a pre-written sentiment
• Share this site with your friends
• See how many cards can be sent from your people!

You are not able to pick to whom the card will be sent, but be assured that the recipients will be moved and grateful for your care and thoughtfulness.  This is a totally FREE service.

Wouldn’t it be a huge blessing if all of the service personnel could receive a Christmas message?  This is a great project to do in your homeschool group.

Homeschool team vies for place in Lunar Base Aerospace Challenge

The Pegasus Lunar Base Team explains their moon station to their homeschool support group.

Coming soon to a travel agency near you!   An exclusive vacation guaranteed to be out of this world with sight seeing adventures that will leave you breathless and make you feel like you are floating on air.

Pegasus Lunar Base is the dream destination that has been designed by four homeschooled students who believe they have a good chance to place in the Honeywell Aerospace Challenge competition.  The contest is in its 10th year and has grown to over 500 participant teams.  Some of the features of this event include:

• Students in teams of three to five members who are in 5th-8th grades
• Sponsors are Honeywell Corporation, Challenger Space Center and ASU West and Arizona Republic
• Students design a lunar base that will accommodate up to 100 people for two years
• A model of the station must be completed out of recyclable materials with a budget of $50
• All aspects of the project must be taken into account–food, water, waste, oxygen, sustainability etc.
• Judging is done by experts from Honeywell

The homeschoolers engineering the Pegasus Lunar Base are Phoenix residents Mary Pardhe, Joshua Grasso, Blake Stokes and Gabe Morris under the direction of advisor, Cari Morris.  The students have spent many hours researching conditions for sustaining life on the moon, imagining how their enterprise would function, and designing their model.  They decided to establish a private corporation instead of using a government-run operation, and the funding will come from mining Helium 3 and tourism.

Yesterday, the team unveiled their model and described the project to their north Phoenix homeschool support group, Teaching Generations in Faith (TGIF).  The other group members found out how water and food needs would be met, how waste would be handled, and most importantly, how one could become a tourist to the moon station.

Expeditions would begin on earth with the participants being shuttled to an orbiting space station.  From there, they would be transported in three days to a station orbiting the moon.  Another shuttle would collect the tourists and land them at Pegasus.  They would be housed in quarters separate from the Pegasus crew, but would have access to the all the recreational facilities available. 

For two weeks, travelers would be able to view the production and mining industries, take day trips to various landmarks, and find out greater detail about life on the moon.  They would be returned to earth via the shuttles and rockets after being gone about three weeks total.

What is the cost for this one-of-a-kind vacation? 

Read more to see the cost and a slide show of the Pegasus Team.

Homeschoolers are invited to take 25% off purchases at Barnes and Noble December 5

Home educators are usually bibliophiles (book lovers), and Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Desert Ridge Mall in Phoenix is providing a great way to feed the habit with tremendous savings.

All pre-K-12th grade teachers, including homeschoolers, are invited to do some holiday shopping and get 25% off all classroom and personal purchases, including 10% off DVD’s and CD’s.  The store employees will be available for personalized service, refreshments will be on-hand, and other special treats will be offered throughout the day.

Educators will need to have a free Educator Discount Card, and can sign up that day.  Bring some proof of educator status (paystub for those employed by a school or homeschoolers can show a homeschool affidavit or a  membership card to a homeschool organization such as Arizona Families for Home Education, Home School Legal Defense Association or support group) and be ready to bring home some great bargains.

The Educator Discount Card is good all year long for 20% off classroom related purchases.
By the way, this special event is not listed on the store website, but was found in the Events newsletter from the store.

Details:
Date:  Saturday, December 5, 2009
Location:  Barnes & Noble–Desert Ridge Mall
                   21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ  85050
Phone:  480-538-8520
Store Hours: 9:00 AM- 10:00 PM

How does homeschooling fare in the current economic and political climate?

Kevin Jennings has plans to make all schools "safe" for non-heterosexual students.

  

The decision to homeschool one’s own children is a concept that brings varied responses.  For some, it is the logical course to which parents feel called by God.  For others, it is circumstantial–things aren’t working out right in the public school, or the cost of private school has become prohibitive.  Another group will take it year by year based on how they feel, what the kids want, new life changes that make it easier or more difficult to teach the students at home.It is my observation that the current political and economic climate will simultaneously make home education increasingly more difficult and yet compellingly more desirable.  These opposing forces will be explored in a series of articles, from the perspective of providing support and resources to those who choose to start or stay the course with homeschooling. ********* 

 Scenario #1. 

With many people out of jobs, families are needing to do whatever they can to stay afloat, and that may mean both parents need to have some sort of income.  For some homeschoolers, public school looks like a great option:  free, convenient, less time-consuming, and giving the teaching parent opportunity to work during school hours while children are safely cared for and educated by others.Speaking of safely, there is an official government position newly established to ensure the welfare of children while they are being educated.  In June, Education Secretary Arne Duncan appointed Kevin Jennings to head the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. [1]  That sounds pretty good on the surface, and we all would agree that keeping children safe is a good thing.The problem comes in looking at the background of Mr. Jennings and his overtly spoken agenda for the schools in America.  As the homosexual founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Jennings has written several books in which he celebrates the gay lifestyle and openly advocates for unhindered promotion of such in all school venues, even down to early elementary grades.[2] [3] [4]  Additionally, in some of these same publications, Jennings shares his own drug and alcohol history with the implication that his life has been improved by substance use.In other speeches, Jennings has disclosed that he originated the term “safe schools” to set up places in which the non-heterosexual students would be “safe” from the “hate crimes” of sexual-orientation-negativity from other students and teachers.  The hallmark of these schools would not be the evidence of tolerance for all orientations, but rather the embracing and defending of these lifestyles by the straight contingents. [5]Read more.

Community college admissions are easy for homeschoolers of any age

Community colleges in Arizona welcome homeschooled students of any age!

Can a homeschooled student get into college?

This is an often asked question from those who fear that a home education may hinder a student’s chances at higher education.  The answer is a resounding YES!  Increasing numbers of colleges and universities are recruiting and actively pursuing those taught at home, and these students have a higher than average record of college enrollment and success.[1]

Community college has become an important first step for a large percentage of homeschoolers for several reasons:

• Some students have exceeded the knowledge base of their parents by the time they reach high school, and pick up community college courses as dual enrollment classes while still in high school.
• Since Arizona allows 12 year-olds to enroll in the community colleges, teens may try out areas of special interest in addition to their studies at home.
• The smaller classrooms and more individual attention provide an easy transition from the home to the higher education setting.
• Very reasonable cost per credit hour gives more flexibility to those needing to save money before heading off to the universities.

It is quite easy to get in to the community colleges, either on a dual enrollment or matriculated student status.

Dual Enrollment (students under 18 who haven’t graduated from high school)

• There is an online handbook which details the admissions requirements for students under 18 in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD)
• Section 2C of the handbook states: Home schooled students are exempt from this sub-section (of admission requirements).
• Section 2D states: A student shall not be denied admission because of age, lack of a high school diploma or high school certificate of equivalency, grade in school, lack of permission of school officials or lack of concurrent enrollment in a public or private school

There is absolutely no mention of homeschooling anywhere on the current website for MCCCD except as noted above.  Therefore, it is safe to assume that nothing is required from homeschoolers except for the standard admissions forms.

However, it is required that all students take a course placement test prior to enrolling in your first English, math, and/or reading course, or if pursuing a degree or applying for federal financial aid.  Options for English-speaking students are the ASSET or the ACCUPLACER, and ESL applicants may choose from the COMPASS or CELSA.

Regular admission for high school graduates is granted to any person who meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Is a graduate of a high school, which is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by the United States Office of Education or approved by a State Department of Education or other appropriate state educational agency.
• Has a high school certificate of equivalency (GED)
• Is at least 18 years of age and demonstrates evidence of potential success in the community college.
• Is a transfer student in good standing from another college or university.

Again, there is nothing specific to home education, and since homeschooling is approved by the Department of Education per A.R.S. 15-802.01, there should not be any hoops through which to jump.

A transcript may be required or a GED certificate for verification and placement purposes.

The current website information makes it easier to enter community college as a homeschooler than was possible in the past.  This is great news for students who are ready to be challenged by college level work, no matter what your age.   

Read more:

Free homeschool field trip at the AZ Historical Museums December 4-5

AZ Historical Society Museum – First Saturday Free at all locations

The logo of the Arizona Historical Society is the symbol for copper, a key factor in Arizona's history and development.

 
Saturday December 5, 2009
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: 1300 North College Avenue Tempe, Arizona 85281

Other locations around the state include:

• Tucson
• Flagstaff
• Yuma

Several holiday events will also be taking place this weekend, especially at the Tucson location, which will host a Book Fair and Mercantile Holiday Store Party with free admission.
 
http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/

Phone: 480-929-0292