December Homeschool Newsletter

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Homeschool Title

MCESA is committed to consistently providing resources, leadership and support for the educational needs of all homeschooling families.

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Children's Museum of Phoenix

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Saturday, December 5 and Saturday, December 12

8:00am to 9:00am

$20 per person for members

$30 per person for non-members

Includes Museum admission!

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gingerbread man

 Start a family tradition at our Gingerbread Workshops! We'll provide the gingerbread, candy buffet and hot cocoa! You provide the creativity!  The best part about it...we clean up the mess! 

GINGERBREAD HOUSES 

Saturday, December 5

10:00am | 11:30am | 1:30pm | 3:00pm

Saturday, December 12

10:00am | 11:30am | 1:30pm | 3:00pm

Friday, December 18 

4:00 to 7:00pm (Members-Only Extended Play)

$30 members (group of four)

$35 non-members (group of four) 

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ginger

GIANT GINGERBREAD PEOPLE

Friday, December 18 

4:00 to 7:00pm (Members-Only Extended Play)

Saturday, December 19

10:00am to 12:00pm | 1:00 to 3:00pm

$8 per participant for members

$10 per participant for non-members

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snow

Saturday, December 12
9:00am til the snow melts! 20 tons of snow!

Snow play is FREE with paid Museum admission of $11 per person

VISITS WITH SANTA!

10:00 to 11:30am | 12:30 to 1:30pm

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December 4th is Target Free First Friday Night! Come down to the Museum from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and play free of charge!

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Arizona Theatre Company

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Arizona Theatre Company Presents: A Christmas Carol 

This production of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, stars Katie McFadzen, one of the Valley's most celebrated comedic actresses. It's a must see this holiday season and it's great for the entire family!

Special, Limited-Run Productions in Phoenix

Herberger Theater Center 

December 11th through December 26th 

Add some extra spirit to the holidays and order your tickets today! Save 50% on tickets for children 12 and under. 

For tickets, visit ARIZONATHEATRE.ORG

or call 602.256.6995. 

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Homeschool Days at Butterfly Wonderland

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Butterfly Wonderland has posted their Homeschool Days for 2015 – 2016 ~ you can find the list below:

  • December 7, 2015 
  • December 8, 2015 
  • January 25, 2016 
  • January 26, 2016

The Days are structured for Homeschool families – a minimum of 10 people is needed to score the discounted admission of $8 per student, (2 and under are FREE) and $12 per adult. Tax is 7.95% –  you MUST complete the homeschool reservation form.

For Information: http://butterflywonderland.com/

CONTACT:     (480) 800-3000   

9500 E. Via de Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85256

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Shamrock Farms

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15 tons of snow? You bet. Visits with Roxie and Santa? For sure. Grab your mittens and your camera and get the whole family ready for our Annual “Joy to the Herd” holiday celebration December 5th and 6th!

Joy to the Herd Hours: Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6

Welcome Barn: 9AM – 3PM with tours offered on Saturday & Sunday at 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM

AVAILABLE TOURS:

  • Sat, 12/5 & Sun, 12/6: 2PM

Visit:  http://www.shamrockfarms.net/farm-tour/joy-to-the-herd-info/?utm_source=November+28+through+Dec+6&utm_campaign=programs+Nov+28-Dec+6%2C+2015&utm_medium=email

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AFHE NEWS

AFHE - Homeschool Seminar at Desert Foothills Library

started

Homeschool Seminar at Desert Foothills Library
with Nancy Manos and Linda Crosby

GETTING STARTED HOMESCHOOLING - If you’re new to homeschooling or thinking about this exciting education option for your family, be sure to join us for this 3-hour seminar. AFHE board members Linda Crosby and Nancy Manos will present three workshops including Getting Started Homeschooling, Choosing Curriculum, and Ideas for Lesson Planning and Scheduling. Lunch is included.

WHEN     Saturday, January 16, 2016, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

WHERE   Desert Foothills Library, Conference Room, 38443 N. Schoolhouse                 Road, Cave Creek, 85331

COST  Free

REGISTER   Desert Foothills Library, 480-488-2286

WEBSITE   www.dfla.org

CONTACT   Nancy Manos, AFHE, homeschool@afhe.org with workshop or AFHE questions. Contact Desert Foothills Library to reserve your spot or for facility-related questions.

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AFHE - 2016 Graduation

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2016 AFHE Sr. High Graduation 
Calling all 2016 senior high homeschool graduates, we have a very special cap and gown ceremony planned for you! Registration is now open!


WHEN: Friday, May 20, 2016, 7:00 PM 

WHERE:  Dream City Church (formerly Phoenix First Assembly), Phoenix 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February, 5, 2016

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Leadership Conference

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2016 Leadership Conference
Saturday, January 23, 2016 

 
Arizona homeschool group leaders, gather your team and join us for the 2016 AFHE Leadership Conference. We've got a fun and educational day planned for you, packed with helpful information as you lead your homeschool group, networking opportunities with other leaders, laughter, and encouragement! Register by January 15, 2016.

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Golf For Homeschoolers

golf

Homeschool Golf Lessons
Crosley Golf - Glendale  

Give your homeschool student or group the opportunity to learn golf the fun, easy, and rewarding way. We provide all the equipment, PGA accredited instruction, and fun!  Group lessons need a minimum of 5 participants but we can accommodate up to 30+.  Boys and girls of all ages and skill levels are welcome! 

WHEN: Any weekday M-F, between 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

WHERE: Legend at Arrowhead Golf Course, 21027 N. 67th Ave, Glendale, 85308 

COST: $15 per student - all ages are welcome; must have a minimum of 5 students 

CONTACT: Kelli McClarren, PGA Golf Pro, cell 361-774-1860, kelli@kgrist.com 

WEBSITE: www.crosleygolf.com

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Drama For Homeschoolers

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East Valley Drama Guild Offering Classes for Homeschoolers

 
Affordable, Christian-based drama classes taught by Jennifer Young. Each session will begin and end in prayer and will include playful opportunities for students to develop confidence in public speaking, poise, good character traits, and auditioning skills. Monthly performances such as lip-syncs, monologues, and scenes from various plans. Students will receive a certificate of completion and semester grade.

WHEN: Thursdays
10:00-11:30 AM for 8-11 year olds
12:30-2:30 PM for 12-18 year olds 

WHERE: Proclaim Church, 1837 W. Guadalupe, Suite 105, Mesa, 85202 

CLASS RATE:  $15 per class or pay by the month or semester for discounts: $50 per month ($10 discount) or $225 per semester ($60 discount)

CONTACT: Jennifer Young, made4worship2@gmail.com, 480-510-5367

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Art For Homeschoolers

Homeschool Art
Art Enrichment Curriculum 

 
Carrie Curran Art Studios has designed a wide array of classes for homeschoolers which are professionally instructed, informative, affordable, and fun! Children explore different mediums, subjects, and art techniques while learning art history. Students are guided to use their newly acquired skills and imagination while creating expressive art projects. Assignments are available and encouraged for further homeschool instruction. Visit the calendar on our website to view monthly scheduled classes open to all homeschooled students ages 6-13.

WHERE:  Carrie Curran Art Studios, 10636 N. 71st Way, Suite 12, Scottsdale, 85254

COST: $35 - Bring a sketchbook or you can purchase on at the studio for $10. All other art supplies included.

WEBSITE:  carriecurranart.com

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Music For Homeschoolers

piano

 Classical Piano Instruction
Bardin Music Studio 

 
This studio offers integrated, traditional instruction with emphasis on formal recital performance. 32 years in operation. Recital videos and testimonials on the website. Openings for ages 7-18 are available.

CONTACT: Steven Bardin, 928-848-4428, bardinmusicstudio@q.com 

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flute/piano

Flute and Piano Lessons for Homeschooled Students 

Hollie Stokes is a private flute and piano instructor offering private lessons for homeschool students of all ages.  She has a music performance degree in Flute from Grand Canyon University and has taught private lessons for 15 years.  Hollie offers a flexible schedule perfect for homeschool students!  Her students perform in recitals twice a year.  She is also a member of the Arizona Flute Society. In addition, Hollie is a member of Arizona Winds Concert Band that performs in the Northwest side of Phoenix. Lessons are recommended once weekly.  Contact Hollie to set up a day and time. 

WHERE:  In Hollie's home studio in Peoria - close to the Arrowhead Mall 

COST:  $20 per 30 minute lesson, or $30 per 45 minute lesson, or $40 per 1 hour lesson.  Sign up now and receive your first lesson for free! 

CONTACT:  Hollie Stokes, hstokes@cox.net623-221-4765 

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Alleigh's Music Studio - Piano Lessons in Your Home 

 

Have you or your loved one ever had the desire to learn the piano?  Well here is your chance!  Alleigh's Music Studio has openings! Our studio has been offering piano lessons in the comfort of your very own home since 2010. With private piano lessons, students are given the one-on-one time they need to achieve their goals. Instructors are willing to come to your house in person or via Skype. Theory, history, technique, ear training, sight-reading, and performance. Personalized lessons developed to reflect the student's ability.

COST:  $30 per half-hour lesson. $20 monthly fuel fee per family for in-home lessons.

CONTACT:  Alleigh Knapp, alleighsmusicstudio@gmail.com 

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Covenant Homeschool Resource Center

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We are open Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm weekly

We are CLOSED December 19th-January 4th.  Merry Christmas!

We are authorized distributors for the following publishers:

  • Alpha Omega
  • Apologia
  • Berean Builders
  • BJU Press
  • Common Sense Press
  • Master Books
  • Saxon Math

Come and visit us to browse products from these publishers and other popular curriculum. You are also welcome to place orders over the phone. As a non-profit we do not collect sales tax or shipping cost when you pick your books up at CHSRC.

We have many fun extras including science supplies and math manipulatives. Check out our comprehensive collection of used materials including a $1 bargain wall with treasures awaiting discovery.

Did you know that you can receive a discount on used books by donating your unneeded curriculum to CHSRC?  It is also tax-deductible!

Visit: http://www.chsrc.org/

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National History Bee

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2015-16 National History Bee

 
The National History Bee is an incredibly fun and engaging activity for social studies education. Homeschool students are welcome to participate. We are waiving the initial registration fee for all homeschool students in the Middle School Division (8th grade and younger) across the entire USA!

TO PARTICIPATE
Step 1: Register at www.historybee.com with promo code HOME (so that it's free!)

Step 2: Submit the Individual Participation Form

Step 3: Keep learning about history and take the Online Qualifying Exam in January!

Visit:  http://historybee.com/homeschool/

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STEM Events

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invention

InventionX Cup 
STEM-Based Invention Challenges 

 
Registration is open for the first season of the InventionX Cup, a series of STEM-based invention challenges for 5th-12th grade students. Challenges will begin in February. The InventionX five-step invention process can be either a do-it-yourself model or an instructed workshop brought in for students. Through the InventionX Cup, students can submit their solutions to the series of online challenges in the spring that provide opportunities for national recognition and awards. Homeschooled students are welcome to for teams and participate! 

CONTACT: InventionX, info@inventionx.org  

WEBSITE: www.inventionx.org to register your team

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Connect2STEM 2016

The University of Arizona (UA), in partnership with COX Communications, presents Connect2STEM 2016 – a family-friendly event celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Math – and Medicine. 

STEM enthusiasts have the opportunity to interact with 100+ tables of hands-on science activities. Last year, the event drew more than 2,000 children and families.  The UA’s second annual Connect2STEM event is free will take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix located in downtown Phoenix at 550 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix (5th St. and Van Buren).

REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED:

The event is free. Attendees are asked to register online. The first 1,000 registered participants will receive a STEM bag with free giveaways.

****Register online at: www.Connect2STEM.com

When:  January 9th, 2016 

             10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost FREE, registration encouraged for free gift bag at www.Connect2STEM.com

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix          

550 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix , AZ 85004

Venue Website: http://phoenixmed.arizona.edu

Website www.Connect2STEM.com

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sci

Prescott Regional SciTech Fest

 
Are you looking for a great adventure for your students? All ages from the Prescott region are invited to a day of STEM+A (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math + Arts) at the Prescott Regional SciTech Fest. Students and their families can view art and STEM displays, participate in hands-on activity booths, and watch exciting demonstrations. Schools are invited to exhibit their best student science projects and art work at the festival and to develop a booth. 

WHEN:  Saturday, February 27, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

WHERE:  Prescott Gateway Mall

CONTACT:  prescottscitechfest.schools@gmail.com

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Archaeology for Kids

Children ages 7 to 12 can become a Junior Archaeologist and discover the science of archaeology by doing a simulated excavation of a Hohokam pit house.

Learn how to identify artifacts in the field, and discover how archaeologists use these artifacts to learn more about past cultures. Cost is $15; advanced registration is required by December 3.

When   December 5th, 2015   9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Pueblo Grande Museum in

Cost $15

Venue Website www.pueblogrande.com

Website pueblogrande.com

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hol

Holiday Skies Program

Program explores various astronomical interpretations of the Star of Bethlehem and covers the constellations and astronomical objects visible during the holiday season.

When:    December 7th, 2015        
              to December 10th, 2015  at 7:00 p.m.

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff

Cost Included with admission, see website

Venue Website www.lowell.edu

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Arizona State Envirothon Competition

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Arizona State Envirothon Competition- Join with other homeschoolers to form a 5-member team and sign up for the 2016 Arizona Envirothon, a natural resource competition for high school students in grades 9-12. Show case your knowledge of the environment in this two-day, fun-filled competition. 2016 topic: "Invasive Species - A Challenge to the Environment, Economy, and Society." 

WHEN:  April 8-9, 2016

WHERE:  Desert Outdoor Center, Lake Pleasant, Peoria / Hassayampa River Preserve, Wickenburg

COST:  $100 per team (includes meals for 5 students and 2 coaches, t-shirts, etc.) 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  January 8, 2016

TRAINING WORKSHOP:  An optional training workshop has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2016, 10 AM - 3:00 PM, Location TBD. 

CONTACT:  Rodney Held, 480-250-8786, azenvirothon@gmail.com 

WEBSITE:  www.azenvirothon.org

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We Make History

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The Phoenix Liberty Festival

We would like to invite you to a very special educational field trip focused entirely on the American Revolution.

Brought to you by We Make History, the Liberty Festival will be creative, engaging and highly interactive with a focus on the "ordinary" people of the American Revolution and their experiences in both military and civilian life as they were caught up in large events beyond their control.

The Phoenix Liberty Festival event will be held at the property of Northwest Christian School, near 43rd Ave. & Bell Rd. in Phoenix. The date is Saturday, February 27th, 2016 and we will be open from 11AM-3:30PM. You are welcome to arrive and leave at any time during those hours. A detailed schedule is below.

We are offering a special rate of $8 each for our friends which will be good for orders received by January 31st. This offer will NOT be found on the website. It will ONLY be publicized through our VIP e-newsletter which you are welcome to share with other patriots.

Visit: http://www.americanlibertyfestival.com/

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North Valley Symphony Orchestra

santa

NVSO will have a special visit from Santa at our upcoming Dec. 5th concert.  Photos with Santa will be taken before and after the concert, and during intermission. Your downloadable photo is free, thanks to Tom Argiro Photography.
Saturday, Dec. 5th, 7:00 p.m.
North Canyon H.S. Performing Arts Auditorium
1700 E. Union Hills Dr.
Buy tickets on-line (only $5): 
http://www.northvalleysymphony.org/buy-tickets/

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Holiday Salt Dough Ornaments

salt ornament

Ingredients

  •  4 cups all-purpose flour
  •  1 1/2 cups water
  •  1 cup salt  

Directions:

  •  Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  •  Combine the flour, salt and water; mix well and knead for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
  •  Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. Bake for 30 minutes; allow to cool
  •  Decorate with poster paints or tube paints. Allow to dry and spray with clear polyurethane on both sides to preserve. Use ribbon or yarn pieces to hang. 
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