January 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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Homeschooling Tips for New Homeschool Families

 

Helpful tips and suggestions for new homeschool families to spend less time worrying and a lot more time enjoying this amazing first year experience of homeschooling. 

1. Start slowly with realistic expectations - the first year will be a learning experience for both you and your child. 

2. Develop a working relationship with your child - establish that you the parent are the teacher and the child is the student and that both will be dedicated to the goals you have set. 

3. Know your local homeschool laws and regulations - Arizona Revised Statue 15-802, http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/15/00802.htm defines what homeschooling is and the requirements for homeschooling. 

4. Research resources and curriculum - The resources and curriculum available today for homeschool families is amazing. Take the time to research and decide as a family which curriculum would be best, do you want to incorporate your faith in the curriculum or use secular materials or both? Also, research the support groups and co-ops within your area and what the local public school offers for homeschool stu-dents. 

5. Be organized and have a plan - Begin with writing down ideas, resource information, to do lists, meal plans, and outline weekly, monthly and yearly lesson plans. 

6. Designate an area for school - You and your child need a comfortable work space in a well-lighted spot, free from distractions and the obligations of the household. Keep resources, supplies and books within the area. But if you are limited on space, school can happen wherever you are in your home. 

7. Find a homeschool group and/or homeschool co-op group - The internet or local community groups are a good way to find other parents and kids for field trips, science projects, advice and support. Finding homeschool groups for support and encouragement for the parents and the child can only enhance your child’s progress. 

8. Social Realm - A homeschooler can have all the friends in the world. Scouting, sports, neighbors, chil-dren of friends, and other homeschool friends-all the ways schooled kids find friends are open to your child as well. 

9. Have a method of evaluation for your child - If you have clear goals at the outset and communicate them to your child, you will both be working under the same expectations. If your child has met those expectations, then they can pro-gress in their studies.  

10. Have Fun!

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Arizona Science Center - Homeschool Classes

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Rocks and Minerals (2-part program)* Jan 12 & 19, 2016

Jan 12, 2016 & Jan 19, 2016

1:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

Class will be taught by a state certified educator. Learn how crystallization occurs by making lab-created geodes. Then, become field geologists and use a variety of methods to identify mystery minerals.  Two part class on January 12 and January 19, 2016.  Students must attend both sessions.  Recommended for grades 5 – 8.

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Disease Detectives

January 26, 2016

Jan 26, 2016 

1:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

Disease Detectives

January 28, 2016

Jan 28, 2016 

1:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

Class will be taught by a state certified educator. In this workshop, students will be introduced to concepts of nanoscience as it relates to biomedicine by exploring new technologies currently in development to assist physicians with disease diagnosis.  Recommended for grades 5 – 8.

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Thin Films*, January 26, 2016

Jan 26, 2016 

9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m

Thin Films, January 28, 2016

Jan 28, 2016 

9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

Class will be taught by a state certified educator.  What's the big deal about nano? By manipulating the properties of clear nail polish and water, students will learn about thin films and practical and current applications of nanotechnology. Recommended for grades 2 – 5.

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AFHE NEWS

AFHE - Homeschool Seminar at Desert Foothills Library

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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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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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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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Covenant Homeschool Resource Center

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HOURS

We are open 9am-4pm

Tuesday-Friday 

and one Saturday a month 

CONTACT

602.277.3497

info@chsrc.org 

www.chsrc.org

Like us on Facebook!

We will Re-Open on Tuesday, January 5th at 9am.

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STEM Events

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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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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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Jack Hanna’s ‘Into the Wild Live’

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Get ready to take a walk on the wild side as Hanna brings his live show to the Valley. The performance features Hanna’s animal friends, stories and footage from his adventures. Hanna had his own syndicated television show, “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” as has appeared on “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Good Morning America” and “Larry King Live.” VIP tickets include a meet-and-greet after the show with Jungle Jack and some of his animal friends.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams, Phoenix. $25-$77. 877-840-0457, phoenix.ticketforce.com

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I.D.E.A. Museum - All Aboard Trains

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The I.D.E.A. Museum’s new train-themed exhibit celebrates Metro light rail rolling into downtown Mesa. Now through January, kids and families can experience “All Aboard Trains!” The show features 36 artworks by eight artists, a train depot where visitors can get a train ticket and ride guide, an interactive “ride-the-rails” engineer-training simulation game and a place to design and paint watercolor locomotives.

Details: Through Jan. 24. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon-4 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays. 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. $8; free for members and children younger than 1. 480-644-2468, ideamuseum.org

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Free Family Second Sundays at Phoenix Art Museum

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Starting this month, the Phoenix Art Museum hosts Free Family Second Sundays, sponsored by Discount Tire. Every Second Sunday of each month, families get free admission and special kid-friendly activities. In January, kids can make a room-sized mural with artist Andy Brown, take part in a scavenger hunt and listen to an interactive storytime session or music.

Details: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

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Children's Museum of Phoenix Events

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March 4-6, 2016

Get ready for Arizona ‘s Original SANDFEST! Can you dig it? An entire weekend of beach-filled fun! Dive into the festivities on Saturday, all ages are invited as we ignite imagination through sand with 2 days of indoor and outdoor sand activities. This community beach party promises kids-only sand play inside and out, giant sand sculptures (crafted by local teams  and international experts), food trucks, music and more! Plus, Sunday offers FREE admission and activities just for grandparents and grandchildren visiting together!

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Raising Special Kids Tip of the Week

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May an IEP team include a goal in an area not specifically linked to the child’s eligibility category? (This question was submitted by Ms. Teena Joseph, special education teacher from Pima Partnership High School in Tucson, AZ.)

 

Yes. The regulations that implement the IDEA state that an IEP must include a statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals designed to meet the child’s needs that result from the child’s disability to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum, and meet each of the child’s other educational needs that result from the child’s disability. [34 C.F.R. § 300.320(a)(2)] For example, a child may be eligible to receive special education and related services under the disability category of specific learning disability, but may have needs related to behavior. Because the regulations require IEP teams to consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports any time a child’s behavior impedes his or her learning or that of others [34 C.F.R. § 300.324(a)(2)], an IEP team may choose to include a goal to address the child’s behavior.

Visit:  raisingspecialkids.org 

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Homeschool Days at Butterfly Wonderland

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

  • 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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Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park

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Take the family for a free train ride on one of five routes operated by the Adobe Western Railroad. Trains depart about every 10 minutes. The park includes railroad artifacts and model-train layouts, and you can browse research materials. The museum operates from mid-September to early May. During the summer closure, museum displays are changed, trains and building facades get a fresh coat of paint and play areas are improved.

Details: Noon-4:30 p.m. Sundays. 22822 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. Free. 623-670-1904,adobemtndesertrrpark.com.

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Arizona Game and Fish Department

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2016 Wildlife Management Career Exploration Panel

       Sat, Feb 6, 2016 at 9:00 AM

5000 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ

   Event Description

Do you want to work with animals? Have you ever considered a career in wildlife management? If so, we have a great opportunity for you to learn more about wildlife-related careers!

Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department as we host a Wildlife Management Career Exploration Panel. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of current Department employees who will provide an overview of their responsibilities and their background experience. These panelists will include:

  • A wildlife manager/game ranger
  • A wildlife biologist
  • A wildlife health specialist/veternarian
  • A wildlife education specialist

In addition, human resources staff will discuss hiring priorities and potential internship opportunities.

At the end of the event, participants will be able to ask questions of the panelists.

This event is geared toward high school and college students who are interested in wildlife careers. Any students under 18 years old should be accompanied by an adult.

NOT IN PHOENIX? We will be broadcasting a large portion of the event via a live webcast.

To register for either the in-person event or the webcast, click on the appropriate ticket below!     

When: Saturday, February 6, 2016   9:00 AM to 12:00PM                                            

Where:  5000 West Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086   

To Register:     https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-wildlife-management-career-exploration-panel-registration-19295855423

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Discounted Educational Products

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 www.educents.com  

We aspire to provide affordable education to everyone. That’s the idea behind Educents.

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