December Homeschool Newsletter

MCESA Words only logo
 
Homeschool Title

4041 N. Central Ave.
Suite 1200
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Phone:
(602) 506-3144
Fax:
(602) 506-3753

 

Email:

ana.vuletic@mcesa.maricopa.gov

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

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Glendale Glitters

Celebrating 20 Years!

Glendale's award-winning holiday lighting event has become a family tradition across the Valley and state, and this year will mark the city's 20th year of this joyous holiday celebration.

The stunning display of 1.5 million lights will illuminate 16 blocks of Historic Dowtown Glendale, makeing it the largest free holiday light display in Arizona, and it all kicks off Nov 29th and 30th from 5:00pm - 10:00pm each evening.

Visit the website for the entertainment lineup for Glendale Glitters Spectacular and the holiday magic continues with more events in downtown Glendale, each Friday and Saturday through Dec. 21st, from  6:00pm - 10:00pm each evening.

http://www.glendaleaz.com/Glitters/index.cfm

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Zoo Lights

zoo lights

New this year! Enjoy TWO different Music in Motion shows in and around the lake - a dazzling light show like no other in the Valley! The new show will take you down the yellow brick road with music from the Wizard of Oz and due to popularity we are bringing back "Wizard in Winter" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

When:   November 28, 2013 - January 12, 2014

              6:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday - Thursday

              6:00pm - 12:00am Friday & Saturday

Visit website for tickets and event information:

http://phoenixzoo.org/event-items/zoolights

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Arizona Science Center

imaginate

Imaginate - Dream. Create. Build.

What makes a paper airplane soar? What does it take to be considered an innovator? Indulge in your desire to never stop wondering and step into the world of creation and inventions with "Imaginate" 

When:   September 29, 2013 - January 5, 2014

             600 E. Washington St.

             Phoenix, AZ  85004

             602-716-2000  

For pricing & more information, visit: http://azscience.org/who_are_you/this_month_at_the_center

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Homeschool Classes

Arizona Science Center offers a variety of homeschool opportunities for students from September through May. Homeschool classes are held onsite at Arizona Science Center and offsite at Usery Mountain Park.  

For more information, please contact:

Mary Campbell - Senior Educator Coordinator

602-716-2000 Ext. 229 

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Homeschool Explorer Program

Classes suggested for ages 6 to 10 years of age.

For iinformation on times visit: http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/explorer.pdf

Bugged Out About Bugs - Don't let tiny bugs get to you. Study about many different species to learn their ways and how they fit into the environment. Are they helpful or harmful to you? Come and find out for yourself.

  • Dec 10th, 11th & 13th    Morning classes available
  • Dec 17th and 18th    Afternoon classes available 

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Homeschool at Usery Mountain Park Program

Classes suggested for ages 6 to 10 years of age

For information on times visit:  http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/usery.pdf

Bugged Out About Bugs - Don't let tiny bugs get to you. Study about many different species to learn their ways and how they fit into the environment. Are they helpful or harmful to you? Come and find out for yourself. 

  • December 20th 

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Homeschool Tween Program

Classes suggested for ages 11 and up

For information on times visit: http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/tweens.pdf

Join us as we learn about and dissect three of the most important organs found in a mammal. Hold a cow heart in your hand, and then dissect it to understand how the blood flows through the heart so it can pump it throughout the body. Open up the lungs and see the intricate pattern of tubes that grow ever smaller to allow the oxygen to pass through to the bloodstream. Lastly, cut open a kidney and learn about the amazing delicate parts of the kidney that filter all the bad stuff from the blood and into the urine.

  • January 7th, 8th or 9th     Morning or afternoon classes available 

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Homeschool Connections Science Fair

Open to all homeschool students, join us for Arizona Science Center Non-Competitive Science Fair.

When: March 8, 2014

Time:  10:00am to 1:00pm

For project guidelines, event day information and registration visit: http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/home_school.pdf

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AFHE

AFHE Events

MID-YEAR REFRESHER

Arizona homeschool parents, join us for an evening of laughter, good food, fellowship and that much-needed mid-year boost of encouragement to help you finish out the school year strong.

  • Friday, January 24th    6:30pm - 9:30pm  at the Windemere Hotel in Mesa
  • $18 per person      Deadline: January 17th

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Arizona homeschool support group leaders are invited to join us for an awesome opportunity to connect with other leaders from around the state and get equipped to carry out your mission to lead your group well.

  • Saturday, January 25th    9:00 am - 3:00pm at the Windemere Hotel in Mesa
  • $18 individual or $28 married couple     Deadline: January 17th

22nd ANNUAL SR. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Arizona homeschool seniors graduating next spring. Register by February 7th to participate in AFHE's cap and gown ceremony as we celebrate this very important milestone in your home education journey!

  • Friday, May 23rd    7:00pm - 9:00pm   at Phoenix First Assembly
  • $147 graduate participation fee    Deadline: February 7th

For more information visit: http://www.afhe.org/

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Archery Expo

archery ben avery

Release Your Wild

Excited about archery? The event is geared toward people with little to no archery experience, and will give you the opportunity to try multiple hands-on archery stations and meet with vendors to discuss archery resources.

When:   Saturday, December 7th       9:00am - 4:00pm

Where: Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Cost:  Free

Contact: Arizona game and Fish Department   623-236-7402

Website: www.azgfd.gov/promos/releaseyourwild/releaseyourwild.shtml 

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Events at Desert Botanical

Learning Labs for Homeschoolers

Join us to explore and understand the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Each month participants will take an informative hike followed by a tasty snack and a classroom investigation. Our uniquely designed curriculum blends hands-on, inquiry-based learning with a dose of fun and is taught by enthusiastic Garden staff and volunteers.

When:  January 16th and February 20th

             1:00pm - 3:00pm

Class Fees:     Members - $15 per class

                        General Public - $20 per class

Website: http://www.dbg.org/education-programs/kids-camps-programs/learning-labs

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The Gift of Flowers

Surprise your family and friends with a gift made from flowers. This holiday season, use pressed and dried flowers and herbs to make a book mark, suncatcher or sweet-smelling sachet for the special people in your life. Families will bond over a shared gift-making experience while learning about desert plants at the same time.

When:  Saturday,  December 7th

             10:00am - 11:30am

Class Fees:     Member -  $18       General Public -  $22

Website: http://www.dbg.org/shop/courses/the-gift-of-flowers-12-7-13

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Las Noches de las Luminarias and Chihuly in the Garden

Each night of Luminaria, the Garden will come to life with the soft glow from more than 8,000 hand lit Luminaria bages, thousands of white twinkle lights and Chihuly's vibrant works of art.  As you walk the paths with a warm cup of cider, the sounds of hand bells ringing and Dixens Carolers singing remind you of what the season is all about. Make plans with family and friends to attend this year's very special Las Noches de las Luminarias.

When:  November 29th - 30th & December 1st - 31st

             5:30pm - 9:30pm

Visit the webiste for ticket information and entertainment schedule: http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias 

las nochias de las luminarias
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Stargazing for Everyone

star gazing

Enjoy a night under the stars or a special tour in our giant indoor planetarium. Learn star names, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky. View the moon, planets, star clusters, nebula, galaxies and more through our telescopes. We encourage you to bring your digital camera and binoculars to enjoy the views from these great locations. The stargazing programs are outdoor events, dress appropriately and bring chairs or blankets for your seating comfort.

NOTE: All Stargazing Programs start at 7:30pm - Unless otherwise noted. Time and Dates are subject to change - ALL programs should be confirmed by calling the appropriate location.

Challenger Space Center  

Stargazing Programs

When:    Saturday, December 14, 2013

               Saturday, January 4, 2014

Challenger Space Center

Planetarium Programs

When:     Saturday, December 28, 2013

                Saturday, January 25, 2014

For more informaiton, website: www.StargazingForEveryone.com

 

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Ice Rink at CityScape

ice skating

The CitySkate ice rink is back for another year of icy cool fun. Ice skate all season long in the middle of Central Avenue. Sparkling ice, twinkling lights and hot chocolate wrap up the joy of the holidays. Come and celebrate the season with us, the holidays start here...

Lunch & Skate

Every weekday we invite families, office workers and students to come and unjoy half price skating. DJ's and games from 11:00am - 1:30pm Monday through Friday.

Visit website for upcoming events, hours and prices:

http://www.cityskatephx.com/

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Homeschool Day at Xtreme Air Jump'N Skate

Homeschoolers, make plans to come on out for the next Homeschool Day at Xtreme Air Jump 'N Skate!

When:  Wednesday, December 11th

             10:00am - 12:00pm

Where:   Extreme Air Jump 'N Skate Park

              910 E Pecos,  Chandler 85225  (NW corner of Pecos and McQueen)

Webstie: http://xtremeairjumpandskate.com 

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Discouted Educational Products

educents

www.educents.com  

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

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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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