January Homeschool Newsletter

MCESA
 
Homeschool Title

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

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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 are amazing. Take the time to research and decide as a family which curriculum will 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 students.

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, children 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 progress in their studies.

10. Have Fun! 

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Arizona Science Center

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Homeschool Connections' Elements of Winter Science

Enroll your child in Homeschool Connections' Elements of Winter Science workshop and uncover a week long exploration. Children will discover the chemistry of the season creating frozen bubbles, designing fireworks for the New Year, experimenting with air pressure and building structures to withstand the forces of nature. Enjoy these experiments and much more this winter at Arizona Science Center.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Snowball Showdown  -  Celebrate snow and ice as you explore the science of snowflakes and icicles inside our warm facility. Create colder-than-ice liquid nitrogen ice cream, investigate dry ice and have a frosty fun time!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Firework Explosion  -  Fireworks may seem magical, but the science behind them is easy to understand. Learn how firecreackers work and even create some fireworks of your own!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Forest Ranger  -  Think your life is interesting-try being a tree! Discover amazing stories trees have to tell, the importance of forest safety, the creatures that inhabit them and even create your own tree house!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Under Pressure  -  is a force that constantly surrounds us. Investigate the atmosphere and its massive power with cool, hands-on experiments!

Friday, January 31, 2014

Science vs. Wild - Contend with the force of Mother Nature as you design and build structures to withstand natural disasters!

6-11 year olds

9:00am to 12:00pm

For more information on prices and how to register visit: http://www.azscience.org/who_are_you/home_school_connections 

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

Go Inside an Organ  -  Join us as we learn about and dissect three of the most important organs found in a mammal. Hold a cow heart in you 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 & 9th    Morning or 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

Journey into Space  -  Is there really a man in the moon? Join us as we study the movements and phases of the moon and then venture out to other areas of the space surrounding our planet.

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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WSI (Water Scene Investigation)

Hands-On Two-Day STEM class at the Arizona Science Center

Students ages 10 - 14 are invited to this two-day class with STEM learning that quantifies water savings. Students apply their learning and install water efficient technology at home. limied space available. Students should plan to attend both dates.

When: Monday, January 6, 2014 and Monday, January 13, 2014

           10:00am - 11:00 am (an afternoon class will be added if the 10:00 class fills)

Cost:  FREE. All materials and equipment are provided by Arizona Project WET

Contact: Mary Campbell, Arizona Science Center, campbellm@azscience.org

               602-716-2000 ext. 229

Website: www.azscience.org 

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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

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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

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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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Polar Ice Peoria - Homeschool Skating Classes

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Release Your Wild

When:  Tuesdays, January 7, 2014 to

             February 27, 2014

             9:30am  - 11:00am

             Fridays, January 3, 2014 to February 28, 2014

             1:30pm  - 3:00pm

Where: Polar Ice Peoria, 15829 N 83rd Ave, Peoria 85382

Contact: Bridget Klaus, Polar Ice,   bkaus@polaricepeoria.com

Website: http://www.polaricepeoria.com 

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Covenant Homeschool Resource Center - Book Sale

January Book Sale

Come join Covenant Homeschool Resource Center at the January Book Sale. Many deals to be found, plus do not forget about the $1.00 bargain wall.

When:  January 14, 2014 - January 17, 2014

  • Used Books - 25% off
  • New Books - 10% off
  • BJU Press not included

Visit the website for more information: http://chsrc.org/Bookstore.html

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Desert Botanical Gardens

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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Chihuly in the Garden 

Discovery and surprise await you on the Garden trails. Artist Dale Chihuly returns to the Desert Botanical Gardne this fall with a stunning exhibition of his extraordinary and vibrant works of art.

When:  November 10, 2013 to May 18, 2014

For ticket information, classes and events, visit the website: http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/chihuly

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Stargazing for Everyone

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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, January 4, 2014

Challenger Space Center

Planetarium Programs

When:    Saturday, January 25, 2014

For more informaiton, website: www.StargazingForEveryone.com 

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Phoenix Swim Club

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Phoenix Swim Club is proud to announce the formation of a mid-day swimming option for homeschool families. This is a fantastic opportunity for good exercise and great fun! Includes two practices a week coached by a USAS certified coach who will teach proper technique for all four competitice strokes.

When: Tuesday & Thurdays, 10:00am - 11:00am,  staring January 7, 2014

Where: Moon Valley Country Club, 151 Moon Valley Dr, Phoenix 85022

Cost: $45 a month

Contact: Paul Root, proot@phoenixswimclub.org

Website: www.phoenixswimclub.org

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Grand Canyon State Games Essay Contest

The Grand Canyon State Games Essay Contest is the nation's largest essat contest and promises to be even bigger and better in 2014. The Essay Contest promotes creativity through writing as an effective method for authors of all ages to express their dreams and ideas for a successful life and a better community.

Essay Submission Deadline - Must be postmarked by January 17, 2014

Contest Details: www.gcsg.org/events/essay_contest/index.php 

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Homeschool Education Program - SeaWorld in San Diego

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Enhance your home education program with a field trip to SeaWorld. You will observe the natural behaviors of ocian animals and learn about the methods used to train marine mamals.

Your program begins at 9:30 amd and ends at 1:30 pm/ The program includes:

  • An educaitonal animal presentation.
  • Self guided viewing of SeaWorlds's animal habitats. ontheday of the visit, each adult chaperone receives a Field Trip Guide to facilitate learning.
  • A Science Activity Guidle is provided prior to your visit. This guide provides additional educational value to your SeaWorld field trip.

Visit the website for available dates and prices for these programs: http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sandiego/Educational-Programs/Home-School