MCESA is committed to consistently providing resources, leadership and support for the educational needs of all homeschooling families.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------
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
BEHIND THE SCENES OF GREEN - How do plants get what they need to survive? Explore the world of plants and trees to learn how they take in water, make the foods we need, and the oxygen we breathe.
- February 11, 12 & 14 Morning classes available
- February 18, 19 & 20 Afternoon classes available
----------------------------------------------------------------
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
BEHIND THE SCENES OF GREEN - How do plants get what they need to survive? Explore the world of plants and trees to learn how they take in water, make the foods we need, and the oxygen we breathe.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Homeschool Tween Program
Classes suggested for ages 11 and up
For information on times visit: http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/tweens.pdf
DNA LABORATORY - THIS IS A THREE-DAY SERIES
We see and hear about DNA almost every day but just what do scientists do with DNA In the laboratory that allows them to solve crimes and learn more about diseases? What goes on behind the laboratory curtain? Learn how to extract your own DNA, cut DNA into fragments, and create a DNA fingerprint. At the end of the series you will be able to take home your DNA in a vial and also a picture of the DNA fingerprints. You will be amazed at how the elegant DNA molecule can be manipulated behind that laboratory curtain.
- February 4th - 6th Afternoon classes available
----------------------------------------------------------------
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
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/
|
----------------------------------------------------------------
Art Contest
 In honor of the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner, AFHE is hosting an art contest for Arizona homeschooled students. Finalists and contest winners will have their artwork displayed at the 2014 AFHE Convention for the homeschool community to enjoy in person July 11-12.
Website: http://www.afhe.org/art_contest.html
|
----------------------------------------------------------------
31st Annual Arizona Home Education Convention
 |
|
Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, 2014
Attending the convention is a unique opportunity to get inspired, refreshed and equipped to continue or perhaps begin the adventure of home education.
For more information on Pre-registration, first time attendees discount, pre-convention events and more, visit website: http://www.afhe.org/convention_details.html
|
 Accepting applications for Children of Single Parents Fund
The Children of Single Parents Fund through the Home School Foundation is now accepting applications. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a grant, please contact HSF for criteria and additional information.
CONTACT: Home School Foundation, info@homeschoolfoundation.org
WEBSITE: http://www.homeschoolfoundation.org/index.php?id=62
|
 FREE Phoenix Boys Choir Musical Day Camp
Satruday February 8, 2013 from 10:00am-3:00pm
Students from around the Valley are invited to participate in a day camp to learn how to sing, read music and perform in the Phoenix Boys Choir workshop "PBX Experience" for boys age 7 -13 with unchanged voices. There is no cost for the camp and snacks water and lunch are provided.
Registration and more information call 602-334-4022 or visit website: http://www.boyschoir.org/index.taf?mnid=audition&smid=1377080434
|
Do you know a girl who loves to sing? Check out the internationally award winning Phoenix Girls Chorus. Scheduling girls for auditions during the month of January by appointment.
AUDITION FLIER
CONTACT: Phoenix Girls Chorus, 602-252-5562 to schedule an audition appointment
WEBSITE: http://girlschorus.org/join-pgc
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: 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
 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, February 15, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014 and Saturday, March 15, 2014
Challenger Space Center
Planetarium Programs
When: Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
For more informaiton, website: www.StargazingForEveryone.com
 SEA LIFE Arizona is happy to announce Homeschool Week. This unique hands-on experiment will discuss different water and liquid properties through the science of density. Please bring in a 1-2 liter bottle for the option to take your "lava lamp" home. Space is limited. Register early.
WHEN: The week of February 3-7,
10 am-3 pm
WHERE: Sea Life Arizona Aquarium, Tempe
COST: $6 per person
MORE INFO AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
www.visitsealife.com/arizona/homeschool
|
|
www.educents.com
We aspire to provide affordable education to everyone.
That’s the idea behind Educents.
|
|
 |
 The 6th annual Youth Day at the Outdoor Expo will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 8:30am to 2:30pm. It will take place at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility located just west of I-17 on Carefree Highway in north Phoenix. Students will experience numerous outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing and geocaching, see live animals while learning about Arizona’s native wildlife, listen to a variety of engaging presentations, and visit dozens of hands-on educational booths.
Please review the information below. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact Eric Proctor at eproctor@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7243.
Website:
http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/ee/youth_day_info.shtml
|
 We Make History's 14th annual
Civil War Ball - is coming February 8th to Mesa and will be a very special evening of lively music and dance as per the Civil War era. Both Civil War era attire and modern attire are welcome and the advance rate for homeschoolers is only $12.50 each.
Young ladies who so wish will be houred as "Belles of the Ball." (Ladies, please email us to reserve your place in the presentation.)
Don't miss this family-friendly evening of history and joy which will include a special nod to Valentine's Day as well.
Please see www.civilwarball.com for more info.
|
AzCASE is excited to share a new STEM resource for out-of-school time providers - Click2Science. Funded by the Noyce Foundation, Click2Science is a high quality professional development tool that focuses specifically on STEM for afterschool frontline staff.
Introducing youth to hands-on STEM activities outside the classroom is an important component in increasing quality programming out of school.
Click2Science is an easy to use new tool for OST staff to download STEM activities, participate in learning modules, and download tools for program directors to plan training and coaching for staff on-site.
Click2Science is an easy to use new tool for OST staff to download STEM activities, participate in learning modules, and download tools for program directors to plan training and coaching for staff on-site.
For more infrormation: http://www.click2sciencepd.org/
 FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.
WHEN: http://www.usfirst.org/whats-going-on to see when events are happening near you.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Kickoff is in September. Check http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/seasoninfo for more information.
CONTACT: David Berry, Coach of FTC Team 6947, The Radioactive Robots. You can e-mail me atftcradiorobotstucson@gmail.com . I am just one coach of many nationwide, but I would be glad to answer any questions I can.
WEBSITE: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc
Iowa Testing
Covenant Home School Resource Center is currently acceptin registrations for standardized testing in march for Kindergarten through 12 grades. Check out the website for more information. http://www.chsrc.org/files/Download/Testing%20schedule%202013-2014.pdf
- March 18 and 19, 2014 K - 12th grade
- March 20 and 21, 2014 3rd - 8th grade
- Early registration deadline is February 21, 2014
Greg Landry Chemistry and Physical / Life Science Lab Intensive Workshop
Covenant is hosting a Landry two-day Chemistry and Physical / Life Science Workshop April 28 and 29, 2014 from 9:00am to 5:00 pm.
For more information and to register, visit webiste: http://landryacademy.com/lab-intensives.htm
 ScoreUP! Test Prep is dedicated to helping students raise their ACT scores so they can achieve their goals of going to the college of their choice, receiving scholarship and merit-based financial aid, and gaining admittance to selective programs.
All of our ACT Review and Test Prep Seminars take place online in our Virtual Classroom.
www.scoreuptestprep.com
|
Our purpose is to instruct the children of Arizona on the true principles of liberty as established by the framers of the Constitution. This will prepare the next generation to protect and secure these precious liberties as well as to take an active role in government. Volunteer teachers with age appropriate material will give students a working knowledge of the Constitution and its application to current problems. The goal is to reinforce their deter-mination to protect the basic freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which are quickly slipping away.
We teach 10 lessons once a week for five weeks. The classes last about one hour, and we teach 2 lessons each week. We are able to provide these lessons at schools and homeschool groups.
We are currently at Kimber Academy 1355 S. Clearview, Mesa. The lessons are free and open to kids and adults to learn the Constitution. The program is for 5 consecutive Mondays, beginning Monday, January 27, 2014 from 10:00 am to 11:00am. If you are interested, you can still join the workshop call 659-5980 or http://www.constitutionintheclassroom.com/
The Tempe YMCA is looking for students between the ages of 6-17 to join our swim team. We are a recreational team that competes with other YMCAs in the Valley. I have a great coach who will help students develop their technique and times in the water.
WHEN: We meet Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30-6:00 pm
Starts in January, goes all year round.
WHERE: Tempe YMCA, 7070 S. Rural Road, Tempe, 85283
COST: $50 per month for YMCA members, $65 per month for program members. Payable first of each month.
CONTACT: Patti Obrien, Aquatics Coordinator, Tempe YMCA, 602-212-6075, pobrien@vosymca.org
 .
Homeschool families come on out for our annual Skateland Homeschool Valentine's Party, hosted by Explorers Homeschool group. We are allowed to bring in Valentines to exchange and dessert items to share. No other food items may be brought in unless it is for food allergy reasons. There is a great coupon for pizza and soda from the snack bar (email me to get the coupon).
WHEN: Friday, February 14, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
WHERE: Skateland, 1101 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 85244
COST: $12.50 per family. Regular skate rental included. Roller blades just $1 extra. Skate Mates for the little ones are $3 each (reg. $5). Payment of $12.50 per family reserves your spot. Email me for my address.
CONTACT: Bonnie Adams, bonnie.l.adams@gmail.com
|
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to per-form marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailer's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France
 |
