September Homeschool Newsletter

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

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Homeschool Days at Butterfly Wonderland

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For the 2014-2015 school year, we have set aside dates for exclusive field trip access to homeschoolers. While Butterfly Wonderland will be open to the general public, no classroom-based school trips will be booked during these days. 

As a homeschool group, a minimum of 10 people would be needed to receive special discounted admission on these dates. Our flexibly structured Homeschool Days are designed for families to learn together while exploring our exhibits without the crowds of school field trips. 

Reservations must be booked two weeks in advance. The reservation form can be found on our website, along with a list of other upcoming events. 

WHEN: Sept 22-23, Nov 17-18, Dec 15-16 and Jan 12-13, 2015 

WHERE: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

COST: $5 per child 3-11, $10 per adult (plus 7.95% tax) 

CONTACT: Kaycee Campbell, (480) 800-3000 ext. 206, 

kaycee@butterflywonderland.com     WEBSITEwww.butterflywonderland.com

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Arizona Science Center

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

Busy Bones - Bones are much more than the support structure of our bodies. Come and explore the inside of bones to unlock many secrets.

September 9th - 11th    Morning or afternoon classes available

Cat-A-Pults - Enjoy a very active, hands-on experience with our crafty cat-a-pults, then participate in a "cat" challenge.

September 18th and 19th     Morning or afternoon classes available

Chemical Reactions - Mix up different chemicals and discover what happens. You will observe a variety of reactions. you will be doing real chemistry!

September 23rd - 25th   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

Chemical Reactions and more - Mix up different chemicals and discover what happens. You will observe a variety of reactions. you will be doing real chemistry!

  • September 26

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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

Matter, Energy, Organisms and Ecosystems - Organisms eat, move around, defecate and die. Test your ability to manage the matter and energy in an ecosystem of organisms in order to keep the ecosystem sustainable for as long as possible.

  • September 16th or 17th    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 7, 2015

Time:  10:00am to 1:00pm

For project guidelines, event day information and registration visit:

 http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/Science_Fair_rules_and_form_2015.pdf

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Sky Zone in Peoria - Homeschool Day

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Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is offering two great opportunities for homeschoolers!  AFHE and HSLDA members can jump for a discounted rate before 3 PM on Mondays and Fridays.  They are also hosting Youth Group Worship nights on Thursdays from 6 to 8 PM!  See links below for details, and discount requirements. 

WHERE:  Sky Zone, 9040 W Larkspur Dr, Peoria 85381 

COST: Homeschool day - $5 per hour or $10 unlimited, 10:-00 AM to 3:00 PM Mondays and Fridays

Youth Group Nights - $12, Thursdays 6:00 to 8:00 PM 

LINKS: Homeschool Days, Youth Group Night 

WEBSITE:  www.skyzone.com/peoria

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Flip Dunk Event

The Phoenix Sun's Gorilla Visit from 2:00pm to 5:00pm  

Free open gym/jump from

 2:00pm  - 3:00pm  

With Cheer, Gymnastics and Dance Performances and FREE Cheer, Gymnastics and Dance Clinics

WHEN:   Saturday, September 6, 2014

WHERE:  1515 E Bethany Home Road

                 Phoenix  AZ  85014

Website: www.flipdunksports.com 

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Ice Den in Chandler has Homeschool Days

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The Ice Den Chandler is proud to offer discounted public skating rates to local Homeschool students to support the Physical Education component of the curriculum. 

To participate, check-in at the Administration Desk located inside the main entrance and indicate you are a member of the "Homeschool Group."

Please note, all public skating sessions will be held on the West Rink.The average temperature inside the rink is 56 degrees. The Ice Den encourages students and spectators to dress accordingly for warmth and safety. Helmets, gloves and other equipment are recommended. Hockey sticks and pucks will not be permitted on the ice. 

WHEN:  11:45 AM - 1:45 PM on the following Fridays:

Sept 5, Sept 19, Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, Dec 12, Dec 26,

*As public skating session times are subject to change, groups are encouraged to confirm current schedules.

WHERE: 7225 W Harrison St, Chandler 85226


COST: $5 flat rate per skater* (includes hockey or figure skate rental). Skate trainers can be reserved for an additional $3 per skater.

*Please note, this discounted rate cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.  

WEBSITES: www.coyotesice.comwww.facebook.com/icedenchandler

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Homeschool Art Contest

Sponsored by Grace Christian Homeschoolers

Contest is for homeschool sudents up to age 17.  Submissions may be 2D art mounted onto construction paper or poster board with 1" border.  Artwork will be displayed October at Burton Barr Public Library and is not returnable unless special arrangements are made.  Ages 11 and under receive a small prize for submission and ages 12-17 compete for ribbons and prizes. 

ENTRY: Mail submissions to FUMC Glendale, 7102 N 58th Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301 or hand deliver between 10:00 am-3:00 pm.   

ENTRY DEADLINE: Must be received by September 1 

CONTACT: GraceChristianHomeschoolers@hotmail.com or Dawn Horney at 623-266-2112

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National League of Junior Cotillions

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National League of Junior Cotillions is beginning its new season for 2014-2015. NLJC is for boys and girls in 6th through 8th grades. We develop students to have self-confidence, quality character, leadership and the skills needed for professional development. Instruction includes teaching students in etiquette, everyday manners, formal manners, character education, along with teaching basic steps in several ballroom dances. The popular top 40 music is used with careful scrutiny of lyrics approved by the National Advisory Board. 


WHEN: The 5 instructional classes are Wednesdays, Sept 10, Oct 15, Nov 12, Jan 14 and Feb 11.  The Holly Ball is Nov 30 and Spring Ball is March 1, 2015


WHERE: Classes are held at Moon Valley Country Club, Phoenix. Balls are held at the Embassy Suites, I-17 Fwy and Greenway Rd.


COST: $320 for the season. Discounted tuition for siblings of enrolled students $160. Tuition includes all classes, Balls, workbooks and refreshments.


ATTIRE: For all events, ladies dress in knee length or longer dress/skirt and dress shoes, White gloves are provided for the ladies at each event.

Gentlemen dress in khaki pants, dress shirt, tie, and dark or navy two button sport coat. 


REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 10, 2014. Register online at www.nljc.com, AZ chapter. Code word: Dance12

CONTACT: Mrs. Jeffrey Richards (Patricia), NLJC Director, 

602-568-1857, Patricia.Richards@nljc.com 

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Valley Voice Studio

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 Get ready for this next school year with music. Private voice lessons, class voice lessons, music theory lessons, or create a choir with your homeschool group! All ages welcome!  Day or evening lesson times available.  Cory George has 30 years experience and she can provide references upon request.  Lessons are currently held in Mesa.

COST: Price varies based on type of lesson and lesson duration.

CONTACT: Cory George, 602-643-8543, luvmusic21@hotmail.com 

WEBSITE: www.valleyvoicestudio.com

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Piano & Clarinet Lessons

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Molly May is a State Certified teacher offering piano, clarinet, and music theory lessons to homeschooled children of all ages in the north and northeast valley.  Molly has a flexible schedule, and travels to student's homes to instruct.  

COST: Contact Molly for details.

CONTACT: 480-316-2958, Mollyaz12@aol.com

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Imagine Co-op in Chandler

Co-op enrichment classes for homeschoolers ages 8 and up.  Classes for Photography, Drama, Legos, Games, Study hour and Biology Dissection for older kids, and much more! 

WHEN: Three sessions of 8 week classes Sept-May.  Meet Monday afternoons from 1-4pm 

COST: $35 per family per session, plus reasonable fees for some supplies 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 25 

CONTACT: Annarina@cox.net or Andrea at 480-821-4289

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Homeschool Honor Society

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It's a new school year, and the perfect time for your child to join Eta Sigma Alpha National Honor Society!  Eta Sigma Alpha-Omicron Beta Chapter is open to homeschooled students in grades 7-12 who have a composite test score of 180+ on the PSAT, 1800+ on the SAT, 26+ on the ACT, or 90%+ on a group setting  (non-parent administered) nationally-normed standardized test (IOWA or Stanford) that is less than one year old.  ESA is a student-led organization that highlights scholarship, leadership, and service.   

WHERE: Covenant Homeschool Resource Center, 117 E Devonshire, Phoenix, 85014 

WHEN: Saturdays, Sept 20, Nov 15, Jan 17, Mar 28, 10 AM-2 PM. Members will also participate in monthly service projects, the first being Oct 4. 

REGISTRATION: Applications are now being  accepted for the 2014-2015 school year.   

You can find out more information and the application form on ESA's website:  https://www.homeschool-life.com/az/esaomicronbeta/.

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VEX Robotics Team Grants

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Interested in starting a robotics team in your support group? Grants are available to support new VEX Robotics teams this season. The Microchip Technology grant provides a new team with a Super robot kit, including the driver remote control, as well as sensors, plus the $100 VEX team registration fee.  Additional teams from the same organization receive a discounted team registration of $50. VEX offers two separate programs for children aged 8-14 and children aged 11-18. 

DEADLINE: Interested organizations should contact VEX as soon as possible for the Grant Survey and Interest forms. 

CONTACT: Patty Smith, VEX IQ Program Coordinator, Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, 480-898-0957, patty_smith@roboticseducation.org 

WEBSITE: www.roboticseducation.org

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Microscopes for Homeschoolers

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Paul Luna is part of a Christian homeschool family of 8, and is the Project Manager at LGS Microscopes.  LGS Microscopes is offering microscopes to the homeschool community starting at $125.  They all conform to requirements of Apologia, Sonlight and any other homeschool biology curriculum and come with a 5 year warranty.  The curriculum providers offer them in the $250 range. Also offered, when available, are used microscopes, which meet the same standards, offer the same warranty, and cost even less!
CONTACT: Paul Luna, 623-240-2232,

www.homeschoolmicroscopes.com

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MARS Hill Speech And Debate Club

Registration is now open for the 2014-15 school year!  We are looking forward to a wonderful year of speech & debate in Arizona and hope you can join us! There are MANY more details about this club not listed here.  If you are interested in joining this club and/or need more information, please contact me via e-mail and I will gladly forward all the details to you, including fees, due dates, registration form, Juniors' Group info (ages 8-12), and FAQ sheet.   

NEW LOCATION: North Scottsdale United Methodist Church

11735 N. Scottsdale Rd. (Just south of Cactus) Scottsdale, AZ 85254 

NEW DAY: Monday evenings beginning September 8th
CONTACT:  Gina Miller, 2x2millers@gmail.com, 602-257-9392

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CHICK-FIL-A at Arrowhead - Helps Homeschool Families in Need

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The Home School Foundation Arizona Ambassador Team is partnering with Chick-fil-A in the Arrowhead area to raise money for the HSF Arizona Ambassador Fund.  Enjoy a meal out and support local homeschool families in need. Visit this location as many times as you like during the week of September 22 and the owners of this Chick-Fil-A will generously donate 25% of the value of your food order to the HSF Arizona Ambassador Fund!  Help spread the word. Share the link to the printable flier with your neighbors, co-workers, friends, family, and homeschool groups.  

WHEN:  Anytime Monday, Sept 22 through Saturday, Sept 27 

WHERE:  Chick-fil-A near Arrowhead Mall, 83rd Ave just south of Bell Road 

CONTACT:  Carol Gary, Arizona State Ambassador, Home School Foundation,AZStateAmbsdr@cox.net 

WEBSITES:  www.homeschoolfoundation.org and www.afhe.org/resources_hsf.html

WHO WE ARE: The Home School Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is the charitable arm of HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) and is dedicated to helping families continue to homeschool during hard times.

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FREE CPR & First Aid Class at Pima Medical Institute

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The Pima Medical Institute's East Valley campus will host a Heart Saver CPR and Basic First Aid class Free to the public

WHEN: September 13, 2014 & December 13, 2014

              9:00am to 3:30pm

WHERE: 2160 S Power Rd, Mesa

RSVP by September 12th call 480-898-9898

http://pmi.edu/PMI-Today/Events/Free-CPR-and-First-Aid-Class-at-East-Valley-Campus

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American Heritage Festival

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If you've never yet been to the American Heritage Festival you won't want to miss it. The American Heritage Festival is the largest living history timeline event west of the Mississippi, is organized by homeschoolers and is a tremendous educational opportunity for all ages regarding our national, cultural and spiritual heritage.   

WHEN:  Saturday, November 22, 2014  or Sunday, November 23, 2014 

WHERE:  Schnepf Farms of Queen Creek, Arizona 

TICKETS: Homeschoolers advance passes are ONLY $8 each for a limited time! (Passes purchased at the event will be $15 each. Ages 3 and under are free and don't need passes.) 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  This offer is for a limited time so please take advantage now!  

CONTACT:  wemakehistory@aol.com, 480-777-1776 

WEBSITE: www.americanheritagefestival.com

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Arizona Game and Fish Homeschool Events

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Crayfish Capture is Back!

Did you know that crayfish are an invasive species? They are a significant threat to Arizona's native plants and animals. Join us as we attempt to remove some from a local waterway. In the process, we will collect important data that our biologists will use to learn more about their populations. We may even be able to boil up and taste some.

All ages are welcome to attend this experience. Since it is in and around water, however, parents are responsible for the safety of their children. Some areas may not be accessible to strollers.

WHEN: September 16, 2014

For information & registration, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/homeschool

Phoenix Bats!

We have teamed up with the Scientific Mom to host a bat viewing educational event at the Phoenix-area bat tunnel. We will be out there shortly before sunset with lots of great learning opportunities. We will hang around to watch the bats leave their roost for their evening hunts.

All ages are welcome. There is no pre-registration for this event. However, all event information is provided via the event's Facebook page. Please be sure to check it out at https://www.facebook.com/events/276487455890280/

WHEN: September 14, 2014