MCESA is committed to consistently providing resources, leadership and support for the educational needs of all homeschooling families.
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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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
Grandmother's Smiles - Have you ever been told that you have your dad's eyes, your mom's nose or your grandmother's smile? Join us to learn how we acquire those traits. Chart you characteristics and compare yourself to other students in the class.
December 16th - 18th Morning or afternoon classes available
Water Cycle - Water, water everywhere; it covers most of the earth. Become a drop of water and move through the water cycle. You won't believe all of the places that you can visit.
- January 20th - 22nd, 2015
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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
Grandmother's Smiles - Have you ever been told that you have your dad's eyes, your mom's nose or your grandmother's smile? Join us to learn how we acquire those traits. Chart you characteristics and compare yourself to other students in the class.
Water Cycle - Water, water everywhere; it covers most of the earth. Become a drop of water and move through the water cycle. You won't believe all of the places that you can visit.
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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
The Water Cycle and Adaptation in our Desert - You may think the water cycle is a simple circle of events, but you are only partly right. Water on the earth is moving everywhere; all over the place and all the time. Revisit the water cycle in a different way and learn how we have adapted the natural desert water cycle in order to survive in Arizona.
- January 6th and 7th, 2015 Morning or afternoon classes available - This is a two day class and must attend both days.
  
Attention! Attention! Attention!
Look what's new, MCESA is pleased to announce that training for teachers and leaders in implementing the new Arizona Mathematics and English Language Arts Content Standards is available to homeschool parents! Would you like to experience multiple ways to bring words to life in your homeschool classroom or construct a deeper understanding of Geometry Foundations. Visit our website for a list of classes, registration information and registration fee.
http://maricopacountyesa.wildapricot.org/
AZCCRS ELA Phase 2: Using Mentor Texts to Improve Student Writing
Participants will read and analyze rich, complex texts, and then use them as models to enrich their own writing. Also, participants will create plans to implement mentor texts in their classrooms. Topics include the qualities of rich text, connecting Close Reading to improved student writing, and finding mentor texts for your classroom.
AZCCRS ELA Phase 2: Words-The Building Blocks of Communication
Participants will be exposed to and experience multiple ways to bring words to life in the classroom. Topics include nonlinguistic representations, interactive Word Walls, "Thesaurusitis," graphic organizers, word families, etc. This training is primarily based on the vocabulary research of Robert Marzano and Janet Allen.
AZCCRS Mathematics Phase 2: K-3rd Grade Content Training in Geometry
Please note that this is a two-day workshop. Participants are expected to attend Day 1 (December 11, 2014) and Day 2 (December 12, 2014).
Participants will construct a deeper understanding of Geometry Foundations with a special emphasis on the learning progression for Geometry. Topics will include attributes, properties, and the organization of two and three dimensional geometric figures, developing flexible spatial sense, and using geometry to support the four operations; making explicit connections among domains, mathematical practices, and mathematical tasks.
AZCCRS Mathematics Phase 2: 3rd-5th Grade Content Training in Fractions
Participants will construct a deeper understanding of fractions with a special emphasis on learning progressions and developing flexible fraction sense. Topics will include representing, comparing, and defining fractions; operating with fractions; connections among domains; mathematical practices; and mathematical tasks.
 LET IT GLOW!
November 24, 2014 through January 11, 2015
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. nightly
Animal viewing is limited during ZooLights.
ZooLights, powered by SRP EarthWise Energy, is a magical experience guaranteed to illuminate your holiday season.
NEW THIS YEAR!
- Meet Tortuga the Talking Galapagos Tortoise.
- Enjoy two new Music in Motion shows featuring music from the movie Polar Express and Carol of the Bells by Arctic Express.
- Experience Polar Express in the Zoo’s new 4-D theater with amazing multi-sensory effects including snow, fog and gusts of wind. Guests will feel like they’re aboard the Polar Express themselves! Opening mid-December. *
- Watch as an ice sculptor magically makes an animal appear out of a 300 pound block of ice. Dates to be announced.
- Longer hours – 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
- Opens to the public on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving.
Plus:
- 3.8 million lights
- 700 sparkling displays
- Jengo the Talking Giraffe
- Stingray Bay touch tank *
- Carousel, camel and wagon rides *
- Alcoholic beverages available for purchase every Friday and Saturday night
Make ZooLights a family tradition and enjoy one of the largest holiday light shows in the country! Visit website for ticket purchase information: http://phoenixzoo.org/event-items/zoolights/
 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Arizona homeschool group leaders, make plans to join AFHE for an awesome opportunity to connect with other leaders from around the state and get encouraged and equipped in leading. Please check the website for more information: http://www.afhe.org/
- Saturday, January 24, 2015
- Event will be held at the Grand Canyon University in Phoenix
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 The National History Bee is an exciting new history competition for school children across America. Participating students progress from the school level to the regional level and finally to the National History Bee Champion!
The National History Bee is an academic competition for elementary and middle school students that tests knowledge of a wide range of historical topics. The competition is divided into three distinct stages:
Stage 1: An optional Intramural Bee and a mandatory Online Regional Qualifying Exam which students take at school or home, under the supervision of a Sponsor.
Stage 2: The top students from the ORQE compete travel to one the 35 buzzer competitions across the United States called the Regional Finals.
Stage 3: The top finishers from the Regional Finals are eligible to advance to the National Finals and compete for the title of National History Bee Champion!
Visit website for more information and registration fee: www.historybee.com
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Free First Friday
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open to the public FREE OF CHARGE from 5 to 9pm on the First Friday Night of Each Month. Please note that the Museum’s Target Free First Friday hours are 5 to 9pm. Please enter through the Historic Entrance on the west side of the building adjacent to 7th Street.
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Events at the Children's Museum
Winter Festival - The Museum celebrates winter! Make your own snowflakes, personalized holiday cards, and photo ornaments. Plus the annual Snow Much Fun Day returns with 20 tons of snow! Check out the Children's Museum calendar for all the fun filled and exciting events occurring in the month December. Check out just a few of them below: http://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/events/
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King/Queen of the Castle
December 3, 2014 - December 31, 2014 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Hear ye, hear ye! Come to the Art Studio to be crowned as king or queen of the castle for a day. Be the first to paint the castle with your name. Make a special crown. Pose in a robe and hold a scepter while your photo is taken for display in the Museum. $25 for one child per day. Friends and family members can be part of the court for $5.
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Giant Gingerbread People
December 6, 2014 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Decorate your very own giant gingerbread person in this creative and edible program! The Museum will provide all materials, including a variety-filled candy bar! Come make your own edible creation and sip on some hot cocoa this holiday season. Admission to the program is $8 for members, and $10 for non-members. Space is limited.
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Snow Globes
December 7, 2014 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
10:00 – 12:00pm | 1:00 – 3:00pm
Enjoy this fun, wintery craft as you use a variety of craft materials to create your very own snow globe!
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SNOW MUCH FUN DAY
Breakfast with Santa
December 13, 2014 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
We are opening the Museum an hour early for this very special event. During a yummy breakfast, children can meet and take a picture with Santa Claus! Then, spend the rest of your day playing in the Museum and enjoying all of our snow activities!
Your delicious Breakfast Buffet includes:
Bottled Orange Juice
8oz. Cartons of Chocolate or 2% Milk
Mini Cranberry, Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip muffins
Choice of:
French Toast Sticks with Maple Syrup (3 to 4 sticks/serving
OR
Egg Santawich
Mini Fresh Fruit Cups
Members: $15/person (Members always enjoy free Museum admission)
Non-Members: $30/person (Museum admission included)
SNOW ACTIVITIES! Starting at 9am
20 tons of Snow! 9am till the snow melts
Visits with Santa! 10am-11:30 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Bounce House, Inflatable Hockey Rink, Slapshot! 9am – 1pm
Snow activities generously sponsored by the Arizona Coyotes.
Snow activities are FREE with paid Museum admission of $11/person.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOPS!
Work together with family or friends to decorate a unique gingerbread house.
We provide the house, a candy buffet and hot cocoa. You provide the creativity!
Better still…we’ll clean up the mess while you go home with your amazing gingerbread creation!
4 sessions available: 10am – 11am | 11:30am – 12:30pm |1:30pm – 2:30pm |3pm – 4pm
Members $30 (Covers family of 4. Members always enjoy free Museum admission.)
Non-Members: $35 (Covers family of 4. Museum admission of $11/person NOT included)
Upcoming Shows And Events
Tickets are $7 for children 2 and up and $10 for adults. Children under 2 are free with the purchase of a child ticket. Members are $6 for children and $9 for adults. Adults-only shows are $10 in advance and $12 day of the show. All tickets are purchased at the theater. Call (602) 262-2050 for school and group rates. For more information on upcoming events and study guides, visit http://www.azpuppets.org/shows.php
The Little Red Hen
Nov 12 - Dec 7, Wed-Fri only at 10am
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm.
Who will help the Little Red Hen with all the work it takes to get wheat made into bread? This sing-along show invites lots of audience participation and shares a valuable message about helping each other. **Theater closed November 27**
Call GAPT at (602) 262-2050 for reservations.
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The Night Before Christmas
Dec 10 - Dec 28, Wed-Fri only at 10am
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm.
A joyful celebration of Christmas with stories, music, and an amazing array of puppets. For all ages.
Call GAPT at (602) 262-2050 for reservations.
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Cinderella
Dec 30 - Jan 25, Wed-Fri only at 10am
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm.
The girl, the prince, the glass slipper! Lots of laughs and special effects make Cinderella an audience favorite. This show was awarded the UNIMA-USA Citation for Excellence in Puppetry. *No Show on Christmas Day*
Call GAPT at (602) 262-2050 for reservations.
 Learning Labs
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.
During the winter sessions we will explore the world of invertebrate animals including spiders, worms and scorpions.
When: January 15, 2015 and February 19, 2015
For more information on fees and other classes, visit http://www.dbg.org/education-programs/kids-camps-programs/learning-labs
 You are invited to join the Desert Botanical Garden and celebrate the 37th year of Las Noches de las Luminarias. For 16 magical nights, the Garden will come to life with the soft glow from more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, thousands of white twinkle lights and vibrant sounds and sights of 10 entertainment groups.
When: December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th, 19th - 23rd, 26th - 30th
Time: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
For more ticket and entertainment information visit: http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias
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Once again the Glendale Glitters celebration in Historic Downtown Glendale, Arizona will host thousands visitors who will start the holiday season off in style. Glendale Glitters events will take place between Friday, November 28, 2014 and January 10, 2015.
Jingle Bells Rockin' Nights
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Downtown Glendale’s Murphy Park will be packed with music, lights and excitement. Entertainment will include performances of both holiday music and oldies you can dance to, as well as dance troupe performances. The event will also feature holiday arts and crafts, inflatable rides and visits with Santa Claus. Bring your camera, or have Santa’s helper snap one for a small fee. Another fun activity will be an Ugly Sweater contest on Saturday, with great prizes; the contest will also highlight the Go Recycle Arizona textile recycling drive that runs Nov. 20 – Dec. 20 in downtown Glendale.
Winter Wonderland Weekend
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For the first time in downtown Glendale, this year’s Winter Wonderland weekend will feature an ice skating rink, complete with skates you can borrow on site. The frozen ice might also be accompanied by some popular “frozen” characters! Free make-and-take crafts, face-painting, Santa Claus and musical entertainment, plus a movie showing of The Polar Express on Friday, and the Walt Disney favorite, Frozen on Saturday.
Spirit of Giving Weekend
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19 and 20, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Highlights include all the fun family activities that Glendale Glitters always brings, plus special celebration of and donation drives for worthy local charities. A new element this year will be a Go Recycle Arizona textiles donation drive. This local company recycles household textiles, such as curtains, towels, clothing and shoes, and donates a portion of the proceeds to an organization, in this case, Glendale’s From the Heart program. Help make a difference by participating in the textile recycling drive. Free make-and-take crafts, face-painting, Santa Claus and musical entertainment, plus a movie showing each evening of the perennial holiday classic, A Christmas Story.
The glittering magic of Glendale’s holiday display remains lit nightly through Jan. 10, from 5-11 p.m. each
evening. Historic Downtown Glendale is located at 58th and Glendale avenues.
For more information, call the Special Event Hotline at 623-930-2299, or visit GlendaleAZ Events or GlendaleAZ Glitters.
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 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...
Admission:
Your ticket to the CitySkate Ice Rink gets you skate rentals + access to the rink during the following public hours (on the day of purchase).
Kids and Adults: $12 each
Military: $6 each
Seniors: $6 each
Kids 4 and under: $6 each
College Students (with valid student i.d.): $10 each
Groups of 10 or more: $10 each
Hours of Operation:
Day Session:
11am - 1:30pm, Daily
Night Session:
4pm - 11pm, Sun - Fri
4pm - Midnight, Sat - See more at: http://cityskatephx.com/admission-info/#sthash.cUUxHQZg.dpuf
http://www.cityskatephx.com/
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 Homeschool ice skating classes are now being offered at Ice Den Chandler. Session two begins January 8. Six classes include a 30 min. group lesson, 60 min. practice time on the day of class, and skate rental. Classes will be taught by our professional staff instructors. All skaters will be taught the United States Basic Skills curriculum.
WHEN: Thursdays, January 8 - February 12, 10:30 AM - noon
WHERE: Ice Den Chandler, 7225 W Harrison Street, Chandler, 85226
COST: $66.00, plus $15.00 mandatory annual US Figure Skating fee.
CONTACT: Juliana Kenny, Figure Skating Manager, jkenny@coyotesice.com, 480-598-9400 Ext. 104
WEBSITE: www.coyotesice.com
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Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix, North Glendale
Molly May is a music teacher in the valley offering affordable piano lessons as well as clarinet lessons if interested. Molly has a flexible schedule perfect for the homeschool student and travels to the student's home, while serving the entire Scottsdale area, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix, and North Glendale. Molly teaches students of all ages.
CONTACT: Molly May, 480-316-2958, mollyaz12@aol.com
 MACH1 is hosting an Orion First Flight Viewing Event to celebrate the first test flight of NASA's new spacecraft, Orion. Beginning at 9am, guests are invited to learn about Orion, view the flight from launch to splashdown, (backwards!) and kids can enjoy fun hands-on activities throughout the event. Guests will hear NASA commentary via streaming video. They will see the launch pad and launch control center, and feel as though they are at the launch site when the main engines ignite.
WHEN: December 4, 2014, 9:30 am-10:30 am
WHERE: 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85004
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: No registration required
CONTACT: Kelly Pearson, kelly.pearson@phoenix.gov, 602-534-5014
WEBSITE: http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/
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Our 5th American Liberty Festival will be held February 20th & 21st on the campus of Northwest Christian School in Phoenix. This inspirational event will be a multi-dimensional immersion experience for all ages into the era of the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers as together we experienced the birth of the United States through military encampments and training (both American and British!), live period music, fashion show, civilian demonstrations as per circa 1776, battle reenactments, training with wooden muskets and meeting famous Americans such as General George Washington. A schedule and more details will be posted soon.
Visit: http://www.americanlibertyfestival.com/
 Ingredients
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups water
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1 cup salt
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
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Combine the flour, salt and water; mix well and knead for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
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Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. Bake for 30 minutes; allow to cool
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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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