March Homeschool Newsletter

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Homeschool Title

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

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Arizona Science Center Events

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Arizona Science Center offers a variety of homeschool opportunities for students from August through May.
Classes are 90 minutes long. There are extended classes, which are two hours long, and noted in the class description. Classes that will be taught by a state certified educator are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Pricing per child

  • Non-members: $50 
  • Members:  $35

Some classes may include additional fees.

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Really Cool Science

Grades 1-2

Explore the three states of matter and their properties. Watch how solids, liquids, and gasses change through a variety of experiments using liquid nitrogen. Learn and witness the changes to these states of matter as liquid nitrogen is used to freeze racquetballs, balloons, and even make ice cream!

April 11, 2017     10:00am - 11:30am

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Usin' The Force

Grades 3-5

Learn about force and motion as we examine the impact of Newton's Three Laws of motion on various everyday tasks.

March 28, 2017   10:00am - 11:30am

March 30, 2017   10:00am - 11:30am

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science fair

Homeschool Science Fair 
May 6, 2017
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Arizona Science Center 

Students will display their experiments and display boards to their peers and other Arizona Science Center Guests. Please plan to arrive at Arizona Science Center by 9 a.m. to set up displays. Students will have approximately one hour to give presentations to each other and/or provide peer review. Arizona Science Center opens to the public at 10 a.m. at which students will be able to present their projects to guests if they choose. The Science Fair will end at 11 a.m. with a "participation" awards ceremony, then displays can be cleaned up and taken back home.

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Covenant Home School Resource Center News

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iowa

There is Still Time to Register for

Spring Iowa Testing at CHSRC 

The Iowa Test is a standardized test that allows parents to assess where their child is at academically.  Testing at CHSRC also gives students valuable test taking practice in a homeschool friendly environment. 

Session 1: March 21 and 22 testing grades 3rd-8th

Session 2: March 23 and 24 testing grades 1st-8th 

After February 18th, there is a $10 late registration fee
Right now, we still need one more 1st grader to be able to test this level.
Only families testing a 1st grader: Late fee will be waived.

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book sale

Saturday March 18th, and

Tuesday-Friday March  21st-24th

10% of new books (Except Berean Builders and Bob Jones) 

15% off all Master Books 

25% off used books 

Manipulatives and Miscellaneous priced as marked. 

We are distributors for Alpha OmegaApologiaBerean BuildersBob Jones, Common Sense PressMasterBooks and Saxon Math 

Save an additional 8.6% on all your purchases!  

As a non-profit we do not collect sales tax! 

Important: We are NOT open Sundays or Mondays anytime.

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    Want to Learn About Our Classes?

Visit our classes during the month of April 

Our schedule of classes for the 2017-2018 will be posted on our website in April.  If you would like to visit our current classes, please give us a call at

(602) 277-3497 to schedule a visit during the month of April. During the month of May we usually do not schedule visits as students may be performing year end activities which may not give you an accurate view of the class content. Registration will open the first week in April exclusively for returning families. Registration for new families will open by the first week in May. Please visit our website to familiarize yourself with our classes and services. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us!

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book sale

  New and Used Curriculum Sale Hosted

by the AZ Home School Foundation

Saturday May 20th, 2017  

11:00 am-3:00 pm at Chris-Town YMCA
5517 N. 17th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85015
Hosted by the AZ Home School Foundation Ambassador Team; all proceeds go to benefit hurting homeschoolers right here in Arizona.   

If you are interested in hosting a table of curriculum to sell, you may rent a space for a tax-deductible donation of $20. To reserve a table please e-mail AZStateambsdr@cox.net
 

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AFHE Events

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AFHE CONVENTION
JULY 7-8, 2017  

Plans are underway for the 34th Annual Arizona Home Education Convention hosted by AFHE. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for a very special weekend! Details will be posted on the website in the next couple of weeks.  

WHEN: Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8, 2017

WHERE:  Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third Street, Phoenix  

REGISTRATION:  Schedule to open March 7  

WEBSITE:  afhe.org/convention  

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homeschool grad

2017 AFHE GRADUATION FOR

SENIOR HIGH AND JUNIOR HIGH 

Calling all Arizona homeschooled students graduating from senior high and junior high this year!  

We have a very special ceremony planned to celebrate these important milestones in the homeschool journey. 

WHEN: Friday, May 26, 2017, 7:00 PM 

WHERE:  Dream City Church, Phoenix 

SENIOR HIGH GRADUATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 24

Absolutely no registrations for senior high graduates can be accepted after Feb. 24  

JUNIOR HIGH GRADUATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  March 31

Absolutely no registrations for junior high graduates can be accepted after March 31
WHEN: Friday, May 26, 2017, 7:00 PM 

WHERE:  Dream City Church, Phoenix 

WEBSITE: afhe.org/events/graduation

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afhe prom

2017 Homeschool Prom 

"Out of This World!" 10th Annual Homeschool Prom. This event is designed to honor our homeschool juniors, seniors, alumni and their invited guests only.

WHEN:  Friday, April 7, 5:30 - 11:45 pm 

WHERE:  The Palacio at Pointe Hilton 

COST:  $85 by March 17; $95 March 18-31 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  March 31 

WEBSITE:  Moezartproductions.org/events/prom for details and to register

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clean tech

2017 Clean Tech Competition

 
The Clean Tech Competition is an international research and design challenge for 15- to 18-year-old pre-university students.  This is a prestigious opportunity that challenges students across the world to be innovative and develop their passion for the sciences.  This year's challenge is to create a greener future by developing clean technology solutions to the problems associated with buildings, homes, efficiency, and building materials.  Teams consist of 1-3 students assisted by an adult team leader.  

COST:  No registration fee 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  March 23 

WEBSITE:  CleanTechCompetition.org

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Challenger Space Center

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HOME SCHOOL DAY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29TH, 201

Rendezvous with a Comet (10am - 12pm & 12pm - 2pm)

Team members work as scientists and engineers heading to rendezvous with a comet as part of the continued study of our Solar System. Rendezvous missions are critical in helping scientists verify and better understand data collected by other missions currently occurring, such as STARDUST and its capture of material from the coma of Comet Wild-2 in 2004 and the return of that material to Earth in 2006. Actual samples provided by STARDUST establish baseline data on comets that are used for future explorations.


WORKSHOPS 
Pre-K to Grade 8

Each workshop is 2 hours long, and they are available at 10:00 AM and 12:00PM. Workshops include:

Destination Space (Pre-k - 3rd) 

This two-hour workshop, facilitated by a Challenger Space Center Flight Director, focuses on the eight planets in our solar system.  Through the use of hands-on creative activities, student explore what it takes to be an astronaut.  Utilizing teamwork, students are introduced to the different areas of manned space flight and take a trip in the Earth-Space Transit Module (ESTM).


Energy Exploration (4th - 8th Grade) 

Congratulations! Your team has been selected by NASA to submit a design for the new Orion capsule heat shield. In order to win the contract, you must build a model capable of surviving the heat of reentry. It must also be as economical and lightweight as possible. Students will also explore the nature of light and a guided tour of the Challenger facility.


The cost is $20.00 per workshop and $20.00 for the simulated mission.

SIMULATED MISSIONS (4TH-8TH GRADE)
Registration
REGISTER TODAY!

21170 N 83rd Ave Peoria AZ 85382 US

Tel: (623) 322-2001

Visit to register: http://www.azchallenger.org/home-school-day.html 

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Tucson Audobon

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TUCSON AUDUBON'S ECOBREAKS FOR SPRING BREAK 
Would you like to provide your 8-12 year old with an enriching and exciting experience in nature over their spring break? Tucson Audubon's Eco-Breaks immerses kids in the interconnected world of water and nature through up-close and personal encounters with live birds, as well as fun and engaging lessons, games, and trips to special areas.  

WHEN:  March 13-17 & 20-24 

WHERE:  Tucson Audubon's Mason Center, 3835 W Hardy Rd, Tucson 85742
COST:  $165 for the 5-day program; or $40/day 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  March 1 

CONTACT:  Andy Bennett, 520-262-1314,  abennett@tucsonaudubon.org 

WEBSITE:  tucsonaudubon.org/ecobreaks

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Arizona Game and Fish

Arizona Game and Fish:  Youth Day at the Outdoor Expo

 
Students will experience numerous outdoor recreation opportunities like archery and geocaching, see live animals while learning about Arizona's native wildlife, listen to a variety of engaging presentations, and visit hands-on educational booths.


WHEN:  Friday, March 24, 9 am - 1 pm 

WHERE:  Ben Avery Shooting Facility (Carefree Hwy west of I-17 in north Phoenix) 

WEBSITE AND REGISTRATION: azgfd.gov/i_e/ee/events/youthday.shtml

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Whisper's Sanctuary

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Whisper's Sanctuary Educational Tour

 
Whisper's Sanctuary is a 501c3 nonprofit lifetime home for unwanted and retired animals.  The sanctuary is currently home to horses, donkeys, mules, goats, geese and chickens.  We welcome homeschool groups of all ages for an educational tour!  Please contact us to schedule a time for your visit. 

WHERE:  Whisper's Sanctuary, Elgin 

COST:  Free.  Donations always appreciated. 

CONTACT:  toni@rrheartranch.com, 520-455-9246

WEBSITE:  www.rrheartranch.com

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iD Tech Summer Camps

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iD Tech Summer Camps
In Tempe & Scottsdale. Code, game, and create at the world's #1 summer tech camp! Students ages 6-18 can learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, animate 3D objects, and more. We have both overnight and day camp options too!  

WHEN:  June 5 - July 28, 2017  

WHERE:  ASU Tempe  

CONTACT:  Jason Chavez, jchavez@idtech.com, 1-888-709-TECH  

WEBSITE:  www.idtech.com/locations/arizona-summer-camps

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Musical Instrument Museum

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The Musical Instrument Museum invites you to explore the musical instruments and music of the world and to use MIM’s collections and exhibitions as a foundation for teaching and learning. Our Education Department seeks to inspire learners of all ages and abilities by offering a wide range of educational programs—from school group visits and museum tours to artist residency programs, from lectures and classes for adults to workshops for children, and much more!

Join other homeschooling families for tours at MIM. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance of the tour. To register, call 480.245.6919 or e-mail grouptours@MIM.org.

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Spring-Break Events

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March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

Free movies at Scottsdale Quarter

Catch popular animated movies every Friday at the Scottsdale Quarter. Bring chair or blankets and come one of these nights or every night. March 3: "“Despicable Me." March 10:  “Finding Dory." March 17: “Wreck It Ralph." March 24: "Secret Life of Pets." March 31: "Toy Story."

Details: Movies start at 6:30 p.m. Fridays through March 31. Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. 480-270-8123, facebook.com/ScottsdaleQuarter.

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March 6th - March 31st

Shamrock Farms Farm Tour

Shamrock Farms offers a one-hour guided tour for guests through its real working dairy farm. In March, additional tour times will be offered throughout the week at 1 and 2 p.m. during the spring-break season.

Details: Reservations are required, call for times. March 6-31. Shamrock Farms, 40034 W. Clayton Rd., Stanfield. $9, $6 for children. 480-988-1452, www.shamrockfarms.net

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chadnler

March 10th - 12th

Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival

The annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival returns with carnival fun, live music, arts and crafts, food, games, carnival rides and more.

Details: 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday., March 10-12. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. $10; $7 for seniors 55 and over and children 5-12; free for children under 5. 480-782-2727.

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feeding

March 11, 2017

Reptile Feeding

Whether your kids revere reptiles or are afraid of them, the reptile feeding at McDowell Mountain Regional Park falls into the category of something you don't see every day. Know what a snake eats? You will if you attend this event while you learn about other desert creatures and their appetites.

Details: 3-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.,
Scottsdale. Free. 480-471-0173. 

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az wild west

March 11th & 12th

Arizona Wild West Festival

Among the family-friendly activities at this western festival: a competition featuring gunfighters from around the U.S.; a screening of Arizona’s first full-length western film, "Copper Wind"; a teen country-music battle of the bands contest; and watching stuntmen from Arizona and Hollywood compete on an obstacle course at Outlaw Annie’s arena.

Details: March 11-12. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Frontier Town, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Free. 602-400-3330, cavecreeklive.com.

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art

March 21st - 24th

Free art camp for Surprise teens

The Dysart School District is offering a free art camp for teens during spring break. Students will work on multiple art projects that tell a story through a topic or a theme. TeenWHAM introduces students to the world of a creative life and business.

Details: 9 a.m- noon or 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 21-Friday, March 24. WHAM Community Arts Center, 16560 N. Dysart Rd., Surprise. Free. 623-584-8311, wham-art.org.

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March 25th

Camp & Summer Expo by Arizona Parenting Magazine

Take care of spring-break and summer vacation with Arizona Parenting Magazine's expo at Desert Ridge Marketplace. The family event gives parents a chance to get information about a variety of summer camps and programs while kids can zip line, do some rock climbing, tie dye t-shirts and more.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix. Free. azparenting.com/camp-expo