MCESA is committed to consistently providing resources, leadership and support for the educational needs of all homeschooling 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 is amazing. Take the time to research and decide as a family which curriculum would 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 stu-dents.
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, chil-dren 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 pro-gress in their studies.
10. Have Fun!
Exhibit Dates: Jan 24, 2015 - May 03, 2015
Jump into the game in the most extensive exhibition ever built about America’s most popular sport, Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With over 200 of the rarest artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including legendary gear, photos, and documents chronicling the cultural phenomenon that is football today. Featuring NFL Films video footage and a series of interactive displays, Gridiron Glory tackles the science behind the game. This groundbreaking exhibition puts visitors in the game alongside football’s greatest legends!
 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
WATER CYCLE - Water, water everywhere; it covers most of the earth. Become a drop of water and move through the water cycle.
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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
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 Morning or afternoon classes available (this is a two day class. You must attend both days.)
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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/who_are_you/home_school_connections
 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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 2015 Leadership Conference
Arizona homeschool group leaders, make plans to join us for a great day of leadership training and connecting with other homeschool group leaders from across the state!
WHEN: Saturday, January 24, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Grand Canyon University, Phoenix
COST: $15 per person
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 9, 2015
CONTACT: events@afhe.org
WEBSITE: www.afhe.org/leadconf.html
NOTE: This event is specifically geared for leaders of groups that have been approved for listing on the AFHE website.
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 Registration is now open for the 2015 Clean Tech Competition, a global research and design challenge for 15-18 year old students. This year's challenge is to "Feed the World."
This educational opportunity challenges students to develop innovative, clean technology solutions to real-world issues. Solutions may take on aspects of growing, harvesting, distributing, or any other aspect of food availability. Student participants will gain experience with focused research, critical thinking, and the scientific process making it a great project-based learning opportunity. Students can participate through school, extracurricular activities, through a homeschool program, or on their own. The first place team will win $10,000 and the finalist teams can win $1,000 for their school/organization.
The finalist event will be held in Philadelphia, PA in May 2015, when finalist teams will meet to explore fun and educational activities, present to a live panel of judges, and network with industry professionals. There is no limit to the number of teams per organization, and teams may have 1, 2, or 3 members.
WHEN: Registration deadline February 20, 2015.
Paper submissions due March 6, 2015.
Finalist event will be held on May 29t 2015.
WHERE: First round paper submissions (online) via Clean Tech Website. Finalist event to be held in Philadelphia, PA.
COST: No entry fee.
CONTACT: Rob Romano and Lauren Sacks, 515-764-0045, cleantech@cstl.org
WEBSITE: www.cleantechcompetition.org/
 Speedometry is a free-to-use curriculum designed for fourth grade students that utilizes Hot Wheels toys that kids have been playing with for decades to teach the FUNdamentals of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Speedometry is the result of collaboration between the USC Rossier School of Education and the Mattel Children's Foundation.
WEBSITE: www.hotwheels.com/speedometry for more information and to request your Speedometry kit
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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/
 The Tucson Citywide Homeschool Spelling Bee, sponsored by CHET-SE, is open to 1st-8th grade homeschoolers in Tucson or Pima County. The winner will advance to the Pima County Spelling Bee to be held in February. There will also be a "Honey Bee" for younger students (up to 4th grade.) Please indicate your child's age and grade when registering. For younger students, please specify either Spelling Bee or Honey Bee. When your child is registered, you will receive a list of study words and a copy of the spelling bee rules. Please see our website for additional information.
WHEN: Friday, January 30, 2015
8:30 AM - Check-in for Honey Bee
10:00 - Check-in for Spelling Bee
WHERE: Christ Community Church Oasis Auditorium
7051 E. Kenyon Dr. Tucson
COST: $3.00 per student, $6.00 max per family
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: January 16, 2015
CONTACT: Laura Denker 520-440-8599 tucsonbee@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.homeschool-life.com/az/chetse/
 Target Free First Friday Nights
Target once again brings Target Free First Friday Nights to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Thank you Target for your ongoing support of this important program, bringing the Museum experience free of charge to thousands of Valley children and their families.On the first Friday of every month from 5pm to 9pm, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix will be open to the public free of charge.
Join us on these Target Free First Friday Nights in 2014: February 7, March 7, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5.
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 For the spring semester of 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 is required 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 Homeschool Reservation Form can be found on our website, along with a list of other upcoming events.
WHEN: January 12-13, 2015, February 16-17, 2015, March 2-3, 2015, and May 25-26, 2015
WHERE: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
COST: $8 per child 3-11, $12 per adult (plus 7.95% tax)
CONTACT: Kaycee Campbell, 480-800-3000 ext. 206, kaycee@butterflywonderland.com
WEBSITE: http://www.butterflywonderland.com
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 Upcoming Events
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
10am | PHOENIX | FAMILY EVENT | CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG | Bring the kiddos and your camera, and join us for stories and pictures with Clifford the Big Red Dog!
Changing Hands Phoenix Changing Hands Tempe
300 W Camelback Rd 6428 S McClintock Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85013 Tempe, AZ 85283
Phone: 602.274.0067 Phone:480.730.0205
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MONTHLY ONGOING EVENTS FOR KIDS
Sign up for our Kids Events list to receive advance notice of special upcoming events.
TEMPE COSTUME STORYTIMES
Every 1st Saturday - COSTUME STORYTIME - 10-11am
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PHOENIX COSTUME STORYTIMES
Every 2st Saturday - COSTUME STORYTIME - 10-11am
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TEMPE STORYTIMES
Every Thursday - STORYTIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS - 10:15-10:45am
Every 2nd Thursday ~ BILINGUAL STORYTIME (Spn/Eng) ~ 10:15-10:45am
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PHOENIX STORYTIMES
Every Thursday - STORYTIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS - 10-10:45am
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CLUB READ
Each month (usually on a Saturday) ~ CLUB READ ~ 2-3pm
Great books, special events, prize giveaways, interactive contests, tasty treats, author visits, and other fun stuff -- it's all part of our new Club Read program for kids, and you're invited! Join today and start earning points redeemable for some great prizes!
CLUB READ BADGE-HOLDERS: Get 3 bonus points for attending, and 1 point when you purchase the current Club Read pick at Changing Hands. Don't have a free Club Read badge? Ask a bookseller how to get one! See the Club Read page for details.
Visit for more information: http://www.changinghands.com/page/kidsyearlong
 Now open through February 2nd!
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...
Every weekday we invite families, office workers and students to come and unjoy half price skating. DJ's and games from 11:00am - 1:30pm Monday through Friday.
Visit website for upcoming events, hours and prices:
Day Session: 11am - 1:30pm, Daily
Night Session: 4pm - 11pm, Sun - Fri
4pm - Midnight, Sat -
Visit: http://www.cityskatephx.com/admission-info/
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www.educents.com
We aspire to provide affordable education to everyone. That’s the idea behind Educents.
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