Tuesday, October 21, 2014

October 2014

October has been such a fun month for our group, with plenty of educational field trips and our Homeschool CoOp in full swing. To review, we visited the Lockport Locks and had a cruise on the Erie Canal at the end of September, we went to Port Farms in Waterford, an outdoor science 'Salamander Safari' at Chapman State Park, a healthy foods tour at Wegmans in Jamestown and a trip to Edinboro to the college planetarium and a buffalo farm in Edinboro. Keep checking the newsletter here for any upcoming events that you might be interested in participating in.

Happy Fall!

The YMCA will continue holding their Homeschool Swim class on Friday mornings. Cost for members is $13 for 5 weeks, cost for non-members is $41 for 5 weeks.

Classes are from 10am-10:30am for grades 5-8 and 10:30am-11am for grades 1-4. Call the Y or drop in to register …726-0110.

Classes run in 5 week sessions and last throughout the school year. Join your fellow homeschooling moms while the kids swim! On the 5th class, which is always designated as 'watch day', we take the kids to Pizza Hut (with our Book It coupons) and we all have a nice lunch together. Join us!

WARREN LIBRARY CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES:

• Enchanted Fairytale Troupe: If your child loves princesses, these programs will be a special treat! A variety of fairytale characters from the Warren Players will visit the Library to read stories and visit with children on six different Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. this autumn. Specific characters have been established for two of the dates, but have yet to be determined on four of the dates. Four of these programs will take place in the Children’s Department while the other two, which are holiday programs, will take place in the Slater Room on the 3^rd floor.

October 25 – character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Slater Room as this is part of our Boil, Bubble, Toil and Trouble Halloween program (see details below).
November 8 – Character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department.
November 22 – Character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department.
December 13 – Elsa and other characters from Disney’s Frozen, 11:00 a.m. in the Slater Room as this is part of our Mrs. Claus Christmas program.

NOTES: Children are encouraged to dress in their princess finery for all of these programs. Halloween attire and Christmas attire is encouraged for the respective holiday programs. Preregistration is appreciated. Registration forms will be available in the Children’s Department next to the staff desk.

Building on the Rock Co-Op news

Jennifer reminded us today, only 4 weeks left of Co-Op! The classes have gone well considering this is our first semester of our new Co-Op and something new for all of us involved. The kids have come to love it and really enjoy the friendships they've made.

Cooking class has been whipping up a different dish each week, sometimes with the assistance of Pastor Chip. They've been making breakfast dishes, desserts, soups, pastas and they've also learned about proper place settings at a table.

Lego class has done research on various famous buildings and forms of architecture, then designed their own replica with Legos, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids, the Pentagon and more.

In Art class, we've studied Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh, painted our own versions of Monet's water lilies and Van Gogh's sunflowers and his Starry Night masterpiece. We dabbled in other forms of art, such as our papier mache pumpkins, autumn leaf painting, underwater scenes with monochromatic colors, quilling paper and making puffy paint. We will be doing graffiti painting next week, string art and portraits in the weeks to come.

Drama class has given the kids a love of acting! They chose a play, their parts and have begun building the props. They've been practicing every Tuesday and it is bound to be a fun performance on our celebration night.

Science class has covered a slew of topics complete with a craft or experiment to tie in with the lesson. They have studied ladybugs, spiders, adaptation of animals, chipmunks including hibernation, foraging and survival, leaves/trees including parts and growth process, nutrition and taste buds of humans, storms and cloud identification, hot air balloons/air and temperature and next week will feature wind/direction/strength and speed.

For those that are in Co-Op, what would you do differently? What are you enjoying? For those not in the Co-Op, what would interest you, if you were to join?

Our next Co-Op semester will start near spring, the date to be announced. Our 1st semester 'Celebration Night' is also yet to be announced, an will be on an evening in November.

Fall Testing

This fall, here are 2 options available for our 3rd, 5th and 8th graders that need to be tested this year.

Option #1: Iowa Test with Christine Smith

Date: Thursday, October 30th Time: 8:30 AM

Location: Warren Alliance Church, 278 Kinzua Rd.

Register at:http://www.bjupress.com/category/iowa-tests-homeschools tester # 1125558

What to bring: Pencils, calculator (may or may not be using), and your lunch … scrap paper will be provided

Deadline: You must purchase test 2-3 weeks before test date of October 30, no extra tests will be available day of test

See attachment for more information.

You can also call to register. Cognitive Ability test will be given Wednesday afternoon (10/29, 12:30pm) at same location.

Christine Smith

814-723-6460

hsmamof7@gmail.com

Option #2: Terra Nova Test with the Richman's

Fall 2014 Testing Schedule

When: Where:
E. Oct. 22 -- Lehigh Valley
F. Oct. 23 -- King of Prussia
G. Oct. 24 -- N. Montgomery (Harleysville)
H. Oct. 29 -- Altoona
I. Oct. 30 -- Allegheny - Washington Co.
J. Nov. 6 -- Latrobe

For Directions, Click on the Location

This will be our 26^th and last year of offering fall testing throughout the state, though we will continue to offer some fall testing at locations in western Pennsylvania. The test we give meets the third, fifth and eighth grade testing requirement of the PA homeschool law, and we strive to create a positive and professional testing environment where students can do their best. Students in the fall take the level test that is normally given at the end of the previous grade in the spring. Thus the fall test for third graders is the same as the level that is given to second graders in the spring. Tests are scored using Fall Testing norms. For more ideas on test preparation, see the archived articles on our website at www.pahomeschoolers.com

Testing begins promptly at 9:30am, and we finish up by noon. (Third graders will finish at about 11:00.) The test will include Reading/Language and Math. We will no longer test science and social studies in the afternoon.

Students in grades 5 and above are allowed to use calculators on the math word problem section. So, we’d suggest you help your child bring a calculator they feel comfortable using. No questions require calculator use.

Cost at the door is just $35 per child. We will have plenty of tests and room at every location. Be sure to show up by 9am if you are paying at the door.

Howard and Susan Richman

Struthers Arts & Education Series

Warren County Homeschoolers have been invited once again to attend the Arts and Education performances, free of charge, along with the public schools.

Tuesday, November 4th @ 9:00 a.m. - the Will Power tour of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" - for students in grades 9 through 12.

Thursday, December 18th @ 9:00 a.m. - Theatre IV's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" - for students in grades 1 through 4.

The admission is free for the student in the aforementioned grades and one adult. No younger/older siblings permitted and only one parent/chaperone per family.

Please RSVP to Julie @ anjt@hotmail.com if you plan on attending either play. I am required to give the Struthers a head count.

Misc. Homeschooling Opportunities:

Engineering for Students by Dyson: http://www.jamesdysonfoundation.com/form/request-an-engineering-box/

November 8th - 6th - 9th grade Career Day at Penn State University : Exploring Careers in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences - Penn State's annual career exploration program for students in grades 6 through 9 who are interested in veterinary medicine or biomedical sciences as their future careers. This annual program for students in grades 6 through 9 features hands-on experiences, a panel discussion, and an advising session at this critical stage in students' choice of secondary education. $40 per student, $10 per parent/teacher/chaperone.

http://vbs.psu.edu/youth/careerexpo/exploring-careers-registration-form-1

November 8th - Lowes Build and Grow Build a Science Lab

The Nutcracker

Date: Thursday, December 11th

Time: 10 a.m. (arrive approx. 20 minutes early)

Location: Reg Lenna Center for the Arts - 116 East Third St., Jamestown, NY http://reglenna.com/content/map-directions

Cost: $5 per person, pre-paid to Julie Turbide (cash or check)

We attended last year with the Chautauqua Homeschoolers and were absolutely amazed at the performances and the costumes. Just fantastic!

It is the public school day to attend as well, so there were buses and children everywhere. Do not wait in line with the public school kids. There is a separate door for the box office. I will meet you all in there and give you your tickets, then we will go to our reserved seats. Parking may also be an issue... we managed to find a spot (with a meter) on a side street, so get there plenty early.

The show was approximately 90 minutes long with an intermission.

RSVP: Please RSVP and prepay to me before November 21st.

Presented by Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet and featuring guest artists from the New York City Ballet, Daniel Ulbricht and Erica Pereira.

Bring the entire family to this enduring holiday tradition! The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet dazzles audiences with its cherished holiday favorite, Nutcracker, under the artistic direction of Monika Alch.

Nutcracker tells the classic story of Clara who falls into a deep, dreamy sleep after a holiday party at which Herr Drosselmeyer presents her a gift of a nutcracker. As she dreams, Clara embarks on a fantasy journey with her nutcracker prince, beginning with a battle with the Rat King and his army of mice, followed by a visit to the magical Kingdom of Sweets. There they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court of sweets, who offer to perform their favorite dances in Clara's honor.

Sumptuous new costumes funded by Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts.

Friday, September 5, 2014

September 2014

Happy Back to School!

Another year of homeschooling and we are so blessed to have this opportunity. Our Homeschool group is off to a great start to the new year with a new Homeschool Co-Op and have already had our first official field trip of the school year.

Bookmark this website, so you can stay up to date on all of our activities!

Homeschool Happenings:

The YMCA will continue holding their Homeschool Swim class on Friday mornings. Cost for members is $13 for 5 weeks, cost for non-members is $41 for 5 weeks.

Classes begin on Friday, September 5th and are from 10am-10:30am for grades 5-8 and 10:30am-11am for grades 1-4. Call the Y or drop in to register …726-0110.

WARREN LIBRARY CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES:

• Library Contest for Kids and Adults

WHERE DO YOU READ?

An opportunity to be creative at the Warren Public Library

Take a 4x6 color photo of your favorite cozy nook.

e-mail it to photos@warrenlibrary.org or drop it by the Warren Public Library Children's Department in a sealed envelope.
All photos need to reach us by September 30, 2014, 8:00 p.m.
Include your name, phone # and age along with the photo.
Drawing prize will be a $25 Amazon gift card. There will be one winner in each of the age groups (children 1-11; teens 12-18; adults 19 and up).
Random drawing will take place October 31; winners will be notified by 5:00 p.m. October 31.
Photos will be on display for the month of October at the Warren Public Library.
Be creative and send us your photos!

October 11 – character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department.
October 25 – character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Slater Room as this is part of our Boil, Bubble, Toil and Trouble Halloween program (see details below).
November 8 – Character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department.
November 22 – Character to be determined, 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department.
December 13 – Elsa and other characters from Disney’s Frozen, 11:00 a.m. in the Slater Room as this is part of our Mrs. Claus Christmas program.

Chapman Dam State Park Events -
4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA:

Sept. 13th 6-8 p.m. Explore Chapman by Canoe and Kayak
Explore Chapman State Park by Canoe and Kayak! Enjoy the fall leaves by boat. Meet at the Beach Concession building. Pre-registration is required as canoes and kayaks are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak, but you must still register. Call the park office at 814-723-0250 to register by Friday, Sept. 12th. This program is free of charge.

October 4th 12 noon-4 p.m. Fall Festival
Activities include apple cider making, leaf printing, pumpkin decorating and much more!

Warren County Homeschool Co-Op Building On The Rock

The new Co-Op meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. Classes run from 9:30 - 10:30 and 10:30 to 11:30.

The classes for this first 12 weeks, are Architectural Study with Legos, Cooking, Art, Drama and Science. The students were able to choose 2 classes. This semester will end just before Thanksgiving and will begin again in the spring. Sign ups will be announced sometime around February. If you are interested in being part of the Co-Op, please contact Jennifer Bailey @2003jenb@gmail.com

• September 25th or 29th - final date TBD following RSVP's -

LOCKPORT LOCKS and ERIE CANAL CRUISE

If we have 40 or more people: We will do the school trip which is about 1 hour long and costs $7/student and $10/parent and it will be at 10 am.

If we have less then 40 people: We will do regular cruise that they offer to everyone which is about 1 1/2 – 2 hours long and cost $9/student and $16/parents and will be at 12:30 pm.

I have 2 dates in mind – Thurs. Sept 25 OR Mon. Sept 29.

If you say you are going – this is a commitment that we cannot have people backing out at the last minute.

I am not going to organize a trip to the fort or the falls (because I just had Natalie at both this spring) , but I think if you are interested you can just go afterward or someone can organize that section. The fort is about 1/2 hour away and the falls from the fort is about 15 min. You could easily do all 3 – especially if we had our cruise in the morning or you could go and see the falls and the fort and then go on the cruise if it ends up being at 12:30.

Please RSVP to Nan @ thebigpfamily1@verizon.net with date that is better and number of students and number of adults.

• October 2nd - Port Farms
Date: Thursday, October 2nd Time: 9:45 a.m. (the hayride begins promptly at 10)
Address: Port Farms, 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Waterford, PA 16441 814-796-4500
Cost: $6 per person, children under 2 are free - You will need to prepay to me in advance.

Details: We start our field trip with a quick presentation by farm staff, followed by a hayride to the pumpkin patch (where each paying child gets to pick a pumpkin.)
Upon return from the hayride, we will have self guided fun at the farm. We will have picnic tables reserved for a designated time, in the white barn, for our group lunch.
Fun at the Farm: *Barnyard Fort *Bunnyville *Hippity Hop Corral *Mind Bender Mazes * Lil' Corn Maze *Tube Slides * Slide Mountain * Straw Fort * Corn Box * Trike Track * Cattle Chute Maze *Many Extras

RSVP: to Julie @ anjt@hotmail.com - payment required in advance
There is 1 free chaperone with every 5 paid students, so after I receive all payments, I will reimburse an equal divided amount to each parent (with the exception of any family paying for 5 children, in which case they would earn a free admission for themselves.)
** Pack your lunch and wear clothing appropriate for outdoors in chilly weather. It gets somewhat windy and chilly on the farm.

• October 9th - Salamander Safari - Homeschool Science Field Trip at Chapman State Park

Science Field Trip for our Homeschoolers: “SALAMANDER SAFARI”- Find out about salamanders of Pennsylvania, where they live, what they eat, what makes them so unique, and also where to find them. We’ll head to Penny Run to catch and identify salamanders and newts.

Date: Thursday, October 9th

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Rd., Clarendon, PA

Meet at Pavilion #1 … Here is a park map…when you come in the entrance, make the first left past the park office, and pavilion #1 is just past the dam on the right.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_004821.pdf

For students of all ages. Program will be adapted for the older and younger grades.

Bring your lunch if you want, and we can picnic afterwards. Wear shoes/boots that you can get wet and bring dry shoes/socks you can change into.

RSVP: Let Julie know how many students you will be bringing and their grades.

I need to inform the Park Naturalist as soon as I can.

• October 16th - WEGMANS 'EAT WELL, LIVE WELL' tour in Jamestown - field trip for all families with 4th - 6th grade Homeschoolers

What will they learn?

The in-store tour focuses on developing the knowledge and skills that motivate children to make healthy food choices. The kid-friendly curriculum is based on the USDA’s MyPlate as well as Wegmans own Eat Well, Live Wellprinciples. It encourages kids to adopt healthy habits by emphasizing simple messages such as "Balance Your Plate," "Get Moving," and "Fuel with Food."

Children will learn about the benefits of whole grains, healthy fats, and calcium-rich foods that give them energy to learn, play, and grow. When it comes to fruits and vegetables kids will learn to ‘make a fist’ for the perfect portable tool for estimating a kids-sized portion of produce. They will also get a chance to sample nutritious foods (like vegetarian Kale-elujah sushi), complete a treasure hunt, and go home with a Wegmans reusable bag filled with samples to share with their family.

Children see, taste, and learn about healthy eating while touring five different departments at selected Wegmans stores. Tours conclude with an Eat Well, Live Well Treasure Hunt. It is not a race or a contest. Please remind children (and emphasize to chaperones) NO RUNNING ALLOWED. They could seriously injure an unsuspecting elderly customer.

Who?

A team of trained Wegmans employees assures the tour is fun, educationally appropriate, and in very good taste! Wegmans nutritionist Trish Kazacos, RD, updated the curriculum and materials to be consistent with USDA’s MyPlate and Wegmans Eat Well, Live Well Principles.

Cost: FREE

Date & Time: Thursday, October 16th … 9:30-11:30 a.m. (please arrive by 9:20, as the tour begins at 9:30)

Meet at the customer service counter in the front of the store.

**Bring some bags for recycling and your child will receive a Wegmans tote in exchange.

A few parents will be permitted to walk with the students during the tour, but the majority will remain in the cafe' area, as well as any younger siblings.

RSVP to me ASAP.

I will email you a permission slip soon, that you will need to print, sign and bring with you.

Any food allergies we need to be aware of?

• October 20th - EDINBORO UNIVERSITY PLANETARIUM

Time: 11 am - 12 pm

Cost: Free

Grades: All

RSVP to Nan Chapman no later than OCTOBER 10th @ 723-7367 or thebigpfamily1@verizon.net

Homeschoolers can choose to do the FALL TESTING for 3rd, 5th and 8th graders.

The Richman's from PA Homeschoolers are running the test this fall (their last year doing this), but the date has yet to be announced. I will let you know when I hear something.

Plays for the Arts & Education Series

Warren County Homeschoolers have been invited once again to attend the Arts and Education performances, free of charge, along with the public schools.

Tuesday, November 4th @ 9:00 a.m. - the Will Power tour of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" - for students in grades 9 through 12.

Thursday, December 18th @ 9:00 a.m. - Theatre IV's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" - for students in grades 1 through 4.

The admission is free for the student in the aforementioned grades and one adult. No younger/older siblings permitted and only one parent/chaperone per family.

Please RSVP to Julie @ anjt@hotmail.com if you plan on attending either play. I am required to give the Struthers a head count.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

March 2014 Newsletter

February was a super month for our Homeschoolers, with the Valentine's Skating Party planned by Denise, the Spelling Bee organized by Nan and the Science Day planned by Robyn!

It was great to see the kids all having fun with one another, to see boxes brimming with Valentines and goodies, then to watch the kids (preschoolers up to high schoolers) dissecting owl pellets and doing bone identification and having so much fun learning.
Thank you Denise, Nan & Robyn,
for planning these events for our children!

Now, on to March and spring!!

Pennsylvania American Water:

Protect Our Watersheds 12th Annual Art Contest

For 4th through 6th grade students - Deadline for artwork submissions is March 28th.

The contest encourages students to draw on their artistic talents to convey the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s watersheds and water resources. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that understanding. As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of watershed protection.

Click here for the contest rules and and entry form:

http://www.amwater.com/files/Art%20Contest%20Rules%20and%20Entry%20Form%20-%202014.pdf

I Like My Library Poetry Contest:

This contest, for ages five to sixteen, is in honor of National Library Week. Winners will be selected from each of the three divisions: ages 5-8, ages 9-12, and ages 13-16. One winner from each division will receive a $30 Amazon gift card. The topic of the poem will be “Why I like (or love) My Library”. Rules and Entry Forms can be downloaded here or picked up in the Children's Department on the semi-circle in between the children's computers.

Deadline for submission is April 5th, at 5pm.

Warren Library Lego Building Contest

Contestants will compete in four divisions: family, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9 through adult. Both the public and a panel of judges will vote. Lego creations should be based on a book title, as this contest is in honor of National Library Week. Entries are due to the Slater Room, 3^rd floor of the Library, on Saturday, April 12^th. Lego creations will be on view April 14-17 in the Slater Room. Amazon gift cards will be awarded to winners at a ceremony on Thursday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Slater Room. Rules and Guidelines will be available at the library and can also be downloaded from the Children’s Events page here .

(Be aware, you leave your Lego design at your own risk. The library is not responsible for damage or loss)

28TH ANNUAL CHAP HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION

“For Generations To Come”

“Teach this testimony and law to your children, so that the next generation would know it, so that the children not yet born would themselves arise and tell their own children, who could then put their confidence in God” Psalm 78:5b-7a

Planning is well underway for the 2014 CHAP Convention; The Largest Christian Homeschool Event in the Northeast. Be sure and save May 9th and 10th on your schedule to join us at this exciting time of listening, learning, shopping and fellowshipping with fellow homeschoolers at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Over 200 Vendors
16 Dynamic Speakers
Children’s Program for ages 5 to 12
Teen Track
Town Hall Style Panel Led Discussions
Used Curriculum Sale
Silent Auction
High School Graduation Ceremony
State Science Fair Competition
Art Contest
Scholarship Contest
Essay Contest
First-Time Parents of Pre-Schoolers Free Admission
Convention Tour Guides
Book Check Service
Multiple Prize Giveaways
Family Package Pricing
And much, much more!

Help CHAP spread the word and tell your family and friends about this fabulous event! You don’t have to be a homeschooler to attend, as there are excellent resources for teachers, parents or just about anyone interested in making an impact on a child’s life. We hope to see you there!

http://www.chaponline.com/2014convention/

Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering free tree seedlings to classrooms with preK through 6th grade students.

They include homeschoolers in this offer.

• One seedling per student.

• Choose what seedling you would like:

Silky Dogwood: Native flowering shrub. Blooms in late
spring and grows up to 9 ft in height. Prefers moist areas. Blue and white fruit is loved by birds. Seedlings are 1-2 years old and average 14 inches in height. Not all seedlings will be the exact same size.
OR
White Pine: Native evergreen that can grow up to 100 feet tall. Grows best in fertile, well drained soils, but tolerates a variety soil conditions. Seedlings are 3 years old, and average 8-22 inches in height. Not all seedlings will be the exact same size.

• Please RSVP to me within 2 weeks to let me know what seedling you would like. I will place the order for our group and the seeds will be delivered in mid April. You will need to come pick up your seedling from me, when I notify you that it has arrived.

I will send a separate email to you with a student guide, teacher guide and planting directions. You will have to have your hole dug and ready by the time the trees are delivered (April 14-21.)

Warren County Homeschoolers