Warren County Homeschoolers

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Summer 2015

Evaluations done, objectives done, affidavits submitted .... Way to Go Homeschooling Moms and Dads!

Time to relax and enjoy your summer!
Here are some activities and ideas to keep the kids learning through the summer.

Warren Library:

Teen Summer Reading Program - register at the main desk at their convenience.

Summertime is for reading what YOU want to read! You may choose to read books, magazines, eBooks, listen to audiobooks, read to a child, etc. The books you read do NOT have to come from the Warren Public Library. For every thirty minutes you read (it can be 30 minutes at a time or two 15 minute periods, etc.) clip off the slip at the bottom of this sheet (be sure to write your name clearly on the back) and deposit it in the Teen Summer Reading Jar at the main desk. Every week there will be a random drawing for prizes. The more you read, the more chances you'll have to win a variety of prizes including the grand prize, a Kindle. The drawing for the Kindle will take place at 7:30 p.m. on July 28th.

Children's Summer Reading Program -Children can sign up throughout June and July. Children who return their reading logs between July 20 and August 8 will receive prizes. Their names will be turned in to their schools so that the respective schools can announce summer reading participants in September. Names will also be turned into the Warren Times Observer for publication. As in the past, children will be encouraged to read for pleasure, which means they get to choose the books they want to read over the summer. Younger children can participate as parents can write down titles read to their little ones.

Sugar Grove Free Library Reading Program - Beings June 22nd, register at library

I'm still trying to get information on the Youngsville Library's reading program.

•Barnes & Noble - Read and record 8 books and choose a free book.
Click here for details: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/

•Family Christian Stores - Read and record 6 books for a $10 certificate.
Click here for details: http://www.familychristian.com/summerreading

•Pizza Hut - Online and interactive reading program - begins June 22
Click here for details: http://www.bookitsummer.com

•Chuck E Cheese - Print out chart and checkmark each day they read for 10 free tokens.
Click here for chart:
http://www.chuckecheese.com/_content_assets/files/images/calendars/2015/ReadingRewards_RC_1214.pdf

June 22-26 Warren Alliance Church, 278 Kinzua Rd, Warren
Mega Sports Camp VBS - June 22-26 6pm - 8:30 pm
Grades K - 5th (coming out of 5th)
Sport options: basketball, flag football, soccer or cheer
Register HERE: http://warrenalliance.org/event/mega-sports-camp/2015-06-22/

July 12-16 Calvary Baptist Church, Conewango Ave, Warren
Everest - Ages 4 years through 5h grade ... July 12th - 16th .. 6pm - 8:15 pm
Register HERE:https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/CalvarybapWarren/gpgs/home.aspx

July 20-24 Sugar Grove Mission Covenant Church, Jackson Run/Matthews Run
Time: 9:00 a.m.- noon.
Ages: 3 years through 6th grade
Curriculum: KidsofCourage.com
Subject: persecuted Christians around the world

June 19 - Chapman State Park "Stream Stomp" 6-7:30 pm Investigate the stream at Penny Run and look for fish, salamanders, crayfish and other aquatic creatures. Will get feet wet. Meet at parking lot #1.

June 20 - Chapman State Park "Night Sky Watch" Presentation by Tom Traub of Martz Observatory at 9 pm. Bring telescope if you have one, bring chair or blanket and flashlight.

June 20 - Chapman State Park Synchronous Fireflies 8:30 pm - Pavilion #4  Presentation on fireflies, habitat, bioluminescence, flash patterns along with firefly watching, catch and release. Bring a chair or blanket and flashlight.

June 26 - Warren Manor Homeschoolers & Seniors program - Down on the Farm color a mural, visit with farm animals at 2 pm (Warren Manor on Pleasant Drive)

June 26 - Chapman State Park "Kayak Chapman" - 6-8 pm - Meet at beach concession stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a kayak tour on the lake. Must pre-register, and the cost is $5 per adult, $2 for children ages 8 to 12 and children under 18 must have an adult present. Call to register: 814-723-0250

June 27 - Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop for kids 10-11 am Captain American Motorcycle - Click here to register: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

June 27 - Jamestown Audubon Bird Banding 6 am - 12 pm All invited to help - click here for more information: https://jasprograms.wordpress.com/2015-maps/

June 27 & 28 - Art in the Wilds - Fine Art show 10 am - 5 pm    Evergreen Park, S Fraley St & Birch St, Kane, PA 16735 Click here for information:   http://www.artinthewilds.org

July 11 - Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop for kids 10-11 am  Black Widow's Sky Cycle - Click here to register beginning June 29 : http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

July 11 - Youth Field Days - Chapman State Park 8 am - 1 pm Sign in begins at 7:45 am. Walk ins are accepted by t-shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register. Click the green register button at this site: http://www.register-ed.com/events/view/61391

Sign up is going on now for the Pizza Hut Book It program for the upcoming school year.
Homeschoolers with children grades K-6 can sign up here: http://bookitprogram.formstack.com/forms/2015_16_homeschool_form

Friday, January 23, 2015

January/February Newsletter

January 28th - Spelling Bee 1:30 pm Warren Alliance Church
February 7th - Girls Victorian Tea 10 am - 1 pm
February 7th - Snowflake Festival @ Jamestown Audubon 10 am - 4 pm
February 13th - Homeschool Valentine's Roller Skating Party 12 - 2 pm
February 13th - 16th - Great Backyard Bird Count
February 14th - Valentine Activity @ Warren Public Library 11 am
February 14th - Lowe's Build and Grow 10 am
February 14th - Audubon Little Explorers 10 am - 11:30 am
February 17th - Co-Op Gym and Drama
February 27th and 28th - Youth Art Show at Warren Public Library

Date for the HOMESCHOOL SPELLING BEE will be Wed. Jan. 28th at 1:30 at Warren Alliance Church, Rt. 59 – right past Dairy Delight and the Glade Bridge(near the refinery). This is open to all 5th – 8th graders. ( 3rd and 4th graders can participate if they like, but they just can’t win to go on to county bee.) PLEASE – if you have a student in the above grades – please have them participate. It is hard to have a bee with 2 students!

We do 10 rounds and each student stays in the entire time. We go from very easy words progressing harder each round. At the end, we count up the most number of correctly spelled words and that is our winner.

RSVP to Nan Chapman no later than Tuesday, Jan 27th by noon. This will give me time to tweek the list for the number of participants. thebigpfamily1@verizon.net or 723-7367.

Warren Historial Society

Saturday, February 7, 2015, from 10 AM to 1 PM
Girls ages 7 to 11 are invited to join Kate Reed to learn about dolls.
have fun practicing the language of the fans, Victorian etiquette,
dress-up photos, and lunch. $12 per child & permission slips required

Call to register 723-1795 or visit 210 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA

Jamestown Audubon is holding their annual Snowflake Festival on Saturday, February 7th.
$6 admission for ages 16 and up, $2 for ages 3 to 15 and under 2 is free
10 am - 4 pm

"Snowflake Festival is a one day event, held the first Saturday of February. It is an indoor/outdoor event that focuses on winter recreation and nature as well as naturally sustainable products. We encourage getting out and enjoying winter by featuring outdoor activities (snowshoes and dog sled races to name a couple)! Indoors we have live animal programs, environmentally responsible exhibitors, displays and vendors, food, and Nature Center exhibits. A family-friendly event, this festival appeals to all ages."

Click here for the schedule: https://snowflakefestival.wordpress.com

Homeschool Valentine's Roller Skating Party

RSVP Now!

1. Register for the count or use your existing login name and password. If you have never participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count or any other Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you’ll need to create a new account. If you already created an account for last year’s GBBC, or if you’re already registered with eBird or another Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you can use your existing login information.

2. Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC. You can count for longer than that if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you like—one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for each new day, for each new location, or for the same location if you counted at a different time of day. Estimate the number of individuals of each species you saw during your count period.

3. Enter your results on the GBBC website by clicking “Submit Observations” on the home page. Or download the free GBBC BirdLog app to enter data on a mobile device. If you already participate in the eBird citizen-science project, please use eBird to submit your sightings during the GBBC. Your checklists will count toward the GBBC.

Click here to get started:http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/

Valentine's Day Activities:

• Warren Public Library:

Sweet, Sweet Valentine: Saturday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. Librarian will share Valentine stories, songs, and crafts in the Children’s Department. Children can ice their own cupcake. Preregistration appreciated, but not mandatory. Sign-up sheet is located in the Children’s Room next to the staff computer. Aimed at ages 4-7, but all ages welcome. free

• Lowe's:

Sign up starting February 2nd for the Feb. 14th Build and Grow Workshop. Kids will build a Sweetheart Picture Holder. Free but you will need to register here: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

• Jamestown Audubon

Love is in the Air - Little Explorers $8 per child 10 am - 11:30 am

This month we will talk about animals in love! Little Explorers are children ages 3-8 and their grown-up or two. During this program we have a brief lesson, go for a nature walk, come back for a snack, and make a craft. Call 716-569-2345 to register

Many animals are active all winter, but in February, a lot of them go out looking for each other! Some animals have already found mates and are sitting on eggs while other, like bears, are taking care of their cubs already! Whether it is parents falling in love, mothers loving their babies, or people loving animals, February is filled with love! Come and learn all about it! We will do a brief lesson, then go outside for a hike. A snack and craft will follow. Come dressed for the weather.

The Warren Homeschool Co-Op will be doing a Homeschool Gym and Drama class this session. Please contact Jennifer Bailey if you are interested at 2003jenb@gmail.com

Beginning Tuesday February 17th at Calvary Baptist Church on Conewango Ave.

Homeschoolers are invited again to participate in the

Warren Youth Art Show.

• For students Grade K through 12

• Art can be in any form … paintings, sketches, clay, ceramics, jewelry making, photography, etc…

• Bring pieces to the Warren Library on Feb 27th or Feb 28th from 10am - 5pm. Parents will put up their own art work. There should be pins out on those two dates to hang your art work. If it is 3-dimensional, you can place your piece on one of the surfaces available in the room.

• One piece per student

• You will need to fill out a label and attach to the artwork or set near the piece, with name, grade level or age and medium utilized.

You can create your own label or use the one attached.

• If you would like an Art Certificate from the Library, you will need to leave your child's full name with Susan Slater in the Children's Dept.

• The Art Exhibit will be open for public viewing from March 2 - 27 and need to be taken down on the 27th and 28th. You are required to pick up your child's art at that time.

• The Art Exhibit Open House is March 2nd from 5 to 7pm. Please come with your child and they will be presented with their participation certificate at that time.

• RSVP to the children's librarian, Susan Slater, if your child is going to participate.

You can email her at sslater@warrenlibrary.org or at 723-4650

Information will be forthcoming regarding a Pre-K/Kindergarten Art Show in April.

Monday, December 1, 2014

December 2014

December 5th - Christmas parade and Christmas Walk - Downtown Warren 6:30, Christmas walk begins at 5:30

December 6th and 7th - Bethlehem Marketplace, Calvary Baptist Church 4-8pm

December 6th - St. Joseph Annual Christmas Craft Fair 10am - 4pm … 75 vendors

December 10th - Warren Library 'After School with Mrs. Claus 3:45 pm

December 11th - The Nutcracker at Reg Lenna Theatre and Fenton History Center field trip

December 12th - Movie Night at Warren Alliance Church - ELF movie - 7pm free popcorn

December 13th - Mrs. Claus, Elsa and Olaf at Warren Library 11am

December 16th - Homeschool Christmas Party, 10am - 2 pm Calvary Baptist Church

December 18th - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas play at Struthers for 1st-4th graders

December 19th - Warren Manor Cookies & Crafts day time tba

January 9th, 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

December 10 - After School with Mrs. Claus: Wednesday, December 10, 3:45 p.m., Children’s Department. Mrs. Claus will read holiday stories and sing songs with the children. There will be a craft and holiday treat after the program. Preregistration appreciated. Registration form will be available in the Children’s Department next to the staff computer starting November 22.

December 13 - Saturday, December 13, 11:00 a.m., Slater Room, 3^rd floor. Mrs. Claus, Elsa and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen will share holiday stories, songs, crafts and snacks with children and their families. Children are invited to dress in fairy tale attire or holiday outfits. Preregistration mandatory due to limited attendance (42 children). Registration form will be available in the Children's Department next to the staff computer starting November 22.

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.

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 - I am required to give the Struthers a head count.

10 am - 2 pm
We will be celebrating Christmas with games, crafts, songs and a white elephant exchange (please don't buy anything new, just re-gift something from home) for the kids and adults!!! All are welcome. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time... we will have a pot luck lunch for those that are there at lunch time. Please bring a dish to pass... I hope you can come for this time of celebration and fellowship.

Please RSVP to Jennifer Bailey at Jennifer Bailey at 2003jenb@gmail.com

Please message me if you can help with crafts, games or are a good singer that would lead songs for us.

Family Movie Night

The community is invited to a free Family Movie Night on Friday, December 12th at 7 p.m. at Warren Alliance Church, 278 Kinzua Rd.

The featured movie is the Christmas Classic "Elf." Elf tells the story of Buddy, one of Santa's elves, who learns his true identity as a human and goes to NYC to meet his biological father. Wherever he goes he spreads Christmas Cheer. There will be free popcorn and prizes.

Warren Manor Cookies & Crafts

Visit Warren Manor and bring joy to the patients by making crafts and enjoying punch and cookies with them!

Date: December 19th

Time: TBA (watch for the email)

Friday, November 7, 2014

November 2014

We do not have as many activities this month, as the cold winter months are approaching. Some of us have been busy canning and freezing, so our families can still enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies throughout the winter. I am reminded of the verse from Proverbs 31:21 'She is not afraid of the snow for her household', which one interpretation is taken literally … that she is prepared for the winter and has nothing to fear.

I like to think that by scouring the yard sales for winter boots and coats, by passing down some clothes that don't fit the kids anymore, by having a garden (thank you Ellie!), by filling up my freezer with good food, I am, in one way, that prepared woman. And as I pause and look at everything that God has given our family for the winter months, I am overwhelmed by His love and provision. I find the greatest blessings in the simple things and am so grateful for them all. I pray that you will also find joy in being simply blessed.

What are you thankful for? I'm thankful for friends, for homeschooling, for my children, for my husband's job, for our health and for the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

Wishing everyone a wonderful month and Thanksgiving holiday!

November 14th - Homeschool Swim Class session begins

December 5th - Christmas parade and Christmas Walk - Downtown Warren

December 6th and 7th - Bethlehem Marketplace, Calvary Baptist Church

December 11th - The Nutcracker at Reg Lenna Theatre in Jamestown

December 12th - Movie Night at Warren Alliance Church - ELF

December 16th - Homeschool Christmas Party, Calvary Baptist Church

December 18th - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas play at Struthers for 1st-4th graders

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.

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.

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

We are winding down our first session in our Co-Op. We will celebrate this first 'semester' of our Co-Op with a potluck dinner, a display of the what our children have learned and accomplished and we will wrap up the evening with the drama class putting on a play for their families.

We invite all of our homeschoolers to the next semester of our Co-Op, which will start back up in February, the date to be announced. If you have any suggestions for potential classes you would like to teach or that your child might be interested in, please let us know by emailing:

homeschoolontherock@gmail.com

We would like to express our gratitude to Christine Smith for organizing and administering our 3rd, 5th and 8th grade tests this fall. Also, we thank Hollister McNeal and Cay Heath for assisting in the testing process. Your time and contributions are appreciated!

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.

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 - I am required to give the Struthers a head count.

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)
RSVP: Please RSVP and prepay to me before November 28th. anjt@hotmail.com

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.

"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."

We will be celebrating Christmas with games, crafts, songs and a white elephant exchange (please don't buy anything new, just re-gift something from home) for the kids and adults!!! All are welcome. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time... we will have a pot luck lunch for those that are there at lunch time. Please bring a dish to pass... I hope you can come for this time of celebration and fellowship.