So much to do…
An incredible variety of events and opportunities are available to the homeschooling community. Do you know of one? Post it below, with new posts on top.
Another way to stay informed about homeschooling events is MHA’s E&O Elist. Find out more.
Please date your entry. Out of date events will be removed.
CALL FOR ENTRIES–2009 Letters About Literature Contest
The Minnesota Humanities Center, along with local co-sponsors the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English, invite Minnesota’s fourth through 12th grade students to enter the 2009 Letters About Literature essay contest.
Sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in partnership with Target, the contest asks readers to write a letter to an author describing how his or her work touched their life in a personal way. Authors can be of any genre or time period and can come from any country.
The contest focuses on reader response and reflective writing and has three competition levels: Level 1 for students in grades 4-6; Level 2 for students in grades 7 and 8; and Level 3 for students in grades 9-12. The Humanities Center will choose the top essayists from each of the three competition levels who will receive a $50 Target GiftCard and advance for judging in the national competition.
National winners will receive a $500 Target GiftCard and a $10,000 Letters About Literature Reading Promotion Grant to give to a community or school library. Additionally, 12 national runners-up will receive a $100 Target Giftcard and a Reading Promotion Grant of $1,000 for their school or community library. Winners will be instrumental in deciding how the library funds will be spent.
Entries in each state will be assessed on three criteria: content, or the writer’s achievement in addressing the contest theme; exposition, or the writer’s use of language skills; and voice, the writer’s style and originality of expression.
Educators from each state are encouraged to access free teaching materials including lesson plans, blackline masters, writing samples, and assessment checklists through the Letters About Literature program. These resources are available at the Minnesota Humanities Center’s web site.
Last year’s competition attracted more than 1,300 young readers from across the state. Minnesota contestant Anna Priore, a home-schooled student from Kenyon, was among the national runners-up in last year’s contest.
All entries must be received by Dec. 6, 2008. For official guidelines and entry information or educator resources, please visit www.minnesotahumanities.org and click on “Special Projects.”
HOMESCHOOL MEETS ROCK CLIMBING
Vertical Endeavors is offering Homeschool Days to homeschool students and families! Indoor rock climbing is a great way to introduce your students to a unique experience in a controlled, professional environment. Vertical Endeavors offers a variety of experiential education opportunities where students can broaden their horizons, try a new activity, and step out of their comfort zones. The benefits of indoor rock climbing include promoting mental and physical health, improving self-esteem and self-confidence, encouraging teamwork and leadership, and developing problem-solving and goal-setting skills.
DATES:
* October 15, 2008
* November 12, 2008
* December 9, 2008
1 pm. to 3:30 p.m. $10 per person, includes a harness
Contact Jeff Nelson for more information at 651.776.1430.
Vertical Endeavors 855 Phalen Blvd St. Paul, MN 55106
For directions and additional information got to: http://www.verticalendeavors.com/vestpaulnew/index.html
Sept. 16, 2008
To Parents and Caregivers of Girls entering the Second and Third Grade:
I’m writing to tell you about a new opportunity for girls to participate in Girl Scouting. A new Brownie Girl Scout troop is being formed for the fall which will be especially welcoming to girls with special needs and girls who are not likely to have the opportunity to otherwise participate in scouting. This troop will be open to those girls who have special learning needs, physical needs, and/or communication needs. The troop will also be open to those girls who may be home schooled, attend private schools, be new to the community or lack the financial resources to participate. It will be open to everyone.
As a parent of two special needs kids, I’ve noticed that many times our kids are over looked when it comes to participating in some of the childhood activities we all take for granted such as scouting. Sometimes the volunteers are ill informed about the needs of our children and lack the skills and desire to learn about what works with our children resulting in a reluctance to welcome all girls into a troop. I’ve volunteered to be a leader for this troop because I love scouting and desire to try to give all girls the opportunity to participate and to have fun and learn with their peers. I will do my best to try to accommodate everyone’s special circumstance and will ask for support from parents and other professionals to find out what works with each child. I’m not a teacher and have no special training to work with these kids other than what I’ve picked up in working with my autistic son and very smart (could be gifted, not sure yet) daughter.
I’m working on finding a place and time to meet and have contacted the Girl Scouts of the Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Council for their support. I will keep everyone informed as to what develops. My preference is to meet on Monday evenings from 6 to 7:30 or 7:45 p.m. on days when school is in session. I’ve just started looking for a place to meet so nothing is etched in stone. There are many Girl Scout events that occur on the weekends or during breaks from school. I’m willing to participate in those if there are girls that are interested.
I realize that this group will present some challenges, but I think in the end everyone from the girls to the leader/volunteers to our community will benefit. Diversity in membership just makes the scouting experience more rewarding and beneficial.
Please complete and return to me the attached interest form. If you are interested in registering a girl for this troop, helping with the troop or have questions about this troop or Girl Scouting, please contact me at 952-368-0054 or send an e-mail to me at dmwold@comcast.net or to Gloria Garrison, our local Girl Scout membership representative at Gloria.garrison@girlscoutsrv.org. The Girl Scouts will also be holding their normal membership drive in the community and are always willing to accept new members. For the troop to be a go, we’ll need at least five girls and a co-leader. Depending on the needs of the girls, the assistance of parents and/or PCA’s may be needed. There is financial assistance available for girls who may not otherwise be able to participate in scouting through our Council.
I’m very excited to be a part of this and look forward to hearing from you. I truly hope that there is a way we can make this troop a fantastic experience for everyone.
Sincerely,
Darlene Wold
Sept. 13, 2008
TWIN CITIES YOUTH BAND
Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at 6:00pm is the first meeting of the 2008-2009 season for the TWIN CITIES YOUTH BANDS. TCYB gives young musicians in grades 6-9 an extracurricular opportunity to play concert band music, including traditional band music, pop and jazz. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:15pm at Capitol Hill Magnet School (Rondo complex, at Hwy 94 and Dale); at least two concerts per year. Open to all students: public, private, charter or homeschool. Tuition is $250/year; scholarship assistance is available. Contact band director Diane Sollenberger at 651-325-2500 x2558 or adsolly@netscape.net, check out our website at twincitiesyouthband.net, or just show up with your instrument on October 7! Visit our exhibit at the 2008 MHA Conference.
9-9-08 Posted by Susan Meyer,SLP
Reading Therapy Center in Willmar,MN will be presenting a free workshop on two seperate days in October. The workshop is entitled “What Teachers and Parents Need to Know About Children Who Struggle Academically”.
The workshop dates follow: Monday,October 13 6:30-8:30 pm or Monday,October 20 6:30-8:30 pm
Please call 320-214-7011 or e-mail at readingtherapycenter@willmarnet.com for more information. Our website is www.readingtherapycenter.com.
9-8-08
Saturday, September 13, 11am - 3pm
A Martial Arts Open House and Book “Share”
Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul, a homeschooling-dad-owned professional martial arts school, will be hosting its Open House this Saturday. We will have games, free mini-classes, and demonstrations throughout the open house. Come by the school at 1920 University Ave. W. in St. Paul to see the opportunities we offer children, adults and families. For more information about our school and style, please visit our website at www.stpaulksw.com or call 612-578-5797.
9-5-2008
Home School Day – One Day Only!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Come spend a day at the Minnesota Zoo. We have set aside a day for you and your students to come explore the zoo and focus your learning on our new Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit.
How does a marine mammal keep warm without blubber? What special adaptations do brown bears have to ensure their survival? What is the rarest cat in the world? Visit our education stations along Russia’s Grizzly Coast to find out these answers and much more. You may walk away knowing more about our fascinating world and the last great wilderness frontier.
Receive an activity book with a Russia Grizzly Coast scavenger hunt, puzzles, and locations to collect a stamp at each station. Designed for students of all grade levels.
Timeline:
(This is in addition to the regular schedule and is subject to change. Please visit http://www.mnzoo.org/guests/index.asp for more regular Zoo Guest information)
9am Minnesota Zoo opens
10am Zoomobile Program -- Indoor Theater
11am-1pm Russia’s Grizzly Coast stations open
1:30pm Zoomobile Program -- Indoor Theater
4:00pm Minnesota Zoo closes
Cost:
$5.00/student plus school admission. (MN Zoo members exempt from school admission).
Parking not included
RSVP:
Please RSVP via email to educate@mnzoo.org
IMAX:
For more information regarding films this day please visit their website:
http://www.imax.com/minnesota/education/specialevents.htm
9-02-2008
Posted by Diane Tran
Call for Entries: Smoke-Free In Symbols: A Creative Expression Challenge
The Freedom to Breathe Act was implemented on October 1st, 2007, is supported by 76% of Minnesotans, and has improved the health of hospitality workers by reducing their exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke statewide. To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the smoke-free law, Smoke-Free Dakota invites area artists to express their support for the Freedom to Breathe Act by submitting artwork to “Smoke-Free In Symbols: A Creative Expression Challenge.”
Artists of all ages are encouraged to use any of a multitude of artistic mediums to convey the importance of and benefits of smoke-free air, including but not limited to, theatre, dance, written word, drawing, sculpture, paint, or photography. Contest winners will be recognized at a reception commemorating the one-year anniversary of the smoke-free law in October and will have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork locally.
Deadline: September 23, 2008
Exhibit Dates: October 17, 2008 – November 21, 2008
Venue: Local
Awards: Awards will be given to those who best fit the criteria. First place winner will receive $100.00 gift certificate to a local art supply store. Second place winner will receive $75.00 to Ring Mountain Creamery and the third place winner will receive $50.00 to a local smoke-free restaurant of their choice. Top three finishers will receive the opportunity to exhibit their artwork at Ring Mountain Creamery from October 17 – November 21, 2008.
Jury: Will consist of members of the local business, arts, and civic community
Entry Form: Visit www.smokefreedakota.org and look under ‘News Center’
E-Mail: Diane Tran at dtran@smokefreedakota.org
Phone: 651.789.0036
Address: 3440 O’Leary Lane, Eagan, MN 55123
Website: http://www.smokefreedakota.org
Restrictions:
- Submitted artwork must be smaller than 10’x10’
- Participants must reside within Dakota County
- Original artwork including: ceramics, short stories, painting, poetry, mixed media, photography, dance, and acting, etc.
- Smoke-Free Dakota will not be involved in the sale of any artwork.
Criteria:
- Artwork will be judged by its relevancy to the smoke-free message
- Artwork will be judged based on creativity
- Artwork will be judged by quality in its chosen medium
8-25-08
Posted by Patsy Brekke
Are you looking for a solid writing class that will challenge your child’s abilities, motivate them to improve their writing skills, AND is conveniently located in the Plymouth area?
Patsy Brekke with Writing Foundations is considering offering a Friday AM class in the Plymouth area. She has taught writing classes to elementary through high school students since 2001. Currently she is teaching at YEAH in Roseville but is willing to offer a Level 1 and Level 2 class right on the west side of the Cities as well (the exact location is being determined).
She makes writing fun with her zany and interactive approach to learning. Patsy encourages parents to sit in on her class; siblings (quiet ones) are welcome too. You too will learn her method and be better able to assist your child with their writing assignments.
All new students must start in Level I which is recommended for grades 3-6. Level 2 is recommended for 5-7 grade students who have completed Level I. The class costs $200 per semester (Sept.-Dec./Jan.-April)
Because this is a very last minute development (classes would start on Friday AM September 12), email Ms. B. ms.b@writingfoundations.com ASAP if you are interested or have any questions.
Here is a brief description of Ms. B’s teaching philosophy taken from her website (which you may check for more information):
“Writing Foundations reduces writing to simple building blocks that empower young writers to master written language where they may have struggled hopelessly before. Using pre-written models as inspiration, students experience and practice the structure and style of quality written work. Naturally and purposefully, participants also gain strength in basic skills such as organization, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and grammar.”
08-21-08
Join A Youth Choir Today!
Since 1974 The Music Association of Minnetonka has provided enriching classical musical experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Students and adults from all over the metro area participate in our ensembles.
Join us as we begin the Youth Choirs’ 25th concert season and learn great choral music!
Cappella Choir
This is an introductory choir for boys and girls in grades 3-6. Students learn beginning music-reading skills and are exposed to both unison and part-singing.
Concert Choir
This is a performing, touring preparatory ensemble for girls in grades 6-9. The choir is introduced to increasingly complex music.
Chamber Choir
This is a performing, touring ensemble for girls in grades 9-12. Music for the choir is chosen from compositiion suitable for young voices and is drawn from all periods of music history and represents many styles and languages.
On Monday, August 25 at 7:00 pm, the Youth Choirs will hold an information night at the Arts Center on 7 (attached to Minnetonka High School) at 18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka.
To learn more about our three youth choirs, visit our website at http://www.musicassociation.org, email us at mamoffice@musicassociation.org, or call 952-401-5954.
08-21-08
Tae Kwon Do and Self Defense Classes
PowerKicks Tae Kwon Do begins their fall session the week of September 3, 2008. Classes are geared to every age and experience level and teach the importance of stranger awareness, improve self confidence, and reinforce respect for self and others through the martial arts.
Lessons include how to react to bullies, reinforce the importance of keeping physically fit and having fun! Hand/eye coordination, balance, spacial awareness and team building are components of each class lesson. Opportunities for competition is available for those who are interested, as well as performances at community events.
Special Homeschooling sessions are available with daytime hours during the week. Simply contact PowerKicks for scheduling information the calendar is still flexible and accomodations can be made. Schedule now for your weekly time. Homeschool groups can be enrolled together.
The Head Instructor, An Nguyen, is a 3rd Degree Blackbelt and has taught martial arts through the community education system for over six years and has opened his own school.
For more information contact:
Betsy at PowerKicks Tae Kwon Do
952-237-7221
info@PowerKicksTKD.com
Find out more about Mr. An and view the schedule by going to: PowerKicks TKD
PowerKicks Tae Kwon Do is located just 5 minutes from MOA.
8/20/08
Learn to Skate!
White Bear Lake Sports Center has Fall lessons beginning 9/2/08 and ending on 11/22/08. Classes are offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, as well as, Tuesday evenings. They are half hour lessons taught by Ice Skating Institute(ISI) certified instructors. Lessons are offered year round,too. Written progress evaluations are provided and badges certify passing each level. Private lessons for advanced skaters are also available.
Other features of the program include an annual ice show and an annual skating competition. There is a family discount for 3 or more skaters from the same family. All skill levels can participate–even adults.
Contact Amy Koland for more information:
651-429-8571
akoland@whitebearlake.org
www.whitebearlake.org/sports/sports/htm
8/15/08
Looking For String, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Players
The South of the River Orchestra Program is currently enrolling students for Fall Quarter.
We have:
Simply Strings - Elementary String Orch.
Philharmonic - Middle School Full Orch.
Symphony - High School Full Orch.
We perform 3 concerts a year and play Classical, Movie, Broadway and Folk music. Fall quarter’s theme is: Medieval Music and we will be performing “Lord of the Rings”, “Medieval Legend”, “Quest for the Grail” and other pieces. Fall quarter starts Tues. Sept. 23rd from 5:00-6:00p.m. at Scott Highlands Middle School in Apple Valley. For more information call: Susan Jacobson, Artistic Director at (651) 423-6585 or Dist. 196 Community Ed. at:(651)423-7920.
6-18-08
Summer is a great time to reserve $3 tickets to Ordway Center’s Education performances!
Our Performing Arts Classroom series features weekday matinee performances of world-renowned global music and dance companies for students in kindergarten through twelfth grades. Performances are approximately one hour and take place in the Ordway Center’s Main Hall. ALL tickets for this series are now on-sale.
The Flint Hills International Children’s Festival is an annual celebration of the creativity in all children and features the best in performing arts for young audiences. Performances are being selected and will be announced in August 2008. Festival performances for school audiences go on sale on August 29, 2008.
Tickets for the Performing Arts Classrooms series and the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival school performances are $3 per seat, regardless of group size. NEW in the 2008-2009 school year, Ordway Center offers a bus subsidy to all schools that attend Performing Arts Classroom and Festival School Days performances. To connect the performance experience to the classroom, Ordway Center provides Study Guides filled with information on the culture, art form, and grade-appropriate activities for all school performances. Companion music CDs are available for select shows.
Please visit ordway.org/education or call the Education Hotline at 651-282-3115 for more information on upcoming performances, to order tickets, or to request a brochure.
6/2/08
Quality Music Education with Professional Teachers
Want to improve your instrument playing over the summer, stay in shape, or just have fun with your instrument? Sign up now for summer lessons. We have several studio locations throughout the metro area and presently offer private and group lessons, master classes, and theory/composition and music history instruction. If you are interested in small ensemble opportunities, contact Marie Rule for woodwinds or Ben Parke for brass.
About our staff:
Miranda Bryan (flute): Miranda is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Masters of Music degree in Flute Performance. Miranda has experience teaching all ages and ability levels. She utilizes both methods and repertoire in her lessons to develop well-rounded musicians. Miranda has extensive performance experience in both band, orchestra, and solo environments
Marie Rule (clarinet, saxophone, history/theory): Marie has enjoyed teaching private woodwind lessons for nine years and currently teaches middle school band at Nativity of Mary in Bloomington. Marie holds Masters degrees in Clarinet Performance and Musicology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is currently a Ph. D. candidate in Historical Musicology. Her extensive performance experience in Classical, Jazz, and East European folk music allows her to incorporate a broader musical spectrum into her teaching methods.
Ben Parke (trumpet, f horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba, composition/theory): Ben holds a Masters of Music degree from the University of Minnesota in trumpet performance with a secondary emphasis in musicology. He has enjoyed teaching beginning through college level private students since 1997 and has authored a series of method books for trumpet, trombone, and euphonium. Ben utilizes a balanced approach to musical progress through technical exercises, etudes, repertoire, and embouchure development. He also has written numerous arrangements for solo instruments, choir, and small ensembles.
For more information regarding availability, fees, and teaching methods used, please contact the respective teacher. We look forward to working with you to promote music as an integral part of education.
Ben Parke: 612-396-1428, trumpetplayers@yahoo.com, Miranda Bryan: 952-426-5296, miranda.w.bryan@gmail.com, Marie Rule: 651.398.6053, marie@rulemusic.com
5-22-08
4-H Club Just For Homeschoolers In Wright County MN
I just ran across your website and wanted to let you all know about a new 4-H club that is starting up in Wright County MN in case any of your members are interested. The club, Wright Explorers, was started by a parent of homeschooled children, and will be meeting during daytime hours (year round). This club offers all the benifits of a regular 4-H club: montly meetings, access to 4-H project materials and workshops, camps, and a multitude of fun activities and chances to get together with other youth throughout the year. The exact meeting location has not been decided upon yet, but a conveinient Wright County location will be chosen once more members enroll. The cost to join 4-H is minimal - about $9/year for club dues. If anyone is interested please call the Wright County Extension Office at 763-682-7394 for the club leader’s contact information.
5-8-08
Job Listing For Homeschool Students
THE WOODDALE FUNZONE IN WOODBURY, MN IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR PART TIME STAFF POSITIONS.
Positions may include snack bar, skate counter, playzone attendant, disc jockey, novelty shop, birthday hosts, etc. This is a rare opportunity for the right person. No experience required. Applicant must be honest, hardworking, and have a great personality. If you are stuffy and afraid to smile,DO NOT APPLY!We have a fun casual atmosphere. If you feel that you have the right qualifications, then respond to this posting. Great opportunity for home school students. Please fax resume to 651-702-1333 or email to www.wooddalefunzone@comcast.net or apply in person. To visit our website go to www.wooddalefunzone.com