Hi All,

This is just a reminder of our rescheduled Coffee Chat at Borders on Rt. 73 on March 9th. Borders Book store is located opposite the Promenade Shopping center in Marlton. We will meet in the cafe area between 7:00 - 7:30pm and stay to chat as long as we wish.  Veteran Living Water homeschooling moms and dads are also welcome to attend to provide words of inspiration to our new members.

Back in the Fall we had a wonderful time chatting it up. We're sure to enjoy ourselves once again on Monday. No RSVP required, simply come to share,laugh and be encouraged. Hope to see you there!

Judie Renaud & Robin Young
New Member Committee

Remember that Debra Bell is presenting, "Raising a Life Long Learner" at Come Alive New Testament Church on Saturday, March 28th.  This event is free to Living Water members!

~ 9:30 am  -  coffee, tea and danish and fellowship time.  

~ 10:00 am  -  Debra Bell speaking on "Raising a Life-Long Learner"

~ 10:45 to 11:15  Questions and Answers with Debra Bell

~ 11:30 am  - A bonus high school-to-college workshop by Connie Taylor.

Contact Rosemary Laberee at labereeland@verizon.net if you are interested in participating!

DATE: Saturday, April 18th
TIME: 9:00am – 1:00pm
PLACE: Marlton Assembly of God, 625 E. Main Street, Marlton

To reserve a table for $10 contact Heather Zampino at hzampino@comcast.net.  Reservation table deadline is April 6th.  Make checks payable to Living Water Home Educators and mail to:

Heather Zampino
231 Forked Neck Road
Shamong, NJ 08088

Greetings, Middle Schoolers!

We missed seeing you in February!  Although we were sorry to have to cancel our Night With The Stars event, we are so thankful that after 6 days in the hospital, Mr. Laberee is back home!  Thank you for continuing to pray for our H2O Leaders - Mr. and Mrs. Laberee.  For all you astronomy lovers, we hope to reschedule this event in the fall.

Looking ahead to March, mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 17th (please note the change from our usual Monday nights).  You won't want to miss a crazy night of fun at our H2O Outrageous Games Competition.  All the details are included in the attached flyer. Hope you can make it!

Blessings,
Mrs. Young

Do you have an 8th grade student this year?  You can recognize this important achievement (for your child and for you as the teacher) by participating in this year's 8th Grade Homeschool Graduation Ceremony.  Deadline to register is March 31st.  Don't miss out!

Next Parent Planning Meeting:  Monday, March 23rd @ 7pm; Meet in the cafe of the Marlton Borders on Rt. 73

Graduation Ceremony: Friday Night, June 12th at Easton Bible Church

For further information and updates email Robin Young at cochisecr@aol.com.

PLACE: Lumberton Municipal park (next to police station)
DATES: Starting March 25th meeting every other week until May 20th.
TIME: Any time between 1-3pm

Bring (optional): Lunch, a kite, a bike to ride on the BMX track next door, a ball.  No need to RSVP!

Jessi Young, member of the local JSA Chapter (Junior Statesmen of America), fills us in on their recent trip to DC.  Click here to read her story! 

Think you might be interested in joining JSA?  Call our chapter president, Peter Boyajian, if you have any questions at 609-760-4934 or email him anytime at boyajiancrew@gmail.com.  We$B!G(Bd love to hear from you!

PLACE: Jenkinsons Aquarium,  Point Pleasant Beach
DATE: Monday, June 22nd
TIME: 11:00am
COST: $7.50/adults; $6.50/children; parking will run anywhere from $5-$10 in the aquarium lot.  Rates depend on weather and crowds.

This is a one-hour self guided tour in the aquarium followed by lunch (bring your own or buy it on boardwalk) and beach time!

Payments are due to Kelly Linhart by May 25th. For more information contact Kelly at plinhart1@yahoo.com.  For more information about Jenkinson's Aquarium visit their website at www.jenkinsons.com.

UPDATE 03/03/2009:  This trip is now full.

PLACE: Jersey Breeders Alpacas Farm, Tabernacle
DATE: March 12
TIME: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
COST: Free
AGES: All ages

Learn the who, what, when, where, why and how about alpacas. Visit the alpaca barn and facility.  See an alpaca close up.  Snack provided, and swingset available for play after tour.

Email Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com to sign up.  25 people maximum.  For more information about the farm visit their website at www.jerseyalpacas.com.

PLACE: Johnson's Farm, Medford
DATE: Wednesday, May 27th
TIME: 11:00am - 12:30pm
COST: $9 per person

The cost of this trip includes a pint of berries for children, a quart for adults, hayride to the field, animal feeding, and the use of the picnic area to eat your bagged lunch.  Payments are due by May 1st and payable to Kelly Linhart (refer to the member directory for Kelly's mailing address).  Contact Kelly at plinhart1@yahoo.com for any questions or to participate in this event!  For more information on Johnson's Farm visit their website at www.johnsonsfarm.com.

PLACE: Battleship NJ, Camden
DATE: Wednesday, May 20
TIME: 11:00am (Trip lasts 1.5 hours)
COST: $8 per person
AGES: Recommended for ages 5 and older due to ladder climbing  between decks.

Get ready for the Battleship NJ Firepower field trip!  Visit the Bridge, Communications, Captain's and Admiral's Cabins, and Officer's Wardroom.  Learn about the role the "Black Dragon" played in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. Climb up and down the companionways.  Examine the lockers that had to hold all of a sailor's personal belongings.  Check out the enlisted men's bunks.

Pants and skid free shoes recommended.  Parking will have a fee, as we'll have to park in the adjacent lots. Bring along a bagged lunch or choose to eat from the chow line after our tour.  We will eat lunch in the mess hall.

Email Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com to sign up.  Payments are due April 6, made out to Kelly Linhart. Mail payments to Kelly Linhart.  For more information visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

This event was originally advertised on the West Jersey Homeschooler's Yahoo Discussion Group, a local area group dedicated to sharing educational and social opportunities for all homeschoolers.  If you would like to join this discussion group, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westjerseyhomeschoolers and click on the Join This Group button.

Another field trip is being planned to Indian Trail Farm. The activities include:

• Pony Ride (horse or pony with trainer leading)
• Hayride
• Learn interesting facts about horses
• Learn about and feed the Myotonic (Feinting) Goats (the Mom went into labor so the 'kids' will be just 8 weeks old!)
• Learn about their Mediterranean donkeys
• Learn about Lenape Indians in an authentic tipi
• Craft

Date: Friday, April 17th (rain date is May 1st)
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where: INDIAN TRAIL FARM, 3658 Maple Ave, Vineland
Fee: Kids, $20; No charge for adults
Lunch: Pack a lunch for after the activities

For more information about Indian Trail Farm visit their website at www.indiantrailfarm.com.

To participate contact Deb at dsgiacom@aol.com.

DATE: Friday, April 24th
TIME: 1:00pm - 1:30pm
PLACE: Washington Crossing State Park, Thompson-Neely Section
COST: $8.00 per adult $4 per child

Experience a Colonial Spring!  The event is scheduled to include:

* shearing of the sheep
* spinning & weaving demonstrations
* colonial laundering
* kids games and activities
* historic garden interpretation
* colonial spring cooking
* open house tours of the Thompson-Neely
* & more!

You are welcome to go anytime from 10:00am - 3:00pm.  There are many other activities going on all day.  You pay that day when you arrive. They only accept cash or check. They are requesting a head count so please contact Sharon Patterson at spatterson76@comcast.net ASAP if you are able to attend.  For more information, visit www.ushistory.org/WashingtonCrossing/index.htm.

We are taking several field trips with our NJ Studies class from LWE.  They are also open up to anyone in Living Water that fits the age requirements found below.   Please RSVP Joy Jarvis at jarvisfour@verizon.net .  

Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge (ecology)
Location:  Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ  08055
856-983-3329
www.cedarrun.org

Date & Time: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 9:45am - 2:00pm, 30 min for lunch (brought by the student)
Cost: $7 per child (25 student limit)
Age recommendation: Ages 8-11 yrs old (Cedar Run recommendation)
 
Highlights:  We will learn about the Pinelands and what makes the Pinelands unique.  We$B!G(Bll take a hike through the Pinelands to learn about and compare the uplands and the wetlands, and the flora and fauna found in each place. Our time there will also include interaction with the unreleasable wildlife at the refuge.
  
Wheaton Village(industry)
Location: Wheaton Village, Millville, NJ
800-998-4552
www.wheatonarts.org

Date & Time: Friday, May 1, 2009, 10:30am - TBD
Cost: $6 per student, $8 per accompanying adult (50 person limit)
Age recommendation: Appropriate for any age.

Highlights:  We will witness a glass making demonstration, and artisans working over open flame to create marbles and beads.  There will be woodworking and (possibly) pottery artisans as well.  We will be able to tour the Folk Life Center, which highlights the southern 8 counties in New Jersey, as well as the Museum of American Glass.  There is a picnic area where all who come will be able to enjoy the bagged lunch that they bring.  There is also a General Store on the premises that sells penny candy, marbles, etc.

Date: May 29th
Time: 10:30am - Doors open at 9:30am
Place: Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton
Cost: 9.00 per ticket The tickets are for the upper seating.

The place is small you can see from any seat. Money is due by April 1.  Please email Sharon Patterson at spatterson76@comcast.net if interested in attending this event.

Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey$(D"n(B presents ZING ZANG ZOOM, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.

Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds of fantasy, flight and phenomena that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and wards off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of "heavies" who try to bring everyone down.

Be mesmerized when a four-ton elephant disappears before your eyes, and a gravity-inducing nemesis transforms across species into a ferocious tiger. Stand in awe as two formidable, female human cannonballs are blasted through the air in a daring, awe-inspiring display of bravery. Become electrified as the dangerous double wheel of steel, the gasp-inducing high wire and soaring gigantic swings defy both gravity and logic.

Fun-filled magic merges with traditional circus arts to create a world of infinite possibilities where apprentice illusionists levitate their parents with a wave of a wand, and audience spirits keep rising as the high flying circus is (literally) turned upside down. Perhaps the most magical of all, watch in amazement as an incomparable array of exotic animals including a herd of majestic Asian elephants, magnificent Bengal tigers and elegant Arabian and Friesian horses join forces with our human performers to create an experience that will surprise and delight Children of All Ages, rendering us speechless and reminding us that the magic of The Greatest Show On Earth$(D"n(B lives forever in our hearts and imaginations.

Just a reminder that ice skating is next Friday, March 13th, from 12:30pm - 2:30pm at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees.  The cost is $5.00 to skate, $2.00 to rent, $3.00 for walkers (I was just told that they are not allowed to give the walkers to people for free). All are welcome.  For more information contact Jennifer Bralow at asadmom@comcast.net.  For more information about the Voorhees Skate Zone visit their website at http://voorhees.flyersskatezone.com.

Hello everyone,

For those interested we are having a free Chessnuts club at the Mount Laurel Library (this is in addition to our normal Evesham Library Chessnuts which meets the first Wednesday of the month).

This chess club is open to all children, not just homeschooled, at all chess levels. We will be meeting from 5:30pm - 7:30pm on the following dates:  March 17 &  24, April 14 &  28, May 12, June 16 & 23.  We are hoping to eventually meet every Tuesday night, but these were the only dates available at this Library.  Mount Laurel Library is located conveniently off of 295 and the NJ Turnpike, go to this site for directions http://www.mtlaurel.lib.nj.us/about/directions.html.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at tlkolo@hotmail.com. 

Thanks,
Tammy

September 6th-13th - Departing from Galveston, TX - visiting Grand Cayman, Montego Bay & Cozumel

What began as help with curriculum development for travelling families, has grown into ongoing opportunities for homeschooled families and friends to come together to enjoy a wonderful vacation while exploring new and exciting opportunities available to homeschoolers.

School at Sea has built a strong travel partnership with several major cruise lines. We are able to offer very special group rate pricing for fantastic vacations during non-peak periods.  Registration is now open for School at Sea 2009!!

In addition to an exciting week-long vacation aboard the Carnival Conquest, School at Sea 2009 will provide unique programs of special interest to homeschooling families. Along the way we will be visiting exciting ports in the
Western Caribbean, including Montego Bay, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Our Group Cruise Specialist will be onboard to help ensure your family has a wonderful vacation experience.

The Carnival Conquest provides 7 days accommodations, all meals/snacks/drinks, 24/7 room service, 24/7 movies, kids clubs, live entertainment, scheduled onboard activities, pools and hot tubs and more. School at Sea participants
will also have the option of attending exclusive sessions and panel discussions with topics relevant to homeschooling families ... as well as exclusive "family friendly" activities including pizza party, art show, contests, and our special School at Sea Scavenger Hunt. Whether you choose to spend your free time being pampered by the ship's staff, meeting new friends from around the world, and/or participating in a variety of daily activities both onboard and port-side ... the choice is yours!

Each participating family will receive a "100 Days" packet, with travel information, packing tips and a personalized curriculum including geography, science, history, social studies and more ... all based on the ports/region we will be visiting. This builds excitement for your vacation plans, and allows your family to "get to know" the part of the world you will soon be exploring.

Many favorite homeschool vendors have chosen to participate in School at Sea 2009. You may have a chance to test new products, view programs and boxed curriculums, and meet some homeschooling experts. Each participating family
will receive a "goodie bag" filled with information, discount offers and more.

If your family would enjoy a week at sea, participating in our School at Sea 2009 program, and visiting such fascinating ports as Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel ... I look forward to hearing from you! Our special group pricing for School at Sea families will help you enjoy more, but spend less.

Cruise Pricing: starting as low as $334/person (includes cruise fare and port charges/fees). Based on four persons per cabin, rates subject to change until deposit is received.

Program Pricing: $80/family. Grandparents are always Free!!

We understand families come in all shapes and sizes. Typically adults and their children, living at same address.

For more details on School at Sea, or for help planning your family or group vacations, please contact:

Karen Hall - School at Sea
part of Worldwide Family Vacations
(949) 466-3571 or (866) 746-5712
Karen@WorldwideFamilyVacations.com

Worldwide Family Vacations is affiliated with Ticket To Travel - CST #1010000-40. Reservations are backed by IATAN (International Association of Travel Agents Network), and CLIA (Cruise Line International Association).

Hersey Park is offering discounted tickets for homeschoolers from May 1st - 31st, 2009.  You must order the tickets by April 20th, 2009.  For more information visit their education page at www.hersheypark.com/groups/schools.php.  To order tickets, download their form from www.hersheypark.com/groups/pdf/09_homeschool_order_form.pdf.

Dear Homeschoolers,

I am writing to connect with you about The First Tee Golf Program. The website is www.thefirstteephiladelphia.org/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp.  They offer free golf lessons and youth development. Coaches, Jeff & Adz, are PGA professionals.  They are located at FDR Park, 1954 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145 (very easily found through "google maps").

We have room in the Tuesday morning class from 10:00am - 11:30am.  Classes start the week of March 23rd and last for 8 weeks.

If you are interested in a spring session for BEGINNERS ages 8-18, please email me:

1- your name,
2-children's name and ages

Thanks so Much!

Mary Grzwinski
megpurlknit@gmail.com

My name is Ed Howell and I am the administrator of a homeschool organization located in the Gloucester County area.  We give homeschooled athletes the opportunity to compete on a varsity level with Christian and private schools throughout the Delaware Valley.  We have been playing for about six years and you can peruse our website
here at www.eteamz.com/TCHSA%20Falcons/index.cfm?.

We are constantly struggling to fill our teams with homeschooled athletes.  We participate in girls and boys basketball, baseball and softball on a varsity and junior varsity level.  I can be reached on my cell if you have any questions about the program.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Ed Howell
TCHSA Falcons
267-918-4180
tchsafalcons@yahoo.com

Does your child have to work too hard to learn?  Does your child have special learning needs that you find difficult to address? Do you struggle with finding the best way to help your student reach his full potential?  If so, be encouraged. HSLDA is here to help you.

Our goal is to equip parents to teach their children at home—even in challenging circumstances. Consequently, your membership comes with a wide range of resources designed to aid parents who teach a student with special needs.

Foremost, HSDLA members have access to our special needs coordinators.  These experienced specialists are available to answer questions, guide you with selection of appropriate curricula and learning materials, suggest testing and diagnostic options, and help point you in the right direction.  You can also review the extensive resources listed on HSLDA$B!G(Bs Homeschooling a Struggling Learner website, and subscribe to our monthly special needs education email newsletter.

To join HSLDA, click here.

At Sensational Kids Marlton
544 Lippincott Drive, Marlton NJ 08053
(856) 810 – 5777 to reserve seating
http://www.iamasensationalkid.com

Wednesday March 18, 2009 – 7pm

MANAGING BEHAVIOR:  SENSORY & BEHAVIORAL APPROACHES

SENSORY INTEGRATION 101 & SENSORY DIETS:  An overview for parent and teachers.  Learn how to detect if your child or student is struggling with Sensory Processing Difficulties.  Discussion on how SPD impacts on performance and behavior at home and school.  Information to parents and teachers on the different types of Sensory Processing Disorders and ideas on appropriate home and classroom Sensory Diets.  Practical strategies to improve attention, focus, transitioning and behaviors –  Judy Richter OTR/L & Liezl Smith OTRL, IMC.

INTERACTIVE METRONOME:  Learn how this unique and motivating interactive computer based program benefits your child with ADHD / ADD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyspraxia, processing and language delays. $B!H(B...a unique drug-free treatment that has shown great promise in kids with Attention Deficit Disorder.$B!I(B - CBS Early Show$B!I(B

MANAGING THE DIFFICULT CHILD:  Learn practical behavior management strategies for the home and school from our Certified Behavior Analyst.  Question and answer session.  – Colleen Reilly Ms.Ed., BCBA

Wednesday April 1, 2009 – 7pm

AUTISM ACTION PLAN:  MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT & INTERVENTION

SENSORY PROCESSING:  INTERVENTION, STRATEGIES & SENSORY DIETS:  An overview  for parent and teachers.  Learn how to detect if your child or student is struggling with Sensory Processing Difficulties.  Discussion on how SPD impacts on performance and behavior at home and school.  Information to parents and teachers on the different types of Sensory Processing Disorders and ideas on appropriate home and classroom Sensory Diets.  Practical strategies to improve attention, focus, transitioning and behaviors.  – Judy Richter OTR/L & Liezl Smith OTRL, IMC.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS:  INTERACTIVE METRONOME, THERAPEUTIC LISTENING & THE SOS FEEDING PROGRAM:  The impact of these specialized programs on improved motor skills, attention, language and sensory processing. – Liezl Smith, OTR/L, IMC

DIR / FLOORTIME 101:  THE INDIVIDUAL–DIFFERENCE, RELATIONSHIP–BASED PROGRAM:  Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan & Serena Weider.  This workshop is geared towards parents.  Learn how to implement DIR / Floortime strategies to improve your child$B!G(Bs ability to connect, language and play skills. – Colleen Reilly, Ms Ed, BCBA, Floortime Therapist

PRACTICAL BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIES FOR THE DIFFICULT CHILD AT HOME & SCHOOL:  Learn practical classroom management and home strategies from our Certified Behavior Analyst.   –  Colleen Reilly Ms.Ed., BCBA

Join us at the Woodruff Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge to renew your enthusiasm, enhance your content knowledge and fulfill the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. Best of all, you$B!G(Bll earn continuing education credits to help you meet the New Jersey Professional Development Standards. Project Learning Tree is provider #64 with the Department of Education.  Correlations to the NJ Standards can be found at www.teachnjenv.org.

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Time: 9:00$B!>(B3:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Instructors: Terri Loy and Becca Gutwirth

This exciting, hands$B!>(Bon workshop is designed for educators working in classrooms and nature centers with Kindergarten$B!>(B8th grade students. Activities foster collaborative learning decisionmaking skills, and literacy. Discover lessons to connect your students with the world around them, and opportunities for service learning. Each participant will receive the Project Learning Tree K$B!>(B8 Activity Guide. Bring a brown bag lunch.

Reserve your space by Tuesday, March 17, 2009.  Register by calling Terri Loy (856) 983$B!>(B9702 or email terri.loy@cedarrun.org.  Click here for more details and registration information.

The Great Big Happy Life is a Radical Unschooler's Conference Retreat, scheduled on April 28th - May 1st, is an opportunity to connect with like-minded families, expand your notion of what it means to live with children, and participate in the unschooling movement as it changes the world.

There will be opportunities for stillness, chances to reflect on your journey, spaces for rejuvenating your unschooling spirit, and thousands of ways to just be.  There will be discussion groups, family activities, stuff to do for kids of every age, creek hikes, nature walks, tattoo parlor, roaming massage therapists, yoga for families, funshops for all, delicious meals, and a service project opportunity.

Whether this is your first conference or your tenth, you can expect that delicious sense of knowing that comes when you are surrounded by families who embrace unschooling in every corner of their lives.

For more details visit www.greatbighappylife.com.