Middle Schoolers!  Be sure to attend Tuesday night's Outrageous Games Competition!  Click here for more information! 

 

 

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 at 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.

Who: All 8th grade guys and girls who are participating in graduation this year
Where: The DeStefano’s Home, 700 Chapel Road, Cinnaminson
When:  Saturday, March 21st from 5-7 pm
Cost:  $5.00 per person to cover Pizza, Soda, Snacks and Dessert (payable that evening)
 
We will be going over the results of the surveys and making a few important decisions.  Come and add your input for YOUR graduation!
 
RSVP to Darlene McConomy at brat1990@verizon.net.

Hey Moms!  Ready for some comic relief?  Then join in on this month's Mom's Game Night Out on Thursday, March 19th starting at 7:00pm!  This week it will be hosted at the Zampino residence in Shamong.  If you are interested in participating, drop Heather a line at hzampino@comcast.net. 

Be sure to bring a drink or snack to share, some of your favorite games to play...and leave the kiddies behind with Dad or a sitter!  This is a Mom's Only event!  Hope to see you there!

PLACE: Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County
DATE: Friday, May 15th
TIME: 10:00am - 12:00pm
COST: $3.60 per person, due April 10th (make payment out to Mercer County Park Commission)
AGES: All ages welcome

Seed & Feed Preparation: Each person will select an ear of corn from the corncrib and remove the grain from the cob to “shell” the corn. Learn how to select the kernels which will make the best seed for planting. Use the remaining kernels to make feed for the farm animals by turning the wheels of a two-person grinder. Learn how our manure spreader recycles empty cobs on your way to the granary.

Corn Planting: Learn about corn planting technology by using hand sowing methods used throughout history...and by planting corn using a circa 1900, animal-drawn seeder. Discover why seeders like this one - and why tractor-drawn seeders- are still “future” technology for most of the world’s farmers.

Fieldwalk: Walk across fields that have been cultivated for over 200 years, and learn how crop rotations have allowed the farmer to maintain soil fertility. Corn, wheat, timothy and clover are some of the crops you will see. Weather and soil conditions permitting, you will visit a farmer who is working the fields with old fashioned horsepower.

Cornbread Baking & Tasting: Learn how cornbread is made using the Farm’s flour, eggs, and honey in a circa 1900 kitchen. Take a turn churning butter while the cornbread bakes in our cookstove. Taste the cornbread as you learn about honey production on the farm and the farms hardest workers--the honeybee.

Email Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com to sign up.  For more information on Howell Living History Farm visit their website at www.howellfarm.com.

HIS Homeschool Co-op is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the IOWA Standardized Testing again this spring!

PLACE:  Fellowship Baptist Church, 1520 Hainesport Road, Mount Laurel
DATE:  May 26th - 28th (Tuesday through Thursday)
TIME:  9:00am - 12:00pm
COST:  Each test costs $40. There is also a building fee cost which will be divided between the number of families that will be participating. We anticipate that amount to be no more than $10 per family (not per child), though it could be significantly less. It all depends on how many families sign up..

HOW TO ORDER:

STEP #1: Read through the "IOWA Testing FAQ" document. This may answer some questions you may have regarding the test itself and also help you in determining what grade level to have your child tested in.  You may also read "Preparing Your Child for the IOWA Test".

STEP #2: Email me at mginion6@gmail.com BY MARCH 18TH with the name(s) of each of your children that will be taking the test as well as what grade level they are to be tested in. For example:

Leah Ginion - Grade 2
Maggie Ginion - Grade 4

Please note that orders WILL NOT be received after March 18th. Once we have received all the orders, I will let you know how much the building fee cost will be. You will then proceed to Step #3...

STEP #3: Send your FULL payment (number of tests you are ordering plus building fee cost) to Kearicia Valiant. If you attend HIS Homeschool Co-op, you can hand it to Kearicia at co-op. If you do not attend HIS Co-op, you will need to mail it to her. Kearicia's address is: PO Box 153, Stratford, NJ 08084. ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 27TH. There will be no exceptions to this. We've been told that we need to allow at least 4-6 weeks to receive the tests. If you need to mail your payment, please do not wait until March 26th to send it.

STEP #4: To help prepare your child for testing, please read through the attachment "Preparing Child for IOWA Testing."

STEP #5: Be on the lookout for future emails regarding IOWA Testing.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  In order to provide testing, we need proctors! The only requirement to administer the IOWA tests is for someone to have a bachelor's degree. It is not difficult to do. If you can read instructions and keep time, you'll be fine. If you are willing to serve in this manner, please email me ASAP. I cannot place an order for tests until we have our proctors in place.

Lastly, please note that parents and children who are not taking the test will not be able to stay in the building while testing is taking place. You will need to bring your child(ren) in, get them settled, and then return at the designated time to pick them up.

Well, I think that pretty much covers it. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you!

By HIS Amazing Grace,
Maria Ginion
8556-486-7793
mginion6@gmail.com

Do you know how great CHESS is?

"A youngster taking part in a chess program develops critical thinking; logic, reasoning and problem solving abilities; memory, concentration and visualization skills; confidence; patience; determination; poise; self‑expression; and good sportsmanship. And perhaps more importantly, children who participate in the program improve their self‑esteem." (From Chesshouse.com)

I found this website that lists some of the studies done that show the benefits of learning chess: (I didn't verify all the facts, but I have consistently heard these through the years): http://mysite.verizon.net/kaech/benefits.html

So you might ask why am I telling you all this?  Good question.  It's because the Chess Club (Mount Laurel Chessnuts) is meeting again at the Mount Laurel Library on Tuesday, March 17th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  For those of you that don't know, this is a free club that is open to everyone that wants to play chess.  Even if you have never played come out and will help you learn the basics!  We have all the supplies needed! 
 
If you have any questions, email me at tlkolo@hotmail.com.
 
Thanks,
Tammy

The 2009 Homeschool Softball season begins on April 2nd and registration is now open for all homeschoolers!  Click here for the registration form and registration directions.

Roller Skating dates have been secured at the Cherry Hill Skating Center for the 2009-2010 school year!  Please mark your calendar with these dates:

September  18, 2009
October 16, 2009
November 20, 2009
January 15, 2010
February 19, 2010
March 19, 2010
April 16, 2010

Hello Homeschoolers!

Homeschool Karate classes are in full swing but it's never too late to join in!  Check out this flyer on the details!

All members/participants are also required to:

· Print, complete and sign the Future Student Application
· Print and sign the DKC Waiver form for each family member that will be participating
· Optional: Print, complete and sign the Black Belts of Faith International (BBFI) membership application.
· Wear loose-fitting clothing; no tank tops or shorts please. Uniforms are optional and are available for $30 each.
· Bring bibles. A notebook and pen/pencil for notes is encouraged.
· Checks must be written out to Peter Liciaga.

The program will be held at Dinoto Karate Center in Mount Laurel (this program will not be part of Dinoto Karate Center’s regular programs; we are only using the space!) located at 267 Masonville Road, Larchmont Boulevard & Centerton Road in Mt. Laurel. You can get the directions at http://dinotokarate.com/directions.html .

If there are any questions, you can contact me at the information below. God bless you and I hope to see you there.

Yours truly,
Peter Liciaga
856-278-5282
pliciaga@gmail.com
pliciaga@yahoo.com

Fernbrook Farm announces Wilderness Skills: a 4-week Homeschool Enrichment Series!

Class Dates and Topics:

March 17 - Weather Observations:  What influences what we do, where we go and how we dress?  If you guessed the weather, you're right!  In this class we're going to learn how to observe the weather using temperature, barometer, wind direction and speed.  We'll also observe cloud types and other natural indicators that help us study and predict the weather. 

March 24 - Using a Map and Compass:  During this class students will learn how to read a topographical map and use it with a compass to traverse Fernbook's map and compass course.   These valuable survival tools will enable us to travel around the farm, fields and forests as we hunt for clues that will unravel age-old mysteries of the farm.

March 31 -  Wilderness Safety & Survival Shelters:  This class will teach us how to travel safely and use basic survival skills in the wilderness.  We'll learn everything from how to meet our needs in the wilderness to the importance of conserving our energy when lost.  Our class will work together to turn the forest floor of leaves and sticks into a well-built survival shelter, after learning how to choose shelter location and other strategies for protecting themselves from the elements. 

April 7 - Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking:  During this class we'll learn how to safely construct a fire and cook a campfire meal.  Students will understand the importance of fire safety and how fires can help us survive outdoors.  Together we'll collect tinder & kindling and see if we can start our fire without matches by using flint or a bow drill. 

Space is limited to 10 students! To register email tara@fernbrookfarms.com or call 609-298-4028.  Click here for the registration form.  For more information about Fernbrook Farm Education Center visit http://www.fernbrookeducation.org/.

Dear Homeschooling Parents,

This is to announce that there will be a six week "Creative Drawing Class"  for Spring Semester. We have limited openings.

Here are the details:

DATE: March 27th to May 8th on Fridays (no class on Good Friday)
TIME: 10:30 - 12:00 noon
PLACE: Garden Lake Bible Church, Lindenwold, NJ 08021
AGES: 10 - 14
CLASS SIZE: Maximum 8 students
COST: $20.00 per student payable Friday, March 27th (supplies, materials and field trip included)

Description:  Advanced drawing skills. Various mediums will be explored. Study of the masters techniques. There will be a field trip for a plein air experience in a picturesque environment. (outdoors) This outdoor lesson will be 4/24 (details to follow). Janice Mason, artist and art instructor of Marlton Performing Arts Center will lead this excellent art experience. All materials will be provided.

I am looking forward to a successful Spring Art Course. Respond with names and ages of children to janice9@comcast.net.

The other class offerings are as follows:

Forensic Science 2 - for ages 10 and up from 8:45am - 10:25am with a small snack break.  $10.00 per student. It is not a prequiste to have attended the fall classes. Time 8:45 - 10:25 am with a small snack break.

Knex Bridge Building - for ages 8 - 10 from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Class is limited to 6 students. We will be building and learning about different types of bridges. $12.00 per student.

Colleen Misiolek is the instructor for both classes.  There are limited openings.  First come, first served.  Email Colleen at baseballmom82@yahoo.com.

Many blessings,
Janice Fisher
Art Instructor

PLACE: Spano's at The White Sands, 1205 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
DATE: Sunday, April 26, 2009
TIME: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
COST: $70 per person

The NJ Spring Prom is a formal dinner dance for teen homeschoolers and their guests.  Since it's inception seven years ago, the NJ Spring Prom has been an elegant night of good clean fun.

Homeschoolers attend the prom by themselves, in groups, with siblings or with a date. I t's a fantastic night to make new friends.  Teens must have turned 13 by the date of the prom.

Ticket price covers appetizers, buffet dinner, sodas, chocolate fountain for desert, and an evening of fun, music and dancing.

All attendees must register and buy tickets online at www.njspringprom.com.  For directions visit www.njspringprom.com/directions.htm.  For more information email the Prom Committee at Info@NJSpringProm.com.

Please spread the word to other homeschool groups!

My name is  Renee Liciaga, and I am teaching two classes in Mt Laurel. The first one is a Mommy and Me music and movement class for 18 months - 4 year olds on Wednesdays at 10am.  The other class is a Stretch and Tone class on Mondays from 5:30-6:30pm.  Both classes are at Fellowship Baptist Church in Mt Laurel.

Please contact me at 856-313-4866 or at reneeliciaga@yahoo.com or raeliciaga@gmail.com if you would like to participate!

Hello, my name is Christian Arendt and I'm a homeschool dad.  I'm also an experienced guitarist and bassist offering guitar and bass lessons at my home in Mount Laurel. I have been playing for over 20 years and have experience in live performance, worship and teaching. I like to promote a variety of styles and music, yet including the "fun" factor to maintain interest.

Classes are $20 per half hour; materials extra. Please call for scheduling.  I have a flexible schedule, but would like to group my lessons together as much as possible.

For more information, please contact me at 856-296-9972 or christian.arendt@comcast.net.

Treat Yourself or Stock Your Classroom with a 25% off discount!!!*

SPECIAL RECEPTION: Friday, March 20th from 4:00-8:00 PM at Borders stores** with food, fun & prizes!

Current and retired educators, homeschoolers, librarians, day-care facilitators, student teachers, specialty school teachers, college faculty, religious teachers, and school administrators will save on purchases for personal or classroom use.  Just bring proof of educator status.

Visit our Educator Appreciation websites:

http://www.borders.com/educators (English)
http://www.borders.com/losmaestros (Spanish)

*Certain exclusions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer, including but not limited to "3 for 2," "Buy 3, Get 4th Free," "Buy 4, Get 5th Free," or "Buy 1, Get 1 Half Price" offers. Excludes previous and online purchases, non-stock special orders, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, comics, coupon books, eBooks, digital downloads, self-publishing programs, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone® software, shipping, and all electronics, including but not limited to the Sony® Reader and the ZuneT. Also excludes all Dean & DeLuca® and Starbucks® cafe items and products. May not be combined with coupons, sale pricing, or corporate, classroom, or other group discounts.

For Borders and Waldenbooks locations visit our website www.borders.com.

**Receptions not held at Borders Express or Waldenbooks.

Karen Landers
Event Marketing Manager
Borders Group Inc.
Cell - 734-276-4953
klanders@bordersgroupinc.com
Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania
New Jersey / Delaware
Central, Southern Indiana
Kentucky / Southwestern Ohio