Thursday, September 30, 2010

MDC’s Clean Water Project Fieldtrip

Passing this along from Karen Cupit,
Please email her if you are interested at cupit_kj@sbcglobal.net



MDC’s Clean Water Project

 Monday, October 18th at 1:30 pm

MDC Training Center

125 Maxim Rd., Hartford, CT, 06114

Learn about MDC’s Clean Water Project, an engaging program on the effort to clean the region’s streams and rivers.  In a nutshell, MDC is doing improvements on the area’s sewage systems, to prevent overflow into rivers during storms.  The project is costing over $1 billion, so it is quite an effort!

The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes, with time for Q and A.
 
Cost:  FREE

This field trip is more of a community- awareness, educational type…MDC asks for the number of children and ages so Karen is putting this out to see who might be interested.  Please email her ASAP is you are interested in attending.
Cupit_kj@sbcglobal.net

Learn more about it at: http://thecleanwaterproject.com/


Thursday, September 23, 2010

Homeschool Family having a Tag Sale

 Passing this along from Kathy Hearn.......

I have to be moving in the spring and after this year I will no longer be able to homeschool and therefore we're doing a huge clean sweep of the house. A couple of my neighbors are having tag sales this Saturday September 25 on Sullivan Farms Rd in Broad Brook. So I thought I'd join in the cathartic process of purging stuff. I am going to be selling lots of household stuff and mountains of girls clothing (I have 4!) from size 7 to about 16. Of specific interest to other homeschoolers might be things like a big screen microscope, craft supplies, classroom posters, games, science kits, and many books from beginning story books to classics for HS that I just won't be using in the future.

 Kathy Hearn,
24 Sullivan Farm Road, Broad Brook, CT 
If someone wanted to call in advance to see if I have a particular item my phone is (860)623-7116.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

SHINE Homeschool Group Let's Read!

SHINE Homeschool Group
Let's Read!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
12:30p.m.  -  2:30 p.m. 
Kibbe Fuller Building
619 Main Street
Somers, Ct.

Every child will bring a book they have read. It can be a favorite book or a new book. Also please bring 3 different color markers or color pencils to use. Each child can do a small presentation about their book. (a fill in poster will be provided) Participation in presentation portion is not required if you have a shy public speaker. Children may dress-up like a character from their book (optional). Parents can participate too! Bring a snack to share and your water bottles. 
If you have any questions you can contact
Laurie Fraher elfraher@sbcglobal.net




Thursday, September 16, 2010

7th Annual Homeschool Science Fair

Passing this along from Kris McCue............


Announcing... 
7th Annual Homeschool Science Fair

sponsored by
Farmington Valley Home Educators Group
Date:  Friday, November 19, 2010
Time:  6:00-7:30.
          (Set up beginning at 5:45)
Location:  The Apple Barn
              60 Old Farms Rd., West Simsbury
Cost:  --$5 per participant
(registration fee covers rental of space, pizza and beverage)
--$3 per visitor if you’d like to have pizza and beverage
--free to any visitor looking but not eating
Who:  Open to all home-schooled kids

To Register:  email Kris McCue at fvhegroupis@hotmail.com

Please provide the following information:
Children’s names and ages or grades
How many projects your family will bring, as sometimes kids will work together on 1 project.  You don’t need to tell her the nature of your project unless you need to make a special request (such as electricity needed, more space needed, etc...)
How many of you will be attending.  She needs to keep a head count on guests as well, as the building has an occupancy limit. 
Your willingness to bring a dish to share on our buffet-counter.  Finger-foods and desserts are welcome additions to the festivities.  

Once you have emailed Kris to register she will respond with where and to whom you should send payment.  Your registration is not complete until you have paid the registration fee.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED:
1 person needed to make certificates of participation for each child.  These can be store-bought or made up on the computer at home. She will give you a list of names close to the date of the fair.
Come join the science fair for an evening of fun and learning!  
Choose any science topic and research it, then make a display to show what you’ve learned.  
Science fair projects should be either experimental or illustrative.  They should show/use the 6 steps of scientific method where possible. 
The 6 steps of scientific method are:  
question - what did you want to know?
hypothesis - your guess at the answer to your question
list materials - what did you use to conduct your experiment?
procedure - how did you conduct your experiment?
observations - what did you see happen?
conclusion - what answer did your experiment give to your original question?
Kids should be prepared to explain or demonstrate their project as guests and family go around and look at the different displays.  Kids will also have time to go around and learn from each other.  (If your child does an experiment, they should plan to spend more time manning their display so as to show it properly, whereas if your child does an illustrative project they just need to make sure there is enough detail in order to be self-explanatory.  Either way, it is nice for the kids to spend some time showing off their hard work.)  Kids will each have 1/2 of a 6 foot table unless otherwise requested.  This is about the space a tri-fold cardboard stand takes up.  There are electrical outlets available on a first-ask, first-receive basis.  We are not allowed to hang anything on the walls.  Each participant should have a small booklet as part of their display, for the family and guests to write comments in.  This makes a fun keepsake, and is great feedback!  
She is not worried about multiples of the same project, so kids don’t need to worry that someone else will claim a topic before them.  She doesn’t want any child to be discouraged from following what interests them.
Please keep in mind the purpose of this evening.  It’s hard to believe anyone could get tired of looking at all the wonderful displays our kids dream up, but sometimes they do.  At the Apple Barn there is a smaller 2nd room with couches/chairs and table/benches in case younger kids want to visit or play cards/do coloring and such. 
She will respond to your emails with details of where/when to send payment for registration, as well as additional details of our using the facility, and the pizza ordering.
If you have any questions feel free to email Kris at fvhegroupis@hotmail.com

Happy inventing!
Kris McCue

School Day at the CTRF King Arthur Fall Festival


School Day at the CTRF King Arthur Fall Festival
Homeschoolers Welcome!!!

Date: Monday, October 4, 2010
Time: 9a-2p
Where: Lions Faire Grounds
            347 Gilead St, Hebron, CT

Admission (CT tax has already been factored in):
Pre-registered & paid in advance: You must do this by Monday, September 20 to get this price!
$8 students and chaperons alike
click on this link for more info and to register and pay in advance: http://www.ctfaire.com/fall/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=69

At the gate (registered or no):
$8 students, $15 chaperons, $15 bus/van drivers

NEW THIS SEASON…
Educational Workshops designed specifically for Student Day:

Swords and Weaponry with King Arthur
Medieval Clothing with Queen Guinevere and Merlin
The Role of the Entertainer in Medieval Society with Zoltan the Adequate
Medieval Torture and Justice in Medieval Society with Blog the Executioner
Improv 101 with Joel Newlon of Wonderfool
Arthurian Legend and the role of King Arthur in History with Pope Urbino
 Battlefield Medicine, Medieval Cooking & Military Dril with the Das Geld Fähnlein mercenaries.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Homeschool Information Night in Somers

If you know of anyone interested in homeschooling invite them to attend:

Homeschool Information Night
Monday, September 20, 2010
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
51 Ninth District Rd. (2 Vision Blvd.)
Somers, Ct.

A short presentation by a panel of experienced home educators on the basics of home education in CT, followed by plenty of time for Q & A, in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for those who are considering home education or are new to this option and looking for support. Feel free to bring a friend or neighbor. Children are welcome but childcare will not be provided.

Discussion outline will be:
Is it legal?
Where do I find resources and support?
How do you get it all done?
Benefits of Homeschooling
What about socialization?


Presented by TEACHCT
The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers

Hosted by SHINE Homeschool Group

Donna Johnson donnateacher@verizon.net 
Laurie Fraher elfraher@sbcglobal.net

If you want to help spread the word about this presentation please contact SHINE or TEACHCT

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Foster Family Farm FREE Fun Day



FREE Family Day next Thursday, September 23 from 11am to 4pm.  Everything is FREE!!  They will not have any of the food areas open - so you'll need to bring your own water, lunch and/or snacks.

Foster Family Farm
90 Foster Street
South Windsor, Ct.
860-648-9366

Here's the website to check out the farm and get directions: http://www.fosterfarm.com/

Flag football ministry for boys ages 7-12

 
Passing this along from Allison Recla........

My husband, Adam, is starting a flag football ministry for boys ages 7-12. The flag football is not exclusively for homeshoolers, but there will be some home-
schoolers participating, and he has a heart for homeshoolers because we homeschool.  It is a great opportunity for any boy wanting to learn more about football.
 
UplifT Sports is a ministry of Windsor Locks Congregational Church EFCA that seeks to build faith and character by investing in youth athletes.  In my life, I have seen God teach me many lessons of faith when playing sports.  Athletic competition and practice provided me with a proving ground for applying God’s word in areas like teamwork, integrity, God-reliance, respect for others, trust, keeping hope and giving encouragement.  There is an element of training hard and competing that helps us see our need for God. In gaining feedback from a coach and striving for excellence on the field, athletes learn to be a winner by doing their best and get more from the experience.
When athletes see their faith in action, they can translate this trust in God toward much more important areas of life. 


UplifT Sports flag football is for boys ages 7-12 and will run from September 25 to November 6 on Saturdays from 10AM to Noon at Reed Park, Reed Avenue in Windsor Locks.

The link below has a map of the park's location:
http://www.windsorlocksct.org/page.php?pid=76
 

We’ll have a lot of fun, run through some drills for skill building and play some games.
All you need to bring is water/refreshments to stay hydrated.
Please sign up by contacting Adam Recla at ajr2@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, September 12, 2010

SHINE Mini Golf and Playground Outing

Come and join SHINE Homeschool group at
Somers Golf Center
349 Main Street in Somers.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
 12:00 - 3:00PM


Golf: $5.00 per person for one round
Bring your own lunch or purchase lunch there.
Food optional: $5.00 lunch deal include drink, famous fries and a hot dog or hamburg or cheeseburger or grilled cheese.
We'll plan to golf from 12:30-2:00pm and then head over to Connors Park, Field Road, Somers (very close) for outdoor play.                               
    If you have any questions you can contact Donna donnateacher@verizon.net


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Writers’ Workshop

There is still time to sign up for the Writers’ Workshop
Introductory meetings will be held on Thursday September 16th. 
If you are unsure about signing up please come to this meeting to get more information and then you can decide.
Please plan on staying for this meeting to meet Mrs. Fitzgerald and hear about what she will be doing with the students. 

Classes will be held on Thursdays at
The Church of the Living God 
199 Deming Street
Manchester Ct.

Class Times:
11:00 am – 12:00 noon          1st and 2nd grade
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm              3rd and 4th grade
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm                5th and 6th grade

The cost is $20/week/student.  We will meet on an ongoing basis with a week off for Thanksgiving and time off at Christmas.  If you wish to pay for several weeks at a time there will be that option.  You will only be charged for the weeks that you attend. 
To register or if you have any questions please contact Patty Schmid @ patty.schmid@propark.com

SHINE hosting Mom's Mingle

Mom's Mingle
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Kibbe Fuller Center
619 Main Street
Somers, Ct.


The Mom's mingle is like an open house- show up when you can and stay as long as you are able. We will be meeting in room 3 (unless really hot we will go to room 1 if not being used)  We had ice cream left over from the Social so we will be all set for ice cream treats.
If you would like to bring a starter to share with the group before we eat our ice cream that would be wonderful.

Suggestions:

1. Cheese platter with crackers
2. plate, bowls, spoon
3. hot cups for coffee with forks
4. mexican dip with chips
5. dips and chips
6. veggies and dips
7. cheese ball and crackers
8. little meatballs
9. anything you like to make and would like to share
10. ice tea and cup
11. fruit dish or baked apples

Coffee will be provided (decaf and reg.) 

To RSVP or if you have any questions please contact Laurie elfraher@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Homeschool Skate at Ron-a-Roll in Vernon

 
Traditional organ music, wholesome family activity, an opportunity to meet other home school program participants, great exercise and lots of roller skating fun! This event is supported by the Connecticut Home School Network.
 
WHEN:    Tuesday Mornings 9:30-11:30am

WHERE:   Ron-a-Roll
               85 South Frontage Road
               Vernon, Ct. 06066
               860-872-7094
               http://www.ronaroll.com

COST:     $5.50 Admission with Roller Skates
                      (if needed)
     
*2010 - 2011 Dates:
September 14th & 28th
October 12th & 26th
November 9th &23rd
December 7th & 21st
January 11th & 25th
February 1st & 15th
March 15th & 29th
April 12th & 26th
May 10th & 24th
June 7th

*Calendar is subject to change

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Meals on Wheels volunteer opportunity

 Passing this along from Michele Carroll.......

Our family has been delivering meals to the elderly, through meals-on wheels, one day a week, for nearly a year now.  It has been a blessing to us to be able to serve our community and minister to others.  As a home school family the time commitment is ideal and it is something we can all do together.  Below is the poem posted in The Reminder last year that got us started.  Routes are available in Ellington, Manchester and Vernon.  Caroline would love to hear from you, if you are interested.

There is a faithful army of driving volunteers,
They’re with Meals-on-Wheels through CRT
They’ve been doing it for years.

They’re based at Trinity Lutheran Church
on Meadowlark Road in Vernon.
Deliveries are made to neighboring towns
volunteering for them is a “turn on”.

But, Lately we’ve had some problems
With retirement, illness and such.
We need to rebuild our network.
We need your help so much!

If you can give just one hour a week,
We’d be thriving once again.
Our focus is feeding the elderly.
They need us, they want us. AMEN.

You just come to the church
and pick up your meals,
them deliver with love and a smile.
You become a monitor for their well-being,
And it makes you feel good all the while.

So, give it a’ try- you might like it-
That feeling of doing some good.
We’re desperately seeking now faces,
and arms to hug our neighborhoods.

Thank you for reading our rhyming plea.
Call Caroline Clark very soon,
At 871-9027
And please help us get back in tune.


Friday, September 3, 2010

Special Homeschool Program: "LEGO Connections" at the Longmeadow Library

Announcing a Special Homeschool Program:
"LEGO Connections"
at the
Longmeadow Library
(Richard Slater Storrs Library)
Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MASS
Designed for homeschoolers in Grades 1 & above,
siblings are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, Sept 7th
1:00 - 2:00pm
FREE ! ! ! !
If the library gets a good turn out they will be
offering this program twice per month.
Call the Library at (413)565-4182 to sign up
or for additional information.

Mother-Daughter Bookgroup at the Longmeadow Library

 
Mother-Daughter Bookgroup
For students in Grades 6-8
at
Longmeadow Library
(Richard Slater Storrs Library)
Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA
on
Tuesday, September 14th
6:30 - 7:45pm
FREE!!!
Light refreshments will be provided
Book:  Out of my Mind
Sharon M. Draper
You can pick up a copy of the book at any library.
Please call Longmeadow Library (413) 565-4182 to register.
All ladies & girls in grade 6, 7 & 8 are welcome!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sign up NOW for H.E.A.T./YMCA Homeschool Gym Class at the Indian Valley Family YMCA


This class is much more than just playing games! Our class will follow a routine similar to that of a physical education class, including a fitness warm up, skills practice, and using those skills in games at the end of class. The class will also focus not only on skills but on teamwork and sportsmanship as well!
Please note:
We will be having gym class outdoors this fall in the field behind the new 
Indian Valley Family YMCA
11 Pinney Street 
Ellington, Ct.

Fridays, September 10- October 22  
The session is for 7 weeks, classes are for 6 weeks with an extra day to be used in case of a cancellation. If we have to cancel a class due to the weather you can call the YMCA at 860-871-0008 on that Friday morning to find out.

Ages 4-6 years old -  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Ages 7-9 years old  -  1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Ages 10 and up -        2 :00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

$22 per child, Y membership is not required

Please register online by Thursday, September 9.
Register online at:
You will receive an email to confirm your registration. 

If you cannot register online you can go to the YMCA office to register, but you must register no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10. The YMCA staff needs sufficient time to put together the class lists. Thank you.

Indian Valley Family YMCA
11 Pinney Street
Ellington, Ct.
860-871-0008
http://www.ghymca.org/indian/


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Book Club for girls at the Windsor Locks Library

 
The Literate Ladies; a monthly book club for girls ages 9-13 will be meeting at the 
Windsor Locks Library
28 Main Street 
Windsor Locks, Ct.
The club will read mostly historical fiction and classic literature.
The first meeting will be Thursday, September 23 at 6:30 pm.
The group will be discussing Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink.  Copies of the book are available for loan at the library.  Call 860-627-1495 or email kristin@libraryconnection.info to register.