Possible Homeschool Program at Skater City in Enfield

Passing this along from Karen Lima, call her at 860-668-2133

 if you are interested.

http://www.skatercityenfield.com/

Karen Lima has been talking with the owner of Skater City to set up a homeschol program there. He told her that he is willing to have a price of $40.00 a month with a commitment of 12 months, for a family up to 5 children. He is willing to play Christian music and make it a gym time. In addition, with this family membership, we can go to Skater City whenever it is open without an additional charge. Please pass this on to other homeschoolers you know and see how many families we can come up with. He is hoping for at least 20 families. It would be easiest for him on a Friday morning around 10am. Please contact if Karen Lima (860-668-2133) you are interested.

Homeschool Day at the Ct Science Center

To register: http://www.ctsciencecenter.org/educate/homeschool-day.aspx

Rocky Neck Beach Day cancelled

Looks like Thursday will not be a good beach day.

So we have cancelled our beach trip to Rocky Neck Beach. I do not have a rain date. We will try again next year!

 As Admission PLEASE bring a canned good or personal care item for

 the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank! 

FREE Family Day next Thursday, September 22 from 11am to 4pm.    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/

HOMESCHOOL MUSIC CLASSES

Passing this along from Sharon Grous.......

 HOMESCHOOL MUSIC CLASSES

Hi everyone. My name is Sharon Grous. I am a home-schooling mother of two children. I am also a musician, singer and songwriter. As a youth I studied flute ( 4^th grade through High School) and played in the school band. I also played the piano. I stopped playing for many years but returned to music about 8 years ago. At that time I began studying voice, violin, and piano. I have years of experience singing in choirs and as a soloist for concerts and special music events .I am the lead vocalist for a Christian band called “Glorious Day” which leads worship and plays at nursing homes and special events. I attend worship seminars and conferences on a regular basis. When my children were young I participated with them in music classes for toddlers and pre-school children. I also have many years of experience as a teacher including 10 years teaching swimming to all ages ( I developed one of the first Water Babies and Toddler swim programs ), 17 years teaching dog training classes, 4 years as a state certified vocational teacher in Kennel Management/Animal Care, and 6 years home-schooling. As a one- income family I understand how difficult it can be to provide an affordable music education to our children so I have decided to offer music classes for home-schooled children.

I have set up 3 classes for this fall; Music Fun for the Young, Home-school Children’s Gospel Choir, and Introduction to the Violin. Class information is listed below.

Private lessons are also available for beginner students in violin, piano and flute.

MUSIC FUN for THE YOUNG (Pre-School / Kindergarten)

This class is for younger children ages 3-5 years old. Children learn about music through singing, instruments, and fun activities. Class minimum 6. Class maximum 10.

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 12:30-1:15pm

Dates: Sept. 20^th – Dec. 6^th (12 weeks)

Location: Rockville Baptist Church, 825 Hartford Tnpk. (Rt. 30), Vernon, CT

Fees: $72.00 or 3 payments of $24.00

Family discounts available – see schedule for gospel choir below.

HOME-SCHOOL CHILDREN’S GOSPEL CHOIR

Children will be taught proper singing/vocal technique while learning songs that glorify God. Each meeting will also include lessons and activities to teach basic music theory. At the end of the session we will sing our songs at a local nursing home. This class is for children ages 6 and up. Min. enrollment 10.

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:15pm

Dates: Sept. 20th – Dec.6th (12 weeks)

Location: Rockville Baptist Church, 825 Hartford Tnpk. (Rt30),Vernon,CT.

Fees: 1child - $72.00

2 children -$132.00

3 children -$180.00

4 children -$216.00

each additional child $24.00

Fees may be broken into three payments.

INTRODUCTION TO THE VIOLIN

If you have a child who has expressed an interest in learning to play the violin this group class is a great way to let them try without the pressure or cost of private lessons. Children will learn about the instrument, proper technique, and basic music theory while learning to play simple songs. Students will need to rent an instrument and purchase a book for this class. I will recommend the best location for violin rental and for purchase of the music book we will be using. Plan on $40-$50 dollars for rental and book. This class is for children ages 6 and up. Class Min. 4 / Class Max 10.

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 2:15 – 3:00pm

Dates: Sept. 20th – Dec. 6th (12 weeks)

Location: Rockville Baptist Church , 825 Hartford Tnpk. (Rt 30), Vernon, CT.

Fee: $102.00 or 3 payments of $36.00

PRIVATE LESSONS

$14.00 per ½ hour lesson.

Lessons available on varying days and times at same location as group classes or other convenient locations.

For more information or to register, e-mail me at ken.grous@snet.net, or call 860-872-2101.

Special Free Admission to Science Center on 9/11/2011

Passing this along.........

Homeschool LEGO Connections Program Longmeadow Library

Passing this along.......

Homeschool LEGO Connections Program

Longmeadow Library

Richard Salter Storrs Library 
693 Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow Mass.

Tuesday, October 4th

1:30 - 2:30pm

Cost: FREE!

Call (413) 565-4182 to register

ALL homeschoolers are welcome;

please forward this e-mail to anyone who

might be interested!

Longmeadow Library is offering

this program to homeschoolers

the first Tueday of every month. If

another day or time is better for the

majority of people, please let them know.

__._,_.___

Rocky Neck Beach Day Postponed

Rocky Neck State Park

Rte. 156

East Lyme, Ct.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

11:00am - 4:00 pm

Due to today's weather we will meet next Thursday at the West Beach side of Rocky Neck Beach. A group of homeschoolers from CTCHEER will be there also! There is no fee to get in since it is after Labor Day. Here is the link for info and directions: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325256&amp

Homeschool Recreation Programs at Star Hill Family Athletic Center

Wednesday swim time usually includes time for free swim and then structured games. Children wearing flotation devices must be accompanied by a parent in the water 

On Fridays activities will be planned each week on the turf fields, the basketball/volleyball courts, and the indoor track. Children ages 4-15 will enjoy activities in both smaller age-appropriate groups and larger groups. While the kids are playing, Moms and Dads are welcome to use the track in the dome to get their exercise!

  To register online click on this link:

http://www.starhillsports.com/vacation-week/home-school-programs

Please register your children by Sept. 27, 2011

Star Hill Family Athletic Center

100 Gerber Drive

Tolland, Ct

860-871-8800

Beginners Pre-Engineering FUNdamentals Lego Class

Passing this along from Karen Cupit.........

Beginners Pre-Engineering with FUNdamentals Lego Class

CLASS DESCRIPTION: With access to over 100,00 pieces of LEGOs, students will create, play and tackle challenges that explore the fundamentals of engineering, all while having fun learning. Build cities, bridges, planes and motorized cars. Your child will have opportunity to build what they have only dreamed of, with the support of an experienced Pla-Well Engineering Instructor to guide them.

WHERE, WHEN, HOW MUCH, ETC.

Starts September 27, 2011- November 8, 2011

• Will be held every Tuesday for 7 weeks
• Classes will be held at the Whiton Library at 100 North Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042
• Class time:  10:30am – 12:00pm
• Min enrollment = 10
• Max enrollment = 16
• Cost is $105 per student
• Open to boys and girls ages 5-7

OTHER DETAILS

Class size is limited and enrollment is on a first come first served basis.  All materials will be provided.  No refunds will be issued after the first class.  Refunds only issued prior to first class. 

TO REGISTER

Email Andrew Escalera  at Andrew@play-well.org or call him at 860-573-5039.  Information needed:

• Parent(s) First and Last Name(s)
• Parent(s) contact info (email, phone numbers, etc.)
• Child(s) name, age and medical information (allergies, asthma, etc.)
• Make checks out to Play-Well TEKnologies, Attn. Andrew Escalera * Checks will be collected on first day of class

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.play-well.org

QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact Andrew Escalera.

CT TROLLEY MUSEUM 2nd Annual Autumn Pumpkin Patch Event

Passing this along from Diane Connors..........

FIELD TRIP – CT TROLLEY MUSEUM 2nd Annual Autumn Pumpkin Patch Event

WHEN? Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 10 AM.

WHERE? 58 North Road, East Windsor, CT (plenty of free parking available at the site)

WHO? All ages welcome.

COST? Adults are $9 each, children 3 through 17 are $5 each, and children two and under are free.

ARRIVAL: We will meet for a check-in, on the front lawn just outside the Visitor's Center. Please be sure to meet me there and have your name marked as present. Wristbands will be passed out between 9:50 and 10 AM. If you arrive later, you need to go indoors to the counter for your bands.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The Annual Trolley Museum Pumpkin Patch event is a special event that they arrange for visitors. For your admission fee, you get UNLIMITED trolley rides for the day of our visit, and one stop at the Pumpkin Patch to select a pumpkin that your child(ren) may want to decorate back at the Visitor’s Center building. It is a decorated area, good for some cute photos ! On the front lawn of the Center, weather permitting, there will be a variety of lawn games set up for our use, such as bean bag toss, hula hoops and a bubble table to name some of the games. There’s also free face painting and tattoos for the kids.

The Conductors of the trolleys are very friendly and happy to talk about the history of trolleys in general, how they are run, and the history of the particular car you are riding at the time. They have multiple cars running on any given day, so it’s fun to take a turn riding all of them and learning about the history and function of them. The ride is 3 miles long, and in October, it’s gorgeous with the foliage, as well.

In addition, the Visitor’s Center is a great place to visit and the changing exhibits there are quite fun to explore, too.

There are picnic tables are on the front lawn if you’d like to bring a picnic lunch.

There is also a cute little Gift Shop, as well.

ATTENDANCE: There is no reasonable limit to the number of people that can register for this trip, so feel free to pass the information along to a homeschool friend who might be interested, or to your local group. In 2010 we had over 110 homeschool adults and children enjoying the grounds and unlimited trolley rides.

WEBSITE: To get an idea of what this wonderful place has to offer, check the site out http://ct-trolley.org/ctm/

TRIP COORDINATOR: Diane Connors

TO REGISTER: Please print out the field trip form at this webpage http://ct-cheer.com/FIELDTRIPFORM.htm and fill it out. Mail it to Diane as the instructions are listed on the form. You will be contacted via email to confirm your payment and space at the event.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Your payment and *completed* registration form must be postmarked no later than September 30 ^th so that I can report a headcount to the museum and they can have the appropriate number of volunteers prepared to greet us. Once that headcount is given, by 9/30, there are no refunds; the money is committed to the museum.

WEATHER ? This is a rain or shine event. There is a covered area to wait for trolley rides outside, and the exhibits are indoors. Check your email before leaving for the trip in case of unlikely changes!!

Homeschool Soccer League- Fall 2011 (Ages 7-10 years old)

Passing this along from Christian Alarie, email him if you are interested caandysp@aol.com 

Homeschool Soccer League- Fall 2011 (Ages 7-10 years old)

Does your child enjoy or want to learn how to play soccer? Are you or your child hesitant to sign up for your Town’s Recreation League or have you missed the sign-up deadline? There’s great news- you can still join the homeschool soccer league for free.

Yes for free!

Interested – Please Read On

My name is Christian Alarie and I have 2 daughters that play soccer. Full time qualified coaches with years of experience playing soccer, with homeschool children have been putting on successful soccer programs for the last four seasons with great success. We work with new and experienced players on the following:

• Getting much needed physical exercise
• Developing and/or improving a soccer skill set
• Enhancement of critical thinking skills
• Development of leadership qualities
• Helping to improve self-esteem
• Improving coordination
• Team building and developing positive sportsmanship

Still Interested? See Below for the Details.

Field Location: Soccer field adjacent to the Squadron Line School in Simsbury, CT

Dates: Saturdays- September 17^th, October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, and 29^th (6 Total)

Times: 1 to 3:30 PM

What does my Child Need:

• Must have their own soccer ball, a size 4 is best and will be used during league play, however a size 3 is also sufficient
• Shin Guards and cleats are not required, but many children choose to wear them
• Plenty of water for every game and any medications deemed necessary

What to expect:

• September 17^th is the first session, whereby all children will be evaluated to be placed on proper teams (we will exercise, run some drills, and play a structured scrimmage)
• Team Jersey’s will be provided at no cost with number and logo and official games will be played with referees during the 5 Saturday’s in October

Notes:

• We have children of all skill levels participate in the programs every season, and all come away with great success
• Every Child participates in the games regardless of experience

Ready to take the plunge?

Contact: Christian Alarie caandysp@aol.com

860-620-2845 (8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday)

----------MUST SIGN UP BY SEPTEMBER 12^th---------

Sign up for Fall Session of Writer's Workshop

Passing this along from Patty Schmid, please contact her if you are interested patty.schmid@gmail.com

Writers’ Workshop

The “Write” Connection

Sign up now for the fall session of Writer's Workshop!

We will have a Meet & Greet on Thursday, September 22nd

2:00-3:00 pm

For new students and parents to meet Mrs. Fitzgerald

and returning students who have questions or just want to say Hi!

Classes will begin on September 29th.

11:00 am-12 noon 1^st and 2^nd grade

12:30-1:45 3^rd and 4^th grade

2:00-3:15 5^th and 6^th grade

Classes will be held at

The Church of the Living God

199 Deming Street, Manchester

The cost is $20/week/student.
To Sign up please contact Patty Schmid at patty.schmid@gmail.com

Below is a letter from the teacher...

Dear Parents:​

​Writing skills are accomplished in the same way bike riding, soccer skills, learning a song, ormemorizing lines in a play are achieved-practice, determination, modeling, and coaching. As parents, we would never put a child on a two wheeler and just say “go for it!” Most certainly we would build confidence with a smaller bike, gradually move to larger bikes that had training wheels and finally holding the backseat of the bike and running along side, we would guide our child to balance and pedal on his/her own. Lots of cheering and encouragement would be necessary along the way.

​In a similar fashion, writing skills are most often improved when children have many opportunities to practice, hear other ideas from peers, learn strategies to enhance expression and receive guidance and coaching from an adult. Originally, I was struggling with my own children when I knew they needed to write “more” but couldn’t figure out exactly how to “coach” them without just telling them what to write.

​Writing is a life skill. It can be the difference between getting into college, getting the job, getting the refund, or convincingly changing a person’s mind. Writing will carry you forward, demonstrate academic strength and will be a reflection on a student’s education.

I have taught for 16 years and have worked with children in first through eighth grades in writing. I have had extensive training in teaching the strategies that help students become successful writers. For the past year and a half, I have had the pleasure of running Writers’ Workshop classes on Thursdays, in one of the classrooms in the Church of the Living God, in Manchester.

I would love the opportunity to set up class times for small group instruction in the many areas of writing-friendly and business letters, fiction stories, persuasive and expository writing. In the past we have also worked on writing strong paragraphs, main ideas with details, how to organize a 5 paragraph essay, poems, book reports and research.

Before you sign up for art, gymnastics, piano, or sports in the fall, please consider reserving a spot for weekly classes on Thursday afternoons for Writers’ Workshop! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

​​​​​​​Kathleen Fitzgerald

​​​​​​​knfitzgerald23@gmail.com

References: Mrs. Patty Schmid​email: patty.schmid@propark.com

​​Mrs. Michele Milazzo email: milazzomic@aol.com

​