TEACHER APPRECIATIONS EVENTS OCCURING
ACROSS THE NATION
Each new school year brings promises of colorful learning,
and Crayola® is always proud to be a part of teachers' and
families' back-to-school traditions.

Many of our retail partners are sharing in the excitement by
hosting Teacher Appreciation events. We welcome you to take part
in the following events, coming to retailers near you.
Participants will receive free gifts—as well as some much-deserved
recognition. (Free gifts are available while supplies last.)

Enjoy these events and have a wonderful new school year!

OFFICE DEPOT®
Office Depot® is hosting the 13th Annual Teacher Appreciation
Breakfast. Stop in for free breakfast, a free tote bag
(while supplies last) and 10%* off everything all day. Visit
www.school.com and click on "Star Teacher Program" to find the
breakfast near you. Not a Star Teacher yet? Visit your local
Office Depot® store to sign up today!
Note:*10% instant discount is not valid for purchases from
www.techdepot.com, purchases of Gift Cards, computers, wireless,
satellite, Internet or shipping and mailing services. Quantities
limited. While supplies last.

MICHAELS®
Michaels thanks teachers for inspiring creative young minds every
day. Come to Michaels August 20th through 26th and receive a
teachers-only 10% discount off of everything in the store, including
sale items! (School ID may be required.) Also, enter online for a
chance to win a $1,000 Michaels gift card, a classroom full of cool
Crayola products, or other great prizes! Enter at Michaels.com between
August 19th and 26th. For more information about the Michaels teacher
appreciation event, visit www.michaels.com

WAL*MART®
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will be hosting Teacher Appreciation Events
throughout the country from July 21 to July 31, 2006 at more than
3,000 locations. The Wal*Mart Teacher Appreciation program, now in its
9th year, is designed to help kick off the school year by showing
appreciation to America's teachers.

Each teacher who attends the event will receive a gift package
containing samples from Crayola and other manufacturers of
school-related supplies (while supplies last). For more information,
contact your local store or visit www.wal-mart.com

STAPLES®
Teachers are invited to celebrate the new school year at Teacher
Appreciation Day events in Staples stores nationwide. The first 200
teachers at each event will receive a free canvas goody bag, teacher
planner, and valuable coupons. Find the event near you at
www.staples.com/teacherday (Teachers may be asked to
present school ID.)

OFFICEMAX®
OfficeMax is hosting Teacher Appreciation Events in the last week
of July and mid-August, depending on when school starts in your area.
Teachers can call their local OfficeMax store or 1-877-OFFICEMAX, to
find local dates and locations. Visit OfficeMax.com to find a
store near you.

THANK YOU
Throughout the school year you can rely on Crayola.com for fresh
lesson plan ideas and teaching tips. A new feature added this
back-to-school season is The Art of Childhood, which focuses on
the importance of creativity for children.

To learn about The Other IQ (Imagination Quotient) and how to
supercharge children's creativity visit The Art of Childhood.

From the HSLDA E-lert Service...
======================================================================


Kentucky--16th Annual Christian Home Educators of Kentucky Conference

June 13, 2006

Dear HSLDA members and friends:

The 16th Annual Christian Home Educators of Kentucky Conference is
coming to your area July 14-15, 2006. This event will be held at the
Shively Heights Baptist Church, 2627 Crums Lane, Louisville, Kentucky
40216.  We encourage you to attend and take advantage of our special
offers below. Our staff would love to meet you. We count it a
privilege to serve you, and appreciate your partnership with us to
defend homeschool freedoms.

This year, we have two special offers for members:

> If you renew your membership at the conference, you'll receive a $10
coupon that you can use toward your membership (at the conference
only) or for purchasing our materials. 

> Renew for two years and receive a $25 coupon you can use toward
membership (at the conference only) or choose up to $25 worth of
materials from our table. 

If you are not yet an HSLDA member or know someone else who might be
interested in joining, these same offers are available for families
who join at the conference. 

Additionally, if you bring someone to our table who joins at the
conference, we'll give you another $10 coupon for your
recommendation--which you can also apply toward membership (at the
conference only) or HSLDA products.

Please note that these offers are only valid at the conference.  For
more information about the 16th Annual Christian Home Educators of
Kentucky Conference, please contact CHEK at: 270-358-9270,
Chek@kvnet.org, or www.chek.org. 

We are keenly aware that our parental and homeschool freedoms are best
preserved when we all stand together to defend them. We look forward
to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,


J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President

Hi y'all,

Our family just wanted to thank all of you who attended this year's Kentucky Home School Conference and Book Fair.

We had the largest Conference we have ever had and many families were so blessed by the speakers, vendors, used books sellers etc.

William Estrada spoke from HSLDA (Key Note Speaker) twice and were told they received more memberships at our Conference than a large state Convention! Praise the L-rd! We were able to give a family free membership to HSLDA with some of the donation money to a family in need.

We also were blessed by the speakers for Debora McGregor of Garden Patch of Reproducibles,  With a Heart for Israel Ministry (Rev. Vicki Welch), and Great Source Books for speaking to us and enlightening our home school teachings!!

We also were priviledged to have Representatives from Usborne Books, Consignment Books, Making it Home Magazine, Helping Hand Adoption Agency etc, etc.

Many displays from various authors were sent to us such as Heart of Wisdom, First Fruits of Zion, Master Books, Vision Forum, Focus on the Family, Speedy Spanish, Hope Chest books, Charlesbridge, Mott Media, The Old School House Magazine(of course!),Keeprs of the Faith, Great Expectations, the Andreola's brand new book and Charlotte Mason Research and Supply,Catherine Levison, Penny Gardner, Jim Weiss Recorded books,Greek N Stuff, Diana Waring, Spelling Power,Valerie Bendt, Heart of Dakota, Flash Master, Firefly Books, God's Design Science,Patch the Pirate,Quarter Mile Math, Nature Magazine, The Jewish Publications, Hexabits, JAX Games,Profruck Press,Veritas Press etc.Wow!! What great books we could hold in our hands and drool over, see their catalogs and order from!!!

We gave away tons of door prizes given to us from various authors and publishers as well as a Silent Auction to help support HSLDA's costs and to cover our costs of the Conference for supplies, etc.

Our band, Katuv, introduced each speaker with a song from both of our 2 CD's "DANIEL'S VISION "and "SILENT SCREAMS," in which our home schooling son and my husband/writer/musician (Dave Wirth) also played instruments from around the world giving a Christian/Messianic message.

There were families who drove from 3 states- KY, Tenn and Indiana and people came from the cities of Harrodsburg, Wilmore, Lex, Nicholasville, Danville, Salvisa, Lancaster, Stanford, Glascoe, Liberty, Frankfort, Richmond, and some I have forgotten already and never heard of.

God was lifted up and He was glorified!!!

Many, many thanks to all the volunteers who worked longggg hours and were exhausted. We were short volunteers tremendously, so we all worked over time for you.

We were blessed again to able to creat a FREE Conference so that all could attend.

We are still recouping!!!

Thanks again for your support out there to who all came, participated, donated and especially volunteered!!

In His undeserving love and grace, Charlene Kay Wirth

======================================================================
From the HSLDA E-lert Service...
======================================================================
Kentucky--Announcing the 2006 Annual Kentucky Home School Conference
and Book Fair

May 12, 2006

Dear HSLDA members and friends:

The 2006 Annual Kentucky Home School Conference and Book Fair is
coming to your area on June 10th, 2006. This event will be held at the
Central Kentucky Christian School. 127th Street, Harrisburg, Kentucky
40330.  HSLDA Legal Assistant, William Estrada, will be speaking at
this Conference. We encourage you to attend and take advantage of our
special offers below. Our staff would love to meet you. We count it a
privilege to serve you, and appreciate your partnership with us to
defend homeschool freedoms.

This year, we have two special offers for members:

-If you renew your membership at the conference, you'll receive a $10
coupon that you can use toward your membership (at the conference
only) or for purchasing our materials. 

-Renew for two years and receive a $25 coupon you can use toward
membership (at the conference only) or choose up to $25 worth of
materials from our table. 

If you are not yet an HSLDA member or know someone else who might be
interested in joining, these same offers are available for families
who join at the conference. 

Additionally, if you bring someone to our table who joins at the
conference, we'll give you another $10 coupon for your
recommendation--which you can also apply toward membership (at the
conference only) or HSLDA products.

Please note that these offers are only valid at the conference.  For
more information about the 2006 Annual Kentucky Home School Conference
and Book Fair, please contact Dave or Charlene Wirth at: 859-734-4325,
Conference@katuvmusic.com.

We are keenly aware that our parental and homeschool freedoms are best
preserved when we all stand together to defend them. We look forward
to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,


J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President

Why Genesis Matters—hear AiG’s Dr. Tommy Mitchell in Louisville, KY on March 26, 2006

Dr. Robert “Tommy” Mitchell, a dynamic lecturer, will be speaking at Ashby Lane Baptist Church on Sunday, March 26, 2006. These meetings are free and open to the public (suggested ages 11 & up).

If you've changed your email address you can unsubscribe and then sign up again with your new email address at www.AnswersInGenesis.org/email/

If you are not a current subscriber of our newsletter but would like to become one, sign up at www.AnswersInGenesis.org/email/

Answers in Genesis
2800 Bullittsburg Church Road
Petersburg, KY 41080

Announcing HSLDA's 2006 Poetry Contest for Homeschoolers

2006 Poetry Contest Begins!

HSLDA is very excited to be holding our second annual poetry contest. Along with the art and essay contests, the poetry contest offers an opportunity to reward excellence. Although poetry, and especially poetic form, can seem intimidating, we encourage you to try it. In addition to the enjoyment of composition, there is the educational and cultural benefit that comes with studying poetry closely. Writing poetry also increases your appreciation as you read the great poets.

Entrant Qualifications:

• Category 1: HSLDA members who are at least 9 but will not be 14 as of April 1, 2006.
• Category 2: HSLDA members who are at least 14 but will not be 19 as of April 1, 2006.
• Family members of Home School Legal Defense Association employees, the Home School Foundation employees, or Patrick Henry College staff or faculty are not eligible to participate.

Format and Submission:

• Poems must be completely the work of the student entering the contest. No involvement or assistance of other parties, including but not limited to brainstorming, editing, or proof reading, is permissible.
• The poems should be typed, in at least 12 point font, and single spaced with a double space between stanzas.
• Each poem must have a title.
• Each author may enter up to five poems. Each poem requires a separate entry fee. Only one poem per page.
• The student's phone number should appear at the top of each page.
• The student's full name, date of birth, HSLDA membership number, and contact information, including their phone number should be on a separate sheet of paper.
• Each entrant should use a separate envelope, i.e. do not send entries from members of the same family in a single envelope.
• Poems should be mailed to:
  HSLDA
  Attn: Poetry Contest
  P.O. Box 3000
  Purcellville, VA 20134-9000
  
• Entries must be postmarked on or before April 15, 2006. Only entries sent to the above address will qualify for the contest.

Fee:
The entry fee is $15 per poem. For Home School Legal Defense Association member families, the entry fee is $10 per poem. The check should be made payable to "HSLDA" with a note of "Poetry Contest" in the memo line. Please do not enclose cash.

Prizes:
Category 1
First: $150
Second: $100
Third: $50
Honorary Mention (two): $25

Category 2
First: $200
Second: $150
Third: $100
Honorary Mention (two): $50

Forms:

Terza Rima is a traditional form of poetry with series of tercets (grouping of three lines) with interlocking rhymes which give a strong feel of continuity. They are formed in the pattern aba, bcb, cdc, ded, etc. Each line labeled B rhymes with other B lines, each line labeled C rhymes with C lines, and so on.

Dante, the Italian author of the Inferno, is credited for inventing this poetic form. It is though to reflect the unity and the threesome of the Trinity. Other poets such as Milton, Shelley, and Byron also employed this form.

Submitted poems in this category must be 15 lines: 5 tercets of three lines each. You may write anything with the theme given—it is broad enough to give students a wide range of possible topics.

Other poems to study:
Percy Bysshe Shelley: The Triumph of Life
Robert Frost: Acquainted with the Night
W.H. Auden: The Sea and the Mirror

The English sonnet is a 14-line poem; each line is written in iambic pentameter. Pentameter means the line has five groupings of rhythmic syllables called feet. In this case the feet are iambic, which means that they are composed of a short syllable and then a long (or emphasized) syllable. So the line is composed of ten syllables and follows this pattern: short long / short long / short long / short long / short long. An example of a line of iambic pentameter is "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," from Tennyson's Ulysses.

Sonnets are arranged in three quatrains (groups of four lines in which the first and third lines rhyme, and the second and fourth lines rhyme) followed by a final couplet (two rhyming lines). The rhyme scheme, then, is abab, cdcd, efef, gg. Note: A line is not necessarily a complete sentence or clause, and a quatrain is not necessarily only one sentence.

Generally, a sonnet presents a conflict, which is resolved in the final couplet. One way to do this is to have each quatrain present a distinct point of view or a different level of knowledge about the subject, pausing between each, with the final couplet presenting a practical resolution to or a deeper understanding of the subject. Many times, the couplet will use words from the earlier quatrains in order to give a clearer sense of closure.

You may write anything with the theme given—it is broad enough to give students a wide range of possible topics.

Samples of English sonnets are widely available in anthologies, libraries, and the Internet. If you're not sure where to start, here are some good sonnets to start with:

Shakespeare: No. 18 Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
John Milton: On His Blindness
John Keats: Bright Star
John Donne: At the Round Earth's Imagined Corners, Blow
Robert Frost: Putting in the Seed

Note that while following the form is a large part of what gives a poem its beauty, poets will sacrifice exact adherence to the form if it suits their purpose. The poetic decision to do something slightly different for one or two lines is legitimate one, but the pattern of the form should always be discernable.

Judging:

• Poems will be evaluated by a panel of judges appointed by Home School Legal Defense Association.
• Poems will be judged on originality of thought, writing style, and adherence to both the theme and the traditional requirements of the form.
• Results of the contest will be released on Friday, May 19, 2006.

Other Considerations:

By submitting an poem you:

• Grant Home School Legal Defense Association the right to publish all or part of your submission.
• Agree to all rules and the decisions of the judges and sponsors.
• Home School Legal Defense Association is not responsible for any lost, damaged, misdirected, delayed, mutilated, incomplete, illegible, or postage-due entries or mail.
• All profits from this contest will go to the Home School Foundation's Special Needs Children Fund.
• Please write to Whitney Putman with any questions regarding this contest.

Christian Home Educators of Kentucky hosts a conference each July in
Louisville.  Go to www.chek.org and click on the link to "2006 CHEK Conference".
This year's conference is July 14-15.  The conference has around 40 vendors
and several seminars

Mr. Taylor from Southeastern  Book Company is seriously considering opening up a store front for homeschoolers.  If you have any feedback and/or suggestions -- please get  in touch with him at _rtaylor@sebook.com_ (mailto:rtaylor@sebook.com) .  He'd like to know what homeschool families want/need -- he truly needs to hear from us.  He's also interested in contacting other groups and is willing to travel to conferences ... so if you have information you can pass along to him, please do  so.
 
 
His web addresses are:
_www.bunchesofbooks.com_ (http://www.bunchesofbooks.com)
_www.webuytextbooks.com_ (http://www.webuytextbooks.com)

Greetings in the Lord Jesus! May you enjoy his grace and peace in this new year.
 
I am planning an event March 17-19 in northwest  Tennessee. This event is designed to glorify Jesus Christ by bringing together men age 20 and up for  mutual edification. In addition to men who were  educated at home, fathers and grandfathers are welcomed and encouraged to come.
 
The registration fee is $39, which includes a bed for  two nights and five meals. Please visit this website for more information:
 http://www.notgrass.com/wulfthesaxon/wf.html

 If you have access to regional or state e-mail lists, I  would be glad for you to pass on this information.
 
Thank you,
 John Notgrass
 941 Roaring River Rd.
Gainesboro, TN 38562
931-268-1680
john@notgrass.com
 http://FaithFreedomFamily.com
 

LAMP Christmas Craft  & Children's "White Elephant"  Sale
 
Friday, December 2nd
9AM - 11:30AM
Calloway County Library  Annex
 
For a number of years now LAMP  families have enjoyed an evening of fellowship during the holiday  with a Christmas dinner, along with a holiday craft for the children and a white elephant sale.  This is always a well attended event.  However, Please  Note:  This year we will only be  hosting a holiday craft & white elephant sale.  

I am in charge of the "white  elephant" sale and would like to give you the information now so you  can be making your plans to attend.  If you have any
questions,  please email me at _eells4him@aol.com_  .
 
 
Each family is asked to bring at least two "white  elephant" items per child. (Last year, we thought we weren't going to have enough  "dad items" which
could only have meant we had children shopping who  didn't bring an item. --
Please, please bring a man & a woman's  gift for EACH child who will be shopping
in your  family.)  Most years, families bring more than  the minimal number of items and children have the opportunity to  shop for siblings, grandparents, etc... with
whatever is left.   So... clean out those closets and bring an arm load!   

Upon your arrival, items will be set up &  arranged in our "holiday gift store".  a.k.a.... one of the  rooms in the annex.  Children will be divided by age.  One group will shop, while the other group begins  their holiday craft.  As they finish they will go to  snack time.  When snack time is over, they will switch to  whatever they haven't done (shop or craft). 
 
The "white elephant" sale gives each child an opportunity to  shop for a Christmas gift for their Mom and dad! Gift wrapping will  be available! Children really enjoy wrapping their gifts at the  "gift counter"! 
 
**All items will be marked fifty cents, thus allowing each  child to buy a present for their Mom and dad for one dollar!
 
LAMP kids LOVE this event!
 
*Are You wondering what "white elephant items" are? 
Well... it's that trinket you hate to dust ... it's the  tie that doesn't
match dad's suit ... it's the book you've finished  reading, etc....  In
general, they are used items, in  good condition you have lying around your  house.  
 
 
We will need donations of wrapping paper,  bows, tape, etc....   Please bring
whatever you  can. 

KEA is again sponsoring a statewide slogan and Essay contest for HS
students on the subject of "Voting and Registration to Vote".

I received information in the mail and will pass it along to anyone
interested and will make copies available at the next LAMP meeting.

Slogan Contest                         Essay Contest
1st Prize: $1000 or $2000 Sav.Bond   9th Grade: $250 or $500 Sav.Bond
2nd Prize: $500 or $1000 Sav. Bond   10th: Same
3rd Prize: $250 or $500 Sav. Bond    11th: Same
                                     12th: Same

Entries must be electronically submitted or postmarked by January 27,
2006.   www.sos.ky.gov/contests

Essay:
Prompt: Through the legislative process, the 15th and 19th amendments
to the United States Constitution have been repealed.  United States
citizens no longer have the right to vote.  Please write a short
essay that describes what the United States would be like if its
citizens lost the right to vote.

Slogan:
Prompt: Student should read an excerpt by Gordon S. Wood and create a
catchy one line slogan that is representative of the text.  (excerpt
is included in this information packet they sent)

Just an FYI!

 A list of famous homeschoolers I saw on another forum.
  Thought others might find it interesting.
  
  http://www.homeschoolacademy.com/FAMOUS%20HOMESCHOOLERS.htm

Have you all heard about this group yet?  They are working to negotiate discounts for homeschoolers like the school districts do.  What they need is for the homeschool community to get behind them so that they will have more negotiating power.  The more members they have, the better discounts that they will be able to offer.

I've already joined and would encourage you to join as well.  There are no fees or commitments to buy anything.  It's just as simple as registering at their website.

Here's the link where you can read all of the details.

The University of Louisville welcomes homeschooled students in grades 9-12
and their parents to spend Thursday, November 10 on our campus learning
about U of L and also the college search and application process in general.

A financial aid session will be offered, a tour of campus, and a panel
discussion with current U of L students who were homeschooled and have
madea successful transition to life at a metropolitan public university.  U of L
considers itself very open to home educated students and wants you to learn
about us and for us to learn more about you. 

For more details and reservations go on line at
http://admissions.louisville.edu/visit/homeschool/

Reservations are limited to 40 high school students and parents

I just got this information about a short story contest for homeschoolers in KY being sponsored by a homeschool mom!  What a great idea.  Here's the info and the link.  Let's get the kids writing. 

Short Story Writing Contest

All Lexington Home Schoolers and other Home Schoolers throughout Kentucky  are encouraged to enter the "Lexington Home Schoolers Short Story Contest 2005".  This contest is free and open to  Home Schoolers that reside in Kentucky.  The purpose of the contest is to promote story writing for local Home Schoolers.  Entries will be judged anonymously and will be broken down into 2 age groups- Home Schoolers 12 years of age and older and those that are 11 years of age and younger (as of 12/31/05). Entry deadline is 11/30/2005.  We will be giving away  20 prizes (10 in each age group) including gift certificates, books and other prizes.  For more information please visit that appropriate navigation link on the left for more information. Mail entries to:  "Makin Contest" 215 South Eagle Creek Dr.  Lexington, KY 40515 email: Jmakckc@yahoo.com    phone #: 859-543-0380 This contest is not part of or sanctioned by any home school or education group.  I am a parent of a homeschool child and wanted to do something to promote writing for local homeschoolers.

http://www.freewebs.com/jmakckc/  The links on the side have all the details.

I would encourage interested parents to take the leap and form a JrFLL or FLL (for kids 9-14) group. You do not have to be experienced and you don't have to know much about Legos. It really is a program for the kids and they do most of the learning -- the coach just needs to help with "focus" and perhaps snacks.

We formed an FLL team last year and it was a great experience. I was a total rookie coach but it went very well. For some reason we are the only FLL team registered in the Central KY area this year and I know they would like more from this area.

Kentucky is a state hosting a JrFLL exhibition this year (not all states are doing this). It will be in January at WKU and I believe is coordinated with the FLL state tournament activities. Should be loads of fun!

Information on JrFLL: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/default.aspx?pid=18130

Information on FLL: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/default.aspx?pid=70

Happy to answer any questions I can for folks who want to form a group.

Trish

trish@qx.net

Three special dates of themed programming gives your home school lots of educational experiences all in one day! Science Kaleidoscope Days are chock-full of programs, workshops, and guest presenters. New and favorite programs are offered on each date to give families a multitude of choices, science experiences, and enrichment opportunities to round out the home school curriculum. Science Kaleidoscope days are designed for families to enjoy science together. Programs start on the hour beginning at 9:30 and ending at 2:00. Reservations are not required to attend.

Each participant pays the entry fee and receives an identification bracelet that allows entry into the special programs. Members and non-members pay the rate below to participate in the programs. The fee registers each person for all programs regardless of whether they go to all programs. Non-members that do not pay programs pay the regular admission rate to the Center.

 

To get an advance schedule for each date, send your name and address to:

Home School Day Registration
ATTN: Sharon Mendonsa
800 Fort Negley Blvd.
Nashville TN 37203

Families may arrive and check in as early as 9:00 am. Group rates, coupons, reciprocal memberships, and other promotions do not apply to admission to Science Kaleidoscope scheduled programs

 

Cost:

$10.00 per person for ASC members
$13.00 per person for non-ASC members

Programs & Dates:

Science Kaleidoscope One

• October 25, 2005
  Life Science

Science Kaleidoscope Two

• January 17, 2006
  Earth and Space Science

Science Kaleidoscope Three

• April 18, 2006
  Physical Sciences