What: Collection of new shoes and socks to benefit the homeless When: Nov. 16-25 Where: Collection boxes at PVCC Main Campus and Holland Community Center next to PVCC Black Mountain Campus
This holiday season, five students from Paradise Valley Community College (two of whom are homeschool graduates) are teaming up to help the Phoenix Valley homeless. Due to the economic downturn, the Arizona homeless population has exploded while at the same time overall giving to aid organizations has plummeted. As a service project the students have decided to make a difference in the lives of some of the Valley’s homeless. Their goal is to collect 200 pairs of new shoes and 1000 pairs of new socks by Thanksgiving to benefit members of our community in homeless and domestic violence shelters.
The students will take the donated items to Shoebox Ministry, an organization dedicated to meeting the personal hygiene needs of Arizona’s homeless. Please help out! Collection boxes for new shoes and socks will be located at PVCC in the MainCampusBuilding (KSCBuilding) at 18401 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, and the HollandCommunity Center next to the PVCC Black Mountain Campus at 34250 N. 60th Street, Bldg. B. Scottsdale.
The boxes will be out Nov. 16 through Nov. 25. For more information or to donate online visit soles.xboltz.net.
P.S. Knowledge House is giving away two FREE e-books to anyone who makes an online donation of $10 or more! Just in time for the holidays, the 22-page "Gifts for All Occasions" and 40-page "Easy Money Gifts" ($10 total value) are jam-packed with gift ideas for everyone on your list. Donate online now.
Most people probably know someone - a grandfather, uncle, father, brother, friend - who fought in a war or otherwise served in the armed forces in order to defend the freedoms that we so often take for granted. Be sure to take a few minutes out of your day to personally thank them for keeping your country and your family safe. In addition, the modern patriots actively serving in our armed services today surely deserve our appreciation, support, and recognition. We can best pay tribute by recognizing what they have achieved and joining them in their resolve to keep America strong and free.
Thursday, September 17th is the 222nd BIRTHDAY OF THE CONSTITUTION!
The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 of the Founding Fathers of the United States (18 of whom were homeschooled). The signing of the Constitution was one of the most important and influential events in American history, establishing the many rights and freedoms “We the People” enjoy today. Today, exactly 222 years later, we celebrate “Constitution Day” in recognition of the importance of the Constitution to our country, our form of government, and all who were born or have become American citizens.
In honor of Constitution Week which is September 17-23, have your kids memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. I’ve put together a decorative copy of The Preamble, a memory activity, memorization tips, vocabulary, and Constitutional Quotations for Copywork (4 pages total). Click here to download and print: http://www.knowledgehouse.info/ConstitutionMemorization.pdf
Homeschool Enrichment Classes Coming to the North Valley
North Valley Homeschool Enrichment Classes
An introductory meeting and open house will be held on:
DATE: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
TIME: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
PLACE: NorthGate Community Church, 34835 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85086 (Located just north of Carefree Highway on the east side of 7th Street)
This will be an informal meeting to find out the needs of the home school community and to meet the teachers. Rather than spend hours designing schedules, let's find out what families need first. ;)
Classes
Art - We have an outstanding and experienced art teacher, Connie Youmans, M.A. in Art Education.
Latin - We are truly blessed to have an incredible teacher, Derek Morrow who is earning his Ph.D. He will be offering beginning and 2nd year Latin.
Logic - Also offered by Derek Morrow.
Math - Saxon Math tutoring by Rich Olsen, a homeschool dad and experienced math tutor. This can range from pre-algebra to calculus. We need to see what the needs are prior to setting up a specific math tutorial such as Algebra 2.
Economics - 8th grade + high school level using the "What Ever Happened to Penny Candy" book. Excellent understanding of current economic times.
Science - Homeschool mom and science teacher Kim Lindvig is offering an Arizona Water Story enrichment for 5th through 8th grade. It encompasses history, science, math, water laws of our state, etc. This is a great and fun unit study.
Science - Kim Lindvig is also offering a unit study on plant genetic engineering. This class will grow genetically modified cotton plants and run comparison data, look at changing farming practices, have a mock city council meeting, and so much more!
This is a very, very brief overview. Be sure to attend the meeting to learn more details about the classes. Thank you and hopefully we can launch this in our community!
QUESTIONS? Contact Kim Lindvig, king-lindvig{at}msn{dot}com
Subject:I am very excited to bring to the home school community a unit study in the field of biotechnology. These classes will be conducted with a Christian perceptive and respect for Our Lord’s beautiful creations.Grades 7 on through 12.High Schoolers can use this for lab science credit.
Teacher: Kim Lindvig, M.A. in Education plus a former Toxicologist Research Scientistwith publication
Location: NorthGate Church7th Street and Carefree Highway . Directions- go along Carefree Highway to 7th Street.Turn north.Less than an 1/8 of a mile, on the East side of the 7th Street is NorthGate church.Wednesday’s (right after chess) @ 2:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.
Cost:$25 per month with a $10lab fee and paper copying fee.No books required!
Contact: Kim Lindvig king-lindvig{at}msn{dot}com
Start date: Sept 2nd Wednesday Meet every Wednesday - will furnish a calendar ASAP.
Class instruction Time includes this plus much more . . .
*Finding out what is DNA and doing an extraction lab on strawberries/ kiwi fruit
*Extractyour own DNA!
*Find out what is biotechnology and genetic engineering
*Learn how genes can be altered and gene transfer techniques
* Grow genetically modified cotton plants & wild type plants and observe the difference
*Record and observe the effect of the herbicide Roundup on genetically modified plants vs. wild-type plants
*Understand the transition of agriculture farmland to housing/commercial/industry & how it has impacted Maricopa County
*Learn Parliamentary Procedure
*Experience a mock City Council meeting by debating a selected topic and coming up with a resolution.
* Much more!
Please pass on to other home schooling groups who might be interested in this. Let's make this happen!!
Homeschoolers Chess Grand Opening in North Phoenix
New Homeschoolers Chess Grand Opening in North Phoenix – Grand Opening Festivities to Take Place in North Phoenix on Wednesday August 26,2009
Phoenix,AZ (August 18, 2009) — Jeffrey Flynn homeschooling chess instructor, is officially opening the doors of the new North Phoenix homeschoolers chess club.The Grand Opening day is set to take place from 12p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on August 26 at Northgate Church 34835 N.7th Street,Phoenix.
The session consists of 10 weeks with kids meeting weekly for ninety minutes.Programming will include weekly lectures teaching children how to improve strategy.Kids will play in tournaments with prizes.Pizza day and potlucks will be scheduled.Fun games like speed chess(using clocks) and bughouse(team chess)will be planned.
Flynn has been facilitating a homeschoolers chess club in Tempe for the past 4 years.His brand has become synonomous with creating a learning evironment where kids have fun,parents are involved,and his teaching produces results.
Flynn says that "A recent study showed that children who played chess for 1 year:
-demonstrated 15% improvement in Math and Science
-twice improvement in Reading and Math
-increased standardized scores (11.2% Reading) (18.6% Math)".
Events scheduled for the Grand Opening Wednesday,August 26 include FREE Pizza and the wildly anticipated simultaneous exhibition given by Flynn.Flynn will play up to 50 challengers at the same time!Prizes will be given to anyone that can survive up to 30 moves against Flynn.
A one-time-only promotional Grand Opening membership rate will also be available.
Flynn has taught chess to children in the Phoenix metropolitan area for the past 6 years.He currently works with over 250 kids weekly.
-------------------------
Parent Testimonial:Unsolicited
"Meaghan has really enjoyed your class this year,and she is planning
on being in it next year.She started the year with some interest in
chess,and has ended up extremely well-versed in the game and in
complete possession of concepts her Dad and I don't understand!
Thank you for such a great learning opportunity for her.I know that
it will serve her in everything she does.Also,I didn't realize until
just a few weeks ago that Meaghan is the ONLY girl in your group!
I'm not surprised that she's not intimidated by that....she is
massively confident,as I am sure you noticed.But,you also made it a
safe and welcoming place for her,especially that time you helped her
with that difficulty she had with some of the boys.So, thanks for
that too.
I'm trying to encourage her brother to be part of chess next year
when he is in Kindergarten (can they join that young?) but he seems
to think he needs to do everything totally separate from his sister.
I'm working on him though....
See you next fall."
---------------------------
Parent Testimonial:Unsolicited
Jeff- "We will enroll Brock for another 10 week session. Just an
encouragement for you- Brock really enjoys the class- I think that
you have a unique ability to communicate to many age levels".
By Grace,
Kelley R. Hand
Pastor, DesertPalmsChurch, PCA
------------------------------
Parent Testimonial-Unsolicited
"I just wanted to let you know that my boys, Dino & Dante, had a
great time at the class yesterday.They have been quoting you and
showing me different moves on the board!"
--------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
WHAT:Homeschoolers Chess North Phoenix Grand Opening
WHERE:Northgate Church 34835 N.7th StreetPhoenix
(602) 435-0464 http://www.intelligentrecreation.com
WHEN:Wednesday, August 26 from 12-1:30p.m.
Simultaneous Chess Exhibition,Prizes,Free Pizza
PRICE:First Visit Free then $79 and 25% discount each additional child
FREE first day
Presented in partnership with the ASU College of Teacher Education and Leadership.
Sponsored by:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Educators - don't miss this action-packed day, full of professional development opportunities, fun and food!
You will:
Receive a FREE Educator Membership, underwritten by APS.
Earn professional development hours, receive lesson plans and gain valuable instructional ideas at a variety of exciting, hands-on sessions.
Receive TONS of FREE teaching material from exhibitors.
Explore new Arizona Science Center galleries and attend interactive demonstrations.
Enjoy a delicious dinner!
Please note: This event is for educators only (classroom, home school and student teachers); please do not bring guests or children. Be sure to bring your event confirmation and school or district I.D., or home school affidavit, with you to the event. Thank you!
Tentative Schedule*
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Exhibit Hall
10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Professional Development Sessions
5:15 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Event concludes
*A final schedule and description of professional development sessions will be emailed to you shortly so that you may plan your day.
Parking
While this is a free event, parking is not included.
We recommend you park in the Heritage & Science Park garage, located at the corner of 5th Street & Monroe streets. Please bring in your parking ticket for a discount validation; however, you will still pay up to $8 cash for parking at this garage.
We cannot provide parking validation discounts at other garages. If you park in the garage located on the corner of Washington & 7th streets, you will have to prepay $12 cash due to the D-Backs game.
Registration Registration opens Friday, Aug. 21 at 8 a.m. Advanced registration is required for this FREE event. There will be no pre-registration of sessions. Please register by visiting http://bts2009.eventbrite.com.
CHESS CLASSES STARTING IN NORTH PHOENIX/DESERT HILLS
Come check us out and if you’d like to sign up, the information will be there. Kids will learn to play chess, improve their strategy, and be challenged in their current abilities. There will be instruction by an awesome teacher, Jeff Flynn, who has placed in the top 4% of all chess players in the USA. Plus fun games like bug house, speed chess, surviving the Coach for 25 turns, tournaments, and more. All the parents and kids just love having Jeff as a coach and teacher.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 26, 12:00-1:00 PM
WHERE: NorthGate Community Church, 34835 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, 85086
COST: $79 for 10 weeks. A 25% discount for 2nd child from the same family.
BIOLOGY PRESENTATION: The Perfectly Providing Placenta
BIOLOGY PRESENTATION: THE PERFECTLY PROVIDING PLACENTA
See how the placenta develops.
Be amazed by what the placenta does to the uterus.
Discover the functions of the placenta.
Learn why the mammalian system of reproduction had to be created.
Joseph Kezele,B.A., Russian, M.D. Dr. Kezele practiced Emergency Medicine in the Phoenix area for 25 years and has since focused on creation science evangelism. In 20 foreign mission trips he has worked in hospitals, lectured on medical subjects, participated in evangelical projects and taught creation science evangelism. He currently serves as President of AzOSA.
** PHOENIX **
WHEN: Monday, August 17, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Calvary Baptist Church, Room 209. 12612 North Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix (I-17 southbound frontage road, south of Thunderbird)
** EASTVALLEY **
WHEN: Tuesday, August 18, 7:00 pm
WHERE: ChandlerBibleChurch, 1200 N. Price Rd, Chandler (Loop 101 southbound frontage road south of Warner)
COST: Free
REGISTRATION: Walk-ins welcome
CONTACT: Larry Kisner (480) 610-9090 or Secretary@AzOSA.org
AZ Science Center Staff present a one day "Science on Wheels" workshop for 5-7 year old homeschooling students. This is a fun, "hands on" class. Participants work in teams with building materials to create structures that introduce them to architectural and engineering principles. WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
WHERE: Foothills Branch Library, Roadrunner Room, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
COST: $6 per student
DEADLINE:30 students maximum; RSVP & PREPAY by mail no later than August 20
CONTACT: Dawn - GraceChristianHomeschoolers@hotmail.com to check for availability & for mailing instructions.
I.D.E.A. - INVENTION, DESIGN, & ENGINEERING ADVENTURE
[Submitted by Dawn Horney]
AZ Science Center Staff present a one day "Science on Wheels" workshop for 8-13 year old homeschooling students. This is a fun, "hands on" class. Students will use the scientific method as they solve an engineering challenge! If your student has siblings age 7 or younger, you are welcome to take them to the children's section of the library to play with puzzles, trains, read books, play on the computers during this class.
WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
WHERE: Foothills Branch Library, Roadrunner Room, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
COST: $6 per student
DEADLINE:30 students maximum; RSVP & PREPAY by mail no later than August 20
CONTACT: Dawn - GraceChristianHomeschoolers@hotmail.com to check for availability & for mailing instructions.
We’re excited about the launch of our newLittle Brick Schoolhouse forum!
We want it to be a vibrant, active community of homeschool LEGO enthusiasts. But we need YOU to assist us in getting our forum off to a good start!
So to kick things off, this month we’re having a CONTEST. We hope it will be the first of many! POST THE MOSTin theLittle Brick SchoolhouseForum and win a … $10.00 LEGO e-Gift Card!
Home school families - we may have an exciting, FREE opportunity to offer you!
I have applied for a small grant that, if awarded, will train your children (ages 11 and up only) to create telescope generated pictures of space, enhance them, and create a display for the public to view here at the Arizona Science Center. I will know if the grant is awarded by August 10, 2009, and the training must be concluded by the end of August.
While the training is free, in order to participate, you must agree to:
1) attend all three sessions – August 17, 19, and 21 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
2) have access to a computer with internet capabilities, and a color printer
3) create a computer generated picture of an object in space and enhance it or create a model of it for display at ArizonaScienceCenter
Note: if possible, please bring a laptop with wireless internet capabilities with you to all the three classes.
On Monday, August 3 at 10 a.m., I will begin taking reservations for students (maximum 20) interested in the project and willing to make the commitments outlined above. Please call Mary Campbell at 602-716-2000 ext 2556 to make your reservation.
Please understand that if this grant is not funded, we will be unable to offer this training. Keep your fingers crossed!
Our 7th annual American Heritage Festival is coming up this November!
As you may already know, We Make History has an annual tradition of offering a big discount on American Heritage Festival passes for those who obtain them at the state homeschool convention.
Get your passes live and in person at the We Make History booth for ONLY $6 each! These passes are almost half off normal price and will be good for admission on either Saturday November 14th or Sunday November 15th - your choice!
(Passes purchased at the event will be $10 each. Ages 3 and under are free and don't need passes. Please make checks out to We Make History.)
If you've never yet been to the American Heritage Festival you won't want to miss it. The American Heritage Festival is the largest living history event in The Southwest, is organized by homeschoolers and is a tremendous educational opportunity for all ages regarding our national, cultural and spiritual heritage.
We work very hard year round to create a panoramic, historical, educational opportunity that is family-oriented, family-friendly, education focused, creative, highly interactive and respectful of those who have gone before us.
Scores of homeschoolers are involved in the production of this unique historic event. Held each year in Queen Creek it is the largest annual living history event in The Southwest!
(Also... We are often asked about "School Day" on Friday, Nov. 13th. This day is designed to help public school groups come and learn in a very structured and controlled environment. But the American Heritage Festival was originally designed especially with homeschoolers in mind - and Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th very much reflect that with much more to see, a higher level of interaction and a more relaxed pace - so please fellow homeschoolers - if able - attend on the weekend and enjoy all we have planned for you. :o)
OPPORTUNITY! LIVING HISTORY FOR GENTLEMEN & FAMILIES
We Make History has a mission of creative, interactive, family-oriented, family-serving education. One of the many facets of this mission is historical battle reenacting. We have made huge investments in all things necessary to bless our fellow men of the Christian homeschool community with the opportunity to be outfitted, trained and have an "immersion" experience as an historic soldier in line of battle. The rewards include learning of our heritage first-hand at a deeper level, character development (all of our gentlemen testify to this), and opportunities to bless and serve others.
We've begun with a big expansion into the Civil War (both North and South) - and will soon be expanding further into the American Revolution as well.
Serious inquiries only - from Christian homeschooling families - should include name, age, city you live in and homeschool organization (if any) you are part of. All ages and both genders are welcome in various civilian roles but there are age requirements to take part in military roles and all persons under 18 in any role must have parental permission/involvement.
Space is limited. Training/educational days will begin again in September.
If you dress like a cow this Friday, July 10, and go to any Chick-Fil-A restaurant they will give you free food for Cow Appreciation Day! Go to their website and get some tips for making your very own cow costume: http://www.cowappreciationday.com/
I’m hosting it myself now and just added a bunch of pages too!
You will find: patriotic holidays, quotations, historic documents, resources, reviews, links, famous homeschooled patriots, Citizens Rule Books, e-books, unit studies, freebies, blog, and more.
Check it out and don’t forget to look for the freebies – which include a little bit of everything from printable worksheets to a complete 17-page e-book.
Jessica Hulcy, author of the popular KONOS homeschool curriculum, was hit by a fire truck loaded with water yesterday. She suffered numerous broken bones, collapsed lungs, brain trauma, and a multitude of other injuries. Her son reported today that she’s awake and can lift two fingers when asked to.
There is now a website with updates and a guest book for greetings:
In celebration of AFHE's 25th anniversary, members of the AFHE board are enjoying traveling to different counties to visit with homeschooling families around Arizona over a 12-18 month period. We are here to serve and encourage you as you teach your children at home. One of the primary ways we serve Arizona homeschoolers is to watch legislation that might affect our rights to teach our children at home. AFHE supports and promotes parent-led, family-funded, relationship-based education of children by their parents at home.
Homeschool moms, dads, and kids of all ages are invited to join us for lunch (sub sandwiches, chips, fresh veggies, dessert, water, and pop), fellowship with other homeschoolers, and door prize drawings! You don’t have to be an AFHE member to attend. Anyone who wishes to stay after the picnic to let the kids play together may do so, because we have the park reserved for the whole day. There is a playground and 2-mile hiking trail, too. Please tell all of your homeschooling friends and don’t forget to RSVP at the link below:
Did you know…? March 23 is the anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Patrick Henry was an eloquent orator and motivational leader at the time of the Revolutionary War. He was a great American patriot and a strong believer in citizens’ rights. He was also homeschooled as a child by his father and uncle. I’ve put together a Patrick Henry study guide that includes a copy of his speech. Have your kids practice their oratory skills by reciting it today. Although he’s speaking of British tyranny in particular, Patrick Henry makes some good points that American citizens in any day and age would be wise to remember... Download this 18-page e-book for FREE at http://www.HomeschoolPatriot.com .
This blog features news, events, articles, field trips, educational opportunities, legislative updates, website links, and other resources for the Arizona homeschool community... from the Arizona State Coordinator for TOS Homeschool Nation. Happy Homeschooling! ~Teri
Our e-Newsletters give you wonderful, informative information about homeschooling, news bits, contests and PRIZES for homeschoolers, articles to encourage you, calls for writers, free unit studies and lesson plans, and just a lot of FUN. Bring the community to your inbox – and no worries, we never sell, trade or give your email or any other information out to anyone.
Come join the homeschool party!
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CONTACT ME
I like to hear from home educators all around the state. If you have any homeschool news, events or other info that you would like to share, please feel free to e-mail me at
ATTENTION LEADERS!
If you would like your homeschool support group to be listed on the Arizona page at Homeschool Nation, please fill out and submit this form
Andros Books Publishing Susanne Bain, a good friend of mine and author of Home Schooling: A Better Education For Your Child, gives FREE homeschool workshops once per month at the Arrowhead Barnes & Noble bookstore in Peoria. Click here for schedule.
The Salt Seller Tami Lopez, another friend of mine, gives FREE homeschool workshops on the 3rd Monday of every month at the Fire Station on Belmont & 27th Ave. in West Phoenix. Click here for more info.
Do you live in Arizona? Do you have a homeschool blog? E-mail me at and I will add your blog to this list. Let's all keep in touch! Thanks!
* * *
See also Len Munsil's blog. Len is a Christian homeschool dad of many years who is running for governor.
HOMESCHOOL PIONEERS WANTED
If you were involved in the Arizona homeschooling movement during the 1980's or earlier and would like to share your story, please e-mail me at We are also looking for information about your homeschooling ancestors, and historical photographs related to homeschooling in Arizona. This is for a book on the history of homeschooling in Arizona.
1.) Most items posted in this blog are compiled from articles and information I've found on the web, or that have been e-mailed to me. I always provide links to the original source when possible. 2.) This information is provided for your personal education or consideration only; it does not necessarily imply that any such products, services, or resources are endorsed or advocated by TOS or myself. Please investigate all businesses prior to using any services. 3.) My own articles that I post here may not be reprinted without permission, but I will be happy to grant permission in most cases - all you have to do is ask! :) 4.) Just so you know, I am not an employee of TOS but rather a homeschool mom who volunteers my time to help educate, inform, and encourage Arizona homeschoolers. 5.) Event locations and times are subject to change without notice.
Please contact event personnel for updates.
on Amazon!
