Things of interest to home school families in Southeastern Wisconsin http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 1 Feb 2006 07:17:00 -0600 Wed, 1 Feb 2006 07:17:00 -0600 The state of Wisconsin blog for The Old Schoolhouse's HSN is now up at:   www.homeschoolblogger.com/Wisconsin   I will be posting all items of interest to homeschooling families in our state at the new site. Please take a look! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/76658/ Wed, 1 Feb 2006 07:17:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/76658/ The Great American Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) returns for its 9th season, Feb 17-20, 2006.   The National Audubon Society encourages everyone to count birds!   The bird guide: www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/ gives you information to help identify the birds that you see.   Enter your numbers online at: www.birdsource.org/gbbc     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/75226/ Sun, 29 Jan 2006 17:51:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/75226/ Eble Ice Arena in Brookfield is offering reduced skating this February at ALL the open skate sessions.  The fee is $2.50 per person and $1.00 skate rental.   Monday thru Friday:  noon - 3:00 p.m.    Friday Evenings:   7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.   Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   http://www.waukeshacounty.gov/cm/Business%20Units/Parks%20and%20Land%20Use/Park%20System/Ice%20Arenas/eble_arena.html http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/75223/ Sun, 29 Jan 2006 17:48:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/75223/ Please the following along to your homeschool network....   There will be an IMPORTANT meeting Thursday, January 26th at Lamb of God Lutheran Church at 7:00 PM to hear about and to sign up for homeschool Saints HS 2006 tackle football team. The church is at  N19W25050 Bluemound Rd. From interstate 94 west of Waukesha take the J exit south to Bluemound Rd. Go west on Bluemound. The church is on the northeast side of Bluemound. Do you want to play football? Be a part of it!  At this meeting you be given detailed instructions on the team and on signup for the team. The cutoff date for registration will be February 17th. You can get registration forms thru the Saints website www.swchasaints.org. Those who want to play on the team but who register late will pay extra to cover the extra costs of custom fitting and equipment orders.  Some important details about the team are: -    4 daily practices a week August thru October from 4-6:30 PM (practice site to be announced) -    $300 player participation fee. $75 is due by February 17th and the remaining $225 by April 14th -    A refundable uniform deposit fee of $50. Uniforms will be property of SWCHA   -    Head coach is Mike Johannes  If you are planning on playing or thinking about it, PLEASE ATTEND THE MEETING to show your support for the team and so you can meet the coaches, other players and their families. Let me know if you have any questions or if you are unable to atttend the meeting but plan to register please let me know. By His Grace,Joel Knappphone (262) 970-9867jknapp8@wi.rr.com http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74697/ Sat, 28 Jan 2006 11:39:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74697/ What are the requirements for homeschooling in Wisconsin? The main requirements are: Provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year. Provide sequential progressive curriculum for the required subjects of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Health. Submit form PI-1206 to the Department of Education informing the state of your intentions to homeschool to meet the required compulsory attendance law by October 15. More information regarding the homeschool laws and requirements can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. You may also find more information and become a member of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74492/ Fri, 27 Jan 2006 20:58:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74492/ The links are supplied as a means for you to begin to research public policy issues and other political interests and to help you make informed decisions in these areas.   Restoring America's Godly heritage requires your action. Homeschool Legal Defense Association : HSLDA advocates on Capitol Hill by tracking federal legislation that affects homeschooling and parental rights. HSLDA works to defeat or amend harmful bills, but also works proactively, introducing legislation to protect and preserve family freedoms. Generation Joshua : Like the generation in the time of Joshua that took the Promised Land, we feel strongly that the rising generation of Christian youth have the potential to lead the way in preserving liberty in our own time. Faith to Action: Turning people of faith into people of action to win the cultural war together for life, liberty, and the family. "Faith by itself, if not accompained by action, is dead." American Family Association: AFA is for people who are tired of cursing the darkness and who are ready to light a bonfire. We are a non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization founded in 1977 by Don Wildmon. The American Family Association represents and stands for traditional family values, focusing primarily on the influence of television and other media - including pornography - on our society. Eagle Forum: Eagle Forum's Mission is to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policy making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, respect for family integrity, public and private virtue, and private enterprise. Christian Coalition: Home of the largest and most active conservative grassroots political organization in America. The Christian Coalition of America offers people of faith the vehicle to be actively involved in shaping their government - from the County Courthouse to the halls of Congress. Family Research Council: The Family Research Council (FRC) champions marriage and family as the foundation of civilization, the seedbed of virtue, and the wellspring of society. FRC shapes public debate and formulates public policy that values human life and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family. Believing that God is the author of life, liberty, and the family, FRC promotes the Judeo-Christian worldview as the basis for a just, free, and stable society. Concerned Woman for America: We are the nation's largest public policy women's organization with a rich 25-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy. National Right to Life: The ultimate goal of the National Right to Life Committee is to restore legal protection to innocent human life. The primary interest of the National Right to Life Committee and its members has been the abortion controversy; however, it is also concerned with related matters of medical ethics which relate to the right to life issues of euthanasia and infanticide. Official Sites: US House of Representatives US Senate Wisconsin State Legislature http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74484/ Fri, 27 Jan 2006 20:42:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74484/ Teacher Discounts/Stores Barnes & Noble: Offers 20% off the publisher's list price on hardcovers or paperbacks. The discount does not apply to magazines, gift certificates/cards, cafe and music department, nor does it apply online. Barnes & Noble Border's: program is called "Borders Classroom Discount" (scroll down on their page to "Teachers & Librarians".) If you are a homeschooler and can provide any applicable state certification, you are eligible for the 20% Classroom Discount Card. The 20% discount applies to materials used in the classroom or for classroom preparation. Borders Books & Music Kinko's: Kinko's Educator Savings Program gives 20% savings on goods and services purchased at Kinko's for the 2003 - 2004 school year. Stop in to your local Kinko's for an enrollment form. The discount is nationwide. Half Price Books: 10% at Greenfield store, varies by store. Half-price Books http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74481/ Fri, 27 Jan 2006 20:38:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74481/ Volunteer Center of Milwaukee County2819 W. Highland Blvd.Milwaukee, WI 53208(414) 273-7887 The Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes, supports, and increases effective volunteerism in the greater Milwaukee area. The Volunteer Center acts as a clearinghouse, connecting volunteers with nonprofit agencies and organizations that need their services. It is also a focal point of volunteer operations and resources. Works with more than 235 non-profit agencies in the Greater Milwaukee area to place volunteers. Lists more than 1,200 volunteer opportunities on its Web site (watch for summer opportunities).The Charity GuideThe Charity Guide is a non profit web site designed to inform and educate those interested in making contributions to charitable organizations. There are many ways in which to support worthwhile causes in your area. Whether it is in the form of monetary donations, or a small bit of your time each week, we hope the information provided will help you discover the opportunities you are seeking.Community Shares of Greater MilwaukeeCommunity Shares agencies not only do a lot for our community, they also provide local residents the opportunity to get involved in contributing their time as volunteers. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, review the organizations and the volunteer positions listed on the site. You may contact them directly to get more information on how to "plug yourself in to the community!"Join Hands DayJOIN HANDS DAY is a national day of volunteering that brings youths and adults together to improve their own communities. A benefit of the day comes through the friendships that will be made across generations. The new partnerships will be an important first step in bringing more young people into leadership roles in many organizations.Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired912 N. Hawley Road Milwaukee, WI 53213Be a Badger Association volunteer! Helping others feels good and helps you feel good about yourself. The Badger Association can work with you to provide rewarding experiences, opportunities to help you use your talents, or provide training to help you serve people who are blind or visually impaired. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 414-615-0103 or email for more information: cballard@badgerassoc.org. Brothers and Sisters In Christ Serving (BASICS) in Milwaukee2224 W. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 206Milwaukee, WI. 53233(414) 372-7200Brothers and Sisters In Christ Serving (BASICS) in Milwaukee, is a Christian organization which provides ministry outreach leadership and resources to prepare indigenous leaders to support sustainable community development by integrating spiritual, social and physical aspects into the change process.  If you feel God is calling you to serve with your time - treasure - talents - touch - tears, call BASICS in Milwaukee at  for more information and/or to get involved in ministry. Cope ServicesLocated in Southeastern Wisconsin, COPE provides crisis intervention, information and referral services to Ozaukee County and the Greater Milwaukee area. They maintain three 24-hour help lines and are active in the development of educational materials and programs. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer listener on the COPE hotline must call the administrative office (262-377-1477) to arrange an interview prior to the beginning of a training session.Hope House of Milwaukee, Inc.209 W. OrchardMilwaukee, WI  53204(414) 645-2122Hope House is a place for good people to do something. Volunteers at Hope House share their gifts with others and empower others to discover gifts of their own. As a community resource, Hope House addresses the issues of homelessness in a holistic manner. Journey HouseEstablished in 1969, Journey House is a community infrastructure that increases education, reduces unemployment & crime, strengthen families and revitalizes neighborhoods.  At Journey House, we empower families by working with our community utilizing a self-help philosophy.  See the website for contact information.Keeping Greater Milwaukee Beautiful1313 W. Mount Vernon Ave. Milwaukee, WI  53233(414) 272-5462 ext. 105Email: nespy@kgmb.org KGMB works in partnership with its communities to address: neighborhood cleanup and beautification waste reduction, reuse, and recycling environmental education for children environmental forums renewable and efficient energy use resource conservation See website for volunteer opportunities.Literacy Council of Greater Waukesha (LCGW)217 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 16Waukesha, WI 53186(262) 547-READ or (262) 547-MATHLiteracy Council of Greater Waukesha, Inc., provides confidential, one-to-one tutoring and mentoring services to individuals who need help with reading, writing, spelling, math and English as a second language.Milwaukee Christian Center2137 W. Greenfield AvenueMilwaukee, WI 53204(414) 645-5350Email: emunoz@mccwi.orgConsider volunteering for one of our programs including our food pangry, or youth or elderly programs. No one is too old or young to help. Contact the Center if you are interested. MCC always welcomes your contributions. Items most in demand include: baby supplies, nonperishable food, toiletries for distribution through the food pantry.Milwaukee Achiever Literacy ServicesIn total, approximately 360 volunteers annually offer their services in the following areas: tutoring, fundraising, establishing / maintaining functional computers, assisting with clerical/maintenance tasks, and providing professional and legal services.Volunteers are needed in all areas, especially tutoring.Volunteers willing to become tutors of adult learners are asked to make a minimum commitment of two hours per week for six months.Free training is provided on a flexible training schedule.Persons interested in tutoring at Pierce Center may complete a Volunteer Registration Form, send email, or call 414-643-0176, ext. 105, for more information.Persons interested in tutoring at Silver Spring Center may complete a Volunteer Registration Form, send email, or call 414-463-7389 for more information.My Home, Your Home6200 W. Center StreetMilwaukee, WI 53210(414) 874-2560Email: infomhyh@mhyh.org My Home, Your Home, Inc. (MHYH) is a non-profit Social Services agency founded by Irma and Aubrey Walker. In 1993, MHYH opened its first receiving home doors with a mission to keep siblings together while in transition to out-of-home care.The Open GateThe Open Gate is Milwaukee's first transitional living center for the homeless. Since 1986, the social service agency has helped hundreds of men, women and children find their way back to a home and society. The organization works exclusively with the underprivileged and disadvantaged, of which two thirds are indigent. And they're the only Transitional Living Center that accepts clients without an income.We're usually in need of volunteers in some capacity, such as organizing special events, soliciting donors, grant research, marketing communications (website, brochure, etc.), office administration, etc. If you have a particular skill that you think will benefit our organization, please give us a call.The Open Gate is always in need of personal and household items for their residents. Once the residents move out of the program, they need these items in order to start their new self-sufficient lives. If you have any of the following articles that are in good condition, please contact call us at 414-344-7582 or opengate@wi.rr.com. HouseholdDishes, Pots and PansSilverwareLaundry Soap and BleachDish SoapCleaning SuppliesGarbage BagsPaper Products EntertainmentTickets to sporting & cultural eventsMovie Passes AppliancesMicrowave OvenToastersIrons & Ironing BoardsVacuum CleanersClock Radio Personal Care ItemsDeodorantLiquid SoapRazorsToothpasteVaselineBaby OilCombsSanitary NapkinsHair Clippers Cloth GoodsPillowsPillow CasesTowelsWash ClothsComforters - full/queenMattress pads - fullCurtains Office EquipmentCopier PaperPrinting ServiceRelatively new Computers with CD Drive FurnitureDressersFull BedsNight StandsLampsFansChairs Sofas OtherCash DonationsBus TicketsTruck Or Van Volunteer Center of Waukesha County2220 Silvernail RoadPewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 544-0150Email: volunteerwauk@volunteerwaukesha.comThe Volunteer Center of Waukesha County has approximately 80 member agencies providing various long and short term volunteer opportunities for individuals, as well as group volunteer opportunities for employee, organization, school, church or family volunteer groups. We also have Wish Lists on file for item donations that are needed at area nonprofit agencies. To see how you can get involved in volunteering, contact Cheryl Udvare, Volunteer Referral Director at (262) 544-0150, ext. 13.Milwaukee Rescue MissionThe individuals MRM serves must address often-heartbreaking needs, generally in academic, relational, and vocational areas. MRM offers life-change opportunities through 3 program outreaches: Safe Harbor, an outreach to homeless men, Joy House, for homeless women and their children, and CrossTrainers, an outreach to inner city youth.Holiday Needs: Beginning in November and continuing through December, MRM uses volunteers to help with a variety of holiday preparations including wrapping gifts and decorating Christmas trees. Volunteers are scheduled in 2-3 hour time blocks Monday - Thursday between 9am and 3pm.Our meal service lifts heavy hearts and helps change lives! We welcome help from individuals or groups in preparing and serving lunch or supper.Put that knack for organizing to good use and help sort donated items for our clothing room!Our children need you! Develop a meaningful relationship with a child, either in our Joy House homeless shelter or our CrossTrainers tutoring programs.Are you a skilled or semi-skilled tradesperson? We can use your help with general building maintenance.Contact our Volunteer Coordinator and the lives you change may include your own! Click here or call (414) 935-0241 to get started!Wisconsin Humane Society4500 West Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53208-3156 414-ANIMALS (414-264-6257) The Wisconsin Humane Society has several volunteer opportunities available, and a variety of ways you can make a difference in the lives of many animals.  Our program has three different areas, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Domestic Animal Program, and General Opportunities that help all animals.Volunteers as young as 13 years old may volunteer by themselves in our Orphaned Bird Care program that takes place during the spring and summer months. The Wisconsin Humane Society gears each volunteer position to the appropriate aged volunteers. For some positions, young people may volunteer with an adult. Please read each volunteer opportunity for the minimum age requirements. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74480/ Fri, 27 Jan 2006 20:28:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/74480/ Found these today on another blog and altough I have seen them before -- they are funny everytime-- Enjoy!   You Might Be a Homeschooler If.... You come to school in your PJ's. Your biology lab consists of assisting in your sibling's birth. Your stacks of books to check out is taller than the librarian. Your PE comes from chasing little toddlers around. Your school bus is a 9 passenger van. You consider school work after lunch to be cruel and unusual punishment. Your father has ever told the check-out lady at Wal-mart, "We're on a field trip." Your social life is viewed by some to be one rung lower than that of a Benedictine monk. Your teacher has ever written your report card on a napkin. You have to move dirty laundry off your desk before your can start school. The signatures on your diploma all end with the same last name. Everyone else in the world is referred to as "Non-homies." Your Mother's wardrobe consists primarily of denim jumpers. Your first real date is on your honeymoon. The word 'homework' sounds like an foreign language. Your yearbook is also your babybook. A snow day means that you shovel the driveway after you finish your school work. You enjoy the pastime of watching public school kids walk home from school. You have to look at the clock to see if you can call your public school friends yet. You think that public-school-kid is an insult of the highest degree. Health class consists of eating breakfast. You have to decide what year you want to graduate. You are always late but just call it "homeschooler time." You can remember nearly every single day you went to public school. The teacher can kiss the principal, and no one thinks it's unusual. You get to school and the teacher asks you if you've done all your chores. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/73916/ Thu, 26 Jan 2006 21:39:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/73916/ Dear HSLDA members and friends:Parental rights are being eroded more than ever before. Only by taking a unified stand can we continue to advance and protect the homeschooling freedoms we've fought to secure over the last two decades.Homeschoolers from across the country have joined with HSLDA in this effort. In order to encourage your continued support, for a limited time we are offering a discount for you and your friends to join or renew. Through Saturday, March 18, 2006 the Home School Legal Defense Association is offering membership discounts to every family that joins or renews online.Whether joining for the first time or renewing your current membership, sign up for one year and you'll save up to $15. Join or renew for two years and you'll save $30 off the cost of membership. The offer is good for all current HSLDA members--even if your membership renewal date comes after March 18.To take advantage of this limited-time offer, go to:http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=2790 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/73273/ Wed, 25 Jan 2006 16:41:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSinWI/73273/