New Mexico Home School Community: June 2007

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Rio Rancho 4th of July Events

Parade & Ceremony:

On Wednesday, July 4 the City of Rio Rancho will recognize our
Nation's Independence Day with a parade and ceremony.

The parade will kick-off at 10:00 a.m. and head east from Country
Club Dr. down Southern Blvd and end on Pinetree Road near the Esther
Bone Memorial Library and the Rio Rancho Veterans Monument Park.
Over two dozens entries consisting of classic cars, military
organizations, and much more will make up this year's parade.

Immediately following the parade, a ceremony marking the 231st
anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence will
take place at the Veterans Monument Park. The ceremony will begin at
approximately 11:00a.m.and will consist of several guest speakers.
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Fireworks Display
Loma Colorado Park located at 555 Loma Colorado Blvd. will be the
prime viewing location to watch this nationally recognized display
that will fill the city's skyline. The park will open to the public
at 4:00p.m. with parking available at neighboring Rio Rancho High
School and the Loma Colorado Main Library. Parking fee will be
$5.00 per car or van load with proceeds benefitting the high school
booster club; Rams Inc.

Once at the park visitors will find live musical entertainment
beginning with Groovement on stage from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The
Rio Rancho Symphonic Band will perform from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,
and Tennessee Skinny will conclude the night's entertainment when
they perform from 8:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. The fireworks show will
begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Not only will visitors have live music to enjoy before the
fireworks, but there will also be activities for children and food
available for purchase. O'Hare's Grill and Pub will have foot long
hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, curly fries, cotton candy, popcorn,
Pepsi products, and Hawaiian ice available.

This event is sponsored by the city's Cultural Enrichment
Department. Event is free to the public. The fireworks show and its
start time are subject to weather. This is an alcohol-free event.

Backyard Astronomy: Summer Moon Illusion Tonight & Tomorrow Night

Hi! Just a reminder that ClickSchooling is still on a summer break.
Messages will resume on Monday, July 9th.

In the meantime, I couldn't resist passing this info along -- if you get a
chance, check out the neat things happening in the night sky over the next
couple of evenings. :)

The Summer Moon Illusion
See the full story from NASA here:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/27jun_moonillusion.htm?list132551

Get fun ideas and activities for how the whole family can enjoy the summer
moon illusion here:
http://www.universalpreschool.com/how-to/summer-moon-illusion.asp

And, the SpaceWeather website offer some great info on a convergence of
Venus & Saturn tonight here:
http://spaceweather.com

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling

Update on Not Back to School Fair, August 17, 2007

To celebrate the upcoming 4th of July with some fireworks of our own check your inboxes Monday evening for the announcement of who will be at our upcoming 'Not Back to School Fair' on August 17th!

All tables have been spoken for at this time. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in case of last minute cancellations please email me at the address on the bottom of this email.

We could not get enough volunteers for the Kids Craft Table so I have canceled it for this conference BUT I have replaced it with some fun 'goodies' for kids and their families to experience together!

HELPFUL SUGGESTION: Bring a rolling suitcase to carry your goodies home in....besides the materials available for sale from fellow educators, we have LOTS of freebies and do not want to take any of it home!

REMINDER:Neither the New Mexico Home School Community nor the Taylor Ranch Community Center are to be held liable for any transaction issues. Payments are the responsibility of the buyers and sellers.

Albuquerque: KNME Workshops-Adults Only

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General Chat-Viewable by Public > KNME Workshops
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From: Shannon D.
Date: 2007-06-25 12:10:09
Reply: http://www.abqhomelearners.org/reply.php?topic_id=1385

Ready to Learn

2007 July-September WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

- All workshops are FREE and open to the public -

Call 277-4087 to register

All workshops are considered adult-trainings. Unless specified, children are not allowed as we do not provide activities for them. Please bring your own food and drink, as we are not able to provide refreshments. [size=2]Please call ahead to register, space is limited[/b]. Competency areas met are in parenthesis[/b].[/size]

July 14, 2007

Presbyterian Hospital

1001 Central Ave. SE

10:00am-12:00pm

A Place of Our Own Workshop: Conflict Resolution (1&4)

This fun and interactive session highlights the new series A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, which is designed to help make your job as a caregiver easier and more rewarding. You’ll learn how to help children develop life long strategies that they can use to resolve conflicts without being aggressive or violent. And you’ll learn the difference between

discipline and conflict.

July 28, 2007

Lovelace Westside Hospital

10501 Golf Course Rd. NW

10:00am-12:00pm

Feelings and Emotions (1&4)

Participants explore the value of emotions and feelings of the children in their care. The core concepts of active listening, emotion coaching, and talking about feelings will be discussed using PBS children’s programs and resources.

August 18, 2007

Presbyterian Hospital

1001 Central Ave. SE

10:00am-12:00pm

A Place of Our Own Workshop Series: Creating A Print Rich Environment (1&5)

This fun and interactive session highlights the new series: A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, which is designed to help make your job as a caregiver easier and more rewarding. You’ll learn how to help children build their language and literacy skills by taking advantage of opportunities that already exist in your daily routine and by surrounding children with opportunities to read and write.

August 25, 2007

Lovelace Westside Hospital

10501 Golf Course Rd. NW

10:00am-12:00pm

Parenting Counts! Communication (1&4)

This workshop is open to parents, caregivers, educators of children ages birth to five. The session explores specific parenting practices that contribute to early childhood learning. Participants learn the core concepts of communication and explore how early interactions lay the foundation for learning language.

September 8, 2007

Presbyterian Hospital

1001 Central Ave. SE

10:00am-12:00pm

A Place of Our Own- Supporting Children With Special Needs (1&5)

This fun and interactive session highlights the new series: A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, which is designed to help make your job as a caregiver easier and more rewarding. You’ll learn how to identify special needs, how to include children with special needs in regular routines, and how inclusion benefits all children.

September 15, 2007

Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center

9800 4th St. NW

10:00am-12:00pm

A Place of Our Own/Los Niños En Su Casa- Creating Print Rich Environments (1&5)

This fun and interactive session highlights the new series: A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, which is designed to help make your job as a caregiver easier and more rewarding. You’ll learn how to help children build their language and literacy skills by taking advantage of opportunities that already exist in your daily routine and by surrounding children with opportunities to read and write.

September 22, 2007

Lovelace Westside Hospital

10501 Golf Course Rd. NW

10:00am-12:00pm

A Place of Our Own Workshop Series: Storytelling (1&5)

fun and interactive session highlights the new series: A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, which is designed to help make your job as a caregiver easier and more rewarding. You’ll learn how to help children build their language and literacy skills by taking advantage of opportunities that already exist in your daily routine and by surrounding children with opportunities to read, and tell stories.

We have a series of new workshops based on a new PBS show called A Place of Our Own and its Spanish language companion, Los Niños en Su Casa. This award winning program is geared for informal caregivers and offers resources and ideas to encourage and support learning. Check out the workshops around the new series, all participants that come to the

A Place of Our Own/ Los Niños en Su Casa Workshops will receive a kit with books, tip-sheets, and topic related DVD’s!

KNME Ready To Learn

505-277-4087

Funding for the KNME Ready To Learn Service is provided by a grant of the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. Local funding provided in part by Bernalillo County, PNM, and Sam’s Club

NMHSCU--Los Ranchos: Nancy Party at Bookworks

Webresource:Homeschool Online Latin and Math

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Swap Meet-Viewable by Public > Homeschool Online Latin and Math
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From: Shannon D.
Date: 2007-06-30 09:27:25
Reply: http://www.abqhomelearners.org/reply.php?topic_id=1401

Hello,

I teach Latin and math to homeschoolers in Fort Collins, Colorado. I'm sending you this message in case your group members would be interested in our new online program - it's a great opportunity, especially for high-schoolers! (Students in northern Colorado may attend online or in person.)

NEW: For next school year, I will begin offering my classes online, under the name "Lone Pine Classical School." Latin 100 (first-year Latin) and STELLAE (introductory class for ages 8-12) will be offered (and are filling quickly!). The Latin program is a full 4-year program; Latin 200 through 400 are currently offered "in person" and will be offered online as the first students progress through the levels. (Math will probably not be offered for 2007-2008, unless there is tremendous interest.) Online Latin classes will meet twice weekly for a live, interactive (video & audio) session. Students may also attend a live online "help session" once a week (optional), and ask questions via email at any time.

Here is the web page for my program: http://www.lonepineclassical.com/online_index.asp

It is a solid, well-tested, and affordable program.

Latin offers the students not only improvement in (English!) vocabulary, grammar, and thinking skills, -- and a great advantage in learning French, Spanish, or Italian (my 3rd-year students can read basic stories in all 3 languages) -- but also the opportunity to take the annual National Latin Exam (and win an award!), earn scholarships, join the National and Colorado Junior Classical Leagues (no matter where you live), and join the National Latin Honor Society (if they maintain an A). This year ALL of my students won National Latin Exam awards! We attended the state convention for CoJCL (Colorado Junior Classical League), where they had a great time and earned many awards -- they can't wait to go again next year! Online students are very welcome to attend the Colorado convention with us, if traveling to Fort Collins, Colorado in late April fits into your plans. (The mountains are beautiful this time of year! :)

Latin is a tremendous resume / college-application builder for your students!

My A.P. Calculus course (Pre-Calculus is a prerequisite) allows high-schoolers to earn real college credit (accepted at almost every university in the country) for just the cost of the class and the $80 or so fee for the national A.P. exam in May. (A great way to save time and money!) Math will ONLY be offered in '07-'08 if demand is very high.

I try to offer the students as many resume-builders as possible. I taught high-school before having children, and was trained to help high-schoolers build "glowing" college applications; I'm doing my best for these students! :)

Thank you very much for your time! Please do spread the word, and email me with questions!

I will keep your email address on my list for next year's announcements, unless you wish otherwise.

(I only send two emails per year to the email list -- May 1st and July 15th. This email is in lieu of the July 15th message, hence the only message you will receive this year.)

Thank you,

Karen Karppinen

karp1248@yahoo.com

Articles Needed for New Secular Homeschooling Magazine

Articles Needed for New Secular Homeschooling Magazine

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Secular Homeschooling Magazine

I'm starting a print magazine called Secular Homeschooling, and am
looking for contributors.

The magazine will feature reviews of books and products of interest to
homeschoolers looking for first-rate educational materials. It will
also include regular columns on homeschoolers in the news,
homeschooling on a budget, and our own continuing education as adult
homeschoolers. Young homeschoolers are invited to contribute short
articles, stories, artwork, and poems for our "Home Scholars" page.

As this is the first issue, we're on a tight budget. My goal is to be
able to increase our pay rates as the magazine gains advertisers and
customers.

Full-length articles should be between one and two thousand words,
though I will consider longer pieces. Contributors will be paid $15
apiece. Product and book reviews should be at least 400 words. I will
pay $5 apiece for these, or $10 if they're accompanied by
professional print-ready artwork. Contributors to the "Home Scholars"
page will receive $5. Homeschooling cartoons are welcome; cartoonists
will be paid $5 per comic.

Please e-mail contributions with the subject heading Secular
Homeschooling. The article should be included in the body of the e-
mail.

Please forward this to any individuals or e-loops that might find it
of interest. Please don't post it on any loop such as CHN that has a
non-profit homeschooling publication; I don't want to draw
contributors away from such worthwhile endeavors.

All my best,
Deborah Markus
mailto:deborah@2ds. org

Los Ranchos: Harry Potter Release Party-Bookworks

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Around Town-Viewable by Public > July 2007 Around Town Events
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From: Shannon D.
Date: 2007-06-30 09:10:37
Reply: http://www.abqhomelearners.org/reply.php?topic_id=834

Release Party!

Friday, July 20

Party 10 pm-midnight

The Faculty of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

requests your presence at Bookworks

as we celebrate the beginning of Harry Potter's final year at Hogwarts.

As to what is to come this year in the Wizarding world not even Professor Trelawny will venture a prediction, but we are certain that for this one evening the whole world shall celebrate! This fantastical event at Bookworks bookstore will no doubt be the highlight of the year for both the Wizarding and Muggle communities in Albuquerque. Bookworks has activities planned to satisfy every witch, wizard, and muggle, young and old. Parents, do not fear, Aurors have been stationed at every entrance to be sure the event is not hexed by He-who-must-not-be-named and his bands of Death Eaters. Below is a special message from the staff at Bookworks about this magical night. You shall see us again on the night of 20 July, when we trust you shall be prepared for an evening like none you have ever experienced.

With each book you buy at Bookworks, you will not only guarantee yourself a book the second it's released, but you will also get a Wizard Passport! Your passport number is your number in line at 12:01 am to pick up the book! The passport also includes:

**entries in raffles for amazing prizes, including at least $100 in Flying Star gift certificates, one of 20 life size Harry Potter cutouts, and other limited edition Harry merchandise!

**TONS of valuable coupons for area businesses

**activities in Bookworks' own Diagon Alley, such as a visit to Ollivander's for the perfect wand for each little witch and wizard, a Divination Session with Professor Trelawny, and a chance to look like Harry Potter, with lightning bolt face painting!

Also, look for many other activities, like being sorted by the Sorting Hat and competing, seeing live owls, a costume contest, Broomless Quidditch, a raffle for a Nimbus 2000 (enter now!), a trivia contest, and MORE! Plus, 93.3 KOB FM will be at the event! Flying Star even has a special Harry Potter menu, that night only!

Teachers and Parents: Do you have some magical talents to share (or just enjoy Harry Potter)? Are you interested in volunteering a couple hours of your time at the Harry Potter party of the century? Please call Maggie at 344-8139! Thanks!

If music is your magical talent, be sure to enter our WIZ ROCK competition.

Wizard Rock: Music about the Harry Potter series, by fans of Harry Potter.

Your mission: To be the winner of the Bookworks Battle of the Wiz Rock Bands!

The rules: You must be between the ages of 1 and 101, and have an existing or new band that can crank out a Wiz Rock hit!

To enter: Bring in or send a tape or CD of your wiz rockin' to Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, by Friday, the 13th of July. Enclose along with it a copy of your Wiz Rock lyrics, the names and ages of your band members, and a photo, if you'd like. Entries will be judged on inventiveness, lyrics, and the band's sound! The winning band or bands will appear LIVE at our Harry Potter party on Friday night, July 20. ALL bands who enter will be mentioned on our website and at the party!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

- Albuquerque Track Club Parking lot sale

The Albuquerque Track Club is holding a parking lot sale on Saturday, June 30th at Sagebrush Community Church 6440 Coors Blvd NW (at the northeast corner of Coors and La Orilla) from 8:30am to 1:00pm

July at The Albuquerque Museum

Hi.
The Museum is open on the 4th of July holiday and because it is the first Wednesday of the month admission is free.
This is also the last month to view the Billy the Kid exhibition. Don't miss it before it leaves on July 22.

I hope to see you soon at The Albuquerque Museum.
July at The Albuquerque Museum

Closing July 22
Dreamscape Desperado: Billy the Kid and the Outlaw in America
The story of legendary gunman Billy the Kid presented through historic artifacts and contemporary pop culture. This exhibit explores the life and death of Billy the Kid and looks at why this infamous character continues to fascinate the public 125 years after his death in Fort Sumner, NM. On display only through Sunday, July 22.
Billy the Kid Chautauqua Performance

Sunday, July 8 at 1 p.m. - Me and Billy: by Ralph Estes
Ramblin' Ralph Estes is the oldest living cowboy. He is a troubadour who sings and tells of his riding and fighting with Billy the Kid. He knew them all; Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, John Tunstall, Alexander McSween, John Chisum, James Dolan and Governor Lew Wallace. It's a performance filled with good music, good fun and authentic history. Sponsored in part by the New Mexico Humanities Council. Free with paid museum admission.

Billy the Kid Classic Film Series
Thursday, July 12 - 6:30 p.m. - Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
In this film by director Sam Peckinpah, Billy the Kid, played by Kris Kristofferson, is a charming and violent relic with no place in the new order of the West. An aging Pat Garrett, played by James Coburn must hunt down his friend Billy to please the interests of wealthy cattle barons. Bob Dylan plays a role in the film and also wrote the soundtrack for the movie. This film is rated R for violence, sexuality and nudity. 115 minutes. Admission is free.
July Events

The New Mexico Jazz Workshop presents Jazz & Blues and Salsa Under the Stars in the Museum Amphitheater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concert runs from 7 - 10 p.m. All shows occur rain or shine. The Cooperage Restaurant provides food and full bar service.
Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors (60+) and students with ID, $9 New Mexico Jazz Workshop and Albuquerque Museum Foundation members. Children under 12 are free.
Salsa Under the Stars
Friday, July 6, Cafe Mocha
Friday, July 13, Charanga del Valle
Friday, July 20, Son Como Son
- presented as part of the 2nd Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival
Friday, July 27, Woman's Voices Concert (no Salsa Under the Stars tonight)
- presented as part of the 2nd Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival

Jazz & Blues Under the Stars
Saturday, July 7, Southwest Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, July 14, Alpha Cats/Michael Herndon Sextet
Saturday, July 21, Blues Night with Chris Dracup & Tommy Eskes Group/Albuquerque Blues Connection
- presented as part of the 2nd Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival
Saturday, July 28, Women's Voices Concert (no Jazz/Blues Under the Stars tonight)
- presented as part of the 2nd Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival

Free General Admission Days at The Albuquerque Museum.
The first Wednesday of the month is a free general admission day. General admission to the Museum is also free every Sunday morning from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturdays in July - Family Art Workshops – 1 – 2:30 pm
All supplies are provided. Free with Museum general admission.
Exhibitions

Judy Chicago: The Birth Project
The Birth Project was created by internationally renowned feminist artist and writer Judy Chicago from 1980 – 1985. It was designed by Chicago and executed in cooperation with 150 skilled needle workers. The collection includes images of birth and creation in embroidery, needlepoint, crochet, macramé and quilting which are combined with drawing and paintings by Judy Chicago. On display through August 19.
The Sewell Family: Old Town and the Tourist Pottery Market
The story of the Sewell family’s role in the preservation of the Old Town Armijo properties, and the subsequent revival of the local tourist pottery market. On display through August 2007.

Out of the Bag
An exhibition featuring never-before exhibited examples of handbags and pouches from the Museum’s permanent collection. Out of the Bag includes Victorian beaded reticules and mesh purses, fringed “flapper” bags, Plateau, Plains and Apache beaded pouches, and a silver filigree dance purse. On display through September 16.
Alburquerque Conmemorado – Alburquerque Commemorated
From its history collections and photograph archives The Albuquerque Museum presents artifacts that, brought together for the first time, commemorate people, places and events in our city’s history.

Common Ground: Art in New Mexico
Common Ground is a permanent art exhibition highlighting a significant amount of museum-owned works from the late 19th century to the present day. It is displayed chronologically giving visitors a glimpse into the evolution of art in New Mexico.
Four Centuries: A History of Albuquerque
A permanent exhibition of local history depicting four hundred years of the history of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley region. Look over early maps, arms and armor and weaving. Learn about trade routes, colonial life and statehood era relics.
Leslie E. Venzuela
Public Relations & Marketing
The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History
2000 Mountain Road NW
505-243-7255
lvenzuela@cabq.gov
www.cabq.gov/museum

Resouce: 2007 Earth Science Week Tool Kit

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Resources-Viewable by Public > 2007 Earth Science Week Toolkit
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From: Shannon D.
Date: 2007-06-28 12:58:16
Reply: http://www.abqhomelearners.org/reply.php?topic_id=1397

Now Available 2007 Toolkit Pre-ordering!

The 2007 Earth Science Week Toolkit includes:

A 12-month school-year activity calendar, suitable for hanging
A new Earth Science Week poster, including an activity
A NASA "Exploring Ice" CD-ROM
A NASA "Earth and Space Explorers Series" poster
An ESRI "GIS Solutions for Education" CD
A "Volcanoes of the National Parks" poster from the National Park Service
A NOAA "Student Opportunities and Careers" flyer
And much, much more!

http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/ESW2007Poster.JPG

Click here to order!

Library Rate shipping and handling in the U.S. is included. After kits become available, allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Faster shipping services are available at additional cost (phone 703-379-2480 for details). Orders outside of the United States will incur additional shipping charges. For special shipping, bulk orders, and more information, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/index.html.

Albuquerque: Around the World in 80 Days at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

Rio Rancho: Kids Kropping Kamp

HI Tabitha: could this class be posted on the site where you let Homeschooling families know about upcoming classes and events?

Thank you for your help with the Ocean Life classes. It was very helpful.

Thanks, Karen

Intelligent By Design

710-6408

Kids Kropping Kamp

Looking for a creative outlet for kids this summer? Why not have them make their own SCRAPBOOK? Kids Kropping Kamp is for kids 8 and up.

Tues., July 17th – Thurs.. July 19th 2:00-4:30 pm

Total cost for each child will be $55.00 and includes all materials: I have 2 different themes available this year for the Kids Kamp. Please choose 1 for each child:

* Bloomin Pink: Pretty in pink takes on a whole new meaning in this fabulous album. Just the right size for backpacks, lockers and bookshelves. This kit includes a Creative Memories 7x7 Bloomin Pink Album, a Groovy Girl Album Kit (includes all materials and an idea book to complete the album), a black pen, and some Photo Mounting Squares.
* Techno Lime: Memories will glow inside and out with this hot album. The durable cover resists stains, scratches, bumps and bruises, so feel free to give it to your most active memory-makers. Included in this package will be the Gismos ‘N Gadgets Album Kit (includes all the paper and stickers you will need), a black pen, and some photo splits.

Groovy Girl Album Kit Gismos ‘N Gadgets Album Kit

and snack. This a great way to help your child create lasting memories AND have a FUN summer memory!

Registration deadline: July 6th

Contact: Karen Wood, IBD

710-6408

Email: kids_ibd@msn.com

Webresource: Media Smart Family Guide

I have no idea how I got on this list, lol, but I like the list of Cable in the Classroom (a list I am on) Family friendly TV shows...looks like the show by Steve Irwin's daughter has started. And looks like Shark Week is coming up! Have fun, Tabbi

Media Smart Your Family Guide to Using Screen Time Well
July 2007

A Tip from the PTA
Family media strategies from the PTA

The Golden Rules of the World Wide Web
The Internet can be a wonderful place, full of learning, friends, and enjoyment. It also can be a risky and dangerous place. These days, it's not enough to teach kids how to efficiently use the Internet. Parents, teachers, and caregivers also must help kids learn about Internet safety, digital ethics, and media literacy. One place to start is a new website, PointSmartClickSafe.org. Check it out, and then explore Cable in the Classroom's Media Smart for Parents or PTA's Parent Resources on Media and Technology.

Family-Friendly Cable Programs in July
Cable in the Classroom presents a sampling of entertaining TV programs for family viewing
Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed (The History Channel)
July 2 at 8:00 PM ET/PT
Through interviews with politicians, academics, journalists, and critics -- all of whom weigh in on the enduring appeal of George Lucas' creations -- this special demonstrates that Star Wars isn't just a high-action adventure in space. It's a remarkably complex and sophisticated story about power, politics, spirituality, and redemption. TV-PG.

Africa's Outsiders (Animal Planet)
July 8 at 8:00 PM ET/PT
Told in the form of an African fable, this documentary explores what it's like to be born an outsider in the animal world. Animals that have startlingly different colors face unique challenges. They are not well-camouflaged for the habitat they were born into, so they must work even harder to survive. Along the way we'll meet a host of fascinating characters, including a pink hippo, a black leopard, and a striped cheetah. TV-G.

Science of Summer (National Geographic Channel)
July 6 at 9:00 PM ET/PT
Summer is a hotbed of science. Watching this special (pictured) from National Geographic Channel, your family can investigate the nature of sunshine and the biology of how our bodies react to it, learn why lightning strikes, and uncover the truth about ice cream headaches. School may be out, but kids can still discover the facts behind some of the mysteries of this sweltering season. TV-G.

Bindi: The Jungle Girl: Like an Eagle (Discovery Kids Channel)
July 7 at 5:00 PM ET/PT
Bindi Irwin and her familly explore the world of big birds, from macaws to cockatoos and condors to eagles. This episode explores the important role these birds play in the animal kingdom. TV-Y7.

Cool Fuel: Food and Veggie Oil (Science Channel)
July 29 at 9:00 PM ET/PT
The Cool Fuel series from the Science Channel challenges the host, Shaun Murphy, to travel across the country without using gasoline. In this episode, Shaun visits New Orleans, La., where he drives a Hummer that runs on fuel made from recycled food. Then he heads to Texas on the hunt for oil -- veggie oil, that is. TV-G.

The Last Day of Summer (Nickelodeon)
July 20 at 8:00 PM ET/PT
In this original Nickelodeon TV movie, tween-age Luke Malloy (pictured), a soon-to-be middle-schooler, wishes for Labor Day to last forever -- and it does. Stuck in time, Luke can't move on until he learns to overcome his fears, including performing onstage with his band, skateboarding with super-cool Snake, and acknowledging his secret love. TV-Y7.

Homefield Advantage Special (DIY Network)
July 8 at 9:00 PM ET
This new special from the DIY Network helps a family design and build a miniature golf course and batting cage in their backyard. Former New York Mets outfielder Mookie Wilson even shows up to give some batting tips. TV-G.

Camp Lazlo (Cartoon Network)
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM ET/PT; Begins July 11
Camp Lazlo is an eccentric animated series that chronicles the odd and happy camping life of a Bean Scout named Lazlo and his bunkmates at Camp Kidney. Lazlo, an optimistic, high-energy Brazilian monkey, loves Bean Scout camp because he can be with his two best friends: Raj, a wise and compulsive Indian elephant, and Clam, an eccentric and highly intelligent albino pygmy rhino. TV-Y7.

For more family-friendly programs, plus information on using parental controls to block out inappropriate content, go to ControlYourTV.org.

Cable on the Web
CIC presents a sampling of family-friendly websites

Shark Week (dsc.discovery.com/convergence/sharkweek/sharkweek.html)
It's the 20th anniversary of Shark Week! Help Discovery Channel celebrate by heading to the companion website. Vote for the Best of Shark Week, take a virtual dive, view clips of this year's programs, play with puzzles and games, and more.

Fourth of July (www.history.com/minisites/fourthofjuly/)
Explore the historical significance of our nation's birthday on this History Channel website. View maps of early America and clips of Fourth of July celebrations, challenge your family with trivia, and more.

Article: Science charter schools might conflict within Albuquerque

I received this from another homeschooling parent and one of her comments was basically it is ridiculous for these schools to be saying 'I am ready for a fight' that they should be saying 'great more schools for our kids'. And quite frankly it is ridiculous and it concerns me that any school could be thinking they have the exclusive right to teach kids. Of course the bottom line is that it is all about money one person says they came up with an idea so the other school does not get money...and since they are the 'mayor's' school they should get it. I have had friends visit this particular AIMS charter school and come away with a very different view than the school promotes. As always things sometimes are not what they seem at the surface so make sure you research your educational options and try to find all the information you can on your particular choice so that you can make the best decision for your family. Read on at...

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jun/27/science-charter-schools-might-conflict-within-albu/

City Councilor Don Harris and Mayor Martin Chavez want to inspire southeast Albuquerque middle school students and tap into local scientists' expertise.

They both say a charter school is the way to do it.

Chavez and Harris don't find themselves in agreement all that often. And while their objectives are similar, their two proposals might well compete for the same students.

On the one hand, the city has $100,000 set aside in the 2007-08 budget to study a technology middle school, an idea Harris claims as his own.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Albuquerque: Annie Jr. on Stage!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broadway comes to the South Broadway Cultural Center

July 6th, 7th, and 8th 2007

ALBUQUERQUE CHILDREN TO LEARN IMPORTANT LESSONS:

'You're never fully dressed without a smile'

and 'The sun will come out tomorrow'

in their Broadway Junior Production

of ANNIEjr
Tickets are 12.00 per adult and 7.00 kids, seniors and students. If more than 6 adults tickets are 10.00 each.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22, 2007 – Young actors from all around the city of Albuquerque will come together for three nights at the South Broadway Cultural Center to present the Broadway musical, ANNIEjr.

Based on the popular comic strip, "Little Orphan Annie," ANNIEjr tells of a spunky depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrel and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

This classic Broadway musical is abridged into a special edition for ages 4 to 12. To celebrate the accomplishments of these children, and to commend their hard work, performances are planned at the South Broadway Cultural Center on Friday, July 6 th at 7pm, Saturday, July 7 at 7pm, and Sunday, July 8 at 2pm. Through these performances, the goal is to embrace the dramatic arts for the many "tomorrows" yet to come.

From the first rehearsal the students have collaborated to explore how this musical touches on important events and issues in American history from the depression through the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt. The adults working on the show have witnessed positive changes in the young actors as they learned new life and relationship skills – through the wide-ranging experiences of participating in a musical theatre production.

This show is the result of impassioned children who had no outlet for dramatic expression until the director pulled a group together to give these kids the opportunity to experience the thrill of being on stage and being the star of the show. At first, the chances of putting on a show were bleak as there was no money, no rehearsal space and no theatre. Patricio Trujillo, a longtime actor and artist in Albuquerque, called on his friends and associates to help make the show happen. For example, Robert F Kennedy Charter High School donated the rehearsal space and the City of Albuquerque is co-sponsoring the event so it can be performed in a real theatre. Educator and youth advocate, Rhonda Stanfield donated her time and talents to design the program (four color, wow), and parents and friends will serve as tech crew and staff.

This is an all-children production with a cameo appearance by the show's director, Patricio Trujillo. Says Trujillo, "I think what makes this show work is that over the course of the rehearsals, these children have become impassioned; to see a 4-year-old child acting out her little heart is absolutely stunning."

For more information, please call Sandra Marroquín-Evans at (505) 268-1316

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

CyberEd Science Online Subscriptions - NOW Available for Homeschoolers!

This is a legitimate co-op that does group buys for certain things and there is no membership to sign up for the co-op it is only if you want to participate in one of their group buys. These look like good programs, the demos were fun, this membership cost is for each or all of the science programs. Have fun, Tabbi

A Co-op Group Buy Exclusive

Award Winning
CyberEd® PLATO Science
NOW Available to Homeschool Educators at Group Buy Discount Pricing!

Offer Expires 07-31-2007 at 11:59 pm Eastern

CyberEd PLATOThe Homeschool Buyers Co-op is pleased to offer CyberEd® PLATO Science online subscriptions at Group Buy deep discounts! These products were previously unavailable to the individual homeschooling educator. The Co-op has agreed to sponsor the program in order to make these online subscriptions available to our members!
The more subscriptions we purchase AS A GROUP, the more we all save! Each Science course requires a GROUP MINIMUM PURCHASE of 10 subscriptions to be available to us. Should we NOT reach the minimum requirement by the Group Buy cut-off date, we will notify members via the Co-op newsletter. BUT, here's the GREAT news! The prices drop dramatically at purchase #31, and 100!! Our potential savings are HUGE with this program! As low as $20 for a FULL YEAR subscription! See the individual product descriptions section at the GROUP BUY ORDER FORM PAGE
to view the deep discount pricing.
Check out these links for access to demos:
CyberEd Earth & Space Demo
CyberEd Physical Science Demo
CyberEd Life Science Demo
CyberEd Biology Demo
CyberEd Chemistry Demo

For CHEMISTRY or BIOLOGY, download the Authorware Web Player here: Windows | Macintosh. For LIFE, PHYSICAL, OR EARTH AND SPACE, download the Flash Web Player here: Macintosh | Windows If you are experiencing difficulty downloading the Authorware Web Player or the Flash Web Player, it may be due to slow internet connection (i.e., dial-up modem).

This is our very first Group Buy that requires the Co-op membership to reach a minimum purchase, PLUS, the bigger our order, the more we all save, so tell your friends and homeschool groups!
To take advantage of this special offer, you must place your order no later than 07-31-2007 at 11:59 pm Eastern.
Regards,
Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Monday, June 25, 2007

-Albuquerque: Barnaby Bear's Star Gazer Party!

===========================================================================
General Chat-Viewable by Public > Barnaby Bear's Star Gazer Party!
===========================================================================

From: Shannon D.
Date: 2007-06-25 15:23:53
Reply: http://www.abqhomelearners.org/reply.php?topic_id=1388

BARNABY BEAR'S STAR GAZER PARTY:

Join HCS Creative Endeavor's for a free educational community event! Barnaby Bear's Star Gazer Party will be held Aug. 25th at the Paradise Hills Park! Join us for star gazing, and educational activities. Barnaby Bear, our big lovable literacy bear, will be the "star" of the evening. He will teach kids about the night sky, read a story, and sign autographs, while spreading the word that "Readers Are Leaders!" There will also be Barnaby Bear photograph sessions during the event!

Many organizations are coming together to provide hands-on fun for families. Activities will be provided by Radio Disney, Rio Grande Astronomical Society, ABQ Rocket Society, Hinkle Family Fun Center, Albuquerque/Bernadillo Library, ABQ Ride, and the Albuquerque Home Learners. Join the Boy Scouts at their "Camp Adventure" booth. The Girl Scouts will also be at the event to teach kids how to make silly putty as part of their "Girl Scientist" booth! The City of ABQ Parks and Recreation will provide a climbing wall and World Balloon Promotions will be at the event with a HOT AIR balloon! An inflatable planetarium will also be available for indoor star gazing at the Paradise Hills Community Center! Barnaby Bear will look forward to seeing you there!

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EVENT SPONSORS: Radio Disney, The Observer, New Mexico Kids Magazine, The Alibi, & Velocity Mobile Advertising! We would also like to thank Joanna Booth's State Farm Office for their contribution to this event!

PLEASE BRING A BOOK TO DONATE!: We will be collecting children's books to donate to ABQ RIDE's "Discover A Book Program" as part of our Barnaby Bear and Books Literacy Program. Books we collect at this event will be placed on the city buses for children to read while riding the City of Albuquerque's Transit system! Hinkle Family Fun Center will offer a coupon in exchange for book donations!

Date: August 25, 2007
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm (followed by star gazing at dark!)
Price: FREE! Please bring a children's book to donate for ABQ Ride's Discover A Book Program! (Receive a Hinkle Family Fun Center Coupon for all book donations.)
Location: Paradise Hills Park, 5901 Paradise Hills Blvd. NW, West Side Albuquerque
For More Information: Call 505-553-5138 or e-mail hcsnm@yahoo.com http://www.hcscreative.com/

Albuquerque:4th of July Celebration with Barnaby Bear

-Albuquerque: Petco Tour

Join us on July 17 for a tour of Petco from 10am -11:30am. Each child will receive a goodie bag at the end of the tour. Please RSVP to Shannon at http://www.abqhomelearners.org/forum29/1387.html by July 9. I need to call in our numbers on July 10. Max of 25 kids! Appropriate for PreK - Grade 5. Located at 3601 Old Airport Rd. 87114.

Attending:

Shannon + 2

Kristine + 2

Rebecca + 2

Fun worksheets provided by the Field Trip Factory!

http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/materials/petco/petco_colorful_pets.pdf

http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/materials/petco/petco_maze.pdf

http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/materials/petco/petco_fish_tank.pdf

http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/materials/petco/petco_pet_search.pdf

http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/trips/animalActivities.php?sid=41b044a1c0097814def188b0ae71834a

OT:Home School Parent Job Op

Hi Tabitha,

Can you post this on the homeschooling list? I know it isn't directly related to homeschooling, but this job would be a perfect work at home job for a mom (or moms) who might be looking. Thanks!

Danielle Goodnight

Message as follows:

Hello moms. Our family run business has a job opening that might be perfect for a work at home mom. Please note, though, that the position does require about 30% outside the home work. Also, this probably won't be a good fit if you have teeny kids. It requires alot of phone work, so your kids have to be old enough to understand to be quiet while you are on the phone! I will soon have three kiddos four years old and under which is why I can't do this job myself. Here is the description:

Sales Associate

Responsibilities: Answers incoming sales calls for DISH Network TV and Wildblue Internet. Attends monthly sales events, such as a weekend event at an area mall. Makes telemarketing calls to residential prospects such as new movers. Makes telemarketing calls, sends mailings and visits potential commercial customers. Background: Applicant must have an outgoing personality and enjoy sales. Must have sales experience. Must have computer and internet experience. Salary: Base pay plus commission. This can be a partial work at home position (70 % home, 30% making sales visits, attending events, etc.) If you do choose to work from home, you must be "on call" full time, however, you won't have calls around the clock. This position could also be a "job sharing" position split between two moms who want to come into the office to work instead of working from home. Please call Danielle Goodnight at 288-9665 or email danielle at goodnightsatellite.net

-Statewide Virtual Public School Info Meeting- NMConnections Academy

The meeting is scheduled for the following time and below that are the emails I have been sending back and forth with Shawna Young in regards to the Connections Academy attempting to get started in NM. This has worked successfully in other states which require more oversight than NM does and it could be a good fit for some families. But as it says on their website your children will no longer be homeschooling they will be registered public school students of a virtual charter school.

Some of my personal concerns would be if your child is struggling and failing (according to their testing) to master a subject does the school district then have a right to step in and force your child to go to a brick and mortar classroom to get more help? If your child is enrolled in some type of athletics or other classes that meet during the day will they be required to be 'in school' for those times instead of these extracurricular activities? I believe even charter schools fall under the No Child Left Behind Act so how would this affect attendance, test scores, etc. of each student? They have extracurricular activities for each Connections academy such as park days, newspaper, etc. but in small print it says that these are only with areas with funding for such activities, our state is not one of the wealthiest so would our kids not have access to these type programs if they are not offered or would they be allowed to participate in some already established park days, etc.? Do they have to participate in all activities with other Connections academy students or could are these considered extra? Where is the funding coming from to make sure each student has a computer and can participate in outside activities? What if this is approved in some school districts and not others limiting access to students that might need this type of virtual school? What about students in rural parts of our state how would they connect to others in their 'school'?

If you are interested you should come to this meeting questions in hand. If you can not come call the contacts or join the yahoo group and ask lots of questions, be informed about your choice! There are always going to be pros and cons about any educational choice but it is a matter of researching the best education that works for your family.

Their website does have some answers on their FAQ page at www.connectionsacademy.com but they do not answer everything. They have samples of their curriculum all of which are good programs. So come and check out this new program, it is not a sure thing it still has some processes it has to go through in NM to be approved.

The Pizza meeting will be held at Peter Piper Pizza at 3109 San Mateo Blvd.
in Albuquerque. It will be from 6:30-8:00 on Tuesday June 26th. Families Welcome. We hope to see you there.
Shawna Young

If you go to the meeting please email me with your thoughts pros and cons so that I can add them to the blog, the comments will remain anonymous.--Tabbi

Various emails sent back and forth between myself and Shawna Young requesting more information before advertising this program:

I apologize for not getting back to you with more information about the new charter school we are working on.
There is a link you can share to join a yahoo group with other families to talk about it and learn more.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/New_Mexico_Connections_Academy/

If any are interested in joining the Interim Governing Board, or learning more about it, please feel free to contact Michelle Garcia (505) 629-4458 or Shawna Young at 352-6296 or email Parent_Connections@msn.com

******************************************************************************************************************************************
I am sorry that I do not have Michelle's email address. She, like myself, is a part of the founding group getting this going. The best way to learn about how the school works is actually through the website. We are parents working with the national connections academy group trying to get a charter school here for us. The application has to be submitted by the beginning of August. There will be meetings to attend and speak at to let the Public education commission know that we really would benefit from having this charter school here. Because it is a "virtual school", we do not require a school building, which means we may be able to accomplish getting things started by January. We have to have an office space for the computers and for the Principal and teachers to go to every day. They will work from 8:30 to 4:30. The students will work from home, but have complete access and contact with their teachers every day. The charter school board members will review the applications for the applicants for the principal and teacher positions. We will have a hand in interviewing them along with the help of the connections academy people as well. They must be NM state certified teachers. When this becomes a charter school for NM, all of the books and supplies for the kids are supplied at 100% no cost to the students. The website has more info on the wide variety of curriculum that they use.
As there are more secured dates for meetings I will continue to send emails and information to you so you can post it. The lady, in charge of working for the connections academy to help us as parents accomplish this, is actually in town for another week or so talking to people. She would like to host a little gathering at a local pizza place on Tues. evening at 6:30. I will find out from her where and let you know. We would love any support and help we can get. Even if this type of school would not work for your family, if you feel it would benefit other New Mexico students, then we need your(everyone's) voice.

I hope this helps a little more. I am sorry I have no firm dates yet. I will find out asap.
************************************************************************************************************************************************

Shawna, Some questions you might be able to answer are 1. Will the kids be registered within their own school districts throughout the state or only under one school district regardless of where they live? 2. Will they be required to take the NM State tests, I am assuming yes but I figured I would ask? 3. Do parents have any control over their child's academics in terms of what texts or programs they are able to use? Or will they be the same as the kids in their grade level in their school district? 4. What options are their for accelerated learners? 5. What options for children who need more work in some areas? If they did not meet standards would these kids be required to attend a brick and mortar classroom setting? 6. What about extra curricular activities would the children be required to do academics during 'school hours' or could they do their work at their leisure during the day or week? 7. Are the kids required to check in daily and be in contact with the teacher at times during the day? There are a lot of parents that might be more willing to even attend a meeting if you had a list of basic questions and answers that I could email out prior to the actual meeting. Thanks, Tabitha Orr
*********************************************************************************************************************************

The best way to learn more about the answers to these questions is by going to the website. They have examples of schedules, curriculum, after school activities, etc. It is a very informative site. Here are some answers that I know. I hope it helps.

1. Will the kids be registered within their own school districts throughout the state or only under one school district regardless of where they live? YES
2. Will they be required to take the NM State tests, I am assuming yes but I figured I would ask? YES, AND ON THOSE DAYS, THE SCHOOL WILL RENT A COMPUTER LAB SOMEWHERE IN THE TOWN WHERE THE STUDENT RESIDES AND THE TEACHER WILL BE THERE TO ADMINISTER THE TESTING.
3. Do parents have any control over their child's academics in terms of what texts or programs they are able to use? Or will they be the same as the kids in their grade level in their school district? I BELIEVE THERE ARE SOME SELECTIONS, AND NO THEY WILL NOT NECESSARILY BE THE SAME AS THE OTHER KIDS IN THEIR DISTRICT. I BELIEVE THE CURRICULUM USED BY CONNECTIONS ACADEMY IS SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE NORMAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ESPECIALLY NEW MEXICO. THEY DO USE SOME OF THE SAME THAT I HAVE SEEN IN OTHER SCHOOLS.
4. What options are their for accelerated learners? THIS ANSWER IS BEST ILLUSTRATED ON THE WEBSITE, BUT THIS SCHOOL METHOD IS PERFECT FOR ACCELERATED LEARNERS. www.connectionsacademy.com
5. What options for children who need more work in some areas? YOU SET YOUR CHILD'S SCHEDULE WITH THE HELP OF THE TEACHER. THE TEACHER WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO GIVE ADDITIONAL HELP EITHER BY PHONE OR VIA THE COMPUTER(the monitor will turn into a chalk board type effect and the students will have headsets that they can listen to the teacher as the teacher actually uses the computer as a chalkboard to write and explain things).
If they did not meet standards would these kids be required to attend a brick and mortar classroom setting? I DO NOT BELIEVE SO, BUT I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THAT QUESTION YET. I DO KNOW THAT THE CURRICULUM IS COMPLETELY ACCREDITED FOR ALL GRADES AND THE HIGH-SCHOOL CREDITS ARE ACCEPTED BY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

6. What about extra curricular activities would the children be required to do academics during 'school hours' or could they do their work at their leisure during the day or week? NO, NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DONE DURING SCHOOL HOURS. YOU WILL, HOWEVER, LOG IN YOUR CHILD'S ATTENDANCE FOR THE DAY . IF YOU KNOW AHEAD OF TIME WHEN YOU WILL BE NEEDING DAYS OFF, YOU JUST MARK IT ON THE CALENDAR. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN THEY WILL NEED TO BE ONLINE WITH OTHER STUDENTS IN THEIR GRADE LEVEL TO DISCUSS A BOOK THEY ARE READING OR HAVE A CLASSROOM TYPE DISCUSSION WITH THE TEACHER AS A MONITOR. (mostly for middle school and high school grades I believe). MOST OF THE TIME IT IS AT THEIR LEISURE. THERE WILL BE SOME ASSIGNMENTS THAT WILL HAVE TO BE MAILED TO THE TEACHER AND PRE-PAID ENVELOPES WITH THE ADDRESS WILL BE SUPPLIED FOR YOU.
There are also some school clubs, such as chess, debate (monitored by a teacher), news room, etc. They have wonderful electives for kids who don't want to do just the normal subjects. They have foreign languages, technology classes, journalism, and phys. ed. and etc

Article & Book: Some Rules Kids Won't Learn in School

Charles J. Sykes, author of the book Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can't Read, Write, Or Add.

Rule No. 1: Life is not fair. Get used to it. The average teen-ager uses the phrase "It's not fair" 8.6 times a day. You got it from your parents, who said it so often you decided they must be the most idealistic generation ever. When they started hearing it from their own kids, they realized Rule No. 1.

Rule No. 2: The real world won't care as much about your self-esteem as much as your school does. It'll expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself. This may come as a shock. Usually, when inflated self-esteem meets reality, kids complain that it's not fair. (See Rule No. 1)

Rule No. 3: Sorry, you won't make $40,000 a year right out of high school. And you won't be a vice president or have a car phone either. You may even have to wear a uniform that doesn't have a Gap label.

Rule No. 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait 'til you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure, so he tends to be a bit edgier. When you screw up, he's not going to ask you how you feel about it.

Rule No. 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity. They weren't embarrassed making minimum wage either. They would have been embarrassed to sit around talking about Kurt Cobain all weekend.

Rule No. 6: It's not your parents' fault. If you screw up, you are responsible. This is the flip side of "It's my life," and "You're not the boss of me," and other eloquent proclamations of your generation. When you turn 18, it's on your dime. Don't whine about it, or you'll sound like a baby boomer.

Rule No. 7: Before you were born your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way paying your bills, cleaning up your room and listening to you tell them how idealistic you are. And by the way, before you save the rain forest from the blood-sucking parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your bedroom.

Rule No. 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers. Life hasn't. In some schools, they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. Failing grades have been abolished and class valedictorians scrapped, lest anyone's feelings be hurt. Effort is as important as results. This, of course, bears not the slightest resemblance to anything in real life. (See Rule No. 1, Rule No. 2 and Rule No. 4.)

Rule No. 9: Life is not divided into semesters, and you don't get summers off. Not even Easter break. They expect you to show up every day. For eight hours. And you don't get a new life every 10 weeks. It just goes on and on. While we're at it, very few jobs are interested in fostering your self-expression or helping you find yourself. Fewer still lead to self-realization. (See Rule No. 1 and Rule No. 2.)

Rule No. 10: Television is not real life. Your life is not a sitcom. Your problems will not all be solved in 30 minutes, minus time for commercials. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop to go to jobs. Your friends will not be as perky or pliable as Jennifer Aniston.

Rule No. 11: Be nice to nerds. You may end up working for them. We all could.
Rule No. 12: Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic. Next time you're out cruising, watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth. That's what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto for "expressing yourself" with purple hair and/or pierced body parts.

Rule No. 13: You are not immortal. (See Rule No. 12.) If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously haven't seen one of your peers at room temperature lately.

Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You're welcome.
This is frequently attributed to Bill Gates but it is incorrectly cited or not cited at all and usually omits the last three rules, check it out I have my list printed and sitting by my computer for me and then for my kids as they get older and have more understanding.--Tabbi

Albuquerque: Wanted Teen Star Gazer Assistants

Hi everyone,

The first teen star gazer assistant meeting will be held on June 12th. Interested teens ages 12+ can volunteer to get involved with Barnaby Bear's Star Gazer Party which will be held on Aug. 25th at Paradise Hills Park.

Teen positions still available include: assisting the astronomical society with telescope viewing, helping the balloon company set up the hot air balloon, helping with the inflatable planetarium at the Paradise Hills Community Center, working with the ABQ Library to provide library card information, assisting with book collecting, and running games such as the 8ft. rocket ship and spinning earth.

This free community event is organized as part of a Barnaby Bear and Books program. We will be collecting books at this event for ABQ Ride's" Discover A Book Program" to place children's books on the city buses.

Volunteer applications can be requested by calling 553-5138. Visit www.hcscreative.com for more information about this event.

Thanks,
Heidi

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Support a Change in the Albuquerque Biopark Policy!!!

Please forward to anyone that might be interested.

History:
Prior to my contact this year many homeschooling groups and organizations have contacted both the mayor's office as well as the Biopark directly in order to get this policy changed.

February 13, 2007:

Email to the NM Homeschool Community Network:
This requirement of wanting to have homeschoolers forms on file for group rates has been going on for years. (This is not the case when they -the Biopark-have free presentations of a subject.) I decided to call and ask why...so I started with the Mayor's office...they put the Director of Admissions of the Biopark in touch with me....well apparently this is 'city policy' any school who wants group rates has to show their school form and they then keep them on file and they consider each homeschooling family to be a school.

I told him that there are no classes or museums or anywhere we have had to show proof of homeschooling in this manner not even the museum run by the State of NM. I told him that we would like to see cooperative 'homeschooler days' such as the Denver Zoo and many museums around the country run that it would be in the best interests of the Biopark to be the first one to do this in the state.

I discussed that not only is this a privacy issue with homeschoolers to keep our notices on file there but that it is quite a hassle to get the forms of 30+ homeschoolers in a group before we can schedule a class or field trip. Not only are most of us already members but this has put a strain on relations between the homeschooling community and the Biopark. I requested that there be an exemption made for homeschoolers and he said that he would talk to the Director of the Biopark as well as the Mayor's office.

He wanted to know how many homeschoolers were out there and I said within the CABQ there are hundreds, possibly close to a 1,000 and that you also had to consider the homeschoolers who come to visit from the state and areas surrounding ABQ. He said that this policy was put there because initially they were getting small family groups wanting group rates as homeschoolers and turning in the forms was not a huge deal but that now he is seeing an increase in homeschooling and he does see how it can be a problem when co-ops or larger groups are looking to schedule trips and classes.

By his reaction I think I made him think and pushed some good buttons SOOO I believe that this policy can be changed in our favor but it will take some firm but gentle nudging on our part to start with....I am calling the Mayor;s office again tomorrow and my city councilor and will let you know what happens from there.

February 15, 2007:
Response received last night from Michael J. Cadigan, CABQ City Councilor:

""I will certainly look into this. Any ideas on how to streamline the policy? At a minimum the biopark probably needs one person who is responsible for giving the zoo a headcount so they can keep track of the number of kids getting field trip rates.""

Response from me back to him:

Thank you so much for responding. I absolutely agree that the Biopark needs a contact person when setting up field trips and/or classes for homeschooling groups. As far as streamlining the process it would merely be a matter of the group wanting the event calling and setting up the details and providing contact information and a final head count before the event is scheduled to occur. That is what other facilities have done and are currently doing.

While there may be concern over students who are getting the school discount who are not homeschooling or not registered, pretty much any child of school age within a homeschooling group should be taken at face value that they are homeschooling and it should not be the concern of the Biopark to police whether they are actually registered or not, that is state policy between that family and the State of New Mexico. They could even have a special category for homeschoolers in their numbers, if needed, for an annual count of who attended the facilities.

Homeschoolers tend to come in multi-age groups so that would not be a factor as far as field trips go but if a certain class had a grade/age requirement that needs to be something for the Biopark to decide upon when setting up that particular class or field trip. It is a learning process for facilities that have never dealt with homeschoolers, it is hard to think outside the box, but we, as a community, have met with great success locally and I have seen fantastic relationships between homeschoolers and facilities such as these around the country.

If money for classes and facility use is a hurdle there are ways and means to obtain grants so that these are not obstacles any longer. I understand that a lot of resources are tied up in public and private school visits but our kids have just as many rights to these programs. The Biopark Beginnings classes for children under 6 has had a huge response and is a wonderful resource but once kids are too old for the program they are left without these great educational opportunities. I did speak to Robert Henderson, Director of Admissions at the Biopark regarding these matters and he assured me that he would talk to his Director as well as the Educational Department.

Please let me know if you require any more information and if needed we can have representatives from our community available for meetings. I am confident that this is going to be a simple matter.

I understand that relations between our community and the Biopark have been a bit strained on this point and I am hoping that with understanding and better education we can benefit both groups.

Since then:
I have made numerous phone calls to the Albuquerque mayor's office with the only result being that they have priority issues that come before this issue. I can completely understand when political issues take precedent over a seemly insignificant admissions issue at one of their local city facilities.

The main issue points are:

A.) Individual family homeschools are not each considered a 'school' by NM State Policy, each family is registered as a homeschool yes but not required to call themselves a school nor do they have any policies addressing each family as a school . It is the Biopark's prerogative to decide that they want to consider each family it's own school but it is certainly not a common admission standard used by other public or private facilities.

B.) When scheduling a field trip of a group of homeschoolers the Biopark requires each family to have turned in a copy of their NM State Registration form BEFORE a reservation can even be made. http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/common/SchoolFieldTrips.html This is not only time consuming but practically impossible to coordinate when you are dealing with large groups of homeschoolers in which every family has to turn in their forms before the reservation can even be made. This is also a violation of our personal privacy since the Biopark has informed me that they store the forms in case a family wants to come again and these forms have all of our family information as well as children's names.

C.) None of these things come in to play when a family has a membership to the Biopark. These are only issues when a group is looking for admission using a school group discount. There are a large number of homeschooling families who already do have memberships at the Biopark.

D.) There are currently thousands of homeschoolers in this state. This policy can make it extremely difficult for some members of our community to enjoy the Biopark.

E.) We would like to raise community awareness of the needs of the homeschooling community and show how zoos, museums, theme parks and government facilities around the country are successfully benefiting from holding classes and special days specifically for homeschoolers, including many public and private entities within the City of Albuquerque and State of New Mexico. Homeschooling is growing legal family choice of education and community resources are a valuable addition to our children's learning experiences.

The resolution is: Make an exception for homeschoolers when they are looking to bring a group and get group discounts to Biopark facilities. Do not require forms to be turned in at all, just ask that a field trip be scheduled a certain amount of time in advance and for the contact person to call in numbers attending before the event is to occur. All members of the field trip would then be required to enter the Biopark together so that they can be accurately counted and the correct people entering can be given the special discount. All policies on cancellation, group size etc. that are stated on their admissions page for school groups would still apply. It is the act of turning the form for each family that is of issue.

I believe that this entire policy is just a misunderstanding of homeschoolers and a confusion about where our families' fall in terms of being counted as a school. I do not believe that this is a malicious policy dedicated to singling out homeschoolers. This policy was put in place when homeschooling was not as prevalent or accepted and homeschooling families were not around in such large numbers. From the Biopark's point of view I believe they are trying to streamline homeschoolers within their school group discounts because they are afraid of people abusing their discount prices. I personally do not think this should be a concern because any child of school age not in school is most likely homeschooling-exceptions can always happen but the majority of homeschoolers are honest and are not going to take advantage. Perhaps their concern also is that homeschoolers are legally registered within the State of New Mexico's guidelines, this is not the burden of the City of Albuquerque but the responsibility of each homeschooling families and State.

These are fabulous facilities and they have meant so much to a lot of homeschooling families as a part of our learning experiences. Our request is reasonable and with our community's involvement I can only foresee success. The time has come when one voice is just not loud enough to be heard. I/We need the voices of many. Please contact the City of Albuquerque's Mayor's office and/or your city councilor in Albuquerque and let them know what the Biopark has meant to your family. If you are a member of the Biopark, had personal issues with this policy, even if you are from out of town and regularly bring your group or family to the Biopark please send an email, fax or make a phone call, you can even call in to his Saturday morning radio show. This policy affects any homeschoolers in New Mexico that plan on taking a field trip to the Biopark not just those in the Albuquerque Area. If you do send an email please copy me personally so that I may add it to our blog comments-I can make it anonymous on the blog.

Here is the contact information:

http://www.cabq.gov/mayor/contact.html

Mailing Address:
Office of the Mayor
PO Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Physical Address:
City/County Building, 11th floor
One Civic Plaza, NW
Phone: (505) 768-3000
Fax: (505) 768-3019
Email: mayor@cabq.gov
Other Entities within the Mayor's office:

* Mayor Martin Chavez
(biography, mayor@cabq.gov)
Mayor's Scheduling Assistant, Renie Carmona (rcarmona@cabq.gov)
* Bruce Perlman, Chief Administrative Officer
(bperlman@cabq.gov)
* Ed Adams, Chief Operations Officer
(biography, eadams@cabq.gov)
* Gail Reese, Chief Financial Officer
(greese@cabq.gov)
* Nick Bakas, Chief Public Safety Officer
(nbakas@cabq.gov)
* Barry Bitzer, Chief of Staff
(jbitzer@cabq.gov)
* Deborah James, Communications Officer
(djames@cabq.gov)

******************************************************
The Mayor Martin Chavez Show
1-1:45pm - Saturdays

770 KKOB

http://www.770kkob.com/MartinChavez.html

********************************************************************************
http://www.cabq.gov/council/ccmeet.html
Albuquerque City Councilors

Contact All Councilors
Click on the Councilor pictures to visit Council District Websites.
Ken Sanchez
Ken Sanchez
District 1
Contact Councilor Sanchez

Elaine Romero, Staff Assistant
eromero@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3183

Debbie O'Malley
Debbie O'Malley, President
District 2
Contact Councilor O'Malley

Kelly Sanchez-Pare , Staff Assistant
ksanchez-pare@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3159

Isaac Benton
Isaac Benton
District 3
Contact Councilor Benton

Kara Shair-Rosenfield, Staff Assistant
karasr@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3186

Brad Winter
Brad Winter
District 4
Contact Councilor Winter

Diana Trujeque, Staff Assistant
dtrujeque@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3101

Michael J. Cadigan
Michael J. Cadigan
District 5
Contact Councilor Cadigan

Milagros "Mimi" Aledo , Staff Assistant
maledo@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3189

Martin Heinrich
Martin Heinrich
District 6
Contact Councilor Heinrich

Javier Benavidez, Staff Assistant
jrbenavidez@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3152

Sally Mayer
Sally Mayer, Vice-President
District 7
Contact Councilor Mayer

Gilbert A. Montano , Staff Assistant
gamontano@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3136

Craig Loy
Craig Loy
District 8
Contact Councilor Loy

Michael L. McCan, Staff Assistant
mmccan@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3106

Don Harris
Don Harris
District 9
Contact Councilor Harris

Isaac E. Padilla , Staff Assistant
iepadilla@cabq.gov
(505) 768-3123

Who is my councilor link http://www.cabq.gov/council/ccmaps.html#findcouncilor

Albuquerque: Summer Fest & Weekly Events

http://www.cabq.gov/crs/summerfest04.html

Albuquerque Summerfest is an outdoor summer festival featuring both local and national music and dance entertainment. Events are held during June and July on Saturday evenings from 5 - 10:30 pm at the Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza Leaving www.cabq.gov, click for disclaimer (corner of 3rd St. and Marquette NW) in downtown Albuquerque and are free to the public.

In addition to music and dance entertainment there are food vendors, a beer garden, an arts and crafts market, and plenty of children's activities such as facepainting, magic, juggling, interactive drumming, fun jumps and more. Parking is available under the Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza for a fee. Access parking lot from 3rd St. and Marquette.

http://www.cabq.gov/crs/newfun.html

Weekly Events

Come out and enjoy Albuquerque's newest old tradition - Albuquerque's Old Town Leaving www.cabq.gov, click for disclaimer!

* Wednesdays - Live music and history in the evening.
* Thursdays - Special performances of a variety of disciplines.
* Fridays - Learn to salsa or just listen to the music after work.
* Saturdays - Enjoy poetry and music throughout the day.
* Sundays - Stroll the plaza and enjoy live music in the evening.

Albuquerque: Balloon Fiesta Park July 4th Event

Rio Rancho: Teen Clue Night

Albuquerque: Summer Band Concert Series, Free

Road Trip: Not Back to School Day at Disneyland

NOT Back to School Day at Disneyland!
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
Spread the Word!
Go to: _http://ochomeschoolhttp://ochomes_
(http://ochomeschooling.com/disney) for details!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Albuquerque: Free Multidisciplinary Summer Workshop @ UNM College of Pharmacy

If your group does not accept attachments please email me privately and I will send them to you.--Tabbi

Dear Homeschooling Contacts,
Below is the letter we are sending out to ALL MS Teachers in the State of NM and attached are the flyer and registration form (in 2 different formats) for our workshop. Would you please send this out to your Home schoolers list, these parent-teachers are invited as well. Our WWW link is: http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/IEHMS/index.shtml
The website has downloadable curriculum (in pdf. format) under the "for Teachers" link we also have links to other helpful sites. If you have any questions and or comments please contact me.

Tara Peterson
Program Coordinator
Integrated Environmental Health Middle School Project
College of Pharmacy
MSC 09 5360
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
tpeterson68@comcast.net
Telephone 505-323-8655

Dear Teachers,

You are cordially invited to attend a FREE 1-day workshop (9-4:30) on Friday July 20, 2007 at the UNM College of Pharmacy. This workshop will provide New Mexico-specific multidisciplinary curricula on diabetes, asthma, lead poisoning, and local environmental health issues. We also have Spanish versions of the materials for FREE.

Please refer to the attached flyer and registration form for more information.

We will provide a $100 travel stipend for people who live more than 140 miles round trip from UNM.

All attendees will receive lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, a $30 gift certificate, and a complete set of the curricula materials.

Please register by July 13, 2007 because space is limited. RSVP to Stefani Hines (505) 272-9282, FAX (505) 272-4721, or shines@salud.unm.edu

Please share this notice with your colleagues! This is for all middle school subjects (language arts, science, math, social studies & health). High school teachers are welcome too!

Thank you,

Stefani Hines
Lead Curriculum Developer
New Mexico Integrated Health Education Program

Stefani D. Hines, M.A., M.S.
Senior Curriculum and Assessment Specialist &
Environmental Health Specialist
College of Pharmacy
MSC 09 5360
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 272-9282
Fax (505) 272-4721

Los Alamos: Author Lisa Sandlin

From the Los Alamos Yahoo Group:

Authors Speak: Lisa Sandlin at Mesa Library on Thursday, June 28

Don't miss this great event with author Lisa Sandlin next week! Her newest book, In the River Province, is a collection of stories set in New Mexico! Lisa was a finalist for Best Book of Fiction 2004 from The Texas Institute of Letters. She was an instructor at the University of New Mexico at Los Alamos from 1992-96, and she also taught the June/July term of 2003. Join her in the library rotunda starting at 7 p.m.!
http://www.losalamosnm.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={E18FF32A-054B-4674-AB4E-523834CFF751}&DE={C37E09D9-713D-40EE-961A-F1BA9DEF61AE}/

Albuquerque: Billy the Kid Symposium

Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu

June 22, 2007

UNM’s Hutton Moderates Billy the Kid Symposium June 30

A symposium, in conjunction with the current Albuquerque
Museum exhibit “Billy the Kid and the Outlaw in America,”
is scheduled Saturday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The
symposium is free with museum admission. The museum is
located at 2000 Mountain Road NW. Full news release at:
http://www.unm.edu/news/07JunNewsReleases/07-06-22hutton.htm

Los Ranchos: Los Poblanos Fields Field Trip

Join us on July 5 at 9:00am at Los Poblanos Fields for a lesson on Organic Farming and the Bosque. Maximum of 25 children. Lesson will be geared to ages PreK-Grade 5. RSVP to Shannon by June 27 at http://www.abqhomelearners.org/forum29/1381.html

Los Poblanos Field is located on Montano just west of 4th Street. If coming from 4th and Montano, turn right on Tierra Viva.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Albuquerque: July NMHSC Support Night, Volunteer Meeting!!

If you have emailed me to volunteer please try to attend this meeting. If you can not attend please let me know! If you have any questions send me an email!-_Tabbi

New Mexico Homeschool Community Support Night

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Adults Only! 6:30-8:30PM

Topic this month: Discussion of the future plans for NM Homeschool Community; Volunteer Meeting

Interested in hearing the plans for the future of NM Homeschool Community? Want to volunteer your time to a part of this organization? Just want to come listen in? Please come and meet us and hear about future topics that are planned for the upcoming months!

This is a FREE monthly meeting for new and 'old' homeschoolers to come and discuss curriculums, great books, online resources, frustrations, share ideas or projects, provide shoulders to cry on, and just in general be there for the joyful process that is homeschooling. Teachers welcome!

Location: Title Wave Books

1408 Eubank NE in the Princess Jeanne Shopping Center at the corner of Eubank and Constitution http://www.titlewavebooks.com/ 505-294-9495

Shop that evening and get 15% off your purchases using cash, check, charge, excludes trade credit.

RSVP's Required: Tabitha Orr, 792-4110 or NMHomeschoolCommunityUpdates@gmail.com

Meet with other members of our growing community,see curriculum, resources and learn about the many ways of homeschooling that others are using! Find something that fits YOUR family! Bring your favorite books and/or curriculums so that we can have a variety. Please put your name in every book you bring to avoid any confusion! Bring paper and pencils as there are always great websites, ideas and books floating around that you will just want to write down! Snacks and drinks are welcome but not required!

Rio Rancho: Teen Concert

===========================================================================
Around Town-Viewable by Public > June 2007 Around Town Events
===========================================================================

From: Shannon D.
Date: 2007-06-13 16:23:53
Reply: http://www.abqhomelearners.org/reply.php?topic_id=833

TEEN CONCERT

You never know who might be making noise at the library! On June 28 the Rio Rancho Public Library will be staging an outdoor music event for teenagers featuring three local bands - Vertigo Venus, Tennessee Skinny and The 2bers - as part of the teen summer reading program, “YNK @ Your Library.”

Vertigo Venus will open up the show at 3:30pm. According to a recent Alibi interview with Chris and Jeff Maccanon, “We don't act serious enough to be rock, we aren't mad enough to be industrial and our songs are too structured to be punk. But we somehow manage to do all three.” Boxed in to a category, Vertigo Venus took first place, Punk/Alternative, at the March 3 Battle of the Bands in Rio Rancho.

At 4:45pm the second group to perform, Tennessee Skinny, winners of the Battle of the Bands Rock/Classic Rock category, will take the stage in front of the library. Tennessee Skinny features Adam Gibson (vocals, lead guitar), Jerimiah Grothaus (bass guitar), J.B. Bibiano (lead guitar) and Gabe Kachirisky (drums) and according to their MySpace page, provides “nursery rhymes to big kids.”

The ultimate group to make noise at the library will be independent Hip Hop group The 2bers, backed up by live band One Foundation, at 6:00pm. MCs Eph’Sharpe and BlessIIinfiniti cover environmental, political, social and spiritual issues in their lyrics, influenced by styles such as jazz, funk and reggae. As June 28 is the last Thursday of the month (and would normally be an open mic night for teens) at the end of the performance the 2bers will invite intrepid teens to join them on stage for a little bit of a freestyle session.

This event is part of the summer reading program for teens, “YNK @ Your Library.” It will take place an outdoor stage in one of the library’s parking lots from 3:30-7:00pm on June 28. Parking for concert attendees will be in Rio Rancho High School’s Performing Arts Center parking lot. For more information, call The Twilight Zone – Teen Scene at 891-5013 x3042. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the programs, please contact the City Clerk at (505)896-8708 at least 18 hours in advance to make arrangements.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Monday, June 25, 2007

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Friday, June 22, 2007

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