New Mexico Home School Community

NMHSC NEW WEBSITE IS UP!

2008-07-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

Finally, finally finished-you all did not really think I was taking a vacation did you? Although there were a few days of thumb twiddling after the computer crashed until I realized I had more time to sew!

There are more changes coming but the bare bones are up and running. Check it out here --> www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com

Posts and events previous to today 7/7/2008 are located at the 'old' blog http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/

VERY IMPT: Once you are a registered forum member please check the 'A Place for Everyone' board and make sure your group and contact information are included and updated.When the computer crashed and then I had to shut down the old site the updated information was lost and it defaulted back to info from a year ago.

Website updates and changes to come include:

**Ability to create your own personal blog through Wordpress, if you do not have one already this is your chance to start one. Does not have to be publicly accessible.

**Paid banner Ads and other forms of advertising spaces will be available on the main pages, the forums and the soon to come webcasting 'NM Homeschool News Network'. Banner ads can ONLY be for educational related businesses, all other homeschool businesses can go to the 'Work It Wednedays' Every Day forum. (This could change but I would like to give education related businesses first choice.)

**NM Homeschool News Network--Still need interested teens to both report and create web-newscasts. Have an interested teen? Qualifications: have a web cam, an interest, moderate computer skills and familiarity with the internet,access to a digital camera and/or digital recorder; be able to work independently; have the permission of your parents--it will take as much or as little time as you have or want to give--if you want to help in some way we will find something you are intersted in working on.

**FAQ section on using the forum.

**Homeschool terminology glossary.

**Social groups within the main forum.

**Photos in your signature.

And so much more---have a suggestion or comment please post it to the appropriate forum if you are registered and if not send me an email NMHomeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW??

1.) You have to register-ALL new members do have to be approved by the moderator. Guests will not have access to the forums. If you are already on the yahoo group or the email list just let me know so your approval can go through quicker.

At this time ONLY homeschoolers or those considering homeschooling can become members. Businesses/entities not owned by a homeschooling family are not allowed to be members of this forum-please continue to send your events to my email NMHomeschoolCommunity@gmail.com In the future I will have it set so that you can become a member and only be able to post to the events/business boards.

2.) Start posting in the various forums. Use 'New Topic' or 'Reply'

To have your event added to the calendar-post your event, go back and click on the topic, at the bottom it says 'Link to Calendar' and you just enter in the date of your event as well as the Title. This will then allow a user to see the event on the calendar and link to the orginal post. For events with mulitple dates please go directly to the calendar feature!

3) Even your tweens/teens have a space! Have them register with their own user account (parent approval will be required under 14) and they can use the forum. Guests can not see their forum and I am trying to figure out how to set it so that only teens and their parents can view it but for now all registered members can view so make sure they are versed in internet safety.

4.) Go to your forum profile information. Get a cool avatar or upload your own. Set your profile. Set your signature. Even upload pictures to your own personal gallery.

5.) You will no longer receive emails from me, everything will go through the forum BUT you can change the settings so that you will receive notices of new topics to your email account. I apologize, I know some of you really liked getting a ton of emails from me but that is part of the reason this forum had to be created so quickly because the number of members & emails I am receiving has exceeded the ability to get all the information out to the community.

And most importantly add your own resources, communicate and share!

Have fun homeschooling!

--
You are receiving this announcement through a NM Homeschool Community Email mailing list. This list is private and will not be sold or shared. If you have any questions or changes to your email address please feel free to email me at NMHomeschoolCommunityUpdates@gmail.com

Thanks!
Tabitha Orr,
Homeschool Mom,
Executive Director,
New Mexico Homeschool Community Updates
NMHomeschoolCommunityUpdates@gmail.com
www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com

CA Hearing Update, 6/25

2008-06-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/in-defense-of-homeschooling.html

In Defense of Homeschooling
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sometimes homeschooling advocates are a little over zealous in their defense of homeschooling; as a result, they potentially do more harm than good. Such might have been the case when the LA Times captured this quote from Rev. Wiley Drake at the appellate court rehearing regarding homeschooling in California.

"The Bible, our legal document, says the family is required to educate children based on the Scriptures," Drake said. "We're against government schooling in any form. People who put their kids in public school probably should be arrested."
If the LA Times quoted him accurately, this is exactly the sort of statement that the moonbats on the left like to use to portray homeschoolers as wingnuts that need to be regulated in order to protect our children from becoming wingnuts. Thankfully, Drake was outside the courtroom on Monday.

However, Debbie Schwarzer, Legal Co-Chair of the Homeschooling Association of California, was inside the courtroom and recapped the day's events,

Read more at the link above.

McCain and his take on Education 2008 Campaign

2008-06-24T06:37:00.001-07:00

Another homeschool mom sent this link through....This is just a synopsis of quotes from McCain on his views on Education. If you have articles on any other candidate's comments as they relate to homeschooling please email them to me.

http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm#Education

CA Court to Reconsider Ruling, Decision in 90 Days

2008-06-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know I said I would not send emails but this one is important. Do not panic and go into a campaign of fear that homeschoolers will get their rights taken away in CA I fully believe that cooler heads will prevail. The teachers unions will NEVER like homeschoolers EVER, they will NEVER agree with a family's choice to educate our children. They think every teacher should be credentialed because it is business to them, they are threatened that we as homeschool parents are downplaying or belittling all the hard work they did in going through school to get their degree. And we all know that if every child were to attend the schools in their district that they would be more overtaxed than they already are...that being said we ALL need to be alert and aware of subtle efforts by those in politics to restrict our freedom as parents to have educational choices for our children--remember the teachers unions to not generally support private, charter or vouchers either but these too work in some cases and areas and give parents the freedom to have choices which is what it is all about anyway. When I hear more I will send the information onward.
Here in NM let us continue to homeschool our children, creating life learners, whose own efforts of learning, athletics, performing arts, etc.,etc. be the 'proof in the pudding' of the SUCCESS of homeschooling.

Tabbi

CA Court to reconsider ruling
Monday, June 23, 2008
The California Court of Appeals is set today to reconsider their ruling that required home educators to have a teaching credential in order to teach their children at home. The hearing pits the California teachers union against the governor and homeschool advocates across the state.

The most notable dissenter was the 330,000-member California Teachers Association, the state's largest teachers union. While insisting that it does not challenge the right of parents to homeschool their children, the association argued that state law requires in-home teachers to be credentialed.

Read more at the link to her blog http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/ca-court-to-reconsider-ruling.html

NMHSC Going on a Computer Enforced Break

2008-06-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

I will be back in a week!

OK so the computer crashed taking all my info from the fair and contacts with it...no big deal really...turns out Windows is most likely corrupted so have to go and get my hard drive info taken out before reinstalling Windows.

Through all this I have been working on a NEW IMPROVED REALLY COOL BETTER FUNCTIONING website and way of sharing information and resource around our beautiful state.

So since I have to work on the really slow computer (don't let it hear me it might decide it needs a vacation too) I am going to basically take a break for a week or so from sending out emails. If there are priority ones that need to go out I will still be able to check my mail but basically I am just going to get the new site up and running so that we can just jump into that....wait till you see what I have in store, so exciting! This means that my 'thank yous' that usually go out to vendors from the fair will slowly get done as I find that information again--SIGH technology makes life easier AND harder.

Basically the new website will have forums, calendar, blogging capabilities and really cool webcasts from around NM and beyond and oh so many more online capabilities! Oh yes and if you have a business you will be able to have ads up on the website!! One central location, more exposure, easier access!

Our numbers have grown into the thousands and it is harder for me to answer everyone's emails personally so I am seeing the need for a larger space where our community can really connect.

If you would still like to donate go to the website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com and hit the Paypal button or email me and I will send you my mailing info. All the monies will go to keeping this community running--and I am doing everything I can to keep it free and/or low cost!

My priority is making sure that we as homeschoolers in New Mexico are able to connect with other homeschoolers and find resources in our community. No matter which way you choose to life your life, raise your family or educate your children we all need connections we all need a community.

I am so blessed to have you all in our world...I can not imagine a better place to give the gift of life long learning to my children. New Mexico is the example of successful homeschooling and I feel that we are leading the way for others in the future!

So on that note I will 'talk' to most of you in a week!!

Tijeras: WILDFEST 2008

2008-06-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Talking Talons Youth Leadership, U.S Forest Service, Department of Health, and Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots are teaming up to bring you WILDFEST 2008! This event is July 26, 2008 at Roosevelt Middle School, from 10:00am-4:00pm. The venue is located within the beautiful Sandia Mountains right of Rt. 66. Learn about Hawks, Falcons, Owls, Bats, and even Reptiles. Come experience teachings about your very own environment, wildlife, and conservation acts. Enjoy the entertainment of magicians, musicians, and even some wonderful balloon rides. The entry fee for this event is $3 for adults, $2 for youth ages 5-12, and free for youth under 5 years of age. For more details call 281-1133 ext 5#, or visit www.TalkingTalons.com

Come for the fun but stay for the adventure!

Here is the Home school newsletter info thanks for your help!

Sincerely,

Ariel Dunlap

Talking Talons Youth Leaderhip Health Educator

www.TalkingTalons.com

ariel@talkingtalons.com

Albuquerque: UNM Art Museum Summer Treasures

2008-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

There are 2 PDFs attached to this so if you can not see them email me or the originator of the email!--Tabbi

IMPORTANT! This message has been blind-carbon-copied to you.
Do not reply-to-all or forward it without the author's permission.

Hi all,

Treat yourself to a visit to these FREE summer shows (see attached flyers for BIG STUFF and Ukiyo-e Japanese Prints) and you won't be sorry. I'm especially excited about the Japanese print exhibition--where else can you visit another place and time for the price of parking? Plus, it's air conditioned!

Happy Summer,
Sara

Sara Otto-Diniz, Ph.D.
Museum Educator
University of New Mexico Art Museum
MSC04 2570
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 277-4010
www.unm.edu/~artmuse

"It seems as if the artwork is talking to you."
4th grade art partners

sodiniz@unm.edu

Blog: Changing the Status Quo in Education--Obama interview w/ ABC News

2008-06-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Anyone have any links to interviews with McCain on Education? I want to hear what they have to say... Please send them to me...Thanks, Tabbi

http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/changing-status-quo-in-education.html

Changing the Status Quo in Education
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Education may become an election issue after all. Jake Tapper at ABC News takes up the issue of school choice with Barack Obama. Here's a tanscript:

TAPPER: You talked about the need to change the status quo in education today.

OBAMA: Right.

TAPPER: But one of the ways that proponents of school choice say that the best way to change the status quo is to give parents, inner-city parents a choice. Why not?

OBAMA: Well, the problem is, is that, you know, although it might benefit some kids at the top, what you're going to do is leave a lot of kids at the bottom. We don't have enough slots for every child to go into a parochial school or a private school. And what you would see is a huge drain of resources out of the public schools.

Read more at link above.

eCYBERMISSION- 6-9th Grades

2008-06-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Information via
LIFE of Florida homepage: http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com/

Learning is for Everyone, Inc homepage & Forums: http://www.Learningis4everyone.org

eCYBERMISSION
http://www.ecybermi ssion.com

eCYBERMISSION is a web-based science, math and technology competition
for 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade teams. Your team will propose a
solution to a real problem in your community and compete for regional
and national awards. eCYBERMISSION challenges you to explore how
science, math and technology work in your world. Registration for new
season starts August 1.

-N.NM/S.CO2008 Fun Free Days - Denver

2008-06-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

F
UN
(
AND
C
HEAP
!) F
AMILY
A
CTIVITIES
- S
UMMER
2008
All events have FREE admission unless otherwise noted.
Highlighted events have not yet posted updated information for 2008, so dates and times are estimated based on previous year’s
information. Highlighted events are new or updated since the last posting.
To add an event to this calendar, please contact Charisse Broderick King at cjbroderickking@msn.com.
 FREE DAYS
 Botanic Gardens – 720-864-3500 www.botanicgardens.org
 Monday, July 21
 Saturday, September 27
 Saturday, October 18
 Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Park – 303-973-3705 www.botanicgardens.org
 Friday, June 6
 Friday, August 1
 Friday, October 3
 Friday, November 7
 Friday, December 5
 Denver Museum of Nature and Science – 303-322-7009 www.dmns.org
 Wednesday, June 25
 Wednesday, August 13
 Sunday, September 7
 Wednesday, October 22
 Sunday, December 7
 Denver Art Museum - 720-865-5000 www.denverartmuseum.org
 Free First Saturdays – the first Saturday of every month is free for Colorado residents
 Denver Zoo – 303-376-4800 www.denverzoo.org
 Tuesday, October 7
 Saturday, October 18
 Sunday, November 2
 Sunday, November 9
 Denver Firefighter‟s Museum – 303-892-1436 www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org
 Saturday, August 2
 Saturday, October 11
 Denver Firefighter‟s Museum – 1326 Tremont Pl
 Children‟s Museum – 303-433-7444 www.cmdenver.org
 Free First Tuesdays – the first Tuesday of every month is free for Colorado residents from
4:00 – 8:00 pm
 Hudson Gardens – www.hudsongardens.org
 Sunday, June 15 – free concert too!
 Thursday, September 11
 Hudson Gardens – 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton
 Denver Center for the Performing Arts – www.denvercenter.

Sign2Speak, next workshop, solar party, signing time emmy nod

2008-06-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Hello and welcome to the new subscribers. For those of you who have taken the one hour intro course, don't forget our monthly playgroups. Let me know if you have a topic in mind and I'll try to work it in. The next one is Monday, June 30 at 10am at Body, Mind & Spirit.

Our next intro and workshop combo is SATURDAY, JUNE 28 from 10-11am and 11am-1pm. If you've been meaning to learn more vocabulary and other fun ways to sign with your little ones, register now. There are still spots available.

And finally, another great event I'm helping organize at Body, Mind & Spirit is the June 28th Solar Party. It's completely free and there is even free childcare, though you have to preregister for that. Read more details below.

Come One, Come All!

Summer is here! Help us celebrate summer, the sun, and energy independence and sustainability at our Solar Party on Saturday, June 28 from 4-7pm. Bring your family's favorite dish and let us know if you need childcare. Learn more nitty-gritty details here. We look forward to seeing you there.

Who: You and your family. We prefer you come with your spouse or partner and will have childcare for your kids.
What: the first Body, Mind & Spirit-sponsored energy-independence and sustainability party
When: Saturday, June 28th , 4-7pm
Where: The Source, 1111 Carlisle SE (where you see us for classes!)
Why: Because you will get useful energy-reducing ideas you can apply RIGHT AWAY, tasty vittles, like-minded company and it’s all FREE

How: Simply register online or via phone and let us know if you need childcare and for how many. Then, before you come, prepare a yummy dish to share with others and be sure to pack it with you as you load up the car. Once you arrive, send the kiddies off for their adventures and prepare to be wowed by our expert presenters as they show you how to achieve energy efficiency you’ve never dreamed possible.

What else:

* pack your own re-usable dinner ware, cups and napkins
* Tell ALL YOUR FRIENDS about this event
* Childcare IS free, but we do need to know to expect your children

UPCOMING CLASSES AND EVENTS

Saturday, June 28, 2008; 10-11am
Intro to Infant Sign Language at Body, Mind & Spirit
Learn the basics of how to "talk" with your baby before he or she can say words! Grow closer to your child, while easing frustration and more easily satisfying his or her needs. $10 plus tax.

Saturday, June 28, 2008; 11am-1pm
Sign2Speak Workshop at Body, Mind & Spirit
This follow-up workshop to Signing #1 will add to the basics of infant ASL, taking you to the next level. LOTS of vocabulary, strategies to make the signs easier to remember for both you AND baby, and more ways to keep you both excited about early communication. Join us for all this plus signing songs, games, and fun! $35 for up to two people FROM THE SAME HOUSEHOLD. This will be a fast-moving workshop and we request participants do not bring along infants or children (or else bring along another adult to care for them).

For classes beyond this, visit the Sign2speak Schedule.

Zon: Online Game to Teach Chinese culture, language

2008-06-20T13:16:00.001-07:00

Information via
LIFE of Florida homepage: http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com/

Learning is for Everyone, Inc homepage & Forums: http://www.Learningis4everyone.org

Zon: online game to teach Chinese culture, language

As the Olympics approach and China becomes even more dominant in the
news, a Michigan State University professor has created an online
video game that teaches Chinese culture and language.

Called Zon/New Chengo, (http://enterzon. com/), the multiplayer Web-
based role-playing game was created by Yong Zhao, MSU distinguished
professor of educational psychology and technology. A native of a
poor, remote area of the Sichuan Province, he has become a highly
influential researcher in Chinese education, bringing in more than
$20 million in research to the university.

"Games are supposed to be fun and educational, " said Zhao."This game
offers a vicarious, virtual experience of China."

Complete story in Detroit Free Press:
http://www.freep. com/apps/ pbcs.dll/ article?
AID=/20080616/ BLOG01/80616010/ 1002/BUSINESS

Visit Zon at http://enterzon. com

Blog: Facebook Says 'Yes' to Homeschoolers

2008-06-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/facebook-says-yes-to-homeschoolers.html

Facebook Says 'Yes' to Homeschoolers
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The world would go on just fine if this announcement had never been made, but for 1000's of homeschool kids it has now become easier to join the popular social networking site, Facebook, without compromising the verification process or site security. From the Facebook Blog,

Back in September 2006, we decided to open up Facebook to everyone. Well, almost everyone.We realized Facebook would be most useful if more people were allowed
to join, but we also weren't willing to compromise the security of the site by removing all methods of verification, especially for high school students and minors. Unfortunately this meant that most homeschoolers weren't able to register. For security purposes, users under the age of 18 were required to affiliate with their current high school, but it was nearly impossible to extend this system to homeschooled users.

We've been working on ways to solve this—we want minors to use Facebook safely above all. Today, we're happy to announce that we've recently come up with a way for homeschoolers to join. We've created a new verification system—one that doesn't depend on being in a high school, but still provides the level of security we believe is required. So welcome, everyone, to Facebook.

Spaceweather: Summer Solstice Brings Glow-in-the-Dark Clouds

2008-06-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Space Weather News for June 20, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

SUMMER SOLSTICE: Northern summer and southern winter begin today, June 20th, at precisely 23:59 UT (7:59 pm EDT) when the sun ascends to its highest latitude on the celestial sphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, we have the longest day and shortest night of the year, and the reverse in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are changing--Happy Solstice!

NOCTILUCENT CLOUDS: Summer is the season for noctilucent clouds and this morning, right on cue, a wave of bright NLCs rolled over the British Isles. Observers in Scotland and Northern Ireland report luminous tendrils of electric blue bright enough to attract the attention of casual passersby. These glow-in-the-dark clouds are a 100+ year old mystery under investigation now by NASA's AIM spacecraft. Originally confined to arctic latitudes, NLCs have spread in recent years with sightings in the United States as far south as Utah and Colorado. Check today's edition of http://spaceweather.com for observing tips and the latest photos.

You are subscribed to the Space Weather mailing list, a free service of Spaceweather.com.

Home School Opportunities Make Education Sound Act of 2008

2008-06-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

OK this is a warning before and after you read this...you might get excited...you might jump for joy...finally vindicated that homeschooling is a valid option....YAY we are finally going to get paid....Are you done?...ok so breathe....first of all these type bills come up nearly every year, they do not get any where in my experience, and remember it is an election year-----------granted this one is not asking for us as homeschoolers to list and itemize all homeschooling purchases and many of us could say that almost everything relates to homeschooling that we pay for in some way or another....AND I do not know what proof parents who send their kids to private school are asked to turn in to prove that they are actually sending their kids to a private school....BUT I just want to keep you informed of events in politics. Think about it carefully, how many hoops would they ask us to jump through to get this money? Are you willing to sell your 'homeschool soul' for money? Yes, yes, yes I know what you are thinking we could ALL use the money as most of us are struggling to get by BUT is it worth it to have the federal government more in our lives? Just think about it--please feel free to start a repectful discussion--or talk amongst yourselves ( I am feeling so verklempt over this...lol..whoa SNL Flashback) --Tabbi

Information via LIFE of Florida homepage: http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com/
Learning is for Everyone, Inc homepage & Forums: http://www.Learningis4everyone.org

I've been trying to find a moment to learn more about LA SenatorDavid Vitter's bill to amend the US tax code to provide taxdeductions for homeschoolers. I've looked it over and I'm still,personally, undecided on the wisdom of this bill. I'd enjoy hearingother's thoughts on it.
On the one hand, it would certainly seem to open to the door tolegislating homeschooling – what expenses would be covered, whichones wouldn't, and why? Who decides, and then what else can bedecided with respect to how we homeschool. On the other hand. Anddespite Vitter's suggestion that private school families are affordedsome kind of "relief" for their educational choices, other thanvouchers, there doesn't seem to be any kind of IRS provision alongthe lines of what he's asking for homeschoolers provided to privateschoolers.
If we really want to provide tax relief to people who choose a formof education outside of public schools, it seems all forms ofalternative education should be equally included.
On the other hand, I know a lot of people would really appreciate andbenefit from the type of relief offered in this bill.
Thoughts?
http://thomas. loc.gov/cgi- bin/query/ D?c110:1: ./temp/~c110EhBy Tc::Home School Opportunities Make Education Sound Act of 2008(Introduced in Senate)S 3076 IS
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax deductionfor itemizers and nonitemizers for expenses relating to homeschooling.
The bill was introduced by Senator David Vitterhttp://vitter. senate.gov/ ?module=pressroo m/pressitem& ID=dbcdcfb0- d6a1-4acb-ae61-cfd76b18c 8c0 to "provide education-related tax relief tofamilies who home school their children. The Home SchoolOpportunities Make Education Sound Act would allow home schoolfamilies to take advantage of tax deductions to help alleviateeducation-related expenses. "
From his website:
"Like those who choose to send their children to privateschools, home school families pay an inequitable share of education-related expenses," said Vitter. "Even as they pay for expendituresrelated to home school activities, they fund public schools throughtheir tax dollars. We need to provide them with the same reliefoffered to private school families, and this bill is intended to dojust that, by minimizing the financial burden of these families."
Vitter's bill provides for a deduction of $500 per childwith an annual limit of $2,000 for expenses related to K-12homeschooling activities. For families that do not itemize theirtaxes, the bill would allow for a standardized deduction of $500 perchild, not to exceed $2,000 in one year. Families with children whoattend private schools are already eligible for education-related taxbenefits.
"All families should be provided with a full spectrum ofchoices when it comes to the education of their children," Vittersaid. "We need to take the necessary steps to remove the unduefinancial burdens that are currently placed on home school families.As individuals empower themselves to take responsibility for theproper education of their children, we should in turn provide themwith the appropriate tools to do so. To that end, this legislationis a positive step in that process."
Other thoughts on this effort:
The Informed Parent: http://www.tiprr. com/blog/ ?p=96HEM Blog: http://www.homeedma g.com/blogs/ newscomm/ ?p=1521
And I'll be blogging my .02 on it as I learn (and process) more atProgressive Homeschoolers of FL:http://progressiveh omeschoolersoffl orida.blogspot. com
Follow the Bill's progress here:http://www.govtrack .us/congress/ bill.xpd? bill=s110- 3076

Intelligent By Design- Science Classes & More for kids

2008-06-17T06:20:00.002-07:00

Did you get to meet Karen at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008? Her table looked like a science fair and I saw a lot of families stopping to talk to her. This amazing lady holds classes using the science program Real Science-4-Kids on Chemistry, Biology and Physics--Grades K-9. She combines the best of group learning with individual success in experiments and knowledge.

http://www.ibd-kids.com/about/about.htm

Check out her upcoming course schedule and list of classes offered Fall 2008 here:
http://www.ibd-kids.com/courses/courses.htm

**To those of you who might not take a look at this curriculum or these classes because it does not match your belief system I would say give it a closer look. They are taught as just straight science with personal beliefs aside and as I have said before it is one of the best science programs out there. I can personally attest to this and you are welcome to email me.

Gravitas Publications- Real Science-4-Kids

2008-06-17T06:20:00.001-07:00

If you came to the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008 and got a chance to meet some of the hard working people behind this great company you were probably surprised to find out that they are based right here in Albuquerque!!

What an honor it is to have hands down one of the best science programs for kids (K-9) and adults (because we learn while the kids learn)<--my personal opinion there as I have seen a lot of science programs but none that really compare to the ease of use and clear explanations of these books.

Check them out they might work for your family:
http://www.gravitaspublications.com/

Their new Kogs workbooks that go along with the science are just amazing--> Technology, Critical Thinking, History, Language Arts, Art, and Philosophy.

Albuquerque: Westside Park Day

2008-06-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

10AM Terrazas Park

Thursday, June 19

All ages welcome!

Go to Google and hit 'maps' in the top left, type in 'Terrazas Park Albuquerque' and you can see a map.

Parks will be rotated weekly throughout Ventana Ranch, Paradise Hills and Taylor Ranch areas.

For more information:
Raven heygorgeous3@aol.com
Amber ambern_leinhos@yahoo.com
Kristine kld2569@juno.com

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

2008-06-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

www.nmnaturalhistory.org

Miss out on seeing the educational resources the museum has to offer both homeschool teaches and students at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair? From prehistoric preschool to outreach to volunteering to learning opportunities for homeschool teachers check it all out here http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/edu_main.html

And more amazing is that they have a fabulous new exhibit called "Dawn of the Dinosaurs" the ONLY Triassic Hall in North America featuring Coelophysis, New Mexico's State Dinosaur! And while you are there going back in time be sure to see the new Dynamax Theatre presentation of 'Dinosaurs Alive' with creatures from the Triassic to the Cretaceous!

There is an upcoming Bosque Education Teacher Workshop coming up on June 30th--see contact info on the website linked above to see if there are still spaces available!

This museum is a largely untapped resouce for the homeschooling community on topics in and around New Mexico and beyond...even to Mars and back, so check it out today!

Need another reason to check them out? The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center in the Sandia Mountains http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/smnhc/

Puppetnettes-- Puppetmaking & Stories from the Philippines

2008-06-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Do your kids like to act out stories and do arts and crafts? Then they would love learning how to make shadow puppets and marionettes and learning stories from the Philippines!!

http://www.kidstale-nm.com/

Miss out on the puppet making at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008? Set up a class for your group today or check out her schedule to see where she will be next!

Albuquerque Home Learners

2008-06-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

From their website: A diverse, yet unified organization of homeschooling families who work collectively and cooperatively to provide encouragement, support, resources, classes, fieldtrips and both social and educational activities and opportunities to its members and their children. We are working to build a fellowship which recognizes each member's valuable contribution. Our operation is based upon mutual respect, member initiative, and a democratically based decision making process. We acknowledge a responsibility to one another, as well as to our local community. We will allow our group to evolve as our enrollment, and our children, grow.

www.abqhomelearners.org Check them out and meet with the many families that make up this diverse group! Playdays, classes, field trips and more!

Sign2Speak

2008-06-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

This dynamic Albuquerque mama has her own fantastic company helping families communicate better with their babies and toddlers using American Sign Language (ASL)!

http://www.sign2speak.com/

Didn't get to meet Amylee at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008? Check out one of her upcoming classes or events! http://www.sign2speak.com/schedule.htm

ABQHomeschoolHigh

2008-06-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

These great group of parents, tweens and teens helped make the signs for the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008-check'em out!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abqhomeschoolhigh/

This group was designed to support kids ages 10-18 currently homeschooled in the greater Albuqerque area. We offer classes, activities and events with a difference. At this age we feel it's important to allow kids a voice in the decision making process, therefore we will take into consideration their suggestions and ideas for new classes and events. Diversity is the spice of life and we welcome anyone who wants to learn in a safe, fun environment. Welcome Aboard!!

NMHSC Raffle, 6/16--> 'The Homeschooling Handbook'

2008-06-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

by Mary Griffith, Paperback, 1997, Printed by Prima Publishing ---Image of book is on main website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com

This is a virtual raffle drawing for the book. The book is in excellent condition with some writing in the back near the group listings. It is older and some of the groups and links might be out of date but the general information itself is timeless for those that need a boost in the reasons why they are homeschooling and those new to homeschooling. Mary Griffith is a wonderful writer and has many books that all homeschoolers should read! Here is her website--the book in this raffle is the original edition http://www.marygriffith.net/Site/homeschooling.html

Entry is $3

You can enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!

You add more to donate to the NM Home School Community. Proceeds will go to support the efforts and future projects of the NM Home School Community.

Go to my website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com or http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/ and hit the Paypal donate button. Checks and cash also accepted, email me for details.

Please include 'The Homeschooling Handbook' Raffle in the paypal subject line and your name, email, address and phone number(s) for contact (this information will not be shared or viewed except by myself)

Entries must be received by Friday, June 20 at midnight.

Virtual raffle drawing will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2008 and winner will be announced via email!

I will cover shipping. Or I will make arrangements to meet you in town if you live in the Albuquerque Area.

The raffle entries will vary in amount depending on the prize being offered.

If you have curriculum, books and/or educational related items that you would like to donate to be raffled off please contact me at NMHomeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

IMPT!!! PLEASE READ!--Tapestry of Homeschool Survey

2008-06-16T06:57:00.001-07:00

Information via LIFE of Florida homepage: http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com/
Learning is for Everyone, Inc homepage & Forums: http://www.Learningis4everyone.org

LIFEs Tapestry of Homeschool Survey Running through Summer
http://learningisforev.HomeschoolTapestry.sgizmo.com
Over 700 homeschoolers have participated so far, adding their threads
to the Tapestry of Homeschooling survey in an effort to counteract
modern day mythologies of homeschooling.

Homeschoolers comprise a diverse and multifaceted community. Getting
a better picture of who we are can help us support one another
better, as well as better protect our collective right to direct our
children's learning.

Results of this survey will be publicly available, but no personal
information will be collected, nor will any information be sold or
used for commercial purposes by Learning is for Everyone, Inc.

Hard (paper) copies of the survey are available on request for
distribution at a local level by local and state homeschool groups.
You may return the surveys to us (email info@learningis4eve ryone.org
for address) for inclusion in final results, or use them to get a
better understanding of homeschooling in your area.

The survey is long -- there are 80 questions -- but many are optional
fill-ins. And we're asking questions others looking at homeschooling
haven't been asking, about things we think will provide a far more
accurate look at who we are and what's important to us. It'll remain
online through the summer.

I hope you'll add your threads to the Tapestry of Homeschool, and
encourage others to, as well. The more threads, the more beautiful
the Tapestry!

National Atomic Museum

2008-06-16T06:55:00.001-07:00

...soon to be the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. www.atomicmuseum.com

Did you get to meet Sue and play with her gadgets at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008?

Well go check them out, here is some information from their website about this important part of our past, present and future:

The National Atomic Museum is the nation's only Congressionally chartered museum of nuclear science and history. The museum was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today's peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present through permanent and changing exhibits and displays the diverse applications of nuclear energy and its pioneers.

Exhibits include:

Pioneers of Science including Madame Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and Lise Meitner.
What's Hot, What's Not - Radiation in the World Around You explaining both naturally occurring and man created radiation
The Manhattan Project, WW II, and The Cold War
Seeing is Healing, a look at Nuclear Medicine
Waging Peace, the history of Arms Control
Little Al's Lab™, where inquisitive young minds can try their hand at science activities
Museum visitors can view and photograph displays presenting the development of the Atomic Age, including replicas of the world's first two atomic weapons, Little Boy and Fat Man, which were built and used at the end of World War II.

Make sure you go to visit the museum at their current location:

The National Atomic Museum is located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, along Museum Corridor. Within walking distance are three additional museums, including Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and Explora Children's Museum. The National Atomic Museum is located at 1905 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque New Mexico 87104. We are 2 blocks east of Rio Grande Boulevard and just north of Old Town, Albuquerque. The phone number is
(505) 245-2137.

But in Fall 2008 they will be moving to a new location with classroom space, heritage park and 30,000 sq foot facility!
http://www.atomicmuseum.org/

National Atomic Museum

2008-06-15T11:09:00.002-07:00

Spread Your Wings and Fly: An Origami Fold and Tell, Mary Chloe Schoolcraft Saunders

2008-06-15T11:09:00.001-07:00

Did you get to meet Mary in person at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008? She is a vibrant author who makes origami fun and easy as it flows along with her story of going through life.

http://www.amazon.com/Spread-Your-Wings-Fold-Tell/dp/0966289218/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213553060&sr=1-2

Contact her locally at mcspossibilities@yahoo.com

Progressive Language, Camps & Curriculum

2008-06-15T10:51:00.002-07:00

If you did not get to meet them at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008 or see their fun demonstration check them out in real life at their upcoming camps:

Just 3 Weeks until Spanish Camps Begin! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spanish Champs Day Camps

The most dynamic camps in town - in any language!

The camps are a great way for your child to have an immersion style Spanish experience. Campers use music, stories, crafts, games, contests, skits and plays to learn Spanish. Space is limited to 14 children per camp.

Camp one introduces and reinforces basic Spanish: greetings, numbers, colors, food, and clothes. Children will be exposed to key verbs. Children perform several songs and contests for parents at the end of the week.

Camp two expands beyond the basic Spanish of camp one, and the children will be preparing for and acting in a play at the end of the week. A great follow-up for camp one.

Camp three is taught primarily in Spanish and is focused on increasing oral proficiency and beginning literacy. Children will write and illustrate a storybook in Spanish.

All Summer Camps: 1pm - 4pm daily

The cost of each camp is $150.

July 7-11: Beginners with little or no comprehension. Age 5-10
July 14-18: Beginners with some comprehension - (cont. of camp 1). Age 5-10
July 21-25: Intermediate with good comprehension of basics. Age 6-11

Click Here for Flyer & Registration Form

Click Here to Register Online

Location: Approximately Tramway and Academy

Call Tim Keller with Questions: 505 235 0882
Quick Links...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Progressive Language website
Spanish Champs Overview
Watch Demo of Spanish Champs Level 1
Watch Demo of Spanish Champs Level 2 DVD
Buy Spanish Champs CDs and DVDs
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
phone: 505 235 0882 or email tim@progressivelanguage.com

Oak Grove Classical Academy in Albuquerque

2008-06-15T10:51:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Just FYI, we are offering K-3 this first year and plan to add at least one grade per year until 12th-- 6/16/08

If you did not get to meet them at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008 then check out their website. It is a fantastic opportunity and education choice for some families K-12. www.OakGroveClassical.com

For more information:
Phone Number:
505-269-2696
Email:
info@oakgroveclassical.com

From their About Us page:

Christ-Centered
What is the difference between a good education and a great education? We believe that a GREAT education inspires students to pursue the Truth and understand the world around them. At Oak Grove we recognize that the pursuit of Truth is not a subjective venture. Rather, all truth belongs to and stems from God. Pointing students to their compass, the Word of God, is the only way they will discern truth from error, right from wrong, and good from evil. Because all learning is premised on a defined world view, Oak Grove seeks to present language, history, science and the arts as tools through which we learn more of God's character and His design of our world.
Classical Approach
For centuries, a classical philosophy of education has informed the education of children and inspired them to think and learn for themselves. The founders of this Republic and its great thinkers were educated under the influence of classical education. Only in the past century did the mainstream of educators in Western civilization depart from this vision. By structuring the curriculum around the Trivium, classical education focuses on critical thinking skills, classic languages such as Latin and Greek, and a defined body of content knowledge. The Trivium capitalizes on age appropriate strengths of students at each of three primary stages of development:

- Grammar/Knowledge Stage (K-5th grade): Students grasp the basic building blocks foundational to life-long learning by applying meaningful memorization and mastery of content knowledge. Focus is placed on delivery of factual information through poetry, vocabulary, mathematics, literature, geography and historical narrative.

- Logic/Understanding Stage (6-9th grade): Students critically analyze more complex issues applying the difficult "why" and "how" questions to each subject area. Studying formal logic, they develop reasoning skills, recognize and avoid invalid conclusions, and construct persuasive arguments.

- Rhetoric/Wisdom Phase (10-12th grade): Students emphasize the integration of academic content by understanding the connections between bodies of knowledge and building the power of persuasion within the world of ideas. Based on the knowledge and reasoning skills developed through the grammar and logic stages, students culminate their academic experience by applying the art of both written and spoken presentation.

Partnership
Premised on a biblical foundation, we believe parents to be the child's first and most influential teachers (Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6:4). Because parents are the single most influential factor in a child's emotional, social, and spiritual development, Oak Grove seeks to become partners with parents in their God-given task to teach their children spiritually, academically, and physically. The University-Model provides parents the tools of time, curricular flexibility and academic expertise in order for them to be confident and effective co-teachers.

Cultivation of Delight and Wonder
At Oak Grove, our goal is to challenge our students without exasperating them. While we will maintain rigorous academic standards for our students, we will foster joy in learning through connecting their classroom efforts with hands-on activities, real-life experiences, field trips, and special academic events. A classical education should not be rigid or dull, but full of life! We want our children to not only learn, but to love learning.

D.R.I.V.E. --Christian Support Group for HS'd Teens

2008-06-15T07:25:00.002-07:00

http://www.abqteendrive.com/

Dedication
Responsibility
Initiative
Vision
Enthusiasm

This group has proven to be a dynamically active and integral part of the community in which they live. If you did not get to meet some of the driving forces behind this group or see some of the teens walking around the New Mexico Home School Community Fair I suggest you go and check them out!

They mean what they stand for and in today's world that is really rare! Enjoy!

Explora--Home School Science Club!! and more!

2008-06-15T07:25:00.001-07:00

These folks went above and beyond by offering to print the brochures that were handed out at the fair. So a huge thanks goes out to Explora and their fantastic staff!

www.Explora.us

If you did not get to meet and play at their table at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008 I would highly suggest you take a day and go PLAY!

And check it out they have classes just for homeschoolers that are registering now, how awesome is that they even have a link for home schools on their website:

http://www.explora.us/ExploraPHP/english/homeschoolsci.php

K-1 class (4-6 year olds)
Monday, 11:00-12:00
Tuesday, 11:00-12:00

2-4 class (7-9 yrs)
Monday, 11:00-12:00
Monday, 1:00-2:00
Tuesday, 11:00-12:00

5-7 class (10-12 yrs)
Monday, 1:00-2:00
Tuesday, 1:00-2:00

8-12 class (13-17 yrs)
Tuesday, 1:00-2:30

There are many reasons you could spend all day and then realize you need to get a family membership because you know you will be back...their exhibits, science store and more....I mean have you ever played with GINORMOUS bubbles getting the floor messy and it was OK? Have you ever seen a table FILLED with tops that you can just spin to your hearts content? Or an elevator with a full living room set-couch, coffee table and everything.....

And check out their programs for toddlers, Growing A Scientist and after-school!

--Albuquerque/Bernalillo Cty. Library System

2008-06-15T07:06:00.001-07:00

Hands down best resources for homeschoolers--THE LIBRARY!! Making friends with your librarian is one of the best relationships and community resources you can have for your child(ren)! And the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System is the biggest one in the state with branches in the East Mountains to the West Mesa!

www.cabq.gov/library

Did you know:

not only can you and your kids get library cards but

you can save and order your books online to be picked up at your favorite branch?

adults as well as kids (even non readers) can sign up for the summer reading program?

they have Digital Library (Databases) that include resources such as Automotive, Languages, Magazines and Newspapers and more?

volunteering opportunities?

meeting rooms?

classes on using the library and it's resources?

OH YEAH AND THEY HAVE BOOKS TOO!!! You can even order books from other libraries in inter-library loans!

Personally in my homeschooling I don't know what we would have done without our library and the librarians they employ. I hope you got to meet some of these wonderful people at the New Mexico Home School Community Fair 2008 but if not stop by your local branch and make friends with your librarian today!!

Every Child Ready to Read, Albuquerque/Bernalillo Cty. Library

2008-06-15T06:48:00.002-07:00

If you did not get to talk to them at the NMHSC 2008 Fair give them a call. Those of you will little ones might want to attend one of their workshops, these workshops are also good for caregivers! Maybe your older homeschool teen could benefit if they have interest in a career that would need these skills, I am not sure about the age that they would allow teens to go by themselves but it never hurts to ask so give them a call today!

Contact: Hallie Barnes, Literacy Coordinator, 768-5103

http://www.cabq.gov/library/everychild.html

From their website:

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Research shows that children get ready to read years before they start school. The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System wants every child in Albuquerque to be given the best possible chance to succeed. Towards this effort, the Library System has adopted Every Child Ready to Read®, an early childhood literacy program developed by the American Library Association.

Every Child Ready to Read® will be presented in the form of free one-hour workshops that are designed to give parents and caregivers tips on how to give young children a head start on a life of learning. Parents and caregivers can attend workshops for Early Talkers (ages newborn-2), Talkers (ages 2-3) and Pre-Readers (ages 4-5).

The Every Child Ready to Read® workshops will take place at various locations throughout the City of Albuquerque. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling (505) 768-5103, and may bring their children with them.

Every Child Ready to Read® is sponsored by the following: Target Corporation, the Friends for the Public Library, the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, Lockheed Martin/Sandia National Laboratories, and the Qwest Foundation.

Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions

2008-06-15T06:48:00.001-07:00

I hope you got to talk to them at the NMHSC Fair 2008 but if not check them out, they have a lot of resources that would be of use to homeschoolers in high school. Not just for GED and SAT/ACT help anymore but they still have those resources too!

www.kaptest.com

Contact:

Seth Bush
New Mexico Director
2501 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste 203
Albuquerque 87110

505-884-8880
seth.bush@kaplan.com

For Sale: Gr 5 Scott Foreman Addison Wesley Math

2008-06-15T06:38:00.001-07:00

Brand New set in rolling tote:

Scott Foreman Addison Wesley Math Grade 5:

1) NM standards-based assessment practice and test prep
2) Homework book
3) Benchmark Tests
4) Discovery channel Masters school
5) adhesive board for manipulative and manipulative's
6) Assessment Sourcebook
7) NM Lesson Planner: teach to the test
8) Math DIagnosis and intervention system
9) Research and Validation executive Summary
10) Teachers Guide (4 books)
11) Problems solving Masters Workbook
12) Enrichment Masters Workbook
13) PRactice MAsters Workbook
14) Teaching Tools Masters
15) Spiral Reveiw and Test Prep/Maters Workbook
16) Review from last year Masters
17) Reteaching Masters Workbook
18) Homeschool Connection Workbook
19) 2 Packages of Transparencies
20) Every Student Learns Workbook
21) Problem of the day Transparencies Flip Chart

Asking $100 OBO

lactationrn@yahoo.com

Have a Fabulous Day!

Andrea Bass RN, LC
505-323-9222

www.marykay.com/andreab

For Sale: Gr 5 Scott Foreman Addison Wesley Math

2008-06-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Southwest Home Educators Association

2008-06-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Check out SHEA for their community and their resources. From fundraising to sport to field trips they have a ton of resources!

http://www.southwest-home-education.com/

From their 'About Us' Section:

Southwest Home Educators Association (SHEA) is a multi-state organization formed for the benefit of providing positive and inclusive social and academic opportunities to home-educated students and their families. The member states consist of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn as much as they desire, at their own pace, and in a nurturing and encouraging environment. In addition, we believe that children should be able to choose their social situations, based upon their family values and individual interests, and not ever be forced into social situations that are undesirable or make them feel uncomfortable.

To encourage positive socialization, SHEA will strive to keep families in their member states updated with a variety of calendared options to choose from by appointing Area Leaders to assist in implementing them. Such activities may include opportunities for field trips, workshops, cooperative classes, sports training, academic competition, regular park and library days, and more. Area Leaders will work with existing groups, especially those that are struggling to get members to participate, and help to provide inclusive activities.

Lots of ideas are being developed to offer more to students – especially those in middle and high school. We offer a Virtual Student Body - or VSB, where students can learn leadership skills and participate in community awareness projects. Home-educated students should be able to participate in community service clubs and organizations, particularly those that offer scholarship grants, so we are working hard to make that happen. In addition, student members of the VSB can lobby their own student body government to resolve issues that home educated students face.

SHEA's sports program is like none other currently offered to home educators. Every child should have the opportunity to learn how to play a variety of sports, without the pressure of feeling like they must compete, or they are not "good enough" to be on a team. Our training program will help students focus on learning the sport, with less emphasis on competition. Area Leaders will be able to coordinate a variety of sports and physical education programs that have been developed by SHEA specifically for home educated students. You don't have to be a professional or have years of experience to play, just get out there and learn. Our leaders will encourage peer development, so that those who do have more experience can help with the teaching (just another way for kids to learn service). This is an excellent program, and is available through Area Leaders. If it is the parent's desire that the child compete in a sport they are excelling at, the Area Leader or the SHEA Regional office will assist the family in locating an AAU team.

Field trips for home educators should be academically-oriented as well as fun for the whole family. In addition to regional field trips such as the annual Not Back to School Days at Disneyland, the Tall Ships expedition to Catalina Island, and the Family Retreat; SHEA will offer a host of local field trips that are coordinated through Area Leaders. You do not have to be a member of SHEA to attend our field trips - they are designed to maximize your networking opportunities so all home educators are invited. Fundraising opportunities will be available soon for those who otherwise could not afford to attend these trips. We do not want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to build lifelong memories!

Area Leaders are a key factor to building a strong, regional alliance. SHEA offers training to individuals who are inclusive and willing to learn innovative techniques which encourage growth, and are anxious to advocate home education by example. Some of these will be leaders of an existing home educators group, and others will be joining us with their years of experience in leadership from other arenas to open up new groups. Everyone will bring unique talents to the organization, which will increase the amount of resources available to home educators. If you are a group leader struggling to get your members to participate, SHEA can help you.

Additionally, we hope to provide home educators with resources, tips, and updates to make your job more manageable. From curriculum resources to free downloadable lessons, legal updates to uplifting discussion forums, to our online magazine that is currently in development, we hope that you will find everything you need here. Remember that social activities are about choices, and as a strong regional organization, SHEA can provide more choices for your family!

The future of NMHSC is up to our community. Need your help!

2008-06-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! The time has come when I have to make a decision for the good of my family.

The New Mexico Home School Community has become a huge entity and grown larger and faster than I ever could have imagined. Connecting thousands (yes thousands) of homeschoolers throughout NM since our beginning of 20 or so families in 2005!

Is has brought our community together sharing resources and connecting families in a way that has only strengthened that bond of homeschooling.

Point of fact is I love doing what I do, I love hearing from families about how they were able to find a group in their area and how those new to homeschooling are able to figure out their family's path for life long learning!

I love the fair that we hold because it does showcase the variety of learning resources in our state. I had the best time talking to those of you who do not live here and want to start this same idea in your area.

BUT this has now grown from a couple of days a week a few hours to an over 40 hour a week 'job'-nights and weekends included.

In order for this to continue I am going to have to ask for donations. I have plans to incorporate all our websites into one website as well as webcasting and of course the 2009 fair but all of this can only depend on our community. The website will be able to have advertisements and we will continue weekly raffles.

I am not asking for a ton of money $5-10 per family will go a long way to support the NMHSC. So please donate what you can--go to www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com and hit the 'Donate' button which will redirect you to Paypal. If you do not want to pay through Paypal I have set up a checking account so that I can accept checks made out to the New Mexico Home School Community-just email me for details on mailing address.

If you can not support the NMHSC financially we do accept donations of educational items & materials in 'like new' condition to be a part of our weekly raffles.

If you truly can not support the NMHSC in either way we WILL NOT stop allowing you to use our resources--and perhaps one day you will have the means and will be able to donate in some way.

This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do--asking you for money--I would rather this not matter, but it does, and if I am going to do what I love I have to find a way to support it financially. And I DO LOVE WHAT I DO. But this is also not the real me and I am making sacrifices away from my hobby of painting and sewing and spending time with my EXTREMELY supportive and loving family. As in much of life this is a huge balancing act.

So please donate what you can to help continue sharing the resources in our community. Your donation will be extremely appreciated!

Sincerely, Tabbi

FYI: Obama Endorsed by the NEA

2008-06-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

This lady is a blogger, she has her opinions, she is a Christian homeschooler, mother of 6, and has been blogging for a few years on homeschooling--check out her 'about me' to see where she is coming from and her background--I subscribe to her blog mostly because I love to hear what everyone is saying, but that does not mean I agree with everything she says or that I endorse anything she stands for......just so you know when you read her blog I am linking you to it because she has good links to the endorsement by the President of the NEA (Nat'l Educators Assoc. a group vehemently against homeschooling--in their opinion homeschooling should be illegal) ok so on that note this is not an endorsement of ANY candidate I believe that you should have your own opinions and should vote for who you want....... that being said here is the link to 'Spunky Homeschooler' blog in which she links to the endorsement of Obama by the NEA and the education platform of Obama
http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/nea-endorses-obama.html

Happy reading and as always have fun homeschooling!

Albuquerque: Fundamentals Summer Events

2008-06-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

www.fundamentalsgym.com

Whatâ€™s Happening:
Parentâ€™s Night Out (PNO), Friday June 13th 6:00-10:00pm

Relax, Dine Out, or See a Movie
While the Kids Play!!

Activities, Games, Dinner, and FUN!
Children 3* and Up Welcome
Non-members are invited too!
Generally the Second Friday of every month.
6:00-10:00 $20/child
10% discount for families with more than 1 child attending.
Children must be potty trained!
RSVP in advance to info@fundamentalsgym.com

Back Handspring Clinic, Saturday, June 14th 1:00-2:00pm

Have you always wanted to learn a back handspring? Now you can master the Fundamental progressions of this exciting skill! Open to Ages 5 and up.

June 14th, 1:00-2:00pm
$10.00.child
RSVP info@fundamentalsgym.com today, spots will fill!
Open to Non-Members as well!
Fundamentals Summer Camp, June 16th-20th and July 14th-18th

Camp is for children ages 3 and up. No experience necessary. Join us for a week of fun, gymnastics, games, arts and crafts, field trips, and fun!
June 16th-20th:
Ages 3-6, 12pm-4pm $135.00 or $50.00 per diem

July 14th-18th
Ages 3-5, 12pm-4pm $135.00 or $50.00 per diem
Ages 5 and up, 8am-4pm, $220.00 or $50.00 per diem

Field trips for full day only camp only: Pool $10.00, Zoo $12.00
*Children must be potty trained
Bring your own lunch

Call or email to sign up: info@fundamentalsgym.com, 889-4656

Fundamentals Open Gym, June 21st, 12:30-1:30pm

June 14th, 1:00-2:00pm
$10.00.child
RSVP info@fundamentalsgym.com today, spots will fill!
Open to Non-Members as well!

Mark Your Calendars, More Info to Come!
Gym Closure: June 30th-July 5th

Fundamentals Visits zoo music at the Albuquerque Zoo: Friday, July 11sth

PNO: July 18th

Open Gym: July 26th

-Edgewood: Father's Day Car Show

2008-06-13T09:08:00.001-07:00

5th Annual Father's Day Car Show

Sunday, June 15, 2008
9:30-3

Valley View Christian Church
NM Hwy 344 & Dinkle Road
Edgewood, NM

Free Food & Fun!

Thanks! Kelly Snelgrove

Free Booklet 'What you need to know about Energy.'

2008-06-13T09:07:00.001-07:00

The Board on Energy and Environmental Systems of the National Research
Council recently published a 32-page booklet entitled What You Need to Know
About Energy. Geared to a general audience, the booklet is the first in what
will be a series of informational booklets designed to engage readers in
current topics in science, engineering, and medicine. The series is part of
the National Academies' Communications Initiative.

http://www7.nationalacademies.org/energy/energybooklet.html

Sandia Mtn Natural History Center 'The Bear Claw' Newsletter

2008-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am sorry this would not cut and paste well so if you do not see it as an attachment email me and I will send it to you. It is a really great newsletter with all kinds of educational stuff!--Tabbi

>

We are currently doing the Bearclaw semi-monthly, so the next one after April (attached) will be May-June. Hope they are helpful!

Sincerely,
Susie

Susie Davis
SMNHC Instructional Coordinator
281-5259

Albuquerque: SAGA Open Gym in June!

2008-06-13T07:23:00.002-07:00

Open Gym!!

June 21st!

Ages 6 and up: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Ages 5 and under: 3:00 - 4:30pm

Want some extra time in the gym for your child & their best buddies to practice skills, learn something new or just play around?

Bring your child's best buddies to SAGA for our normal unstructured play time for a few hours on June 21st! Open Gyms- unlike a structured class allow your child(ren) to do the events they enjoy and have some fun on a Saturday afternoon!

Don't forget to sign up in the office- or merely reply to this message to reserve your spot!

Student Price: $7.00
Guest Price: $10.00

All guests must have a guest releaseform signed by a legal guardian to participate (available on our website). Family discounts available.

http://www.SAGAgymnastics.com

Albuquerque Open Space Summer Series 2008

2008-06-13T07:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.cabq.gov/openspace/SummerSeries2008.html

Please take advantage of these beautiful outdoor hikes, learning experiences and tours in and around the Albuquerque area!

Albuquerque: Bird Hike @ Elena Gallegos, 6/18

2008-06-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hi! I set up a bird hike at the Elena Gallegos Open Space http://www.cabq.gov/openspace/elenagallegos.html

Ages 7 and up.--- All ages are welcome but preference will be given to these ages. Leaders with the tween/teen groups please post.

15 kids max.

Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, hats, water and dress for NM summer outside.

Wednesday, June 18 8:30AM

I know this is early in the morning but that is when the animals are most active and apparently there are some Great Horned owlets there that we might be able to see!

Meet at Cottonwood Springs parking area.

Free, but suggested donation of $1 per car load at entrance.

Please RSVP to NMHomeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

Picnic afterwards if you would like to join us!

I plan on scheduling several open space tours and hikes over the next few months to see the area in and around Albuquerque!

Biopark History w/ Homeschoolers

2008-06-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

Original Email sent to Councilor Cadigan 2/13/07
I am eager to speak with you or someone in your office regarding the ability of homeschoolers to use the Biopark facilities in the City of Albuquerque. I have spoken with the mayor's office as well as the Director of Admissions at the Biopark but I feel that this is something that needs to be addressed further in order to see a resolution.
Our issue is that each homeschooling family must provide their certificate from the state showing they are homeschooling before they are able to schedule a field trip or class in order to get the same group rates as school groups. It is city policy that each school group must show these type of forms. Because of the larger number of homeschoolers in the area we find this to be more than a mere annoyance not only for the logistics of having everyone turn in their forms before we can even schedule an event but they are also kept on file and that seems to be a privacy concern on the part of our families to have this information sitting in a file cabinet.
We would like to ask that this be addressed to provide an exemption for homeschoolers as there are no other facilities or classes that require these forms. The state does not consider homeschooling families each as individual schools and it is not the City's job to police whether homeschoolers are registered with the state or not.
Just for your information:

Years ago this policy was not a problem when you had one or two families joining together to form a 'school group' but today you have entire cooperatives and communities wanting field trips and classes. Even though this policy has been in place with the city for years the fact that so many people are turning to homeschooling makes this a priority at this time for our community. I just contacted the State office that oversees the homeschooling registration and was told that as of today there are approximately 7,185 homeschooling families in this state, that of course does not take into account individual numbers of students within those families. In the Albuquerque and surrounding areas are a huge portion of these numbers.
Many museums and zoos around the country are making homeschoolers a welcome part of their facilities and accomodating them with classes and 'homeschooler days', even NASA is drawing huge numbers of homeschoolers to their facilities. At this time both the Denver Zoo and Houston Space Center have these types of events and that merely draws homeschoolers from our state out. I would like to see the Biopark and other city run facilities work with the homeschooling community to draw more families in to our city that would not otherwise make the drive.
Please contact me at the information above for more information to see how this can be resolved and for more details.
FYI: The Explora Science Center is already hosting science club classes for homeschoolers and this has grown from originally 1 class years ago to currently 7 for grades K-12. Staff within the Biopark as well as the Albuquerque Museum have repeatedly told homeschoolers that their business is not needed and I think this is a sad comment when so many homeschoolers are members of these facilities and shutting out an entire portion of Albuquerque residents.

Email sent to homeschooling community 6/25/07

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.

After the Bill was passed http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/2007/10/tale-of-success-for-homeshoolers-at.html

Resolution passed by City Council http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/2007/09/forgot-cabq-bill-attachment-sorry-folks.html

Webresource: The Virtual Activist

2008-06-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Information via LIFE of Florida homepage: http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com/
Learning is for Everyone, Inc homepage & Forums: http://www.Learningis4everyone.org

The Virtual Activist
http://www.netaction.org/training/
The Internet is a powerful tool that allows us to expand our networks
by identifying and communicating with like-minded people anywhere in
the world. It enables us to disseminate information widely, cheaply,
and instantaneously. Although you'll need some special skills to
build and maintain a Web site, email is easily mastered even if you
have little or no technical expertise. If you can read and write and
your computer has a modem, you can be a Virtual Activist!
With its blinking graphics, streaming video, and interactive
capabilities, the Web gets a lot more attention than plain old text-
based email. But don't let email's simplicity fool you. For activists
and nonprofit organizations engaged in advocacy, email is the tool of
choice.
In this virtual classroom, NetAction will teach you how to use email
and the Web as effective, inexpensive, and efficient tools for
organizing, outreach, and advocacy

Teens 16-18, Free Online English Comp Course, Starts Monday

2008-06-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

A grad student has created an online English composition course
utilizing source materials on liberty by Frederick Douglass, Benjamin
Franklin, DeToqueville, etc. He needs 5-10 volunteers, ages 16-18 to
test the course.
It is not time intensive (it's stretched out over 2 months), and he is
offering an iPod Nano to the volunteer who gets the highest score in
the course. For more information, see his blog:
http://www.westontaylor.net/weblog.
The course starts this Monday, so enroll quickly!

Special GROUP BUY for Colonial Williamsburg EFTs from the Co-op

2008-06-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

A Co-op Group Buy Exclusive

SAVE $100's on
Electronic Field Trips by

Offer Expires 09-01-2008 at 11:59 pm Eastern

The Homeschool Buyers Co-op is pleased to present a Group Buy for award-winning Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips! This unique online History field trip program offers much more than a mere video experience. This program includes: access to LIVE video streaming presentations held on-site at Colonial Williamsburg, access to real Historians for student Q&A, downloadable lesson plans, online teacher resources, student activities, web adventures, primary source documents, and much, MUCH more!

Worried about missing the date of the live field trip(s) video stream? No problem! You will ALSO have access to your field trip(s) via private login for the entire school year. Login when YOU need to for activity follow-ups or just to re-visit your favorite field trip presentation. This program truly caters to your scheduling needs.

Co-op members enjoy access to TREMENDOUS DISCOUNTS for this unique online History program! By purchasing as a group, we all have an opportunity to enjoy ALL SEVEN FIELD TRIP programs for as little as $49! This program retails at $500 - these savings are off the hook!

Don't need all seven trips for this year's studies? No problem! By purchasing as a group, the Co-op has also secured individual field trips for as little as $24.99! By purchasing together, we can SAVE hundreds! These savings are not just for ONE student's access - The WHOLE FAMILY can enjoy these History-rich resources!

NOTE: The Co-op needs a minimum of 25 participants for the 7-trip series and 50 participants for the individual trips in order to go forward with this new program - SO SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR HOMESCHOOL FRIENDS AND HELP MAKE THIS NEW PROGRAM A REALITY!

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 09-01-2008 at 11:59 pm Eastern.

Regards,
Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Rio Rancho: Music Camp presents Pirates!

2008-06-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

here's some info on a program coming up

Stephanie A. Zaslav
Manager, Youth Services
Rio Rancho Public Library
755 Loma Colorado Dr NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 891-5013, ext 3082
Loma Colorado Public Library 755 Loma Colorado Rd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87108

Phone (505) 891-5013, ext 3032

Fax (505) 892-4782

Press Release

Contact: Stephanie A. Zaslav
Phone: (505) 891-5013, ext 3082
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2008; 6:45pm

PIRATES @ the library!

The Rio Rancho Music Camp will be making a return visit at the Loma Colorado Main Library on Friday, June 20 at 11:30 am. The audience will be given an “Intro to Violin” through simple folk songs. The Middle School Orchestra will perform music from the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie – the audience will have a chance to get in the act – and hear some lively fiddle tunes as well.

Albuquerque: solar party AND parenting class

2008-06-11T07:01:00.001-07:00

Hello, friends,
As you know, I have never sent out an email about classes at Body, Mind & Spirit, where I work and teach. But we have two events about which I'm very excited and want to share with you.

1. SOLAR PARTY. This is a completely FREE event and there is even free childcare.
June 28, 4-7pm, potluck after presentation
Learn how you can lessen your energy consumption and bill. Did you all read that PNM is upping their natural gas prices, as their cost has increased by 43%? Would you like to learn how you can easily gain some energy independence? Join us for some great information you can use RIGHT AWAY. Read the bare bones details here:
http://www.bodymindandspiritabq.com/2008/06/06/june-28-solar-party-details/

And more detailed information here:
http://www.bodymindandspiritabq.com/articles-and-past-newsletters/ (read the first two articles)

Even if you cannot attend, please tell others!

2. PRAISE AND SELF ESTEEM FOR CHILDREN
This is a wonderful topic for parents of children of all ages, kids in school or homeschooled, to help them in their successes and failures and to strengthen your relationship with them.
July 12, noon-2pm. Here's a blurb from our website:
"This two hour parent workshop will
address a common desire of all parents; raising confident, resilient
children. We will explore the effects our parenting styles have on our
children’s self esteem, acknowledging our child’s efforts with
effective praise and communicating in a way that builds our
relationships. What IS self esteem? Why is it important? How can I, as
a parent, contribute to building healthy self esteem? Why doesn’t my
child always respond positively to my praise? Is frequent praise
building self esteem? Come join our group for a discussion about the
most important and challenging job we have: parenting!"

Read more details at http://www.bodymindandspiritabq.com.

Again, this is something I hope is beneficial to you all and I have not sent out anything like this before in hopes the time I do, it gets noticed!

..................................Amylee

Send a Rock to a Scientist!!

2008-06-11T06:57:00.002-07:00

Hi! It's Tuesday, June 10, 2008 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

*****LAST HOMESCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY OF 2008!*****

The last Homefires' Homeschool Discovery Day of 2008 takes place on
Saturday, August 9th, in Redwood City, California. Grab your spot now!
http://www.homefire s.com/discovery. asp

************ ********* ********* ********* *********

CLICKSCHOOLING REVIEW:

Recommended Website:
ASU: Rock Around The World
http://ratw. la.asu.edu/

Age Range: 5 and up (Fun for all ages!)

Scientists at the Mars Space Flight Facility at Arizona State University
want you to send them your rocks! Find a rock, wash it, and send it in to
the lab. The scientists will use their super-duper spectrometer to identify
the rock - and then they'll post a picture of your rock and information
about it on their website!

But that's not all. In addition to submitting a rock to help the Mars
Scientists with their research, you can learn all about rocks at this
website. Simply use the menu on the left side of the screen that includes:

*About the Program - Get the instructions for how to submit a rock.

*Follow the Rocks - Take a virtual tour of the lab and see what happens to
rocks that are sent to the ASU Mars lab.

*See All Rocks - Examine the archive of rocks that have already been sent to
the lab.

*Learn About Rocks - Find out why you should study rocks; learn the
difference between rocks, minerals, and elements; find out about crystal
structures.

*Meet the RATW Crew - Read the bios of the scientists who work at the ASU
Mars Lab.

*Infrared Spectroscopy - Explore an amazing website dedicated to the science
of infrared spectroscopy.

This is a great way to get kids interested in geology, space travel, and
more! A big thank you to MaryAnna Cashmore who saw this website mentioned
in this month's issue of "Boy's Life" magazine.

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved
http://www.Homefire s.com
http://www.Carschoo ling.com
http://www.Universa lPreschool. com

The 'S' Word, Not what you are thinking....Socialization

2008-06-11T06:57:00.001-07:00

This is a timeless, humorous piece on the 'S' Word...the question that is the first on most people's tongues when they find out we are homeschooling. And of course what about those bullies, how will our kids learn to deal with bullies without experiencing it firsthand because that is SUCH an important part of childhood along with taunting and merciless teasing.....maybe they should bring back stocks in the town square and public stoning!

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/148.htm

And the 14 days of Homeschooling

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/076.htm

RAFFLE! 3 days left to WIN, 'A Child's History of the World'

2008-06-11T06:44:00.001-07:00

by Virgil M. Hillyer, Hardback, 1997, Printed through Calvert Education Services (Calvert School http://www.calvertschool.org/home-school/ ) (while Calvert prohibits the selling of their syllabus and curriculum the books themselves are allowed) ---Image of book is on main website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com

Entry is $5

Go to my website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com or http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/ and hit the Paypal donate button.

Please include 'A Child's History of the World' Raffle in the paypal subject line and your name, email, address and phone number(s) for contact (this information will not be shared or viewed except by myself)

This is a virtual raffle drawing for the book. The book is in excellent condition and is used and recommended by many homeschool history programs. It is best with K-5 grade levels. This book is regularly used at least $20 so you are getting a great deal!

Entries must be received by Friday, June 13 at midnight.

Virtual raffle drawing will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2008 and winner will be announced via email!

I will cover shipping. Or I will make arrangements to meet you in town if you live in the Albuquerque Area.

I just sent out the first of what I hope to be weekly raffle drawings for various books, educational related items and curriculum.

The raffle entries will vary in amount depending on the prize being offered.

You can enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!

You add more to donate to the NM Home School Community. Proceeds will go to support the efforts and future projects of the NM Home School Community.

If you have curriculum, books and/or educational related items (in like new condition) that you would like to donate to be raffled off please contact me at NMHomeeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

Rio Rancho: Teen Events @ RRPL this week and next...

2008-06-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I am sending you 2 press releases with information regarding the teen
events happening at the Rio Rancho Public Library this week and next.
These were included in the original press release, "Metamorphosis @ Your
Library," which I sent several weeks ago; they are now resent to you as
a reminder. Please include this information in the calendar section of
your publication, or announce when promoting local community events.
Please note that the Lawn Concert is for the general public and adults
are more than welcome!

Thank you!

Deimosa Webber-Bey
Teen Librarian

Rio Rancho Public Library
755 Loma Colorado Drive NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 891-5013 x3031

Loma Colorado Public Library 755 Loma Colorado Rd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87108

Phone (505) 891-5013, ext 3032

Fax (505) 892-4782

Press Release

Contact: Deimosa Webber-Bey
Phone: (505) 891-5013, ext 3031
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2008

METAMORPHOSIS @ YOUR LIBRARY

Teen programs – week of June 16th

Teens can register for the Rio Rancho Public Library’s teen summer reading program at three locations: Loma Colorado Main Library – 755 Loma Colorado Dr NE, Esther Bone Memorial Library – 950 Pinetree Road SE, and the Star Heights Learning Center – 800 Polaris Road. For more information, stop by the library for a calendar, contact the teen librarian at 891-5013 x3031, or visit the library’s website: www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/library.htm.

Teen Programs at the Loma Colorado Main Library:

All Ages Chess - Every Tuesday during the summer, 6-7:30pm
Monster Movie Makeup - Thursday, June 19 at 2pm - Makeup artist Bonnie Masoner will give you a black eye, stitches, or something equally nasty! First come, first served.

Teen Programs at the Esther Bone Memorial Library:

Summer Knit Clique - Wednesdays, June 11 to July 16 from 11am-12pm - Grades 5 and up

Teen Programs at the star heights learning center:

Star Heights will be open from 1pm-5pm weekdays during the summer; all programs will take place during those hours.

Altered Book Design - Tuesday, June 17 - Turn an old book into a new creation.
Member Birthday Bashes - Wednesday, June 18
Movie Trivia Scavenger Hunt - Friday, June 20 - Prizes!

Loma Colorado Public Library 755 Loma Colorado Rd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87108

Phone (505) 891-5013, ext 3032

Fax (505) 892-4782

Press Release

Contact: Deimosa Webber-Bey
Phone: (505) 891-5013, ext 3031
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2008

METAMORPHOSIS @ YOUR LIBRARY

Teen programs – week of June 9th

Teens can register for the Rio Rancho Public Library’s teen summer reading program at three locations: Loma Colorado Main Library – 755 Loma Colorado Dr NE, Esther Bone Memorial Library – 950 Pinetree Road SE, and the Star Heights Learning Center – 800 Polaris Road. For more information, stop by the library for a calendar, contact the teen librarian at 891-5013 x3031, or visit the library’s website: www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/library.htm.

Teen Programs at the Loma Colorado Main Library:

All Ages Chess - Every Tuesday during the summer, 6-7:30pm
Altered Books - Saturday, June 14 at 2pm – with local artist Geri Michelli. Space is limited to 15, so you must register for this program; registration begins May 27, call or stop by the Loma Colorado Main Library.

Teen Programs at the Esther Bone Memorial Library:

Summer Knit Clique - Wednesdays, June 11 to July 16 from 11am-12pm - Grades 5 and up
LIVE on the Lawn! - Thursday, June 12 at 6pm - This outdoor lawn concert will feature rock & Latin jazz group Riverside Jam, hip hop group The 2bers, and DJ Garronteed on the wheels of steel.
LIVE Art – Spray art artist Nick Tramontina’s artwork will be on display at Esther Bone this summer; he will be doing a live demonstration of graffiti-style painting during the lawn concert.

Teen Programs at the star heights learning center:

Star Heights will be open from 1pm-5pm weekdays during the summer; all programs will take place during those hours.

Board Game Competitions - Tuesday, June 10 - Prizes!
Father’s Day Craft - Friday, June 13

Santa Fe: Emergence: The Interaction of Science and Art

2008-06-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

If you can make it to Santa Fe this Saturday, be sure to drop by the
Santa Fe Complex, 632 Agua Fria, for their grand opening from 4:00 to
8:00. See http://www.sfcomplex.org for details.

A Supercomputing Challenge strategic planning meeting was held at
the SF Complex today and we were able to see some of the neat items
that will be on display this weekend. The Complex is Santa Fe's center
for collaborative creativity, problem solving and education. From contemporary
digital art to interactive, student-designed computer models, you'll experience
the revolution in how we create and perceive images of our world.

The Challenge is hoping to identify locations, such as the Santa Fe Complex,
around the state where teams can come to meet together, interact with
mentors and visualize data as they work on their projects.

David, Supercomputing Challenge Consulting, consult@challenge.nm.org

Albuquerque Area: Looking for other Jewish Homeschoolers? More Resources?

2008-06-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

Contact Linden Bat Asherah granolagirrrl@peoplepc.com to share resources and get together for park days and field trips!

Albuquerque: Sharing Southwest Stories for Children

2008-06-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Sharing Southwest Stories for Children

_____________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT: Reading Hour for Children with Art Activity
WHERE: Open Space Visitor Center | 6500 Coors Blvd NW between Montaño and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd.

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2008 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
FEE: FREE
CONTACT: Jodi Hedderig | Parks & Recreation Dept., Open Space Division | 505-897-8831 | jhedderig@cabq.gov | www.cabq.gov/openspace.

Sharing Southwest Stories for Children explores the world of children’s literature with New Mexico and Southwestern authors. Kathy Warren brings characters of the Southwest to life with her dynamic readings and inspires children to create their own stories in words and pictures. The reading will be followed by a “take home” art activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a free program.

The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW between Montaño Rd. and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd. The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and closed Mondays. Call 897-8831 for more information or visit www.cabq.gov/openspace/visitorcenter.

Jodi Hedderig
Open Space Visitor Center
Open Space Division
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Albuquerque
6500 Coors Blvd. NW
PO Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103
P: 505.897.8831
F: 505.897.0572
www.cabq.gov/openspace/visitorcenter

N.NM/S.CO: Paper Airplane Contest at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum PRIZES FOR WINNERS & More

2008-06-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

WHO: The Southern Colorado Rocketeers National Association of
Rocketry (NAR) Section #632

WHAT: is hosting dedication ceremonies for the Stealey Memorial
Launch Area and 4H Project area

WHERE: at the Hudson Ranch located 9.5 miles south west of Pueblo,
Colorado on Colorado Highway 78 (Beulah Highway). Look for the signs
with directions to the launch site. Please close all gates. The
Hudson Ranch is a working cattle ranch.

WHEN: 21 June 2008 from 9 AM until.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Contact Section President Jason Unwin at (719)
671-2407 or by email at jasonunwin@wildblue.net. Visit the club
website at www.scronline.net .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Come out and see the improvements made to the
launch field. Some of the improvements include an improved road,
storage shed, graveled launch area, and graveled parking area. There
is an FAA Waiver to fly rockets to a maximum altitude of 8,000 feet
Above Ground Level from 10 AM to 2 PM. Persons wishing to fly a
rocket weighing more than one pound and with more than 125 grams of
propellant need to contact the club No Later Than (NLT) Friday 20
June 2008 by 0600 hrs (6 AM) so that proper notification can be made
to the FAA. We are hoping to have some very large rockets flying for
the dedication.

COST: This event is free of charge to the public. A "donation" of $1
for non club members flying model rockets and $5 for High Power
Rockets is requested. This fee is good for all day flying. To fly
high powered rockets, persons must be current members of NAR,
Tripoli, or Canadian Association of Rocketry (CAR). There will be a
drawing for two free Estes Model Rocket starter Kits during the
launch. Club memberships available on the field.

Feel free to share this message with anyone you think might be
interested.

Jason Unwin
President
NAR Section #632
NAR# 78386
L2

WHO: The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum and the Pueblo

Chieftain

WHAT: are having a paper airplane contest

WHEN: 14 June 2008 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Sign up and

practice starts at 9 AM.

WHERE: At the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum located on

the grounds of the Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)

approximately 7 miles east of Pueblo on Colorado 96/US

Highway 50 East.

COST: Persons entering the museum with a paper airplane

are admitted free. Persons without a paper airplane and

over the age of 10 years of age pay $7.

CONTACT Information: Contact Mr. Chris Woodka at the

Pueblo Chieftain for additional details. His number is

(719)544-3520. You may contact Mr. Woodka by email at

cwoodka@yahoo.com. Contact the aircraft museum at

(719)948-9219 or by email at service@pwam.org . Visit the

museum's website at www.pwam.org.

Additional Information: There will be prizes sponsored by

the Chieftain for winners in various events. Contact Mr

Woodka for details.

Feel free to share this information with anyone you think

might be interested.

Jason Unwin
Education Officer
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
www.pwam.org Museum website
service@pwam.org Museum Email

New Mexico: Youth Leadership Retreat

2008-06-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

There are attachments so if you can not see them email the originator of the email!--Tabbi

Hi Tabbi,
I am putting on a Youth Leadership Training for High School students ages 13-16 at Wind River Ranch in Northern NM. Please see attached letter and app. for details. I am hoping to have about 6 more students attend, and would like you to post it to the group, if possible. Thanks again for having us at the fair, we met a lot of people and the kids had a great time. You did a wonderful job!
My contact info:
JULIE VELAZQUEZ
NM Youth Leadership
Roots & Shoots
Four Corners Region
505-220-3396
jvelazquez@janegoodall.org
velaz_family@msn.com

GeekDad Review: The lllustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments

2008-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Information via LIFE of Florida homepage: http://lifeofflorida.blogspot.com/

Learning is for Everyone, Inc homepage & Forums: http://www.Learningis4everyone.org

GeekDad Review: The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments
http://blog. wired.com/ geekdad/2008/ 06/geekdad- review.html
Today is the DIY era, and we don't need a set to learn about
chemistry. All we need is the internet and the Illustrated Guide to
Home Chemistry Experiments by Robert Bruce Thompson.
In the book's introduction, Thompson makes two basic points: that
commercial chemistry sets are dying, and that science education is
getting worse. He tells the story of Jasmine, his young neighbor who
told him that her middle school only teaches 15 minutes of science
per day. He thought he'd let her use the pro-quality chemistry lab he
has in his basement, but without a guidebook she'd be lost in all the
possibilities. It was this situation that induced him to write the
book.
The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments is a hefty tome
with over 400 pages. The initial chapters focus on preliminaries such
as maintaining a laboratory notebook, safety, as well as two huge
sections on equipping a home laboratory with glassware and chemicals -
- remember, you can't rely on a set to give you everything you need.
Next comes a laboratory skills chapter, covering measurements,
filtration, separations, and so on.
…It goes without saying that the section on lab safety is as robust
as it is necessary. However, Thompson took it a step further by
making a conscious decision to leave out any illegal content such as
explosives and meth labs. "Obviously, there's a very real danger
involved, and I'd feel terrible if a kid blew himself up," Thompson
explained. And of course, in today's world, an author has to pay
attention to legal liability issues, both for himself and the
reader. "Back 40 years ago when I was a teenager, the local cops
pretty much looked the other way when kids played around with
explosives. Making explosives nowadays is a sucker bet. You're going
to get caught, and you're likely to face federal charges. It just
isn't worth the risk."
…And then Thompson jumps into the experiments. They start off easy --
the author targets middle schoolers with the initial projects. Here
are my favorites:
10:1: Reduction of Copper Ore to Copper Metal -- smelt'em if you
got 'em! I always wondered how this was done.
16.1: Produce Hydrogen and Oxygen by Electrolysis of Water -- never
again worry about running out of rocket fuel and air on those long
space voyages.
However, one of the most tantalizing sections is the one on forensic
chemistry. The final chapter, it's kind of a sneak peek at Thompson's
next book, which will be about home forensics experiments. It
includes such experiments as detecting blood, testing for drugs and
revealing latent fingerprints.

About the Raffle to Support the NMHSC!!

2008-06-08T11:58:00.001-07:00

I just sent out the first of what I hope to be weekly raffle drawings for various books, educational related items and curriculum.

The raffle entries will vary in amount depending on the prize being offered.

You can enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!

You add more to donate to the NM Home School Community. Proceeds will go to support the efforts and future projects of the NM Home School Community.

If you have curriculum, books and/or educational related items that you would like to donate to be raffled off please contact me at NMHomeeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

ENTER TO WIN! ''A Child's History of the World"

2008-06-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Article: New Math Tricks: Knitting & Crocheting

2008-06-08T08:58:00.001-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25011806/
New math tricks: knitting and crocheting
Yarn work helping to provide answers to wide range of math problems
By Stuart Fox
ScienceLine writer

updated 6:06 p.m. MT, Fri., June. 6, 2008
Coral reefs can be crocheted. The atmosphere can be knit. And a stop sign can be folded into a pair of pants.

Welcome to the intersection of math and handicraft. Unexpectedly, handicraft in general, and yarn work in particular, has started to help provide answers to a wide range of mathematical problems. From the way the atmosphere generates weather to the shape of the human brain, knit and crocheted models have provided new insight into the geometry of the natural world.

Read more at the link above.

Rio Rancho: Mark David Gerson, Author @ the RRPL

2008-06-08T08:52:00.002-07:00

Hello all,

I am contacting you to share a press release regarding Mark David Gerson, who will be speaking at the library this summer. The event is part of our Teen Summer Reading Program - Metamorphosis @ Your Library, however it is open to the public and adults are most certainly welcome. Gerson was awarded last week at Book Expo America in Los Angeles.

Evolution of a Writer - Thursday, June 26 at 6pm in the Loma Colorado Main Library Auditorium, 755 Loma Colorado Drive NE * Albuquerque’s Mark David Gerson, award-winning author of the new fantasy The Moon Quest, will talk about where ideas for The Moon Quest came from and offer tips and exercises to help you get started on (and finish!) your own story.

Deimosa Webber-Bey
Teen Librarian

Rio Rancho Public Library
755 Loma Colorado Drive NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 891-5013 x3031

Carschooling: Don't be 'Fuelish' by letting Gas Prices Spoil your family fun!

2008-06-08T08:52:00.001-07:00

FWD FROM CARSCHOOLING http://www.Carschooling.com
Don't Be "Fuelish" By Letting Gas Prices
Spoil Your Family Fun!
Yes, gas prices are high, but don't let them cancel your family's
summer vacation plans.

According to the California Energy Commission retail gasoline prices
have increased an average of $0.87 a gallon since this time last
year. Here's a word problem for your carschooler:

Question: If your summer road trip is 800 miles long and your car
gets an average of 22 miles per gallon, and the cost of gas is $4.24
per gallon, how much will the gas for your road trip cost?

Answer: $154.18.

You'll pay $31.64 more for this year's summer road trip than last
year's. Are you going to tell me you'd cancel a family vacation for
thirty-two bucks? Feast on Ramen for one family meal instead of KFC
and you'll have the extra cash you need.

Want to save more money on your trip? Look for slightly less
expensive lodging. Use Internet data bases (such as All-Hotels.com)
to find hotel and motel chains that offer budget-saving options for
families. Here are some other ideas to consider:

KOA Campgrounds - Enjoy camping for a couple of nights during your
trip. Find a directory of campsites throughout the U.S. and beyond at
the KOA website.

Hosteling International USA - Most people think of hostels as places
for young, single travelers. Today, some hostels cater to traveling
families with private rooms - and play equipment for the kids! Guests
share kitchen and laundry facilities, and some amenities like linens
are available for an additional charge.

H.E.L.M. Travel - Home Exchange & Family Hosting Service For Home
Educated Families. Right now H.E.L.M is offering a free annual
membership for subscribers to Carschooling. Just fill out the
application on the website and write "FREE Annual Membership from
Carschooling" in the comment box. After you submit your application,
you will be taken to another page asking for payment....just ignore
it entirely. Your application will be complete and you'll receive
confirmation within 24-48 hours.
Staying at inexpensive, unusual places can make for some memorable
family adventures that will last a lifetime. When you slow the pace
down by staying at campsites and hostels, you have the luxury of
fewer options to interrupt quality family time. Without electronic
diversions like TV and video games, you can enjoy card and board
games, tell stories around the campfire, sing songs, and learn
together in meaningful ways.

Don't forget to enlist your carscholar's help in saving money for
your trip. Do without a Happy Meal or a Mocha Latte once-a-week to
help pay for gas. Watch a home video instead of going to the movies.
Save gas money now by using this nifty online tool . Just enter your
zip code - and it tells you which gas stations have the lowest prices
in your area. It's updated every evening, so you'll get the lowdown
on the cheapest gas prices available.

You see? There's no need to let the cost of gas prevent you from
investing in your family's fun this summer.

Make the most of every mile!

Diane Flynn Keith, Author of Carschooling

© 2008 Diane Flynn Keith, All Rights Reserved.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR BLOG, E-ZINE, OR WEBSITE? You can,
as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Diane Flynn Keith
publishes the rave-reviewed Carschooling® ezine with 5,000+
subscribers. If you're ready to have more fun learning with your
children while you're in the car, on the road - get your FREE
subscription to Carschooling® now at http://www.Carschooling.com .

Albuquerque: Poetry on the Bus Contest

2008-06-08T08:34:00.001-07:00

ABQRide is having a Poetry On The Bus contest. People can submit poems for the contest and the poems that are chosen will be displayed on the city buses. The contest is open to children as well as adults. The first prize is a laptop computer and the second prize is an Ipod, but even if you get an honorable mention your poem will be displayed on the buses. All the information is at http://www.cabq.gov/transit/routewords.html.

N.NM/S.CO: Summer science camps

2008-06-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Science Camps
Summer 2008 in Colorado Springs

Offered: summer science camps for students entering grades 5 and higher.

These camps will be as hands-on and practical as possible! These lessons will be especially valuable for students whose science education has focused primarily on theory and passing standardized tests. While such theory is critical, the lessons don’t really sink in until students get their hands a bit dirty using that knowledge.

Students will discover the answers to questions listed below and perform the listed tasks. Each session will work through theory, design, measurement, simple tools, evaluation, research skills, etc. to understand the subjects. The Scientific Method will be used throughout.

Ed Herlik, a Harrison D2 science teacher, is an engineer by education and also a jet pilot and patented inventor. Want to look into Mr. Herlik’s qualifications? Go to the Patent Office website: http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html and search the Inventor Name block for ‘Herlik’. He has three more patents pending as well.

Tuition: Camps are restricted to groups of 10-15 students so that each will receive individual attention. Tuition is $95 per 15 hour session per student with the camper who organizes the rest receiving free tuition. Material costs are extra and range from $5 each for some sessions (like cars) to $15 for others (like electricity). Campers are confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable 40% deposit for the group. Students will keep everything they build plus some tools, such as multi-meters in the electricity camp. (Note: The organizer's tuition reward may be given to another camper. Wouldn’t it be great to bring a friend who would not otherwise be able to afford the fun education?)

Camps will be conducted on a 3-hour daily schedule the students choose over each of the weekdays in one week, such as from 1-4 each afternoon or 9-12 each morning. Sessions will take place in a school near Fountain and Circle though field trips are possible with parental assistance. The school also hosts math and music summer camps; please contact Mr. Herlik for information on those subjects. It’s possible for campers to take science in the morning and math or music in the afternoon.

Camps are available weekly from June 2nd through the middle of July. Camper interest will set the schedule so please indicate both your preferred camps and preferred dates.

Write to Herlik@DHVentures.biz with your questions and to express interest in subjects and the schedule.

Choices

Campers can modify these subjects to suit their interests.

Energy and Forces
∑ What forms of energy are available to man, how are they harnessed, where can they be seen operating in daily life?
∑ Which energy storage means did ancient people use? How do they work?
∑ What are the major forces acting in nature and what are the sources?
∑ How can those natural forces be harnessed into “green” energy?
∑ Describe and use both simple and complex machines.
∑ Build: Ice cube launchers using an historical energy storage means (torsion, tension, falling weight, etc.)

Electricity and Magnetism
∑ What is electricity, its measures, its terms, its sources in nature?
∑ Build simple circuits and measure the electricity flowing at various points.
∑ What is magnetism? How does it act over distances?
∑ How are the two related?
∑ Create electricity with simple household supplies.
∑ Create magnetism.
∑ Combine the two into an electric motor and perform work with it.
∑ Build: Electric motors, which then power some device (model vehicle, winch, fan, etc.). Send an email to Herlik@DHVentures.biz if you'd like to see an electric that motor was built by students using household magnets and scrap parts.

5th Grade capacitor - works well!

The Science of Cars
∑ How do combustion engines work?
∑ How are conventional vehicle fuels produced?
∑ Describe ethanol production and perform the chemistry.
∑ How do changing physical states and expanding gases power a vehicle?
∑ Explain the electrical system and test circuits.
∑ How do hybrid vehicles work and what are their advantages/disadvantages?
∑ Explain hydraulics and pneumatics, demonstrate them.
∑ What is friction and how does it affect various vehicle systems?
∑ What is momentum, kinetic energy?
∑ Where are the simple machines in a vehicle? Describe their contribution.
∑ How much energy builds up in vehicles at various speeds and what happens to that energy in a crash?
∑ How do hybrid vehicles work?
∑ Build: Tennis ball launcher to demonstrate ignition and compression.
Note: At the end of this camp, students will know their way around cars, how to check them for safety, how to change a tire, how to maintain the basic systems, etc. This is a ‘must have’ course for new drivers.

Basic Engineering and Inventing
∑ What are the basics of mechanical engineering?
∑ What are the basics of electrical power and controls?
∑ What are the most common simple machines, how do they work, how can they be combined into more complex machines?
∑ Learn brainstorming and other techniques to generate and develop ideas.
∑ Demonstrate simple drafting techniques and produce plans with dimensions and a parts list.
∑ Build: A simple mechanical invention of the student’s choice. Materials can't be supplied for this course as there's no way to predict what the campers will choose to build.

Earth Science
∑ How do scientists calculate the Earth’s temperature and atmospheric gas composition for the period before we had reliable instruments?
∑ What are the most common and most significant greenhouse gasses? What are their most prevalent sources today and in prehistory?
∑ What is the Earth’s temperature history, both over billions of years and over the past 500,000+ years?
∑ What have greenhouse gas levels been over those periods?
∑ Explain correlation and causation.
∑ Explain the correlation and/or causation seen in environmental records for temperature and greenhouse gasses.
∑ What are the most common natural and human-generated greenhouse gas sources?
∑ What are the common renewable energy sources and how do they work?
∑ Build: A means to store solar energy without a battery and then use that stored energy.

Solar powered motors turn a winch.

Flying
∑ Explain the basics of aerodynamics.
∑ How do airplanes work? Demonstrate flight controls with paper airplanes.
∑ How do airports work?
∑ Overview weather.
∑ Why do various airplanes look so different; what can they each do?
∑ Understand the various aviation careers.
∑ Potential Field Trip: With interested parents, the camp can visit a local airplane museum for a close look at functional aircraft systems.
∑ Build: A flying model aircraft and explain how it works.

Summer Issue of Youth Writes Now Available!

2008-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

FWD from youthwrites@...
Distribution has begun in Las Cruces, El Paso, Alamogordo & Albq.
Check it out!
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&friendID=312671433

Contact for more information:
youthwrites@yahoo.com

So far, the 2nd (Summer Issue) of YOUTH WRITES is
available FREE in LAS CRUCES @
Branigan Library
BOTH Coas Books Locations (downtown location & solano lshop)
Alma de Arte Charter High School
Meershiedt Rec Center
Teen Fusion
Funky Karma Tea & Incense Shop
Unitarian Universalist
Spirit Winds (Coffee & Gifts)
NMSU

and in El Paso at:
NORTHEAST
Richard Burges Library
Lighthouse Coffee/NE Location
CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN
Memorial Library
Le Squirrel Coffee Shop & Bookstore Cafe (Copper St next to Memorial Library)
Bowlero Lanes on Dyer (where VH bowls every Friday!)
Main Downtown Library- Teen Town
Creative Kids - Olo Gallery
Butterflies of Wisdom (cafe/coffee,tea,gift shop) on Mesa near UTEP
WESTSIDE
Doris van Doren Library
Adventrue Zone
EASTSIDE (delivery in progress)
Lighthouse Coffee on McRae
...more Eastside distribution on Wednesday

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE
WSMR Recreation Center
2nd Launch Thrift & Gift Store

ALAMOGORDO
Alamogordo Library
Olive Branch Coffee Shop
S*M*A*R*T Kids Etc...
Boy & Girls Club

She's mailed bundle copies to several ALBQ locations and will be making the trip in 2 weeks for direct ALBQ distribution. Along the way she'll stop to leave with friends & businesses in T or C, Socorro and a few other little hot spots. So check her web blog & keep up with the new happenings. There were many more articles submitted than she could fit into this issue- even though she added another 4 pages this month... those articles and the archives from the Spring Edition should be online by the end of the month!
Thanks to all for your support. submissions & feedback. And keep checking with her & the growing staff at YOUTH WRITES!

ALbuquerue: Piedras Marcadas Ancestral Pueblo Village Talk & Tour

2008-06-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

Two Decades of Protection, 700 Years of History: Celebrating the Anniversary of the Acquisition of the Piedras Marcadas Ancestral Pueblo Village _____________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT: Piedras Marcadas Ancestral Pueblo Village Talk & Tour
WHERE: Open Space Visitor Center | 6500 Coors Blvd NW between Montaño and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd.

WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 2008 | 10:00 AM - Noon
FEE: Free
CONTACT: Jodi Hedderig | Parks & Recreation Dept., Open Space Division | 505-897-8831 | jhedderig@cabq.gov | www.cabq.gov/openspace.

In 1988, the City of Albuquerque purchased one of the largest known pre-European pueblo villages in the Albuquerque area, protecting it from proposed development. Known today as Piedras Marcadas Pueblo Village, the pottery shards and other artifacts found at the site tell the story of a community that thrived for nearly three centuries and was home for several thousand people at its peak. Although the site is unexcavated, and will remain that way out of respect for the ancestors and descendants of this village, other techniques are used to learn about the people and culture that once drew their breath here.

Principal research archaeologist, Dr. Matt Schmader, will interpret and take you on a tour of this important community on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 AM - Noon. Check in at the Open Space Visitor Center (6500 Coors Blvd. NW) reception desk. Bring water and dress appropriately for a short hike and full sun exposure. Space is limited. Call 897-8831 to register..

The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW between Montaño Rd. and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd. The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and closed Mondays. Call 897-8831 for more information or visit www.cabq.gov/openspace/visitorcenter.html

###

<>

Jodi Hedderig
Open Space Visitor Center
Open Space Division
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Albuquerque
6500 Coors Blvd. NW
PO Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103
P: 505.897.8831
F: 505.897.0572
www.cabq.gov/openspace/visitorcenter

Albuquerque: Title Wave Books - June 2008 Events

2008-06-08T08:10:00.001-07:00

☼ Please Join Us at Title Wave Books ☼

☼ For These June 2008 Events ☼

Be Sure To Check Out Our

Father’s Day Sale This Month!

Now Open In Title Wave Books:

Call Me Vintage

VINTAGE & CUSTOMIZED RETRO CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FROM CHICAGO.

OPEN: Noon-5:00 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12:30-4:30 pm Sundays. Come by to put together your own One Of A Kind Fashion statement.

Introduction to Folk Art Painting

Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm:

LEARN BASIC BRUSH STROKES for decorative painting using Acrylics. This is an ongoing class which can be started any time, and there is no age requirement. There is a fee of $25 for three sessions, which includes a #2 brush, book, practice sheets and paint. There is a class limit of 25 people per session. For more information and to register, please email coatesofcolors@msn.com or call 554-2149.

Meditation Classes

Rescheduled For The Fall:

DUE TO ATTENDANCE, Meditation classes will be rescheduled for September. If you are interested before then, contact the Kadampa Meditation Center at 292-5293.

Tarot Group

Saturdays, June 7, 21 & 28 – 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

GROUP TEACHINGS ON TAROT READINGS AND HOW TO INTERPRET CARD SYMBOLS. There is a $10.00 fee per class. For more information or questions, call 323-7781.

Children’s Book Club

Saturday, June 7th – 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm:

DISCUSSION OF AMERICAN GIRL BOOKS. This group is intended for children 7-10 years of age. For more information, email Leslie at guayfan@yahoo.com, or call Tanya at 831-5579.

Special Tarot Class

Saturday, June 14 – 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

MAKE YOUR OWN TAROT CARDS! Learn to make your own tarot cards incorporating symbols that have special meaning to you while following traditional tarot meanings. Please bring the following: scissors, glue stick and an X-acto knife (some will be provided). There is a $10.00 fee. For more information or questions, call Margaret at 250-9392.

♦ A Celebration of Fathers! ♦

Sale on Saturday, June 14th:

HARDCOVER FICTION ON SALE – 30% OFF

Just In Time For Dad - Celebrate Father’s Day In Style With A Good Book! Stock up on Hardcover Fiction at 30% Off our already low prices! This June 14th Sale excludes new releases, collectible case books and trade credit.

Book Group

Tuesday, June 17th – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm:

SUMMIT GROUP BOOK CLUB meeting. For more information, call 255-7925.

Shakespeare Group

Friday, June 27th – 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

DISCUSSION GROUP. Newcomers are welcome to participate in a lively discussion of one of Shakespeare's classical works. This month’s play by the Bard is “Macbeth.” This group usually meets on the final Friday of each month in our Community Room.

Story Time For Children

Saturday, June 28 – 10:00 am to 11:30 am:

STORYTELLING FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS. At 10 am, Brenda will read for “Baby & Me,” children 6 months to 2 years of age, and their parents. At 10:45 am, she will present “Toddler Story Time” for children 2-6 years of age. For more information, contact Brenda at bpstorybird@hotmail.com.

New Markdowns!

We’ve Discounted Many Books To Bargain Prices:

WE’VE MARKED DOWN PRICES on several books in our inventory! Check out these specially priced books on our markdown shelves by our counter. Trade credit is not accepted for these books that are already marked down from our already low prices.

Looking for a Special Gift?

We Have Signed Books & Gift Certificates!

WE HAVE SEVERAL SIGNED SCI-FI & HORROR BOOKS from Author Events in our store. These books are all available for less than the original suggested retail price – and signed by the authors! We have books from Steven “Jumper” Gould, Daniel Abraham, John J. Miller, S.M. Stirling, Robert Vardeman and Walter Jon Williams! Plus, by special arrangement, signed books from George RR Martin, David Weber, Christopher Stasheff, Michael Stackpole, Connie Willis, Gregory Benford, Victor Milan, Betsy James, P.G. Nagle, Kim Stanley Robinson, Melinda Snodgrass and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. Signed books make excellent gifts!
GIFT CERTIFICATES are available any time in any denomination! These make fun gifts for those people on your list who enjoy reading!

Book Buying Policy!

We Look At Books 10 am-5 pm Five Days A Week

No Book Buying On Wednesdays and Sundays

Most months we will be choosing either a few days or up to a week where we do not look at books in order to price those that we do have on hand. Look for future announcements.

Check Out These Specials At Title Wave:

· Handmade Bookmarks

Don’t Forget - We Carry Handmade Bookmarks, designed by Diane. Each one is unique! Now just $4.99 each. Trade credit excluded.

· Steel Image Creations

Check out the beautiful handcrafted wall hangings in our Community Room, from sun images and coyotes to lizards and roadrunners. All reasonably priced, and they make great gifts. Trade credit excluded.

During June, all Steel Images are on sale at 20% Off the marked prices!

· Locally Produced Magnets

Does your refrigerator or file cabinet need some decoration? We carry homemade magnets with a variety of images and quotations. Magnets are a reasonable $2.95 each. Trade credit excluded.

Bargain Bins
Browse Our Sales Bins throughout the store, with a wide selection of books 99¢ to $3.99 each. Trade credit excluded.

Our Large & Bright Store is located at 1408 Eubank NE, at the Northeast Corner of Eubank and Constitution in the Princess Jeanne Shopping Center. That's north of I-40 and also Lomas Blvd.

294-9495.

Be sure to check out all our upcoming events at:

www.TitleWaveBooks.com

We welcome other book-related or home schooling groups to use our community room. Please see the manager to schedule dates and times

Book Review: My Thoughts on the call to Brilliance

2008-06-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Received this recommendation from a fellow homeschooling mom....unfortunately the ABQ or RR library does not carry the book but you could also purchase it or do a book request from another library system.--Tabbi

Hello All,

I am reading this book with great enthusiasm. I received an e-mail from the author’s son (below) and after reading the prologue online felt compelled to buy it.

I am not done reading it yet, however, I find my self feeling relief and comfort in the author’s words. I have been saying and feeling all the things acknowledged and expressed in the book concerning the current plight of our young people in this system we call education. As I watch my son, who is blessed with many talents and gifts, struggle within the compliance oriented system which seeks to "mold" and "label" him, I continue to look for ways to help him break free and live outside the box.

He is now a senior in a private high school, yet being there makes him feel less rather than more, although there are some bright spots for him.

I have watched my younger sister home school her children and I am thrilled with what she is accomplishing -- her children actually love reading and learning. They are bright, energetic and well-adjusted kids. I wished I had known about homeschooling when my son was younger.

I wanted to make sure you had the opportunity to see this amazing book. After reading some of it, I went online and discovered the author’s blog. I don’t think it’s official yet since there is no mention of it on any websites and there is only one recent post “Should parents be allowed to homeschool their children?” (http://thecalltobrilliance.blogspot.com/)

Well that’s it for me. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. Please let me know if you are reading this book too… maybe we could start a discussion? Also, would you happen to be able to recommend any other books regarding homeschooling?

Take care!

- Rebecca

Hello Rebecca,

I want to introduce you to a new voice making her way
through the Homeschooling community. Endorsed by William Glasser,
John Taylor Gatto, Jack Canfield, Joseph Chilton Pearce
and many others, Resa Steindel Brown holds that all children
are born brilliant. As a parent and educator, Resa's expertise
is in building educational processes and environments that enable
children to find their passion and develop their individual and
innate brilliance. Her book, The Call to Brilliance, is a true
story of the children who followed their passions from childhood
into adult life and found that brilliance.

“...nothing less than a blueprint to bring life back to our increasingly
moribund educational system and to our society which has lost its way.”
-- John Taylor Gatto, author of The Under Ground History of American Education and Dumbing Us Down.

Resa’s book was recently lauded on CBS as a popular guide for homeschoolers.

I encourage you to look into this book yourself.

To receive the book for 20% off, go to the author’s website and enter

the following coupon code (First 400 books only!): HOMESCHOOL321

If you would like to read more about Resa, her credentials, endorsements, reviews, reader
responses and use the above coupon code go to:
www.thecalltobrilliance.com
Amazon.com (Reviews, Comments, Etc.)
www.amazon.com
To purchase more than 10 books and receive deep discounts and personalized signed copies,
please contact orders@fredricpress.com
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions, please contact me. I was one of
those Homeschooled kids who got to follow his passion. I am her son.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kindly yours,

-- Matt
------
matt brown
fredric press
www.thecalltobrilliance.com
email: info@fredricpress.com
p.s. if this message reached you by mistake, please respond with “unsubscribe” in the SUBJECT line. Thank you.
--
1336 moorpark road #332
thousand oaks, ca 91360

GROUP BUY for netTrekker d.i. - America's #1 educational search engine

2008-06-08T06:58:00.001-07:00

A Co-op Group Buy Exclusive

SAVE UP TO 40%
on netTrekker d.i.
America's #1 Educational Search Engine

Offer Expires 06-29-2008 at 11:59 pm Eastern

The Homeschool Buyers Co-op is pleased to present a Group Buy for netTrekker d.i., America's #1 Educational Search Engine.
A HUGE TIME-SAVER! As a homeschooling educator, you spend countless hours searching the web for high quality educational resources. Trusted by more than 11 million teachers, students, and parents worldwide, netTrekker d.i. has already done the work for you! Use netTrekker to quickly and easily search over 180,000 hand-selected, educator-approved online resources.

Best of all, these resources are organized by grade and readability levels, and aligned to your state standards!

Now, by joining together in a Group Buy, members save up to 40% on an annual subscription.

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 06-29-2008 at 11:59 pm Eastern.

Regards,
Homeschool Buyers Co-op

HS'er Website: Calling all Girl Gamers! (Video games that is!)

2008-06-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

New Mexico Homeschooler's Web page connecting girls who play video games!

Girls Play Games by GamerGirl

http://girlsplaygames-gamergirl.blogspot.com/

Are you a girl who loves video games?
Email me and I will send you interview questions on your favorite game.
Your interview will be posted on the blog.

Please send:

Your real name (code names on the actual blog--so pick a code name).
Age (all ages welcome)
Game you want to be interviewed about.
Rating. (NO M or higher rated games will be allowed!)
Moms are also welcome to be interviewed!

Boys are also welcome but the focus is on girls who are gamers!

Email: mtandg@yahoo.com

FYI: Parents please email mtandg@yahoo.com if your daughter wants to partcipate to verify this website is legit, this is also the parent's email.

Volunteers Rock the world!! Especially our Families!

2008-06-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

I found this on Wikipedia.....A volunteer is someone who works for a community or for the benefit of environment primarily because they choose to do so. The word comes from Latin, and can be translated as "will" (as in doing something out of ones own free will). Many serve through a non-profit organization – sometimes referred to as formal volunteering, but a significant number also serve less formally, either individually or as part of a group.

I don't know if that is an accurate description of how invaluable volunteers are to a community. Any community. And ours is no exception.

At the fair we had moms, dads, teens and entire families helping out where they were needed. We had an entire family drive up from Las Cruces just to help. They (the volunteers) are the ones who made the flyers, the brochures, the signs, helped set up, helped at the table, donated items and gift cards and so much more. They are the ones to thank.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for these amazing people who gave of their time, energy and resources. I can not say thank-you enough times.

I love how our community is a true community and I think by sharing our resources and working together we have created an invaluable entity for the future.

So the next time you go to Explora ( www.explora.us ) see Tanya K, Jill F., D.R.I.V.E. Teen Group, ABQ Homeschool High Tween/Teen Group, the Larson Family, the Tellez family, Barbara D., Debbie S., Carol R., Marylee R., Ann S., Holly V., Leslie D., Gerri R., Chris T., Denise E., Rebecca L., Andrea B., Amylee U., Pauline K. and the ENTIRE staff at CNM's Workforce Training Center just say thank-you because the fair could NOT have happened without their help!

Always, always PAY IT FORWARD! Do something to volunteer in YOUR community today!!

Los Alamos: Bradbury Science Museum, Inventor's Workshops

2008-06-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Subjects include: science in Motion, Demo Stage, Catch a Zephyr, Inventors Workshop, Astronomy Days... here is the website http://www.lanl.gov/museum/events/ for more info but the image would not translate to text.--Tabbi

Tabitha Orr,

The Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos, NM will be holding Inventor's Workshops June 16-20 and July 14-17. We will be helping inventors create mobiles and whirlygigs of their own designs. Our goal is to encourage scientific thinking and creativity. The program is free. There is no pre-registration. Participation will be on a first come, first served basis. Session times are Mondays at 1:00 and 3:00. Tuesday through Friday at 10:00, 1:00, and 3:00.

I'm attaching a flier about all of our summer programs for children. Please feel free to post it or pass it on to other homeschool groups.

--

Elizabeth Martineau, Science Educator
Bradbury Science Museum/ CPO
Los Alamos National Laboratory
PO Box 1663, MS C330
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
505-667-3157 Phone
505-665-6932 Fax

Sewing lessons in NW Albuquerque

2008-06-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Summer Sewing Classes in Northwest Albuquerque!

Come and learn sewing at my home during these dates & times this summer! My name is Edie Downs and I am a homeschooling mom of 4 with many years of sewing experience. I have taught many young people the art of machine sewing.

Each class is from 9:30 – 11:30 and costs $15. I will take a maximum of 5 students ages 8 and up in each session. You do not need to attend all of the sessions. Pre-registration is not required, but I will only reserve a seat for you if I have your payment in advance.

If you pre-register for 4 sessions, the cost is $55.

If you pre-register for all 6 sessions, the cost is $75.

Each student will progress at his or her own pace. Some students will need 4 or more sessions to complete Level I, where others might do it in 2 sessions.

You may bring your own sewing machine (recently maintained, in good working order, with a user’s manual please), share with a friend, or use one of mine. (Please let me know if you need to use one of mine.)

I will forward a materials list to you and you will be responsible for purchasing your own fabric and supplies before class begins.

Level I: Beginning students will create a totebag.

Level II: Students who have already taken my Level I class and created the totebag will sew a pair of lounging or pajama pants.

Level III: We will discuss student interests and choose a project together.

Session dates and times:

June 17 9:30 – 11:30 am

June 24 9:30 – 11:30 am

July 1 9:30 – 11:30 am

July 15 9:30 – 11:30 am

July 22 9:30 – 11:30 am

July 29 9:30 – 11:30 am

Classes held at 5231 Russell Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Phone number 898-6641

Email: downsje@msn.com

Register by sending a check and indicating name, address, phone number, email, child’s name, and which sessions you would like to attend. Please also indicate the child’s sewing level. (If you have never taken my sewing classes, please start with Level I so I can assess skill level before moving to the higher level.) I will respond with a materials list. I also accept email registration and Paypal payments.

Cancellation policy: Cancel 3 days or more before the scheduled class and I will refund your payment. If you cancel less than 3 days before the class, I will apply your payment to another session. If there are no sessions left in my schedule, then you will forfeit your payment.

If I have to cancel a class due to an emergency in my family, I will give you the option of receiving a refund or applying your payment to another class session.

Hope to see you this summer!

Las Cruces: Court Youth Center Summer Program @ Alma de Arte

2008-06-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Two sessions from June 9th-June 20th!
Register now to apply! 1st come- 1st serve!
For More Info Call Joie Morillo @ 541-0145 ext 112 (Mon-Thurs)
Classes include:

CREATIVE WRITING/FANTASY
STUDI ARTS
THEATRE ARTS
CERAMICS
PRINTMAKING
DIGITAL ART
POETRY SLAM
COMPOSITION
VOICE
&
CULINARY CLASSES

Santa Fe: Enroll a child you love in IMPACT's Personal Safety Course - June 21 & 22

2008-06-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Enroll a child you love
in IMPACT Personal Safety’s

6-hour Children’s Personal Safety Course!

~ June 21st & 22nd ~
Saturday & Sunday, 1-4 pm

For boys & girls, ages 6-12. Sliding scale.

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!
Contact IMPACT to register today!
992-8833

This fun class emphasizes safety concepts about:

Recognizing & avoiding potentially dangerous situations
Staying safe with strangers & people they know
Being alone
How to deal with bullying, peer pressure & unwanted touch
How to set & enforce healthy boundaries (practiced in role-playing scenarios)
Using verbal & physical tools to end an assault & get to safety, if necessary

Visit IMPACT’s website to watch a class video!
www.IMPACTPersonalSafety.org

992-8833 ~ PO Box 8350 Santa Fe, NM 87504 ~ www.IMPACTPersonalSafety.org

Other upcoming classes with spots still available:

Spanish 3-hr Class: Wednesday, June 11th, 1-4 pm. FREE!!*
‘Fight Night’ Review Class for Basics graduates: Wednesday, June 25th: 6-9 pm
3-hr Class for LGBTQ Elders: Sunday, June 29th, 10am-1pm. FREE!!**
Advanced Basics Course: July 11 (6-9:30 pm), 12, 13, 19 & 20th, 1-4:30 pm.
Co-ed Basics for Men, Women & Teens: September 20, 21, 27 & 28, 12-5 pm.

* Made possible by the City of Santa Fe
** Made possible by the Santa Fe Community Foundation

Alena Schaim
Program & Outreach Coordinator / Instructor

IMPACT Personal Safety
PO Box 8350
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Tel: 505-992-8833
Fax: 505-992-8853
www.IMPACTPersonalSafety.org

Albuquerque: Hands on Science Opportunity @ the Open Space Visitor Center

2008-06-07T13:07:00.002-07:00

I don't think homeschoolers can take advantage of the transporation stuff but you never know until you ask!--Tabbi

The Open Space Visitor Center is planning a demonstration garden that represents several early farming methods and the foods that were collected and cultivated in New Mexico. This is intended to be an educational garden where groups can actively take part in its development and observe its successes and failures. Farming methods that will be represented are terraced arroyo, waffle garden, cobble mulch garden, and orchards. You are invited to take part in its cultivation!

We would like to target both Science and History teachers and students with this unique project. We are looking for school groups who can take part in the development of this garden throughout the summer on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. If this is something you would like to engage your students in please call Joshua Willis, Education Coordinator, at the Open Space Visitor Center. We will strive to align the activities you participate in here with standards you are currently teaching in your classroom. Our lessons will be hands on, outdoors and highly enjoyable.

Transportation can be negotiated through public transit (City Bus) or a bus scholarship program offered by the Open Space Alliance. If your school has access to private vehicles, or if your students drive, this would be a golden opportunity to begin a sustained relation with the Open Space Visitor Center and the educational opportunities found here.

The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW between Montana Rd. and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd. The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and closed Mondays. Call 897-8831 for more information or visit www.cabq.gov/openspace/visitorcenter.

Joshua Willis
Open Space
Parks and Recreation
City of Albuquerque
Visitor Center: 505-897-8831
Office: 505-897-8856
Fax: 505-987-0572

Resource: June is Here! Its Hot Out There!

2008-06-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

Hello and Good Afternoon,

Yes, it is hot out there! Bright too! Our summer sun is shining in full force. The intensity of the sun is an indication that we should take extra precautions to protect our eyes and skin. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise program [http://epa.gov/sunwise/] has developed a useful index to communicate the hazards of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is especially high in the summer.

The UV Index [http://epa.gov/sunwise/whereyoulive.html], much like the Air Quality Index is a numerical system 1 to 11+ that forecasts the ultraviolet radiation level. Beginning in June and continuing until August, our UV Index values are on average 11+.

So, pass this information on to your co-workers and any member of the community that enjoys our outside weather. Slather on the sun block, put on some shades with UV protection, or better yet take a siesta until after 4:00 pm. Ground-level Ozone levels decline after that time too.

Thanks for sharing the message!

Therese Martinez-Loner
Community Liaison
Air Quality Programs
Environmental Health
Phone: (505) 768-1970
Fax: (505) 768-1977

More Info on CA & Check out what is going on in WA State

2008-06-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

On my home page I have updated information about the California case.
It has been "vacated," which means it doesn't affect anyone else other
than the family who brought the case upon themselves.

From A to Z Home Page:

What Next for California Homeschoolers?
http://homeschoolin g.gomilpitas. com/articles/ 052108.htm
Amicus Briefs Accepted by California Court of Appeal - 5/27/08
Updated 5/27/08 to include press release from a second group of
concerned homeschool organizations, including A to Z Home's Cool, who
filed a second Amicus Brief. A joint brief filed by California's three
statewide homeschool organizations has been accepted for consideration
by the California Court of Appeal in the case known as In re Rachel L.

Is there a way I could be more clear?

There is a very slim chance that the rehearing this month could go
sour, but with all the political pressure from the govenator and the
Super of Schools, it is doubtful. This time the judge is being
"educated" with all these briefs from homeschool groups and businesses
throughout California.

Please, get the word out: NOTHING has changed with the ways
homeschoolers in CA may chose to homeschool. That is why the CA legal
information hasn't changed one iota on my site.

If you want to worry, worry about the relative handful of
homeschoolers in Washington DC. Their laws are being DRASTICALLY
changed to the more opressive. Currently, they only have to file a
letter of intent. NOW there is a possibility their laws could change
to this:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blDC.htm

Ann Zeise
A to Z Home's Cool
http://homeschoolin g.gomilpitas. com

Ann Zeise
A to Z Home's Cool
http://homeschoolin g.gomilpitas. com

UPDATE on Rosetta Stone @ the ABQ Library

2008-06-07T12:16:00.001-07:00

Hello all....here is a follow-up email I received from a fellow homeschool mom... here is the original link and info http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/2008/06/alert-use-rosetta-stone-via-library-for.html

Good morning. Julia Clarke has asked me to respond to your email. Rosetta Stone will be discontiuned on July 31, 2008. They will no longer provide their language database to libraries. We will be replacing it with Auaralog which currently covers English (ESL), Spanish, French, German, Italian and Dutch. They will be adding Chinese, Japanese and Arabic next year.

I have spoken to a number of libraries that have this product and they love it. This product covers different learning styles, speaking, listening, comprehension, reading and writing. I think that you will be pleased with it. We tested it and found that it is more comprehensive than Rosetta Stone. We hope that it will be up and running by the middle of July.

Please feel free to email or phone me with any concerns or comments.

Ida Mazzoni
Assistant Director
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)768-5152
imazzoni@cabq.gov

ALERT! Use Rosetta Stone via the Library for Language Learning?

2008-06-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well no longer Rosetta Stone is dropping their library subscription program and the Albuquerque/Bernallillo County Library's one expires at the end of July. That means that if you are using the library for learning a language you have to purchase their software or find alternatives.

I found this out this weekend at the fair after talking to the representatives from the library. This came as a huge blow when our finances are so low because my oldest has been using this online program for 4 years now and is in the middle of learning Japanese.

This was not announced in any way other than Rosetta Stone has very visibly bumped up their ads on TV and in print. So for those that use this program around the country it will come as a shock when they try to log in and do not have access.

Deals for software for all three levels of a language is only 5 payments of $100 each. You can get one level for 5 payments of $50-60 each. I do understand this is a purely business decision why give everyone access through the library when they can charge but how many families do you know that can afford this for EACH language they want to learn? Why not just charge a small monthly access fee or sell materials that go along with each language? Why in when US test scores and multi language learning is lagging behind other nations WHY drop this program entirely? Is the bottom line really ALWAYS about money? This company is the one who provides for the federal government and a majority of schools, are they really losing money on the library program--our tax dollars were paying for a subscription the library itself was not getting it for free.

So what did I do in my post-fair exhaustion? I decided to call and ask, who better to find out the reasons why then the source?! It was explained to me that they are dropping the database subscriptions for libraries that their patrons use at home, basically that libraries can still subscribe (for exhorbitant fees for each language) but only to individual languages and we would not be able to use it at home.

BUT not to worry the Albquerque/Bernalillo Library system has been in touch with other libraries around the country to see what they have done. You can expect to see Auralog to become the new way to learn languages through the library. I do not know exactly which languages or the details (such as being able to use it from home) but I will send along more information as I get it in, for now you can check out the company www.Auralog.com . They seem to appeal to a lot of different learning styles and will cover grammar as well for their languages, which Rosetta Stone did not. And this will be another free service through the Library system as long as you have a library card.

Have you ever checked out their Digital Databases--they are a WEALTH of information to add to your homeschool resources:
http://www.cabq.gov/library/ on the left side of the page are Digital Databases.

If you are not in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo area please conact your library to see what they are doing to replace Rosetta Stone-or if they have language learning at all as a resource!

Thanks to CNM for hosting the NM HS Community Fair 2008!

2008-06-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

There are not enough ways to say thank Central New Mexico (CNM) for their gracious offer and hosting of our home school fair. The Workforce Training Center is a beautiful campus and was a fitting location for the families who came to discover the resources and opportunities for learning in our community!

After speaking with several vendors and volunteers my best estimate is that there were anywhere from 700-1000 people total, with half to 3/4 of that being kids of all ages!

I am so proud to have been a part of this relationship between a college and a homeschooling community. We are all in the 'business' of giving our children and families choices in their education. Together we are providing a forum in which our community is able to showcase those resources for life long learning.

A special thanks goes out to Phillip Bustos of Student Services who intiated the offer to utilize the resources of CNM. Also Evelyn Dow-Simpson and the entire staff at the Workforce Training Center campus, we could not have done it without their help leading up to and the day of the fair!

So with my notebook of ideas for next year in hand and a couple of hundred emails in my inbox requesting information and tables for next year lets give a virtual round of applause to CNM!

Gratefully yours and loving the community in which we live and learn,

Tabitha Orr
Homeschool Mom,
Executive Director,
New Mexico Homeschool Community Updates
NMHomeschoolCommunityUpdates@gmail.com
www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.

In case you missed the fair or were not able to talk to everyone here are the contacts below:

Donna Diller, 224-3896, ddiller@cnm.edu, Business & Information Technology (BIT)
Chris Burns, 224-3832, cburns@cnm.edu, Business & Information Technology (BIT)
Johnnee Cunningham, 224-3710, JCunningham10@cnm.edu, Applied Technologies (AT)
Vicky Maestas, 224-3736, VMaestas@cnm.edu, Applied Technologies (AT)
Cynthia Gallegos, 224-3326, cgallegos131@cnm.edu, Educational Collaboration (High School age programs)
Stephen Sanchez, 224-4301, SSanchez@cnm.edu, Student Adult General Education (SAGE...great contact for GED program)
Diane Isonhood, 224-3191, DIsonhood@cnm.edu , Enrollment
Daniel Harmount, 224-3162, dharmount@cnm.edu , Recruitment Orientation & Transitional Services

Rio Rancho: Homeschooler Bowling TOMORROW!

2008-06-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

What: Bowling 2 games, shoe rental, & lunch optional
Where: Ten Pins Bowling, 1416 Deborah Rd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 892-
7117
When: Every 1st Thursday of the month at 1:00 (This Thursday, June 5th)
Cost: $6.00 w/o lunch $8.00 w/hot dog and soda No need to sign up,
just show up! Any questions: TLMoody@cableone.net
All ages welcome!

Albuquerque: Popejoy Presents: Spamalot

2008-06-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ah how much fun this is going to be! I have linked a great video of the knights as Lego dudes singing one of my fav Monty Python songs....and boy do I wish I could win those killer rabbit slippers! Get your tickets now!-Tabbi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIXByCAIzos&feature=related

Spamalot

June 10-15

Tuesday, June 10, 7:30pm
Wednesday, June 11, 7:30pm
Thursday, June 12, 7:30pm
Friday, June 13,8pm
Saturday, June 14 2 & 8pm
Sunday, June 15, 2 & 7:30pm

Tickets: $75-$37.50

To purchase tickets simply click here
or log on to www.unmtickets.com.

Want to get the best seats available? Purchase tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday, or the Thursday evening performances.

Special Spamalot Contest!

Just for reading this message, we have a special contest for you. Enter to win a pair of Killer Rabbit Bunny Slippers.

Simply send an e-mail with your name, e-mail and telephone to popejoy@unm.edu. Winner will be drawn at random from all responses.

Act quickly! Entries must be received by Saturday, June 7th!

Disney's Buzz Lightyear Travels to the International Space Station Aboard STS-124

2008-06-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

Buzz Lightyear, the Disney / Pixar character that made famous the movie line "To infinity, and beyond!" has been assigned a new mission on the International Space Station. The space ranger from the "Toy Story" movies is joining the crew of the STS-124 space shuttle mission.

The STS-124 space shuttle mission will deliver the next piece of the Japanese "Kibo" laboratory to the station. Kibo is about the size of a large tour bus and will be the station's largest laboratory. It will feature 10 experiment racks where astronauts will conduct microgravity research that will focus on space medicine, biology, Earth observations, material production, biotechnology and communications research. In celebration of Buzz's flight, Disney Parks partnered with NASA to create five interactive games with educational activities and special messages from Buzz Lightyear. These will be added to the NASA Kids' Club Web site throughout the mission.

The games are:

Load the Shuttle
Kids use mathematics and problem-solving to load the space shuttle payload bay with parts and supplies for the International Space Station. Students have to consider weight and space available to solve the challenge.

Mission Matchup
Players match the name of the country with that country's contribution to spaceflight and technology. As the matches are found, an image of the completed International Space Station is revealed.

I Spy
Everyday objects such as a football helmet, sunglasses and even an ice cream cone are hidden on a space station. All the hidden objects are spin-offs of NASA-developed technology.

Connect It
Players predict how to use the space shuttle's robotic arm to move and attach the new Japanese module "Kibo" to the International Space Station.

Toys in Space
Players fly Buzz Lightyear around a space station and land him on a variety of toys to reveal videos of astronauts playing with the toys in space. Toys in the game include a yo-yo, a soccer ball, a jump rope and a car on a track.

Buzz Lightyear will stay on the station with the Expedition 17 crew for approximately five months. He is scheduled to fly home with the crew of the STS-126 shuttle mission, targeted for November 2008. These missions are an important step in preparing for the future of spaceflight. NASA is currently working to carry out a long-term plan that will lead to humans' returning to the moon and beyond.

Follow along by visiting the NASA Kids' Club site throughout the STS-124 mission to read Buzz's Mission Logs, download the activity guides, and play the interactive games. Mission log updates will be posted as the mission progresses. To visit the NASA Kids' Club, go to http://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub .

To learn more about the STS-124 space shuttle mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/sts-124-main.html.

Albuquerque: June Programs at the Library

2008-06-04T14:45:00.001-07:00

Hi Tabitha,

Below is a listing of child/family programs and teen programs that will be taking place this month at libraries within the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System. This does not include all of the individual children's performers that I have scheduled for Summer Reading (otherwise it would be a massive email). If you do want a full schedule of children's performers let me know and I will send it to you separately.

Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information about any of this or anything else library related.

Riann Powell
Cultural Activities Coordinator
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System
(505) 768-5115

Library Programs for Children and Families

Program: 2008 Summer Reading Program

Date: June – July 25, 2008

Time: Library Hours of Operation

Location: Libraries in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System

Cost: Free

Information: Call 311 or www.cabq.gov/library

Description: Catch the Reading Bug during the Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Program! Children, teens and adults are encouraged to register, read and attend any of the events and activities that the libraries offer. For every 10 hours of reading all participants can enter their name in to a raffle for some great prizes. To register, stop by your local library during its hours of operation. For additional information on all of the special events and activities associated with the Summer Reading Program call 311 or visit us online at www.cabq.gov/library.

Program: Summer Reading Program – events & activities

Dates: June – July 2008

Times: See website for details

Location: See website for details

Cost: Free

Information: Call 311 or www.cabq.gov/library

Description: Summer Reading Program Special Events & Activities. This year’s Summer Reading Program offers a host of special events and activities for children and families. Stop by your local library to hear music by Mr. Stinky Feet, see magic by John Polinko, or learn about the rainforest and meet some live birds and bugs with Exotics of the Rainforest. Or check out one of the great bug movies that are being shown at libraries throughout the city. These are just some of the activities taking place during the 2008 Summer Reading Program. For a full list of activities and special events associated with the Library’s Summer Reading Program pick up an entertainment schedule at your local library or visit us online at www.cabq.gov/library.

Program: Library Storytimes

Dates: June 2 - July 26, 2008

Times: See website for details

Locations: See website for details

Cost: Free

Information: Call 311 or www.cabq.gov/library

Description: Every Child Ready to Read Storytimes. Storytimes will be for children ages 2-5 and will incorporate methods used during Every Child Ready to Read workshops, which teach parents and caregivers how to help children develop pre-reading skills, build vocabulary and develop language skills. These storytimes will take place Monday through Saturday at various libraries in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System. For a full schedule of library storytime dates and times, including a list of bilingual storytimes, call 311 for visit us online at www.cabq.gov/library.

Program: Grease the Musical featuring the New Mexico Special Orchestra & Adelante Arts and Animals Program

Date: June 7, 2008

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Main Library Downstairs Auditorium, 501 Copper Ave. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 864-3749

Description: Grease the Musical. Join the New Mexico Special Orchestra and the Adelante Arts and Animals Program for a special production of this popular musical. 1:30 p.m. at the Main Library. For more information call (505) 864-3749 or visit www.specialorchestra.org.

Program: Daddy & Me Storytime

Date: June 13, 2008

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Alamosa Library, 6900 Gonzales SW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 836-0684

Description: Daddy & Me Storytime at the Alamosa Library. Celebrate Father’s Day at the Alamosa Library with a very special evening storytime geared towards children ages 0-5. 5:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 836-0684.

Program: K-9 Demonstration

Date: June 14, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 291-6295

Description: K-9 Demonstration at the Lomas Tramway Library. Everyone is invited to meet Deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and see a demonstration on how K-9’s catch the bad guys. 11:00 a.m. For more information call (505) 291-6295.

Program: Craft Program for ages 6-12 – Make a Bug Wind Chime

Date: June 18, 2008

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Cherry Hills Library, 6901 Barstow NE

Cost: Free (but advance registration is required)

Contact & Registration: (505) 857-8321

Description: Craft Program at the Cherry Hills Library. Children ages 6-12 are invited to make a bug wind chime using hardware and office supplies. 2:00 p.m. This is a free program, and materials will be provided, but advance registration is required. For more information and to register please call (505) 857-8321.

Program: Birds of the Wild

Date: June 28, 2008

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 761-4020

Description: Birds of the Wild at the Los Griegos Library. Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico will be at the library discussing rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild birds, and will bring live wild birds for you to see. 1:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 761-4020.

Library Programs for Teens

Program: 2008 Summer Reading Program

Date: June – July 25, 2008

Time: Library Hours of Operation

Location: Libraries in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System

Cost: Free

Information: Call 311 or www.cabq.gov/library

Description: Catch the Reading Bug during the Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Program! Children, teens and adults are encouraged to register, read and attend any of the events and activities that the libraries offer. For every 10 hours of reading all participants can enter their name in to a raffle for some great prizes. To register, stop by your local library during its hours of operation. For additional information on all of the special events and activities associated with the Summer Reading Program call 311 or visit us online at www.cabq.gov/library.

Program: Wii Tournament I

Date: June 6, 2008

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Main Library, 501 Copper Ave. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 768-5136

Description: Main Library Teen Program. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to participate in the Wii Tournament I. Come play DDR and Guitar Hero III. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 768-5136.

Program: From Marvel to Manga

Date: June 6, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE

Cost: Free (but space is limited – please call to register in advance)

Contact: (505) 888-8100

Description: From Marvel to Manga - Teen Lunch at the Erna Fergusson Library. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to learn comic art. See some new comics and then draw something in your favorite style. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and then enjoy the activity. The Program is free but registration is required. For more information and to register call (505) 888-8100.

Program: Rockets Into Space!

Date: June 10, 2008

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Cherry Hills Library, 6901 Barstow NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 857-8321

Description: Rockets Into Space! A Teen Program at the Cherry Hills Library. Join the National Atomic Museum for an interactive presentation about rockets - learn about rocket racers, air rockets, navigation by GPS, and build a rocket of your own. 2:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 857-8321.

Program: Cartoon & Comic Drawing Workshop

Date: June 11, 2008

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: East Mountain Library, 1 Old Tijeras Rd., Tijeras

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 281-8508

Description: Cartoon and Comic Drawing Workshop for Teens at the East Mountain Library. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to participate in a cartoon and comic drawing workshop with local author and illustrator Rex Barron. Learn how to draw your favorite comic book and cartoon characters from a variety of angles. 3:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 281-8508.

Program: Our Radioactive World

Date: June 12, 2008

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 291-6260

Description: Our Radioactive World. A Teen Program at the Juan Tabo Library. Do we glow in the dark? What do superheroes have to do with radiation? Can you measure the half life of a licorice? By using a Geiger counter to test hot samples and by observing alpha, beta, and gamma rays in a cloud chamber, teens will learn about radiation and nuclear decay. Presented by the National Atomic Museum. 4:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 291-6260.

Program: Comic Art Workshop with 7000 BC

Date: June 13, 2008

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Main Library, 501 Copper Ave. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 768-5136

Description: Comic art workshop for teens at the Main Library. Join members of 7000 BC, an independent New Mexico based group of comic writers and artists, for a workshop covering various aspects of developing and drawing a comic. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 768-5136.

Program: Origami

Date: June 13, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE

Cost: Free (but space is limited – please call to register in advance)

Contact: (505) 888-8100

Description: Origami – Teen Lunch at the Erna Fergusson Library. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to create origami designs for intermediate folders. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and then enjoy the activity. The Program is free but registration is required. For more information and to register call (505) 888-8100.

Program: Robot Encounters!

Date: June 18, 2008

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos Rd. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 761-4020

Description: Robot Encounters! A Teen Program at the Los Griegos Library. Were robot machines part of everyday life in the ancient world? What robots are being used right now to explore the depths of the ocean? Learn about what makes a robot “tick” and build a working robot. 3:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 761-4020.

Program: Comic Art Workshop with 7000 BC

Date: June 19, 2008

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Location: North Valley Library, 7704 2nd St. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 897-8823

Description: Comic art workshop for teens at the North Valley Library. Join members of 7000 BC, an independent New Mexico based group of comic writers and artists, for a workshop covering various aspects of developing and drawing a comic. 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 897-8823.

Program: Tag Your Tees!

Date: June 20, 2008

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Main Library, 501 Copper Ave. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 897-8823

Description: Teen Program at the Main Library. Tag your tees! Teens ages 12-18 are invited participate in this t-shirt stenciling program. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 768-5136.

Program: Life Size Board Game

Date: June 20, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE

Cost: Free (but space is limited – please call to register in advance)

Contact: (505) 888-8100

Description: Teen Program at the Erna Fergusson Library. Life Size Board Game. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to participate. You are the game piece; outwit the other players on the board! 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and then enjoy the activity. The Program is free but registration is required. For more information and to register call (505) 888-8100.

Program: How to Create a Comic Book

Date: June 21, 2008

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 291-6295

Description: How to Create a Comic Book. Teens are invited to attend this workshop with Jona Kottler, creator of the Wonderverse comic book. You will learn the basics of comic book creation, the history of comics, tools, plot, characterization, script writing, page layout, artistic influence and methods of publication. 1:00 p.m. at the Lomas Tramway Library. For more information please call (505) 291-6295.

Program: Wizard Rock with the Remus Lupins!

Date: June 24, 2008

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Wyoming Library, 8205 Apache NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 291-6264

Description: Wizard Rock Concert at the Wyoming Library. Popular wizard rock band The Remus Lupins are making a stop in Albuquerque! Check out the show at 6:00 p.m. Anyone that loves Harry Potter is going to enjoy this rockin’ concert. For more information call (505) 291-6264.

Program: Origami

Date: June 25, 2008

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: East Mountain Library, 1 Old Tijeras Rd., Tijeras

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 281-8508

Description: Origami Program for teens at the East Mountain Library. Learn how to fold paper into a bunch of cool shapes, including a dragon, with local author and origami enthusiast Mary Saunders. Materials will be supplied! 3:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 281-8508.

Program: Origami

Date: June 26, 2008

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 291-6260

Description: Origami Program for teens at the Juan Tabo Library. Learn how to fold paper into a bunch of cool shapes, including a dragon, with local author and origami enthusiast Mary Saunders. Materials will be supplied! 4:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 291-6260.

Program: Egyptian Hieroglyphics

Date: June 27, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE

Cost: Free (but space is limited – please call to register in advance)

Contact: (505) 888-8100

Description: Teen Program at the Erna Fergusson Library. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to learn about Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Learn how to write your name and some Ancient Egyptian insults! 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and then enjoy the activity. The Program is free but registration is required. For more information and to register call (505) 888-8100.

Program: Wii Tournament Part II

Date: June 27, 2008

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Main Library, 501 Copper Ave. NW

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 768-5136

Description: Teen Program at the Main Library. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to participate in the Wii Tournament Part II. We will be playing DDR and Guitar Hero III. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 768-5136.

Program: Comic Art Workshop with 7000 BC

Date: June 28, 2008

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Wyoming Library, 8205 Apache NE

Cost: Free

Contact: (505) 291-6264

Description: Comic art workshop for teens at the Wyoming Library. Join members of 7000 BC, an independent New Mexico based group of comic writers and artists, for a workshop covering various aspects of developing and drawing a comic. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (505) 291-6264.

Homeschooler Trip to D.C.!!

2008-06-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Join Carolina Homeschooler in October as we take our second trip to Washington DC! We'll spend three days touring the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, White House, Arlington Cemetery, US Capitol, Space Museum, Holocaust Museum, International Spy Museum, the Pentagon, and more.

The registration deadline for this trip is August 15. Early registrants get a free buffet breakfast each morning at our first-choice hotel, so register soon! Visit our travel area at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/travelwdc.htm for more information. We hope you can join us!

Join our Traveling Homeschoolers mailing list to receive future updates about this trip and others - http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/lists.htm

Warmly,
Dianna

Rio Rancho: More Events @ the Library!!

2008-06-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello, Please post the attached press releases at your convenience.
Thank you, Rob

Robert P. Nankin
Branch Manager
Esther Bone Memorial Library
950 Pinetree Rd. SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-891-5225
(Fax) 505-891-1396

Rio rancho public Library 950 Pinetree Rd. SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124

505-891-5012

Press Release

Contact: Rob Nankin
Phone: (505) 891-5225
FOR RELEASE:
When space permits

Friday Night at the Movies!
The Esther Bone Memorial Library at 950 Pinetree Rd. SE in Rio Rancho is having its first free after hours movie night. If the movie night is successful the library hopes to do this once a month.

On Friday, June 27th at 7:00 pm the library will be showing the documentary movie, Gimme Shelter. This movie features the Rolling Stones at the Altamont Music Festival in 1969.

This festival signaled the end of the peaceful hippie era and happened just a few short months after the original Woodstock Music festival.

The movie does portray some violent images, drug use and possibly offensive language. The film runs 91 minutes. You do not need to sign-up in advance to come to the movie, nor are tickets required.

The library will be closed during the showing of the film. People who are interested in coming to the show will be admitted to the program room. For more information you may call 891-5012, extension 3030. You may also email, rnankin@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us.

Rio Rancho Public Library 950 Pinetree Rd. SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124

505-891-5012

Press Release

Contact: Rob Nankin
Phone: (505) 891-5225
FOR RELEASE:
When space permits

Reiki Workshop at the Library
The Esther Bone Memorial Library at 950 Pinetree Rd. SE in Rio Rancho, will be presenting a free Reiki workshop and demonstration. This program will take place on Saturday, June 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

People who are interested in attending do not need to sign-up in advance. If you need more information you may call 505-891-5012, extension 3128. You may also email, rnankin@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us.

Jan Schroeder is a certified Reiki Master in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition. Jan will be conducting the workshop at the library.

Reiki is a Japanese healing art and a hands-on intuitive healing practice. Reiki balances and harmonizes the body’s energy systems: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Reiki is completely harmless to the recipient. However, toxins and “old stuff” are released during a Reiki treatment. Reiki is deeply relaxing and energizing.

Edgewood: Junior ZooKeeper Day Camp and more!!

2008-06-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wildlife West Nature Park - New Mexico's Premier Enhanced Zoo!

Junior Zookeepers Summer Day Camp
Two sessions: June 16-20 and June 23-27, 2008

Learn basic biology, interact with animals and have fun behind the scenes with zookeepers at Wildlife West!

Spend a week learning about New Mexico’s native plants and animals this summer.

Junior Zookeepers Day Camp is an exciting program that offers children ages 8-12 the opportunity to experience what our animal keepers do on a day to day basis.

Learn about elk, deer, pronghorn, coyotes, fox, bobcat, cougar, raptors, reptiles and much, much more. Register today; either print, fill out, and send in your registration form or request a copy from us at (505) 281-7655.

The cost is $60 per week and a snack is provided. Camp is held from 9 a.m. until noon, and we normally schedule two sessions each summer. Call (505) 281-7655 for information.

Click here to view the fun had by the Junior Zookeepers at the 2001 camp.

Rio Rancho: Soap Box Derby Schedule JUNE 7th!!

2008-06-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Tabitha, please feel free to edit.

This is kind of nice because they have some soapbox derby cars available to race for free. We let our boys race last month and is wasn't free=) This event is held in Rio Rancho and it may be the last time to use the track since Vista Verde Memorial Park is extending the grounds for their use. Some quick tips. Bring some type of shade and lots of water. You do need at least one person with manpower to help with the kids cars when unloading. And you can get going up to 35 miles per hour. They provide helmets and goggles for you too. Also, they do help you get your car ready and it was informative for the boys to learn to put a soapbox derby car together. Test runs are on Fri. Thanks, Teresa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_Box_Derby Under trivia there is a bit about the Rio Rancho track
http://207.242.75.40/derbtech/derbytech_track_guide.htm#Albuquerque Pic
-----Original Message-----
From: Soap Box [mailto:rioranchosoapboxderby@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 8:58 AM
To: Subject: Soap Box Derby Schedule Continued

PLEASE NOTE: We are extremely short on racers for the Local Race on June 7th. If you woulk like to race or if you know of someone who would like to race please call 867-6833 we do have cars available for use FREE. We would need to get the car set up this week and do practice runs on Friday afternoon or first thing Saturday morning. Brenda

June 6, 2008 Car Inspection/Weigh Ins 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

June 6, 2008 Track Set Up/Clean Up 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

June 7, 2008 Local Race Check In 7:30 a.m.

Track Set Up

June 7, 2008 LOCAL RACE 8:30 a.m. (estimate)

June 7, 2008 Awards/Clean Immediately Following Race

The minimum age is 8 for the stock division and 10 for the super stock and masters divisions.

The maximum age is 13 for the stock division and 17 for the super stock and masters division.

Location:
Vista Verde Memorial Park
4310 Sara Rd. - Rio Rancho
(Sara and Meadow Lark)

East Mountains: First Saturday at the SMNHC

2008-06-04T12:31:00.002-07:00

This is your monthly reminder for the First Saturday Event at the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center.
The Center will open its doors to the public June 7th from 9:00-3:00 and will offer visitors 5 ½ miles of trails, picnicking, geocashhing, 2 hands on exhibit rooms, and a wildlife observation deck. A GPS and Geocaching training session will take place from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

For directions or more information contact us at 281-5259 or www.nmnaturalhistory.org/smnhc

Chris Modelski
Sandia Mountain Natural History Center
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
(505) 281-5259
chris.modelski@state.nm.us

Albuquerque: Open Space Visitor Center: UPCOMING EVENTS

2008-06-04T12:31:00.001-07:00

All events take place at the Open Space Visitor Center located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW between Montano Rd. and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Call 505.897.8831 for more information.

ONGOING
Traditional Demonstration Garden

Help cultivate a demonstration garden that represents several early farming methods and the foods that were collected and cultivated in New Mexico. This is intended to be an educational garden where groups can actively take part in its development and observe its successes and failures. Farming methods that will be represented are terraced arroyo, waffle garden, cobble mulch garden, and orchards. Projects will involve preparing garden areas, planting, mulching, weeding, watering, harvesting, preparing seeds for storage and more. Volunteers should be at least 14 years old or accompanied by an adult. Participants will need work gloves, sun protection, sturdy shoes and water. Groups up to 10 people welcomed. Call 897-8831 to find out how to get involved.

JUNE
8th Map & Compass for Families
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Learn how to navigate your way over the landscape the old fashioned way--with a map & compass. Paul Daily will start with a classroom orientation then take you outside to practice Bring your own compass or borrow one from Open Space. This class is free and part of the Open Space Division Summer Series.

14th Two Decades of Protection, 700 Years of History: Celebrating Piedras Marcadas Ancestral Pueblo Village
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In 1988, the City of Albuquerque purchased one of the largest known ancestral pueblo villages in the Albuquerque area, protecting it from proposed development. To celebrate the anniversary of this important acquisition archaeologist, Dr. Matt Schmader, will interpret and take you on a tour of this once thriving and important community. Bring water and dress appropriately for a short hike. Space is limited, please call 897-8831 to register.

15th Bird Hike in the Bosque
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The bosque is home to many species of birds. Naturalist, author, and educator, Verne Huser, will lead you through the bosque to find a variety of these beautiful and interesting creatures. Bring binoculars. This is a free program and part of the Open Space Division Summer Series.

21st Sharing Southwest Stories for Children
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sharing Southwest Stories for Children explores the world of children’s literature with New Mexico and Southwestern authors. Kathy Warren brings characters of the Southwest to life with her dynamic readings and inspires children to create their own stories in words and pictures. The reading will be followed by a “take home” art activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

28th Introduction to Papermaking Workshop
10:00 AM - Noon
Learn the basic steps for making paper from a variety of plants and recycled materials. This class is intended for those with little or no papermaking experience. This is a free workshop. Call 897-8831 to register as space is limited.

JULY
5th Volunteer Training
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Open Space Visitor Center Volunteers greet visitors, provide information about the Center and the greater Open Space system, and help in areas that suit their interests such as education, gardening, and special events. The training will cover Open Space history and geography, volunteer responsibilities, and a tour of the facility. Call 897-8831 to register.

12th Advanced Nature Journaling
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Learn how to take your nature journaling to a new level with Margy O’Brien. O’Brien will help you deepen your power of expression by using color. You will need a blank sketch book of your choice, pencils and any art supplies you enjoy using. Please prepare for the outdoors and bring sun protection, water and a portable stool or blanket for your comfort. Workshop fee is $15.00 per person. Space is limited to 20 people, 10 years old and above. Call 897-8831 to register.

Jodi Hedderig
Open Space Visitor Center
Open Space Division
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Albuquerque
6500 Coors Blvd. NW
PO Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103
P: 505.897.8831
F: 505.897.0572
www.cabq.gov/openspace/visitorcenter

Albquerque: New Friends of Theatre-In-The-Making

2008-06-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the power of theatre. Programs and performances for all ages.
Shakespeare for young people. Community supported non-profit since 1989.
PO Box 4751, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87196 ● Phone 505-242-2327

Dear Friends,

If you are, have, or know kids aged 8 to 18, who would like to participate in the best kids' theatre program in the Greater Albuquerque area, Theatre-in-the-Making would like to meet you/them. You can find out more and watch a video of Theatre-in-the-Making's latest production at titm.org.

For the last 19 years, since it was founded by award-winning director, actor and UNM Theatre Department educator Paul Ford, Theatre-in-the-Making has been introducing the magic of live theatre to thousands of kids, both as performers and theatregoers. Among its special programs, Theatre-in-the-Making shows kids and parents that Shakespeare is not a boring requirement for 10th grade English, but as real, relevant and funny today as when he first wrote his works of genius.

My experience as the parent of a Theatre-in-the-Making kid is similar to that of many, many others. Starting at age 10, my daughter found her self-confidence, her voice and a great sharing community of friends in Theatre-in-the-Making, and laid a major part of the foundation there for her honors college career and her current Ph.D. program at Cornell. As a result, again like many parents who have seen the power of the program, I joined the Board (we still have 3 parents among the Board Members). And, as an actor, again similar to many other actors in Albuquerque, there is something very special about being in a Theatre-in-the-Making production and working with kids who have been through the Theatre-in-the-Making "conservatory."

All the best to you and your families,

Charles Fisher
President, Theatre-in-the-Making

June 9th
BooksAlive!

BooksAlive! is a playful introduction to the skills of acting and performing that culminates in a "story-theatre" production adapted and devised by the performers, ages 8 to 14.

The flexible format of the class helps to provide the right level of challenge for the student actors while allowing them to play multiple roles and encouraging their creativity in writing and improvisation. The program culminates in a short touring production (community centers and other summer school programs) and a showcase performance at the Desert Rose Playhouse.

Rehearsals will be at The Desert Rose Playhouse 6921 Montgomery NE, just west of the corner of Montgomery and Louisiana.

Classes meet Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to noon June 9 to the weekend of July 19. The cost is $275

Need more info? Want to enroll?
Please go to Theatre-In-The-Making.

While there, check-out how much fun we're having in our photos and videos gallery.

Shakespeare Youth Performance Workshop Presents
A Midsummer Night's Dream

Magic, romance and comedy wait in the forest outside Athens
and you can join them starting this October.

Theatre-in-the-Making's Shakespeare Youth Performance Workshop proudly offers A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of Shakespeare's most enduring and delightful comedies,
under the direction of Brian Haney.

A quartet of young lovers find themselves lost in a forest filled with spirits and spells while a troop of bumbling actors, led by the inimitable Nick Bottom, try (and hilariously fail) to stage a play.

Adding to the confusion, the mischievous sprite Puck whisks about with a magic potion causing all the wrong people - and even some deities - to fall in love with each other.

For 19 years, the Shakespeare Youth Performance Workshop
has helped both actors and audiences to demystify the Bard, introducing them to the power, humanity and humor of Shakespeare's stories and language.

As always, the focus of the workshop is on the development of acting skills and the formation of an ensemble based on trust and collaboration. TitM's commitment to ensemble acting means that everyone gets to participate in the final production. All students interested in the theatre arts,
from beginners to seasoned veterans, will find the right level of challenge in this class.

Classes run from October through February, culminating in a main stage production at the Albuquerque Little Theatre.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is offered to students ages 10 to 18.

Tuition for the 4 month class is $90 per month.
Rehearsal venue TBA.

Need more info? Contact Brian Haney at 243-9984

And visit our website!

Rio Rancho: Events @ The Library!

2008-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Loma Colorado Public Library 755 Loma Colorado Rd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87108

Phone (505) 891-5013, ext 3032

Fax (505) 892-4782

Press Release

Contact: Stephanie A. Zaslav
Phone: (505) 891-5013, ext 3082
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2008; 3:15 pm

NO FIRES @ the Library!

No fires at the Loma Colorado Main Library at 10:30 am on July 2, but lots of fire stuff of interest to kids and adults. There will be a fire truck for kids to investigate, an ambulance, a teddy bear clinic (bring your bear to fix his boo-boos), and everything you ever wanted to know about fire safety. Good timing right before the holiday! For more information, call the library at 891-5013, ext 3032.

Loma Colorado Public Library 755 Loma Colorado Rd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87108

Phone (505) 891-5013, ext 3032

Fax (505) 892-4782

Press Release

Contact: Deimosa Webber-Bey
Phone: (505) 891-5013, ext 3031
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008

METAMORPHOSIS @ YOUR LIBRARY

Teen programs – week of June 9th

Teens can register for the Rio Rancho Public Library’s teen summer reading program at three locations: Loma Colorado Main Library – 755 Loma Colorado Dr NE, Esther Bone Memorial Library – 950 Pinetree Road SE, and the Star Heights Learning Center – 800 Polaris Road. For more information, stop by the library for a calendar, contact the teen librarian at 891-5013 x3031, or visit the library’s website: www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/library.htm.

Teen Programs at the Loma Colorado Main Library:

All Ages Chess - Every Tuesday during the summer, 6-7:30pm
Altered Books - Saturday, June 14 at 2pm – with local artist Geri Michelli. Space is limited to 15, so you must register for this program; registration begins May 27, call or stop by the Loma Colorado Main Library.

Teen Programs at the Esther Bone Memorial Library:

Summer Knit Clique - Wednesdays, June 11 to July 16 from 11am-12pm - Grades 5 and up
LIVE on the Lawn! - Thursday, June 12 at 6pm - This outdoor lawn concert will feature rock & Latin jazz group Riverside Jam, hip hop group The 2bers, and DJ Garronteed on the wheels of steel.
LIVE Art – Spray art artist Nick Tramontina’s artwork will be on display at Esther Bone this summer; he will be doing a live demonstration of graffiti-style painting during the lawn concert.

Teen Programs at the star heights learning center:

Star Heights will be open from 1pm-5pm weekdays during the summer; all programs will take place during those hours.

Board Game Competitions - Tuesday, June 10 - Prizes!
Father’s Day Craft - Friday, June 13
Loma Colorado Public Library 755 Loma Colorado Rd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87108

Phone (505) 891-5013, ext 3032

Fax (505) 892-4782

Press Release

Contact: Deimosa Webber-Bey
Phone: (505) 891-5013, ext 3031
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008

METAMORPHOSIS @ YOUR LIBRARY

tEEN pROGRAMS – WEEK OF jUNE 2ND

Teens can register for the Rio Rancho Public Library’s teen summer reading program at three locations: Loma Colorado Main Library – 755 Loma Colorado Dr NE, Esther Bone Memorial Library – 950 Pinetree Road SE, and the Star Heights Learning Center – 800 Polaris Road. For more information, stop by the library for a calendar, contact the teen librarian at 891-5013 x3031, or visit the library’s website: www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/library.htm.

Teen Programs at the Loma Colorado Main Library:

All Ages Chess - Every Tuesday during the summer, 6-7:30pm
Makeovers for Teens - Thursday, June 5 at 2pm - Space is limited to 12, so you must register for this program; registration begins May 27, call or stop by the Loma Colorado Main Library.

Teen Programs at the star heights learning center:

Star Heights will be open from 1pm-5pm weekdays during the summer; all programs will take place during those hours.

Shoe Planters - Tuesday, June 3 - Bring an old shoe!
Recipe Day - Friday, June 6 - Fun with food.

Should Homeschooling be illegal and parents be credentialed to teach? Article & Poll

2008-06-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

This was forwarded to me today by another homeschooling parent. As the quote says we just care about parental rights and not having a premium education, obviously this gentleman has not been in a majority of NM schools and has never been to a homeschool fair or conference:

Today's Parade Magazine (an insert in most Sunday papers) includes a
poll about whether or not hsing should be illegal. Titled "Should
Home-Schooling Be Illegal?," I found it rather inflammatory. There's
also the quote, "[T]he [California] case 'pits those who believe
parental rights are paramount against those who place a premium on
well-educated children.'"
As if hsers don't place a premium on well-educated children. Sigh.

If you are so inclined, take the one-question poll at www.parade.com
Click on "Intelligence Report" on the left down the page.