2008 August

YMCA Homeschool Fitness

New P.E. class through the Braundera YMCA, located at 9606 Bandera Road in San Antonio.  Here is the class description on their website, and here is the link to it:  http://www.ymcasatx.org/braundera/documents/Homeschoolfitnessc.pdf 

Homeschool Fitness provides a structured environment for students ages 5-16. Classes will increase flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and strength.  Join our wellness staff for a fun and exciting workout.   Classes begin September 2, 2008

Days:  Tuesday and Thursday
Time:  3:00-3:45pm  

Monthly Fees:
1st Child:  $20.00 per month for YMCA Facility Members
$50.00 per month for Community Participants (plus annual $30.00 Community Participant registration fee per family)
Each additional child $10.00 per month  

For additional information, please contact Craig Miller, Wellness and Aquatics Director, at (210)520-9700.

SAT Prep

Prepare for Oct. SAT
 
Our Lady of the Lake University
411 N.W. 24th St.
Metz Building Room 302
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
 
September 6, 13, 20, and 27
 
COST: $170.00
 
To register, send $170 check or money order to:
Pauline Bauml
9130 Oak Downs
San Antonio, TX 78230
 
Inquiries: Pauline Bauml
210 – 287 – 1898
 
Saturdays

Homeschool Tennis

Hello fellow Homeschoolers. It's fall again, well kinda, but many of
us are back to school and so I am inviting new kids to our New
Braunfels Home School Tennis group. We are having New Member
invitation.

Thursday September 4th
From 9am to 10:30 am
Cost is $10 per kid & one new can of balls if this is your first
time.

Once we see the turn out, we will identify class sizes and specific
Thursday morning time. This class meets weekly on Thursdays at the Prince Solms courts. I do drop in rates, if you play you pay. If
you can't come, you don't pay. Additional details available if you
come. Ages 7 and up welcome. I can discuss other ages if you come.

Hit Well!
Eric James - ericsjames@gmail.com

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas Photography Workshops

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas, formerly known as Bexar Land Trust, is a non profit organization that sponsors monthly workshops for youth 8-18 years of age.  Our workshops are based on preserving nature and teaching students the art of photographing it.  

We had several home school groups join us last year, and I want everyone to be aware of this great program available to all of you.  It's nature and photography oriented and a great way to help kids understand the importance of preserving our environment.  I'm attaching a workshop list so you'll know what I'm talking about. You can find additional information at greenspacesalliance.org. (formerly known as Bexar Land Trust).  Look for the Picture Your World menu.
All of the workshops will be patterned after this idea      

Students check in 15 minutes before the start time.  If he/she doesn't have a camera, one will be assigned for the duration of the workshop that day.    

Students receive information on taking care of the land and about making good photos.     

During the workshop, they will have time to learn about nature and take photos.

I'll make a cd for each of the students who have borrowed a camera and get it back to that individual. Students may use the photos for any competition or exhibit they'd like...even an AP portfolio on the high school level.  In April you'll receive info about the actual photo competition sponsored by Green Spaces Alliance.  Students will receive money awards for the winning pieces. 

If you have any questions, email me sherrychris@att.net.

Sherry Christensen Picture Your World project coordinator. Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas

Register at http://www.greenspacesalliance.org/index_files/Page458.htm

The program is open to all interested students age 8-18 and will
be conducted in groups of 8-12 and 13-18. The 8-12 group will meet from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and the 13-18 group will meet from 1-4:30 p.m. Check-in time is 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. Digital cameras are available, or you may bring your own. Parents may attend. All workshops cost $10 and will be taught by a photographer, a naturalist, and/or the project manager. Fees may be waived for students demonstrating financial need. To apply for a
waiver, submit a note from a teacher or other authority who can attest to the student’s financial status.

Sun., Sept. 14, 2008, Discovering Food Sources in Nature, Taught by Patty Pasztor & Lisa Mittler
Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Road, San Antonio, TX 78256

Sun., Oct. 12, 2008, Discovering Food Sources in Nature, Taught by Holly Camero & Lisa Mittler
Cibolo Creek Ranch, 1410 Obst Road, Bulverde, TX 78163

Sun., Nov. 9, 2008, Discovering Food Sources in Nature, Taught by Melanie Rush-Davis
Landa Library Community Garden, 233 Bushnell, San Antonio, TX 78212

Sat., Jan. 17, 2009, Textures & Patterns in Nature, Taught by Patty Pasztor & Lisa Mittler
Green Gateways Conservation Easement Property, 2120 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78209

Sun., Jan. 18, 2009, Textures & Patterns in Nature, Watercolor Workshop
Green Gateways Conservation Easement Property, 2120 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78209

Sun., Feb. 22, 2009, Exploring Diversity in Nature: Plants & Insects, Taught by Gail Dugelby & Melanie
Rush-Davis
Medina River Park, 15890 State Highway 16 S, San Antonio, TX 78264

Sun., March 22, 2009, Exploring Diversity in Nature: Birds & Insects, Taught by Brad Wier & Lisa Mittler
Warbler Woods, 19349 Old Wiederstein Rd., Cibolo, TX 78108

Sun., April 19, 2009, Portfolio Presentation
Say Sí, 1518 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204

Register at http://www.greenspacesalliance.org/index_files/Page458.htm

Art Time

Education through art. Classes for Homeschoolers ages 6-12

Art Time program includes:  imagination games, music and art projects to help bring out personal creativity.

Art Time program develops: creativity, imagination, self-confidence, thinking skills, decision making and choices.

Thursdays 12:45-1:45 at the Hobby Lobby Stone Oak,  23128 US 281 N. First class September 18

Mondays 11:00-12noon at Hill Country Bible Church, 20885 FM 306. First class September 15

Tuition fee is $90 plus $30 supply fee for 12 weeks.
10% off tuition fee for a sibling(s). 10% off tuition fee for you and a friend. Classes for ages 3-5 are also available at the Hobby Lobby Stone Oak. Call 830-481-7378 or e-mail arttimeparty@yahoo.com

Baseball Camp

For high school level players or soon to be, homeschoolers or non-homeschoolers welcomed. The camp will take place at Bain Field every Tuesday and Thursday between SEPT. 23RD and OCT. 30TH from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The cost is $65. Contact Nate Landry at natelandry@yahoo.com for registration information.

Homeschool Community Education Classes

All Aboard!! Escape the ordinary this fall with Community Education and experience the world. Whatever your destination may be—your journey starts here!

We have hand-picked a few classes geared especially for you. Come and join the adventures.

• Jazz It Up
• Beginning Spanish (Grades 4-7)
• Early Elementary Computer
• Imagine Tomorrow
• Intro to Computers and Technology
• In the Limelight
• Fashion Designer
• Great Artists with Acrylic and Clay (Grades K-5)
• Kids' Day Out-Great Artists with Watercolor and Pastels (Grades K-5)
• Percussion (Ages 9-13)

All aboard the Community Learning Express! More fun and exciting classes are available on-line.

Fall brochure and registration are available online at: www.communityed.neisd.net Fall session begins Sept. 26, 2008.

Phone: 210-657-8866
Fax: 210-57-8612
Email: wjones@neisd.net

Jazz It Up

This class will give the students the ability to indulge their creativity while learning basic jazz technique, conditioning, stretching and dance combinations. Students will gain self-confidence while performing dance skills and learning to work as a team. Throughout the structure of the course, the dancers will accomplish an exciting dance routine to perform for their families at the end of the session.

Community Learning Center, Rm. 103, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 3
1:00 PM-2:00 PM (Grades 2-5)
2:00 PM-3:00 PM (grades 6-8) $41

Beginning Spanish (Grades 4-7)

Come and learn the Spanish language through music, games and more, including the alphabet, greetings and vocabulary. This is an active hands-on process for the students to learn and have fun at the same time. Cultural topics will also be covered throughout the class. A $15 supply fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.

Community Learning Center, Rm. 205, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. September 26
9:00 AM-10:00 AM, $41

Early Elementary Computer

We will learn the basics of navigating through Windows, as well as doing design projects in Paint and Publisher and learning about word processing. The educational software being used in this class focuses on reinforcing phonics, reading, math, Spanish, and geography skills. Last but not least, we will also include great bridge into the world of computers at the elementary level!

Community Learning Center, Rm. 207, 12 Week( s), Fri., Beg. September 26
1:30 PM-2:30 PM (Grades 1-3) $145

Imagine Tomorrow

Every Imagine Tomorrow class combines a fun learning adventure with sophisticated technology concepts in a creative way that teaches your child to use computers as a tool. Children work on laptops using Imagine Tomorrow software that is custom built for each lesson and adjusts to your child's academic and technical levels.

Community Learning Center, Rm. 207, 8 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 3
9:30 AM-10:30 AM (Ages 3-8) $120

Intro to Computers and Technology

Does your child enjoy working and playing on the computer? Are they always asking you how it works? If so, this is the class for them. Students will learn the history of computers, what makes a computer "think" and the different uses of computers. This course offers a hands-on approach when practical, and utilizes computer applications where limitation prohibits using actual components. Grades 6-8), 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (grades 3-5) $45

Community Learning Center, Lab, 6 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 3
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

In the Limelight

Is your child on the shy side? Is the ability to speak in front of a group important? Learn how to speak in front of groups and not get the jitters, butterflies or sweaty palms. This class will give students the basic principles of public and group speaking. Texas Cheer and Dance.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 204, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. September 26,
12:15 PM-1:15 PM, (Grades 4-7)
11:00-12:00PM (Grades 3-5)$41

Fashion Designer

Young girls will graduate from playing dress up to actually designing their own fashions. Design basics such as sketching, color, pattern, and texture coordination will be applied to an individual style portfolio. Designs come to life with modern fabrics, beautifully patterned papers, yards and yards of ribbons, colorful sequins, glitzy jewels, glamorous feathers, and oodles of other embellishments. Girls will be grouped into "Design Teams" for a variety of fun, engaging activities such as, Dressmaker's Challenge, Fashion Show-Down, Lingo-Bingo and much more! There is no sewing experience required.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 201, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 10
10:00 AM-12:00 PM, (Ages 8-13) $107

Great Artists with Acrylic and Clay (Grades K-5)

This class is a wonderful way for students to learn and express their artistic abilities. Students will learn different sculpture styles and their history and then apply those ideas into their own work of art. Students will also learn about acrylics and the techniques of being a wonderful artist. All supplies are professional grade and included in the cost of tuition.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 201, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. October 31
1:00 PM-2:30 PM, $65

Kids' Day Out-Great Artists with Watercolor and Pastels (Grades K-5)

Are you looking for something to stimulate your child's creativity? Students will have a blast creating their own original artwork, as they study famous artists from the past and present. Students will explore principles of drawing, painting techniques with watercolor and working with chalk pastels. All supplies are professional grade and are included in the cost of tuition.
Community Learning Center, Rm. 201, 4 Week (s), Fri., Beg. September 26
1:00 PM-2:30 PM, $65

Percussion (Ages 9-13)

Have fun learning to make various hand-held instruments and even more fun learning to play different percussion instruments. Become acquainted with hand techniques, patterns and rhythms, drums, shakere (gourd shaker), bells and claves. Lab fee of $15 is payable to the instructor at the first class.
Inspire Fine Art Center, 12 Session( s), Thurs., Beg. September 18
4:15 PM-5:45 PM, $160

Chalk It Up

Register your group now for TeamWorks!
TeamWorks Registration Deadline: September 19, 2008

It's time to talk chalk! On October 11, 2008 from 10-5pm Artpace San Antonio is launching its fifth annual Chalk It Up. This one-day street scene is designed to showcase the creative talent of our city in a free public event.

Artpace invites you and your school, community group, or club to participate as official TeamWorks Artists. TeamWorks play a significant role in the event by working to create an original design in chalk, rendered directly on the sidewalk of downtown Houston Street. Your group's sidewalk canvas will be approximately 6' x 12' and situated along Houston Street.
 
To register your group for TeamWorks please contact Program Manager Mary E. Cantú (mcantu@artpace.org or 210 212 4900 x 313) for a Registration Form.
The $40 Registration Fee includes four 36-piece packs of multicolored artist pastels (chalk).

Multi-level Homeschool Girl Scout Troop

I am the leader of a multi-level homeschool Girl Scout troop that meets UTSA  (I-10 and 1604) every Tuesday afternoon, 2-4 pm. 
 
We are a large, active troop.  Because of our size, we have leaders for each group (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes/Seniors) that allows us to break up into small groups for individual attention.  In addition, the girls intermingle during weekly meetings, special events and activities so to have interaction with all levels of Girl Scouts. 
 
We currently have some openings, so if you are looking for a troop and would like more information, please contact me at creeksidemom@yahoo.com

Texas Parks and Wildlife Homeschool Resources

Resources for Home Schools – available through subscription or free on-line.

Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine is excited to introduce “Keep Texas Wild” – a magazine section for kids. Our kid-friendly four-page section includes fun facts presented with a lively writing style, eye-popping photos and a creative, whimsical design. The topics are Texas-specific, with special attention to conservation issues.
“Keep Texas Wild” includes hands-on activities that cross the spectrum of curriculum (including art, math, science and social studies) and a call-to-action that encourages students to get outdoors and get involved.

Our first issue in September focuses on Predators. Our goal is to help kids understand that predators are not “bad guys” but rather a vital component of the natural world. Upcoming issues will feature bats, bees and other pollinators, bird migration, turtles, water conservation and snakes.

“Keep Texas Wild” is available in the magazine as well as in printable PDF format on our Web site. Go to www.tpwmagazine.com and click on the “Teacher Resource” button for lesson plans, additional activities and supplemental information for students and teachers who want to delve deeper into the topic.

If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or want to subscribe, please feel free to contact us.

Ballroom Dance Class

Ballroom Dance Class with Fritzi at the Blue Bubble Ballroom will be starting it's next session on Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1-3. Cost is $5/lesson with a 4 lesson commitment ($20/child).
 
Ages 6-10 will begin at 1:00 pm and end at 1:50 pm and ages 11-up will start at 2:00 pm and go until 2:50 pm.
 
Fritzi teaches different dances each session. Some examples are: Tango, Fox Trot, Waltz, etc.  
If you would like to see the class that is going on now just come the next Wednesday or two to the Blue Bubble Ballroom on Broadway just outside the loop 410.
 
If you are interested please contact Teresa Johnson at 210-666-8139 or by email at mtc71792@hotmail.com. Payment is required up front and before the session starts.

Ambleside Online in San Antonio

Do you currently use or plan to use Ambleside Online in your homeschool and need support?

Ambleside Online in San Antonio (AOinSA) is a new group for homeschooling families in San Antonio (and surrounding areas) using Ambleside Online curricula in their homeschools. Its' purpose is to offer a place of support, information, discussion, and hopefully resources to these families. All are welcome from beginners
to veteran AO'ers. (NOTE: This group is primarily ONLINE but may develop into more in the future as the Lord leads.)

(AO is based on Charlotte Mason's homeschooling method/philosophy - to learn more visit www.amblesideonline.org)

To join, visit our group website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AOinSA/

You're Invited to SACH's August Quarterly Meeting!

The first part of the meeting will be an overview of the upcoming
school year. The second part will be Workshop style. The workshops to choose from are: Smoothing the Way, Homeschooling High-School, What to do when your child is behind.

Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Time: 6:30 to 9:00p.m.
Location: Calvary Hills Baptist Church - 910 W Loop 1604 N
Map Link: http://tinyurl.com/2ro9ws

We will enjoy fellowship beginning at 6:30. The presentation will
begin at 7pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly with arrival time due to the traffic issues in this area. Childcare provided by SACH teens for a donation & with RSVP. When you RSVP please indicate which workshop you would like to attend, We will be having light snacks so please bring something to share.

SACH Members, please RSVP here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAChristianHomeschoolers/database

All guests of SACH, please RSVP to Noel Dill at
secretary@sachristianhomeschoolers.com

Young People's Concert Series 2008-2009

Orchestral Arithmetic
The San Antonio Symphony is proud to announce the dates and titles for the 2008-2009 award winning YPC programs to be held at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium. All programs are 50 minutes in length. Concerts start at 9:45 am and 11:10 am.

October 7, 8 and 10, 2008
Classical Fractions

November 4, 12 and 13, 2008
Symphonic Shapes: Geometry in the Orchestra

January 27, 28 and 29, 2009
Counting Steps: Math, Music and Dance

April 14, 15 & 16, 2009
Musical Equations: Paint by Numbers

For further information about the concerts please contact Stephanie Brimhall, Director of Education and Community Engagement at: brimhalls@sasymphony.org or call 210-554-1006

Communicators for Christ (CFC) Conference

www.communicatorsforchrist.com

Mark your Calendars!
October 8-11, 2008
Early Bird Pricing until August 27th!  Sign-up NOW!
Communicators for Christ is coming to Frisco, TX!!

Communicators for Christ (CFC) believes that Christian must harness and use the skills of public speaking. We also believe you can!  We don't think the skills of communication, thinking clearly and speaking articulately, are negotiable. It's not like asking whether you want to play a musical instrument or be on the swim team.

Why it's Important
As a student, there’s no greater tool for success at school. As an adult, skillful communication leads to creative thinking and enlightened decisions in all areas of life and work. But many of us would rather die than answer a question in front of a group. Parenting experts recommend public speaking skills to help build confidence, but speaking in front of others has been cited as the top fear in America.

In one survey, fear of public speaking ranked #1, beating out fear of heights, deep water, bugs – even death.
We believe it is absolutely necessary for every Christian young person to become an excellent communicator, because once you identify with Christ, you are communicating for Christ. Are you communicating effectively?

What is available:    October 8-11, 2008, Wednesday-Saturday  

• Debate Conference – Conference Days 1 & 2, October 8-9, Wednesday-Thursday (ages 12-18)

• Speech Conference – Conference Days 3 & 4, October 10-11, Friday-Saturday  (ages 12-18)

• Beginning Public Speaking (BPS)  Conference – Conference Day 3, October 10, Friday (ages 7-11)

• Beginning Public Speaking PLUS  (BPS Plus) Conference – Conference Day 3, October 10, Friday (ages 9-11) (BPS Plus is for those younger students who have attended previous CFC conferences)

Conference Location for DFW:
               First Baptist Church – Frisco
               7901 W. Main Street
               Frisco, TX  75034
Texas Conference Coordinator:    Suzanne Mulder
To Registration for conference:   
http://commforchrist.com/conferences/agora.cgi?cart_id=1382035.8453*KX1TE8&xm=on&product=Conferences

Soccer Anyone?

FEAST is pleased to introduce our new Soccer Commissioner, Dwayne Ham.  We are thankful for his willingness to bless the families at FEAST with his supervision of the sport of soccer.
 
If you or any of your friends would like to play on a FEAST Soccer Team this school year, please email your name and contact information to Dwayne Ham at drham@yahoo.com  or call him at (210) 415-6074. We are all looking forward to a great Soccer season and hope you will be part of the excitement!
 
Parent coaches and volunteers needed. We have several areas that need to be covered to ensure that we have a successful soccer program. If you are interested in helping with the upcoming soccer season, we encourage you to contact Dwayne. Applications may be obtained by contacting Linda Whiten in the FEAST Sports Office at (210) 342-4674 ext.14 or email sports@homeschoolfeast.com. 

New Elementary Co-op in the Bulverde/Spring Branch area

Home School Classes being offered to Elementary Students
 
Do you want to broaden your child’s knowledge? Primary Academic Classes Day or PAC Day--it’s what you are looking for!!
 
When: Thursdays beginning September 4, 2008
 
Location: The Crossroads Building located at the northwest corner of HWY 281 and HWY 46, next door to the EMS building.
 
Classes: “Roots” Bible class, Watercolor, English from the        roots up, Science, Dance, Music, and Spanish (Friday class) 
 
Who: Qualified Christian Teachers/ home school parents in the area
 
Contact: Jamie King    
kingzkidz@gvtc.com  (210) 445-3562

Homeschool Swim Team

The Home School group is open to all ages and grade levels. It is recommended that children be able to swim at least one length of a 25 yard pool to enroll. Instruction is designed to accommodate a variety of swim abilities. The Wave Home School program is geared toward helping Home Schoolers fulfill their PE requirement, while becoming water safe, better swimmers and having fun at the same time.

The group trains at the Alamo Heights High School (6900 Broadway) on Monday, Wed. and Friday at 1:15 pm. Your children can attend any or all of those 3 days that work best. Home School swimmers may compete at the weekend meets, if desired. By participating in an early afternoon practice, the evening hours belong to your family. Please call 494-9283 for try-out information.

Visit http://www.sawave.org/ for more information.

Homeschool and Texas Heritage Weekend

Homeschool and Texas Heritage Weekend at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Hill Country
Friday September 5- Sunday September 7th
 
Welcome to a weekend of fun and educational activities before you start your fall routine. We'll have speakers including the Honorable Nathan Macias, State Representative, district 73, a longtime home school dad of 7 as he ties Texas heritage to a look at the past, the present and the future of our great state. We'll enjoy storytellers `round the campfire, star gazing, a hayride/water war, crafts, inspiring speakers,  information on college resources and alternatives, a home school question and answer cracker barrel session, outdoor movies, a roping contest, and more Texas heritage activities. This will be an annual event and time of refreshing and encouragement for home school families.
 
Jellystone Hill Country is located in Canyon Lake, between Austin and San Antonio and is owned by a home school family, Larry and Kim Jones. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, volleyball court, playground, and easy access to the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Canyon Lake, Schlitterbahn, Natural Bridge Caverns, and all the other great hill country area attractions. There are several home school friendly family-integrated churches in the area, as well as a Sunday Chapel Service which will be held at Jellystone Park.
 
RV sites will be 50% off, cabins and hotel rooms will be at winter rates (nearly 50% off), day rates at the park are $5 a person or $25 per family max., and tent sites will be greatly discounted.
 
1-877-964-3731
www.JellystoneHillCountry.com

HUGE Consignment Sale

For Wee World's upcoming Fall/Winter sale, we are inviting families to participate in several free activities we have for the children.  During our sale, we are excited to have award winning children’s entertainer, Joe McDermott, performing live on Friday, September 5th at 1:00 pm.  You can visit Joe’s website at www.joemcdermottmusic.com to learn more about him & his music.  We are also offering free face painting and a supervised gymnastics play area sponsored by J&R Gymnastics. 
 
Wee World’s consignment sale will be held on September 5th & 6th at the Live Oak Civic Center located at 8101 Pat Booker Rd (in NE San Antonio).  The sale allows families to recycle their gently used & new items, make and save money & help two incredible charitable organizations along the way.  After the sale, all remaining items will be donated to SAMMinistries & Blue Bonnet Babies.  We hope to spread the word to as many families as possible, who could benefit from this event, but we’d also like to specifically invite families of homeschoolers and preschoolers who can participate in our free children’s activities.  If you feel this event would be something that those in your organization would be interested in, please feel free to pass this information on to them.  To learn more about our event, please feel free to visit our website at www.weeworldresale.com or call 210-878-9519. 

Viva Books Homeschool Book Discussion

Coming in the fall of 2008! Viva! Books will be offering a wonderful literary experience for students which will include:

• Student book choice.
• Dynamic literature discussions.
• Engaging collaboration with peers.
• Meaningful art, writing, and digital activities designed to increase comprehension.

The group will be facilitated by Mary Ellen Galloway, a Montessori teacher with 15 years of classroom experience and graduate work in Reading and Literacy. $25 fee includes book, food, and materials. Call or email to register and declare your book choice!
 
Tween (8-12) selections for the meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2008 are:
 
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Wright 3 by Blue Balliet                           
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Teen (13-18) selections for the meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2008 are:
 
The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier           
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak           
Last Shot:  A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein

Viva! Bookstore at Viva Galleria
8407 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Tel: 800-826-1143
Fax: 210-826-8321
Email: amegall@grandecom.net
Contact: Mary Ellen Galloway

Fall Classes at Friedrich Park

Explore! Something Fishy
Elementary*:      September 23 or 25, 2008          9:30 am – 11:30 am   
Compare a real fish skeleton to other vertebrate skeletons.  Discover fish adaptations like lateral lines and swim bladders.  Age some fish scales.  Make a goyutaku fish print.
Middle School*:          September 25, 2008            1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above with focus on a fish dissection.
 
Explore! Raining Cats and Dogs
Elementary*:       October 14 or 16, 2008                9:30am – 11:30am
Demonstrate of properties of warm air.  Experiment with condensation.  Make simple weather instruments. Play a raindrop game.  Estimate wind speed from natural cues.
Middle School*:                   October16, 2008                            1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above with a field research mini project and more hands on demonstrations.
 
Explore! Rotten, Dirty Lives
Elementary*:        November 4 or 6, 2008               9:30m – 11:30am
Examine nature’s recyclers and make your own worm composting bin. Hike to see decomposition in action.  Investigate soils’ inorganic particles: sand, silt and clay.
Middle School*:                   Novermber 6, 2008              1:00pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above: experminents with termite orientation and worm bin (for home study).
 
Explore! Nature Journals
Elementary*:        December 2 or 4, 2008               9:30am – 11:30am
Learn simple sketching hints including visualizing shapes in subjects and contour drawings; focus on drawing birds.  Write a nature poem or story.  Make a nature journal.
Middle School*:                   December 4, 2008               1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Similar to above with emphasis on detail, color and shading and ‘Seeing the Forest for the Trees’ exercise.
 
 
*Middle School  (Target 6th – 8th grade)  Elementary  (Target 2nd – 4th grade)
Classes are $3/child/session – maximum of $6/family/session
Class limit is 15 children.  To ensure a spot for your child, pre-registration is suggested. Email peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov or call 210/564-6402 for information.

Also, Medina River is offering sessions that will frequently complement ours:
September 17 Fish (hopefully actual seining in the river)
October 8  weather
November 12 Fall leaves
December 10  Nature art and journaling
Flyers with more details will be coming soon,

Happy August,
Peggy
Park Naturalist City of San Antonio
210-564-6402
www.sanaturalareas.org

High School Class on Epidemiology

I am organizing a class on Epidemiology. The class will be based on the curriculum at the Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) website. The goal of the class is to provide students with a background to complete a project for the YES competition. The two top national prizes are $50,000. Only juniors and seniors can enter the competition but the course is open to all high school level students. Students are not required to submit a project as part of the course.

The class will meet every other week on Wednesdays. Students will be expected to complete assignments and submit them by email before the class meets. There will be a research paper the first semester and a presentation modeled after resident rounds for the second semester. We will be covering immunology, basic statistics, and epidemiology case studies. I am not requiring any specific courses as pre-requisites but biology and algebra I would be useful. Please email me at for more information.

BEST Robotics

SAHERO will again have a BEST robotics team.  Kickoff will be in September and the season lasts 6 weeks. Competition is at St Mary's University in October. It is a high energy, intensive time of building a robot, creating a presentation, technical notebook and display. 
 
To participate in the SAHERO team you must be a full member of SAHERO.  For more information contact Terry Duncan at 210-863-1126 or tduncan@sahero.com

Encinio Park 4H Club

Are any of you interested in joining our 4-H group? We work on various projects including but not limited to; Foods and Nutrition, Public Speaking, Clothing and Fashion Show, Consumer, GIS (Geo Information System?)(new project sounds like alot of fun), Robotics, Photography, Aerospace, and dozens of others, basically anything you are interested in can be turned into a project. These can go onto competition or simply used as life skills and learning experiences. For those of you who know us very well, know one of our daughters received a $12,000 scholarship through 4-H, not huge but nothing to sneeze at either.

All that to say we have our 1st Moms meeting the 2nd Wed in Aug. 13th at Mac Arthur Park Church of God on Nacodoches, about a mile north of 410.
Contact Darline Stevens at darlinerangel@yahoo.com for more information.