2008 October

HERO Beginnings - November

The November meeting for Beginnings will be at Semmes Library on Monday, November 3rd from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. Beginnings events are free and open to the public. The topics will be "Putting It All Together: Real Life Homeschooling" and "Learning Styles: Keep It Fun".  Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30 if you are coming.  If we have no responses, we will cancel the meeting.

The December meeting will be December 8th at the Semmes Library from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm.  The topic for this meeting is "Relax: Enjoying Field Trips". Please RSVP for this session by Thursday, December 4 if you are coming.  If there are no responses, we will cancel the meeting.
Please call 587-2407 or email info@sahero.org for more information.

Stone Oak Youth Theater

Hi, my name is Maryclaire Becan and I'm a grateful former homeschooler.
This fall, I am opening a performing arts studio in the Stone Oak area for kids of all ages, Stone Oak Youth Theatre.  I'm offering two different homeschool acting classes, one on Tuesdays and one on Thursdays, as well as several other great classes.  Our usual fee for these classes is $45.00/month, but I'd like to offer your homeschoolers a further discount of $35.00/month, plus a discount for additional family members.  Classes start on November 1!  Visit www.soyt.org for more information.

Homeschool Theater Discount for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Magestic Theater in SA Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 8pm. Great discounts, tickets start at just $17.25, Save $20 on lower level seating. Offer expires on January 25, 2009
It's everything you could want in a musical - and more. Start with
sensational sets, stunning special effects, and an irresistible story
and a car that really flies. For all ages.

The offer is open to friends and family was well. Feel free to order for guests in for the holidays. If you order, please send an email to Susan Frederick at sjf@jsoft.com and let me know how many tickets you ordered. Please help us make our group min of 20. Tickets should go fast, so order early for best seats.

Volleyball Registration

Registration ends and youth co-ed volleyball leagues begin at 23 year-round community centers. Open to boys and girls six to 16 years old. Registration at the community centers. Call 207-3056 to find a center near you The basics of volleyball are taught so all skill levels can play. Play is six on six and triples. $5 youth athletics fee. Games are evenings and weekends. 207-3056.

Dinner with Pam Colby

San Antonio HERO is pleased to announce our October "Dinner with…" speaker will be Pam Colby. Come join us on October 9th, 7:00 pm at La Madeleine. Pam will be speaking about I-TECH, robotics and anything else to do with science and technology for K-12.

La Madeleine is at 4820 Broadway, San Antonio 78209, across from HEB Central Market on Broadway about 4 blocks north of Hildebrand. Seating is limited. RSVP to hmschoolsa@gmail.com. The event is free. Dinner and drinks are not included. Come join us for a fun and enlightening event!

Theatre Time for Homeschoolers

THEATRE TIME FOR HOME SCHOOLERS (all Ages) Oct 1 to Dec 17 
Meets every Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.   
Tuition: $150
 
A fun, comprehensive theatre course which covers acting, singing, dance, producing plays, and theatre history. If you’re looking for a course which integrates all artistic disciplines, this is the perfect class for your home schooler. The Magik’s philosophy of education rests on the premise that it is not our goal to create great actors (although it’s nice when we do), it is our goal and responsibility to help create great people. This class will help students learn to think outside of the box and experience how artists Integrate all of their artistic talent to create works of art
 
Here is the link to the home page as there are many other times and classes available.  http://magiktheatre.org/education/Fall%20Academy%202008.html

Teen Workshop: Introduction to Computer Animation

Thursday, October 9, 5:30---8:30 pm
Saturday, October 11, 10:00 am---4:00 pm
Sunday, October 12, 12:30---4:30 pm
Valero Learning Center 2

Designed for youth who have not used Flash and are interested in hands-on experience with computer animation, this workshop explores how animation works, simple story design, and creating an animated short on a MacBook Pro. Students examine sets for The Nightmare Before Christmas. To register, email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1768. Fee: McNay members $35, nonmembers $45. Fee includes admission to the museum and use of Mac at workshop.

PSAT for Homeschoolers in NEISD

PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
Registration:

The 2008 PSAT/NMSQT test date for North East ISD is Wednesday, October 15. You must sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at the North East department of Guidance Services.

This test will be administered by North East ISD. If you are a home-schooled student, please contact Guidance Services at 804-7139 or guidance@neisd.net to find out about registration, time, and location for testing.

Boys Ballet Class

The Ballet Conservatory of South Texas (www.balletsouthtexas.org) is going to be starting a Boys Ballet Class. This class will be held on Mondays starting around 3:30pm. Please contact the school for more information: BCSTXDirector@aol.com 210.820-3400

Art Time

Art Time Classes for  ages 6-12, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm every Friday, first class October 3rd at Hobby Lobby, 23128 US 281 North.

Tuition $90 plus $30 for supplies for 12 classes
Pre-register by calling 830-481-7378 or e-mail arttimeparty@yahoo.com
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.

HERO Beginnings - Free Homeschool Workshops

SA-HERO is pleased to provide HERO Beginnings for those new to homeschooling or just wanting some encouragement in their homeschooling.  There is no charge for this meeting.

Our first meeting will be Monday, September 29, 2008 at the Semmes Library, 15060 Judson Road, San Antonio, TX 78247 from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm.  The topics for this meeting will be "Yes, It's Legal" and "Making Your Curriculum Work for You".

Because of early voting, there will be no meeting in October. 

The November meeting will be at Semmes Library on Monday, November 3rd from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm.  The topics will be "Putting It All Together: Real Life Homeschooling" and "Learning Styles: Keep It Fun".

The December meeting will be December 8th at the Semmes Library from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm.  The topic for this meeting is "Relax: Enjoying Field Trips".

Please call 587-2407 or email info@sahero.org for more information.

Library Resource Session

SA HERO has arranged for a session for the all interested on how to use library resources. Come and learn about the free resources available online from the San Antonio Public Library. You will be amazed how much material you can access and download: books, audiobooks, foreign language instruction, Cliff Notes, and so much more. This seminar will introduce parents and older students to online resources available to members of the public library system.

Focused topics include:

• how the content and strategies for searching library databases are
  different from a Google search familiarization with databases available and how to do searches
• accessing free online tutoring
• matching curriculum to state standards
• finding age/reading- level appropriate materials

The session will be at the Semmes Library, Friday, October 3rd, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. This session is open to the general public. Email info@sahero.org for more information.

SA HERO will have a Student Water Action Team

SA HERO will again be hosting SWAT; this will be the 4th year we have
participated in this rewarding and worthwhile program. If after you read
the description below, you are interested please contact Terry Duncan at tduncan@sahero.org or call 210-863-1126. The only requirement SAHERO has is that you have a family membership in our organization. Check out SAHERO at www.sahero.org to read about our mission to
assist homeschoolers in San Antonio and the surrounding area.

Welcome to SWAT! 
Water is a hot topic in San Antonio and is an important part of our
environment, our society and our economy. The Student Water Action Team (SWAT) is a service-learning educational program developed for San Antonio area high school students and teachers with a concern for our community's water resources. SWAT is a mechanism that provides an opportunity for students and teachers to develop a personal water ethic through active learning and community involvement.

Visit http://saws.org/education/h2o_university/high/SWAT/index.shtml for more information.

Homeschool Theater discount CATS in San Antonio

The Homeschool theater offer for CATS in SA is up! This is the only Central TX stop for this Broadway tour. The offer is open to friends and family was well. Feel free to order for guests in for the holidays.
 
If you order, please send an email to Susan Frederick at sjf@jsoft.com and let me know how many tickets you ordered. Please help us make our group min of 20. Best price is on Dec 26, with tickets starting at under $10.  Tickets should go fast, so order early for best seats.
 
I'll update the website shortly, but you can place your order now (I'm a little busy post-IKE and glad to have power and min damage)
 
Deadline To Order: December 19, 2008
Magestic Theater, San Antonio
Friday Dec 26, 2008  at 2pm
Sunday, Dec 28. 3008 at 2pm
Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 at 7:30pm
http://www.jsoft.com/archive/taffie/BroadwaySA.html
Order your tickets by logging on to:
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales
and enter your special password:
taffiesa
 
Description:
The original production of CATS opened at the New London Theatre, in the West End in 1981. Eight years later, it celebrated both its birthday and another important milestone. It had become the longest running musical in the history of the British theatre. It is also one of the most successful musicals the world has ever seen and has played to packed houses around the world.

There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become the longest running show in Broadway's history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory."

An Evening with Mark Twain

Steven Stoli announces that Mark Twain will visit The Steven Stoli Playhouse on October 9,10,11 and 12, 2008.   The Playhouse will present “An Evening with Mark Twain,” starring Kurt Sutton. Mr. Sutton has created a Broadway-Branson style play using Sam Clemens many talents to portray Twain.  His tour will be performing at The Playhouse for one weekend only. Thursday, Oct. 9th will be a special *student night.

Within the “Clemens parlor,” this Mark Twain will share quips, monologues, wit and wisdom credited to the author.  Like Twain, Sutton will also perform on harmonica, guitar and/or banjo.

Sutton, a winner of the National Endowment of the Arts for his presentation of Tom Sawyer, and has portrayed the author Samuel Clemens (1835-1910), who penned such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and Life on the Mississippi. Twain was one of America’s leading writers and lecturers of his day. He gave hundreds of speeches both here and abroad and came to define humor as an art form. He is the only person whose wit in writing and speech have survived, thrived and entertained audiences in the 19th, 20th and now 21st century.

Mr. Sutton will be available for interviews and will be in San Antonio for the week of October 7th. Call or email Steven Stoli for booking information.

WHO:    The Steven Stoli Playhouse    11838 Wurzbach at Lockhill-Selma
 
WHAT:   An Evening with Mark Twain      
 
WHEN:   *Student night – Thursday, Oct. 9th - 6:00 pm
Junior, Senior High School & College Students

Friday - 7:30 p.m.       Saturday – 7:30 p.m.        Sundays – 2:30 p.m.                            October 9, 10,11 and 12, 2008              
                                                                                        
EXTRA: Special Dinner/Show Combo available with Milano’s RistorantePRICES:        General ........................ 22.50 + tax     Senior (65 +) Military....... 19.50 + tax
                    Student Night Oct. 9th Only – (21 yrs and under)   $10.00

Curriculum for Terrific Trees

Free curriculum from the San Antonio Botanical Gardens for grades 3 to 5. This curriculum unit is designed to help you use the San Antonio Botanical Garden to teach students about key scientific concepts. Using trees as the main topic, students can explore themes of an organism’s needs, adaptations, habitat, and role within an ecosystem.

In the Loop Moms Group

Are you in the Loop?

Whether  you are inside Loop 410, or in the know,  home schooling, or  no schooling, a SAH mom, or a mom balancing work and kids-  Join this group of moms In the Loop for play and chat- at the park or at a field trip.  We are a secular, open group welcoming all faiths, traditions, and styles meant to provide companionship and  kid activities.

We meet weekly on Monday 11:30-3:00 with periodic activities announced though the yahoo group. To join the group, you must first attend a park day. We meet at Olmos Basin park, 651 Devine 78209, which features a playscape, creek, lots of shade, and biking trails,  Field trips are not required, but additional. For more info, please contact Brenda B. at Brenda@orbtree.com

Public Archaeological Dig

Public Archaeological Dig at Rancho de las Cabras near LaVernia.  Saturdays Sept 6th and 27th, Oct. 11th, and Nov 1st.  8:30 to 2pm.  Ages 10  and older (absolutely no younger children allowed) Children under 16 must be accompanied by adult.  Bring a sack lunch and wear appropriate clothing for rough terrain, remember sun block and a hat.  Take 97 toward Pleasanton go Left onto CR 132 and follow signs to Rancho de las Cabras.  For more information or if you have questions contact Susan Snow at 210.534.8833 or email at susan_snow@nps.gov

PSAT Test - Registration Deadline September 26th

Home school students whose current instructional level is either Grade 10 or 11 are eligible to take the PSAT at Northside ISD schools if they live inside the Northside boundary.

Interested parents must complete the accompanying registration form for this testing opportunity, as well as provide proof of residence in Northside ISD, a picture ID for the student and the required administrative fee ($10.00).

Applications must be presented with a non-refundable fee of $10.00 (Cash or money order only. No personal checks accepted.) to the Northside Testing & Evaluation Department located in the Patrick Teicher Student Services Building at 5651 Grissom Road, 78238.

Proof of residency can be a CPS, cable, telephone, water bill or some other type of monthly notice that includes the parent’s name and the residence address.

The recommended picture ID is a state driver’s license or ID, passport, or school ID.

The PSAT test date is Wednesday October 15, 2008 with all home school students testing at one central site in Northside ISD—

Patrick Teicher Student Services Building
located at 5651 Grissom Road, 78238.

Students must report to the test site no later than 8:00 that morning. Students will need to have with them the same picture ID that was used for registration. The test should be completed by noon, and a telephone will be made available to students if they need to call for a ride home.

Barnes and Noble Teacher Appreciation

The Barnes & Noble store at San Pedro Crossing / 321 NW Loop 410 will host its reception on Saturday, October 11 at 12:00 PM.  The event will feature an Educator Appreciation Tea at noon where teachers can sample Harney and Sons gourmet teas and our Cafe pastries.  We’ll follow with an Open House store tour with information about all the resources available through Barnes & Noble and check out the latest in books and products for the classroom.

Sophienburg Museum Classes - Deutsche Schul

Deutsche Schul ---- October 22 - 24, 2009 ---- Wed. - Thurs. ----- $30 per student
 
Education was extremely important to the Germans.  Regular school was begun just 4 months after the arrival of the first immigrants in 1845.   School was held first under an elm tree (until the temperature reached 7 below freezing) and then in the log church buliding that Heritage Village is now moving. 
 
Guten Morgen!  Ich heise Frau Boardman.  Wei heist du? (Good morning!  I am Mrs. Boardman.  What are you named?)  After several requests, I decided to bite the bullet and do something with our German heritage.  We will have a 1 room schoolhouse and focus not only on the differences between then and now, but we will learn some beginning German.  Your child should learn greetings, the alphabet, colors, classroom objects, body parts and days of the week in the German language as well as participate in some old-fashioned playground games.  See you in school!
 
Grade 1 - 3 (6 thru 9 years) -------9 am to 11 am
Grade 4 - 6 (10 thru 12 years) ---12 pm to 2 pm
 
Please call Keva Boardman, Wed - Fri, @ 830-629-1572, before October 17, to register your children.

Make a Splash - Home School Water Festival

We would like to invite you all to our second annual Make a Splash Home School Water Festival on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Eisenhower Park. Eisenhower Park is located at 19399 NW Military Hwy. 78257. The festival will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  

Modeled after Make a Splash festivals attended by thousands of children nationwide, this event features over thirty unique learning and entertainment experiences all centered around water and the environment. Some elements to the day will include:

• Three age appropriate stages featuring educational presentations and demonstrations by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, San Antonio Water System and the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Natural Areas.
• Dinosaur presentations by the nationally acclaimed Dinosaur George Blassing.
• San Antonio Public Library children’s librarians on hand to read stories about water.
• Scheduled hikes throughout Eisenhower Park led by members of the San Antonio Natural Areas.
• Local water and environmental agencies hosting activities and lessons in the Learning Lab.
• Entertaining attractions such as a rock climbing wall and an inflatable caterpillar just for the little ones.
• Skill games such as Fishing for Pollution and Hazardous Waste Round-Up.
• FREE snacks and drinks including fruit, popcorn, granola bars, bottled water and sodas throughout the day.
• FREE Make a Splash water bottles for the first 300 people that enter the front gate beginning at 9:00 a.m.   

Here is some additional information that you may need to know before visiting:
1. This event is completely free for home school parents and students from across our region. 
2. You do not need to register for this event. The festival runs from 9:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m and you may come and go as you need to.
3. Lunch items will not be sold at the event so you may wish to bring lunch with you. Picnic tables are available inside the festival grounds and throughout Eisenhower Park.
4. Security will be available at the festival as well as a first aid tent that will be able to handle minor emergencies.
5. There will be educational activities, attractions, games and workshops for ages K-12. Even though most events will be manned by volunteers, we cannot guarantee supervision by the Make a Splash volunteers.
6. A schedule, listing of all activities and updates to this event will be posted at www.saws.org/education beginning in mid-September. 

Free Homeschool Information Session

SA-HERO will present a homeschool information session on "Everything you wanted to know about homeschooling but didn't know who to ask" at 7:00 pm at the Cody Library, Monday, September 15th. We will go over how to get started, review local resources, and answer any questions. All participants will receive a homeschool information bag from the HERO Roundup. Email info@sahero.org for more information. 

CREW Careers™

On Saturday, September 20, Girls, Inc., and CREW, the network of women in commercial real estate, will come together to present the second annual CREW Careers™, a free, day-long program to inspire teen girls to get involved in commercial real estate careers.  The workshop, which is open to the public, will take girls out of the classroom and onto a construction site where they can explore a variety of real estate careers, including construction, banking, architecture, brokerage, interior design, engineering and real estate law. The event will be held from 8:30 to 4 p.m. on UTSA’s 1604 campus and will feature a keynote by etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder and director of The Protocol School of Texas.  Call 212-2505 for more information.

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

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

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

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

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