SONORAN DESERT HOMESCHOOLERS
April 2000 Newsletter
Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers is an open, not-for-profit home education network, providing social and creative outlets for homeschooling families. We are not devoted to any one homeschooling approach, political platform, religious outlook, or philosophical ideal. Our homeschooling community supports all families, regardless of their personal lifestyle or educational choices in the area of home education. Our motto is "Hohzo'," a Navajo word meaning "harmony" or "walking in beauty or friendship."
-- mission statement, Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers, Tucson, AZPLEASE NOTE THAT THE PARK TIME IS 12 NOON
APRIL CALENDAR: (See Related articles for the following.)
TUESDAY, APR. 4: 12 pm--PARK MEETING; Pre-teen Club games at 12:15.
--Book It! statements due --Creative Memories Workshop (following
announcements); Swimming Class
WEDNESDAY, APR. 5: UA Presents The Children of Uganda --Genealogy
Meeting. Time and place to be announced
THURSDAY, APR. 6: 2:30 pm--4-H Creepy Crawly Club (see related
article for other activity days this month.)
SATURDAY APR. 8: 100 Day Celebration
SUNDAY, APR. 9: 4-7:30 pm--Gleaning Program Reception at Reid Park Zoo
TUESDAY, APR. 11: 12 pm--PARK MEETING; Reading Clubs at 11:15
FRIDAY, APR. 14: UA Presents The Mandinka Epic --MUSIC RECITAL WITH
RECEPTION AND REFRESHMENTS
TUESDAY, APR. 18: 12 pm--PARK MEETING; newsletter submissions due.
--Bistro Math club after announcements.
TUESDAY, APR. 25: 12 pm--PARK MEETING; Reading Clubs meet at 11: 15;
Project Report Club meets after announcements
WEDNESDAY, APR. 26: 7 pm--Crafty Ladies.
THURSDAY, APR. 27: 11:15--Music in the Schools
FRIDAY, APR. 28: 7-11 pm--City-wide homeschool prom, grades 8 (13
years) -12. Contact Danetta M.
RELATED ARTICLES
PRE-TEEN GROUP: (about 10-13 years of age) will be meeting during park meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. Please bring an interactive board game to share. We will begin before announcements at about 12:15. For more information contact Becky L.
BOOK-IT PROGRAM: The BOOK-IT PROGRAM continues through March. Turn in a signed statement at the April 4th meeting verifying that your child has met her/his reading goals 5 of the 6 months. This makes your child eligible for the pizza party and a Certificate of
Participation. Debbie D. has more details.
CREATIVE MEMORIES WORKSHOP: Do you have pictures filed away in boxes or still in the package they were processed in? Well, here's a chance to do something creative with them. On April 4th, right after announcements, Gayle Semler will be here to conduct a Creative Memory Workshop for any one interested. Just bring 8-10 pictures. Open to anyone especially children. Gayle will provide class materials, information on scrapebooking and you receive a pair of creative scissors. A fee of $10.00 is requested, however, that will be put
toward the purchase of an album (a special offer just for homeschooling families). If you would like to know more, contact Alayna V.
SWIMMING CLASS: Swimming Classes will begin on Tuesday, April 4th. Please sign-up at the park on March 28th with Alayna V.
UA PRESENTS: by Michelle Y. The Children of Uganda Wednesday, April 5 The Mandinka Epic Friday, April 14. For those who have already reserved tickets for these performances, we will meet at Centennial Hall (on University, just inside the UA Main Gate on Park Ave.) no
later than 9:30. The performance starts at 10:00, but we need to be there early in order to be seated as a group. Please call me (Michelle Y.) if you will be unable to attend. Parking is tight around the university, so try to carpool or take the bus if that is feasible for you. If you plan to drive there, you can park at the Main Gate Garage located at the corner of Euclid and 2nd Street.
I am going to put my energy into other areas of our homeschooling group after this year. If you are interested in coordinating our participation in UAPresents performances next year, let me know and I'd be happy to let you know what's involved.
GENEALOGY GROUP: We welcome your participation. For more information, contact Francis at park or call Danetta M.
4-H CREEPY CRAWLY CLUB: Our April 6 meeting will be from 2:30-4 by the train. We need everyone present to finish our mural for the fair. Games! Refreshments! On Saturday, April, 15th we will set up our bug house and repaint it and set up the bulletin board from 8 am to 12
noon. On Monday, April 17th, from 4 pm until about 6 pm, bring your live critter habitat with feeding instructions. Bring posters for the competition. (Clover Kids will receive participation ribbons only.)
On Sunday, April 30th, be at the fairgrounds at 4 pm to clean-up/take down/retrieve your posters and critters. Contact Debbie D. for more information.
100 DAY CELEBRATION: The 100 DAY CELEBRATION will take place on Saturday, April 8th this year! Put on your thinking caps and start thinking of fun and creative ways to celebrate this fun day, whose purpose is to teach the little ones the concept of 100. Since Sara is unexpectedly out of town, Sybelle V. and Heidi H. will coordinate this, but they need your help!
GLEANING PROGRAM RECEPTION: For those who participated in the Gleaning Program, the Community Food Bank would like to thank you with a special reception. A free tour of the Reid Park zoo is available from 4-6 pm, followed by a catered reception courtesy of the Community Food Bank. Contact Debbie D. with questions.
READING CLUBS: Reading selections for the Upper Elementary Reading Club and for the Younger Reading Group not available at press time--for more information, please contact Lalita K. or Sybelle V.
MUSIC RECITAL: The music recital is April 14 at 2 pm. This will include any instrument or voice. Adults are welcome to perform, too! Please give me the name of your piece, the composer, and the name of the performer so that I can prepare a program. The building is
located at 6150 E. Fairmont. This is located between Speedway and Pima, west of the El Dorado hospital on Fairmont in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. SDH will provide refreshments for the reception. Attire is casual, not Sunday Best, but neat. For
further information, or to help with refreshments, please contact Patti at xxxxx.
MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS: BY Debbie D.: The last Kinder Koncert will be on Thursday, April 27 at 11:15 am at the Tucson Symphony Center, 2175 N. 6th Ave. The last Young People's Concert will take place at the TCC Music Hall on Thurs., May 11, at 10 am.
PROJECT-REPORT CLUB: Your child has worked really hard to build a Pilgrim diorama? Does he have a report to share? Does she want to explain how to use an abacus? An art project to show? An electric circuit with bells and whistles to demonstrate? This is the place to demonstrate what you've learned and share the wonderful experience with your friends! You can get more details from Kim S.
CRAFTY LADIES: So far it has just been the ladies who meet to sip, talk about the travails of homeschooling, and catch-up on projects. If you have a project you just can't get to or you just need time to get away and recoup, please join us at 7 pm at the northwest Barnes
and Noble, second floor sofas. If there is enough interest by the eastside members, we can change to a more central location. Please contact Sara S. or Sybelle V. for more information.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SDH CAN BE EVEN BETTER! by Danetta M. Eleven feedback forms were returned out of over 60 families (almost 20%). Several important trends were evident. On the positive side, the science fair, reading groups, and fellowship with other homeschoolers are three of the most popular features of our support group. Other activities specifically mentioned were fieldtrips like the theater, U of A Presents, Saguaro Park West and the veterinary clinic; Project Report Group and Crafty Ladies' Night; and guest speakers like the wildlife rehabilitators. In fact, two responders would like to see monthly field trips for each age group as a regular offering. A couple of questionnaire responders loved the empowering lack of hierarchy where "if you want to do it, sound out the interest and just do it!"
By far the most often mentioned area in which we need improvement is: WE WANT TO EAT MORE! Yes, potlucks and coffee nights were mentioned in 30% of all returned surveys! On a more serious note, responders would like us to reach out to the community in service (such as the Food Bank gleaning program), encourage participation by more racially diverse homeschoolers, have more organized park day activities, find an indoor location for reading groups, offer track and field and football opportunities, offer organized game activities with SDH owned equipment, offer park day music activities, offer more parent-led externships like Dr. Herrington's vet clinic opportunity, have a parents' meeting at the beginning of the year to decide who will volunteer for which activities and get communication going immediately for the year, and have more regular parent meetings. One questionnaire responder requested that announcements be kept BRIEF.
When asked what they would like to do for SDH, responders offered to organize a weaving project, help run a chamber music group, sponsor a parent's coffee night, provide a speaker on recycling, prepare a newcomer welcome kit, provide a speaker on Boomerang, help organize regular (more frequent) parent meetings, and provide a speaker on bats. What is the interest for these projects? Finally, one responder reminded me that we had discussed joining an end-of the year used curriculum sale. I will look into this, and we can join the city-wide sale or have our own. In summary, lofty goals to make us even better
and aim even higher--GREAT!
VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP: Dr. Herrington (homeschool dad) at Valley Animal Hospital is offering externship opportunities for interested youths ages 14 and up. The program will be starting in April with a 4 week session of 2 to 3 four-hour days per week. If interested, email
Dr. Blake Herrington at ekalb@flash.net
LEARN ABOUT CHILE by Debbie D.: Luis Melo is a Fulbright Exchange Teacher at Catalina Foothills High School this year. He is an English Teacher and head of the English Dept. at Kingston College in Conception, Chili. He will be showing his videos and talking about
his country on Weds., Mar. 15, 2-4 pm at the Himmel Library and on Weds., Mar. 29, 7-9 pm at the Woods Memorial Library. Come with a friend!
MARCH 31 GET-TOGETHER IN NW: I am organizing a monthly get-together for homeschooling families at Arthur Pack Park in northwest Tucson, the last Friday of each month, beginning March 31, at 11:00 AM. There is a dearth of homeschooling activities in NW of an inclusive nature, and hopefully this will be a way for homeschooling parents and
children in that part of town to get acquainted. Please let me know if you are interested in participating by contacting me at debbiegubernick@yahoo.com, or talking with me at park day. Thanks.
HISTORY OF SDH: I am compiling a record of activities and events that Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers offered during this year, starting in August 1999. I will be going through the newsletters to cull information, but if you want to be sure that your activity or event is noted, please contact me at debbiegubernick@yahoo.com, or talk with me at park day. Thanks.
WANTED: Used OAK MEADOW curriculum for K or 1st grade. Contact Young D. at park.
CALLING ALL GRADUATES: We are homeschooling parents and authors of "The Complete Guide to Homeschooling," due out in August. Currently, we are researching information for our newest book that will feature individual stories from successful homeschooling graduates across the country. It will be a collection of wonderful stories centered on "where they are now." We are asking your help in finding those special homeschoolers who have graduated, entered college, the military, vocational programs or the work force and would like to share their stories. We have prepared a survey for the graduates to answer, along with information on how they can reach us. We are asking you to perhaps acknowledge the survey in your newsletter, give the survey to a support group, make copies and distribute them to known homeschooled graduates, or call someone you know that might be interested. We need to reach as many graduates as possible over the next few months to give this project the attention it deserves. John & Kathy Perry 1230 Carriage Richmond, TX 77469 KPerry4390@aol.com
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT: The U.S. government provides hundreds of free educational web sites. One way to find many of them is to go to the Federal Resources for Educational Excellence web site, which lists hundreds of sites, sorted by subject, from arts and educational technology to social studies and vocational education.
Find instructions for making an air cannon, a liquid rainbow, for 3-D animation on a supercomputer, for frog dissection and a lot more. This is a site that is made for exploring. http://www.ed.gov/free
Are your kids interested in money? The U.S. mint offers a great, kid-friendly site. Kids can learn about coin collecting by solving a series of "coin capers"; play money games like Cents of Color (coloring the new quarters); learn coin history by going the time machine with Peter the Mint Eagle; and learn how coins are made with the help of some simple cartoon videos. Check out the home site for information on the new Sacagawea gold dollar coin that will be
released soon. Your kids won't even know they're learning math and history. http://www.usmint.gov/kids
Finally, for teaching about our federal government, is Ben's Guide to U.S. Government. With sections for grades k-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, Ben's Guide provides age-appropriate information on elections, the branches of the government, how laws are made and more using primary
documents, games, activities and easy-to-read text. Most adults I know would benefit from a review of this site as well. http://bensguide.gpo.gov
COLOSSAL CAVE FIELD TRIP: by Michelle Y. Since the fees for Colossal Cave are a little high when you're taking the whole family, I've arranged for a group tour on Wednesday, May 3, at 1:00 PM. The reduced admission fees will be $4.25 for ages 13+, and $2.50 for ages
6 -12. Little ones 5 and under get in free. The tour should take about 45 minutes. There is also a $3 per car fee to get into the park, so I'm planning to pack lunch and make a day of it. The park has hiking trails, a riding stable, and picnic areas. If you're interested in joining us, please call or talk to me at the park. The folks at the Cave need a head count by April 18.
ANNUAL DUES FOR NEW MEMBERS: Annual dues are $10, prorated to $5 after January 1st. This entitles you to our monthly newsletter and our membership list, which is, of course, not intended for commercial use. An updated membership list will be distributed in late spring. See the treasurers Carol T. or Lalita K. about membership.
BABYSITTER DESIRED: I am looking for a *dependable* daytime babysitter for occasional whole or half days, mostly on Wed., Thu. or Fri. I have never used a real babysitter, other than friends, and am hesitant, but it is becoming obvious that I need to find someone. My
children are Ingo (6 in Feb.) and Bibiana (2 1/2). It could be my home or the sitter's home. We live Oracle and Magee area, but I don't mind driving if I find someone I'm happy with. The main reason I need someone is because I work as a nurse-midwife and even though I try to
work only when my husband is home, that hasn't worked out lately. But, the person would have to *not* cancel on me, because that would cause major complications. I am at a loss finding someone, because I don't want to place an ad and get just anybody. Does anyone know of a HS'd teen (or another mom) that I could trust?? Thanks! Sybelle
MARINE DISCOVERY by Yaffa: The marine laboratory program is full until the fall. In the fall, if we want to participate we will be given an exact time and day, and we will just need to register at that time.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR NEEDED: by Danetta M. I have been putting together the newsletter for over a year, and it is time to pass on the project to another editor. Sharing jobs will keep us refreshed and creative. I have led the teen reading club, put out the newsletter, and started
a chem class for teens. Next year, the chem class will probably continue, and I want to do something for the younger students. So, if you enjoy a once a month project and have ideas on how the newsletter could be improved, or have always wanted to put together a little
newsletter, then please step forward and talk to me at park meetings. The last newsletter of this academic year, coming out for May, will be my last. The next newsletter comes out in August for the start of the new academic year.
TREASURER'S REPORT by Carol T. (treasurers Carol T. and Lalita K.): Our balance was $306.75 as of 2/17/00. With new members, our current balance is $326.75, as of March 22, 2000.
WHO'S WHO LIST: CUT THIS OUT AND SAVE IT!
Inclusion on this list is by volunteering only. You do so with the understanding it is a year commitment (barring life's foibles.) If something needs to be done, and you want to do it, please sign up. If there is something you want to help with, please sign up.
Phone Contact for new members: Karen M., Patty N., Mary Beth D.
Newsletter article submission: Danetta M. AZDanetta@aol.com
Need a copy: Mary Beth D. or Alayna V. cetoworks@hotmail.com
Curriculum Library: Karen M., Mary Beth D.
Contact for Superintendent of Education, Legal issues, Parent meetings: Brian M.
Political/legislative information: Judy H.
Reading Clubs: Preschool-Early K: Sybelle V. Middle Readers (8-12): Lalita K.
Teen Club: Mary Beth D., Jane K. Pre-teen club: Becky L.
Announcements at Meetings: Karen M., Danetta M.
Kids Care Club: Sybelle V. Teen volunteer Corps (11 and up): Sharon H.
Theatre Works Plays: Sybelle V.
Scholastic Book Club Pre K - 6th: Sybelle V.
Treasurers: Carol T., Lalita K.
Upkeep of Who's Who list: Karen M.
Bear Essential News: Debbie G.
UA Presents: Michelle Y.
Swimming Classes: Alayna V.
Science Fair: Carol T., Linda L.
Chemistry for Middle/High School: Danetta M.
Music in the Schools: Debbie D.
SDH Web Page, SOAZ( Southern Arizona) discussion list: Susanne F.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH:
One had to cram all this stuff into one's mind for the examinations, whether one liked it or not. This coercion had such a deterring effect on me that, after I passed the final examination, I found the consideration of any scientific problem distasteful to me for an entire year. --Einstein
Precisely because tyranny of opinion is such as to make eccentricity a reproach, it is desirable, in order to break through that tyranny, that people should be eccentric. ccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character has abounded: and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and moral courage it contained. That so few dare to be eccentric marks the chief danger of the time.
--John Stuart Mill On Liberty, 1859
You are doing a wonderful thing -- homeschooling your children is the biggest act of love I can think of. They are incredible children and will be incredible adults. Try not to worry about leaving out bits of information--in the long run it is the love of learning and knowing how to pursue what interests you that counts. I admire you and your commitment.
--Carol's friend JoAnn, encouraging her to see the big picture
INTERNET INFORMATION
Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers web site is: http://www.crosswinds.net/~hozho/
The Southern Arizona Homeschoolers' mailing list is here:
http://www.egroups.com/group/soazhomeschoolers/info.html
You click the join button, and if you're not already a member of e-groups, e-groups will guide you through the process where they ping your e-mail address to make sure it's valid and to make sure you're not being signed up by a third party.
DISCLAIMER: All mistakes and omissions in the newsletter are mine, but I always try hard. Thank you Alayna V. for layout and duplication and to Mary Beth D. for email distribution and snail mail distribution. Thanks, too, to all of our contributors!
Mary Beth D.
Tucson. Arizona
Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers Tucson, Arizona
