February 2004 Newsletter
Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers
Tucson, Arizona
Mission Statement
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 “hozho,” a Navajo word meaning “harmony” or “walking in beauty or friendship.”
Quote of the month
“A great deal of education… may be regarded as the inculcation of mind-sets. We are taught how to handle problems and new phenomena with fixed mental attitudes based on what past thinkers thought, predetermining our response to problems or situations. In short, we are taught what to think instead of how to think.”
-- Michael Michalko
Book Exchange -- Tuesday, February 3
Bring childrens and/or adult books to exchange. After announcements, we'll have an area set up for everyone to browse. Any leftover books will be donated to Reading Seed. If you have any questions please contact Erin at cericon@theriver.com.
Men’s Coffee Night -- Wednesday, February 4
The Men’s Coffee Night is held the first Wednesday of each month. This is an opportunity for us fathers to discuss homeschooling issues as well as other topics. Please join us at the Borders on Oracle, for coffee, tea, good company and conversation. This casual meeting starts around 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Jeff O. or Brian M.
Teen Book Club -- Tuesday, February 10
We will meet on February 10 at 11:00 AM at Himmel Park Library (just south of Speedway and east of Tucson Blvd.) Please note the change in location from Wilmot Library to Himmel Park. The book is “A Clockwork Orange,” by Anthony Burgess. Dave will be the discussion leader. We will probably meet again on February 24, but the information about the book and location is unavailable at this time. It will be announced at the park. Call Brian with questions.
Valentine Exchange -- Tuesday, February 10
The Valentine Exchange will take place on Tuesday, February 10. Kids who want to participate need to bring 40 - 50 valentines and a container in which to put the valentines. We will set up under the ramada and the exchange will take place AFTER announcements. Please ask your children to refrain from distributing the valentines until after announcements because we want to make sure that everyone gets valentines. In the past we have had problems with kids not receiving valentines because they arrived at park during or right after announcements. If you have any questions, contact Kim B.
Group Photograph Tuesday, February 10
Time for a group photo again! On Tuesday, February 10 (after the valentine exchange) at 1:30 PM, we will gather the kids for a group picture. This is not a professional photograph. Parents should bring their own cameras, and extras can be shared among the group. Contact Kim B. for more information.
Roller Skating Party -- Friday, February 20
Citywide Homeschoolers Roller Skating Party on Friday, February 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Where? Arizona Skate Center, 3970 W. Ina Rd., Tucson. Cost? $3.00 per skater, which includes skate rental
Mom’s Coffee Night (formerly Crafty Ladies) Wednesday, February 25
The Mom's Night Out has changed location! We are now meeting at Something Sweet located at 5319 E. Speedway. That's at the NE corner of Speedway and Beverly (the Office Depot store is on the intersection's NW corner), and Live Theater Workshop is in the same plaza. We get together at 7:30 PM on the last Wednesday of every month. Don't worry if you can't make it at 7:30, many of us stay until midnight! We chat, laugh, and generally have a great time. It is a great way to get to know others better and there is always a mix of parents with younger or older children, so you can ask lots of questions. Contact Kim B. for more information.
Red Cross First Aid Class Wednesday, March 3
I (Sybelle V.) am organizing a Red Cross basic first aid/CPR/safety class for kids 6-12. It will be held on Wednesday, March 3 from 10 - 12 at the Red Cross building. The cost is $10 per participant. Parents are allowed to come in the class and help their kids (might be good for the littler ones). If parents actually participate, they pay. Most of the materials are in done in pictures, so kids do not need to be able to read. There will be written handouts to take home. If you want to do this, I need to know and receive payment before February 24. You can email me, call me (on the roster), or see me at the park.
Unschooling Discussion Monday, March 8
Wilmot Library Meeting Room
7:00 - 9:00 PM
A few people have been asking me about unschooling, so I figured it must be time for a discussion night about it. I tried to book Wilmot’s meeting room for an evening in February, but had to take March 8th instead. Whether you are unschooling now, have in the past, or are simply curious about it, please join us for a relaxed, informal discussion. Questions? Please e-mail debbiegubernick@yahoo.com or talk to me at the park.
Medieval Festival Tuesday, March 16
On Tuesday, March 16, we are taking over the park and going back to the middle ages. The Medieval Festival will be a celebration of all things medieval! The planning committee has already met once and we have some great activities planned. In the works so far are costumes, food, crafts, an art gallery, an archery demonstration, juggling, dancing, sword fighting, and catapults. If you are interested in planning an activity or helping in some other capacity, please feel free to join us. Those of you planning activities, please write up a brief description of what you are doing, how long it will last, and the times you are available on day of the festival. We are going to put together a schedule of events and need to know some details in order to get everything in and have no overlapping events. The deadline for getting things in for the schedule will be Saturday, February 21. The schedule will be posted in the March newsletter. There will be another planning meeting on Tuesday, February 17, after announcements. If you have questions or want to help out please contact Kim B. or Lou K.
Girl Scouts
A Brownie Girl Scout troop currently comprised of home schooled girls meets every other Tuesday afternoon near River and Swan. If you'd like more information contact Lisa at cottrellbentley@yahoo.com.
SDH PE
SDH PE is scheduled for Monday mornings from 9 - 10 AM at Himmel Park. This activity is open to all homeschoolers. The program is for children age 5 and up. AIT (Athletes in Training) supplies all the equipment. The day’s events start with a 5 - 10 minute warm-up, then the rules of the game are taught, the children practice the skills, and finally play a game! A new sport is taught each month. Contact Eileen D. for information!
Yoga for Kids
Kids (and their parents) can practice yoga in two ongoing classes at the Providence Institute on Wednesdays 2:30 - 3:30 PM, or Saturdays 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Classes are fun and playful, incorporating games, storytelling and imagination. Parents are welcome to participate if they choose. Cost is $5.00 per class per student, or $4.00 per class if purchased in groups or 10 or more. The Providence Institute is located at 1126 N. Jones Blvd., north of Speedway between Country Club and Alvernon, across from Wild Oats shopping center. Call 323-0203 for more information.
Have a wonderful February!
