October 2003 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
"Keep growing, keep dreaming, keep following your heart. The important thing is not to stop questioning"
-- Einstein
Reminders
October 7: Vote on SDH permanent phone number
October 7: Open house, see Lisa F. for more info.
October 8: Evening Parents' Meeting
October 14: Dead line for paying dues!
October 21: Fall clothing exchange
October 25: Newsletter dead line
October 28: winter schedule switch to 12:00 PM
October 28: Halloween Party
Jobs still available on Jobs list
Announcements leader
Crafty Ladies contact person
Parent's meeting coordinator
Potluck Coordinator
Middle reader Group
Project report club coordinator
Ted Walker Day
Yearbook
Evening Parents' Meeting
Meeting to be held at Frances A's home at 7:00 PM on Wednesday October 8. This meeting is open to parents only. Topic of discussion is: " Dealing with the Homeschool opposition among family and friends" Please RSVP to Frances A.
SDH PE
SDH has scheduled PE classes with AIT on Mondays, from 9 AM to 10 AM at Himmel Park. This activity is open to all Homeschoolers.
The program is for children ages 5 and up and AIT provides all the equipment. They transition to a new sport each month and offer Kickball, Soccer, Flag football, Tag games, Basketball, Frisbee games, Volley ball, Baseball/Whiffle ball, Medic/Dodge Ball, Relay games, Capture the Flag, and Presidential Fitness Testing. A typical program begins with a 5 - 10 minute warm up of stretching and a light cardiovascular. Then they teach the sport (rules and fundamentals), practice the skills, and play a game. The cost is $15/ month for one child, $15 + $12 for two children, $15 + $12 + $6 for three children, etc. There are discounts for paying in annual or multiple month payments. The goal in the future is to have enough children to split the class into younger children at 9 AM and older children at 10 AM. If you have any questions contact Eileen D.
National Geography Bee reminder
The city wide homeschooling bee will be held Friday, December 19, 2003 in the Tucson-Pima main Library's lower level meeting room at 1:00 PM. Lisa Funk is organizing a study group for the bee. We would be meeting monthly for a couple of hours, starting September for games, practice questions etc. concerning geography. Please contact Lisa at lmbfunk@hotmail.com or 887-9702 if you are interested.
Roots and Shoots
I want to apologize for the short notice on the schedule change. I was unable to get the community room at Bookman's at the 10 AM time. I would like to reschedule another planning meeting if anyone is interested for October 17 at 10 AM at the community room in the Bookman's at Grant and Campbell. Please contact Heather H. at greenfreaks@earthlink.net.
Men's Coffee Night
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 7:30pm. For more information contact Jeff O. or Brian M.
Crafty Ladies
Crafty Ladies meets the last Wednesday of each month. Join us for a parent's night out. We will be meeting at Ike's on Speedway (3400 E. Speedway Blvd.). We get together from 7:30 PM on. We chat, laugh, and a few of us bring a project to work on. 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.
Thursday Park Day
Join us on Thursdays around 10 AM at Connor Park. This is the perfect venue for new comers to the group. It is small and intimate; a wonderful place to get to know a few homeschooling people. This is mainly a play day; no official announcements will be made. Connor Park is at 2200 E. Glenn St. To get there you go to Campbell and Glenn. Head east on Glenn until you get to Wilson Ave (no light, a side street), go south on Wilson until you get to Calle Alta Vista, go west on Calle Alta Vista. A bit down the way you will see the park on the north side of the street. If you have any questions contact Tara O. at taraoster@theriver.com.
Roster Update Cut Off Date
I will be distributing an updated roster in mid-October. This roster will contain only paid members. The cut off for changes will be October 14. Contact one of the treasurers (Teresa B. or Claire B.) or one of the yellow-shirted SDH Newcomer Liaison Committee members to pay your dues if you have not already done so. Contact me, Sharon A., if you have any updates to your address, telephone number, etc.
SDH T-shirts and Sweatshirts
I will be taking orders for SDH t-shirts and sweatshirts until November 4. The t-shirts are 100% cotton. The sweatshirts are a cotton/poly blend. The color and design of the shirt will be as last year. (Ash or white shirts with the lizard on the back).
T-shirts:
Youth (XS-L) and adult (S-XL) $4.00 (white) $5.00 (ash)
Adult 2XL $5.00 (white) $6.00 (ash)
Adult 3XL $6.00 (white) $7.00 (ash)
Regular Sweatshirts:
Youth (XS-L) and adult (S-XL) $8.50 (white) $9.00 (ash)
Adult 2XL $10.50 (white) $11.00 (ash)
Hooded Pullover Sweatshirts:
Youth (XS-L) and adult (S-XL) $13.00 (white) $14.00 (ash)
Adult 2XL $15.00 (white) $15.50 (ash)
Hooded Zippered Sweatshirts/jackets:
Youth (XS-L) and adult (S-XL) $15.50 (white) $16.00 (ash)
Adult 2XL $17.00 (white) $17.50 (ash)
See me, Sharon A. at the park meetings to order. I will need the shirt size/color and the cash (no checks please) by November 4. Feel free to contact Sharon A. by phone or email if you have any questions.
Bad News UA presents
Sorry, but the second group (after August 1) to sign up with UA Presents did not get into all of the shows. Ballet Folklorico on Wednesday December 17 and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Tuesday February 10 are completely full. They will keep on the waiting list incase something opens up, and I will be sent a refund check and will pass out the refund to individuals. Please mark these days off your calendars. If you are not sure which group you belong to please ask me, Alica M. at the park on Tuesdays.
Winter Music Recital
Our music recitals are an opportunity for any Homeschooled performers to play, dance, sing, recite or entertain. These recitals are held at Washburn Piano Company (Broadway and Craycroft see map in the announcement book) A concert grand piano, a stage and seating for at least 100 people are all provided courtesy of Washburn Piano Company. They only ask of us one thing- DO NOT PARK IN THE FRONT PARKING LOT.
This winter the recital will be open to other Homeschool groups. If you know a student who would like to participate, but is not a member of SDH, please let them know. Also have them contact me so I can keep track of how many people will attend.
The next scheduled recital is Thursday December 4 at 3 PM. If there is a good turnout for this recital, I will gladly schedule another one for early May.
Because I will not be at many Park days this fall I have left a sign up sheet and a map in the Announcement Book. Any questions? Call me, Victoria M., at 620-1095 in the evenings between 5pm and 8pm. Thank you.
Citywide Homeschoolers events
Roller-skating Party Friday October 24
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Arizona Skate Center
3970 W. Ina Rd. (west of Thornydale on North side of Ina)
$3.00 admission includes skate rental.
Sponsored by CHET NW
Ice-skating Party Friday October 3
9:30 - 11:30 AM
Gateway Ice Center
7333 Rosewood St. (near the SE corner of Kolb and Speedway, behind Wal-Mart)
$6.50 admission includes skate rental. Price the same for all ages.
ALL AGES WELCOME!!!!
SDH Clothing Exchange
Clean out your closets, empty your drawers, it is time for the semi-annual SDH clothing exchange!! Bring items you don't need or want, and take home things you can use. And the exchange isn't limited to clothing- is there something else around your house that you have been wanting to get rid of? Bring it to the park meeting October 21st, maybe someone else will take it! Everything is free, and there are no requirements to participate- just come ready to find clothes, footwear, toys, stuffed animals, small appliances, whatever! All items left over will be donated to charities like the Amphi Foundation Clothing Bank. Questions about the exchange? Please contact Debbie G. at debbiegubernick@yahoo.com
Sunshine Generation Tucson West Children's and Teens' Performing Group
We are beginning rehearsals for our 2003 Christmas Show! We learn signing, dancing, and showmanship in classes that are broken down by age group: 3 - 5 years, 6 - 8 years, 9 - 11 years and 12 and up. Our Christmas show is a ton of fun with "Snow" from White Christmas, "We need a Little Christmas" from Mame, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and "The Holiday Season" just to name a few!! Call Allison Claridge, Director at 293-1604 for class times and more information
Halloween/Fall Harvest Activities
With the park meeting time change to 12:00 PM, October 28 is our annual Harvest/Halloween celebration. We will also still have announcements at 12:30 PM. Each year parents and/or children create and run carnival games/activities, sometimes with treats to give away. In the past years we have had a costume parade and crafts, depending on interest. Both parents and kids are encouraged to dress up! Have fun and be creative! Please take a moment during and after the day's fun to pick up the extra trash and materials that accumulate in the park.
Let's give a BIG welcome to our new members!
The Riggle's
The Kennedy's
The Nix's
The Holaren's
The Eggers'
The Nichols'
The Zwiers'
The Wilford's
The Ahren's
The Riba's
The Keller's
The Kerwin's
The Curtis'
The Kernek's
The Benson's
The Lopez's
The Alvarado's
Young Writers Section
I would like to offer this space to any young poets, story tellers, essayist, or songwriters who wish to have a piece of work printed for the Homeschool families to read. Please have your pieces submitted by the newsletter dead line, and PLEASE keep the pieces to 150 words or less. You can send your work to SDH-newsletter@yahoogroups.com, greenfreaks@earthlink.net , or to my address Heather H. 4482 E. 16th St, Tucson, Arizona 85711.
Wounded Soul
By Audrey Hawkes
I watch the world around me, go up in flames and smoke
While I feel my brother give me a gentle poke.
I watch the houses go up in flames and slowly turn to coal
Though I am not bleeding I have a wounded heart and soul.
SDH Newcomer Liaison
We have started a SDH Newcomer Liaison to help orient newcomers to SDH you can spot these members in the yellow SDH T-shirts at each park meeting. We will have Newcomer packets and will meet with newcomers after announcements to answer questions and follow up if they want to join SDH. We will also schedule evening meetings from time to time for new members. Everyone is encouraged to meet and greet new members. The purpose of this group is to ensure that there will always be someone available if needed. Current participants are Tara O., Kim B., Lisa F., Christine G., Debbie G., Heather M., and Eileen D. If you are interested in participating in this group, contact anyone above. We also are very interested in having teens be a part of this group.
Teen Book Club
The Teen Book Club is up and running. The plan is to meet every two or three weeks for an hour-long discussion about books. Different parents will select the books and the parent who picks the book will be the group leader for the discussion of that book. We met on September 30th and discussed "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding. The next meeting will be during the second or third Tuesday in October at the park about thirty minutes before the regular park meeting. The specific date and name of the book will be announced at the park a couple of weeks before the next book club meeting.
There will be two meetings in November- the 4th and the 18th, both Tuesdays. We will meet in the public meeting room at the Wilmot Public Library from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon. The books will be announced at the park, a couple weeks before the meeting dates and again in the November newsletter. Any teen is welcome to come and any parent is welcome to suggest a book and lead the discussion on it. Contact Brian Metcalf with question.
Treasury Report for September 2003
We started the year (in September) with a balance of $700.74
Our income since the first park day September 9 is $415.00
Various authorized expenses* since then were $116.87
Balance on September 23 (newsletter deadline) $998.87
*(Newcomer packets/T-shirts; supplies for organizational meeting; roster copies)
Have a wonderful October!
