Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers Tucson Arizona
September 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
"The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there?"
-- Jack Kornfield
Reminder
Tuesday Park days begin again September 9, 2003 at 9:30 AM at Fort Lowell park.
Look at this
Be sure to check This Month's Featured Sites, for links to fun, informative, and interesting web sites recommended by SDH members.
Winter Music Recital
Our music recitals are held at Washburn Pianos on Broadway just east of Craycroft. Washburn Pianos provides a very large room (seats at least 100) and a gorgeous concert grand piano (often a Steinway). These recitals, however, are open to anyone who plays any instrument (not just piano students), singers and dancers. Our next scheduled recital is Thursday, December 4 at 3 PM. If there is a good turnout for this recital, I will schedule another one for early May. Please let me, Victoria M. know if you are interested in performing. I generally appreciate knowing what you will play at least a week in advance of the recital so my son and I can make a program in a timely, un-rushed manner. I will not be at many Park Days, so please call me if you have questions.
Dates for the coming year
At the recent organizational meeting the following dates were agreed on for the coming year. As always, anyone is still free to organize any other event they would like during the year, and either announce it in the newsletter or at the park.
Park meetings start: September 9, 2003
Curriculum Exchange: September 16
Welcome back potluck: September 23
Vote on SDH permanent phone number: October 7
Open house: October 7 (see Lisa F. for more info)
Deadline for paying dues: October 14 (no newsletter sent, or name on roster after this date, until dues are paid)
Fall clothing exchange: October 21
Winter schedule switch to 12:00 noon starts October 28
Hallowe'en Party: October 28
Model Rocket launch: November 11 (See Lou K. for more info)
Music recital: December 4 (See Victoria M. for more info)
Last meeting in December with formal announcements: December 16
First meeting in January with restart of formal announcements: January 6
Sabino Canyon trip: January 8 (see Lou K. for more info)
Welcome back potluck: January 13
Valentine Exchange: February 10
Group Photograph: February 10
Renaissance Festival: March 16 (see Kim B. for more info)
Spring clothing exchange: March 23
Spring Schedule switch to 9:30 AM starts April 13
May Day celebration: May 4 (see Giavanna N. for more info)
Music Recital: May 6 at 3 PM (to be confirmed, see Victoria M. for more info)
Last scheduled meeting/ end of the year potluck: May 18
Parents' Organizational meeting: May 19
Summer Curriculum exchange: 1st week of June
Restart of Park meeting 2004: August 17
First meeting with formal announcements September 2004: September 7
Monthly Evening Parents' Meetings - Wednesday, October 8
I would like to propose the establishment of a monthly evening parents' meeting. These meetings would be held at someone's home- a different member volunteering to host the event each month. These meetings would be open to parents only (i.e. no children except those of host, of course).
These meetings would be an opportunity for parents to get together to discuss topics of interest. They would not be for the discussing of SDH business items. I would propose that the host be free to choose the topic for the meeting they are hosting, and that these topics avoid politics and religion.
Examples of discussion topics could be: books I have enjoyed; books my children have enjoyed; ways to deal with non- homeschooling- supportive friends and relatives ways to handle homeschooling diverse age groups; how our family handles TV; ditto computer games; ditto internet access; chores- yes or no; options for homeschooling; favorite curriculums (possibly by subject); outings our family has enjoyed in Tucson; ditto other places in Arizona; allowances- yes or no, what age and how much; preparation options for college; how to prevent, deal with homeschooling burn out; etc, etc.
The meetings would be held the second Wednesday of each month, starting at 7:00 p.m. and ending whenever everyone has departed, or the host requests we do so. The host will be responsible for providing refreshments. The hosts for upcoming months will be announced in the newsletter. I will provide a sign up sheet at the park, starting September 16th, for those willing to host a meeting.
To get the ball rolling I will offer to host the first meeting, which will be October 8th. The topic will be "Dealing with the Homeschool opposition among family and friends". Please RSVP to Frances A.
SDH PE
SDH has scheduled PE classes with Athletes In Training (AIT) on Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 AM at Himmel Park. This activity is open to all Homeschoolers. The first day of class will be September 15th. AIT will be at Himmel Park at 8:00 AM on the first day to answer questions, sign children up and collect payments. On the first day (September 15), we will meet at the west playground (the one closest to Tucson Blvd. ) AIT requires a health record and consent for treatment and insurance form for each child.
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/Dodgeball, Relay Games, Capture the Flag, Hockey 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 9am and older children at 10:00 a.m.
I will also have forms on September 9 at SDH's first park day. If you have any questions, contact Eileen D.
Newcomer Dessert Night - Monday, September 29
On Monday, September 29, from 7 - 9 PM, come to the Newcomer Dessert. Get to know other SDH parents better, learn what SDH has to offer and find out more about homeschooling. Whether you are brand new to the group or still feeling like a newcomer, you're invited to join us. Contact Lisa F. at lmbfunk@hotmail.com for directions.
Are people happy with park meeting start times?
One idea that was discussed at the August 20th organizational meeting was changing the Tuesday park meeting times to one set time year-round instead of earlier in hot weather and later in cool weather. For example, park meetings could begin at 10:30 AM all year long instead of 9:30 AM September/October/May and 12 noon November through mid April. Because this is an issue that affects everyone in SDH, it was decided to bring it before the group to find out if there is interest or support for making this kind of change. Before a change could be made, notification would be given to everyone in SDH, and then there would be a vote at the park meeting two weeks later. We are looking for some feedback on this, so please send a message to the sdh-discuss list, send an e-mail to sdhtucson@yahoo.com or talk to Debbie G. at the park.
Sonoran Art Foundation's Glass Studio workshop
SDH needs a liaison for the Sonoran Art Foundation's Glass Studio workshops. These workshops are open to youth 12-21 and seniors 55 and older at no cost through a City of Tucson Human Services grant. Two workshops are offered- Introduction to Beadmaking (4 hours) and Introduction to Reverse Glass Painting (3 hours), both of which can be scheduled in either the morning or afternoon. The Sonoran Art Foundation has begun booking classes for the upcoming year, so if SDH is interested in participating, now is the time to make that happen. Please contact Debbie G. at debbiegubernick@yahoo.com or speak with her at the park if you are interested in arranging this opportunity for our group. Thanks!
Homeschooled Teens Only Web Forum
The Homeschooled Teens Only web forum is for older Homeschoolers about 12 years and older. The forum is private, meaning that the teens must apply to the forum and then be approved for membership before being granted access to either read or post messages. The forum is moderated by two teens from SDH, and is open to all homeschooling teens, whether they are SDH members or not. The forum's host, Akheva.com, requires that users first register with Akheva to create a free account. To create an Akheva Sonoran Desert Homeschooler community account, please click on:
If you have any questions about these new forums, please contact sdh_forums@yahoo.com.
National Geography Bee
National Geography Bee, sponsored by the National Geography Society, is open to students grades 4-8. 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 p.m. BETT (Better Education Through Tradition) is once again hosting the event, but is requesting that this year each participating Homeschool support group also provide someone to fill one of the following positions: judge, timer, or helper. If you are interested in ensuring that SDH is a part of this annual event, please contact Debbie at debbiegubernick@yahooo.com . The winner takes a written test and the top 100 test scores participate in the state level bee on April 2, 2004. The state winners compete in Washington DC on May 25-26. The first place award is a $25,000 scholarship. More information is available at www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee
Lisa Funk is organizing a study group for the bee, if there are enough interested students. We would meet 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.
The National Geographic Bee Official Study guide is available from the National Geography Society for $9.95. The Tucson-Pima Public Library also has 9 copies available, in addition to various atlases, almanacs and dictionaries, many geared to juvenile readers (search for "Geography Juvenile"). There is also a daily on-line geography quiz at http://geography.about.com/library/quiz/blcurrent.htm?PM=ss12_geography (this is also a good site for maps, etc.).
Arizona Theatre Company 2003-2004 Student Matinee Program
Lisa F. will be coordinating group tickets for the ATC student matinees this year. Information about the plays is provided below. If you are interested, you must give me your order for all the plays, with checks made payable to Lisa, by no later than September 10 (the first play is September 30). Send your check with a note specifying the plays you want and the number of student and adult tickets; include your phone number and email address. The performance dates are subject to change. The ticket price is $6 or $8, depending upon the play. Parents are responsible for student transportation and supervision. The plays are at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave (kitty corner from the Children's Museum). We will meet in front at 10:00 AM and be seated, as a group once everyone arrives - no individual tickets, so don't be late. Most of the plays are suitable for high school students only, although two are recommended for middle school students. Please look at the recommendations and read the play if you have any questions. The ATC website has good links if you are not familiar with the plays - http://www.arizonatheatre.org. (Please try here before emailing or calling me with questions, thanks.)
Over the Moon
By P.G. Wodenhouse
A joyous explosion of blazing wit set in New York in the Roaring 20's; this world premiere is a hilarious American tale of quirky characters and crazy capers
Student Matinee: September 30 at 10:30 AM; Ticket Price $6 (Middle school students and older)
Talley's Folly
By Lanford Wilson
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, a no-holds-barred romantic waltz full of tenderness and humor. "A funny, sweet, lyrical, touching and marvelously written love poem." The New York Post.
Student Matinee: November 4 at 10:30 AM; Ticket price $6 (High school students)
It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues
By Charles Bevel, Lita Gaithers, Randal Myler, Ron Taylor and Dan Wheeten
"Let the Good times Roll" at this full-out musical party in celebration of the Blues. With members of the original Broadway cast, this Arizona premiere is guaranteed to raise the spirits and bring down the house.
Student Matinee: December 4 at 10:30 AM; Ticket price $8 (Middle school students and older)
A Streetcar Named Desire
By Tennessee Williams
Lust, shame, loss and desire in a little New Orleans apartment create one of the most gripping, volatile stories ever told on stage in William's Pulitzer Prize winning classic.
Student Matinee: February 3 at 10:30 AM; Ticket price $6 (High school student only)
Oh Coward!
Music and Lyrics by Noel Coward
Production devised by Roderick Cook
Mark Anders and Carl J. Danielsen, the two unforgettable performers from ATC's 2 Pianos, 4 Hands , sit down at the keyboards once more to embark on a journey into the wit and music of Noel Coward. "A delightfully tuneful, charming show, a worthy tribute to one of the greats of modern theatre." New York Post.
Student Matinee: March 16 at 10:30 AM; Ticket Price $8 (High school students)
The Underpants
By Carl Sternheim
Adapted by Steve Martin
When Louise's underpants fall down in front of the whole town, what is her husband to do? When the author is comedian Steve Martin (Picasso at the Lapin Agile), who can doubt that laughs are in store? "Hands down, one of the funniest, most truthful and provocative plays ever." Fresh Angles
Student Matinee: April 15 at 10:30 AM; Ticket prices $6 (High school students)
Play guide and On-line resources: Typically available about one week prior to performance. http://www.aztheatreco.org/index.php?Section=about&SubSection=education&Page=1
Arizona Opera Student Dress Rehearsals 2003-2004
Lisa F. will be coordinating group tickets for the Arizona Opera Student Dress Rehearsals- details are provided below. If you are interested, you must give me your order for all the performances, with a check made payable to Lisa by no later than September 10 (the first performance is October 8). Send your check a note specifying the operas you want and the number of student and adult tickets- include your phone number and email address. The ticket price is $4 per student or $10 per adult. Everyone must pay for a ticket to enter the dress rehearsal. Students attending the dress rehearsal should be in 3rd grade or higher and need to be able to read. Please do not bring younger children, as they will not be allowed in the theatre. Parents are responsible for student transportation and supervision. The operas are at the Tucson Music Hall. We will meet at 6:30 PM and be seated, as a group once everyone arrives no individual tickets, so don't be late. The Arizona Opera website has good links if you are not familiar with the operas - http://www.azopera.com/learn/index.shtml (Please try here first before emailing or calling me with questions about the operas, thanks.)
Pearl Fishers
By Georges Bizet
In ancient Ceylon, two pearl fishermen reminisce about the beautiful woman with whom they both fell in love. When this mysterious woman reappears, the two friends become rivals again, forcing them to consider which is the greater treasure, love or friendship? Sung in French with English surtitles. Approximate running time 2 hours 35 minutes. October 8 at 7:00 PM.
The Mikado
By Gilbert and Sullivan
Nanki Poo loves Yum Yum. Yum Yum loves Nanki Poo. All of which places us firmly in the witty world of Gilbert and Sullivan. Considered one of the most popular operettas of all time, The Mikado pokes fun at human foibles, with a happy ending before the final curtain. Sung in English with English surtitles. Approximate running time: 2 hours and 25 minutes. November 12 at 7:00 PM.
Don Pasquale
By Gaetano Donizetti
Deception, intrigue and romantic escapes create confusion for Don Pasquale and hilarity for the audience in this new production staged in the Old Southwest. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Approximate running time: 2 hours 45 minutes. January 21 at 7:00 PM.
Sweeney Todd
By Stephen Sondheim
A barber by trade, Sweeney Todd had a way with a razor. But after tragedy befalls him, he slices and dices his way through London in this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece, a tale of madness and revenge. Sung in English with English surtitles. Approximate running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes. February 18 at 7:00 PM.
La Boheme
By Giacomo Puccini
Paris may be for lovers, but in Puccini's beloved opera, poverty threatens to extinguish the flame. In their chilly garret, Mimi and Rodolfo keep each other warm, yet wonder if their love will always burn so brightly. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Approximate running time: 2 hours 50 minutes. March 16 at 7:00 PM.
Proposal for SDH permanent phone number
Rationale: At present personal phone numbers are provided as a means for government bodies and the general public to contact SDH. Whenever people wish to discontinue volunteering to field calls, then the numbers for their replacements must be distributed. Furthermore, the numbers for previous volunteers often remain in circulation for a long period of time, and these people therefore continue to get calls.
If we could establish a means of having one number for contacting our organization we could eliminate both these concerns.
Proposal: Please note for those that were at the meeting that the proposal has changed. When I called Qwest to get further information requested from people at the meeting, I was advised that there was a much better option for us to go with than that which was originally provided. Although this precludes any caller from reaching a live person initially, it solves a lot of the problems that were raised, such calls coming to private answering machines that give out the private phone number, only having one person able to take calls for any given period, and one person having to volunteer to field all types of calls both government or private.
The new proposal is for a product called Anywhere Voice Mail, which works as follows:
We will get a phone number that never changes. Anyone calling that number will get a voice message that can say whatever we want, such as: "You have reached the voice mail for Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers. Please leave your name and number and a member of our organization will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions."
We can then provide access to these messages for any members volunteering to field queries. When they retrieve messages they can deal with them in a number of ways, including just leaving them for others to respond to. So, if a member is willing to deal with government agencies only then those messages can be left for that member to deal with. Any member retrieving messages can deal with as many or as few as they wish at that time, and then leave the rest for other volunteers. This allows volunteers to deal with calls at their convenience.
Volunteers will have to learn to retrieve messages from the voice messaging system.
The cost for this service is $13.38 per month, including taxes. The set up fee is $10.00.
I propose to announce this at park on September 16, and will answer any questions at that time. I propose we hold a vote for this at park on October 7.
Please contact Frances A. by phone or email, if you wish for more information.
Roots and Shoots
The first meeting of Roots and Shoots will be held at the Bookman's on Grant Road, September 19 at 10:00 AM. We will discuss what projects we wish to do over the next few months. So put on your thinking caps and come with some great ideas. Contact Heather H. if you have any questions.
Men's Coffee Night - Wednesday, September 3
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 pm. Or more information contact Jeff O. or Brian M.
Crafty Ladies - Wednesday, September 24
Crafty Ladies meets the last Wednesday of each month. Join us for a parents 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. For more information contact Kim B.
Thursday Park Day - Resumes September 11
Join us on Thursdays around 10:00 AM. starting September 11 at Connor Park. This is the perfect venue for new comers to the group. It is small and intimates; 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.
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. The first one is September 29. Everyone in SDH 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.
Young Writers Section
I would like to offer this space to anyone who has written something they would like others to read. Last month I suggested Haiku's, but I got no responses so for next month I say do whatever sparks your fancy. Please keep selections to 150 words or less, do to space limitations.
Leaf shower
By Audrey H.
I love the fall fun
It is a good time for leaves
We all love the fall
GI Joe
By Logan H.
G I Joe is cool
He knows about the army
I like G I Joe
Pizza
By Heather H.
Pizza is gooey
Cheesey, stringy, hot and good
Big slice so nice, Yum
