Brownsville Homeschool Association

From Brownsville Superintendent

2011-08-13T20:39:00.001-07:00

The following letter is from Central Linn's (Brownsville) New Superintendent. This information is being supplied for your knowledge only, and this new program is not being run by Dana, Shawnna or Felicia. The information is being provided only for you to explore and possibly further your relationship with the district. Please note that we have not released your emails to the district, as we've always respected your privacy. If you wish to release it to them for further updates, you can contact the district direct.

Thanks!

August 10, 2011

Dear Home School Parents,

I would first like to apologize for my first contact with you coming so late in the summer.
I have had a number of issues that have taken up a great deal of my first few weeks here
at Central Linn; no slight was intended.

I would like to continue the Central Linn/Home School connection. Obviously we have
had a setback in the loss of leadership in the program, complicated further by me being
on the job for all of 6 weeks. To get to the heart of parent needs, and for the district to be
able to allocate scarce resources efficiently, I think we need to get everyone who is
interested in being involved together at the same time. Next Thursday, August 18th, at the
Central Linn School District office at 6pm seemed to be the best option. I am seeking an
open and constructive conversation to see if we can put together a viable and enriching
program for the 2011-12 school year. Everyone with interest is encouraged to attend.

Thank you for your time and commitment to children,

Brian Gardner
Superintendent
CENTRAL LINN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Things.....

2011-08-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

They say all good things come to an end......
It is with sad hearts that we say that there will not be Monday classes at Central Linn District Office this school year. Dana has resigned, as well as Felicia. It is time to pursue other things with their own children, and the time and season for this has come to a close.
Jennifer Ewing will still be doing home school supplemental teaching and online classes. Please get with her if you are still interested. The district office number can be found on the side information bar.
We would like to thank those that supported us all these years, who faithfully pitched in where they could, gave what they had, and stood behind us these last 8 years. Thanks also to Mr. Ed Curtis who faithfully supported our program, helped us to make it what it was, and always was working for better education for the kids. We wish him well in his Second Retirement!

Shawnna and Dana are still around, and still willing to chat with you about homeschool if you'd like some direction, or just want to say hi! Shawnna 541-619-5834 Dana 541-367-6413

PS. We will still add any fun field trips, websites, or exciting things happening on this site. You never know what might show up here!

PARENT MEETING MAY 16th, 1:00PM

2011-05-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Parents-- Please plan to be in attendance at our planning meeting on May 16th. We will be discussing curriculum for next year, as well as pre-registering for next years classes.

There is a waiting list for enrollment, and we want to be able to open any available slots. If you have not returned your survey, please do so this week. If you have misplaced yours and need another, please let us know. We really need to know if you are returning!!

Questions? Call Dana 541-367-6413

2011 Civil War Reenatcment MAY 14-15

2011-05-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Civil War Reenactment Event
The Civil War Reenactment Event will not be held in Lebanon this year. Here is information on one of their upcoming events held in Springfield at Mt. Pisgah Park. At this time, there is no field trip day set up for school groups and will be regularly open to the public.

Dates: Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th

Where: Howard Buford Park of Eugene, at the base of Mt. Pisgah

Admission: Adults $8, Seniors and children ages 6-18 $5, children under 6 are free, ***In addition, there will be a $5 state park DAY-USE fee

Visit the website http://www.nwcwc.org/ for a detailed schedule of each day's events and battle times, directions to Howard Buford Park, and other useful info.

Central Linn Academy

2011-05-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

Central Linn Web Academy

Home school students are now able to earn high school credits online through Central Linn Web Academy.

We offer core classes for grades 3-12 and a variety of electives to meet your students’ needs and interests.

Daily computer lab and tutoring sessions are available to students taking online classes.

Small Weekday Classes at the District Office

If families show interest, we offer classes throughout the week at the District Office. Subjects, times, and days are flexible. If there is a need or interest in a particular subject, we will try to form a class that satisfies the interest.

Educational Consulting

This is an option for home school parents who would like extra support as they develop their own curriculum. The educational consultant provides resources, curriculum, and advice to parents who wish to learn new ways to teach their children. The educational consultant helps parents align their curriculum with state standards, ensuring that students are learning at grade level. Parents who choose this option meet with the educational consultant weekly to report progress and receive support as needed.

Questions? Call Jennifer Ewing at 541-369-2813 ext. 3234 or email at

Jennifer.Ewing@centrallinn.k12.or.us

HOME SCHOOL TESTING

2011-04-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Home School Testing

Hello families! It's that time of year again! Several of you have been asking about testing info and, as you know, I have been working on ordering new tests for this year. I am currently in the process of getting the IOWA tests. For those of you that have tested with me in the past, I believe these tests will be very similar to the CAT5 in that they will be a survey style test. This means that they cover all the categories required by the ESD but they do it with fewer questions, which allows us to keep the tests relatively short (and therefore less stressful!)

I will be running one testing session in Brownsville at the district office on Friday, June 3rd from 9:00-12:00 in room F. Please email or call if you would like your student to be included in this testing session. I will also run testing sessions as needed from my home in Eugene, so if the 3rd doesn't work for your family, please contact me and we can schedule a different day.

As those of you who have tested with me before know, I try to keep things low key with the kids to cut down on any test anxiety. I remind them that these tests simply are information for you and for them. It gives them feedback on what they are doing well on and what areas that they need to focus their studies on for next school year. You may like to do some practicing before the test to help them remember the format of the standardized testing. It is sometimes helpful to have students work some sample problems with a time limit so they can get used to staying on a steady pace. The LBL ESD website has some practice OSAT tests on their website (go to "home school" then "testing" and look for the link).

Please email or give me a call with any questions. I am looking forward to seeing all the kids again!

Dana Giles

541-343-3446

NO SCHOOL FEBRUARY 21st--PRESIDENTS DAY

2011-02-05T23:35:00.000-08:00

NO SCHOOL FEBRUARY 21st--Happy President's Day. Enjoy your long weekend!

NO SCHOOL JANUARY 17th

2011-01-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

In Honor of Martin Luther King Day
(As well as the district is off)
There will be no Monday Class. Enjoy the long weekend!

Thanksgiving Luncheon NOVEMBER 22nd

2010-11-15T19:38:00.001-08:00

It's that time again! Time for a GREAT LUNCH at school.

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving as a group, enjoying lunch brought together by each family. You should have received a slip with an item or two to contribute to lunch.

NO lunch is needed, except your item. If you didn't bring it this week...make sure to have it in on MONDAY MORNING NOVEMBER 22 by 9:30 to the kitchen.
Questions, or don't know what your item is? Call Dana--541-367-6413

A HUGE thanks to Central Linn District!

2010-11-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

WOW....we have been blessed with some new PE equipment. Ask any of the young kids and they will tell you about the NEW big parachute, the new scooters and the great fun PE equipment.

Not only did we get new PE equipment, but new sign language books as well! As our program has grown, the district has met our needs.
Make sure to say "Thanks!" when you see them! They love our kids as much as we do!

PICTURE DAY!

2010-10-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Pictures are scheduled for OCTOBER 25th just after school begins. If you need a picture packet, get in touch with Dana. If you are a homeschooler, and would like to join in to have individual pictures taken, you are welcome, just please get in touch with Dana before October 25th! We will do a group picture for those in Monday classes. Even if you do not have individual pictures taken, we would love to have you included in the group picture. No purchase necessary, but available if you would like! Put your smiles on--and be there for pictures on October 25th. Questions? Call Dana at 541-367-6413

Thompson Mills Field Trip Monday, September 27th

2010-09-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Monday, the 27th @ 1:30!

Field Trip to Thompson Mill.
You can find information at this site:

If you are interested there is a sign up sheet you can add your name to on Monday morning!

Back To School--1st Day

2010-09-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

What a GREAT first day!! We have 63 students enrolled....which means we are at capacity for all classes right now. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact us, and we can put you on a waiting list, and will contact you when we have an opening.

Thanks to all for such a great first day. We are anxious to get back at it next week!

2010-08-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hosted by 4-H & Polk Christian Home Educators

4-H Homeschool
Outdoor School
September 20-22, 2010
Oregon 4-H Center

The 4-H Homeschool Outdoor School is a program sponsored by Polk County 4-H and Polk Christian Home Educators and is open to all youth in grades 5-8.

(We will be having homeschooled high school age youth to serve as counselors. If you are interested in counseling, contact us.)

The program is designed to give youth hands-on outdoor learning experiences with natural science, pond study, forestry, outdoor cooking, leather craft, wind energy, archery, animal habitat, survival skills and more. We will have featured presentations and campfire activities. Free time activities include canoes, swings, crafts, archery, soccer and more.
Camp participants will stay in Cottages that have four bedrooms, each containing two sets of bunk beds with mattresses. The cottages have a common area and bathrooms with private showers. Cabins may also be used. This beautifully wooded location is just 6 miles from downtown Salem. http://www.oregon4hcenter.org/
Cost for the overnight camp is $35 per youth/adults if registered and received by September 13^th.^{Additional $10.00 late fee added Sept. 14th and after.
Scholarships may be available upon request.
Monday – Check-in/Registration 10:00-10:30, Camp begins @ 10:30am
Wednesday – Pick up @ 2:00pm
Additional information and registration:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/polk/camp
For Questions about the camp contact:
Judi Peters, Polk 4-H Youth
503-623-8395 or 503-931-2578
Email:}^{Judi.peters@...}

Back To School Meeting Update

2010-08-19T20:33:00.001-07:00

We had a fair turnout yesterday as we met to discuss the upcoming year. If you missed it,or would like a recap---
This year: NEW START TIME--8:45AM
To utilize the gym and start off the three separate science classes, we needed to add 15 minutes to the schedule. Please be prompt with your kids as science will be the first class in the AM for the High School. They may miss lab time if they are late.

History-Following the time-line in the late 1800's and into the early 1900's.
Science--Continue with Microscope Unit and start a new Marine Biology Unit
Sign Language--The younger age group will work on the ABC, a book through the year that they put together with letters and words. The older groups will be working on more conversational sign language.
Creative/Fundamental Writing --4th-7th This class is divided into those needing more of the basics of writing, and/or those who are ready to put it all together. The High School class will be working on research papers, and gearing up for more college like papers.
P/E--Sporting instruction in Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, and/or Badminton The younger classes will be working on developing strength, agility, gross motor skills appropriate for this age level. They will practice ball skills, and have the opportunity for group play, and working as a team.

HOMEWORK BOARD--There will be a poster board in the hallway by the K-3 class with weekly homework assignments for parents to check.

KNIFE POLICY--ZERO tolerance means exclusion from the program. This is normal school policy, and will be strictly observed. Please remind your kids to empty their pockets before class!

STUDENT PICK UP K-3 Students need to be picked up from class by a parent or older student (only after a parent giving permission to a teacher). 4-12th grade students may wait for their parents in the building or near the building, but not in the parking lot or near the road.

Visiting--Please do not visit near the office areas. While we encourage you to visit with other families, please respect the office personnel who are working at the District Office. Parents are always welcome to visit in the gym, or outside the K-3 class.

Lunches are not provided. Please send your child with a sack lunch and a drink. We do have one microwave, although if you send a lunch that needs warmed, there may be a wait.

School Holidays-We will follow the school calendar for days off. Also, we will follow snow days of the district. The last day of school will be the Monday before Memorial Day.

PROGRAM DONATION Due to the cost of science equipment, we are asking a donation of $15.00 per family this year. The school district is purchasing new PE equipment for us as well as new sign books. We will be responsible for any science and history dispensables that we need for class. This donation helps defray the material costs. If we decide to do a dissection, we may ask for a small donation at that time to cover the cost of the specimens.

Fund Raising and Book Orders Book orders for Scholastic will continue, as well as collection of box tops & soup labels. We are also collecting empty printer ink cartridges for recycling, and helps us defray the cost of ink in preparing lessons each week.

NEEDS
We are in need of a DVD player for the program if anyone has one to donate.

Sign up sheet for supplies is in the hallway.

The only items we need this year so far are 5 oz cups, and snacks for the K-3 class. Please sign up to help with lunch duty and/or cleaning after class in the K-3 class.

CLEAN UP HELP-The older classes clean their own rooms, but we need help in the K-3 for sweeping, helping kids gather and put their stuff away, and general help in organizing to get things put away.

LUNCH DUTY HELP--This allows the teacher time to set up for class after lunch, get a short break, and allow them to eat! Your help in monitoring kids during lunch, and cleaning up afterward are a great help. You would be needed 11:30-12:30.

These sheets to sign up to help are in the hallway, and please choose a week or two.

Parents are welcome to stay and help in class. Younger siblings can participate in activities with parental help if they are able to sit and not distract the lesson.

Incomplete or missing homework assignments may have to be done during lunch if homework is not turned in. This will be decided at teachers discretion. If issues arise during the year, we will speak to parents on an individual basis.

Classroom locations are remaining the same. High School class will continue to remain in the conference room.

Parents are always welcome to speak with teachers at any time regarding any issues or questions you might have. The contact info is in the blog on the left side bar.

Registration forms were passed out, and some even turned in!! If you did not get your forms, and would like them mailed, please contact Dana. You may also come at 8:30 to register.

If you are a new family joining us, aside from registration forms, we would also need a copy of your childs shot records, and/or a religious exemption form signed.

Families outside of the Central Linn District will also need a district transfer form (we provide) signed by your home district.

TESTING--Benchmark testing is still required and will be administered through the school year as required. This does not replace the testing required for compliancy through ESD for home schooled students.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME SCHOOL FAMILIES FROM CENTRAL LINN This year--lots of new things are available to the Home School Program through Central Linn. They are really partnering together with us to make this a program that is suited to our needs!

Central Linn Web Academy-- Home School Student are now able to earn a High School Diploma through this Web Academy

Online Classes-- OdysseyWare will still be available for students to use online from home or from the District Office. We are adding another online program that may suit your needs better. It also will be available for use online from home or from the District Office.

Small Weekday Classes at the District Office-- We are offering small weekday classes in Social Studies/Language Arts (taught together) and Math/Science (taught together). Two classes with five students each Group A Mon, Wed, Fri Schedule Group B- Tues, Thurs, Fri Schedule. ON Friday's both groups will meet together for a joint activity. Group B is already full, but we have five spots available in group A.

Educational Consulting This is an option for home school parents who would like extra support as they develop their own curriculum. The educational consultant provides resources, curriculum, and advice to parents who wish to learn new ways to teach their children. The educational consultant helps parents align their curriculum with state standard, ensuring that students are learning at grade level. Parents who choose this option meet with the consultant weekly to report progress and receive support as needed. If you are interested in any of these programs, please get with Jennifer Ewing (our Creative-Fundamental Writing Teacher) to discuss. She will be willing to give you more information and answer your questions.

We also would like to Welcome Felicia Mollohan who is replacing Shawnna Richards this year. Shawnna has accepted a full time position, and is unable to teach this year. Felicia will be a great fit to our program and brings lots of experience. Please watch for a welcome message from Felicia coming soon. She is anxious to start and is picking up right where we left off last year!

Welcome Felicia!

LOTS of info..but if you have questions...feel free to call us!

OMSI PROMOTION

2010-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Get your OMSI Membership, plus a free membership to other area Science Centers. Gilbert House, Science Factory in Eugene, and many more across Oregon and the US!!

The bonus is...$40.00 off memberships through AUGUST 22nd. SO ACT FAST!! Follow this LINK to OMSI and use the code FMFREE10 in the promotional area of checkout. It's a great deal, and can be used all year long.

Back to School Meeting--August 18th

2010-08-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

Back to School Meeting
Pioneer Park in Brownsville
August 18th 11:00AM

We will meet by the big play structure at the back of the park. Bring a sack lunch if you'd like to hang out after and play, swim or just visit.

Homeschool Book Sale

2010-06-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for homeschool books for next year????

Bob Jones, Saxon Math, ASCI, Abeka(all subjects, including MANY readers),

Shurley English and MORE to offer!!!

Some used and some new!!!

Teacher editions and student workbooks for all different grades!!!

Will be selling for a fraction of the retail price!!!

Must Sell!!!

Come check it out and PLEASE pass this on to anyone and everyone

that you think would be interested!!!!!

Friday June 18^th

10-4pm

680 West ‘C’ Street, Halsey

541-369-2552

tmisom@rtinet.com

Last Day of Homeschool Enrichment Classes 09-10

2010-06-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Monday--May 24th. It was a Happy & a Sad day. The kids (and teachers!) were looking forward to the break....but the sad part....we won't be together until next fall. Some are returning to public or private school, and some are getting their GED. We will miss seeing one another every Monday...but today was all about fun!
This was their idea!! It took several tries, and a few "base people" changes...but they got it down. Well done!

K-3 Class
4th-7th Class

High School Class
The High School class put on a few short skits for us. They did a great job, and the younger kids loved it. Well done!! Thanks for the time you guys put in. It was well worth it!

After the skits...we played some inside games as it was raining outside. The younger kids were playing "Swat the Bug" relay...it was fun!
We played tug of war.....in age appropriate groups of course!

When it got nice enough, we headed outside. Three legged races were fun.

Hmmm...is this cheating?
Lunchtime....

Free time after lunch....

As I watched these kids during free time...it wasn't only the big kids and the little kids in different groups. They were playing together. My heart swelled as I looked at them playing. I'm not sure you'd see this interaction in another setting. When 55 various aged kids come together, and a 5 year old can ask any Jr high or high school student for help in tying a shoe, to open something in their lunch, for comfort when they get hurt, or advice on how to do something...you know we have a good thing going here. Homeschool parents...you can be proud of these kids. I know we are--and we're going to miss them this summer.
See you at our August meeting...don't forget to watch the site for any summer updates we get (and send them if you get them!)--And don't miss the slide show below!

Have a SAFE & HAPPY SUMMER!!

More Summer Fun

2010-05-18T22:35:00.001-07:00

There are many things in the area--and as I get them I will post them.

Here are a few--not all free this time, but still good deals, and worthwhile of checking into. Let us know if you have experience with any of these:

My daughter attended the Sweet Home FUN IN THE PARKS last year. For 25.00, you can't go wrong for a summer full of Thursday activities that are well organized, and well supervised. You can even pick a few for a small fee. ( Click on the image, and it will open bigger, so you can enlarge it to read it)

Summer Camps--don't know much about any of them, but found them in the MOMs magazine for our area. Sweet Home Ranger District has many hikes and activities this summer. You can check it out here.
Some events that are worthy and we have attended or participated in:

JUNE 5th Free Fishing Day & Derby--NO FEE Contact KC Briggs 541-367-3492 or kcbriggs@fs.fed.us

JUNE 11th Cascadia Cave Heritage Hike 2.5 Miles Easy--FEE Meet at Sweet Home Ranger District 9am. Tony Farque tfarque@fs.fed.us This is an incredible hike to the petroglyphs...and it is a HISTORY walk as well telling of the Indians that lived in the area.

Please check them all out by clicking HERE above...as some are great, and even though the title of the document that opens says WINTER...it does go through summer.

IF you have items to list, scan them, e-mail them, send me a link or mail it to me, and I will get the info out. Also--any info on book sales, curriculum fairs or other worthy things, let me know! Check back often!

Free (or almost) Field Trip Opportunities

2010-05-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Free day at OSU's Kelley Engineering Center: See senior design projects, watch TekBot Triathlon, tour the wave research lab and more.

Free and open to the public on Friday, May 14th, 2010, 11 AM - 4 PM. For more info call 541-737-3101 engr.oregonstate.edu/expo2010

35 Free and Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Portland

Portland — By Lora on May 11, 2010 at 12:10

What’s kid-friendly, free and fun in Portland, Oregon? Here’s a warm-weather list to get you started. What would you add?

Play in Salmon Springs Fountain’s 137 jets at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Enjoy a $3 family movie at McMenamin’s Kennedy School.
Watch ice skaters twirl at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.
Enjoy one of Portland’s kid-friendly museums on a free or cheap day.
Try on glasses made from forks in Spoonman’s booth at Portland Saturday Market.
Go for a bird-watching hike on Sauvie Island.
Look for leprechauns in the tiniest park in America — Mill Ends Park.
Enjoy the Preschool Skate and Play at Oaks Amusement Park.
Get your thrills from the Portland Aerial Tram.
Ride the vintage 1921 carousel at the Jantzen Beach SuperCenter.
Seek Simpsons references in Portland’s Alphabet District (including Reverend Lovejoy, Mayor Quimby and Ned Flanders).
Stop and smell Barbara Streisand at the International Rose Test Gardens. You won’t even get slapped with a restraining order; the rose is named after the singer.
Listen to family tunes at Portland Farmers Market.
Sit in the Jamison Square waterfall and disappearing pool.
Find Ramona Quimby at Grant Park.
Ride the MAX to the Washington Park stop, the deepest train station in North America.
Play on an (extinct) volcano at Mt. Tabor Park.
Drink from a Benson Bubbler.
Speak out against early bedtimes from Pioneer Courthouse Square’s Echo Chamber.
Browse the picture books at Powell’s City of Books.
Make art from SCRAP’s scraps.
Head to a Portland Park — for movies or a concert.
Get inches away from salmon and horror-movie eels at Bonneville Dam.
Cool off with 620 feet of water at the second-largest waterfall in the U.S. – Multnomah Falls.
Discuss American history at Kidd’s Toy Museum, where vintage toys reflect the values of their day.
Try a Spanish, Mandarin or ASL storytime at Green Bean Books.
Cycle along one of Portland’s kid-friendly bike paths.
Let your mouth travel ’round the world — sample dishes from Portland’s food carts.
Bop along to a family-friendly music show at Milagros Boutique.
Play Ms. Pac-Man, Pole Position and other retro games at Ground Kontrol with a pocketful of quarters.
Ride the Portland Streetcar.
Listen to a summer lunch concert at Noon Tunes at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Get your fortune told at the wacky 24-Hour Church of Elvis.
Party pretty at the Portland Rose Festival.
Enjoy a cup of drinking chocolate at Cacao. Buzzing with caffeine, repeat 1-34.

FOLLOW THIS LINK to read the story where the links work!

Happenings around School

2010-05-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

Ruth Swartzendruber, a parent in our group who does photography, was kind enough to volunteer to take some pictures of our group. She spent a day with us, and although some of the classes were empty due to testing, you can still get an idea of what happens in class. Thanks Ruth for your willingness to help out!

Dana Morehead-- Dana teaches Sign Language to all grades & PE to K-7th. She combines fun with learning, and works to ensure each child is on the right track, even to the point of working one on one during lunch.

Jennifer Ewing--

Jennifer is with us through the AmeriCorp Program, and has been working with our Creative Writing beginners this year. She brings a lot to the classroom, and enjoys working with the kids. She makes a fun environment, and works hard to have them get their minds flowing.

Shawn Garrett--

Shawn works with our High School aged kids teaching Science, History, Creative Writing & PE. He also teaches our 4th-7th Grade Creative Writing Advanced Writers class.

Shawnna Richards--

Shawnna teaches Science and History to K-3 and 4th-7th Grades. We are currently studying Native Americans in History, and have not only learned, but made some of the foods they would have made, including Jerky & Indian Fry Bread. In Science, we are doing a microscopy study, where the kids have brought in many things from home and the yard to view, as well as we've grown cultures, and done some cheek scraping. We recently worked through the Human Body and even worked with pigs to see how our bodies worked. The classes are geared to be age appropriate, and while they learn the same things, it's on different levels.

If you are in need of some photography...give Ruth a call at 541-466-0948, or e-mail her at benswartzendruber@hotmail.com . She does great work. Check it out HERE

Civil War Re-Enactment Field Trip Events & Pictures

2010-05-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

What a day!! We started with a VERY rainy morning, and right up until we arrived at 8:30, it was raining. The last sprinkle was felt at 8:45, and the rest of the day was PERFECT. What a blessing!
We had 105 in our group...the biggest ever. As we headed in the gate, we split into smaller groups, and each headed to the stations that interested them the most. What a great thing for the kids. Some of it was hands on, some of these guys brought their personal collections....spent their vacation time with our kids, and were eager to share their knowledge of the civil war. One of the "usual" treats, marching & guns was not the usual this year, and I convinced him to at least march our group. What a wonderful sport he was. These men & women who put this on are worthy of lots of praise, as they do a fantastic job with our kids.

We had several comments from the reenactors on the courtesy of our kids...well done.

We were treated to a small battle....and the kids loved the cannons, the horses, and of course the guns! It was great after taps, when everyone got up and went home! Too bad the real war didn't end that way.

Enjoy the pictures...I've split them into two sets, as there were so many. Out of 600+, these were the select ones....

From Station Learning....

The Re-Enactment

From Swartzendruber Photography

Civil War Re-Enactment Field Trip April 30th

2010-04-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

School day is April 30^th at Cheadle Lake Park just east of Lebanon on Weirich Drive off of highway 20. Watch for the signs. $2.00 per person. We will be meeting at 8:30 in the parking lot to organize our group, get a final count, and head in. We do not have to stay as a group once inside, you are free to choose the presentations you want to see. One fun one for all the kids is the Infantry, as the kids get to learn to march, carry a civil war rifle (replica of course!), and take orders. The medical tent can be scary for younger kids, as they do discuss true facts in operations on the battlefield. Please bring a sack lunch--and if raining, something to sit on. You are welcome to walk back to your cars for lunch, but if it's nice, there will always be stuff to watch,see, and yes, sometimes 'do'.

From the NW Re-enactment group:

Schedule

Stations will be from 9am to 1:30pm in 25 minute intervals. We will fire the cannon to signal everyone to move to a new station. After a short break for organization we will have a skirmish at approximately 1:30pm. All school events will be complete at about 2pm. Lunch break is from 12noon to 12:30pm. Students will want to bring a sack lunch or money to buy lunch from the on-site concessionaire, however they will be limited to how many lunches they can serve in the allotted half hour lunch break.

There is limited seating for lunch, last year most kids sat on the grass but it wasn’t raining at the time.

Stations – Presentation stations will be all around the battlefield and on the perimeter of the camps. Each station will be clearly numbered so you can keep track. We hope have a menu of presentations that match the station numbers when you arrive. You can go to any of them you wish. Some will have large audiences but this didn’t prove to be a problem last year.

Artillery

Medical

Infantry

Cavalry

Civilian Life

Period Dance

Period Fashion

Music

War Reporting

Military music

Important notes to teachers and parents:

1) Our number one complaint from the reenactors doing the presentations was unruly or disinterested kids at the sessions which made it almost impossible to proceed. You are expected to either stay in groups or your kids must have supervision, (yours, not ours). I have instructed all presenters to simply stop their presentation if kids get out of hand or are disruptive. Keep in mind all of these presenters are volunteers who gave up a day of work, spent money on gas and materials and deserve due respect for their efforts. You are expending money and time as well and have a great opportunity to put 1863 in the hands of these kids, so please take advantage of it. Ask them to leave their cell phones on the bus or at home.

2) I strongly recommend you NOT take children from about 4^th grade age down to the medical presentation.

3) I will attempt to stagger the bus arrivals over the course of the first hour to help spread the kids out into the presentations. Keep in mind there will be over 1,000 kids on site.

4) Please tell your students that everything in the camps and on the field is private property and not to touch unless the owner allows it. Some of the items you’ll see are not reproductions but actually from the mid to early 1800’s and invaluable. Also, at no point should a student handle a weapon or climb on, lean on or touch a cannon.

5) The cannon are loud. Enough said.

Bragging on our Homeschoolers!

2010-03-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

Two of our home schooled students entered the Logo Contest sponsored by ChristWalk. This contest was open to all local schools and home schooled students.
Our own Miranda Morehead won the contest with her great concept of walking in alone, and walking out with Christ. Way to go Miranda!

If you would like to know more, or would like to help this organization....please follow this link. They are currently trying to buy a house that would allow them to shelter some of the youth in the area that are homeless or "couch surfing". There are currently 10 homeless youth that have been identified in the Lebanon school system. You can help! Check out their home page.

More Science Fun

2010-02-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

February 1st we continued our Science Lab....what a great job the kids did. The younger class was very responsive and participative. One student was very into answering questions.....When I asked what the umbilical cord turned into on us when it got cut and healed....we discussed it was the belly button. This student said "I know another name for the belly button....it's Noble"!! I was a bit confused and said "Gee, I never heard that before"....to which her mother who was in the room said "It's a navel--not a noble!" Oh my, the things kids say!

Later in the morning, as we were discussing how our bodies start small, and our insides grow bigger as our outsides grow bigger. I asked "Why do our insides grow along with our bodies?" This same student said "OH, so we can get married"!! This is why I love what I do!
(Feb 1st photos below)

Enjoy the photos. Thanks to Ruth for allowing me to take some pictures off her facebook page. She does incredible photography. Thanks also to Georgette, who helped with pictures as well as lots of other "to do's" during this science lab!

The older class did a fantastic job. Although there were lots of questions, most all the students got right in there. By the third week, there were faces so close to the pigs that I was worried about splashes.

Thankfully, there wasn't much fluid, and these kids learned TONS! I heard WOW, it is that long.....REALLY, is it green in us.....COOL....look at all those veins....AWESOME--there is stuff in the stomach....is ours that squishy?!! It was a wonderful learning experience, and one of the reasons I love what we do in this group!

February 8th Pictures....

Thanks to all the parents who helped out during the three week process. Not sure we can follow this lab with anything that will be as interesting!

Pig Dissection DAY 1

2010-01-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today was the day almost ALL of the home school students have been waiting and working so hard for. PIG DISSECTION DAY!!!

I don't think anyone was disappointed or too concerned about today....excitement was high and everyone was well behaved, although the noise level was on "excitement"!!

We started off with the K-3rd grade class--where one pig was worked on with the students watching. We were able to get familiar with the pig, do some exploring, probing, and some cutting today. We will get into the body cavity next week. If parents want to join in watching (Sorry, cutting and hands on is for the kids!) you are welcome at either 9:15 for the K-3 class, or 10:15 for the 4th-7th & 8th-12th grade classes.

The higher grades were put into groups of 4 to work together to dissect the pig. They followed lab sheets, answered questions, and worked together to accomplish the tasks. I was very proud of all of them for being mature, responsible students, even though they giggled and laughed, they followed directions, completed their tasks, and everyone cleaned up well. Special thanks to Georgette for staying to help out.
Be sure to check out the slide show below for all of today's pictures!

Thanksgiving Luncheon

2009-11-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

We had a great thanksgiving feast today, thanks to all the families that contributed food items. It was very tasty, all in part to our great kitchen help!

Thanks to those who helped with food, set up, cooking, clean up & anything else we might have overlooked, not seen or requested!

Check out the photos....pictures are worth a thousand words!

Group Picture

2009-11-18T22:03:00.000-08:00

The group picture is in!!

If you ordered & paid for a group photo...you can pick one up in the K-3rd class.

Regular pictures should be in before Christmas break. We sent back the corrections & proofs this last week. We will keep you posted!

Heart Dissection in Science Class

2009-11-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for the home school classes. Everyone got to witness a dissection of the heart. Some of our students that returned from last year, saw this before, but when you can SEE how something works, TOUCH it to see how it feels, and UNDERSTAND better by participating, it's all worth the "EWWW", the "UCKS" and the "GROSS" comments that are flying around when you first bring out something like this. However, by the time we were observing chambers, and poking probes through arteries to show how blood flows, it was totally quiet, total attention was given, and this is what makes teaching so fun....what a kick!

Thanks to the Morehead family for the donation of two deer hearts. We also had a steer heart, and it was interesting to the kids to see that other than the size...every heart is the same!

Check out the photos. These kids are gearing up to our fetal pigs!

Thanksgiving Celebration NOV 23rd,2009

2009-11-01T08:41:00.001-08:00

All classes will be having a Thanksgiving Luncheon on NOVEMBER 23rd at 11:15 AM. This will take place of their lunch. No lunch needed that day!
Please help out by providing an item for our luncheon. The list will be sent home on the 9th. If it is perishable, please do not bring it until the morning of the 23rd. Non-perishables can be brought in prior if you wish. Items should be in the kitchen NOVEMBER 23rd, no later than 9:30 AM, so items can be prepared in time for lunch. IF for some reason you have any trouble with the request, contact Shawnna or Dana so we can make other arrangements.

Thanks for your continued support!

Registration Forms are ONLINE!!

2009-08-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

If you need registration forms for the first day of class--they are here & can be printed!!

Go to the sidebar, and follow it down to "registration forms". Choose the ones you need, save them to your computer and print them from home!

Back to School Meeting Update

2009-08-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

We had a good turn out yesterday (August 10th), and lots of new faces! Welcome! It was great to meet each of you. We hope to become more aquainted when school starts! As for those familiar faces...we missed you over the summer. It was great to see you too!

If you missed the meeting, and are planning on sending your children to homeschool group, please contact me by e-mail, so that I can get you on the class list. We want to be prepared for supplies for science, sign and for class size. We want to ensure your child a spot, as we will only take 25 per class....the High School we will cut off between 15-18 due to classroom size.

We covered a lot of information--I will try to get it all down.

Registration forms were passed out. If you filled them out, and returned them before leaving--you are all set except the emergency card (one per student) that you will need to fill out on the morning of the 14th. If you took them, and have them in your possession...please bring them back filled out. If you didn't get them, or didn't make the meeting--e-mail me, and I will send the forms to you via e-mail. District transfer forms are required by the 3rd week of classes for those coming in from other districts.

First Day of Class- Monday, September 14th, 2009

Home School Calendar for 2009/2010

School begins September 14th, 2009

Christmas Break December 21st & December 28th, 2009

Martin Luther King Day, January 18th, 2010

Presidents Day, February 15th, 2010

Spring Break, March 22nd, 2010

Last day of Classes May 17th, 2010

PICTURES—
Scheduled for October 26th @ 9:00AM
Picture packets will come home around the 1st week of October

FIELD TRIP—OREGON GARDENS Home School Day
Tuesday September 15th, 2009 - 10am - 2pm
Admission
$8 Adults Children 7 and under Free
$6 Students (8-18) Admission includes tram ride
The Oregon Garden would like to invite all home schoolers ages 5-12 to visit the Garden in full bloom. Learn more about your natural world as you investigate a wetland habitat and visit the Rediscovery forest. See our new tropical house and discover unique plant adaptations. We will have hands-on learning stations set up throughout the Garden that you may visit at your own pace. Pre-registration is not required! Check in at the Visitors Center located at the upper parking lot entrance to pay admission and receive packet of station information and resources. Activities are geared toward ages 5-12, younger siblings or older students are welcome. Picnic area will be available. Bring your own lunch or visit our café.
For more information contact Cindy Quam at 503-584-7256.

We will meet at Oregon Gardens. If you are interested in Carpool info-call 367-5178.

Helpful Sites
www.bookfinder4u Great prices on new & used books—they find the cheapest place for you!
www.bvillehomeschool.blogspot.com Our own web address—we have lots of helpful links, and try to keep info current.

SUPPLIES FOR CLASS (PER STUDENT)

K-3rd
Pencil box or similar filled with:

Crayons or colored pencils (no markers please)

Pencils (6-8)
3-4 Glue Sticks Scissors

Please mark box, and all items inside, in case they get misplaced.

4th-7th

Three Ring Binder with dividers for different subjects

Spiral notebook for sign language
Pencils (at least 6-8)
Lined Paper

Dictionary
Colored Pencils (crayons are fine too)

8th-12th

Three Ring Binder with dividers for different subjects
Spiral notebook for sign language

Pencils (at least 6-8)

Lined Paper
Dictionary

Colored Pencils (crayons are fine too)

TESTING:

Benchmark testing through the district is required to be in our program. We are provided the tests, and we take them on Monday's to comply with the Districts requirements. This does not take the place of your required home school testing requirements through ESD. We do this simply because we are in the District's headcount, and our student numbers not testing affects the money they receive from the state.

LUNCHES: Brown bag lunch is needed each week. Non perishable please, or ice pack provided, as we have no refrigeration. Please also send a drink. We do not have a microwave that is ours, so please do not send items that need heated with your child. Thanks!

DONATION: We are asking a $10.00 donation from each family for the year to help defray costs for class supplies that the teachers provide.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR CLASSROOMS:

Paper or plastic cups (5 oz work great--kitchen size dixie cups)

Snacks & Juice for K-3rd class

Ream of colored paper for newsletters

Plastic spoons & forks

LUNCHROOM HELP-We are asking parents to help out with lunchtime. It's very difficult for teachers to get lunch eaten and watch the kids during lunch & recess time. A parent available from 11:30 to 12:30 to help watch kids, and clean up after would be great! There are many that have signed up. The sign up sheet will be in the hallway on the bulletin board by the K-3 class.

ONLINE CLASSES-

The district has also asked about interest regarding online classes for our students. If you are interested in Language Arts, History & Social Sciences, Math, or Science, please get with Shawnna and we will get more information from the district. These classes are geared for Middle & High School students. These are free classes to us.

Home School Field Trip--September 15, 2009

2009-07-15T23:32:00.000-07:00

Our first field trip of the year!

We will have a sign up sheet at the meeting for school sign ups (see previous post!) If you can't (or didn't) make the meeting, please e-mail Shawnna if you wish to go.

OREGON GARDENS Home School Day
Tuesday September 15th, 2009 - 10am - 2pm
Admission
$8 Adults
$6 Students (8-18)
Children 7 and under Free
Admission includes tram ride

Description
The Oregon Garden would like to invite all home schoolers ages 5-12 to visit the Garden in full bloom. Learn more about your natural world as you investigate a wetland habitat and visit the Rediscovery forest. See our new tropical house and discover unique plant adaptations. We will have hands-on learning stations set up throughout the Garden that you may visit at your own pace. Pre-registration is not required! Check in at the Visitors Center located at the upper parking lot entrance to pay admission and receive packet of station information and resources. Activities are geared toward ages 5-12, younger siblings or older students are welcome. Picnic area will be available. Bring your own lunch or visit our café.

Back To School Meeting

2009-07-15T22:56:00.001-07:00

Hi!!

We are scheduling our back to school meeting at Brownsville Park in Brownsville.

Bring your brown bag lunch and a drink, and join us to get your kids signed up for class. We will let the kids have fun hanging out with their friends (and meet new friends)and play on the playground while we meet. We will discuss schedules for this fall, curriculum and take your suggestions for future things that will be taught.

Where: Pioneer Park--Brownsville From Hwy 228: Turn onto Main Street, cross the bridge, and turn left at City Hall. We will meet at the back of the park near the new play structure.

When: August 10th, 11:30AmWhat to Bring--Lunch for you & your kids, something to drink and if you wish to stay to swim in the river after the meeting....your bathing suit & towel!

Questions? Call Shawnna at 367-5178

Year End Pictures

2009-07-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Our last day of school was spent having some FUN!

We enjoyed some fun activities in our own class groups, and then headed outside for some field games. We had a great time with three legged races, sack races, and a relay race with eggs. The kids did a great job of working together. One thing about our group....young or older kids, they all work together great.

Afterward we had a great lunch bbq style, with help from some great Moms (and a Dad!) Thanks so much! Check out the blog listing below for the details of the last day. The pics are all here!

Enjoy the pictures!

Barnes & Nobel Summer Reading Program Info and other Helpful Tips

2009-05-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

We've received lots of useful information from Barnes & Nobel. This info is from the Eugene Store, but is available at all Barnes & Noble. Be sure to get your educator discount card. You only need you EDS paperwork showing your child is homeschooled to get this discount. If anyone has any questions they can contact Andrea at the Eugene store by phone 541.687.0356 or by email at crm2978@bn.com. I hope to see some of you in the store soon to pick up those Summer Reading Logs!

Educator Discount Card
To educators of grades PreK-12, Barnes & Noble offers 20% off the publisher's listprice on titles for classroom use. You can apply for an Educator Discount Card at any Barnes & Noble store- simply present your valid school ID, state registration, or pay stub. A valid driver's license or state ID must be presented each time you use your card.

Educator Appreciation Events
To honor our PreK-12 educators, Barnes & Noble offers a 25% discount on classroom and personal book/gift purchases and 10% off music and DVDs during several Educator Appreciation Weeks throughout the year. We also host Educator Receptions, inviting local educators and school librarians to hear presentations on new book titles and to receive free classroom resources through raffles and giveaways.

Extensive Education Selections for Parents & Teachers
Our stores are great resources that offer an abundance of curriculum-based materials, as well as books about the process of schooling and the nature of education. We also feature reproducible books ideal for use in the classroom and workbooks to aid parents with skills practice at home.

Summer Reading Program
Students in grades 1 through 6 can earn a free book in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program by reading eight books and completing a Summer Reading Log. When students return the completed reading log, they can pick a free book from a list of popular titles. This program begins May 26 and goes through Sept 7, 2009. Stop by the store to pick up your Summer Reading Log today!

In-Store Tours
Kids love to visit Barnes & Noble for a personalized store tour. Options can include a personalized storytime, scavenger hunt or "Red Dot" music appreciation lesson!

Summer Break

2009-05-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

We finished classes on Monday with a wrap up/field day. It was great fun, and I'm hoping that someone will e-mail some pictures, as I neglected to get my camera out there! Check back, just in case someone takes pity, and e-mails some pictures this way!

The weather was beautiful, the luncheon very well organized by some great volunteer parents ( I usually say ladies, but this year we had a Dad help out--yahoo!) Thanks ladies & Brent for the great job in the kitchen.

Great news...Fetal Pigs for next year's science class have been ordered, and will be shipped to us in mid September, so when we are done with the systems of the body in late September/early October, they will be ready to go. Hoping that some parents might consider helping out with this big venture!

We will have a meeting in August for September classes, which are estimated to resume Monday, September 14th. Watch your e-mail and this website for details. Please remember, if your address, phone or e-mail info changes, please drop us a line, so we can keep you informed.If you have not filled out your end of year survey, letting us know if you are returning or not, please e-mail your answers to us soon!

Boxtops have been submitted, we gathered 400 to send in! We have 32 in our can for the next round! Great job. Keep saving those boxtops through the summer. Those sure add up to help us with science supplies, sign language books and PE supplies.

Have a FUN & SAFE Summer! Thanks for a great year!

RUMOR

2009-05-03T19:19:00.001-07:00

School is on for MAY 4th, 2009--

The rumors about the district being closed due to Swine Flu are not true. There have been no outbreaks, and we are on for classes tomorrow, May 4th!! See you then!

PS. While you're here, check out the pictures from our field trip on the post below!

Civil War Re-Enactment Field Trip May 1st, 2009

2009-05-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

Brownsville Homeschool Group heads to Cheadle Park to view our 2nd Civil War Re-enactment. We were not disappointed! The rain held off until we were at home!! Yahoo!

The weather was perfect, the stations informative, and the re-enactment,small, but enjoyed by all!!

Angel was chosen to get dressed up in the many layers that women in 1863 wore!

It was a great day at Cheadle Park. There were fewer school groups due to Lebanon and Albany both having in-service days....so therefore, no school for those districts. Bad for them, great for us, who had pretty individualized attention at some stations. With many stations (there were more than 12 this year), and only the ability to hit 7 of them, it makes it tough to decide where to hit. Like last year, many of us spread out, to see the things that most interested us. Even though we go as a group, it's fun to be able to get the group benefits, yet still be able to oversee what your kids do. Those of us that attended last year, were able to catch those stations we missed last year, and visit the favorite ones...still, it wasn't enough. Many headed back today (Saturday) to see the actual enactment, with many more re-enactors than there were yesterday.
Micah with a very heavy cannon ball

The school day is one that is loved and appreciated by us. Thanks to the NW Civil War Council for putting this on. It's all volunteer, and put together well. Thanks again for another great year!!

Ryan & Miranda in the bandage contest at the medical tent

For more info on the NorthWest Civil War Council & events-- visit http://www.nwcwc.org/events.html

Our favorite horse & rider.....Ken Morris & Jeffy....of the 10th NY Cavalry http://nwhorse.com/10ny.htm

Home School Dissection

2009-04-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day in Science Class for the students. We were fortunate enough to have a very large cow heart donated for us to dissect! Today started off with a very excited science teacher (Shawnna) and a very helpful aide (Dan Giles) who was gracious enough to help us out today. It was great to have the extra help as three teachers in class are always better than one! Thanks Dan!

The students seemed to enjoy the dissection, some of them wanting to get in there themselves, others content sitting where they were and watching. It gave us a good feel for who is going to be good at this when we do our fetal pigs next fall, and who is going to be our note takers! I must say, I was VERY impressed, as some that I thought would not want anything to do with it, stepped right up, touched, held, and did a great job! Well done!

Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of the older class during dissection, but did get a few of the younger class, and also some students after class that wanted a closer look. Check it out!

Thanks also to friends Bill & Debbie who went the extra mile to help us get this incredible cow heart and to Marcus (one of our students) and family for bringing a deer heart (AND for storing it all winter in your freezer). They were great learning tools today.

TESTING FOR HOME SCHOOL (ESD TESTING)

2009-04-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

To be compliant with ESD Home School Laws, you need to test your child in Grades 3,5,8 & 10. Some parents choose to test each year, just to make sure they have covered all the bases for the grade they are teaching. If you need to have testing done for ESD or for your own knowledge, then check out the following dates, and/or one to be added sometime after June 3rd.

Dana Giles has graciously set two testing dates so far. There will be one more testing date set sometime in June. If you are interested, please get with Dana to schedule. The cost for each child is $40.00. 466-3525

May 8th, Testing Grades 3 and up, 9:00AM

May 14th, Testing any grades, 1:00PM

Civil War Re-Enactment May 1st 2009

2009-04-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Join us on May 1st at 8:30 AM (events start at 9am) at Cheadle Lake Park for the Civil War Re-enactment. This is more than a re-enactment though--it is a day geared for kids to learn. There are stations set up around the battlefield, where kids can switch stations every 25 minutes to see all aspects of the Civil War.

These are the stations that are available:

Artillery

Medical

Infantry

Calvary

Civilian Life

Period Dance

Period Fashion

Music

War Reporting

Military Music

At the end of the stations, approximately 1:30, there will be skirmish re-enactment. The battle will be finished around 2pm.

Lunch is sack lunch, and seating is on the ground. Please come prepared.

The cost is 2.00 per person, and needs to be paid by April 20th. If you are not able to attend with your child, please make arrangements prior to the day of the event for another parent to be responsible for your child. We can not have kids dropped off at the event without supervision. Please sign up in the hall outside the K-3rd grade class, or contact Shawnna for other arrangments.

If you have any questions, please contact Shawnna at 367-5178. Thanks!

Check out last year's trip here http://bvillehomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/05/civil-war-field-trip-05-16-08.html

WELCOME OUR NEW HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

2009-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

We would like to introduce our new High School Teacher to you!

Shawn Garrett joined us on February 23rd. Here's a bit about him:

Shawn was born in Lebanon, and graduated from Lebanon Union High School. He enlisted in the Air Force and spent 6 years as a Current Intelligence Analyst before coming back to Oregon. After 3 years delivering mail he realized that his calling was to work as a teacher and started back to school at LBCC, Lane Community and finally earning a B.S. in Political Science at the University of Oregon. Currently, e is attending the University of Phoenix for his masters in education.

He was an assistant coach for U of O's club baseball team from 2005-2007, in which the 2007 team were national runner-ups. He is currently on staff at Central Linn as the Junior High Basketball and Baseball coach.
He has 2 children, Elizabeth, 15, a junior at CL and Bucky, 13, an 8th grader at CL.

Welcome Shawn....we are happy to have you!

President's Day

2009-02-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

NO SCHOOL FEBRUARY 16th, 2009

PRESIDENTS DAY

Enjoy your time off!

Valentines Party Grades K-3

2009-02-04T06:56:00.000-08:00

We will be having a Valentines Party in Class on Monday, February 9th. The K-3rd graders will be exchanging valentines and enjoying some treats as well as a fun craft. Grades 4-12 will have treats, and a fun puzzle in class. Valentine Exchange for that class is on their own and optional.

There will be no luncheon...so please, remember your lunch!

Science Homework in 4th-8th Class

2008-11-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

There are some difficult questions on our science homework! The answers are contained in the handouts, but some of the words didnt' seem to fit well.

Here are the answers to some of the tricky ones:

6. Recharge
9. Sublimination
10. Hydrologic

Good luck! Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Luncheon

2008-11-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

Our Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon will be November 24th at 11:15!

Be sure to bring your item to class by 9AM on the 24th, so we can enjoy a full meal of turkey, potatoes, and the fixin's!

Questions? Please call Shawnna or Dana M!

Christmas Vacation Schedule

2008-11-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Vacation--

Last day of class for this year will be December 15th. We will celebrate with a Christmas Luncheon, and dismiss are regular time.

Classes will resume January 5th, 2009.

School on Columbus Day

2008-10-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

Yes! There are classes today on Columbus Day.
Hope to see you there!

4H & Extension Services Presentation

2008-09-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

4H & Extension Services Presentation
October 27th 1:00PM
It will be about 20 minutes and we encourage you to make time to be there. They will review programs available to us! Please attend. Child care will be provided for those few minutes for you to attend.

Come listen to a few minutes that might give

you and our child years of enrichment.

Homework for Sept 22nd, 2008

2008-09-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Due to copier issues at school--there were not many hand outs. The following things were assigned in class:

History & Science for 4th-12th grade--Life Cycle of a tree--review what they drew and be familiar with it. Worksheets from this past week will be passed out in class this coming week.

Sign Language for 4th-12th grade--Learn the following signs:
1. Like
2. What
3. Why
4. Have
5. Where
6. Animal
7. Name
8. My
9. Is
10. Live
11. I
12. Your

Along with that are 6 sentences to learn:

1. Hi, my name is __________.
2. What is your name?
3. Where do you live?
4. Do you like _________?
5. Do you have animals?
6. I have _______________.

Creative Writing Homework:

Use the graphic organzier we created in class to organize your idea on the the topic: "If I Could Have Any Superpower in the World, I Would Have...." When you have planned out your ideas, write an essay on the subject in a five paragraph format like we practiced in class. DUE Monday Sept 29th.

If you have specific questions--please feel free to e-mail us with the links to the left, or contact us by phone. Thanks!

Homework for Sept 15th, 2008

2008-09-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

History & Science 4th-12th grades--
History--Handouts in class on Civil War review-- 2 worksheets with crossword puzzles were assigned, time given in class, some students completed both in class, many still had one handout on Frederick Douglass to complete.
Science--Handout on Forestry--1 page with 5 "thoughts" on Forestry to complete (time given in class to complete) and a fun word scramble on Forest Neighborhoods that was passed out at the end of class that is due next week.

Writing 4th-12th grades--Write one well-developed paragraph describing the personality of someone you know. Be sure to have a clear topic sentence and at least three details and examples to support it. Use the story web (given in class) to organize your ideas before you begin. You may want to look at our example from class to help you. Please turn in both the web and the paragraph to Dana G next week.

Sign Language 4-12th grades--homework for sign is to practice fingerspelling their spelling list from home. If they don't have a spelling list, they can choose 15-20 words to practice spelling. For those who don't know the manual alphabet, they are to work on memorizing it

SAFEWAY ESCRIP PROGRAM

2008-09-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Put those SAFEWAY receipts to work!

Anytime you have escrip on your receipt--you can do one of two things....
1.) go to https://secure.backtoschools.escrip.com/school.jsp?mode=noid and put the code in yourself. Our School ID is 5000018514 and our name is Brownsville Homeschool Association.
2.) turn in your receipt to Shawnna in school, or email the code to bsrichards@centurytel.net

Thanks for your support!! These funds help defray our out of pocket costs of teachers for school supplies, books, and incidentals in class.

Free Swimming Lessons

2008-09-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet Home High School Pool is offering free swimming lessons. They are accepting beginners to intermediate and swimmers of all ages that can be in the water with an instructor alone.

The session begins September 8^th-September 19^th 9:20-10:00 or 10:40-11:20 Mon-Fri

If you can not make each day, please come the days you are able.

These lessons are free of charge. Please contact Sweet Home Pool to sign up and let them know how many days you can attend. This is a great opportunity for! Spread the word! 367-7169

Back To School Meeting Tuesday, August 19th

2008-07-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 19th, at 12:30PM. We will be meeting at Pioneer Park in Brownsville (Behind City Hall)*** at the new play structure at the back of the park. This will allow for the kids to play, and the adults to go over needed items for the school year.

We will cover:

Schedule and class breakdown for the year
Curriculum for the 1st part of the year
Supplies needed for students
Register your children for classes
Answer questions regarding our classes
Fill out district transfers if necessary

***Directions to Pioneer Park

Coming from Hwy 228--Turn North on Main Street from Hwy 228 (you can only turn one way--there is a gas station on one corner and Dairy Mart on the other). Continue across the bridge and turn left just after City Hall and the Fire Station. This road will lead you right to the park. Follow the road around to the back of the park, where the new play structure is. If you get lost, please call 541-619-5834 (Shawnna's Cell Phone)

Civil War Field Trip 05-16-08

2008-05-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

OK, it was hot, but it was fun!!

We started our morning out with beautiful sunshine, temperatures at 8:30 were in the 70's, but by lunchtime, we were well on our way to 80 degrees!! Some were smart enough to use sunscreen, others of us (I'm not mentioning any names!) were not!

The stations were set up to change every 25 minutes, and the kids learned about sharp shooters, medical attention, calvary, infantry, how to stand at attention, how to handle your rifle, how to march, and how the bugle was so important. We learned about the photographers of that era, and those with Dana & Shawnna's group sure did understand why we have no "action" shots--it took 15 minutes to prepare and take just 1 picture! Now we understand why no one ever smiled...you were told NOT to, as the exposure time was five seconds! Who can not move in that amount of time? The weird thing...Shawnna was on the left side of Dana....these images were always flipped. So, Jesse James was not left handed!

We also learned a very interesting fact--Gettysburg was never a site that was supposed to be for battle. Everyone was heading there for shoes!!! The regiments literally bumped into one another. (I wonder if anyone ever got their shoes?)

The battle at the end was small, but the kids sure got the idea. We can only imagine what the full battle this weekend will be like. I'm sure that many of us will be heading back! It was amazing to watch the different parts of the battle.

*****You may click on the slide show, and go to the Web Album, and save any pictures you would like. Simply right mouse click and hit "save picture as". The resolution from the camera was not changed.

Last Day of Class Luncheon

2008-05-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 19, which is our last day of school, we will be having a luncheon and ice cream sundae party. This will happen during the lunch period, so no lunches will be required. Each family has been asked to bring something, so if you did not get your item, please e-mail Shawnna at bsrichards@centurytel.net to get your item. Since this is a joint effort, lunch will not happen (or will be lacking) if you forget your item. If it is not perishable, you may bring it on Monday the 12th. Thanks!!

Cascadia Caves Field Trip 05-07-08

2008-05-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

The day started off misty and cool as we gathered at the Forest Service to wait for everyone to show up. By the time we reached Cascadia Park it was clearing off, and although we were bundled up, we were all warm enough after some shared coats!!

Clad in rain gear and mud boots we started down the path, anxious to hear what Mr Farque had to tell us about the Indians that lived in this area.

Along the path we learned about the plants that we could eat, and what we shouldn't, we saw the Indian Fishing platforms, their Camas beds and the old prairies that are almost grown over. It was a very informative walk, and very beautiful.

As we neared the caves the path got much smaller, and more brushy, along with more muddy. We are all thankful it had not rained much over the last few days, as we could imagine how much more mucky it could have been. We crossed small creeks, and trudged along, until we arrived, first at a small cave, which the kids had a blast checking out, and then finally the actual Indian Cave which is more of an overhang than a cave.

Mr Farque talked to us a bit about where to find the drawings, and then passed out "maps" to show us the three areas in which to find the petroglyhs. We found many, but many also had to be shown to us. We also found some that weren't on the maps, but could have been just our own vision or interpretation. Needless to say, everyone had a great time searching the wall, learning what was there, and learning about the area. We took a break for lunch, sat and looked around, and enjoyed being outdoors. The sun even broke out.

After lunch, we listened to Mr Farque tell us more about the area, and share with us the beliefs and meanings of the wall. We learned about the Bear Clan, and even saw the FISH. Just remember, its not always about the bear!

We had a great walk back, and we watched as kids grazed all the way out of the forest. What a fun day, and I certainly have to say that I think it was one of our greatest field trips ever!!

Thanks Mr. Farque...we're up for another walk through the forest!

Around School

2008-04-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of what happened around school today--Smokey isn't typical, but Science, Creative Writing and Sign Language all happen weekly.

In Science we were working with Acids & Bases. We learned what types of things in our home were acids & bases, and what types of things we can use to make an acid become neutral, or even a base! Ask your kids about buffered and non buffered aspirin! See if they remember which is easier on your tummy and why. For those that are interested in the Chemistry lesson web page for what we learned today...follow the link section on the lower left of this web page.

The Creative writing class with Dana G had a paper due today on "How to Prepare a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich" Did you know if someone doesn't know how to do something, every detail is important? Ask those kids that had this assignment!! What fun Dana G....thanks for such a vivid (and yummy) lesson!

Creative Writing class with Miss Kelly had their rough draft for their 5 page research paper due today. There were lots of kids that were sort of relieved to have this finished. It's been a tough project for some of them. Kelly has been very patient, and has given guidance to our kids.

Sign language with Dana M and the high school class. They are becoming quite conversational!! Dana is great with these kids, and all grade levels enjoy what they are doing with her.

Thanks to Tracey O'Hara who is our behind the scenes parent. She was gracious enough to take all the pictures today, run for batteries when we had dead ones, and helped with the science lesson today. Thanks again Tracey...we appreciate you!

We hope you will check back often.

Smokey Visits Brownsville Homeschool Group

2008-04-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Miss Lupe and Smokey the Bear visited the K-3rd grade class today. It was great fun! We learned about safety, got to meet and hug Smokey, and got a great gift bag to bring home.

The 4th-7th graders caught a peek of Smokey in the hall, and science went out the window...so we went to take a sneaky look at Smokey--because you really don't want him to see you if you're in 4th-7th grade!!!

Thanks US Forest Service for your visit to our school!

(Please note, if you would like any of these pictures, you may click on the slide show, and go to the album where they are stored, and save as you wish!)

Calapooia Indian Petroglyph Field Trip

2008-04-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Please Note--this field trip is now full. If you would like put on the waiting list in case someone cancels, please let us know. If you are signed up and can not attend, please let us know so that others that are interested may join us. Thanks!!
Join us on Wednesday May 7th as we hike through Cascadia State park with Tony Farque of the US Forest Service. We will meet at the Forest Service parking lot in Sweet Home and carpool from there.

Mr Farque will explain the area, as well as the lives of the Calapooia Indians and the drawings (petroglyph's) that they left behind. Bring a sack lunch, and wear your mud or hiking boots. You might like to bring a change of clothes to leave in the car in case you get muddy. We will hike rain or shine. Please dress in layers, and plan to have fun. If you plan to attend, please reply to this e-mail, or sign up on the board Monday. We need to have a count to him within the next two weeks. This proves to be a fun and informative trip for us.

If you would like more information on this...please see the article from the Sweet Home Newspaper "The New Era" at http://www.sweethomenews.com/news/results.cfm?story_no=7481

We hope you can join us!

Civil War Re-Enactment

2008-04-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars and join us on May 16^th for a battle re-enactment at CHEADLE LAKE Park in Lebanon. The cost is $2.00 per person, and is well worth the fee. They provide this day at low cost for students (and chaperones), and we only need to help them cover the cost of their gun powders. (Admission for the weekend to the general public is 6.00 for adults and 4.00 for children)

Take advantage of this opportunity and sign up in the hallway outside of the K-3 class. We need to have a count to them by the end of April. All are welcome to come. We will arrive in the morning, have lunch there (brown bag), and spend the day learning all we can from this group. It’s a big event!

Schedule –

Stations will be from 9am to 1:30pm in 25 minute intervals. The stations include:

Artillery

Medical** Children 4th grade & under should not attend due to content

Infantry

Cavalry

Civilian Life

Period Dance

Period Fashion

Music

War Reporting

Military music

At 1:30, there will be a battle that will last approximately 30 minutes. Events will be complete around 2:00 PM.

Things to know:

You will need to dress accordingly for the weather. This may include mud boots, hats, gloves...this is Oregon, dress for the day!

You will need to pack and bring your lunch. Drink, food, and napkin. We will have hand wipes or sanitizer there for the kids to clean up before lunch.

The event is in a field, and there are not many tables for lunch...so, a small garbage bag enclosed in your lunch bag, is a great place to sit if it is wet!

The cannon are loud. If you need ear protection, please bring it.

Some important notes from the re-enactment coordinator:

1) Our number one complaint from the re-enactors doing the presentations last year was unruly or disinterested kids at the sessions which made it almost impossible to proceed. You are expected to either stay in groups or your kids must have supervision, (yours, not ours). I have instructed all presenters to simply stop their presentation if kids get out of hand or are disruptive. Keep in mind all of these presenters are volunteers who gave up a day of work, spent money on gas and materials and deserve due respect for their efforts. You are expending money and time as well and have a great opportunity to put 1863 in the hands of these kids, so please take advantage of it. Ask them to leave their cell phones on the bus or at home.

2) I strongly recommend you NOT take children from about 4^th grade age down to the medical presentation. (this applies only to the medical presentation)

3) Please tell your students that everything in the camps and on the field is private property and not to touch unless the owner allows it. Some of the items you’ll see are not reproductions but actually from the mid to early 1800’s and invaluable. Also, at no point should a student handle a weapon or climb on, lean on or touch a cannon.

Each student will receive a coupon that allows them in free with a paid adult to any one of our 4 events this year, including coming back to this one Saturday or Sunday for a full reenactment.

Calapooia Indian Presentation

2008-04-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Mr Tony Farque, archaeologist of the Forest Service joined us on Monday morning the 7th of April to enlighten us on the Indian tribe that lived here in our area, The Kalapuya Indians (also known as the Calapooya or Calapooia). We all learned a lot from him, and the kids loved his table of items he let them explore.

Mr Farque is going to take us on a field trip up to Cascadia Park to see the petroglyph's and explain some of the history of our area to us. Plan to join us. The possible dates are April 23rd, or May 6th. We are waiting for confirmation. Check back as we will post the date once confirmed. It will be an all day venture, which proves to be fun. Pack a lunch, put on your mud boots, and join us for a fun, learning experience.

Smokey The Bear

2008-03-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Smokey the Bear will be joining us at school on April 21st for the younger classes. Be sure to come & learn about Smokey & visit with him!

SPRING BREAK

2008-03-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

NO SCHOOL MARCH 24th
Spring Break

Enjoy your time off! See you on the 31st!

Scholastic Book Orders

2008-02-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

Scholastic Book Order Forms were sent home with the newsletter on Monday, March 3rd. Please review these, and if interested, send the forms back with payment to "Scholastic Book Club" by March 17th. If you need additional forms, please come to the K-3rd grade class and we'll be happy to get you another set!