Thanksgiving Luncheon NOVEMBER 22nd

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

1. Play in Salmon Springs Fountain’s 137 jets at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
2. Enjoy a $3 family movie at McMenamin’s Kennedy School.
3. Watch ice skaters twirl at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.
4. Enjoy one of Portland’s kid-friendly museums on a free or cheap day.
5. Try on glasses made from forks in Spoonman’s booth at Portland Saturday Market.
6. Go for a bird-watching hike on Sauvie Island.
7. Look for leprechauns in the tiniest park in America — Mill Ends Park.
8. Enjoy the Preschool Skate and Play at Oaks Amusement Park.
9. Get your thrills from the Portland Aerial Tram.
10. Ride the vintage 1921 carousel at the Jantzen Beach SuperCenter.
11. Seek Simpsons references in Portland’s Alphabet District (including Reverend Lovejoy, Mayor Quimby and Ned Flanders).
12. 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.
13. Listen to family tunes at Portland Farmers Market.
14. Sit in the Jamison Square waterfall and disappearing pool.
15. Find Ramona Quimby at Grant Park.
16. Ride the MAX to the Washington Park stop, the deepest train station in North America.
17. Play on an (extinct) volcano at Mt. Tabor Park.
18. Drink from a Benson Bubbler.
19. Speak out against early bedtimes from Pioneer Courthouse Square’s Echo Chamber.
20. Browse the picture books at Powell’s City of Books.
21. Make art from SCRAP’s scraps.
22. Head to a Portland Park — for movies or a concert.
23. Get inches away from salmon and horror-movie eels at Bonneville Dam.
24. Cool off with 620 feet of water at the second-largest waterfall in the U.S. – Multnomah Falls.
25. Discuss American history at Kidd’s Toy Museum, where vintage toys reflect the values of their day.
26. Try a Spanish, Mandarin or ASL storytime at Green Bean Books.
27. Cycle along one of Portland’s kid-friendly bike paths.
28. Let your mouth travel ’round the world — sample dishes from Portland’s food carts.
29. Bop along to a family-friendly music show at Milagros Boutique.
30. Play Ms. Pac-Man, Pole Position and other retro games at Ground Kontrol with a pocketful of quarters.
31. Ride the Portland Streetcar.
32. Listen to a summer lunch concert at Noon Tunes at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
33. Get your fortune told at the wacky 24-Hour Church of Elvis.
34. Party pretty at the Portland Rose Festival.
35. 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

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