March 3, Huntsville: Sci-Quest FREE Day

Spring Into Summer Activities Fair

Mar 3 2012 - 9:00am

Admission is FREE all day!

Sci-Quest is partnering with The Arts Council of Huntsville to bring you the second annual Spring into Summer Activities Fair! This free event will provide parents with everything they need to know about local spring break and summer programs for children of all ages that focus on science, culture and the arts! 

Whether your children are looking for dance or film, theater or music, visual art or photography, history or science experiments, or maybe a little bit of everything, the Spring into Summer Activities Fair will help you find it.

 

Participating organizations will be on-hand to answer questions, hand out materials, and introduce children to their programs. Live music, stage performances, children's activities, door prizes and more will make this event one the whole family will enjoy.

 

 

March 3 is Sci-Quest’s annual Community Open House where admission all day is FREE! 

We will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

Activities will be on going all day long, including the Spring into Summer Activities Fair from 9a.m. – 5 p.m.  

March 13, Online: The Homeschool "Restaurant": A Creative Intervention for Homeschool Families!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Are you a homeschool mom looking for some new ideas to "spice" up your teaching style? Are you homeschooling multiple aged children and struggle with finding approaches that can meet their needs without having to create totally separate curriculum?  Join Dr. Tamara Grosz for  this webinar which will share this innovative "recipe"  including practical examples of how you can implement this in your own home! 


Register here.

Death of 10-year-old involved in school fight declared a homicide

Fifth-grade student Joanna Ramos died last week after an altercation with a female classmate in Long Beach, California.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• 10-year-old girl fights with classmate in an alley and dies at hospital six hours later
• Authorities: Fight between girls lasted less than one minute; weapons not involved
• Grief counselors helping instructors and students at Willard Elementary

Opinion from Deb - This is awful...just awful!  I'm not saying that this can only happen to a child enrolled in a public and/or private school system, but it sure is a lot more likely...  Just one more reason to homeschool.


Post originated here.  

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Officials have ruled the death of a 10-year-old girl who got into a fight last week to be a homicide, authorities said Monday.

Joanna Ramos, a fifth-grade student at Willard Elementary School, died of blunt force trauma to the head six hours after an altercation with a female classmate that lasted less than a minute, said Long Beach Police spokesman Sgt. Rico Fernandez.

Authorities have identified the other girl, who is 11, as well as several onlookers, and they are continuing to investigate what happened.

"There are several accounts of what transpired based on interviews with witnesses, but we have not concluded the precise motive," Fernandez said.

In a statement, police said Ramos and her unidentified classmate had challenged each other to a planned fight when their school session ended Friday. "The two girls met in a nearby alley next to a church and began hitting each other," Fernandez said.

The fight was brief, and no weapons were involved, authorities said.

According to Long Beach Unified School District spokesman Chris Eftychiou, Ramos finished her regular school session at 2:12 p.m. Friday and was supposed to remain on campus to begin her scheduled after-school program at 2:30.

"We believe the altercation occurred during that 15-minute window because she apparently left and returned for the session, which involves help with homework and academic-related activity," said Eftychiou.

After the fight, the girls left and went their separate ways.

Ramos stayed in the afternoon session for about an hour but did not exhibit obvious signs of physical trauma, said Eftychiou. "When she did complain of not feeling well, her cousin picked her up, but we had no indication she was involved in an altercation," he said.

"Only when she was at the hospital did we get word about the altercation, and there is no indication that bullying was a factor," said Eftychiou.

Once the investigation and autopsy are complete, the findings will be turned over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for review and to determine whether charges will be filed in the case.

No arrests have been made, authorities said.

On Monday, grief counselors were brought into Willard Elementary to assist instructors and students. "It was a somber day," said Eftychiou.

Ramos had been enrolled at the school for about a year and a half, he said.

March 29, Madison: Used Book Sale

Used Book Sale – Thursday, March 29

Yes, it’s almost that time of year again. Used Book Sales will begin again in March, with the first one scheduled for the evening of March 29. Tables will be $5 each again, please be sure to sign up in advance for one of those. Set up time will be from 6 till 6:30 pm and the official Sale time is 7 to 9 pm.

Creative Learning Connection

8006 Old Madison Pike Ste 11-A

Madison, AL 35758

256-325-3305 cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

www.CreativeLearningConnection.com

March 1, Bham: Homeschool Stanford Achievement Testing

Stanford Achievement Testing grades 3-12

April 9-10, 2012 Register by March 1st

2838 Ruffner Road, Birmingham, AL

Contact: Faith Abraham

205-218-7915

power2excel@gmail.com

Faith L. Abraham, M.S.

Power 2 Excel Homeschool & Education Support

Homeschool Testing Service

www.power2excel.com

1-866-739-2357

205-218-7915

power2excel@gmail.com

Huntsville: Home School Football & Cheerleading

I am excited to inform you of our 2012 Spring Football/Cheer dates and other information! Cowboys Spring Football will begin on April 16, 2012 at 5:30pm, at the practice field with skills testing and orientation for players, cheerleaders and parents. We will end Spring Football with a scrimmage(against North GA) and possibly a GFC Jamboree. I will keep you posted of these scheduling developments. Please read through all the information below, pass it along to all those that might be interested, and email me with any questions you have. I am looking forward to Spring Football/Cheer and the entire 2012 season. It's going to be a great time!

2012 Cowboys Spring Events

Spring Football Dates:

April 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27,30

May 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12

Spring Cheer Dates:

April 16, 17, 19, 24, 26

May 1, 3, 8, 10, 12

Spring Football and Cheer Practice will be at 5:30pm.

Our practice location is on Research Drive in Huntsville. From University Drive, turn on to Wynn Drive; Research Drive will be on the right; Turn on to Research drive and follow it until you see a baseball backstop/field on the left. Our football practice field is in the outfield. From Bradford Drive, turn on to Wynn Drive; Research Drive will be on the left; Turn on to Research drive and follow it until you see a baseball backstop/field on the left. Our football practice field is in the outfield. Email me if you would like me to send send you a google maps link or with questions.

2012 Spring Football Fees are $100 per player(includes Summer Skills Camp).

2012 Cheer Fees are $100 per cheerleader(includes cheer clinic apparel).

Please make checks to FREEDOM.

2012 forms and fees must be completed for players and cheerleaders to participate. We appreciate you completing and mailing these in prior to April 16, 2012.

Cowboys forms are attached to this email. An M.D. must complete the athletics pre-participation physical examination for players and cheerleaders to participate.

Players must also submit a copy of their birth certificate to be eligible.

Please mail to:

Freedom

P.O. Box 1552

Huntsville, AL 35807

2012 Cowboys Summer Events

The Cowboys also offer Summer Skills and Conditioning Sessions. 

The 2012 Skills and Conditioning Camp will begin May 28 at 5:30pm.

2012 Skills/Conditioning Camp Dates: 

May 28, 29, 31

June 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28

July 2, 3, 9, 10, 12

We'll provide more information about our Summer Skills and Conditioning Camp during Spring Football.

2012 Cowboys Fall Events

Cowboys Summer Football Camp will begin July 16, 2012 at 5:30pm.

Cowboys Fall Player Fees are $400.

Cowboys Fall Cheer Fees are $200. Cheer uniform costs are around $350 for custom cheer uniform and shoes. 

All forms and fees should be in prior to July 16. 

Players and cheerleaders are not eligible to participate unless all forms and fees are completed.

Players must also submit a copy of their birth certificate to be eligible.

Fall Football Practices will be M,T,Th, F.

Fall Cheer Practices will be T, Th.

2012 Cowboys Tentative Fall Football Schedule

17-Aug at HSD
24-Aug at Grace Baptist
31-Aug at North Atlanta
7-Sep at Force
14-Sep home vs Holy Spirit *
21-Sep home vs Grace Baptist *
28-Sep home vs Crown Knights *
5-Oct at North Georgia
12-Oct home vs HSD *
19-Oct home vs Lancaster Christian *
26-Oct GFC Playoffs
2-Nov GFC Semifinals
9-Nov GFC Championship

PCB Nationals 

*Home games played at Discovery Middle School Football Field in Madison

We'll make you aware of our dates for Cowboys Kick-off Picnic, Team Parties, Homecoming/Dance, National Tournament, Banquet and other fall events as we schedule them. 

Eligibility

Spring - there are no eligibility requirements for Spring Football.

Fall - to be eligible players may not turn 19 years of age prior to May 1, 2012. Players may not be enrolled in public school. Players must be middle or high school students.

Please email me any eligibility questions you may have.

Homeschool/Private School

Please email me the email address of your homeschool/private school or other organization and I will get this information to them. Thanks!

See you on the field!

Coach Brett Hill

Athletic Director

Freedom Cowboys Athletics

P.O. Box 1552

Huntsville, AL 35807

256-476-8710

facowboys@yahoo.com

www.freedomacademycowboys.com

Feb. 29, Hoover: Dyslexia Workshop

Dyslexia Education Group 

of Central Alabama

Hoover Library

Wednesday, February 29

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Improve Reading and Spelling:

The Magic of Vowels! 

Hettie Johnson, M.A., CCC/SLP

Speech-language pathologist

*Bring 6 cut-outs of your hand (either hand) if possible.

 

Upcoming meetings:

Thursday, March 29 12:00-1:30

Thursday April 19 12:00-1:30

Hettie Johnson - hettiej@charter.net or Krista Guy - Krista Guy

 Previous support group meetings: www.YouTube.com/hettiepjohnson This is a non-profit organization. 

Meetings are free and there is no cost for membership; our meetings are for anyone interested in dyslexia. JOIN US!

March 17 & 31, Bham: FREE ACT Prep Classes

Register online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2924026843

Online registration is strongly recommended but not mandatory

For more information, please contact:

Carol Reedus via email: educdevelop@gmail.com

March, Online: Currclick's Annual Earth Day Science Fair

Full Information Here

Feb. 29, Huntsville: Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy

Alabama Parent Education Center Presents:

Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy

Wednesday 

February 29, 2012 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Feb. 25, Bham: Bham Intl Program on India

Please note that this is an educator's workshop.  I specifically asked them about bringing students.  They said that middle school & high school students were welcomed.  

The Birmingham International Center's educational program will focus on India this year.  Presenters from India, along with local and national experts, will present India's history and culture through a wide range of activities.  Activities will be hands-on workshops, discussions of current affairs and lesson plans for various academic units.  Additionally the lunch provided for attendees will feature cuisine from the different regions of India.  Attendees will receive continuing education units, web site and literary resource materials as well as materials supplied by the Indian government that can be taken back and used in the classroom.  The curricular materials are aligned with the Alabama State Standards by subject and grade level.  Teachers from grades K-12 are invited to attend.  

The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012.   For more information please visit the website www.bic-al.org.

March 5, Atlanta: Fernbank Museum Homeschool Day

Monday, March 5

Homeschool Day

Immerse your child in a hands-on learning adventure at Fernbank’s Homeschool Day.

Choose from three educator-led programs, designed for different grade levels: Fascinating Food Webs, Fossil Investigations and Animal Adventures. You can also enjoy a chance to socialize with other homeschool parents, experience the new special exhibition, Wildlife Rescue, or see anIMAX® film (additional ticket). 

Program Options

Please note: space is limited and advance registration is required.

Grades K-2: Fascinating Food Webs

2pm

From omnivores to decomposers, every animal plays a vital role in the balance of nature and cycle of nutrients. Discover the different parts of a food chain by observing real biofacts, touching a live animal, and dissecting an owl pellet. 

Grades 3-5: Fascinating Food Webs

1pm

From omnivores to decomposers, every animal plays a vital role in the balance of nature and cycle of nutrients. Discover the different parts of a food chain by observing real biofacts, touching a live animal, and dissecting an owl pellet.

Grades K-2: Fossil Investigations

1pm

How do people study extinct animals? Become a detective as you learn about dinosaurs and other animals from the past through hands-on activities using authentic models and fossils.

Grades 3-5: Fossil Investigations

2pm

How do people study extinct animals? Become a detective as you learn about dinosaurs and other animals from the past through hands-on activities using authentic models and fossils.

All grades: Animal Adventures

1pm or 2pm

Live animals from Fernbank’s own collection provide a memorable way to understand habitats, adaptations, and the important role animals play in the environment. Our animal ambassadors will inspire your students to appreciate and protect the world around them.

Add-on Options

Networking Lounge

11:30am – 1pm

Enjoy lunch with other Homeschool Day guests in the Conference Rooms (located on Upper Level). Bring your own lunch or purchase something from The Fernbank Café. This is a great opportunity to meet and share ideas with other homeschool educators. Space available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wildlife Rescue

10am – 5pm

Explore Fernbank's newest special exhibition at your own pace. Learn how waterfowl are being saved from oil spills, become a “panda matchmaker,” and see how orphaned elephant calves and baby orangutans are being raised and released back into the wild. Learn more.

Films in the IMAX® Theatre

Choose from two educational and entertaining films: Born to be Wild and The Greatest Places.Requires a separate ticket purchase.

Ticket Prices

Member Adults: Free

Member Children: $8 for one program or $13 for two programs

Non-member Adults: $7*

Non-member Children: $15 for one program or $20 for two programs*

If adding IMAX® to your visit, add $8 per person for members and $4 per person for non-members

Call 404.929.6400 to purchase Homeschool Day tickets. Please note: space is limited and advance registration is required.

If you have questions about Fernbank’s Homeschool Day, please contact us at jaquan.jackson@fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6306.

Be sure to check out our Downloadable Resources before or after your visit. A variety of educational resources are available for free, including correlations to the Georgia Performance Standards!

*Non-members must present a state letter of intent to qualify for these special Homeschool Day rates.

Feb. 18 - 20, Huntsville: Educator Workshop

Teachers and a friend admitted free  February 18-20, 2012 | 9am-5pmCelebrate the 50th Anniversary of John Glenn's Friendship 7 Flight

Enjoy these activities Saturday, February 18, only

• Participate in teacher workshops presented by U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Department
• Take Behind-the-Scenes Tours of Space Camp^® and Space Academy for Educators^®
• Register to win a free Ultimate Field Trip to the museum for you and your classroom
• View the exhibit,100 Years of Von Braun: His American Journey
• See the premiere of Space Junk in the Spacedome IMAX^® Theater (additional cost)
• Learn about coming exhibits for 2012
• Mammoths and Mastodons
• Math Alive!

Teacher identification required upon arrival.

If you have any questions, please contact

One Tranquility Base • Huntsville, AL 35805 • 1-800-63-SPACE

Interactive Math Tutor for All Levels of Math

We want to share with the Alabama Homeschool organization a terrific free educational resource that we are providing for students. InteractiveMathTutor.com provides an online math classroom for students to receive free homework help in all levels of their math coursework ranging from Elementary Math to Calculus. To enter the InteractiveMathTutor.com Math Homework Room, simply click the link http://vyew.com/250014/InteractiveMathTutor.com_Homework_Room.

If you become a Fan of InteractiveMathTutor.com on Facebook or a Follower of InteractiveMathTutor.com on Twitter, you will be automatically alerted of the hours that the classroom is open to students. To become a Fan or Follower of InteractiveMathTutor.com, please visit the website a twww.interactivemathtutor.com and click the Facebook and/or Twitter logos on the lower left column of the homepage.  

InteractiveMathTutor.com has been a leading American provider of online and phone based tutoring services for students of all ages and levels of math and business coursework throughout the United Statessince 1999.

We look forward to you taking advantage of The InteractiveMathTutor.com Math Homework Room.

Yours truly,

Howard M. Heller, Founder

InteractiveMathTutor.com

www.interactivemathtutor.com

hmheller@interactivemathtutor.com

1-866-MATH911

(212) 874-4105

Money Island

Money Island is an enchanting virtual world teaches students about money and how the economy works while they go on quests to destinations like the Eiffel Tower and Atlantis. Students learn and practice the real-life principles of financial responsibility. Students build knowledge and skills in three major areas including: saving and spending, earning and investing, and using credit wisely. In addition to these major areas, students learn how to spend, grow and give money; the difference between wants, needs and taxes; different types of income; gain an understanding of interest; how to use credit wisely; and how to build wealth.

The site includes detailed lesson plans and activity suggestions as well as a specialized area where parents can see what students are learning and track progress.

Kids are not exposed to enough opportunities to learn and practice financial literacy. Case in point: the national debt crisis, housing loan disaster, and credit card stats. Kids need to learn about how the economy works prior to being neck deep in financial decisions on a daily basis. Money Island is a fun introduction to all of this!

Students begin their journey in Money Island with a mission to help character Stone Broke. Students choose a virtual side-kick who will guide them through Money Island and help them make important decisions. Students are directed through a series of quests to help Stone Broke while learning about money and how to make sound financial decisions.

Review found at ilearntechnology.com.

April 28, Mobile: Dyslexia Conference

Spring Conference in Mobile Where: St. Paul's Episcopal School 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36608 When: Saturday, April 28, 2012; 8:30am to 4:00pm Online Registration! 8:30 to 9:00 Registration Check - In  Cost: IDA Members: $75.00 and Non-Members: $90.00 Workshops: 9:00 to 10:30 Susan Hall, Ed.D., http://www.95percentgroup.com/index.aspx Using Manipulatives to Teach Struggling Readers Comprehension Strategies  10:45 to 12:15 Cena Holifield, Ph.D., http://www.the3dschool.org/ What Every Educator Should Know About Dyslexia (Beginning Session) Susan Hall, Ed.D; DIBELS to DIBELS Next (Intermediate and Advanced Session)  12:15 to 1:00 Lunch with selections ordered through on-line registration: Chicken Caesar Wrap with Pasta Salad, a Cookie and Water  Veggie Wrap with Pasta Salad, a Cookie and Water Turkey Sandwich with Pasta Salad, a Cookie and Water  1:00 to 2:30 Breakout Sessions: Laura Parks, M.Ed. ; Learning Enabled - Assistive Technology Hettie Johnson, M. A. ; Your Brain and the Magic Key: Put Multisensory Strategies to Work For You  Sylvia Muller, M.S.Ed. ; Helping Your Child Climb the Mountain: A Parents' Guide  Video: Journey Into Dyslexia (from HBO) and Creative Brains: Gifted, Talented, and Dyslexic (through the Southwest IDA Branch) 2:45 to 4:00 Repeat of the Breakout Sessions Laura Parks, M.Ed.; Learning Enabled - Assistive Technology Hettie Johnson, M. A. ; Your Brain and the Magic Key: Put Multisensory Strategies to Work For You Sylvia Muller, M.S.Ed. ; Helping Your Child Climb the Mountain: A Parents' Guide Video: Journey Into Dyslexia (from HBO) and Creative Brains: Gifted, Talented, and Dyslexic (through the Southwest IDA Branch) Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association 2510 Monteview Drive Huntsville, Alabama 35803 http://www.idaalabama.org

Feb. 25, Bham: Phantom of the Opera Ball

Please note that this is not a home-school specific event; however, it is put on by several of the teens who have long attended the homeschool ballroom classes in Hoover.  Dance is for all ages.  Most of the attendees are homeschoolers.  I have been to one of these dances, and it was FABULOUS!  Great social event!  For more information, please contact the members of Love2DANCE Teens at love2danceteens@gmail.com .  

Diploma Requirements

Graduation Information

Scroll to the bottom to see a sample transcript, print a blank transcript for your use, and print a diploma requirement check list.



*Please note that graduates can graduate at any time during the year.  We offer an optional Graduation Ceremony in May.  

Everest Academy offers three levels of graduating diplomas to our homeschoolers. Work may be done using whatever resources you deem the most appropriate as long as it is high-school level material.  Some avenues to explore are work studies, job shadowing, text books, Internet, correspondence studies, dual enrollment with a local college, and satellite.

Ready?  
Let's make sure:  Complete the 

Diploma Requirement Check List (for your records only) to make sure you have met all credit requirements.   

Set!  If you are NOT ATTENDING the Everest Academy Graduation Ceremony, please fill out and send in the High School Transcript Request Form.  Please remember to only include credits accumulated while at Everest on the Transcript Request Form.  If you ARE ATTENDING the Everest Academy Graduation Ceremony, please go here.  

Go!  We will generate and send you a copy of your official Everest Academy Transcript along with your diploma and padded cover!

Congratulations!

How to Award Credits  

DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Standard Diploma:

There are three different means by which you may earn your Standard Diploma:

• Earning the following credits
• or
• ACT score of at least 20
• or
• Passing Grade on the GED

Subject	Credits Required
English	4
History	3
Math	3
Science	3
Electives	10
Total:	23

 TOTAL: 22 credits

Academic Diploma:

Subject	Credits Required	Courses Required
Math	4	Algebra 1
History	4	US History & World History
English	4
Science	4	Biology
Electives	8
Total:	24

Total:  24 credits

 

Advanced College Prep:  

Subject	Credits Required	Courses Required
Math	4	Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry
History	4	US History, World History, 1/2 credit each of Government and Economics
English	4
Science	4	Biology
Electives	10	Highly Recommended:  Foreign Language, Chemistry, Computer Skills, and Literature
Total:	26

 Total:  26 credits

 

Electives

Suggested electives include:  Health, Driver's Education, Typing


Electives may include but are not limited to:  Grammar, Composition, Business English, Vocabulary, Creative Writing, Literature, Earth Science, Biology, Pathology, Anatomy, Physical Science, General Science, Nutrition, Child Care, Parenting Skills, Home Economics,  Sewing, Culinary Studies, Human Behavior, Criminal Justice, Ecology, Psychology, Chemistry, Word Processing, Computer Programming, Woodworking, Automotive, Volunteering, Shop, Choir, SAT/ACT Prep, Wilderness Survival, Environment Study, Photography, Native American Studies, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Consumer Math, Business Math, Drafting, CAD, Elementary Statistics, Accounting, General Math, Basic Math, Fine Arts, Music Theory, Music Classes, Theater, Speech, Financial Management, CPR/First Aid, PE, Sign language, Latin Studies, Band, Sports, Theology, Interior Decorating, Cosmetology, Photography, Art History, World History, Ancient Civilizations, Religion, Bible, Geography, Social Studies, Sociology, Economics, Government, Military History, European History, Aviation History, America History, and many more.  


Traditionally Driver's Education, Economics, Government, and Health are worth 1/2 credit. 

Sample Transcript
Click above to see a Sample Transcript
Generated by Everest Academy

Blank Transcript
Click above to print out a blank transcript to keep your records with and to send in for your official transcript.

Diploma Requirement Check List
Click above to print out a handy diploma requirement check list.