Monday, July 16, 2012

Meet the New Board

At our May Mother's Meeting a new board was elected. Some new faces have joined some of the tried and true!  Also, a new position was created!
 
Stacey Lytle, President
 
 
I am so excited to be serving as President for another year.  I LOVE homeschooling and I am so happy to be spending my time with you.
My husband and I are the parents of seven truly spectacular kiddos.  We own and operate our family business and love spending time together. 
In my "alone time" I love to write...my blog is one of my favorite places to be.  During my "Momma time", I love doing anything and everything we can come up with...well, the exception may be jumping out of a perfectly good airplane...but my boys are still trying to convince me how FUN this will be.  ???  Not too sure I'm buying it, but time will tell.
I dream of one day exploring and seeing all the places we've learned about over our years of homeschooling...until then, we'll keep jumping on our magic carpets and enjoying the ride.
 
Can't wait to see each of you out and about this year...enjoy the sunshiny days ahead!
 
Much love,
Stacey Lytle
Marissa Pineada
Vice President, Operations
 
 
Hi, I’m Marissa Pineda and I’m excited and humbled to be a part of the board again this year, serving as Vice President.  We have an amazing group of ladies ready to serve you and support you in your homeschooling journey. 
 
A little about myself: I recently moved to Kuna from SW Boise, have five kids (ages 12, 10, 7, 5, and 1), and have been homeschooling for nearly five years.  I love funny movies and impassioned stories, but prefer that drama remain outside the realm of real life.  When not teaching my tribe, I’m THINKING about updating my blog, or trying to invent a way to safely nap and drive/cook/clean at the same time.  I have a love/hate relationship with jeans so we’ve decided to take a break from each other.  I’m seeing lounge pants now, with chocolate acting as chaperone.
 
I look forward to serving you and seeing you at our Mother’s Meetings and other activities.  Come by and say hi, I’ll be the one with the long red pony-tail, and sneaking sips of Coca Cola from my water bottle.
 
Macy Huberty
Vice President,
Community Resources
 
 
Happy Summer! I'm Macy Huberty and I'm stepping into a new role with DHSA this year! I've been joyously married for 7 years, my huband Damon and myself have 4 young children right now: Daunika 6, Aurora 4, Declan 2, and Kalani joined us 6 months ago. Together, we are passionate about home education as a whole family experience. We live in Meridian and on a usual day you'll find us running two successful businesses, chasing children, chickens, and trying to live 'the good life' as we feel prompted by the Spirit. I'm in the middle of my conversion to understanding the gospel and sometimes it feels very much like an identity crisis, so please bear with me as I am very timid in this new role and life! 
 
I love the gospel and hope to serve this year with enthusiasm to connect resources for those looking for them. Our vision is to bring you information on resources in the valley each and every month, some you might know about and some might be new! I want all of us to have the ability to connect with others that might have a technique, style, method or ideas because each of us brings something so amazing to the blessing of home schooling - let's share our light with each other! I'm so blessed to be a part of DHSA and hope to support every one no matter if you are graduating your youngest children soon or just beginning to think about home schooling in the future.
 
 
Janet Cox, Treasurer
 
 
I'm Janet Cox. I am really thrilled to be working as the treasurer again this year. I am married to Stephen and we have a large family consisting of both natural and adoptive children--One that was just born on July 6th! We have been homeschooling since the beginning and love it! I am one of the Co-Directors of TEACH Co-op. I am looking forward to working with everyone and helping bring in a great year with DHSA!  Don't forget to save your box tops!!
 
 
Amy Groesbeck, Secretary
 
 
My name is Amy Groesbeck and I'm the new Secretary for DHSA.  I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing group, and honored to have the opportunity to serve as secretary this year. 
My husband (Jason) and I just celebrated our 12th Anniversary this July 1st, and we have 6 awesome children (staggered boy, girl all the way down).  Their names are J.R. (11), Stephanie (9), Jordan (7), Leauna (5), Jerick (3), and Aneeka (23 mo.).  We just started home schooling about 6 months ago, so we are new to all of this.  We have felt such an incredible bond with each other as well as with our Heavenly Father as we have transitioned this year.  It's been absolutely wonderful.  We look forward to learning and growing more in the years to come.
Some of our favorite things to do as a family are camping, fishing, geocaching, going to the Y, and having family movie nights.  My husband is working full time as well as going to school, so we relish every moment we get to have with him.  It's nice that with home schooling, we don't have to try to struggle with several schedules in order to have quality family time. 
I enjoy just about any outdoor activities, anything music related, volleyball, self improvement, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.  I'm very passionate about my religion and strive to keep myself in tune with the spirit.  I feel my testimony is built on prayer, scripture study, my personal relationship & love for my Heavenly Father, personal revelation, and faith in my Savior.  I look forward to serving all of you as Secretary of this association.  Thank you for all of your support.  This is going to be a Fantastic year.
 
Patty Thompson, Newsletter & Membership Coordinator
 
 
Hey Everyone! I am Patty Thompson. I have been elected as the Newsletter and Membership Coordinator.  I am really looking forward to working with everyone and keeping you all informed about the happenings in the Treasure Valley and DHSA! I have 4 kids--ages 15, 12, 8, and 6 and I have been married to my best friend, Jeff, for 17 years now!! We were once a military (Navy) family that moved constantly but we are now settled in for the long haul!! We moved back to Idaho about 2 1/2 years ago! I have been homeschooling for about 7 years now.  I have really learned a lot and I am really looking forward to sharing some of that with you and hope to learn just as much in return! I am also one of the Co-Directors for the TEACH Co-op. I have a website:  www.shiveracademy.com that is all about homeschooling and has many lesson plans that I have created.
 
Kimberly Wing, Field Trip Coordinator
 
 
I'm Kimberly Wing and I will be the field trip coordinator this year.  I have five kids and have been home schooling for about five years. I love field trips and exploring new places.   My dream would be going to old places (especially ghost towns) and being able to explore behind the scenes where they don't let anyone go.   So if I ever go missing during a field trip I'm probably exploring some where secret, but have no fear I'll share all the fun details with you later.   I look forward to having fun adventures this coming year.  My goal is  to have the field trips free or cheap so lots can afford to come.....
 
Ruth Hansen,  Teen Coordinator
 
 
Tami Hull, Teen Coordinator
 
 
My name is Tami Hull. I am the mother of 7 children and have home schooled for 10 years minus the 2 months that we sent them to a charter school. I love summer time when we get to play in the water and be outside. As a family we have learned the art of home canning together and each year bottle hundreds of jars. It was a proud day for me when my oldest 3 children made 30 quarts of applesauce all by themselves. I love experiencing all of the different way to learn that come along with home schooling.
 
Melissa Wolf, Dance Coordinator
 
 
Lynnelle King, Fairs Coordinator

 
My name is Lynnelle King.  I am married to Bill King and we have 8 kids ages 4-17. We have been homeschooling for just about forever and plan on doing it for the other half of forever. This year I will be helping to plan the science and history fairs. I look forward to seeing you there!

Mother's Meeting: Coming in August!

How do you structure your homeschool year? How do you keep (or attempt to keep) order with the house/kids/classroom? Do you keep to a “traditional” school year? Do you go year round? Do you plan well in advance or by the seat of your pants? What subjects do you plan to focus on this fall?  Do you color code a schedule? Keep chore charts? Let the kids plan their lessons?  Come to chat and share your academic curricula and home/schedule maintenance tips to start the school year right!  (Once again, sinfully delicious treats will be served!)
 
When: Tuesday, August 14, 2012,
                  7 PM ‘til ???
Where: Marissa Pineda’s home—
             12028 W. Dynamite Ln. in Kuna

Questions? Call Marissa @ 841-1732 or e-mail gentapineda@gmail.com

Homework Assignment!!


Next month's focus will be on planning for the school year. We are looking for articles, written by you or links to other's work, that we can include in our newsletter (don't worry, permission will be obtained prior to using any article on the net!). This is a massive topic and we would love to add in what you, our members, feel is essential to get back in the swing of things!  It can be setting up your school room, planning your lessons, routines, etc! This is YOUR newsletter, let's make it rock!
 
We are also looking to include informaiton on co-ops that are enrolling, groups that are forming, book & curriculum clubs, etc. Please email them to our newsletter coordinator: Patty at
 
We are also looking for links to personal blogs and subject resources to add to DHSA's blog. We will be updating resources this week and if you have some you would like to include, please feel free to email them as well!
 

Resources for You!!


Beginning next month we will be having a new feature coming to you through the newsletter!  We will be researching different topics each month in order to bring you resources that are available to you as homeschoolers here in the Treasure Valley or on-line. This will be part of our endeavor to be the best support group we can be!
 
If you have any requests for specific topics please email them to
 

Treasurer's Report!

There is no report this month! Mainly because there has been no change but also because our Treasurer has had another son go through major surgery in the last couple of days and has had a baby be born that she will be adopting!
 
Congratulations Janet!!
 
Also, our out going newsletter Coordinator Nancy Georgeson had her baby girl as well!
 
Congratulations Nancy!!
 

Fun In the Sun!!

Every year we have the same challenge, what to do during the summer?? Should we homeschool year round, fill in as necessary, or drop it all and hit the park?  This year, we can try for a happy balance! Here are a few links and ideas for this summer!
 
The Berry Ranch  From Strawberries to Pumpkins! Pick your own (or pre-picked) offers tons of family fun!  And all in Nampa!! Check the website out for what's in season and for hours of operation!
 
(check out your local area for other pick your own farms!)
 
City of Boise This site offers a search engine to help you find current activities in and around Boise. This can include Art Classes and Camps, Sports, Gardens and Picnic Sites!
 
101 Things To Do This Summer  This is a link to Homeschool.com. This is a summer to do list that includes many recreational and educational activities such as compare a book to a movie, become a Photographer, write a poem!
 
Summer Bucket List  This is The Home Teacher's Blog. This is a list of things to do before the end of summer. It's color coded to learning activities, outside activities, things in the city, and outlying area (it's made up for Utah, but it's easy enough to change to our neck of the woods). It's also a fun project--write the ideas on popsicle sticks and have the kids choose one based on the color code!
 
Kids Bowl Free  This event happens every summer. It's a program that offer's free bowling through the local bowling allies. You must sign up on their site in order to receive the cupons.  Also, please pay close attention--it may not cover shoes!
 
Letterboxing  This is a fun activity that is a twist on Geocaching. You are given a starting point and then clues to find the box.  Normally they include a rubber stamp of some sorts, some handmade, that you stamp in your book. If you take your own stamp, you can stamp their book and add to their collection.  You can also check out Geocaching for those that have a GPS
 
This list is of course not exhaustive, it's merely a drop in the bucket! We hope that it will inspire you to think outside the box and hunt for activities that will help bring your family closer together, bring joy, and most importantly--have some Summer FUN!

Teen Corner


In order to get the year going for our Teen Activities we are asking everyone that is interested in participating to "Sign Up" by emailing our Teen Coordinators.  This will help ensure that your teen is informed of all Teen Activities and they won't miss out! 
 
Please email Tami and Ruth at

Upcoming Events


Zoo Boise Run Wild Fun Run  July 28th.  Ages 2 through 12.  $20 (includes T-shirt and breakfast)
 
LDS Homeschool Conference:  August 10-11 in American Fork, Utah. Please check the link for further details.  The Conference was created to provide an opportunity to learn, help others feel connected and be inspired.
 
Homeschool Week at Roaring Springs!  At a great discount, homeschoolers can have a lot of fun in the Sun! You must have a copy of the flyer to prove you are homeschoolers! (Flyer will be available on the blog!!)  Dates: Aug 20-24th Price: $15.99 + tax
 
 
Parent Mentoring Seminar
Saturday October 20th, 6 hour Seminar
 
Bonus: Youth Seminar (ages 12 - 18) Friday October 19th Times and Location, Boise area, to Be Announced! The location will be determined based on the amount of people that RSVP.
 
Cost: $65 for the family ticket - all youth and parents.
 
Additional information and Payment details coming in August.

Want a Calendar??

A Calendar is now available through Google Calendar! It is a public calendar so you don't have to be invited! Activities will be added as soon as humanly possible.
To add this to your own google calendar please add the email address below to the "other calendars" input box in google calendars. It will be on the left hand side bar (just copy and paste the email below)
dhsa.news@gmail.com
It is current with the upcoming events below!
If you do not have access to google calendar, you can create a google account if you so desire to gain access. However, in the off chance you don't want to do that either, you can access this calendar on the Blog!

Want to get involved??


We are still needing a few members for committees! The following positions have not been filled!
Field Trip Coordinator (1 more) 
Parties Coordinator (1 or 2)
P.E. Coordinator  (1 or 2)
If interested in joining in, please contact Stacey Lytle at dhsa.president@gmail.com

Homeschoolers Week at Roaring Springs

August 20th - 24th is Homeschooling week at Roaring springs. Please read the rules carefully! You will need the following flyer printed out in order to get the discount that is being offered! Be sure to click the flyer below and print it out before you head out to play in the water!!


You can also access it by clicking on the following link:  http://lnk.nu/docs.google.com/235y

If you have problems printing this, please email dhsa.news@gmail.com and let Patty know!!