Upcoming Events:
Teen Get-Together (ages 12 and up)
August 23rd (Friday)
Lakeview Park in Nampa (the Airplane park)
7-10 pm
Come with a group game idea and bring snacks to share.
See you there! Questions? Please contact Ruth @ srbfkhansen@cableone.net
August 23rd (Friday)
Lakeview Park in Nampa (the Airplane park)
7-10 pm
Come with a group game idea and bring snacks to share.
See you there! Questions? Please contact Ruth @ srbfkhansen@cableone.net
There are no other official DHSA events this month, but we are currently planning our annual Opening Social (in September) and “Back to School” Mothers’ Meeting (also in September.) Please watch your e-mail in-boxes for information in the next couple of weeks.
President’s Message
It’s that time of year again… You know, the time when all thoughts of the homeschooling mom turn to school days, and dreams of school supply shopping. There might be random moments of admiring the beauty of NEW crayons and markers in their fancy little packages, planning, planning, and yet more planning; what to do for the rapidly approaching new year, how to do it all, how to possibly do it better, organizing those wonderful school supplies, when to start, what is most important, which curriculum to use, which method to give a shot, to co-op or not, this field trip or that, strict schedule or flexibility, still searching for a magical way to sneak hiring a maid into the budget, piano lessons or art, how to “socialize” these kids to the liking of this person or that, P.E. or drama, sharpening all those wonderful new pencils that STILL have erasers, how to teach the big ones and little ones at the same time, how to dream up the perfect chore chart so your house doesn’t fall apart leaving you living in squalor, dual enrollment options or at home full-time, pondering whether or not they will be prepared for college/life . . . the list is endlessly long!
Add to that, the impending doubt and feeling of doom that will surely hit as you are trying to formulate the PERFECT school year for you and your kiddos; all the while giving it your best shot to STOP those moments of self-defeat before they have the chance to take over!
Yes, AUGUST is upon us!!!
The time to finalize it all . . . tie up all of your loose ends.
Time to rally the troops and get them excited about the upcoming school year, time to gear up and be ready for that big 1st Day Back to School!
Not to be a total downer, but I just have to tell you the truth, at least the truth as I see it.
That 1st Day back will quite possibly be a major disappointment if you set the expectation in your mind that it will be the perfect day; that your kids will perfectly love everything you put before them; that you will behave yourself as any perfect mother would, and that your house will remain in perfect order and dinner will magically appear in a most perfect sort of manner on your perfectly set and prepared dining room table. Oh, and lest we forget – your perfectly charming husband will appear at dinner time with the most perfectly arranged bouquet of flowers and decadent chocolates in gratitude for all you do for this perfect little family of yours!
Dreamy, I know!!!
But snap out of it . . . because you can’t live in a dream world and survive the job of a homeschooling momma!
After 18 years of homeschooling, I’ve yet to experience one of those “perfect” 1st days that I always manage to dream up in my mind . . . I guess it’s my reality check each year . . . it tends to set me back and force me to my knees in search of new answers and new ideas . . . and generally instills in my heart a desire to slow down, watch, listen and focus on the FIRST things I had planned before ADDING in all the extra fluff that I thought would make for the perfect homeschooling world.
Please be easy on yourselves this month . . . Yes, you NEED to plan, you REALLY NEED to buy some of those wonderful NEW school supplies and look at how marvelous they look in their boxes—after all, it won’t be long before most of them are lost, so enjoy it while you can! And you need to be ready for a new year . . . but do your best to not over-plan or over-expect or over-do. Know that every day will not be perfect, every day will not be dreamy, but every day can be a new adventure and you can enjoy that adventure right alongside those amazing kiddos you have.
Be sure to be on the lookout for our upcoming OPENING SOCIAL . . . Hoping to see you all there!
Wishing a Happy August to you -- happy planning, happy shopping, happy organizing and happy YOU time when needed.
Best Wishes ~ Stacey
Community Events and Activities:
Big THANKS to Dayna Baldwin for rounding up the following information! Please see the DHSA Facebook group for “real time” updates and events! https://www.facebook.com/groups/deserethomeschool/
We understand some people are leery of Facebook or are not ON Facebook regularly. Please note that the Deseret Home School Facebook group is a CLOSED group, meaning everyone may see who is in the group, but only members may see posts, add posts, and make comments. Friends (and friends of friends) outside the group do not have access to posts on the DHSA group page. To join the group, click on the “join group” button. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for the DHSA administrators to approve requests to join. This is for the safety and security of our membership. Thank you!
Big August Calendar of Festivals and Events (courtesy of The Idaho Statesman):
Check out this calendar of events for August…you’re sure to find something of interest for your family! http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/07/28/2675819/your-big-august-calendar-bug-day.html
Ada Community Library Homeschool Class Planning Meeting, Friday, Aug. 9, 2 PM :
Please join me! I will be meeting with staff at the Ada Community Library this Friday, at 2 pm to discuss the homeschool class starting this fall. Please come! We would love your input -- what day, time, subjects, and ages your children are for the class. Thanks, Dayna Baldwin (DHSA Secretary)
Roaring Springs: Aug 19-23: Homeschool Week $15.99+tax ($12 off) full day admission for homeschoolers and their families, present flier at ticket window for discount. Buy combo meal wristband for $5+tax, unlimited drink wristband for $2.99 and single soft serve ice cream for $1.25 at ticket booth, email sales@roaringsprings.com for flier.
Sign up today for "Learn to Skate" for FREE at Idaho IceWorld. Limited spaces! Ages 4-Adult. Aug 24th from 930-10:30 am.
Classes, Clubs, Co-ops, and other Learning Opportunities
Treasure Valley Commonwealth (A brand new TJEd Co-op!) I'm starting a new homeschooling co-op this fall. I'm excited to be able join together with other homeschoolers to share the joys and challenges of homeschooling in a once a week setting where we can build relationships.
This is a parent involved co-op. I love being with my kids and their friends, and I hope that you do also.
For more info check out - http://treasurevalleytjed.blogspot.com/p/treasure-valley-commonwealth-notice.html
Info Meeting
Thursday August 8th - 10am
Georgeson Home
1552 S Linda Vista
Boise, ID 83709
Please RSVP
Children Welcome
Gem State Gymnastics Homeschool Classes!
Fall registration is now open for home school gymnastics classes at Gem State Gymnastics in Boise. We have many home school gymnastics class levels to choose from, but classes have limited space, so please read your choices carefully, as ages, times, and days offered vary for each class.
Classes begin on September 3rd.
Monday 1:00
Preschool (15months - 4 yrs) *
Nugget/Jewel (5-12 yrs)
Monday 2:00
Nugget/Jewel (5-12 years)
Wednesday 1:00
Preschool (15 months - 4yrs) *
Nugget/Jewel (5 – 12 yrs)
Wednesday 1:45
*** Excell (5 – 12yrs) Advanced level < 1.5 hours.> Please see below for pricing
Thursday 11:00
Preschool (15months - 4yrs) *
Nugget/Jewel (5-12yrs)
Friday 12:15
Preschool 15 months - 4 years) *
Nugget/Jewel (5-12 years)
Friday 1:15
Nugget/Jewel (5-12 years)
Jr/Sr Class (11-18) years
The per child cost is $27 for 4 classes, so basically you will pay once-a-month. ***Excell classes cost $40.00 for 4 classes. The student teacher ratio is 7-9 students per one instructor. All classes are 45 minutes long. (Excell classes are 1.5 hours). Basic gymnastics skills are taught using floor work, beams and bars. Quality instructors work with each individual child and do age/level appropriate activities. Payments are due the first day of class. In order to register a preschooler (ages 15 months - 4 years), families must have at least one school-age child registered (age 5 or up). This ensures the great rate of $27 per child that Gem State Gymnastics offers to home schoolers actually gets used by home school families.* Families registering preschoolers 15 months to 3 years of age are parent/tot, combined with the 3 & 4 year olds.
Creative Movement Dance Class
Do you like to dance? Come explore basic dance forms and alternative dance styles. Taught by dance teacher Mrs. Amanda Donaldson.
Please wear comfortable clothing and either thick socks, ballet shoes or shoes to glide in. Bring a towel or yoga mat to use on the floor.
When: Mondays, 6:00-7:00pm, August 5th-12th-19th-26th
Where: Classroom at Templar Exchange, 985 S. Progress Ave - Exit 44 off I-84, Meridian, Idaho, 83642
Who: Age 8-12 years old (minimum 8 students per class).
How: Call the below number to reserve a spot, Emergency contact information and liability forms must be filled out before child can participate. No dance experience is necessary.
Cost: $24 for a 4 week session, Checks payable to Amanda Donaldson
Questions: Contact Amanda Donaldson at 208-989-7035
*The teacher: Miss Amanda moved to Treasure Valley from Hampton Roads Virginia. She has about two decades worth of dance experience ranging from Ballet, Tap, Alternative, Ballroom and Cultural Dance. She is a Mother of four and is a homeschooling parent.
Pizza Hut Book It! Program Registration is open!
Enrollment time is now here for the Pizza Hut Book It! Program if you would like to sign your kids up grades K - 6, ages 5 - 12. https://www.bookitprogram.com/
The Reuseum: Robotics Classes!
The Reuseum is going to begin offering 4 week classes on robotics for $250/student with a kit included. Scheduling will start within the next two weeks. It will begin at 3:30 or 4 and go until 5:30 or 6 pm Thursdays or Fridays preferably. 2 - 10 kids per session, ages 8-17.https://www.facebook.com/Reuseum
Advanced Gymnastics in Nampa will have a homeschool class on Thursdays from 3:30-4:20 pm. Our fall session will start August 19th. Sign ups for the fall schedule will start on August 5th. Give the gym a call if you have any questions: 468-9292. We are currently in the gym in the mornings from 8:30-12:30. Feel free to go to agidaho.com for more information.Thanks,
Robert L. Earl
Silverstone Branch Library: Block Party (as in building blocks!)
The rumors are true! We're starting a Block Party in August! It's an all-ages block-building program on Mondays at 10:30 AM.
Meridian Mayor and CEO Book Club
Being the mayor of a city or the president of a big company is hard work! But no matter how busy we are we always make time for reading. So let's talk about books!
Join Mayor Tammy and the leaders of some great local companies as they get together to talk about some really good books...some serious and some full of fun and fantasy.
Recognized by the Association of Idaho Cities with a City Achievement Award, the Mayor & CEO's Kids Book Club is a program that improves the quality of life in Meridian and emphasizes that it is true what they say...Reading Makes You Wise!
Purpose:
Many children never pick up a book outside of school, some by their own choice and others because their families do not have books in the house for various reasons. As caring adults we feel it is important that Meridian children begin to build their own personal library, learn to revel in the idea of a good story, and appreciate the informational and entertainment value of books.
By creating the Mayor & CEO s Kids Book Club, we felt we could offer valuable mentoring to local youth in the area of literacy. Also, by encouraging a group of children to all read and discuss the same text, we felt we could turn reading into a shared experience in which kids and adults learn to appreciate good books together.
This award winning program offers local girls and boys in grades 3, 4 and 5 the opportunity to spend quality time each month discussing a book with the Mayor and other community leaders (business owners, presidents, and CEOs) who impart to them the importance and joy of reading and show them that it s true that readers are leaders and vice-versa.
Meeting Schedule:
The Mayor & CEO s Kids Book Club meets the first Thursday of each month during the school year, excluding major holidays, at 7:00 pm, at the Silverstone Corporate Plaza, located at 3405 E. Overland Road in Meridian. Monthly meetings generally last one hour or less, and include light refreshments for the participants following the book discussion.
Membership and How to Join:
Meridian school children in grades 3, 4, and 5 may enroll to participate in the Mayor & CEO s Kids Book Club on a space-available basis. The club is currently able to accommodate a maximum of 45 children at any given time. Detailed information about the club, including attendance expectations and how the issuing of books is handled, is available through the Meridian Library s Children s Services department at the Silverstone Branch.
(Phone: 884-2616)
Because space is limited to ensure a high-quality experience for all participants, parents must pre-register their children in advance through the Meridian Library. There is no application form or fee to be a member.
http://www.meridiancity.org/mayors_book_club.aspx?id=191
Businesses and other establishments willing and interested to offer daytime homeschool classes:
Want some martial arts training for your kids? Dance classes? Music lessons? DHSA secretary Dayna Baldwin has contacted many places willing to offer homeschool classes during the day, starting this fall. Because different families have different needs, and homeschooling offers the flexibility to set your own schedule, please contact the establishments directly for more information or to arrange classes! (Please keep in mind that most businesses require a minimum number of students to provide daytime classes—so call your friends and invite them to join you!)
For regularly updated, real time posts about places offering classes and learning opportunities, please see our Facebook page: (it’s the way of the future, don’t be afraid!) https://www.facebook.com/groups/deserethomeschool/
Xpressions Dance Academy in Nampa
is willing to teach short courses (4 to 6 weeks) and/or an extended program that includes participation in her studio's various public recitals. The director, Alexis Langworthy, teaches girls AND boys, ranging in age from 3 to 18. Homeschool classes will be divided by age and ability. Newcomers to dance are welcome and encouraged. If you're interested in doing this, please contact Alexis at 466-1229 and talk with her about what kind of program you'd prefer, the style of dance, and the age and gender of children that would participate, and what days/times would work best for you. Cost will be determined based on the type of program--(just as a ballpark idea, after school classes cost 45 dollars/month for a once weekly ballet class--so about 9 dollars per class.) If you'd like to check out the studio, here's the website: http://www.xpressionsdanceacademy.com/
Ultimate Karate and Jiu-Jitsu: http://www.idahoujj.com/
We would like to offer 5 classes for 5 dollars for our kids karate or kids brazilian jiu-jitsu program. Our program is a self defense program that teaches kids how to be defend themselves in any situation.
www.idahoujj.com
We also have a kids gun safety class on August 24th from 12:00-1:30
For all kids ages 5 & up. This class will take the mystery, mystique, and wonder out of handguns by educating and implementing practical tests. Parents are highly encouraged to stay and participate. A parent has two choices if there are kids and guns in the home, hide the guns and don’t tell them, or, educate the kids in how to be safe around guns in their home or any other home where guns may be present.
The Academy of Martial Arts (Nampa): I’m helping organize a homeschool martial arts class here in Nampa at the Academy of Martial Arts right off the Garrity exit (Taekwondo). I took martial arts as a child and firmly believe that learning to train and govern the body and understand the art of self-defense builds appropriate confidence, discipline, as well as coordination and physical health. I’m excited that this is an option as it is HALF THE COST of his normal rate for our group!! Great opportunity at a dedicated gym that has been around nearly 30 years.
The instructor has several options available, and I would like to do Monday/Wednesday session at 4pm. The session would be $25-30 per month for twice a week, sessions are 8 weeks long, payable monthly, a month in advance, and the program is available on a year round basis. I would like to start up in September (on the 9th).
Let me know what you all think, if anyone is interested! Please see Sara Sweet’s post on our FB group page to contact her: https://www.facebook.com/groups/deserethomeschool/
Teach Me Tango! Lori Gonzalez would be willing to offer home school classes at the Meridian studio next year to 9-12 and another class for 13-18. I have tried over the last two years and could not get them to fill. So if you have any children interested in Ballroom/Latin classes this year, please contact me. If I have enough interested (I need at least 6) in one age group I will get it arranged so that we can do it.
www.teachmetango.com
TumbleTime Gymnastics in Boise off Cloverdale is offering a homeschool gymnastics class. http://www.tumbletimegymnastics.com/
Dillow’s ATA Martial Arts in Kuna:
We can offer a homeschool day program for 10 or more kids in a class. Otherwise it would be 5 weeks for $59 and that includes a uniform. Schedule is available on www.dillowsata.com . If you have any further questions you can call us at 922-2805 or email us at info@dillowsata.com . Thanks!
Shawn Dillow
Zoo Boise
Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home. The course consists of classroom discussion, laboratory activities, animal encounters and specialized zoo tours. Fall 2013 classes focus on animal habitats and biomes (Tropical Rainforest, Deserts, Grasslands). Sessions are divided by grades 1-2 and grades 3-5 and are 2 hours in length. Dates, times and rates for Fall 2013 will be available for viewing around the first week of August on the zoo’s website athttp://www.zooboise.org/educationprograms.aspx. Registration begins August 19 for Boise residents and August 26 for all others. Programs are for students only. Minimum students 10, maximum 25.
Advanced Gymnastics in Nampa has a homeschool gymnastics class. It is on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:20 pm. Call the office between 3:30-7 pm for more information and/or to sign up: 468-9292.
Idaho Aquarium
The Idaho Aquarium has a number of different educational programs, which are geared toward multiple age groups and interests. They offer tours to school groups, as well as self-guided tours of the facility. At 2 pm daily they have a puppet show that shares the story of "Beam," their endangered green sea turtle. They are currently in the process of developing more curriculum and new programs for the fall and want to know if there is something that would be of interest to us
Boise Rock School:
Since its inception in 2008, Boise Rock School has been led by the belief that the best way to get individuals excited about learning music is to have them play in a group. We also feel it’s undeniably important for students to be learning or writing music that they love.
We believe the band setting, coupled with a strong curriculum and student-chosen songs, achieves better results that any other teaching method.
In addition to helping students achieve musical excellence more quickly, the band setting also encourages essential life skills such as group problem solving, understanding the importance of compromise and seeing firsthand the value of positive social interactions.
Boise Rock School is so much more than just a place where students learn to play their instruments. We teach our students how to play songs (cover tunes of their choice in all genres and originally penned compositions), how to record those songs, how to perform those songs at a gig, and how to use those songs as an inspirational and exciting tool to contribute to our community.
We believe giving every student at Boise Rock School the opportunity to perform and share their musical accomplishments with an audience is a valuable and rewarding experience for everyone. In short, we develop the total musician. From proper technique to creativity and songwriting, from music theory to listening and problem solving skills, we help students — both kids and adults — not only become better musicians, but better people.
Email us at info@boiserockschool.com or call me at 484.9117 and I can fill you in. We could easily tailor specific day classes for homeschoolers.
Eagle ATA Martial Arts Center & Karate for Kids We offer all our new students a seven week trial/special for $79 and this includes a new uniform! We keep year around morning classes for our homeschool families (a total of six class times to mix and match.) Our summer schedule is online at eagleata.com and our fall schedule will be up the second week in August. The trial is for new students ages 4 and up...all students under the age of four are invited to attend an orientation first to make certain they can keep the promise...not to use their kicks and punches on family, friends, and pets and also handle the structure and length of the class. Please call me if you have any questions, 208-854-0968. Kit Colberg Nampa Roller Drome has homeschool skate on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 10 am - 12 noon. Cost is $4 for admission + $2 skates/rollerblade rental.
Idaho Botanical Garden
Homeschool groups may call to set up a one hour tour -- $2 per student. Minimum group size 10 or $20. Maximum 25 students.
On Saturday, August 24, 2013
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn about the exciting world of bugs in an adventurous environment! Earn a “Certificate in Bugology,” purchase edible insects, play bug bingo, participate in Insect Olympics, catch live bugs, and meet the experts. Bug Day is an entomological extravaganza, fun for the entire family.
Admission
$4 IBG Member
$8 Non-Member
$4 Ages 5-12 (kids 4 and under are free)
Saturday Camp
Children ages 5-9 learn about nature and the biological world around them in this new summer program!
Saturday Camp uses experiential learning activities including nature walks, games and crafts to foster a love of nature.
The fee is $20 per child per Saturday. Members receive a $5 discount.
Registration is required. To reserve your child's spot, contact the Garden at 343-8649, register online, or mail in the registration form.
Saturday Camp Schedule
August 17 - Sensational Seeds
September 21 - Fabulous Fall
Idaho Rhythm Dance Co
We've worked with homeschool groups off and on in the past. Typically, if I'm not mistaken the group gathers together to offer some type of physical activity to participate in once per week. We'd be thrilled to put something together based on what the needs are of the group you are with. Let me know!
Impulse Dance Academie in Nampa is considering offering a tumbling or stretch/tone homeschool class during the day starting this fall for $40 a month per student and wants to know what interest there is. Please check out their page here on Facebook and leave a comment if you would like to have your children participate, so they know what ages, how many, and what day and time would work best for those planning on participating. Thanks!
Little Feet Taekwondo in Eagle will offer some homeschool classes if there is enough interest. If you are interested, please let them know. Thanks!
Wings Center in Boise is also wanting to know what classes homeschoolers in the area may be interested in -- what days, times, ages, and levels. Please let them know on their page what you are interested in and all your information. They are really excited and looking forward to hearing from everyone about what they can offer.
Kuna Library Teens
Kuna Library Teens is a program in Kuna, Idaho that gives 9th to 12th grade age teens the chance to get together in a safe and fun environment.
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