June 2014 Newsletter

Upcoming Events:

Join us to Welcome Summer!

DHSA Closing Social

Wednesday, June 11^th

1:30-3:00

At

Stephen C. Guerber Park

2200 E Hill Rd. Eagle, ID 83616

Come enjoy a fun day at the park!

Bring:

Bikes, scooters, and sunscreen!

Swimsuits for the splash pad!

A treat to share if you like.

See you then!

(Rain date: June 18^th)

Teen Activity for June

Friday June 13th

Kleiner Park in Meridian

1900 N Records Ave, Meridian, ID 83642

Fun & Games at the Park

We will meet at the covered table area right next to the playground at 7.

Bring ideas for your favorite outdoors games and maybe a few frisbees or basketballs!

Treats tonight will be ice cream sundaes!

Bring a favorite topping to share and we will provide the ice cream.

About 9:30, we will head over to the village center area (next to the cinema and by the fountain.)

We will enjoy the light and music show at 10 and then wait for parent pick-up.

Can't wait to see you all there!

Questions?  Call Ruth Hansen 466-0667 or Tami 724-0289

 

DHSA 2014-2015 Election and Volunteer Meeting: June 14, 9 AM

at Stacey Lytle’s home: 1298 N. Cambrick Drive in Kuna

Are you passionate about homeschooling and supporting your fellow homeschool families? Do you love planning parties and activities? Got an itch to get to know other homeschooling moms? Do you have ideas for field trips and activity groups? Come see what we’re planning for next year and learn how to get involved! Breakfast will be served! (Take a look at our Year in Review article below to see what we’ve done this year!)

FYI: Clubs, Co-ops, Activities, and so forth!

The Pizza Hut Book It! Program Homeschool Registration is open: Click on the link for more information and to register your homeschool!

http://www.bookitprogram.com/enrollment/homeschool.asp

Coming in August:

Homeschool Conference:

“Calm the Chaos, Restore the Magic!”

Whether you are new to homeschooling or have been at it for a while, this conference will inspire confidence and joy in your homeschooling journey! Details are currently being finalized, more information coming VERY SOON!

 

President’s Message:

What a tremendous year we’ve had!

As I look back over all the fun, I can’t help but feel a little giddy inside. We have a pretty fantastic support group within DHSA and that is because of YOU and the contribution each member makes. Some carry a larger role while others carry a smaller one; but the influence of each individual is what makes this such a wonderful association to be part of. Thank you!

While I love to see the things we have done as an organization, I treasure even more the amazing successes within my own little world of homeschooling my family, as I am sure you each do. I would like to suggest you take a few minutes or a few hours (if you wish) to jot down the many memorable moments you’ve had with your kiddos throughout your past year. It is during these times that we really take note of just how delightful this lifestyle of homeschooling is! You might be pleasantly surprised at all that will pour onto your pages as you recall the list of activities, projects, learning moments you’ve enjoyed together.

In closing, I’d really like to acknowledge the BEAUTIFUL WOMEN who serve on the board of DHSA…without them, this organization could not exist. Marissa Pineda, Janet Cox, Kami Hymas, Holly Hawkley, Kimberly Wing, Ruth Hansen, Tami Hull, Lynnelle King, Aby King, and Melissa Wolfe…I love and treasure each of you! Thank you for such a tremendous year…it has been a blessing for me to serve with you.

Please be sure to check out the list below of all the fun times DHSA members provided this year…hoping to see you all at our Closing Social on Wednesday!

Wishing you each a plethora of beautiful summer moments with your kiddos!

Giant Hugs,

Stacey

DHSA Year in Review

Here are just some of the amazing educational and social events DHSA hosted this year:

Field Trips:

 

Celebration Park (September) Kids and parents went picnicking and hiking to see petroglyphs, learn about ancient peoples in the area, and learned to use ancient hunting tools such as the atlatl.

The Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch (October) An annual field trip tradition, families got a chance to go on hayrides, pet farm animals, play in the corn maze and pick their own pumpkins!

The Warhawk Air Museum (November) Families took a tour of the museum, learning about our war veterans and their roles in preserving and protecting our rights and freedoms.

Mexican Dance Performance at the Jewett Auditorium (November) A colorful, toe-tapping performance by Ballet Folklorico “Quetzalli” de Veracruz in Mexico.

The Nutcracker Jr. Ballet (December) This shortened version of the Tchaikovsky ballet was offered to our families and gave them the opportunity to experience the performing arts in a casual and intimate setting!

Dr. Picklestein Science and Chemistry at BSU (January) Dr. Picklestein is always a favorite—who doesn’t love explosions, turning glass into silver, and the funny, engaging science presentation, brought to us by a passionate scientist, who loves sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with kids of all ages?

World Center for Birds of Prey (March and April) Families were able to see birds of prey up close and personal, take a tour of the grounds, see different kinds of predatory birds, don feathers and beaks and get a “bird’s eye view” of life!

The Idaho Botanical Garden (May) Classes, divided more or less by age, were offered to teach kids about the water cycle, different kinds of flora in Idaho and about Idaho’s climate.

Fairs:

Science Fair Held at the Caldwell library, kids gave presentations about everything from closed circuits to centrifugal force, to which practical jokes work best and why

.

History Fair Held at the Boise Veterans Home, students presented information and projects from American and World history. There was even a Medieval “feast!”

Literary Fair One of our newer events, kids (and adults!) shared their love of reading by displaying dioramas made with Marshmallow Peeps, depicting scenes from their favorite books!

Family parties, socials, and dances:

Opening Social at Settler’s Park (September) DHSA’s annual “start of the school year” party—families connected with old friends and made new ones. We cooked hot dogs and shared desserts and sides while the kids played on the playgrounds, the splash pads, and the fields.

Family Dance in Meridian (October) Music and dance from across decades and genres gave families a chance to “cut a rug!”

Halloween Party at LHB Library (October) Halloween costumes, games, prizes, crafts, and treats!

Winter Party at the Eagle Library (January) We beat the winter blahs by having our own Winter Olympics, complete with Olympic inspired games, snowman crafts, snowflakes, and treats!

 

Family Dance (May) Another excuse to boogie down to our favorite tunes!

Closing Social at Guerber Park in Eagle (June) A nice way to mark the beginning of summer with friends and fun!

Couples’ Events:

The Man Feast (November) In most cases, it seems that moms run the homeschooling show—we began the Man Feast a couple of years ago, to give the guys a chance to be a part of the homeschool social scene! We started with a hearty “man friendly” dinner of brisket and chicken, followed by hilarious games and time to chat.

Couples’ Formal  “Prom” Dinner/Dance (April) Why should the kids have all the fun? A customized playlist, a spectacular dinner, dancing, and a cute kissing booth photo op were the order of the evening!

Mothers’  Meetings:

These meetings are a great way to bounce ideas and concerns off of each other, and develop friendships with other moms who understand the unique needs of a homeschooling family. With a theme to get us started each month, we shared ideas, triumphs, struggles, and made and strengthened friendships. These meetings are a blessing to be a part of and are at  the heart of DHSA’s mission statement to “share resources, activities, and learning opportunities that edify and uplift families in their homeschool endeavors.”

Using Technology in our homeschools (September)

Finding and Maintaining Balance (October)

Girls’ night at Café Ole (November)

Lunch and Gift Exchange (December)

Hot Chocolate, Warm Friendships (January)

Tell Me a Story: Sharing Favorite Books (March)

Homeschool Q&A (April)

Moms’ Night Out: Dinner and Movie (May)

Teen Events:

Our active and exciting teen group had lots of activities this year!

Bonfire and Treat roast

Halloween Party

Scripted Role play Mystery Party

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Game Nights

Mad Libs

Movie Night

Photo Scavenger Hunt

We have had a wonderful “school year” at DHSA and hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have! If you feel inspired to help DHSA continue in providing uplifting activities and learning opportunities, please join us at the election/volunteer meeting on June 14th (see notice in the Upcoming Events section above!) We would love your input and enthusiasm!