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Teaching At Home
Newsletter

October 29, 2007

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Teaching At Home


Hi Gang!

Wasn't the Pompeii exhibit awesome?  We really enjoyed it and enjoyed seeing so many of you.  Of course, we followed up at home with an interactive volcano which you can find here:  Interactive volcano.  We also checked out and read several books from the library as well as a video that we will probably watch today.  Here is what Lily Prince had to tell her Dad about the exhibit who was very intrigued by the amount of jewelry on display, especially the emerald necklaces:  She said, "Daddy, I even saw Emeril's necklace. It was gold and green!"  Yes....Food Network is their main source of entertainment.  Loved it!!!!

Ms. Vesta started teaching the yoga classes at park day last week.  The kids all loved it!!!  There were probably 15 kids that participated with the yoga.  I also wanted to remind everyone that has teens to please feel welcome to come to park day!!!  We had 9 teens at park day last week, and I am telling you that Dalton pesters me more than Dae does about going.  There is a walking track, a parking lot if they wanted to skateboard, a football field, a softball field, and tennis courts.  They have plenty to do and plenty of room to move around in. 

Speaking of teens, we had an awesome turn out for the teen/parent book club.  You can find more information about that here:  http://alabamahomeschooling.net/forum/.  We hung out at the Galleria food court, ate lunch, and then the teens walked around.  I lost count of the how many showed up, but it was a ton.  We also had Teen Scene Friday night.  We went to CiCi's Pizza in Homewood and then over the $1 movie in Hoover.  Parents and all, I would guess there was at least 50 of us.  Come join us!  We are having a blast.  You can check out Teen Scene here:  Teen Scene .  We also have a Teen Scene in Huntsville, and I would certainly be open to helping you start one in your area if you would like to do that.   
Last week, the group also attended the Life Cycles field trip at the Aldridge Gardens.  For those of you who did not get to attend, there will be another one on Nov. 16.  This field trip was really awesome.  I would highly encourage you to sign up for the next one.  See the picture above. 

I met with a lady on Tuesday about the year books.  They can provide us with a hard back 60 page year book for around $50.  I need to know if you are interested in this or not.  I have to have a minimum order of 50 books to go forward.  If I do not have enough interest, we will just scrap the whole project now, so please let me know!

 Please remember that all the new information or changed information is in BLUE!!!


I hope you enjoy your week Teaching At Home, and I hope to see you all soon!

Deb Spradlin

 
Homeschool Directory

Please contact me directly at everestacademy1@gmail.com if you would like to be included.  Please include your information in this order:  county, your name, area, contact information, children's year of birth, and any other information you would like added.  Please consider adding your information here!  This could be SUCH a great resource for you!


New Resources...


  • Good News in the Military: Homeschoolers Returned to Tier 1* Effective immediately, most homeschoolers enlisting in the military will be considered Tier 1*. HSLDA recently received this news from the Deputy Director of Accession Policy in the Pentagon, Captain Christopher Arendt, USN. The new directive states that homeschoolers who score a 50 or above on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) will automatically be placed in Tier 1. The change in policy is the result of a decision by the Department of Defense to conduct a new pilot program to review the attrition rates of homeschoolers. This pilot program is scheduled to last four years, during which time DoD will analyze the data and determine if a new long-term policy is warranted. Previously, due in large part to the efforts of HSLDA, the Department of Defense commissioned a similar five-year-study in 1998. This 1998 study also placed homeschoolers in Tier 1. However, when the Pentagon reviewed the study it appeared to show that homeschoolers had higher attrition rates than traditional high school graduates. HSLDA challenged the Pentagon's findings, claiming that many of the people identified as homeschooled were not actually genuine homeschoolers. The results from enlistees who were really high school dropouts skewed the results against legitimate homeschoolers. Our assessment of the original study showed that homeschoolers who scored 50 or above on the AFQT had a comparable or higher likelihood of completing their initial four years of service than their traditional high school graduate peers.  Although homeschoolers have been placed in Tier 2 for the past several years, we were able to convince Congress to give them “preferred” enlistment status so that homeschoolers scoring above a 50 on the AFQT could enlist without limitations. However, despite our best efforts, some homeschoolers did not always receive the same benefits they would have received if they had been Tier 1. We are excited that the Pentagon has taken this step to place homeschoolers back into Tier 1 where we believe they rightly belong. Until the new study is completed, Captain Arendt has assured us that he will work closely with us to resolve any problems.
  • The Homeschool Social Register - Get in touch with other homeschoolers in your area, anywhere in the world. Browse hundreds of links to homeschool support groups and other resources and recommend your favorite links.  Homeschool Wiki. This part of the Homeschool Social Register is written by its users, people like you and me. It's about cutting the red tape so that you can homeschool.  The Homeschool Social Register

  • November 5-9  McWane Science Center joins the American Chemical Society, as well as schools and science centers around the country in celebrating National Chemistry Week. McWane Science Center will offer hands-on activities and programs designed to communicate an understanding of the importance of chemistry to our quality of life.

  • Wings & Sandals - The timeless stories on video are beautifully rendered animations of mythical people and places. Learning mythology is reinforced with interactive games. There are even off-line activity suggestions for artistic endeavors.  http://www.wingedsandals.com/
  • Archiving Early America - Here at Archiving Early America, you will discover a wealth of resources — a unique array of primary source material from 18th Century America. Scenes and portraits from original newspapers, maps and writings come to life on your screen just as they appeared to this country's forebears more than two centuries ago.  http://www.earlyamerica.com/

  • United States Page Program - Thank you for your interest in the Senate Page Program. Senate Pages play an important role in the day-to-day operations of the Senate, while giving students the opportunity to witness firsthand the political process of the Senate and our nation’s “history in the making.”  Senate Pages must be sponsored by a Senator. Since there are only thirty page positions which serve the Senate’s one hundred Members, and because of the number of interested students, the selection process is competitive and slots are not always available. In general, Page positions are limited to US citizens who are juniors in high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. There are four Page sessions available – a fall session, spring session and two summer sessions. The information below, from the Senate Sergeant at Arms provides more detailed information and requirements about the Page program. http://stabenow.senate.gov/services/page.htm

  • Chunky Monkey's Cartoon Lessons - So, what would you like to learn to draw today?  Animals, birds, plants,  or perhaps even insects? Whatever it is, you've come to the right place. We even have on-line video cartoon lessons.  http://www.chunkymonkey.com/howto/drawinglessons.htm
  • The Alabama Legislature Page Program - The Alabama Legislature offers a unique opportunity for young people to participate in the legislative process through its Legislative Page Program. Pages are young men and ladies, ages 12-18, who assist each house of the Legislature during its sessions. Like so many other facets of the legislative process in Alabama, the use of Pages is a legacy of the British Parliamentary system. Pages have played an integral role in the Alabama Legislature since the early 19th Century. The duties of a Page are varied, but normally consist of assisting the Members of the House and Senate, and certain staff members, by performing errands on the floor of each house and during committee meetings. These errands usually include obtaining copies of bills, resolutions, amendments, substitutes and other official documents, as well as delivering messages to and from Members. Therefore, Pages are provided the rare privilege to work on the floor of the House or Senate, in the midst of legislative action. Both the House and Senate have a Page Coordinator, who supervise the work of the Pages employed in their respective body. In addition to being afforded the ability to play an active role in the legislative process, service as a Page allows the student to meet other young men and young ladies from around the state.  The Alabama Legislature Page Program
  • Birmingham Audobon Society - Conducts wildlife-related field trips and monthly meetings.  Details:  879-7709 or www.birminghamaudubon.org
  • Birmingham Independent Flag Football League - Football leauge plays Sunday afternoons, seven-man, noncontact.  spring and Fall leagues.  Details:  790-1404 or www.eteamz.com/bifl
  • Birmingham Track Club - Open to anyone interested in physical fitness through running.  Weekly runs.  Detals:  879-5344 or www.birminghamtrackclub.com

Dates to Remember...

  • Nov 1 - Peter & the Wolf at Children's Theatre 11:00
  • Nov 5 - Ellis Marsalis at Alys Stephens Center 10:00
  • Nov 9 & 23 - Adamsville Park Day I hope to see you all at Adamsville Park on Spring Street from noon until whenever!!!  Please do come!  Bring kids of all ages - our teens love to get together as well!  New for Park Day....Kids Yoga taught by Ms. Vesta Bidwell!!!!  Participation is OPTIONAL...but tons of fun!!!  Bring a mat or blanket to participate in the Yoga.  Thanks Ms. Vesta!!!
    •
  • Directions:
  • I-59 to Hwy 78/Arkadelphia Rd exit (#123) north.
  • Go approximately 9 miles to the Adamsville McDonald's and turn left
  • Go approximately 2 blocks to stop sign and stay straigt
  • Go approximately 2 blocks and come to area where you can go left or right - go right (left will take you over railroad tracks and is the wrong way)
  • Go approximately 2 blocks to stop sign - Go straight or left - either way will bring you into the park
  • Of Note:  If it is a bad weather day, we meet at Adamsville McDonald's!!!





Sign Up!!!...




Free Stuff....

  • Oct. 31 - Southern Ghosts at Homewood Library from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.  Join Alabama author Karen Zwiefel for spooky Southern ghost stories for 6th grade and up.
  • Oct 31 - Enclosing Sacred Places at Birmingham Public Library from 12:00 - 1:00.  Stories and traditions have long revolved around the places of the dead. Dr. Alan Brown will guide us on a journey into Alabama's countryside and into the origins of surrounding cemeteries with fences. Along the way, Dr. Brown will share some ghost stories from Alabama focusing on the consequences of entering a cemetery at night.
  • Nov 2 thru 4 - Foley Heritage Harbor Days 251-943-1200. www.foleycvb.com. Free. Foley Depot Park—Heritage exchange with another city in a different state and cultural festival with entertainment, food, crafters, art village, oyster shucker, boat builders, shrimp boat, net makers, living history area, antique car show. Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Nov 3 - Taste of Asia Fall Festival Not only will there be many varieties of cuisine from various Asian countries available to purchase, but there will also be a silent auction of Asian art and other fine items, Asian performers presenting traditional dances from various cultures, and tours to the proposed Chinese garden site (which is nearby) after a presentation and viewing of a model to be built to the Suzhou design. (A design team from the Suzhou Institute of Landscape Architectural Design in Suzhou, China, will be in Birmingham September 24-29 to design a classical Chinese Garden on a proposed 2.92 acre site at George Ward Park.)  The Chinese cultural highlight of the event will be an exhibition of reproductions of what have been designated "National Treasurers" by the Chinese government, 10-15 of the earliest known color photographs taken in China (in 1945) by an American Army doctor in Kunming, China. His son, Dr. Gregg Millett, will be present and will make two presentations on his father's work and the exhibitions of the originals in Kunming and Beijing (where the originals are now permanently on display). Included in the display will be several "then and now" pictures of people and places as they were in 1944-5 and again in 2004, and Mr. Millett's account of how this addition came about. (For a preview see www.greggmillett.com )  : Cedars Club 301 Green Springs Avenue South (two blocks east of I-65 at Green Springs Avenue exit) in Birmingham, AL from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Nov 3 - Wiregrass Museum of Art--Dates: Nov. 3, Dec. 1. Children and their families collaborate to create take-home art activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Nov 4 -  Jewish Food Festival from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  The Levite Jewish Community Center presents the 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival. Enjoy great food, music, crafts, and family entertainment!  You don't want to miss our 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival! If you haven't tried Jewish food before, then you're in for a treat! Our recipes have been passed down through generations and are the pride and joy of our volunteer chefs.  What could be better than an afternoon spent with friends enjoying wonderful home-cooked food and shopping early for a few holiday gifts? So, work up your appetite and grab a bunch of friends & family to join us! http://www.bhamjcc.org
  • Nov 4 -  Daphne A Celtic Celebration Daphne Civic Complex Plaza, 2605 Hwy. 98--Mithril will be this year’s headline, additional performers to be announced. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Please be sure to bring you own seating. Cancelled in case of rain. Sponsored by the City of Daphne. 2-5 p.m.
  • Nov 4 - Of Fire and the Forge: Vulcan, Vesuvius, and Tales from an Eruption at Vulcan Park at 2:00 p.m.  Lecture with Timothy B. Smith, Assistant Prof. of Art History, Birmingham-Southern College.  Join Dr. Smith as he explores the intriguing mythology and imagery of the Roman god Vulcan, including his ancient connections to volcanoes and the area of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
  • Nov 3 & 4 - St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Brookside was founded in 1894 by immigrants from Slovakia, Western Ukrain and Southern Poland. Traditional foods from recipies handed down for generations will be available in our bake shop and plate lunches served. Imported Russian souvenirs are available in the Beriozka Store. Ukrainian dancing Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Tour St. Nicholas church and view hand-written icons and much more.   St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 105 Park Avenue Brookside, AL 35036 10:00 - 5:00 
  • Nov 3 & 4 - Moss Rock Festival: Celebrating Nature, Open Spaces & Eco-Ideas through ART & DESIGN   10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.  http://www.MossRockFestival.com This unique AL festival featuring 5000 juried works of art with a nature focus; an outdoor design & installation competition; eco-friendly ideas, products & organizations; live music; kids' studios; geo-location game; guided hikes; eats & drinks; & more
  • Nov 5 - Dr. Ranaan Gissin, Senior Advisor to Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road Birmingham, AL 35223 from 11:30 - 1:00.  The Birmingham Jewish Federation is honored to have Dr. Raanan Gissin in our community, hosted by State of Israel Bonds. Dr. Raanan Gissin has become one of Israel's leading spokesman for the foreign press and the international community and will be speaking on global terrorism and the Iranian and radical Islamic threats. Today, Dr. Gissin is one of the leaders of the Startcom project with an objective to develop an effective communication strategy for Israel as well as other embattled democracies facing the challenges of public diplomacy in the "global village".
  • Nov 6 - Tech Tuesdays: Social Bookmarking at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  How often do you find a great website that you would like to share with friends, neighbors and family? Social bookmarking sites make it easier for you to share your sites and see what other people have found interesting. Come and learn and about these sites and how you can share your favorites. This program will be simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Library.
  • Nov 6 - Family Hiking and Camping at Whole Foods 280 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Come learn from a Mountain High Guide & the Fresh Air Family about the basics of Camping & Hiking with kids. Birmingham and surrounding mountains offer so many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts or just those interested in being fit and getting outside. Come learn about car camping, great local hikes, the pros and cons of hiking, gear, and more. All those that attend will receive a 15% off coupon at Mountain High to help you get out on the trail! http://www.wholefoods.com/stores/calendars/MBK.html
  • Nov 9 - Lights Up at the Summit The Summit officially begins the holiday season at 6:30pm. when Santa flips the switch and illuminates thousands of lights throughout The Summit. Enjoy music, refreshments and merriment, all capped with a Fireworks Finale. * Rain date is Saturday, November 10 at 6:30 pm. Free admission. 205-967-0111. www.thesummitonline.com.
  • Nov 10 - Farm City Activities Tour local dairy, poultry, beef, and catfish farms, as well as a cotton gin. Coordinated by the Lawrence County office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Nov 10 - Taqaseem: A Franco-Arabic Song and Poetry Recital featuring an evening of Arabic songs and poetry. The event is sponsored by The Society of Ibn Khaldun, the French Club at UAB and volunteers from the Birmingham community.  UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
  • Nov 13 - Tech Tuesdays: Where Are All My Photos at Birmingham Public Library at 6:30 p.m.  Have you ever wondered how to organize and store your digital photographs? This presentation will help you sort through the online options for storing, organizing, editing and sharing your photos. This program will be simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Library.
  • Nov 19 - Smith Lake Fine Arts Festival There will be an opening Dinner Friday 11.09.2007 at 8PM in the Lakeshore Restaurant to kick off the first Annual Festival. Events and Entertainment will be Sat/Sun with a full Sunday Brunch Buffet available at the Inn from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A special Children's exhibit of the ACSl Logo Contest and special 'on the lawn' short exhibits of local artist sat/sun flux hours. Interactive Pottery booth area where your child can learn how to make their own Fine Art Pottery! Fired saturday night to take home the next day or same day greenware. Hoping to have a visit from the regional Historical Indian Fine Arts (will be an anticipated surprise for all of us!) with tales of the regional treasure hunts! A truely new and unique Fine Arts Festival!Come and Enjoy!  http://www.freewebs.com/smithlakearts
  • Nov 21 - Thanks for 10 at Barnes & Noble at the Summit from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.   Ten Year Anniversary Celebration 6-8pm. Essay contest,"Best Memory at our Store or Biggest Decision Made at our Store. Grand prize $100 Barnes & Noble gift card. Deadline to enter is Nov 1st.
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Not Free but Worth Every Penny...


  • Through Jan. 6, 2008 - It's BIG...Really BIG...and it's coming to Anniston Museum!  A  T. REX named Sue, appearing exclusively at Anniston Museum of Natural History.  Never before in Alabama.  This tour was created by The Field Museum of Chicago and made possible through the generosity of McDonald's Corp.  For tour info or reservations, call Jennifer Smith @ 256-237-6766, or e-mail tourcoordinator@annistonmuseum.org
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  • Oct 31 - Bodyology at the Alabama Theater at 10:00 a.m. presented by Slim Goodbody, the costumed “health crusader” who appeared for years on Captain Kangaroo and PBS.  Bodyology is a show for children in grades K-4.  Bodyology uses music, movement, fanciful props, and a large rear screen projection unit to lead youngsters on an incredible journey within.  It provides an opportunity for audiences to understand how their bodies work, and inspires them to be the best they can be.  Tickets are $6.50 and you can book online at their website: www.slimgoodbody.com.
  • Nov 2 - Day of the Dead Festival from 3:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.  A one-day festival honoring the Mexican holiday known as el Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. The annual commemoration at Bare Hands Gallery combines community art installation and procession with remembrance, creativity, performance, music and food to highlight this rich cultural tradition yielding an exquisite downtown art and cultural event.  BARE HANDS GALLERY 109 R Arrington Jr Blvd South Birmingham, AL 35233   http://www.barehandsgallery.org $10 donation appreciated, not required
    ACTIVITIES:
    3 - 6 pm Children's Craft Area (paper flower making, mask painting and sugar skull decorating)
    5 pm - 12 am Music, Dance and Poetry on the performance stage
    8 pm Day of the Dead Procession (around the block the gallery is located on)
    5 pm - 12 am Altar Installation (individuals bring altars and memorabilia of their departed to install in the outdoor altar space)
  • Nov 2 thru 4 - Homestead Hollow Christmas in the Country in Springville from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Original works of fine art. One of a kind handmade and hand decorated crafts. Recreated pioneer village with demonstrations of candle making, blacksmithing, soap making, open hearth cooking, and more. Home of the only licensed, operating, moonshine still in the state of Alabama. Children's activities including, petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides and more. Live entertainment. Delicious food. Visit our General Store for some jams and jellies. Santa will be here to visit with the children.  http://www.homesteadhollow.com
  • Nov 3 & 4 -  Alabama Designer Craftsmen Fall Fine Craft Classic this weekend!! Birmingham Botanical Gardens 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Thirty one juried artists will be on display where you will find felters, woodworkers, potters, jewelers, fiber artists, glassmakers, and blacksmiths will be having the annual  show.  Door prizes will be awarded.  Come and see local Alabama artists and craftsmen.  Children $2.00, Adults $5.00
  • Nov 7 thru 10 - Fort Toulouse Pioneer Days in Wetumpka from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Re-enactment of Alabama's frontier days from French Colonial times to the early American period. Includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers.  This is the best historical reenactment I have been to!!!
  • Nov 17 - Midnight's Canvas at Robert R. Meyer Planetarium at Birmingham Southern at 2:00.  Cost $2 for adults; $1 for children
  • Nov 23 thru 25 - Salvation Army Coat Drive at McWane Center.  Bring a new or gently used coat to McWane and receive a free pass to Santa vs. The Snowman IMAX movie
  • Jan 14 & 15 - Disney Homeschool Days Are your homeschoolers ready to push their education to the next level, or simply needing a new out-of-the-box challenge? Disney Homeschool Days offer exciting programs that are sure to enhance and add a new level to your homeschool curriculum.

Links...

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Not A Member or Time to Renew?...
Well!  We can help you with that! What is Teaching At Home?  Teaching At Home is a resource group located in the Central Alabama area for those who desire to home educate their children.  You will receive a weekly newsletter FULL of quality resources and activities.  We would be happy to send you four free newsletters to see if this group will benefit you.  All subscriptions expire August 31 regardless to when joined.  There is no proration of fees. 

Fee  Schedule 
$25.00 - Through August 31, 2008.
$20.00 - Through August 31, 2008
FREE - Everest Academy Families

Stuff to Remember!!...
If you need to make payments for anything:

Mailing address:
Debbi Spradlin
1521 3rd St SE
Graysville, AL 35073

or

Paypal
everestacademy1@gmail.com
(no debit/credit cards)

I hope to see everybody soon!
Deb Spradlin
(205) 674-6030