Snow Ball
Young adults (late teens and older) are invited to a Young Adult English Country Dance Snow Ball on Saturday, February 18, 6:30-10:00pm at STUDIO FORTE in Maplewood at 2907 Sutton, St. Louis, MO 63143.
No experience necessary.  All the dances will be taught and called.  Invite friends from your church young adult groups, college and career groups, work, other homeschool graduates, etc.
$15 at the door.  Dressy casual.

HOMESCHOOL SWIM LESSONS
The Tesson Ferry YMCA is offering swim lessons on Wednesdays starting next week for seven weeks.  Fee is $76 for one child (nonmember) and $71 for sibling. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.  They do not have any registrations yet and said that they are offering this as families requested it but that if there is no participation, they may not offer these again.  Classes are 45 minutes long. 314.843.6703

HOUSING NEEDED FOR STUDENTS
Dear Homeschoolers,
We are looking for host homes for the Verity staff and students (www.verityinstitute.org) who will be conducting the Children’s Program for the Expo.  Here are the details:
An extra bedroom or two would be great but just some floor space will work too!  We will provide bedding if needed.  You do not have to provide meals  — they will be eating at the Expo.  The staff will be arriving late Thursday and leave early Friday morning, back Friday night and leave again Saturday morning.  Transportation will also be provided.  All we need is a place for them to sleep and get ready in the morning. You would be housing either girls or guys, not both.
We need housing for approximately 24 people.  If you have a friend or relative or perhaps a church that would be willing to help, we would appreciate if you could pass the request on!
Please contact: Marianne Brookman at mtbrookman-expo@yahoo.com   or Kerrie Tate at ktexpo@aol.com  if you could be a host home!
Thanks!
The Expo Board
www.stlhomeschoolexpo.com

Wild Bird Rehabilitation Needs Volunteers
Hello, I am a homeschool mother and receive the newsletter every month. I am also a volunteer at the Wild Bird RehabilitationCenter in Overland, MO. I was asked by the director to put the word out about our birds and to make others aware of a need we have. Every spring we have a huge influx of rescued birds. Many are babies rescued after falling out of nests or rescued from cats or dogs. Some of the birds are injured after having been hit by cars or flying into windows. We get all manner of songbirds (which are the only ones we can care for) and are usually overwhelmed with starlings. The director would like help with caring for the baby starlings, as these are very hardy birds, and we have an overpopulation of them anyway. She will make up booklet that explains how to care for a baby bird and then give the bird to homeschool families to take them home and raise them. The family can provide all the care and then release the birds when they are ready. It would be a wonderful learning experience for children, and Wild Bird Rehab will help and direct the care as needed. The director says that March is the month when our “season” of caring for the babies begins, and we are making you aware of this wonderful learning opportunity early so we can plan over the winter how to implement this. If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Bast at 314-839-1399 or mailto:carolynbast@sbcglobal.net

HOMESCHOOL ART
Chesterfield Arts has daytime homeschool Art classes available.
http://www.chesterfieldarts.org/class-schedule/homeschool

MOMS IN PRAYER
Please join us Wednesdays from 9-10AM at the Pillar Foundation on Clayton Road in the Lincoln Room (to the left when you enter the front door).
Bring your Bible and a pen and join us as we pray for our students, ourselves as teachers, and our home schooling experiences.
If you missed the Informational last week, please take a moment to review the “Moms In Prayer” Statement of Faith.  www.momsinprayer.org
There is also a 10 minute video clip that beautifully illustrates the prayer format we’ll be using.
There will be older students available to sit with younger children in the Pillar Library during the hour (and we will stick to one hour).
Lastly, this is not WCCHE exclusive, so invite your other homeschooling moms who might not otherwise know about this new group.  And we’ll see you Wednesday!

Shake Hands with Shakespeare
“KING LEAR”
Session Two: February 24 – March 30
Fridays 9:30-11:00am
78 Meadowbrook CC Estates, Ballwin
A six week interactive study of Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear”. Students read the play outloud each week and study the language, plot, characters and themes including elements of the Globe Theatre and Elizabethan culture.
Students conquer Shakespeare using the No Fear Shakespeare Series which includes the original language in all it’s beauty and a complete modern translation to help with interpretation.
Session one has just successfully completed the comedy “Twelfth Night” and most students are returning but there is space available in the upcoming session for 2 more students.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also Registering for:
Session Three – “JULIUS CAESAR”
April 6 – May 11
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>>Please note that there is limited seating in all sessions in order to allow each student the maximum amount of interaction and participation in reading the play.
To register and for tuition information: email heathersartin@yahoo.com

ACT PREP COURSE
Homelink math teacher, Mike Farley, is offering an ACT prep course this spring.  (This is not a Homelink class.)
Course format:  The course provides instruction for each of the four sections of the ACT exam: English, reading, mathematics, and science.  Students will work through the drills and practice exercises in the Barron’s ACT textbook to learn in the basic principles covered by the ACT exam in each area.  In addition to reviewing that basic knowledge, students will be taught the most common types and patterns of questions on the exam and helpful strategies for increasing speed and accuracy.  Each section’s basic principles will be applied by working through at least a portion of a practice ACT exam.
Textbook:  Barron’s ACT, 16th edition.  The course will use the version of the 16th edition without the CD-ROM.  Students should purchase the textbook on their own and bring it to class each week.
Course schedule, pricing, location:  The course will run for 7 weeks, meeting once per week for 1 hour 30 minutes, for a total of 10.5 hours of instruction.  Classes will meet from 12:30-2:00 pm on Wednesdays beginning February 29 through April 11.  (The April ACT test is April 14.)  Cost for the course is $200 per student, with a minimum of five students needed for the class.  Payment is due in full at the first class.  Class will meet at Crossroads Presbyterian Fellowship, 2640 Oakview Terrace, Maplewood 63143.
If you are interested in this ACT course, please contact Mike Farley at mifarley@sbcglobal.net

SHARE SPRING DANCE
Below is the info on the upcoming S.H.A.R.E. Spring Dance for the youth.  Present 8th graders are invited to this one too!!!  The registration form can be found at the SHARE public home page or the SHARE calendar (www.homeschool-life.com/mo/share).  This event is open to all homeschoolers in the area, so feel free to “share” the info!
Thanks!
Cathy
P.S. Parents, Pat will definitely need some volunteers for this dance as we will have to carry many things from one building to another…thanks!
HIGH SCHOOL SPRING DANCE…“Glow in the Dark”
We will be welcoming the upcoming freshman of 2012.
WHO IS INVITED:  Homeschooled highschool students (9th -12th grades) and their guests (who are also 9th-12th grade). But…. BIG NEWS!!!!  All students who will be freshman (9th grade) in the fall of 2012 are also invited!!!!  As we say “Good-bye” to the seniors, we want to say “Hello” to the upcoming freshmen!
You do not need to bring a date. Please come and enjoy the company of other homeschoolers.
WHEN:    Friday, March 9th 2012
TIME:     7:00p.m. – 11:00p.m.
WHERE:  St. Andrew’s Gym, 309 Hoffmeister, Lemay, MO  63123
WHAT TO WEAR: This dance is semi-formal. Girls: dresses, skirts, or dressy pants (nothing too short or low cut). Guys: slacks and dress shirts (ties not required).  NO blue jeans.
PRICE:  $15 per person. This includes appetizers, drinks, and music by DJ,Mark Chrun.
Advance registration is required. Deadline to register is March 7th. Please fill out the registration form and mail it with your check (payable to SHARE) to the address at the bottom of the form.
You may also drop off your registration at Homelink on Tuesday or Thursday.
Setup for the dance will be Friday, March 9th at 11:00am.  I will need some young men to setup the tables and chairs.  Please email or call if you can help with set-up.
Attention Parents!!!  We need help with this dance!  If you would like to chaperone, help serve food and drinks or can stay for clean-up, please let me know.  Also, I need 3 or 4 moms to help in the kitchen from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Parents, this dance will be well chaperoned and the DJ will select appropriate popular music. If anyone leaves the dance before it is over, they will not be permitted to re-enter.
Questions?  Please call Pat Zink, Cell#  314-540-2957  or email  pzink463@charter.net
=============================================
Please review the General Dance Guidelines:
>If anyone leaves the dance before it is over, they will not be permitted to re-enter.
>If you have forgotten something from your car, no problem.  We have two Dads at the door and one of them will be happy to escort you to your car.
>Any questions or problems that may occur should be brought to the attention of one of the chaperones immediately.
>No suggestive dancing allowed and we ask that there be “proper space” between 2 people at all times while slow dancing.
Dress Code:
Many teens are asking, what to wear.  Is my dress too short?  Do I need a tie?  So here are the guidelines. Unlike the prom, this dance is semi-formal.
Girls – dresses, skirts, or dressy pants
Select an outfit that is not suggestive.  Please make sure that it is not too short or low cut in either the back or front. Dresses should be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee (A pair of gym shorts will be available for any young lady who arrives in a dress that is too short so please don’t wear a dress that is 4 and 5 inches above your knee.  Seeing your thighs is not acceptable.)
Guys – dress slacks and dress shirts (Ties and jackets are not required; however, many young men wear them.)
Youth Code of Conduct:
All youth will be held responsible for their actions and shall conduct themselves appropriately, showing regards for the established authority and rights and welfare of others.
1. We ask that all youth seek excellence, be honest, use clean speech and be courteous and kind to both adults and other youth.
2. Guest are always welcome, but they must also follow our rules and you are responsible for them and their behavior.
3.  Any individual found with possession of any type of firearm, knife, tobacco, alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the premises immediately and be considered for dismissal from all future events.  Parents will also be contacted.  (Note:  We have NEVER had any kind of incident along these lines.)
4.  Appropriate language must be used at all times.  No foul words will be tolerated!
5.  We want our youth to socialize and develop healthy godly relationships with each other. So with that said, no public display of affection is allowed (holding hands, kissing, “making out”… you get the point).
Thank you for understanding and complying with these guidelines!
Pat Zink

KICKBALL
Kids and Kickball is still growing and trying to get better. Come grow with us. New locations and back for the spring, summer and fall. We’re providing new Jerseys with matching team colored socks. If interested feel free to visit www.leaguelineup.com/kidsandkickball  We’re hoping to improve on all imperfections from the previous year and make 2012 wonderful for all. If we don’t see you this Spring hopefully we see you in the summer, otherwise enjoy you 2012 and please get your kids involved in something productive this year.

OPERA OPPORTUNITY
I would like to invite you to a school showing of UMSL Opera Theatre’s production of Donizetti’s Elixir of Love. Elixir of Love is a wonderfully accessible operatic work, of great musical and comedic wealth. Our staged production will be presented in English. I have attached a synopsis of the opera below.
I am currently reserving slots for our morning run, held Thursday February 23, 2012 10am -12:30pm at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, in the Lee Theater.  To reserve a slot kindly send an email to markous@umsl.edu with the number of people attending. This show is appropriate for ages 10 and above. I would be delighted if you could join us and look forward to hearing from you!
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Dr. Stella Markou, Director of Vocal Studies
University of Missouri-St. Louis, 317 Music Building, One University Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121
Office:  314.516.5947
www.stellamarkou.com
Program
Characters
Adina, A capricious, land owning peasant
Nemorino, A simple peasant in love with Adina
Belcore, A sergeant
Doctor Dulcamara, A traveling salesman and physician of all arts
Giannetta, A peasant girl
Peasants, soldiers, and a notary
Synopsis ACT I
In a small Italian village, Adina, Gianetta and friends take an opportunity to rest from their daily labors. Nemorino, madly in love with Adina laments his impoverished state. Adina’s friends implore her to read them a story, which turns out to be the love story of Sir Tristan and Isolda. Through the means of a magic potion, Tristan is able to win his beloved’s heart. As Adina finishes the story, the handsome Sergeant Belcore swaggers into the village and asks for her hand in marriage. Adina says she will think about his offer. When left alone with Adina, Nemorino declares his love for her. Adina tells him he would be better off spending his time tending to his ailing uncle than pining over her, for she is fickle as a breeze.
The traveling salesman Dr. Dulcamara enters the village proclaiming the extraordinary virtues of his medicinal patents. In the name of “benefiting humanity” Dulcamara offers the villagers unbeatably inexpensive prices for his elixirs.  Nemorino asks Dulcamara if he sells the elixir of love described in Adina’s book. Swindling Nemorino from his last cent, Dulcamara declares he does, but instead gives him a bottle of Bordeaux. Nemorino hastens to drink the elixir. Adina enters to find him acting very strangely. Nemorino, now convinced of winning Adina’s love, pretends to be indifferent towards her.  Adina punishes Nemorino by flirting with Belcore, who, informed that he must return to his garrison, persuades Adina to marry him at once. Nemorino is horrified by this news, and implores Adina to wait one more day.  Adina ignores Nemorino’s supplications and invites the entire village to her wedding banquet. Nemorino watches in grief, calling out in vain for Dulcamara’s help.
Intermission
Act II.
At the wedding banquet, Dulcamara feasts and sits with the bridal couple. The doctor suggests that he and Adina entertain the guests by singing a barcarole about a gondoliera and her wealthy suitor. When the duet ends, Adina goes off with Belcore to sign the marriage contract. Dulcamara remains at the banquet and is found by Nemorino who begs him for another bottle of his elixir. Since Nemorino has no money, his pleas are rejected. Belcore returns, annoyed that Adina has postponed their wedding until nightfall.  He sees Nemorino and asks him why he is looking so despondent. Nemorino explains that he is penniless. Belcore persuades Nemorino to join the army in order to receive a bonus. Nemorino agrees to his offers, as a means of buying more elixir. Belcore believes he has successfully gotten rid of his rival.
Gianetta informs her friends that Nemorino’s uncle has died and willed him a very large fortune. Nemorino, tipsy from the purchases of more elixir, is besieged by the attention of the village girls. Unaware of his newfound wealth, Nemorino believes that Dulcamara’s elixir has finally taken effect. Adina and Dulcamara arrive in time to see girls fighting over Nemorino’s affections. Adina is furious that Nemorino has sold his freedom to Belcore, and is doubly furious to see his increased popularity. Hoping to take advantage of the situation, Dulcamara claims that Nemorino’s new status is due to his magic potions. Adina replies to Dulcamara that she will win Nemorino back, through her own charms. Nemorino reenters and is taken aback when he sees a tear on Adina’s cheek. Adina declares that she loves Nemorino and that she has bought back his enlistment papers.
Belcore enters to find Adina and Nemorino are happily together. Declaring that there are more fish in the sea, Belcore begrudgingly accepts that his rival has won. Dulcamara attributes Nemorino’s happiness and inheritance to the power of his elixirs. The villagers thank Dulcamara and bid him goodbye.

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

PERRY AKIN – GUEST SPEAKER
SHARE’s Monthly Support Group Meeting is Thursday, February 16, 2012
Please join us as we welcome our guest speaker:  Perry Akin
“Perry is the second born of six children to Congressman Todd  Akin and his wife, Lulli. He was homeschooled through high-school and attended the US Naval Academy where he graduated with Bachelors of Science in Systems Engineering. He was commissioned as an officer in US Marine Corps and became a Combat Engineer. Throughout his five and a half years as an officer he made two deployments to the Middle East. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 2008. In 2010, he graduated with High Honors from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). He then joined John Deere where he worked in the Treasury Department and then the Marketing Group for their Construction and Forestry Division.  Perry is married to Amanda (who was also homeschooled) and they have five boys, the oldest two they home school.”
Perry (and maybe Amanda too) will give insight as to what their homeschooling experience was like and how they are enjoying the same journey with their own children.  There will also be a Question and Answer period too.  Whether you are just starting the journey or have been homeschooling for a long time, Perry will be able to answer all of your questions!
WHEN:  Thursday, February 16, 2012
WHERE:  St. Andrew Catholic Church, 309 Hoffmeister,  St. Louis, MO 63125  (drive around back to access parking)
TIME:  7:00 p.m.

MHM HOMESCHOOL DAY
MHM Homeschool Days are completely free! All activities will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can spend as much or as little time with us as you’d like. Families interested in participating are kindly requested to RSVP. Advance registrations allow us to make sure we have enough activity materials for everyone.
Monday, February 20 2012 at 10:00 am
Mammoths & Mastodons (Registration Required)

HOMESCHOOL ART EXHIBITION
The Potter’s Clay Fine Art Program and The Family Vision Library invite all home school students to participate in our Mid-Winter Art Exhibition Friday, February 24 at 7:00 PM
This is an open exhibit without any specific theme.  You are free to submit up to three pieces for exhibition.
Here are the details:
Entry fee: Payable to The Family Vision Library , which is $10/student for up to 3 pieces of art
All work must be framed, each piece must have the students name, age, title of work, and the medium.
The library patrons have really enjoyed seeing the artwork up and this is a great way to minister to the community! Once again, we will have an opening night with ribbons and maybe even a skit. If you would like to bring a snack, please let Gina McAndrews know her email is: gina_mcandrews@yahoo.com. This exhibit is open to all home schoolers!
We are looking forward to another great opening.  Call today to sign up to exhibit your work.
The Family Vision
2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376
636-447-6900
www.thefamilyvision.org

International Festival
On Sunday, Feb. 26, the Maryland Heights Centre will be filled with the sounds, sights and smells of world cultures at the 11th annual Celebrate the World International Festival. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., and admission and parking are free.
The event kicks off with the “Parade of Nations” opening ceremony led by local scout troops and representatives of various countries. Two stages – the International Stage and Unity Stage – will feature live music and dance from around the globe from 12 to 5 p.m. This year’s festival features a number of new performers, including hip hop dancer Ashley L. Tate, steel drummer Nigel Thomas, Lotus Art Studio, Master Xing Xue of St. Louis Kung Fu Arts, flamenco guitarist Gabie McGarrah and Irish musicians Ian Walsh and Kevin Buckley.
Several artists will be on hand to share demonstrations of their crafts. Heather Woodson of Ceramic Sculpture will demonstrate how a potter’s wheel works, while Linda Evans will lead audience members through Hawaiian and Polynesian dances. Rounding out the roster are Mildred Rias (African-American crafts) and Seema Shintre (henna painting).
Once again, the festival will offer an international marketplace, where vendors from a number of different nations will be selling jewelry, crafts, artwork and other original items. A display of Japanese artifacts, sponsored by Pat Petty of Electro Savings Credit Union, will be located in the lobby. And of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without the delectable culinary delights of the “Tastes of the World” food court.
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital, Pattonville Early Childhood PTO, the Saint Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis County Library will host special activities for youngsters and their parents in the World Encounters children’s area. Festival sponsors include the Maryland Heights Cultural Arts Commission, the City of Maryland Heights and Edward Jones.

ART CLASS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Daysprings School of Arts Crestwood branch is trying to start a new art class for homeschoolers. Below is their description of the class. The class will meet on Friday mornings, 10:15 to 11:30. They are moving from Crestwood Plaza to 4646 S. Lindberg Blvd (just a mile down the street to the corner of Sappington and Lindberg) starting March 2. If anyone is interested, they should contact Vanessa Waggoner at Daysprings (vanessawaggoner@dayspringarts.org).
“Art Techniques – Ages 9& Up (15) A structured class for the slightly older child, teaching units in drawing, and three-dimensional art. The students will see their skill level and confidence grow by sticking with one medium over several weeks and being taught how to explore what they can do. An exhibition of their favorite work will be mounted at the end of each unit.”

WCCHE Used Curriculum Sale
Monday, March 19^th; 6:00- 9:00 P.M.
Pillar Foundation, 15820 Clayton Rd. in Ellisville
Open to all homeschool buyers. Must be WCCHE member to sell.

FEE FREE NATIONAL PARK DAYS
The National Park Service will be offering fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.
Mark your calendar for these fee-free dates in 2012:
April 21-29, National Park Week
June 9, Get Outdoors Day
September 29, National Public Lands Day
November 10-12, Veterans Day weekend
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/columns/steals-and-deals/free-entrance-days-in-the-national-parks/article_e2f2b482-3d1e-11e1-bdeb-0019bb30f31a.html#ixzz1jaMT2WIJ

Effective Parenting in a Defective World
Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28
Join us Friday, April 27, from 6:30–9:00 P.M., and Saturday, April 28, 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., for “Effective Parenting in a Defective World.” This Walk Through the Bible video and live presentation is based on Chip Ingram’s popular parenting teaching.   Cost is $45.00 per couple and includes a workbook.  This presentation is what parents need to get a Biblical handle on parenting in today’s world.  Registration ends April 17.
The Family Vision Library
2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO 633376
636-447-6900
www.thefamilyvision.org

FRW ESSAY CONTEST
Are your students looking for a scholarship essay contest to participate in this Spring?  The Federated Republican Women’s Club of St. Louis is hosting its first annual essay contest for female high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores living in the St. Louis area.  This year’s topic is economic freedom.  The prize will be a $500 scholarship towards the student’s college tuition or for use at the college bookstore.  Submissions must be received by May 1 and the prize will be awarded at a FRW meeting on May 22.
The official rules and application can be found here.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Elise Kostial
Chair, Youth Outreach Committee
Federated Republican Women’s Club of St. Louis
(636) 230-7612

MARTIAL ARTS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
St Louis Kali – Silat Martial Arts
http://www.stlouiskalisilat.com/index.html
Meets at: Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation
5200 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury, MO 63119
Contact Information:
314-397-7054  slkalisilat@earthlink.net
You can pay by class $10 or $35 or $50 per month (depends if you want one or two per week)
This is an exceptional opportunity because he teaches several complex (but makes it fun) styles.  If you click on Martial Arts Taught, there is a list of the four types.
The first class is free.  Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30pm once or twice weekly…or on a drop in basis.  He would appreciate us sharing this with other homeschool families we may know who would be interested.
Here is his bio:
Mr. U. Fuentes R. is the founder of the St Louis Kali – Silat Martial Arts school.  He has studied and explored the martial arts for 28 years. He holds the rank of full instructor (level 15, 6th degree black belt) under Guro Bruce Ogle of the Indiana Kali-Silat Association in Indianapolis.  Mr. Fuentes R. also holds a black belt in traditional Tae Kwon Do under master Stephen McCall in Springfield, OH, red belt (2nd gup) in Olympic Tae Kwon Do under master Eddy Brochin in Indianapolis, and has 20 years of experience in kick-boxing.  He has traveled to The Far East to explore and train Martial Arts.
Mr. Fuentes R. has practiced and attended JKD training seminars for the past 20 years, taught by leading experts in this powerful system.  He has a solid understanding of Jeet Kune Do Concepts, an integral part of his teachings.  He also holds intermediate level ranks in Jun Fan Gung Fu and Filipino Martial Arts under Sifu, Guro Jeff  Westfall of the Rising Phoenix Martial Arts in Evansville, IN.

HOMESCHOOL EXPO
Greetings Homeschoolers!
Just a friendly reminder about some deadlines that are coming up THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2012.
1.  SPECIAL PRE-REGISTRATION INCENTIVES:
>>If you pre-register “extra-early,” by February 14th, your family’s name will be placed in a drawing for one of six prizes consisting of three $100 “Expo Cash” certificates and three $50.00 “Expo Cash” certificates, redeemable at the exhibitors of your choice at this 2012 expo.
>>If you pre-register “early,” by February 29th, your family’s name will be placed in a drawing for six $50.00 “Expo Cash” certificates, redeemable at the exhibitor of your choice at this 2012 Expo.
If you are a winner, you can pick up your Expo Cash on Friday morning at the main registration table. (Only one entry per family)
2.  SPECIAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAM REGISTRATION INCENTIVE:
Register by Feb 14th for a chance to win $50 in “Expo Cash”. (Vouchers good anywhere at the Expo.) Four registrations will be drawn.  Note:  You cannot register for the Children’s Program online…it is a print n’ mail form only, so plan accordingly if you want a chance to win!
If you plan on attending, why wait?
You have a good chance of winning Expo Cash if you register now!!!
3.  VARIETY SHOW REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
If you are interested in your group or act auditioning for the Variety Show, please fill out the registration form on the Expo Website. Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 14th at midnight. Registrations submitted after that date will not be accepted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>GO TO WWW.STLHOMESCHOOLEXPO.COM TO REGISTER FOR THE EXPO, PRINT OUT A CHILDREN’S PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM, OR REGISTER FOR THE VARIETY SHOW.
>ALL OF THE SPEAKER INFO SHOULD BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE BY MONDAY EVENING.
>BE SURE TO “LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK.  LOOK FOR “GREATER ST. LOUIS AREA HOME EDUCATORS EXPO”
>>>>>>ONLY SIX WEEKS TILL THE EXPO!!!!<<<<<<
Thank you!
The Expo Board

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

 

Hello Missouri and Illinois Home Educators!

Things are in full swing for the 2012 Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo!

Make sure you check the website often for updates on speakers, exhibitors, and that much anticipated schedule!  We have a great Expo planned for you this year – you will not want to miss it!

All registration forms are now available on the website –

*Main Registration - Both online and print n’ mail—all at the same low price!

*Children’s Program - Registration is only by print n’ mail this year, and spots will fill up fast!

*Film Camp for Youth – Something new this year! Practical filmmaking skills through hands-on experience and information packed sessions brought to you by Crystal Creek Media.  See below for more details.   Go to the website page to register.

*Leaders’ Fellowship – Because homeschool leaders are the backbone of support for homeschooling families, the Expo Board would like to once again offer a special time of encouragement at the 2012 Expo!  Jane Lambert will be speaking and light refreshments will be served. Stay tuned for more details.

Here are some more highlights you will want to know about:

1.  Same low registration price.  We are thankful that we can keep the registration price the same as in past years – only $10 per person.   After all expenses last year, we were blessed to be able to give away $3,000 in Expo cash to attendees, and provide generous donations to both Sparrows Nest Ministry and Burkina Faso Outreach.  We have also adopted a child through Burkina Faso outreach – (an ongoing support of a family who will receive food supplies and spiritual food – the gospel)   Additionally,we made a donation to Kerry Messer of Missouri Family Network, our homeschool lobbyist in Jefferson City.  The Lord is truly multiplying your $10!

2. Early Registration drawings!  See website for details – sign up by Feb 14th to get in on the early bird drawings!

3. Featured Speakers – We have a great line-up of speakers this year:

*Steve and Jane Lambert  – Authors of the best-selling “Five in a Row” curriculum and homeschool parents and grandparents    www.fiarhq.com

*Linda Lacour Hobar – Author of the award-winning “The Mystery of History” curriculum and homeschool mom of five    www.themysteryofhistory.info

*Dr. Jason Lisle, PhD – Astrophysicist, author, speaker,researcher and Planetarium Director for the Creation Museum   www.creation.com/dr-jason-lisle

*Heather Laurie – Founder of “Special Needs Homeschooling” blog and homeschool mom of  special needs children.  Her blog was just honored as a TOP 100 HOMESCHOOL BLOG AWARD recipient by TeacherCertificationDegrees.com.    www.specialneedshomeschooling.com

In addition, there will be many informative, encouraging seminar speakers covering all of those topics YOU requested.

Check out the website for speaker bios and descriptions of the sessions!

4.  NEW this year! Youth Film Camp - Join filmmakers Daniel Knudsen (Director of CREED OF GOLD),Philip Bolzman (Writer & Director of Photography for BEYOND ACCEPTANCE), and Andrew Bolzman (Producer of BEYOND ACCEPTANCE) for an exciting weekend of learning how to make movies!  Do not wait to sign up for the amazing camp – only $39 for two full days of sessions that include take-home materials. Spaces will fill up quickly!

Note:  If you register your teen for Film Camp, you do not have to include them in your registration for the Expo.

5.  Children’s Program – You can shop, attend sessions and fellowship while your children are learning and having fun in the same building! The students and staff of Verity Institute will once again coordinate the program, with special guest appearances by Expo speakers and others. The theme for this year is “The Masterwork of God: The Work of God in Me!”  The children will learn God’s Word and character qualities in unforgettable ways – using stories, songs, lessons, crafts and more!

6. Exhibitors - Checkout the website to see our long list of exhibitors.  The spacious church facility will again be filled with booths containing a wide variety of curriculum and products.  Don’t forget to bring the checkbook!

Check the website often and be sure to let us know if you have any questions. Watch for an update on the Variety Show, too!

See you at the Expo!!

The Expo Board
www.stlhomeschoolexpo.com

GONE FISHIN’
New St. Louis County Parks Gone Fishin’ 2012 Activity Guide is available now.  Please click the link below or copy it and paste into your browser to access the document:
http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/gf.pdf

The Hi-Pointe Theatre continues its celebration of their 90th year this week.
Romantic Favorite AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER will be shown
Saturday, February 11th, 10:30am
1005 McCausland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63117
We hope you can be a part of the happy festivities.

Classical Conversations Informational Meeting
Believe it or not but it is already time to start planning for the Fall.
Classical Conversations of St. Louis is growing quickly and open registration is underway.  Come grab a cup of coffee and find out what all the buzz is about at our upcoming information meetings.
Classical Conversations combines a biblical worldview and classical tools for teaching students from 4yo through high school.
http://www.classicalconversations.com/
February Info Meetings:
>Eureka Campus (Foundations and Essentials, 4 yo through age 11)
Thursday evening, February 16
RSVP for a location and time.
Contact Melanie Carter eurekamocc@gmail.com
>South City Campus (Foundations and Essentials, 4 yo through age 11)
Thursday evening, February 23
St. Louis Bread Company, Carondolet
RSVP for time
Contact Vicki Jensen home@thejensens.org
Other campus in the area:
Chesterfield contact Colleen Grunwald
Foundations, Essentials, Challenge
Maplewood contact Susan Peck
Foundations, Essentials, Challenge A & B
Lake St. Louis contact : Angela Lockett
Foundations, Essentials, Challenge
O’Fallon, MO contact: Angela Lockett
Foundations, Essentials

DaySpring Academy Open House
The Best of Traditional School and Home School
February 20th -22nd
Monday & Tuesday anytime between 9am to 2:30pm Come Observe Classes in Action
Tuesday 7pm Information Open House – Time when you can ask questions, talk with other parents, teachers and staff, look over curriculum, get an explanation of the application process…
>University Model Education
Students attend classes with peers and a classroom teacher twice a week with an optional third day of electives, then work at home the other days with their parents supervising and/ or teaching
>Preschool through High School
>Many optional electives throughout the week
>Challenging curriculum with an investigative approach to learning
>Paradigm of professional teachers working in conjunction with parents
>Great deal of teacher-to-parent communication
If you plan on coming to class or the meeting, please RSVP to the DaySpring office (contact info below).
2608 Metro Blvd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
314-291-8878
www.dayspringarts.org

EntrepreLaunch
If you want to get a good ground floor understanding of entrepreneurship this 7 session program is what you have been looking for.  Please visit here for more information.
Starting Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Family Vision is pleased to announce EntrepreLaunch, a new program designed to help young men and women develop the entrepreneurial spirit and skills. We desire to help train and launch young entrepreneurs into the business world.
EntrepreLaunch is for young people ages 16-20, who want to learn entrepreneurial business skills. Participants should have a business idea which they would like to develop (this is recommended for getting the most out of the instruction, but is not required).
EntrepreLaunch will contain seven two-hour training sessions, each covering a basic area of business development.  These sessions will feature professionals and entrepreneurs, who will teach participants how to navigate the process of starting and running a business.
I look forward to sharing this great new program with your young people.
Yours in Christ, John Thrower
The Family Vision, 2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO  63376
636-447-6900
www.TheFamilyVision.org
Faithfully Equipping Generations

The Patriette Lights Girls’ Volleyball Clinic
Beginning February 24^th, 5th Grade and Up
2:00-4:30 pm on Fridays
At the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon, MO 63368
2 miles West of Chesterfield on 40
USA Volleyball Certified Coaches
Beginners and Experienced Players Welcome
Log Gym Hours
Basic Skills Training, Fun Games, and Scrimmages
Cost $80 for first person, $60 for additional family members
To sign up fill out the application and mail with your check to:
Patty Yager, 2 Clydesdale Ct., St. Charles, MO 63304
(314) 566-3667  or  10yagers@att.net

Mario Kart Wii Tournament and Ping Pong Tournament
Saturday, February 25^th; 7pm-10pm
Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh Boulevard
Advance Registration Fees:
$5.00 for 1 Tournament–Mario Kart OR Ping Pong
$8.00 if you want to do both Mario Kart and Ping Pong
Early registration fee applies only to those fees received by or on February 19th
A LATE FEE of $2.00 is applied to all registration fees received after February 19th
Event registration and sign in will begin at 6:15pm Saturday, Feb 25th
Please fill out registration form (found here) and send with check payable to CM Back Row Ministries
All proceeds go to Back Row Ministries 2012 Out Reach Events!!
Please mail registration form (found here) and fee to:
Sarah Kempf, 5230 Arrow Ridge Pl., Imperial, MO 63052
Baked goods, chips, candy, soda and water available for purchase that evening.

Beginner Guitar Class in Kirkwood – My Music Room
Intro to Guitar: For the complete beginner. In this class you will learn how to hold the guitar, basic chords, simple strumming techniques, and tuning. By the end of the session, you will have a small repertoire of tunes, and several chords under your belt. You’ll be able to accompany a variety of vocal songs.
Prerequisite: None
Tuition: $150 for 8 sessions
(Enrollment and Payment for the class session is due at the beginning of the class)
Thursdays, March 8th – April 26th 10:00-11:00am and 7:00-8:00pm
(Must have at least 3 students)
To Enroll call 314-313-6094
Robin Lopate  www.mymusic-room.com

6th ANNUAL SHARE HOMESCHOOL ART SHOW
GRADES K-12 – May 1, 2012
The 6th annual SHARE Homeschool Art Show is a fun opportunity for young artists to see their work on display, view others’ artwork, and enjoy fellowship time with others who love art.  Ribbons will be awarded to place winners in each grade category (including separate categories for photography) and participant ribbons will also be given.
This contest is open to all homeschooled students, Kindergarten – 12th grade. We encourage students of all ages to submit pieces.  Let’s make this SHARE Art Show another great one!
Artwork will be judged twice.  First, privately before the Show begins.  All award ribbons will be held until the awards ceremony, so as not to influence the Children’s Choice awards.  The second judging will be “Children’s Choice:” students who have submitted artwork will vote on the pieces they like the best, and the winner in each category will receive a special ribbon.  All awards will be announced after everyone has had a chance to view the artwork.
IMPORTANT DATES
-Friday April 13           Registration deadline (to allow us time to order ribbons)
-Friday, April 27          Deadline for project drop-off  (see drop-off contacts below)
-Tuesday, May 1          Viewing 6:00-7:00 p.m.;  Announcement of winners 7:00 p.m.
ART SHOW LOCATION
Bayless Baptist Church, 8512 Morganford, St. Louis, MO  63123
PROJECT DROP-OFF
(PLEASE protect your artwork with a plastic bag or other container.  If your artwork is fragile, you may drop it off between noon and 3 p.m. on Monday, April 30 at Bayless Baptist Church. )
You may bring your art project to any SHARE event OR to Homelink before April 27 or you may drop it off at one of these locations:
Cathy Mullins’ home, 3675 Montana, 63116.
(Montana Street is west of Grand Ave., between Meramac St. and Chippewa.)
It may be helpful to contact Cathy before you drop off:  314-769-7965 or Ekcjmullins@aol.com
or
Rebekah Matt’s home, 165 Chatwood Terrace
(in Crestwood, one block south of the intersection of Sappington and Big Bend)
Please contact Rebekah before you drop off:  314-984-9173 or rmatt6@att.net
GUIDELINES
1)  The pieces must be the original work of the homeschooled student. Up to 2 submissions per student.
2)  The winning pieces will receive ribbons before the event, to be awarded at the close of the evening.  During the show, special “Children’s Choice” ballots will be give to all children who have submitted artwork, and those winners will also receive a special ribbon.
3)   The pieces can be two dimensional or three dimensional..  Pieces do not have to be framed, but a simple cardboard mat can make any artwork look great!  PLEASE, for display purposes, keep artwork as lightweight as possible; if the piece is in a heavy frame or under glass, please attach adequate hanging wires or supply an easel.
4)  Artwork must not exceed 24 x 36 inches.
5)  Each piece must have the SHARE ART FORM attached to the back of it.
Located on bottom half of registration form.)  New this year:  Photography entries have a new, separate form.  Please use this form for photography only!
>>>Forms can be downloaded from the SHARE website: www.homeschool-life.com/mo/share  Just click on “Art Show 2012″ or on the May 1st calendar date.

4-H Beginning and Intermediate Horsemanship Clinics
Team Miller and the Dreamcatchers 4-H Club are offering a variety of courses to introduce riders to the basic techniques and theory involved in caring for, training, and riding horses. During these courses, students will have the opportunity to learn how to train and ride horses. They will be taught basic safety in both working on the ground with their horse and when mounted. They will be introduced to theory which will cover horse anatomy, parts of tack, and basic management practices. Students will also learn exercises which will prepare them to ride with a balanced seat.
Sessions are limited to students age eight and over. These students are divided into groups based on knowledge and capability so that each student gets a maximum amount of personalized instruction. These groups rotate through ground stations, theory stations and riding stations at each meeting. Upon completion of the Beginning course, students should be able to safely lead, groom, mount, dismount, and control their horse while riding in an arena. They will also be familiar with the parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle, and have a basic understanding of the management practices involved in owning and caring for a horse.
Students who participate in the Intermediate courses will continue on from the foundation established in the Beginner Clinics and continue to work on improving their seat and control, while learning more advanced forms of ground training.
Students who have horses of their own, or who have participated in our Beginner clinics may enroll in our new Intermediate Clinics. Intermediate students may even bring their own horse.
All students will be enrolled in 4-H as a part of participating in the course. This will enable them to access any of the 4-H materials needed to continue their study in horsemanship.
Our family enjoys participating in the many programs that 4-H offers, and we use their materials to supplement our home school curriculum. We are hoping that by providing these clinics we can introduce your children to the joy of working with horses and encourage more families to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities 4-H offers.
Our farm is located off Highway 30 near Cedar Hill, Missouri, about 30 minutes from Eureka.
2012 Spring and Early Summer Clinic Schedule:
April 9-13 ( Monday through Friday from 4:00-6:00 p.m.) BEGINNER
April 18-19 (Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00-8:00 p.m.) INTERMEDIATE
May 11-12 (Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30-4:30 p.m.) BEGINNER
May 21-25 (Monday through Friday from 10:00-12:00 p.m.) BEGINNER
June 1-2 (Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00-4:00 p.m.) INTERMEDIATE
June 4-8 (Monday through Friday from 10:00-12:00 p.m.) BEGINNER
June 25-29 (Monday through Friday from 10:00-12 p.m.) BEGINNER
Cost: $100.00 (20% discount for siblings OR children already enrolled in 4-H)
For more information, please e-mail Wendy Miller at JessexCrew@aol.com, or call 314-341-5300

Physical Fitness 101 – Ages 7 to 15
Physical fitness for homeschooled students and parents
This four-week class offer structured physical activities that will give children the building blocks for proper fitness development, and they will have fun doing it!  Activities are age-appropriate.  Parents may also sign up for a boot-camp style class and make getting physically fit a family affair.
Wednesdays, 1-2 pm, beginning April 11th at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC)
Child only registration: $20 ($23 for non-members) / Parent and child registration: $30 ($34 for non-members)
For more information, conact Ty Joyce at 636-734-8122, or contact the RSC at 636-474-2REC to register.

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE
There will be an English Country Dance fund-raiser for Lutherans for Life that Bryan and Elizabeth Stearns will be calling on Saturday, February 11, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.  The location will be the school gym of Zion Lutheran School in Harvester.
Also, we have all been invited to the President’s Ball on Friday, February 17. (The night we won’t be dancing – so this is your chance to work in a second Ball!)
This event is being sponsored by Childgrove English Country Dancers and Dance Discovery.  The cost is $10/person.  More info can be found at www.Childgrove.org or www.DanceDiscovery.org
Save the dates!!!
Carol K. Stearns

Instructional bowling for homeschoolers
Plaza Lanes located at 506 Droste Rd., in St. Charles, is offering instructional bowling on Mondays at 3 p.m. to homeschoolers.  I have been assured that our children will learn to bowl without using bumpers.
Ages 5-11 will bowl 2 games for $4 (shoes included),
Ages 12 and up will bowl 3 games for $5 (shoes included).
We will begin bowling on Monday, February 13th for any families interested.  Plaza Lanes preferred a head count before we begin, so they know how many lanes to reserve.
Please e-mail Shannon at shanmb@sbcglobal.net so that we can reserve lanes for the group.

Laclede Quartet Kids Concert Competition
Audition Date:
Sunday, February 19, 2012 11am – 3pm Maryville University Auditorium Rooms 1423 and 1411
Applications must be received by Feb. 13, 2012. You will be notified of your audition time by mail, phone or e-mail.
The Laclede Quartet would like to invite string players (grades 2 – 12) to audition for an opportunity to play on March 17, 2012 7:00pm concert.  Auditions are open to solo and chamber music (duo, trio, quartet) groups.
Winning soloists and groups will be selected to perform on a one hour concert held at Maryville University on March 16, 2012 at 7:30pm.
Auditions will be limited to 5 minutes per soloist or group (solo or chamber work of your choice). The auditions will be held at Maryville University Auditorium (Room AUD 1423 check in & warm up) on Sunday, Feb 19 starting at 11 a.m. Maryville University is located at 620 Maryville University Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141. Please bring 2 xerox copies of your music with measures numbered. A score is preferred if it is an ensemble work.
Please fill out application and send it with your $10 application fee to:
Chamber Players of St. Louis, Inc., 5 Colonist Retreat Ct., O’Fallon, MO 63366
Application link:
www.lacledequartet.org/Laclede_Quartet/Kids_Application.html
Questions or more info call 636-379-8216; or e-mail: Lqviolin2@charter.net

Homeschool Days at Barron Gymnastics
You already know about Homeschool Morning at the Magic House, and now you can take advantage of Homeschool Morning at Barron Gymnastics!!!
The nice folks at Barron Gymnastics have graciously opened their doors exclusively to homeschooling families for a once a month open gym, and the best part is that they are giving us a reduced rate!!
When: February 20 ~ March 19 ~ April 16 ~ May 21  ~ (no June or July)
Where:  Barron Gymnastics, 5411 Jedmed Court, St. Louis, MO  63129
Time:  10:30 am. – 12:00 p .m.
Cost:    1st child = $8.00 – Each additional family member = $6.00
What:
-1.5 hours of supervised unstructured time where children enjoy fun and excitement.
-Equipment available includes: Beams, Bars, Vault, Spring Floors, Foam Pits, 30’ Long Trampoline, 2 In-ground Tramps, 18’ Rope Climb.
-Includes the Giant Adventure Island Inflatable!
Who:
-Homeschool Day is for children 14 months up to 22 years of age.
-A parent or adult must assist children younger than 1st grade. Only adults assisting this age group are allowed in the gym after signing the blanket release located at front desk. Adults are not allowed on equipment.
-Parent viewing is available on the mezzanine.
How:
-All participating non-members must have a release form signed by their parent.
>>>YOU MUST REGISTER BY THE SATURDAY BEFORE THE EVENT!
Registration available Online (http://barrongymnastics.com/special-events/homeschool-day/) or by calling the Front Desk at 314-892-6909.

SAT WORKSHOP
Bob Johnson Tutoring is conducting an SAT Workshop in Kirkwood on Saturday, February 25.  All participants will take home ten complete SATs with answer keys.
More information–including times, directions, cost, reviews from past workshop participants, and registration instructions–can be found at www.BobJohnsonTutoring.com
If you have any questions, feel free to call Bob at 314-646-9548, or you can e-mail him at Bob@BobJohnsonTutoring.com.
Bob and his wife, Jill, homeschool their two children.

ACT PREP COURSE
SHARE dad and Homelink math teacher, Mike Farley, is offering an ACT prep course this spring.
Course format:  The course provides instruction for each of the four sections of the ACT exam: English, reading, mathematics, and science.  Students will work through the drills and practice exercises in the Barron’s ACT textbook to learn in the basic principles covered by the ACT exam in each area.  In addition to reviewing that basic knowledge, students will be taught the most common types and patterns of questions on the exam and helpful strategies for increasing speed and accuracy.  Each section’s basic principles will be applied by working through at least a portion of a practice ACT exam.
Textbook:  Barron’s ACT, 16th edition.  The course will use the version of the 16th edition without the CD-ROM.  Students should purchase the textbook on their own and bring it to class each week.
Course schedule, pricing, location:  The course will run for 7 weeks, meeting once per week for 1 hour 30 minutes, for a total of 10.5 hours of instruction.  Classes will meet from 12:30-2:00 pm on Wednesdays beginning February 29 through April 11.  (The April ACT test is April 14.)  Cost for the course is $200 per student, with a minimum of five students needed for the class.  Payment is due in full at the first class.  Class will meet at Crossroads Presbyterian Fellowship, 2640 Oakview Terrace, Maplewood 63143.
If you are interested in this ACT course, please contact Mike Farley at mifarley@sbcglobal.net

BOLDUC HOUSE
We welcome homeschoolers at the Bolduc House Museum any time. We’ll customize what you do to match your particular interests whether you are bringing preschoolers or high schoolers (or a mixed age bunch Laughing). As a former homeschooler, myself, I understand what you are doing and want to encourage you to explore us online and in person.
We also have a menu of activities that are specially designed for homeschoolers – click on the link to the homeschool activities on the homepage of www.bolduchouse.org for details. Here’s a brief summary of what your students can experience in the next couple of weeks:
>Tuesday, Feb 7 from 10AM-Noon – students fourth grade and older can learn to make filigree hearts – this is twilled paper and was popular with 18th century French people. We’ll also tour the Bolduc House, check out the New Madrid earthquake exhibit, and have cookies. Please email how many people you’ll bring. Cost: $4/person with $10 maximum/family group
>Native American Ceramics classes – check the website – session in progress for students age 8+ but there is still space and time for additional participants – meets Wednesdays and/or Saturdays (come at your convenience at least 2 hours/week when the teacher is on site)
>Tuesday, March 6 from 10AM-Noon – students K-12 can learn to do French colonial military drills with the Ste. Genevieve militia, see our 18th century weapons, and learn about the battle for Ft. San Carlos. Please email how many people you’ll bring. Cost: $4/person with $10 maximum/family group
>Saturday, April 21 from 10AM-5PM – Colonial History Day for Home Schoolers – a full day of activities, crafts, games, information, and hands-on history for home schooling families with vendors and more. Cost: $35/family – discounts when five or more families register as a group and additional fees may apply to a few optional classes – details are on the website.
Email if you do not receive (but want to) our free e-newsletter for kids about early Missouri History
Classes and volunteer opportunities are available for homeschoolers who are 14 and older – just call or email for more information
Hoping to see you as often as you’d like – call ahead to arrange a customized visit.
Lesley Barker, Director
Bolduc House Museum, 125 South Main Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
573-883-3105

Baseball softball and track registration
St. Mark’s, 8300 Morganford Road, St. Louis, MO 63123
Baseball/Softball/Track Registration: You Do Not Have To Be Catholic To Play CYC Sports, If You Know Others That Are Interested In Playing, Please Let Them Know.
In-person registration will be held the following dates and times:
Sunday, February 12th after 8:30 & 10:00 am Masses
Thursday. February 16th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the parish center
Monday, February 20th from 6:30 -7:30 pm and at the end of the Athletic Association Meeting at Hambrough Hall.
Any one who registers after these dates will be considered late and will be charged a $25 late fee
Registration Fees – 3 separate checks required.
Baseball/Softball:
$85 for one child, $110 for 2 or more children
Deposits: $50 uniform deposit Per Child (all on one check)
Concession Stand Deposit $200 per family
Track:
$25 per Child
No Uniform Deposit
$200 Concession Stand Deposit
Deposit checks ARE NOT CASHED unless you do not return uniforms or work your stand duty.

FHE Rally at the Capitol
March 6, 2012 – Noon
Make a difference by joining home educators from across the state of Missouri at FHE’s annual Rally at the Capitol.
FHE’s Rally allows home educators to:
-Hear from and meet our own registered lobbyist and legislators.
-Express our appreciation to legislators who are supportive of home education.
-Build good will between home educators and their legislators by giving legislators a “face” to put on home education issues.
-Ask for continued support of home education.
-Present a unified front with the legislature.
-Learn about the current status of legislative bills that could affect home education.
-Set the stage to be better prepared in case of another legislative “emergency.”
Plan now to attend, to make your presence and interests known.
The actual Rally will begin at 12 Noon. Parking around the capitol is limited, you may have to walk some distance and park on the street. There are some parking meters with 2 hour limits near the capitol.
FHE will have promotional items for homeschool families to deliver to their lawmakers’ offices before and after the Rally. A table will be available in the rotunda for these items.
During the Rally, homeschoolers will perform, and home educating families will have an opportunity to hear from legislators, as well as the FHE lobbyist and Executive Director.
Dress should be neat, and business casual. Please do not take strollers into the small legislative offices, because of crowding. Many legislators share their offices. This is a place of business and we will be there during regular office hours.
You may wish to make an appointment with your legislator before going to the capitol. Also, tours of the capitol are held throughout the day.
The Rally will last from noon-1PM. FHE board members will be in the rotunda to answer your questions from 11-1.

Volunteer Opportunities for Home Schooled High Schoolers
My name is Beverly Scott and I work for St. Louis County in a program called Clean Green & Beautiful, during a recent meeting it was brought to our attention that High School Home Schooled students often require community service projects for graduation.
The mission of Clean Green & Beautiful:
>To engage every neighborhood in St. Louis County to visibly express pride in our community by being clean, green & beautiful
>Enhance the visual & physical appearance of St. Louis County.
>Beautify areas to promote a positive image of St. Louis County to visitors & residents
>Develop & strengthen community pride through anti-litter, cleanup & beautification efforts.
>Increase civic involvement from residents & businesses in anti-litter, clean up & beautification efforts.
We often times have neighborhood cleanups or elderly and disabled homeowner’s or occupants assistance projects underway, we also partner with other groups and businesses to assist with approved projects.
Exciting News at St. Louis County:
-Upcoming “Confluence Trash Bash”
March 24, 2012, please go to the website www.confluencegreenway.org/trashbash for information and registration there you will find the waiver required by all participants or parents of underage students
-“Adopt a Roadside” projects @ www.stlouisco.com/adoptaroadside
We invite you to partner with St. Louis County for future projects & events
If you are interested in projects for students please contact me at: 314-615-5533 or bscott@stlouisco.com
www.cgb.stlouisco.com

Colonel John Eidsmoe to Speak
The Pillar Foundation (15820 Clayton Road, Ellisville, MO 63011) www.thepillar.org
Thursday, February 16, 2012; 7:00 pm
First Amendment, Tenth Amendment, and Immigration/Citizenship Issues
John Eidsmoe is a frequent lecturer and debater at colleges, universities, churches, and civics groups. As a constitutional attorney, he has successfully litigated court cases involving First Amendment religious freedom and has defended home education and Christian schools, championed the right of students and teachers to study the Bible in public schools, debated ACLU attorneys on radio and television, and served on the Ten Commandments Legal Defense Team.
He holds five degrees in law, theology, and political science. These include two doctorates, one in law from the University of Iowa, and one in ministry from the Oral Roberts University. He earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Lutheran Brethren Seminary and his Master of Arts degree in biblical studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. His Bachelor of Arts degree in political science is from St. Olaf College. He is also a graduate of the Air Command & Staff College and the Air War College.
He has taught legal history and church history at law schools and seminaries. He currently serves as a professer of constitutional law and related subjects at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, Faulkner University, Montgomery, Alabama, where his students have twice given him the Outstanding Professor Award. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Birmingham Theological Seminary. A constitutional attorney and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Colonel Eidsmoe has also taught church history and other subjects in various seminaries.
He has authored 12 books, including Christianity & the Constitution, Columbus & Cortez, and the video series titled The Institute on the Constitution. A Second Degree Black Belt with the American Taekwondo Foundation, Colonel Eidsmoe also serves as Regional Representative for the Gospel Martial Arts Union, is an avid horseman and skier, and tries to get 8 hours of sleep every week. (from www.johneidsmoe.com)

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo

The Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo Variety Show will be held on Thursday night, March 24, 2012 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

There are some changes to the way we have done the Variety Show in the past.  Some of these changes were made at the request of First Evangelical Free Church Sound Staff with a desire to improve the overall quality of the show.   Please read everything written below.

Here are the details:

1.    There will be one Variety Show only, with no intermission.  6:00 – 7:30 pm.

2.    This year, any group or individual who is interested in participating in the Variety Show must audition. 

3.    Acts/songs/performances are to be no more than five minutes in length.   

4.    Auditions will be held at West County Assembly of God on Tuesday, February 28th from 4:00 – 7:30 pm. 

5.    West County Assembly of God’s address is as follows:

                             West County Assembly of God

                             13431 North Outer Forty Road

                             Chesterfield, MO  63017

6.    Not all performances that audition will be selected to perform in the Variety Show.

7.    This year, all acts that are selected to be in the Variety Show must come to the dress rehearsal.  No exceptions.  If you are unable to make the dress rehearsal, please do not audition.  The date for the dress rehearsal is: Tuesday, March 20, 2012.  Time:  5:30 – 8:30 pm. 

8.    The Dress Rehearsal will be held in the auditorium at First Evangelical Free Church.

9.    First Evangelical Free Church’s address is:

First Evangelical Free Church
1375 Carman Road
Ballwin, MO  63021  

10. While single performances will be considered, multiple student performances are preferred as this will provide the opportunity for more homeschoolers to participate overall.

11. In addition, high school acts will be considered over younger acts.  That doesn’t mean that younger acts won’t be selected; however, younger acts will have opportunities to perform in future years.

12. If you are interested in your group or act auditioning for the Variety Show, please fill out the registration form on the Expo Website.  Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 14th at midnight (NOT the 11th as a former email indicated).  Registrations submitted after that date will not be accepted.

13.  Click here to go straight to the Variety Show Audition Registration form. (Or go here:  http://www.service-life.com/mo/stlhomeschoolexpo/)

14. If you have any questions on the Variety Show, please email those questions to:
VarietyShowStL@gmail.com

We are looking forward to another great Variety Show this year!
Thanks and hope you understand the need for the changes.
The Expo Board

www.greatskaterocks.com

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

Homeschooling United- SB 706 May Affect Homeschooling Freedom/Autonomy – http://wp.me/p1buj6-5g

Homeschool Morning at the Magic House
February 6; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
EXCITING NEWS: the price will only be $3.00 per person!!!!!
Dear Homeschoolers,
We have promised them that “if they make it affordable, we will come”.  Please, please spread the word about this great deal and make plans to attend one or all of the Homeschool Mornings at the Magic House.  It’s such a wonderful experience to have that entire venue full of like-minded families.  You can let your children have a lot of freedom knowing that the building is closed to the public and is open to only homeschool families and sweet Magic House employees.  My goal is to fill the Magic House with hundreds of homeschoolers and show our appreciation to the Administrative Staff of the Magic House for their generosity towards us!
Please note the following:
>Price:  $3.00 per person (adults included)
>Children under the age of 1 are free.
>You may NOT use any membership pass or discount coupons as this is already a special price.
>Sign up is not necessary.  You may pay at the counter and you may use the following:
Cash   *   Check   *   Credit Card   *   Debit Card
>Be sure to use the entrance to the new Educational Center…do NOT use the old entrance (facing the school) and do NOT use the front doors facing Kirkwood Road.
> THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL HOMESCHOOLERS, NOT JUST S.H.A.R.E. MEMBERS…SO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!   Please feel free to copy this and forward to them.  It is important that we have over 400 participants or the price will be raised.
>Mark your calendar for the next date: March 5, 2012
-If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Mullins at Ekcjmullins@gmail.com

LET’S TRY PIANO
During the month of February, I am offering a “Let’s Try Piano Special” for home school students.
4 weeks of private piano lessons, where we will touch on intro to piano, beginning music theory, styles and chording (chording for those interested in pursuing worship music/piano/keyboarding for church musicians, or modern bands/songwriting.)  I provide all the lesson books and materials.
Basically it is a “try and see if this instrument is something I/my child may be interested in” for the month of February, with an opportunity to continue lessons in March, but with no obligation.    I love piano and want to make this available for families who may be interested.  Ages 5 and up ~ it is never too late to learn.  Teens and adults very much welcomed!
Cost: $25.00 total
Location:  I am conveniently located near 141 & Big Bend
Call or email me for more information if you are interested.
Mary Stoinski   989-379-7246   marysto35@yahoo.com

OPEN GRADUATIONS
If the group you are associated with does not conduct graduation ceremonies or if perhaps the date they have chosen does not work for your family, I just wanted to let everyone know that SHARE welcomes non-SHARE members to participate in their graduation ceremonies.  We hate to see anyone not get to celebrate these joyous milestones in their students’ lives. Updated information about all 3 events are below.  If you are interested, please contact me and I will update you with more details and add you to the email contact group of that particular graduation.
Thanks!
Cathy Mullins Ekcjmullins@gmail.com
1.  Highschool Graduation:  We have 24 grads right now and the deadline to “jump in” is February 14, 2012.
Date of ceremony:  Saturday, May 19, 2012
Time:  2:00 p.m.
Location:  Bayless Baptist Church, 8512 Morganford, St. Louis, MO  63123
Price:  $120.00 includes cap, gown, tassle, (stole to be returned), diploma and cover, program printing, Memory Book, flowers for moms, gift to speaker, church rental and all reception costs.  Optional costs NOT covered:  announcements, photos, video, t-shirt, Sr. Pix, and social event cost.
2.  8th Grade Graduation:   We have 10 grads right now and have not yet set a deadline to participate.
Date of ceremony:  Saturday, May 5, 2012
Time:  3:00 p.m.
Location:  Bayless Baptist Church, 8512 Morganford, St. Louis, MO 63123
Price:  $30.00 includes all ceremony and reception costs.  Optional cost would be group photo.
3.  Kindergarten Graduation:  We will be having our first planning meeting on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 309 Hoffmeister, St. Louis, MO 63125.  Right now we have about 13 little graduates who would like to participate.

JCC USED BOOK SALE
February 5-9, 2012
Staenberg Family Complex, Arts and Education Building
2 Millstone Campus Drive (off Schuetz Rd., one block west of Lindbergh Blvd. in Creve Coeur)
February 5 – “Super Book” Sunday
Preview Day: 10am – 4pm
Admission: $10/per person (free for ages 16 and under)
February 6-8; 10am – 7pm
Free Admission
February 9 – Bag Day (Fill a bag for $5)
10am – 4pm
Free Admission

Lego Play Day
Friday, February 17;  2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Have fun with friends and library Legos! This can be a wonderful time to visit with other parents while the children exercise their creative minds. No sign up needed–just come on in. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Family Vision Library
2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO 633376
636-447-6900
www.thefamilyvision.org

JA Finance Park, Homeschool Visit Day – REGISTRATIONS NEEDED!
Below is an email from Junior Achievement stating that only 12 people have signed up so far.  We need 50 participants to have a homeschool day.  If you are interested in signing up please contact them immediately.  This is a great opportunity for homeschool students.
Dear Homeschool Parents,
The response for A.G. Edwards JA Finance Park, Homeschool Visit Day on March 5th has been very low. Currently, we have twelve registrations and typically anything less than 50 participants constitutes grouping with another school to make it efficient for us to host a visit day. We have until February 15th to fulfill that requirement. At that time, you may need to make a decision regarding whether or not you are interested in a combined date or a refund.
To avoid this, can you assist me in getting the word out and let your fellow middle and high school parents know that we are hosting this visit day.
I will keep you abreast of the situation and let you know how we’re doing. Please let me know any questions or concerns you may have. Thanks for your understanding, help and cooperation in this matter.
Cheryl Bohlen
JA Finance Park Manager
Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
17339 North Outer Forty Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005
Office: 636-728-0707 x234/Fax 636-728-0708
www.jastl.org

How to Audition for a Musical
March 31st      1:00PM-3:30PM
Pillar Foundation: 15820 Clayton Rd.
Children: 7-11
Young Adults: 12-25ish
Cost: $30 per student
Build Confidence
Tips and Tricks
Practice Audition (optional)
Fear auditions no more!  Broadway on the Driveway’s annual audition workshop is designed to put you at ease and help you showcase your talents.  This stress-free class will take you inside the mind of a casting judge, and teach you how to prepare your audition like a pro.  Wear comfortable clothing for basic dancing.  Bring a CD with a 16 bar selection if you would like to do a practice audition and receive feedback (optional). Bonus!  Students will learn THE Music Man audition dance.
Visit Broadway on the Driveway’s website (http://broadwayonthedriveway.com/Home.html) to see more.

COME TO THE COSTA RICA TRIVIA NIGHT!!!
Help support an EDU-COOL-TIONAL eighth-grade trip to Costa Rica!!! Now, you may be wondering, “Wow, this sounds like fun! But WHERE and WHEN can I go to this amazingly awesome TRIVIA NIGHT?”
Saturday, April 28, doors open at 6:30, game starts at 7:00
At the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion at 7401 Delmar Blvd.
FIRST TEN PEOPLE TO PAY FOR A TABLE OF EIGHT GET TO PICK A CATEGORY!!! (by March 31st)
Costs $15.00 per person. Will also offer mulligans, 50-50 raffle tickets, and heads or tails. Door prizes, and CA$H for the winners.
Light snacks and soft drinks provided. (You can bring snacks and drinks to share with your table.)
MC with experience, and varied, fun, general trivia for all ages.
Kid/teen friendly questions WILL be included.
For reservation or information, contact us at 314-862-2805, or at lisahummel@sbcglobal.net

FREE CONCERT
The Community Music School of Webster University is pleased to present faculty members in recital, showcasing their abilities as outstanding performers as well as respected educators. Faculty performing on the recital include Johanna Ballou, piano, Donita Bauer, bassoon, Lindsey Jones, violin, Ann Homann Mottl, oboe, Mary Pentecost, piano, Marschnee Strong, piano, and Jeanine York-Garesche, clarinet, as well as Matthew Frederickson, trombone, Robert Souza, trumpet, with the Stonehenge Brass Quintet.
Works by Ewazen, Frackenpohl, Hindemith, Ibert, Liszt, Osborne, Praetorius, and Ravel will be performed in both solo and chamber groups including a woodwind trio and brass quintet. The recital will run approximately 90 minutes in length including a 10 minute intermission.
What: Community Music School of Webster University Faculty Recital
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Where: The Community Music School of Webster University, 535 Garden Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119
Admission: FREE and open to the public
More Info: Call 314-968-5939
Founded in 1925, CMS offers outstanding music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and abilities and serves the entire St. Louis metropolitan region. Classes are available in University City, at Faust Park in West County, and at CMS headquarters located on the Webster University campus in Webster Groves. The Community Music School is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and is a certified member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. The Community Music School receives assistance from the Arts and Education Council of Greater Saint Louis and support from the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis.  www.webster.edu/cms

2nd Annual Family Vision Gala Event
Friday, March 2; 7:00 PM
Please join us for this very special evening.  Our guest speaker will be Brandon Mann, chairman and CEO of Ministries at Work.  Pre-dinner music will be provided by Eric Barfield on piano.  Enjoy our candlelight catered dinner as a couple, or come as a single adult and bring a friend.
The price is $25 per person. Register early!
RSVP by February 24, 2012
Proceeds benefit the ministry of The Family Vision
The Family Vision Library
2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO 633376
636-447-6900
www.thefamilyvision.org

Piano lessons from experienced and caring teachers.
Private piano lessons are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays early to mid-afternoon in our home located a short drive from Wildwood, Grover, Glencoe and Eureka.  Tuition is $25 per half hour lesson once a week.  Beginners (must be age 6) to advance students are accepted.  A yearly Spring recital is presented.  Students are given a strong foundation in note-reading, theory and technique.
Bob and Marilyn Wardenburg 636 394 3422
rwardenburg@sbcglobal.net
Bob and Marilyn Wardenburg are both state certified music teachers.  Bob has a Masters degree in Music Education and Marilyn has a Bachelors degree in music education.  Both have taught in the Parkway School District for a number of years.  They have been giving private music instruction for nearly thirty years.  Contact them to schedule an initial consultation.

Summer Educational Camps
My name is Barry Crook and have been a teacher in the St. Louis Area for 15 years.  I live in St. Charles County, but I teach at North Kirkwood School District.
Four teachers from the Kirkwood School District have collaborated to offer four unique educational camps for the summer of 2012.
French Immersion in St. Louis
Writing and Exploration
Civil War
State Parks Adventure
We are differentiating for kids between the ages of 11-17.
The teachers are highly qualified and enthusiastic about the offerings.  We are offering the courses to all students in the St. Louis Metro area.
Our camps will be expeditionary in nature.  We will explore interesting locations while learning.  Even though each camp has a focus, all camps will integrate the ideas of inquiry, asking good questions, and several subject areas.
I am a Loeb Prize Winner for Outstanding Science Teacher from the St. Louis Science Center, an Outstanding Science Teacher from the Science Teachers of Missouri, a District Teacher of the Year, an Emerson Electric Outstanding Educator, and A Missouri Association of School Librarians State Award Recipient.
The teachers work along side me, are also highly distinguished.
For more information or questions please see our web page:  www.iceimmersion.com
Even though these camps are based out of Kirkwood, I would be willing to brainstorm ways to make the camps more convenient for St. Charles residents.  Or we could tailor camps to meet specific needs.
Feel free to contact me through email at iceimmersion@gmail.com  or at this email address.
Thank you for your time, and I hope we can work together.
Barry Crook
Library Media Specialist
North Kirkwood Middle School, 11287 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-213-6100 x7060

PENGUIN LOVERS UNITE AT DELTA DENTAL WINTER ZOO
What:  Delta Dental Winter Zoo – Sundays, February 5, 12 and 19,2012
Delta Dental Mardi Gras, Zoo Style – Sunday, February 19, 2012   11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Living World at Saint Louis Zoo
Waddle to the Saint Louis Zoo to chill with the penguins at Delta Dental Winter Zoo on Sundays, January 29, February 5, 12 and 19, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the kids to celebrate our tuxedoed birds with penguin-themed activities, games, crafts, and more in The Living World. February 19 features a Mardi Gras celebration for the whole family.
What do penguins like to do on a cold winter day? Take a stroll outside, of course! When temperatures go below 50 degrees on Sundays, several king and gentoo penguins that reside indoors will venture outdoors at 2 p.m. for Penguin Parade presented by North Star Frozen Treats. They’ll be waddling down the path from the exit of P&P Provisions gift shop to the entrance of Penguin& Puffin Coast for about 30 minutes.
On Sunday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the Zoo for the best family Mardi Gras celebration in town.  Delta Dental Mardi Gras includes mask making, jugglers, beads, live music and more.  Turn your child’s wagon or stroller into a Mardi Gras parade float, and join in the parade through the Zoo at 3 p.m. led by the Zoo’s costumed characters and Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard and P.A.N.D.A.
Delta Dental’s “Tooth Wizard,” his pal “P.A.N.D.A.” and arch-enemy “PlaqueMan” will star in Land of Smiles stage show in The Living World at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each week (no 3 p.m. show on February 19). Land of Smiles entertains and educates children on the importance of maintaining good oral health habits, eating healthy foods and engaging inactive play. Each child attending the show will receive a free goodie bag containing dental health supplies to help put them on track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Party with Radio Disney AM 1260 each Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Play crazy games for cool prizes while listening to some hot tunes. Plus, find out how you can go home with an awesome Radio Disney prize pack!
Admission to the Zoo and Winter Zoo activities is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  All activities and games are designed for kids aged 2-10. No reservations are needed. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Zoo is sponsored by Delta Dental of Missouri, North Star Frozen Treats and Laclede Gas, with support provided by Radio Disney AM 1260.
For more information about the Saint Louis Zoo, visit stlzoo.org, facebook.com/stlzoo, twitter.com/stlzoo, youtube.com/stlzootube

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

Homeschooling United: Compulsory School Age Mandates On Steroids? -  http://wp.me/p1buj6-5a

Maple Sugar Days Festival
Rockwoods Reservation is holding its annual Maple Sugar Days Festival Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10-3 pm. (Located South on Hwy 109 in Wildwood).  This event is free to the public. Learn how to ID maple trees, observe the process of tapping and syrup making and discover history of this art; very informative and fun for all ages. There will also be samples of maple sugar, maple syrup on pancakes, kettle corn, taffy and hot chocolate.  You may enter for a raffle to win maple sap collecting buckets, sap taps, and pure maple syrup.  Rockwood Reservation has many beautiful trails (not conducive to strollers) that your family could take in for the day as well.  Last year parking was at LaSalle Middle School with shuttles running into the reservation.
No reservations necessary but dress to be outside about one and a half to two hours.

S.H.A.R.E.’s 50’s – 60’s – 70’s FAMILY DANCE
ALL HOMESCHOOLERS INVITED
Come celebrate three decades of music and dance with your family and friends. That’s right! Bring the whole family. (see special note)
WHEN? Friday, February 10, 2012; 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
WHERE? The beautiful gymnasium of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 309 Hoffmeister, Lemay, 63123 (Yes, Homelink location!)
COST? $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family cap (pay at the door)
And bring some kind of food based on your favorite decade (see below for ideas)
DJ? The one, the only, Mr. Mark Chrun!
SIGN UP? Sign-up on the website calendar (www.homeschool-life.com/mo/share) , or email Cathy Mullins at
Ekcjmullins@gmail.com
MORE INFO:
>Bring a food item from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s to SHARE
If your last name begins with:
A-H Bring your favorite fruit, candy, or snack item
I-O Bring your favorite dessert
P-Z Bring your favorite appetizer
SHARE will be providing drinks, and root beer floats
>>Wear: Outfits from the 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s (you should have seen last year!!!!) Wear one outfit all night or bring three and switch styles as we switch decades!
>Agenda:
First 1 ½ hours 50’s music and a bubble gum chewing contest
Next 1 ½ hour 60’s music, hula hoop contest and twisting contest
Final 1 hour of 70’s music and a 70’s game of some kind
Funny prizes will be awarded.
>Anyone wishing to help with setup, clean up, or serving refreshments should contact Pat Zink.
Cell 314-540-2957 pzink463@charter.net
>Here’s a link to help you find food items from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s
http://www.foodtimeline.org/fooddecades.html
http://www.robinsweb.com/70s/70s_party_foods.html
~~SPECIAL NOTE~~: Even though this is a family event, children over the age of 13 may be dropped off; however, do not drop off any children UNDER the age of 13…if you have children ages 12 and below, just bring them with you!!!! We plan to do lots of dancing and hope you will too.
For the last 2 years we have had SO MUCH FUN at this event!!! This has become my most favorite SHARE event—it’s like a wonderful family wedding with all of your crazy relatives! If you like to dance, you don’t want to miss this!!! But please note, you are not required to dance. Some folks just prefer sitting and listening to the oldies and that is just fine!

4th Annual Valentine’s Day Cake Walk
Friday, February 10; 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Bring the whole family and join us for The Family Vision’s Fourth Annual Valentine’s Day Cake Walk! Bring a cake or cakes and enjoy this fun time of walking and winning a cake to take home.  Sign up begins February 1.
The Family Vision Library
2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO 633376
636-447-6900
www.thefamilyvision.org

HOMESCHOOL GYMNASTICS
My name is Erika Zehner and I’m the program director for our Homeschool class at Olympiad Gymnastics located in Ellisville, MO. The current class that we offer is on Thursdays from 2:30pm to 3:20pm. It is a 50 minute class that includes gymnastics on four different events and fitness skills that can be used throughout a lifetime. This class is the only class running at that time of day so they have the entire gym to themselves. It is offered to girls and boys ages 5 to 16. The class has an instructor that is able to be flexible with the different skill levels and age groups. We also offer a special discounted rate for this class as well. It is a very fun class and I was just wondering if there was anyway we could have something posted on your website. I’d really like to grow the program and possibly open up another class or two so that I have multiple options for parents. We offer a free trial the first class so that the family is able to try it out and see whether or not it is something your child/children are interested in.  erika.zehner@yahoo.com

HELPS 2nd Annual Used Curriculum Sale
When & Time?   March 17th, Saturday, Sale from 9am-noon
Where? NEW LOCATION! Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 3515 Shackelford Road, Florissant, MO 63031
Why? Come sell your used curriculum and books to earn extra money to spent on new ones at the Expo or come shop used curriculum so you will know what you still need to purchase at the Expo.
Set up is Saturday from 8-9am, Sale is from 9-noon
Cost?  $4 for HELPS members, $6 for all other homeschoolers
Refreshments will be sold to benefit HELPS girl’s home ec club
Registration starts NOW and goes until all tables are sold!
To reserve a table, send an email to Laura at HELPSfieldtrips@gmail.com

STANFORD ACHIEVEMENT TEST
Grades 1 – 12
Location: The Pillar Foundation, 15820 Clayton Rd, Ellisville, MO  63011
Testing Dates:  May 29, 30 and 31, 2012     TIME:  8:30 A.M. to 12 noon
Testing Fee:  *$59.00 for first student, *$54.00 for each additional student in the same family.
The testing fee includes the cost of the test, taxes, administration fee, scoring, postage and detailed report.
Deadline for Registration:  March 26th, 2012
Questions?    Contact
Tawnia or Kim at  stlouisstanfortesting@gmail.com
Visit www.homeschool-life.com/mo/wcche for the 2012 Stanford Testing Application
Members of the WCCHE group have been coordinating Stanford Testing sessions for many years.
The tests dates are usually at the end of May and the applications for the current year are available on the WCCHE website in February and March.
NOTE: Parents may now self administer Stanford Tests themselves.  Please see the bju website for information on how to become and administrator and order tests for your homeschool.
For further information on testing options available for your students or specific information on the Stanford Test please visit www.bjupress.com

2012 Stanford Achievement Testing
When? Monday through Wednesday, June 4, 5, and 6, 2012
9:30 a.m-12:00 p.m. (approximate time–may vary according to grade level)
Where? St. Andrew Catholic Church, 309 Hoffmeister, St. Louis, MO 63125 (Homelink location)
Who? Any homeschooled child who is in grades 3-12 this present school year.
Note: You do not need to be a member of S.H.A.R.E. to use this service.
Price?
First deadline:
If you turn in your forms and payment before March 27, you only pay $57.00 per child.
$57.00 per child (includes test fee, postage and insurance for returning the tests books and completed test forms to BJUP, postage & envelopes for returning test results to you, payment for proctors and drinks for the students— please bring your own snacks and #2 pencils!).
Second Deadline:
If you turn in your forms and payment after March 27, the cost is $62.00 per child.
How? To sign up your child for testing, please go to the SHARE website and download the forms.
Look for “Achievement Testing 2012″ on the side bar of our public page.
SHARE Website:  www.homeschool-life.com/mo/share
THE ABSOLUTE DEADLINE FOR SIGN-UP AND PAYMENT IS APRIL 10…no exceptions…it takes time to order and receive tests.
Note: An administrative late fee of $5.00 will be charged to those who register and then cancel…sorry!

A Homeschool Study May Appear in your Mailbox …
William A. Estrada, Esq., Director of Federal Relations, HSLDA
We want to give you a heads-up that the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics is conducting a survey called the National Household Education Study (NHES). The purpose of this study is to find out where and how students in the United States are being educated.
Since 1999, the NHES has had a homeschool component. There have been three “Homeschooling in the United States” studies, in 1999, 2003, and 2007. They have all shown that homeschooling has grown, and have been very useful in demonstrating the growth and reasons for homeschooling. You may view the results of these studies on our research website on the right side of the page.
The NHES is not mandatory. There is no requirement that you or your family respond. However, we do not believe that there is any threat to your homeschool freedom should you decide to respond to this study. Household addresses were gathered randomly from the U.S. Postal Service’s database of every address in the nation. For more information, please see the statement from the National Center for Education Statistics below:
“The chief goal of the National Household Education Study (NHES) is to describe Americans’ educational experiences, thereby offering policymakers, researchers, and educators a variety of statistics on the condition of education in the United States. The NHES is unique among Department of Education studies in that it collects information on school choice, parent involvement in education, early childhood education and other topics directly from parents of public, private and homeschooled children. To monitor educational trends over time, NHES conducts repeated measurements of the same phenomena in different years. The 2012 collection will start in January and end in late June. More information on the study and reports from past data collections can be found at http://nces.ed.gov/nhes/index.asp .”

New Local website
Check out this website made by St. Louis Homeschoolers for St. Louis Homeschoolers…
www.homes-coolkids.com

Converting Photons to Electrons
Converting Photons to Electrons: Current Status and Likely Future of Solar Photovoltaic Energy Around the World
Wednesday February 1, 2011
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saint Louis Zoo Living World Auditorium
FREE and OPEN to ALL
Whatever happened to solar energy? Will we ever see solar panels on rooftops here in St. Louis? In order to answer these and other questions, DOE National Center for Photovoltaics Director, Dr. Greg Wilson, discusses recent photovoltaic technology developments and compares the costs of electrical energy produced today by all sources, fossil fuels and renewable, in locations around the world. Along the way, he shares how light is converted to electricity (and conversely, how electricity is converted to light) and how global climate change is already changing the economics of energy.
Brought to you by The Academy of Science – St. Louis and the Saint Louis Zoo.

FREE FRB RESOURCES
I am an economic education specialist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. We produce a variety of history, economics, and personal finance education online learning modules that might be a nice resource for home school parents. All of our resources are free to use.
Our online courses: http://www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/online_learning.cfm
Our economic concept podcast series: http://www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/podcasts.cfm
Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter – Classroom Edition: http://www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/liber8_classroom_edition.cfm
Personal Finance Flashcards: http://www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources/personal_finance_quiz.cfm
Great Depression website and education resources:  http://www.stlouisfed.org/greatdepression/default.html
Please let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Scott Wolla
Scott.A.Wolla@stls.frb.org
Economic Education Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Research Division
314-444-8624

BIG THREE DAY COIN SHOW
St. Louis Numismatic Association 48th Annual Greater America Coin Fair
February 10–11—12, 2012
Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel
10330 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63134
110 Coin Dealers
Free Attendance Prizes
>>>WELCOME<<<
Collectors – Dealers – Public
Free Parking
For More Information and Driving Directions to the Show Visit Our Website
WWW.STLOUISCOINCLUB.COM

*The Way We Worked
February 11 through March 11, 2012
Work and workplaces have gone through enormous transformations between the mid-19th and late 20th centuries. Experience these changes through a first time partnership between the National Churchill Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the Missouri Humanities Council, and Callaway County. We are one of only six sites in Missouri who will host this exhibition, entitled The Way We Worked. The full exhibition will be complemented by an exhibition that focuses on work in Callaway County.
http://www.westminster-mo.edu/news/news/Pages/SmithsonianExhibit.aspx

Twin Oaks Presbyterian School baseball/softball
Twin Oaks is now registering for baseball, softball, and golf for this spring season! Baseball and softball is open to both boys and girls in grades Pre-K-K (training league) and 1st-8th grade. The Pre-K/K training league meets on Saturday mornings and works on skills with some scrimmage play. Baseball and softball players practice once or twice a week and play CYC games on Saturdays. Golf is open to both boys and girls in grades 2-4 (training league) and 5-8 (Junior League). To register, go to Twin Oaks` website and click on “Athletics”. Then, select on-line sports registration and follow the directions. Early bird fees for 1st-8th grade baseball/softball (payment by 2/10): $75
Regular Registration fee for baseball/softball (payment after 2/10): $100
Regular Registration for Pre-K/K: $50
2nd-4th grade golf training league fee: $121
5th-8th grade Junior golf league fee: $151
We are looking forward to a great spring sports season!

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.

HOMESCHOOL TENNIS AT VETTA
E-mail mjohnston@vettasports.com if interested.
The class times are as follows:
Monday: 3:00-4:30
Tuesday: 2:00-3:00
Thursday: 1:00-2:00
Prices would be $15/hr classes and $20/hr and half classes. If the enrollment numbers reach 7 or 8 per class, we could bring the prices down to $10/per child for an hour, $15/per child for an hour and a half.
Hopefully we get some more responses. Again, please have interested families e-mail me at mjohnston@vettasports.com. Have a great week.
Thanks again, Mike
Vetta Sports Concord
12320 Old Tesson Road
St. Louis, MO 63128

College Prep Home Education
January 23 –Scholarships
A College Prep Home Education is a monthly support group that meets at the Pillar Foundation, 15820 Clayton Rd. Ellisville, MO, the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. This meeting is open to all home educating families in the St. Louis area.
Monday, January 23 the topic is scholarships. The meeting will consist of two components pertaining to scholarships.
1. How to find scholarships.
2. Scholarship interviewing tips will be shared.  Interested junior and senior students will have an opportunity to practice by participating in a mock interview. (Students must sign-up by January 20.)
>>>Students must be in their junior or senior year of high school to participate in the mock interview.  To sign-up for the mock interview please send an e-mail to   vweller1@mindspring.com with the student’s name, age, phone number, e-mail address and a parent’s name.

Constitution Classes with Sen. Jim Lembke
Beginning on Thursday January 26 at 7 pm at Providence Classical Christian Academy, State Senator Jim Lembke will be presenting a three-week evening seminar on the Constitution of the United States.  These informative sessions are a wonderful opportunity for young people and adults to hear from one of our state’s public servants, especially as issues related to the Constitution are in the forefront of current political events.  With the upcoming election, a refreshing look at the foundational principles of our nation is timely and important.  Sen. Lembke will discuss one topic each session, and all are free and open to the public.  The topics are as follows:
January 26:  The Nature of the Constitution
February 2:  The Boundaries of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights
February 9:  Threats to Individual Liberties in an Era of Expanding Federal Control
If you think families with whom you are acquainted may be interested in attending, please consider passing on the information or adding this to your calendar of events.  We at Providence are looking forward to hosting Sen. Lembke as he seeks to serve the St. Louis community in this way.  If you have questions, please contact Todd Wagenmaker at 314-842-6846.

New This Semester at DaySpring Crestwood!
There are a few exciting NEW classes this Spring at DaySpring in Crestwood. These classes happen as a part of our full day of Enrichment classes on Fridays at Crestwood.
Art Technique – Ages 9 & Up: A structured class for the slightly older child teaching units in drawing, and three-dimensional art.  The students will see their skill level and confidence grow by sticking with one medium over several weeks and being taught how to explore what they can do.  An exhibition of their favorite work will be mounted at the end of each unit.  A $23 fee per semester is added to all art classes for supplies. Fridays 10:15am-11:30am
Lego Robotix – Ages 10 & Up
Put your creative thinking skills to work with the fun of programming Lego Mindstorm Robots. Students will be challenged to create programs collaboratively that meet the criteria of the task. This class is appropriate for both new and returning students, as it will include new challenges from last year. All of the materials for the class will be provided and kept at DaySpring. $45 semester equipment & usage fee applies. Fridays 12:00pm-1:15pm
Junior Doctor – Ages 5-9
Explore the amazing human body and learn about the remarkable things that happen inside you every day! This class lays a foundation of biology knowledge for the young scientist. Fridays 1:15pm-2:30pm
Other classes include, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Lego Robotix, and Circus Arts!
Call or email our office if you are interested at 314-291-8878 or office@dayspringarts.org. You can also look up more information about our classes at www.dayspringarts.org

KIDS FOR ART
Beginning Classes:
Thursdays:  4:30 – 6:00 p.m   – through end of May
Tuesdays:  6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  – through end of May
Tuesdays 9:30-11:00 a.m. – through end of May
Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m. – through end of May
Saturday Classes:
Acrylic Painting – 10-12:30 p.m. – February 4
Drawing – 10-11 a.m. – April 7, 14 and 2t
Clay – 10-12 p.m. – March 3
Summer Classes:
Cartooning -  10-12 p.m. – June 5
Claymation Movies – 10:30 – 12 – June 12, 19 and 26th
Drawing – 9 – 10 a.m. – June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3 and 10
Oil and Acrylic Painting 9 – 11 a.m.– June 6, 13, 20 and 27
Recycled Art – 10:30 – 11:30 – June 6
For further information, check out my website at kidsforart.com or contact me at jlapicki@yahoo.com

Research Methods and Writing Course
January 24 – March 2012
A High School-Level Course (for roughly ages 15 to adult)
Dr. Ray is offering this Research Methods and Writing course to help you:
Learn how to design a research project.
Understand different types of research.
Explore, in-depth, a subject of your personal interest.
Critique research done by academics, think tanks, professors, and others.
Broaden your understanding of and evaluate claims in newspapers and other news media.
Enhance your knowledge and use of logic.
Conduct a literature review founded on research-based sources.
Write a social science research paper.
Know when to use certain basic statistics.
Students participate and learn from Dr. Ray via his live weekly lectures (about 10 weeks, one hour each), review of student questions or comments via text chat during the lectures, and answers to questions posted by students on an Internet forum so all students can see and learn from Dr. Ray’s answers.  Lecture recordings will also be available to students 24/7 online.
Dr. Ray has taught students at all levels – elementary school, junior high school, high school, and undergraduate and graduate university – over the course of many years.  He has taught private school, public school, and homeschool students.  Dr. Ray is an energetic and engaging teacher and has received much praise for his teaching and speaking abilities.  He serves as the president of the National Home Education Research Institute and is internationally known for his homeschool research, service as an expert witness in court cases and before legislatures, and speaking at educational conferences, including those for home educators.  Dr. Ray and his wife have eight children and live on a small farm in western Oregon.
Students will receive careful and detailed review, critique, feedback, and grading from Dr. Ray on three written assignments.  Students will also take one exam to show their understanding of basic research methods terms and concepts.  Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion for this one-semester, research methods and writing, high school course.
Students who complete this course and are interested in completing the research project they design might be able to continue in a mentored project with Dr. Ray to execute their study.
Tuition is $795 and is due in full upon registration.  Class size is limited, so students receive plenty of personal attention and feedback from Dr. Ray. First come, first served.  Late enrollments may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
The registration form explains details such as the live-lecture time, payment arrangements, forms of payment, the textbook to be used and its cost, and more.
Please call Dr. Ray’s office at 503-364-1490 or email Abbie at mail@nheri.org for a registration form or if you have any questions.

EntrepreLaunch
Starting Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Family Vision is pleased to announce EntrepreLaunch, a new program designed to help young men and women develop the entrepreneurial spirit and skills. We desire to help train and launch young entrepreneurs into the business world.
EntrepreLaunch is for young people ages 16-20, who want to learn entrepreneurial business skills. Participants should have a business idea which they would like to develop (this is recommended for getting the most out of the instruction, but is not required).
EntrepreLaunch will contain seven two-hour training sessions, each covering a basic area of business development.  These sessions will feature professionals and entrepreneurs, who will teach participants how to navigate the process of starting and running a business.
Please see the website for more details!
I look forward to sharing this great new program with your young people.
Yours in Christ, John Thrower
The Family Vision
2020 Parkway Drive, St. Peters, MO  63376
636-447-6900
www.TheFamilyVision.org

Shake Hands with Shakespeare: Interactive Literature
Session 2:  The Tragedy of King Lear
February 17 – March 23
Fridays 9:30-11:00am
With a full class, session one of this 3-session series is well underway and students are reading Shakespeare’s comedy “TWELFTH NIGHT”.  Each week, for 6 weeks, students assume the various character roles and read the play aloud gaining a much greater understanding of plot, character and theme.  Every 6 weeks we begin a new play, thereby giving us a comedy, a tragedy and a history by the end of the 18 week semester.
In addition, by reading out loud, students have the benefit of hearing the language and developing skills in oral interpretation, voice and diction….plus a little confidence!
Students use the No Fear Shakespeare Series which uses both the original language and a modern translation…thus, No Fear of any language difficulties or little known Shakesperean jargon!
In second session students will be reading the tragedy “KING LEAR” which deals with  themes of loyalty, love and ambition set against the backdrop of the parent/child relationship…of course it is a tragedy so there is also a sprinkling of betrayal and madness!
Registration was full for first session but there will be openings in the second session.  Class size is limited to give all students ample opportunity to read.
If interested in registering for second session or with any questions you may have, please email me at heathersartin@yahoo.com.
Also, for more specific details regarding time, location and tuition …please  visit www.youngactorsworkshop.wordpress.com and click on Spring Semester.  Details are at the bottom of that page.

SIX FLAGS READ TO SUCCEED 2012
Go to http://readtosucceed.discoveryeducation.com/ and click on “HOMESCHOOLS” to register and find links to all the information you need to know about this year’s program. If you have questions or problems of any kind, email the Discovery Education Read to Succeed staff directly at readtosucceed@discovery.com. They will usually email back in 1-2 days. You can also call the Read to Succeed helpline at 1-800 -822-5110 (but the “outsource” operators don’t know as much as the Discovery online staff)
The deadline to sign-up is March 1st at 5:00 pm EST. As in the past, only students from kindergarten to 6th grade (not over age 13) are allowed to participate. To qualify for a free ticket, a student must do 360 minutes of recreational reading (includes comics, magazines, newspapers, fiction and/or non-fiction books, etc.). Homework and class lessons do not count. The time frame for reading is from September 2011 – March 1, 2012. Kids can read on their own, or listen as parents and others read out loud. A free teacher ticket is awarded to only ONE homeschool parent per family (Even if both parents do the teaching).
NOTE:  NEW THIS YEAR!
- In addition to registering online, you must fill out a hard-copy Student Reading Log sheet for each participating child and mail it to a special Six Flags office by March 9, 2012. Student Reading Logs are available to print from the Read to Succeed website. Mail to Six Flags, Attn: Read to Succeed, 924 Avenue J East, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (I doubt they will ever look at these log sheets, but make sure they are filled out completely and accurately just in case).
- Every homeschool family must register online as an individual family “school.” There will be no registering through SHARE or any type of homeschool group, organization, co-op, etc.
- Your tickets will be sent directly to you by EMAIL
- The online recording and submission process is easier. Once you enter your student info and press “save,” the student name and 360 minutes are recorded. On March 1st your students’ names will automatically be submitted to Read to Succeed/Discovery Education for the free tickets, along with your name as teacher (A homeschool parent must give their name when registering their student).

Beautiful Conference For Women, Feb. 10-11, 2012
This is a mother-daughter women’s conference focussing on what true beauty is ~ women finding joy in their identity in Christ ~ and how to reflect God’s character in dress and relationships.
Beautiful begins with a fashion show on Friday evening, Feb. 10 and continues Saturday morning with keynote presentations, music and breakout sessions.  Women ages twelve and older are invited, with a special encouragement for women to come together ~ especially mothers and daughters.
Beautiful is the creative effort of a consortium of almost entirely women from various local Christian churches, to provide an opportunity for women to experience an unleashing of confidence in their identity in Christ reflecting true beauty in all areas of life.  The venue is Twin Oaks Church (141 at Big Bend), selected for its size, amenities, ease of parking, location, and welcoming invitation.
Our keynoter is well-known Christian author and conference speaker, Shelley Noonan, author of “The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood” (http://www.shelleynoonan.com)
Our musical guest is Jonny Diaz, Contemporary Christian music sensation.  His music ties in to our theme of beauty from the inside out.
For more information or to register, go to http://www.beautifulconference.org/

PLANET CONNECT
Planet Connect is the National Environmental Education Foundation’s (NEEF’s) online social network, where high school students can learn about current environmental issues, funding opportunities, green colleges and environmental careers. Students can also share and exchange ideas about how they are playing a critical role in solving today’s environmental issues.
In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Conservation Training Center, Planet Connect is administering the 2012 Wildlife Conservation Youth Engagement Grants for high school students with a creative idea for conserving and protecting wildlife – including plants! Planet Connect is offering grants of $1,000 to implement a project in local schools or communities. In addition, all grantees will receive funding to participate in a local summer internship focused on wildlife conservation or natural resources.
Applications are due February 12, 2012. Get the details at: http://planetconnect.org/2012wcgrants
NEEF Contact Info
David Lanham
Education Program Coordinator
202-261-6483
dlanham@neefusa.org
http://www.planetconnect.org/
http://www.classroomearth.org/2011wcgrants
National Environmental Education Foundation
4301 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 160
Washington, DC 20008

If you know of an event, class, happening, or link you would like to see added, please contact me at zana8796 [at] yahoo [dot] com  Comments are not available, but sharing is.

The posted events are open to all homeschoolers in the St. Louis, MO, area (including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in MO, and Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County in IL, and surrounding regions). Those marked with an asterisk (*) do not take place within the target area for this list, but are open to all homeschoolers who live in the target area. NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate endorsement by the blog owner. I try to include as many events or classes I know of in the Greater St. Louis area that would be of special interest to homeschoolers. Some of these events come from a distinctively “Christian” perspective, while others are purely “secular” in nature. If you see things that you would not be particularly interested in, just ignore them and look for the things that do appeal to you.