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To: Virginia Homeschoolers
From: Home Educators Association of Virginia

HEAV's Virginia Homeschool Update
April 7, 2009

Above the Fold
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April's Top Pick

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Save 50% on Meet The Masters @Home Online Curriculum
Yes! This is the same award-winning Meet The Masters art education program you have heard of, adapted for use online. Homeschool students learn art by studying the greats: Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Degas, and others! Save 50% by purchasing through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op before April 30.

Click here for more information. (https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/meet-the-masters/?source=HEAV-04-07-09)

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Take Music Lessons From The Comfort Of Your Own Home!
Do you have a computer and video chat software such as Skype? If so, take music lessons in banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and dobro from your home at a time convenient to you. High-quality instruction at an affordable price! Visit the website for more information, free tablature, and videos.

www.bluegrasslessonsonline.com

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CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING? DON'T MISS THIS!
Are you ready to begin homeschooling? Get your questions answered and use the information from this seminar to get off to the right start! What are the first things you should do to get started? What does the law say? Where can you get curriculum? What kinds of records should you keep? Where can you get help? Maximize your success with practical ideas from Yvonne Bunn, a veteran homeschool mom who has helped thousands of families begin homeschooling.

Know someone who's considering homeschooling? Please forward them this information! This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get their questions answered!

LYNCHBURG - Saturday, April 18, 2009
Cost: $25/HEAV members; $30/non-members; spouses are free!
Read more and register today! (http://www.heav.org/events/seminar/index.html#how-to-begin-lynchburg)

RICHMOND - Thursday, April 30, 2009
Cost: $20/HEAV members; $25/non-members; spouses are free, as always.
Read more and register today! (http://www.heav.org/events/seminar/index.html#how-to-begin)

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Used Curriculum Barcoding System Is Now Available!
Want the opportunity to turn unneeded homeschooling materials into cash? Sell your items at the gigantic Used Curriculum Sale during the 26th Annual HEAV Homeschool Convention. The barcoding system is now available online, so start labeling your books and getting them ready to sell!

http://ucs.heav.org/index.html

New This Year! Extended Shopping Hours - You asked and we listened! The UCS has extended its hours this year an extra half hour on Friday and an extra hour on Saturday. We hope you enjoy the extra shopping time!

For those of you not familiar with it, the Used Curriculum Sale is a MEGA opportunity to get homeschool resources at a bargain--and to sell those items you don't need! Find more details on the Used Curriculum Sale pages.

http://www.heav.org/convention/ucs/index.html

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Help Still Needed!
As the convention approaches, things have been getting very busy, and HEAV could use your help! Please ask the Lord if He would have you minister to other homeschoolers by volunteering. Volunteering is a wonderful way to serve others--and be blessed in the process! Many find the time they spend with HEAV helps them learn important skills and ministers to them in other areas.

We still need:
Help in the HEAV office - The Richmond office needs volunteers to come in anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help answer phone calls and assist with convention registration and other simple office duties. Both moms and teens are greatly appreciated! Contact the HEAV office at office@heav.org/804-278-9200 if interested.

Convention Volunteers - As always, we need lots of help at the convention! We need people to help at the UCS (http://www.heav.org/convention/ucs/index.html), serve as speaker hosts/hostesses (http://www.heav.org/support-homeschoolers/volunteer/index.html#speaker), and more! Volunteers who help out two or more hours at convention get to shop first at the Used Curriculum Sale. Visit our Volunteer Checklist (http://www.heav.org/support-homeschoolers/volunteer/volunteerchecklist.html) to volunteer, and view our Volunteer FAQs (http://www.heav.org/convention/volunteers.html) for more details.

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Homeschool Day at the Capitol--History and Government They Won't Forget!
It was the perfect setting for HEAV's Day at the Capitol--the sun was shining warmly and there was a light breeze to greet homeschool visitors. As the day ended, one parent of a fourth grader remarked they were glad they had come because the Capitol trip made Virginia history come alive for them, while another student said this was a great ending to her senior year government course. Regardless of the age or interest (parents included!), Day at the Capitol was a great learning experience that went far beyond the covers of a textbook!

Watch a slideshow and read more about this year's Homeschool Day at the Capitol!
(http://www.heav.org/events/slideshows/datc-2009.html)

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Attention All Graduates!
Graduation Deadline Extended to April 13
Looking for a memorable and meaningful way to mark your graduation? There are a few spots left for graduates to participate in the HEAV commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2009! The ceremony, which will be held at HEAV's annual convention, is a wonderful way to celebrate, as well as to reach out to family, friends, and the general community. The registration deadline has been extended to Monday, April 13, 2009. Send your packet in today--packets must be received at the HEAV office by April 13. You can download a GRAD packet and view more information on the Graduation page.

http://www.heav.org/convention/graduation/index.html

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Homeschooler Wins BubbleWrap Contest!
Homeschooler Tucker Haas has a very inventive family--his older sister won the competition before! It's hard to tell who inspired him more though, as his younger sister has a form of cerebral palsy and his invention is a swing support for her. The family lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

http://www.wsoctv.com/video/18472479

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1) Homeschool Items
View All Homeschool Items
1.1 Judges Needed: Speech and Debate Tournament - Virginia Beach - April 15-18
1.2 Used Curriculum Sale - Gloucester - May 23
1.3 Instructors Wanted - Springfield - 2009-2010
1.4 Article - Why Teach Mythology; Isn't It Paganism?

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2) General Interest Items
View All General Interest Items
2.1 Christian Filmmakers 36-hour Contest - April 10
2.2 Free: Battle of Petersburg - Petersburg - April 18-19
2.3 Junior Ranger Essay Contest - Deadline Is May 1
2.4 Farm Bureau Scholarship - Fauquier County - Deadline Is May 1
2.5 Scholarship for Winning Logo Design - Hampton Roads - Deadline Is May 15

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3) Cool Sites for Homeschoolers
View All Cool Sites for Homeschoolers
3.1 He Is Risen Indeed! - Free Five-Day Easter Unit Study
3.2 Free Tomato Seeds
3.3 Home Baking Association
3.4 Kid's Corner: Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom
3.5 SpeedCrunch - Free Desktop Calculator
3.6 Free Eye Facts for Children Poster
3.7 Tobin's Lab: Free Science E-Newsletter

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4) Parting Thought - Nail Scars
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested the boy now pull out one nail for each day he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things or do things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But it won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there."

- Author Unknown

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5) Worth Repeating
"Psalm 1 has to be one of the most poignant passages in the entire Bible in terms of the evaluation of immoral educational influence. We must not allow our children to stand, sit, or walk with those who deny biblical truth and morality. Instead we must place them in situations that will aid them in meditating on the law of the Lord 'day and night.'"
- Voddie Baucham, Jr., in Family Driven Faith, pages 125-126. Read a little more of the book on Google Books (http://books.google.com/books?id=n2aRSAra7XIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=baucham+we+must+not+allow+our+children+to+stand). Pastor Baucham is one of the keynote speakers for HEAV's June Convention--view his bio and more links to his resources on our convention speaker page!

http://www.heav.org/convention/speakers.html

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6) Verse of the Week
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
- Psalm 1:1-6 (KJV)

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Submit an Item
Know of an event, contest, or resource that would interest fellow homeschoolers? Please submit it using our online form at www.heav.org/update_submit.html.

Note: We compile information for publication at least two weeks prior to the send-out date, so please submit items as early as possible (preferably one month in advance). HEAV reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted.

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Disclaimer
The Virginia Homeschool Update (http://www.heav.org/resources/heavupdate/index.html) is produced by Kathleen Dillie (copy editor), Chris (editor), Anna Dykhoff (graphic designer), Katherine Loop (update manager), and Anne Miller (director of publications & marketing).

HEAV does not necessarily endorse the above-mentioned resources, nor guarantee the accuracy of information found on any external resource we may mention. If you find anything wrong on our website, please let us know so we can correct it.

HEAV diligently researches each link prior to publication. However, we recommend you, the parent, fully examine websites before allowing your children to surf them without supervision.

Copyright © 2009 by the Home Educators Association of Virginia. All rights reserved. You are free to pass along all or part of this Update, but please include the following credit line when you do: "Taken from HEAV's Virginia Homeschool Update, a free newsletter for Virginia homeschoolers. You can sign up at www.heav.org." You may modify this credit line if needed, but please credit HEAV and link to the HEAV website (www.heav.org).

Home Educators Association of Virginia

 

1) Homeschool Items
April 7, 2009

1.1 Judges Needed: Speech and Debate Tournament - Virginia Beach - April 15-18
1.2 Used Curriculum Sale - Gloucester - May 23
1.3 Instructors Wanted - Springfield - 2009-2010
1.4 Article - Why Teach Mythology; Isn't It Paganism?

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1.1 Judges Needed: Speech and Debate Tournament - Virginia Beach - April 16-18

Regent University
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA

Debate start times are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 16; from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17; and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009. Judges are needed in blocks of two to three hours; beyond committing to one session, there is no minimum or maximum amount of time commitment. Admission is free for spectators; please see the website for complete spectator schedules.

Would you consider volunteering two to three hours of your time to help Christian young people hone their communication skills by judging at this tournament? No experience is necessary; a 30-minute judges' orientation will be conducted on tournament days. Judges must be at least 18 years old. Volunteers may judge for just one round or more, depending on their schedules. A judges' lounge is provided and meals will be served. There are two types of debates and ten speech events from which to choose. A schedule is available at the website.

National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (N.C.F.C.A.) is sponsoring the Regional Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. The top competitors will advance to the National Championship in June. One goal of this homeschool league is to equip students with communication skills useful for conveying ideas to people in all walks of life.

If you would like to register as a judge or get more information, please contact Renee Jordan at region9rc@gmail.com or see the first link. Please do not contact Regent University.

See the second link for a tentative schedule and the third for general tournament information.

http://sites.google.com/site/rixcommunityjudge/Home

www.ncfca.org/downloads/pdf/R9InvSchedule09.pdf

www.ncfca.org/regional_contacts/reg_9_tourn

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1.2 Used Curriculum Sale - Gloucester - May 23

Salem United Methodist Church
11408 Salem Church Road
Gloucester, VA

Saturday, May 23, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Free admission and no fee to sell. Set up starts at 8:30 a.m. Sellers-only shopping period from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Sellers must be present (no drop-offs) and are completely responsible for their own transactions. Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times; the playground and outdoor areas are off limits. Sellers must take all items not sold. Sales are limited to educational items only.

Please contact Kathy Hughes at 804-695-1446 or jaye@inna.net for additional information.

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1.3 Instructors Wanted - Springfield - 2009-2010

Harvester Teaching Services
7800 Rolling Road
Springfield, VA

Harvester Teaching Services is seeking qualified instructors for the 2009-2010 school year. Formal certification is not required, but a strong Christian faith with a clear testimony, expertise in teaching as well as in subject matter, and a heart for discipleship are expected.

For further information, contact Janna Gilbert at hts@harvesterpca.org.

www.htslink.org

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1.4 Article - Why Teach Mythology; Isn't It Paganism?

This article from Answers in Genesis shows us how teaching ancient mythology properly, can lead us to scriptural truth.

www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v17/i3/Athena.asp

 

2) General Interest Items
April 7, 2009

2.1 Christian Filmmakers 36-hour Contest - April 10
2.2 Free: Battle of Petersburg - Petersburg - April 18-19
2.3 Junior Ranger Essay Contest - Deadline Is May 1
2.4 Farm Bureau Scholarship - Fauquier County - Deadline Is May 1
2.5 Scholarship for Winning Logo Design - Hampton Roads - Deadline Is May 15

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2.1 Christian Filmmakers 36-hour Contest - April 10

Friday, April 10, 2009, beginning at noon and ending 36 hours later. The contest will include several "security elements" to insure the work was completed exclusively within the allowed time period.

Nathaniel Bluedorn (part of the Bluedorn family who runs Trivium Pursuit) gave some sneak peek info into an upcoming filmmaker contest. Christian filmmakers around the world will begin producing a three-minute story on video on April 10 and will upload their video to YouTube within 36 hours. Entries will be judged on story, cinematography, sound, performance, and editing. The winner gets $500.
See the website for all the details including the rules.

www.christianfilmmakers.org/contest/news/contest/

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2.2 Free: Battle of Petersburg - Petersburg - April 18-19

Battersea Plantation (directions on the website)
Petersburg, VA

Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Vendors onsite selling food, drink, and colonial-era goods.

See--and hear--the reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg with British and American artillery, cavalry, infantry, militia, distaff, and civilians on the camps and grounds of Battersea Plantation. In addition to the main battle action each day, there will be skirmishes, period music, children's activities and games, blacksmith demonstrations, and much more. Don't miss it. (Play "spot the editor"--I'll be there!)

See the website for information about the history and the event. Any phone inquiries may be placed to the Petersburg Visitors Center at 804-733-2400.

www.petersburg-va.org/revwar/livinghistory.htm

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2.3 Junior Ranger Essay Contest - Deadline Is May 1

Deadline is Friday, May 1, 2009. The National Park Foundation is sponsoring the Junior Ranger Essay Contest, open to children 9-12 years old. Write a maximum 500-word essay answering the question, "Why are our national parks important to you and what is your best idea to protect our parks for the future?" First Prize is a $1,000 gift card and the opportunity to direct a $5,000 contribution to your favorite national park. This contribution will be used to help put into action big ideas like those included in the winning essay.

Submit your entry online and view the official rules on the website.

www.nationalparks.org/essaycontest

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2.4 Farm Bureau Scholarship - Fauquier County - Deadline Is May 1

Deadline is Friday, May 1, 2009. The Fauquier County Farm Bureau is offering two competitive $2,500 scholarships for high school seniors graduating in 2009. They must reside in or be from Fauquier County and plan to continue their education in agricultural, horticulture, environmental studies, veterinary medicine, or a related field. A maximum 500-word essay describing career plans and educational goals and why these were chosen is required.

Contact the Farm Bureau at 540-347-3172 or Charlotte.Byler@vafb.com to obtain the application and all the details.

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2.5 Scholarship for Winning Logo Design - Hampton Roads - Deadline Is May 15

Deadline is Friday, May 15, 2009. The Orthopaedic Center for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction is awarding a $500 scholarship to the graduating high school senior who develops the best logo for the center. The winning logo may be used on all of OCFAR's printed materials and website. Applicants must reside in the Hampton Roads area.

For more information, see the website or contact Mary Breneman at 757-802-2549.

www.ocfar.com/news.php

 

3) Cool Sites for Homeschoolers
April 7, 2009

3.1 He Is Risen Indeed! - Free Five-Day Easter Unit Study
3.2 Free Tomato Seeds
3.3 Home Baking Association
3.4 Kid's Corner: Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom
3.5 SpeedCrunch - Free Desktop Calculator
3.6 Free Eye Facts for Children Poster
3.7 Tobin's Lab: Free Science E-Newsletter

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3.1 He Is Risen Indeed! - Free Five-Day Easter Unit Study

This archived newsletter from the Teaching Home has a free 5-day Easter Unit Study with more than 50 links for further information. Don't let the amount intimidate you though; it is much better to find a few links meaningful for your family and spend extra time on them.

www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/newsletter206.cfm

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3.2 Free Tomato Seeds

If you have a can of Campbell's soup in the house (and who doesn't?), enter the code on the bottom as explained on the website to get your packet of free tomato seeds. You could also skip that part and just help raise funds for community gardens by clicking daily on little meter or get gardening information on the site.

www.helpgrowyoursoup.com

(Our thanks to Jennifer who shared this with her local list.)

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3.3 Home Baking Association

Find recipes that include the latest ingredients (like white whole wheat flour and bulgar), a free newsletter, weekly lessons, a glossary the Home Baking Association's continuing to develop, an extensive resource list, stuff for kids, and other features on this website any home baker will appreciate.

www.homebaking.org/index.html

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3.4 Kid's Corner: Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom

Various games and interactives teach while kids have fun. Where do all the pizza ingredients come from? Learn about agronomy careers, pork, and milk; take a virtual farm tour; and much more. Links to Dole, Jolly Time popcorn, John Deere, and others provide diverse information. Note links for teachers at the top of the page.

www.agintheclass.com/kidscorner.asp

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3.5 SpeedCrunch - Free Desktop Calculator

In addition to being free, it works on Macs, PCs, or Linux, and you can download or use it without downloading--how's that for versatility? Kim Komando, with the popular radio computer show, recommended it. You may read all about the 50 math functions and such on the website before deciding if you'd like to use it.

www.speedcrunch.org/en_US/index.html

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3.6 Free Eye Facts for Children Poster

You can sign in and register free of charge to request one copy of this "Eye Facts for Children" poster, or you can download a PDF version without registering. It offers interesting facts, tips, and myth busters about eyes and vision--it even has information about animals' eyes.

http://catalog.nei.nih.gov/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=21&idproduct=131

(Our thanks to Molly Hayden.)

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3.7 Tobin's Lab: Free Science E-Newsletter

Sign up for their free monthly newsletter and get samples of activities from some of our favorite products, teaching tips, and easy labs for all ages in every issue. Click on "Downloads," then "Register Here." Look for Tobin's Lab at the HEAV Convention, and check out Tammy Duby's convention workshops.

www.tobinslab.com

www.heav.org/convention/workshops/workshops-by-speaker.html#duby