Virginia Homeschool

To: Virginia Homeschoolers
From: Home Educators Association of Virginia

Above the Fold
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MARCH'S TOP PICK
FREE shipping plus $1 off!

Home Schooling: The Right Choice
by Chris Klicka

Called the standard-bearer of books on homeschooling, The Right Choice covers all of home education's benefits, successes, heritage, how-tos, constitutional rights, and much more--this is one of the most complete and well-documented books on homeschooling!

Whether you are thinking of homeschooling, wondering why you homeschool, or 100% committed to homeschooling, Chris Klicka's book will provide you with encouragement and support.

[The Right Choice is] written in an easy and conversational style with splashes of humorous anecdotes. Klicka covers homeschooling from all perspectives, historical, academic, biblical, practical, and legal...." - Debra Britt, in a book review for Charisma magazine, 1993.

On special this month for $11.99/members and $12.99/non-members with FREE shipping.

Order your copy today!

http://heav.networkats.com/members_online/members/viewitem.asp?item=10062&catalog=BKS&pn=5&af=HEAV

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New D.C. Homeschool Organization Meets Tonight
District of Columbia Home Educators Association (DCHEA) will hold its inaugural meeting today (Tuesday, March 18) at 7:00 p.m. at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. (The church is located at 525 A Street, N.E., and the parking lot entrance is next to 17th Street N.E., one-half block north of E. Capitol Street. Enter through the parking lot door.)

Several items are on the agenda for this first gathering, including the latest news on the District's homeschooling regulations. This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of home education in our nation's capitol. All D.C. parents who are currently homeschooling, or who are considering doing so in the future, are encouraged to attend and to pass the invitation on to others.

[Our thanks to HSLDA (www.hslda.org) for sharing this invite.]

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Shear Fun - Homeschool Event at Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum
Thursday, April 10, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At this HEAV-sponsored event, you'll get to see Haley and Comet, get their annual haircuts! With winter ending and spring on its way, their woolly coats are going to get too warm. Join the crowd for "Shear Fun" and learn all about our woolly friends and the products they provide to make our lives better. After watching the sheep get their first haircuts, learn how to wash the wool and dry it. Then comb through the wool and spin it into your very own thread or yarn to take home with you. Afterwards, visit with the other animals and take a trip into the past as you tour the collection of agricultural antiques.

Admission cost for this homeschool event is $2/child; maximum of $6/family. No reservations are required. The sheep will be sheared at 10:30 and 1:30. For more information, contact Brian Frye at brian.frye@dcr.virginia.gov or 757-294-3439.

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Homeschool Day at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park - Filled!
After being listed in just two Updates, this HEAV-sponsored event has already been filled to capacity and is now closed to new registrations! The park has started a waiting list for the event--contact them at 866-515-1864 or e-mail marshalltd@vmi.edu if you would like added to the list.

The park would also like to invite you to plan a field trip to their site on a different day. They offer group programs ranging in length from two to five hours. For more information on their programming for homeschool students, please visit the park's website, www.vmi.edu/newmarket, or contact the park directly through their toll-free number, 866-515-1864.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for other HEAV-sponsored events over the upcoming weeks!

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HELP FOR DADS!
New Feature Article: How Dads Can Help Homeschool through High School
This article by homeschool veteran Scott Somerville is a must-read for dads, especially those with high-school-aged children. Scott offers an insightful look at how dads can offer moms the support they need.

www.heav.org/resources/articles/stayingthecourse/dadshelphighschool.html

A Magazine Issue for Dads
Our latest magazine issue is packed with information to help and inspire dads! If you don't have a copy, you can view it online using the link below (be sure to sign up (http://www.heav.org/signup.html) to receive future issues--your subscription is free!).

www.heav.org/tvhe/v14_i1/tvhe-volume-14-issue-1.html

Dad's Track at the Convention
Sessions to encourage dads! This June at the HEAV Convention there's a track specifically for dads! Be encouraged by Scott Somerville, Dr. Jay Wile, Phil Downer, Gregg Harris, and others.

View track details. (http://www.heav.org/convention/workshops/dads-track.html)
Register for the convention. (http://www.heav.org/convention/registration)

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Graduation Packets
Graduates, to participate in the graduation ceremony at the HEAV Convention in June, GRAD packet forms must be filled out and returned to HEAV by April 4, 2008. If you haven't requested a GRAD packet, don't delay. Contact the HEAV office at 804-278-9200 and request a packet.

For more information on graduation, please see the graduation FAQs at www.heav.org/convention/graduation.

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Have You Given Them One Yet?
Don't let your friends miss the highlight of the homeschool year! Put a convention brochure in the hands of everyone in your support group, your church group, or your mom's group! Make sure every neighbor, friend, or relative that has ever asked you about homeschooling has convention information. Call the office at 804-278-9200 and let us know the number of convention brochures you need. We'll be glad to get them right out to you!

We'll say it again: People don't stop homeschooling because they can't buy enough curricula. They quit because they are discouraged and don't know where to get the help they need. Convention offers more than buying books--it provides the opportunity to listen to uplifting speakers, to learn how to teach specific subjects, to get help organizing your day (and your stuff), to put your finances in order, to work with your children from toddlers to ‘tweens to teens, to learn about special-needs resources, to build stronger family relationships, and to do much, much more. Tell others about it and bring them along!

http://www.heav.org/assets/files/convention2008/HEAV2008Brochure.pdf

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Financial Literacy Track
Whether you are stuggling financially or not, you'll be sure to pick up excellent tips from the Economides--America's Cheapest Family and Barry Hardy from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University!

Financial pressures can leave us feeling exhausted and depleted. Learn how to tell your money where to go. How to get OUT of debt! How to live a life free from financial worry. These sessions are appropriate for ANYONE you know who is under financial pressure!

Financial pressures can be the undoing of any homeschool family. Come and get the inspiration and help you need!

www.heav.org/convention/workshops/financial-literacy-and-economics-workshops.html

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1) Homeschool Items
View All Homeschool Items
1.1 Free Brass Concert - Norfolk - March 26
1.2 Mariners' Museum: Homeschool Workshops - Newport News - March 27
1.3 Homeschool Drawing Contest - Deadline May 1
1.4 Free Charlotte Mason E-book - Limited Time
1.5 Articles and Resources - Achievement Testing

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2) General Interest Items
View All General Interest Items
2.1 GIS Internship Program - Hampton - First Deadline March 24
2.2 Liberty University Civil War Seminar - Best Prices by March 26
2.3 "Wings ‘n' Rails" - Richmond - March 29-30
2.4 Free Civil War Weekend at Historic Tredegar - Richmond - April 5-6
2.5 Educator Reception and Savings Week - Borders Stores - April 2-8
2.6 Busch Gardens Design Contest - Deadline April 14
2.7 Computer Mapping Technology Summer Camp - Chestertown, MD - Scholarship Deadline May 1
2.8 Virginia Time Traveler Program - Ends December 1
2.9 Article - Saving for College?
2.10 Article - How to Treat Your Adult Children
2.11 Tuition Changes at MIT

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3) Cool Sites
View All Cool Sites
3.1 Exploring Homeschooling Website
3.2 Postage Increase - May 12
3.3 Article - Concert Etiquette
3.4 TeachingAmericanHistory.org
3.5 100 Most Influential Women - Four Lists
3.6 3-D Printable Tabernacle and Much More!
3.7 Naval Observatory - The Sky This Week
3.8 29 Spelling Rules

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4) 25th Anniversary Celebration - A 1985 Call to Prayer
"Some of us are praying and fasting (especially on Fridays) for justice for the home educators in Virginia. We are praying especially for our own local legislators, that they follow God's Will in January and February as they vote on important issues for Family Life." - January 1985

[In reference to the legislative season...]
"Your prayers are needed that our adversaries be confounded and our friends be strengthened." - February 1989.

Early homeschoolers recognized they needed God to fight for them. They knew they needed His protection and His help--and they sought it. God answered their prayers. He gave them the courage they needed, and He moved the hearts of legislatures and judges to protect them.

May we, too, be a people of prayer--praying for our leaders, for the California homeschool situation (http://heav.org/blog/?cat=6), for other homeschoolers in all parts of the world, and for the strength and wisdom to make it through each day.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2:1,2 (KJV)

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5 (KJV)

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5) Parting Thought - Van Gogh's Family Tree

- His dizzy aunt - Verti Gogh
- The brother who worked at a convenience store - Stop an Gogh
- The grandfather from Yugoslavia - U Gogh
- The cousin from Illinois - Chica Gogh
- His Spanish cousin - Amy Gogh
- The Spanish cousin's English drummer half-brother - Ring Gogh
- The nephew who drove a stage coach - Wells far Gogh
- The ballroom dancing aunt - Tang Gogh
- The bird-lover uncle - Flaming Gogh
- The fruit-loving cousin - Man Gogh
- His bouncy little nephew - Poe Gogh
- And his niece who traveled the country in a van - Winnie Bay Gogh

- Author unknown

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6) Worth Repeating
"The name of Jesus is in my mind as a joyful song, in my ear a heavenly music, and in my mouth a sweet honey."
- Richard Rolle (1290-1349), English religious writer, Bible translator, and hermit.

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7) Verse of the Week
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. - Romans 8:11 (KJV)

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Submit an Item
Know of an event, contest, or resource that would be of interest to fellow homeschoolers? 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 HEAV Update 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 © 2008 by the Home Educators Association of Virginia. All rights reserved. You are free to pass along all or part of this Update, but please credit HEAV and include a link to our website, www.heav.org. Home Educators Association of Virginia

1) Homeschool Items
March 18, 2008

1.1 Free Brass Concert - Norfolk - March 26
1.2 Mariners' Museum: Homeschool Workshops - Newport News - March 27
1.3 Homeschool Drawing Contest - Deadline May 1
1.4 Free Charlotte Mason E-book - Limited Time
1.5 Articles and Resources - Achievement Testing

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1.1 Free Brass Concert - Norfolk - March 26

The Chrysler Museum of Art, Huber Court
245 West Olney Road
Norfolk, VA

Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Arts Within Reach presents the Virginia Symphony Brass Quintet in a free, short afternoon concert. Stephen Carlson (trumpet), David Vonderheide (trumpet), Wilford Holcombe (horn), Timothy Owner (trombone), Peter DuBeau (tuba), and John Lindberg (percussion) make beautiful music together and show us the versatility of their instruments as they perform arrangements for brass.

For more information, see the website or call 757-664-4321.

www.norfolkdevelopment.com/arts-culture/ProgramsandEventsnew.htm#Mar07

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1.2 Mariners' Museum: Homeschool Workshops - Newport News - March 27

The Mariners' Museum
100 Museum Drive
Newport News, VA

Thursday, March 27, 2008, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Both March homeschool classes are scheduled for this time. Cost: $7.50/student/chaperone.

Lighthouse Lore (grades K-4): Explore the role lighthouses have played in helping ships safely navigate the waterways. Learn what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper and how lighthouse design and technology have changed through the ages. Lighthouses from around the Chesapeake Bay and along the coastlines of the United States will be explored in this enlightening program that uses both gallery artifacts and a slide presentation.

Buoyancy (grades 5-12): What properties of water help a boat to float? How do hull design and construction factor into seaworthiness? This educational program focuses on the science of buoyancy and utilizes construction skills to assess the student's ability to make a boat float. Identification of hull designs and construction techniques by means of a small craft scavenger hunt round out the class.

For more information, contact Museum Educator Armalita Holley at 757-591-7743 or aholley@marinersmuseum.org.

www.mariner.org/educationalad/homeschool/index.php

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1.3 Homeschool Drawing Contest - Deadline May 1

The deadline is May 1, 2008. Contest is open to all non-public homeschool students 18 years of age or younger in the U.S.A. There are two divisions. The theme for the Senior Division (ages 12-18) is "Something Unexpected"; the theme for the Junior Division (ages 1-11) is "An Ancient, Mysterious Object." Prizes include gift certificates from PrizmArt and Lamplighter Publishing. Judging will be based on expression of the theme, creativity, originality, technique, and presentation as appropriate for the age group.

See the website for all the contest details. Best wishes!

www.homeschoolinfocenter.net/contest/hic_contest/27

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1.4 Free Charlotte Mason E-book - Limited Time

Cindy Rushton, a homeschool mom and author, has summarized Charlotte Mason's popular ideas and is sharing the e-book for a limited time. Check the website to get it.

www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/JumpstartCharlotteMason.pdf

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1.5 Articles and Resources - Achievement Testing

As spring nears, many parents ask about achievement testing. Check the HEAV website resource pages for information.

www.heav.org/testing/index.html

If you have questions about Virginia's laws on homeschool testing, refer to this page for the answers to common questions such as "Who must be tested?" and "What methods of assessment may be used?"

www.heav.org/testing/testingfaq.html

The Teaching Home magazine has a wonderful set of resources with many general items not specific to any particular state. Their newsletter is a must read--and free!

www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/newsletter204.cfm

2) General Interest Items
March 18, 2008

2.1 GIS Internship Program - Hampton - First Deadline March 24
2.2 Liberty University Civil War Seminar - Best Prices by March 26
2.3 "Wings ‘n' Rails" - Richmond - March 29-30
2.4 Free Civil War Weekend at Historic Tredegar - Richmond - April 5-6
2.5 Educator Reception and Savings Week - Borders Stores - April 2-8
2.6 Busch Gardens Design Contest - Deadline April 14
2.7 Computer Mapping Technology Summer Camp - Chestertown, MD - Scholarship Deadline May 1
2.8 Virginia Time Traveler Program - Ends December 1
2.9 Article - Saving for College?
2.10 Article - How to Treat Your Adult Children
2.11 Tuition Changes at MIT

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2.1 GIS Internship Program - Hampton - First Deadline March 24

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center
Hampton, VA

Summer 2008 Internships - June 9 to August 22. Complete application must be received by March 24.
Fall 2008 Internships - September 9 to December 19. Complete application must be received by July 1.
Spring 2009 Semester - January 7 to May 23. Complete application must be received by November 1.

The GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Technician Internship Program is open to community college, undergraduate, and graduate students majoring in the fields of geography, technology, and civil engineering with experience in geospatial technology or an interest in developing their skills in spatial data technology in support of NASA's mission. A student majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)--or any other major and demonstrating an interest in working in geospatial technology--will also be considered. Exceptional, highly motivated high school students (if at least 16) with at least a 3.3 GPA and a demonstrated interest in entering a field such as geography, urban planning, civil engineering, or related area will also be considered. Interns will work an average of 20 hours per week and earn a stipend relative to their academic level. Prior experience is not required--training will be provided! Gain valuable experience and demonstrate your skills in GIS software, digital cartography, GPS, AutoCAD, databases, surveying, engineering, and remote sensing.

Please see the website for the complete program description, criteria, application components, and submission details. At this point, you may need to hand-carry the completed packet or use other overnight delivery options if applying for the summer internship. See the second website for information on the NASA Langley GIS team.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chris Carter, Assistant Director of VSGC, at cxcarter@odu.edu or 757-766-5210.

www.vsgc.odu.edu/gisintern

http://gis.larc.nasa.gov

[ Our thanks to Sam Miller, a homeschool graduate and current NASA engineer! ]

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2.2 Liberty University Civil War Seminar - Best Prices by March 26

Liberty University
Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center
Lynchburg, VA

Friday through Sunday, March 28 through 30, 2008. Cost: $55/person by March 26 (includes seminar sessions, Friday night banquet, and Saturday luncheon); $65/after March 26. A la carte admissions: $25/Friday only; $30/Saturday only. Ball only: $25/couple; $15/single. Boots or shoes with heel plates will not be permitted. Homeschool Discounts: $10 seminar discount/person for parents. Free for homeschooled students!

The theme of the 2008 Civil War Seminar at Liberty University is "Reaping the Whirlwind: The Battle of Gettysburg." You will want to check the website for the list of fine historians, professors, reenactors, and other professionals who will present portions of the program. The weekend includes menus, entertainment, and a ball--all in period style--and closes with a Civil War-era worship service on Sunday morning.

Special lodging rates at the Days Inn of Lynchburg are available for those who will be attending the seminar. For pricing and location of lodging, call 434-847-8655. For special group pricing for the seminar or more information, call 434-592-4366 or e-mail klburdeaux@liberty.edu.

www.liberty.edu/civilwar

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2.3 "Wings ‘n' Rails" - Richmond - March 29-30

Virginia Aviation Museum
5701 Huntsman Road
Richmond International Airport, VA

Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $6/adults (13-59); $5.50/military ID holders; $5/youth (4-12) and seniors over 60; free for children three and under. Includes all museum exhibits.

Meet the model railroaders who spend hours--even years--painstakingly building replicas of real and make-believe communities. Get tips for your trains at home.
Explore a model railroad extravaganza featuring scale layouts that include LEGO-sized Richmond sights. It's fun for everyone: young model-railroad fans will enjoy the hands-on workshops and activities in Junior Train Town; kids can learn about railroad safety at Operation Lifesaver; adults can try the workshops; and all ages will like the train movies. Pick up a free guide to model railroading and consult with the experts.

For Virginia Aviation Museum information, call 804-236-3622, or see the website.

www.vam.smv.org

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2.4 Free Civil War Weekend at Historic Tredegar - Richmond - April 5-6

American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar (on the riverfront)
Richmond, VA

Saturday, April 5, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.

You'll hear the cannon, musket fire, and period music before you even arrive at the Eleventh Annual Civil War Days at Tredegar Ironworks. Young people can play 19th-century children's games, learn to drill like Civil War soldiers, and talk one-on-one with the living history interpreters.

Lincoln in Richmond
Sunday, April 6, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Revisit Abraham Lincoln's only visit to Richmond in April of 1865 and learn how historians have interpreted the impact of this historic event. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. with a talk at the Lincoln statue in front of the Richmond National Battlefield.

At 2:30 p.m., join National Park Service Historian Mike Gorman at the Visitor Center for a two-hour walking tour tracing Lincoln's route through Richmond. Tour departs from 13th and Cary streets (in Shockoe Slip).

www.tredegar.org/news_events/ne_events.htm

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2.5 Educator Reception and Savings Week - Borders Stores - April 2-8

Discounts valid from Wednesday, April 2, 2008, through Tuesday, April 8, 2008.

Special reception with food, fun, and prizes, on Friday, April 4, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at all Borders stores. Verify the details with your local store.

You'll enjoy 25% off your personal and educational purchases of regularly priced
books, CDs, DVDs, cafe items, gifts, stationery, and more when you bring in
your current Classroom Discount Card, educator ID, or homeschool ID.

See the website for additional details and the nationwide store locator. Call ahead if you have questions about what you can use as homeschool ID. Acknowledgment of NOI receipt, homeschool group ID (HEAV, HSLDA, co-op), and homeschool magazines with your address label have all been used.

www.bordersmedia.com/educators

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2.6 Busch Gardens Design Contest - Deadline April 14

Busch Gardens must receive the entry by Monday, April 14, 2008.

Busch Gardens is holding a contest to win free tickets "for your entire grade at school." The Busch Marketing Department says that would apply to homeschoolers as well. If a homeschooler won, they could invite their homeschool co-op pals
or perhaps their scouting troop, up to 150 people. Wow!

In 200 words or less, accompanied by a drawing, sketch, or model, describe what new attraction you'd like to see at Busch Gardens. The entire ad, which includes a cut-out enrollment form, is on the HEAV website. Follow the directions and let your creativity soar!

www.heav.org/assets/files/ads/BuschContest.pdf

[ Our thanks to Kim Norman for sharing this via her local e-list! ]

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2.7 Computer Mapping Technology Summer Camp - Chestertown, MD - Scholarship Deadline May 1

Washington College GIS Summer Camp
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620

Limited scholarships based on financial need will be considered until Thursday, May 1, 2008. Cost: $525/by May 9; $595/after May 9. Space is limited; register early. Open to grades 7-12. Camp will be June 22 through June 28, 2008.

Are any of your students intrigued by Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as MapQuest and Google Earth, but not ready for a full-fledged NASA internship? (See item 2.1.) This summer camp is aimed at these students. Scholarships are provided by various industry sponsors who hope to attract today's students as future employees. Please contact camp director Stewart Bruce directly about scholarships. See the website for all the camp details.

For more information, contact Stewart Bruce at sbruce2@washcoll.edu or 410-810-7177.

http://gis.washcoll.edu

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2.8 Virginia Time Traveler Program - Ends December 1

Get a Passport and take it with you to more than 350 museums, historic sites, and events all across Virginia. Collect six or more stamps and you can earn a certificate of completion signed by the governor and be eligible to receive an official TimeTravelers T-shirt.; visit two or more "Virginia Harmonies" museums and get a special free patch. Funding is not guaranteed from year to year; you may wish to get as many places stamped as you can while the program is running. Students and parents who participated have praised the program.

www.timetravelers.org/index.html

[ Our thanks to Marcy for reminding us of this site! ]

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2.9 Article - Saving for College?

If your teen would like to keep the college option financially viable, check out the accounting journal article recommended by a homeschooling mom and CPA. Although somewhat technical, the diagrams do a wonderful job helping to explain the Expected Family Contribution calculations of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. She says it's "the very best" FAFSA explanation she's seen.

Teens need to know that the government will expect them to have saved 50% of teen earnings for college in addition to 35% of any savings or investments in the student's name. Whatever plans teens have, it is certainly better not to have any unpleasant surprises.

www.aicpa.org/pubs/jofa/jul2005/gujar.htm

[ Our thanks to Carol Topp, CPA, and her ministry, www.homeschoolcpa.com! ]

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2.10 Article - How to Treat Your Adult Children

Laurie Bluedorn of Trivium Pursuit (and a classical homeschooler) has written a list with several guidelines on how to interact with our adult children. The guidelines are quite timely now that some of us are "of an age," having raised our children to majority after years of careful, prayerful homeschooling! We recognize our children's status has changed, but sometimes it is difficult to know exactly how to treat them. Most of the time, we'll be listening--and talking to them--as if they were one of our adult friends. See the HEAV blog for the rest of her suggestions.

www.heav.org/blog

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2.11 Tuition Changes at MIT

Due to recent tuition changes, nearly 30 percent of MIT students are due to have all tuition charges covered by 2009 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while other middle-income families will have their expected contributions lowered. Check the article for complete details.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/tuition-0307.html

[ Our thanks to Gwen Sturdy for sharing this on her Yahoo group! ]

3) Cool Sites
March 18, 2008

3.1 Exploring Homeschooling Website
3.2 Postage Increase - May 12
3.3 Article - Concert Etiquette
3.4 TeachingAmericanHistory.org
3.5 100 Most Influential Women - Four Lists
3.6 3-D Printable Tabernacle and Much More!
3.7 Naval Observatory - The Sky This Week
3.8 29 Spelling Rules

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3.1 Exploring Homeschooling Website

This website is a great one to send to Christian friends if they express an interest in homeschooling and have the usual questions. The site offers answers to the most important considerations--the spiritual ones. You'll also find links to support groups, the laws in 50 states, and other basic info such as curriculum resources (see the "Why Homeschooling" drop-down menu). There is a small audio archive of free listening on homeschool subjects.

www.exploringhomeschooling.com

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3.2 Postage Increase - May 12

Postage increases to 42 cents per 1-ounce letter on May 12; see www.usps.com.

[ Our thanks to Vicki Bentley and the Everyday Homemaking Newsletter! Subscribe to the free newsletter at www.everydayhomemaking.com. ]

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3.3 Article - Concert Etiquette

Most of us have a fairly good idea of concert etiquette, but here it is in black and white from a very friendly classical guitar orchestra in Tidewater. We might not have thought of all these points. Less formal, short daytime events are wonderful introductions to classical music for youngsters.

www.tcgs.cx (Click on "A Modest Suggestion" for the etiquette article.)

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3.4 TeachingAmericanHistory.org

This site is sponsored by Ashland University of Ohio as part of their graduate studies in American history. You can listen to past seminars free online and look up many of the assigned readings in their primary source library.

http://teachingamericanhistory.org

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3.5 100 Most Influential Women - Four Lists

These four lists of names could be real study-starters: "The 100 Most Influential Women of All Time: A Ranking Past and Present"; "100 Women Who Shaped World History"; "100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century"; and "The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World." Your editor noted some controversial women; their names could spark lively discussion of the positive and negative influences these women have had. Challenge older students to find scriptures to back up their conclusions. Students could choose one to research and write a brief essay on their contributions to society.

www.adherents.com/people/100_women.html

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3.6 3-D Printable Tabernacle and Much More!

Scroll about halfway down the page and look for "Sunday School Lesson Activity 219 - Moses Builds a Tabernacle in the Wilderness - Printable 3D Model Kit." Your Sunday school class can complete a full-color paper-and-tape model of the tabernacle in about an hour! No mess, and no expensive kits or materials. All you need is your scissors, tape, and a printer. Also see the lesson plans on the tabernacle for teaching points.

Take a look at the other lessons too. Altogether, there are 325 Bible stories with activities for several age levels--coloring pictures, crossword puzzles, word finds, and two levels of story review worksheets!

http://gospelhall.org/downloads/children-bible-activities-crafts--printable-games.html

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3.7 Naval Observatory - The Sky This Week

Here is an easy glance at what's in the night sky this week. The observatory does lots more than set the atomic clock for our official time. It's a bit hard to describe the bits and pieces of astronomical data like sunrise/sunset times (especially when your editor is a little dazed by all of it), but if you go and explore this site, we're sure you will find interesting things your tax dollars are doing. It is a secular site but deals mostly with observable sights, not origins.

www.usno.navy.mil/pao/sky/sky_week.shtml

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3.8 29 Spelling Rules

These basic spelling rules from the publishers of The Writing Road to Reading cover a large part of our English vocabulary.