Legislative News
We are keeping an eye on this Legislative Service Request (a proposed bill). LSR 2018-2329 HB. Title: relative to educational evaluation of home schooled children. Sponsors: (Prime) Robert Theberge. We’ll post when we get a response from Representative Theberge.
Workshops at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Homeschool workshops are offered by the McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center in Concord October through May on the second Thursday of the month from 2:00 to 3:30. You may enroll in individual sessions, by the term (Term 1: October, November, December; Term 2: January, February; Term 3: March, April, May), or for the entire series. Payment is required in order to reserve a spot. Homeschool workshops are offered at three levels: Level 1 (Grades 1-3); Level 2 (Grades 4-6); and Level 3 (Grades 7-8). An optional planetarium show will be offered at the conclusion of each program, for an additional $5 per person.
October 12–Rockets: How We Lifted Off
The first challenge of exploring space was getting off the Earth’s surface. Take a historical tour of rocketry and learn its basic principles. Put your knowledge to the test by designing and launching paper rockets.
Optional planetarium show: Dawn of the Space Age
November 9–Working in Orbit
Humans have been working in space continuously for seventeen years. Learn how the International Space Station (ISS) was constructed, what challenges humans face while living off-Earth, and what other man-made objects are in orbit above us.
Optional planetarium show: Space Junk
December 14–Probing the Inner Solar System
Unmanned space probes have greatly expanded our understanding of the planets in our solar system. Discover what we learned about Mercury and Venus from the Mariner and Messenger probes.
Optional planetarium show: Family of the Sun, part 1
https://www.starhop.com/current-and-upcoming-programs/
Register for eStart College Credit Classes
Registration for the new eStart Extended Year College Composition course is now open at http://www.ccsnh.edu/academics/estart. This course begins on October 16 and runs through June 22, 2018. eStart allows students to enhance their educational experience, and get an early and affordable start on their college careers. Financial assistance is available for eligible students.
For more information visit the website or contact Ed Symes, eStart Program Coordinator of the Community College System of New Hampshire, at 717-5965.
Classes for Homeschoolers in Newmarket
The Newmarket Recreation Department offers classes to homeschoolers. http://www.newmarketrec.org/home-school-programs/
Nature Journaling and Art
Students in grades K-5 meet once a week to hike, gather natural materials, and learn about local flora and fauna while creating a journal of drawings, watercolor paintings, and poems. Tuesdays 3:15-4:30, September 26 until November 17. $129.
Nature Based Art Survey Course
Students in grades 6-8 will meet Thursdays, 1:00-2:30, from September 26 until November 17, to explore the work of Andy Goldsworthy through video, group presentations, hiking, journals, and independent exploration. $129.
And…Classes in Amherst
The Amherst Recreation Department offers environmental and science education based on hands-on experiences and outdoor activities. Each class will include group projects to build team-working skills. All classes will have an outdoor component.
To see a course description visit amherstnh.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=28617, or contact Program Coordinator Amy Hull at 603-673-1411 or AHull@Amherstnh.gov.
Old Ways Days in Canterbury, October 21 and 22
Celebrate the second decade of Old Ways Days with hands-on demos of spinning, stone cutting, broom making, spoon making, wood turning; bluegrass, Americana and Celtic music; and authentic flint knapping (flaking flint for arrowheads and cutting tools). See an Alaska chain saw mill, tractor-powered antique planer, and vintage steam and gas engines that run old machinery. There will be a wide selection of antique and used, very useable tools, and the usual selection of tools to try – saws, drills, planes, shaving horse, lathes, and the most popular antique clothes washer.
Saturday, 10:00 — 4:00, and Sunday, 10:00 – 3:00, Jam at 3:00. Call 783-4403 or visit www.oldwaystraditions.net.
Programs for Homeschoolers at Massabesic Audubon
Junior Explorers Wednesdays, 10-11:30 at the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn. $12 members, $15 nonmember (per child/parent pair). Classes are for ages 7-12; (see Wee Wonders for ages 4-6 below) parents are encouraged to stay and participate. Please dress to be outside. Pre-registration required for all classes. Call 668-2045 or visit http://www.nhaudubon.org/learn/ to register.
October 11: The Big Chill
Many of New Hampshire’s insects, reptiles and some mammals are preparing to cope with the pending winter. Explore the biology behind these processes and conduct experiments to replicate this amazing survival strategy.
October 25: Life Under the Ice
Soon New Hampshire’s amphibians will retreat from current habitats to prepare for months under the ice and forest leaf litter. Explore the strategies unique to this group of amazing animals.
November 8: Ready, Set, Adapt!
Surprisingly, many of New Hampshire’s animals remain active throughout our notorious winters. Learn about the unique and incredible adaptations these animals utilize to survive.
November 29: Who’s Still Here?
For the naturally curious, signs of animal life abound. Search for evidence of birds, mammals, and even insects that are prepared to stay active in the coming months. Learn about tracks, scat, and other visible signs of a variety of animals.
December 6: Join us as we celebrate the marvels of hibernation, adaptation and migration through games, activities, and special presentations.. For more information, visit NHAudubon.org, or email Mac@Audubon.org or call 603-668-2045.
Wee Wonders Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am (see dates below) Cost: $12 M/$15 NM (per child/parent pair) Leader: Kim Murphy Discover the changing seasons through hands-on activities, songs, crafts, stories, and outdoor discovery! Classes are for ages 4-6. Parents are required to stay and encouraged to participate. Please dress to be outside and wear appropriate footwear. Pre-registration required for all classes. Call us at 668-2045 or visit http://www.nhaudubon.org/learn/ to register online.
Thrive Outdoors Teen Adventure Group/Tween Adventure group in Derry
TWAG-ages 9-13; TAG-ages 13-18
1st and 3rd Mondays of each month:
TWAG – 4-5:30
TAG – 6:30-8:00
4th Saturday of every month: Full adventure day. This happens off site, but Thrive instructors will transport participants to the location after drop off)
$70 a month-for 2 Monday sessions and the full day Saturday session
Thrive Outdoors instructors have years of experience working with teens, and are dedicated to helping them (and their families) through what is often considered the “toughest age.” Our programming offers teens and tweens a place to retreat from the stresses of everyday life, and learn from each other and from passionate instructors. Thrive Outdoors programming adapts to the needs or desires of the participants, and focuses on staying positive and learning to move forward no matter what life throws at you.
Participants learn communication, critical thinking, acceptance, tolerance, stress management, and ways to foster a positive mindset in everyday life. They will also learn survival skills, team building and leadership skills, new friendships, and a better understanding of how important they truly are to this world. We also offer emergency action plans, corporate retreats, and homeschool curriculum.
Register at https://shop.thriveoutdoorsnh.com/category-s/109.htm, or contact us at info@thriveoutdoorsnh.com or
603-625-6600. You may also contact Christina Knickerbocker at 603-689-8737 or Christina.Knickerbocker@gmail.com.
Hampstead Academy Looking for Basketball Players
Basketball season is upon us and we need a few more players for our boys and our girls teams. Anyone can play. We are looking for middle schoolers between the ages of 11 – 14. If interested, please call Drew or Lyn at 603-329-4406. Please visit our website for more information about the school at www.hampsteadacademy.org. Hampstead Academy, 320 East Road, Hampstead, NH 03841.
Summit on Relationships Between Teens and Older Adults
The MIT AgeLab is recruiting high school students across New England for the OMEGA Summit on October 21. Brainstorm with students, professionals, and community members ways of strengthening intergenerational connections in their communities Learn about scholarships available for juniors and seniors who demonstrate excellent efforts in their schools to build relationships with older adults We invite students grades 9 – 12 to participate in the Summit at MIT on October 21 from 10-2. Questions can be directed to omegamit@mit.edu or 617-253-1894. RSVP here by October 16.
Big Fish Learning Community Opening in Dover
The Big Fish Learning Community provides support for teens directing their own education. From the website https://www.bigfishnh.org/
We work with TEENAGERS & believe in SELF-DIRECTED EDUCATION
You will be given a MENTOR.
One of us (a core staff member) will be your mentor. We will meet with you at least once a week, offering some guidance, a lot of listening, and a helpful perspective. We will work with your parents on how they can support you as a self-directed learner.
We will help you PLAN.
It’s always good to set goals and have a plan. In weekly meetings with your mentor, small group meetings and on your own, you can set long and short-term goals. Since the only guarantee in life is change, the planning part is often quite interesting.
Together we will REFLECT & REVISE
You will be encouraged to keep notes and narratives of your work. It’s helpful to step back once you’ve worked for a while to see your process & your progress. Ask yourself how you you are doing? You know best.
You can DOCUMENT & SHARE
You will have access to an electronic portfolio system designed specifically for SDL learners. You can experiment with multimedia options as you build your portfolio to best represent who you are. Consider sharing your insights, knowledge, and skills.
Your portfolio (evidence of your insights, knowledge, & skills) will be your ticket to higher ed, employment, and or all sorts of entrepreneurial adventures.
BigFish Informational Night is Nov 2, 7 pm at The McConnell Center. The founder, Ken Danford, will speak and he’s bringing teen members from North Star. The teens will share their stories and how self-directed ed works for them.
Free to a Good Home!
Math materials for grades 7-11:
Sample Math Team problems from Jr. High competitions, various math games, geometry resources notebook, work sheets, tests, and reviews for grades 8-11, general math folders so each student could work at his own pace in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of integers, decimals, fractions, scientific notation, and order of operations. All sheets have answer keys. A homemade abacus. If interested contact Karin Nelson at 253-7879. Materials are in Moultonboro but could be delivered to Wolfeboro.
Painted Turtle Art Studio in Nashua
The Painted Turtle offers classes, workshops, and camps to ages 5 and up, for after school, evening, and weekend hours. Examples of previous classes include Fall Foliage Sketching and Painting, Kumihimo Woven Crafts, Just Bead It, and Nature Camp for Beginner 3-D Artists. Visit www.PaintedTurtleArtStudio.com for a list of current classes. Private lessons and homeschool groups may be arranged for Monday through Friday. Call 603.881.4815 to plan your next art class.
Homeschool days at Pats Peak in Henniker
Mondays and Thursdays starting in December. Ski or snowboard group lessons available. Register for an individual date, multiple dates or the entire season. You also can choose to purchase our Homeschool Program Frequent Guest Card at any time. This card is valid for six days, for the cost of five days. For more information visit https://www.patspeak.com/, call Group Sales at 1-888-PATS PEAK, ext. 106 or email groupsales@patspeak.com.
Video Contest on Global Challenges
The World of 7 Billion student video contest is open to all middle and high school students worldwide; the deadline for submissions is February 22, 2018. Students are invited to create a short video connecting world population growth and one of three global challenges: Advancing Women and Girls, Feeding 10 Billion, or Preventing Pollution. Full contest guidelines, resources for research, past winners, and more can be found at https://www.worldof7billion.org/student-video-contest/.
Remember to sign up for our new Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/137834020151239/ . We’ll be taking the page down soon, as we switch over to the group.