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Messages from PA Homescschoolers:

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  • New schooling option! - Caitlin Aiello 5/16/2012 (0)
  • AP French? - Mary Beth 5/16/2012 (1)
  • Host Family required in the Scranton PA area - John Titilawo 5/16/2012 (0)
  • Regarding Psychological and Education Services - Gateway Counseling Services 5/14/2012 (0)
  • Affordable Tutoring, Proofreading, and One-on-One Learning Options - Lilianna Serbicki 5/12/2012 (0)
  • Digital Family Summit in Philadelphia - Adam Gertsacov 5/11/2012 (0)
  • Clothes Mentor Tea Event - Jen Harris 5/10/2012 (0)
  • Music Lessons for Home Schoolers - Frank Gorgo 5/8/2012 (0)
  • Making sense of today's Russian election news - Tom Shaheen 5/7/2012 (0)
  • New to Mount Joy - Kristina 5/7/2012 (0)
  • would like info re: AP classes - Debbie 5/7/2012 (2)
  • Not sure where to start - Ange 5/3/2012 (1)
  • Pittsburgh Homeschoolers - Ernie 5/3/2012 (0)
  • diplomas - lynn 5/2/2012 (2)
  • Free Clogging Class! - Kathleen Carney 5/2/2012 (0)
  • Free Banking Class - Kathleen Carney 5/2/2012 (0)
  • Pa Cyber Charter School - Kathleen Carney 5/2/2012 (0)
  • ASL-american sign language question - mary ann 5/1/2012 (4)
  • New to West Chester - Melany 4/30/2012 (3)
  • Kindermusik Class on May 16, 2012 - Jennifer Zirkel 4/30/2012 (0)
  • 5th Annual Natural History Road Show - Abby Sullivan 4/30/2012 (0)
  • testing 11th grade? - kathy 4/29/2012 (2)
  • High School diploma - Nadine Nyhus 4/27/2012 (1)
  • About TerraNova testing - Bee 4/26/2012 (1)
  • High School Evaluators - Sarah 4/25/2012 (0)
  • Give Your Child and International Experience in Your Own Back Yard - Cat Stone 4/23/2012 (0)
  • Testing - Niki 4/23/2012 (0)
  • looking for help after school - sue 4/22/2012 (0)
  • Confused on the Rules - Taryn 4/20/2012 (3)
  • Spanish, French online class - Sherry Floresta 4/20/2012 (0)
  • HOST A FRENCH STUDENT IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA - John K. Robinson 4/19/2012 (0)
  • Philadelphia Faith & Freedom Tour - Chris Blasko 4/17/2012 (0)
  • special ed. evaluator need - Robin 4/16/2012 (2)
  • Lilianna Serbicki Summer English Courses - Lilianna Serbicki 4/12/2012 (0)
  • Instrumental music lessons for all ages - Nancy Daniel 4/12/2012 (0)
  • Host a Chinese Student this Summer! - Amy Kiyota 4/12/2012 (0)
  • Answers Conference - Larry Rempel 4/11/2012 (1)
  • Shakespeare in Action CLASS - Leigh Mallonee 4/11/2012 (0)
  • Math Materials 6-8 grade - candace roper 4/11/2012 (0)
  • Free Webinar for homeschooling moms - Michelle Croyle 4/10/2012 (0)
  • 12th grade portfolio - Teresa 4/9/2012 (0)
  • Deadline for receiving diploma request form - Karen Doll 4/9/2012 (1)
  • Titanic 100th Anniversary Launch party- Pennsylvania Christian authors - Jeane Wynn 4/7/2012 (0)
  • Moving to PA - Patti 4/6/2012 (3)
  • Socail Groups In the Abington, Pa area or in Montgomery County - Jill Friedenberg 4/6/2012 (2)
  • SOUNDWAVES: Free Youth Steelband Program! - Kelly Strayhorn Theater 4/5/2012 (0)
  • Homeschooling groups in Lower Saucon/Hellertown - Rae 4/5/2012 (0)
  • how many days of instruction - ejs 4/4/2012 (2)
  • Requesting feedback - Mister Pat 4/3/2012 (0)
  • free curriculum - Ann 3/31/2012 (1)
  • Making superintendent aware of homeschooling - Heidi 3/30/2012 (4)
  • Free classic literature website - Christine Walton 3/28/2012 (1)
  • Church History, Ethics, facing secular college- books - Christine Walton 3/28/2012 (0)
  • Do you know a teenager with a passion for wildlife and for making a difference? - Michele Kittell 3/28/2012 (0)
  • New Microbiology LABPAQ with CD software - Marnie Rist 3/27/2012 (0)
  • Vo-tech - Jennifer 3/26/2012 (1)
  • What grade for homeschooling should I start my child? - James 3/22/2012 (2)
  • New to this - Jamey 3/21/2012 (2)
  • applying for FAFSA, PHEAA, and NCSA/NCAA - LORRENE 3/20/2012 (2)
  • CLEP EXAM - Sarah 3/18/2012 (2)
  • CLEP EXAM - Sarah 3/18/2012 (0)
  • Window into Challenge- Souderton- March 19, 2:30 - Dana Schulze 3/14/2012 (0)
  • Clock and Watch Repair School - Janet 3/14/2012 (0)
  • Hosting an exchange student - Tiffany Werner 3/13/2012 (0)
  • AP test site near Milpitas, CA 95035? - Cynthia Lang 3/13/2012 (0)
  • Summer Field Studies at Awbury Arboretum - Beth Miner 3/12/2012 (0)
  • Community College classes for HS credit? - Ana 3/8/2012 (4)
  • Questions on where to begin - Karly 3/7/2012 (5)
  • NEPA Homeschool Study -- Participants Needed - Kerri Tobin 3/7/2012 (0)
  • home schooling mid-year - Chris K 3/6/2012 (2)
  • French tutoring - Valerie 3/6/2012 (1)
  • computer programming course - mary ann 3/6/2012 (0)
  • Text Books - Bill Halle 3/5/2012 (0)
  • Free Reading Testing at Kutztown University - Dr. Cathy Walkovic 3/4/2012 (0)
  • Classical Conversations Philadelphia - Tamika Graves 3/3/2012 (0)
  • Private Tutor option - Ernie 3/2/2012 (2)
  • Can I pay for transcripts online - Donna M Walczak 2/29/2012 (1)
  • Co-op homeschooling/Private Full-Time Tutor - Tara 2/29/2012 (1)
  • foreign homeschooling - craig 2/27/2012 (1)
  • PHAA needs a copy of my child's entire portfolio???????? What???? - B 2/27/2012 (1)
  • Volleyball Tournament - Ashley Wood 2/27/2012 (0)
  • Home Schooling Startup? - Jenny Binus 2/26/2012 (2)
  • starting to homeschool - Sue 2/26/2012 (1)
  • Homeschool Prom 2012 - Ryan Castellente 2/25/2012 (0)
  • I'm an evaluator - Brenda Ryan 2/25/2012 (0)
  • For Home School Athletes Considering Collegiate Athletics (Scholarships) - Eric C. Taylor 2/24/2012 (0)
  • 1st grader enrolled but never attended-is the affidavit and evaluation still required - Karen 2/23/2012 (1)
  • Srishti Dances of India | Student Matinee! - Kelly Strayhorn Theater 2/21/2012 (0)
  • Srishti Dances of India | Student Matinee! - Kelly Strayhorn Theater 2/21/2012 (1)
  • volunteerism award - Bertina 2/18/2012 (0)
  • starting homeschool mid year - Brenda 2/18/2012 (1)
  • 2012 Baltimore City 4-H Youth Expo - Corey Bell 2/17/2012 (0)
  • High School Graduation - Patricia 2/17/2012 (1)
  • Esther Auditions At HCPAC - Amber Owens 2/16/2012 (0)
  • Spring Homeschool Art Classes - Jena Robbins Schieb 2/16/2012 (0)
  • Achievement Testing - Kari Miller 2/15/2012 (2)
  • transcript request - Naomi Lara 2/13/2012 (0)
  • Homeschool Dance - Theresa Spath 2/11/2012 (1)
  • Reading Specialist - Kelly Quackenbush 2/10/2012 (0)
  • Acclaimed Classical Educator Leigh Bortins to speak this Saturday (2/9) - Robert Bortins 2/9/2012 (0)
  • recommending a program of online writing classes - Rose 2/8/2012 (0)
  • Singapore Math Digital Curriculum - RahimGhani 2/7/2012 (0)
  • AUDITIONS - iStage Performing Arts 2/7/2012 (0)
  • looking for someone to homeschool my 6 year old son - Christy 2/6/2012 (5)
  • Ligonier Valley Writers 2012 Poetry Contest - Ruth MacDonald 2/6/2012 (0)
  • A Classical Breakfast - mrsdkmiller 2/6/2012 (0)
  • How do we contact evaluators???? - Brenda 2/5/2012 (3)
  • resources for fine art students - Bernadette 2/4/2012 (0)
  • Opportunity for Homeschoolers: "The Human Body" 2/10/12 - Abby Sullivan 2/3/2012 (0)
  • New to PA - Tish Ricosky 2/1/2012 (1)
  • tutor needed - Ruth Stratton 2/1/2012 (1)
  • Music Lessons - Sarah Burke 1/31/2012 (0)
  • Spring testing... - Cherie 1/31/2012 (0)
  • Greensburg Area: Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest - Dennis G. Jerz 1/30/2012 (0)
  • Biology requirements for PHAA - Brenda 1/30/2012 (2)
  • The Emperor's New Clothes in Trappe & Oreland - Family Stages 1/30/2012 (0)
  • Need an Evaluator in Gibsonia area - Sarah G 1/29/2012 (1)
  • change of address - Gerri Orlando 1/26/2012 (0)
  • getting started - sarah 1/26/2012 (1)
  • Anyone in Monroeville Area? - Lisa 1/25/2012 (0)
  • ID? - Amanda 1/25/2012 (2)
  • 5th GRADE NATIONAL BICYCLE POSTER CONTEST! - Suzan Knott 1/24/2012 (0)
  • Looking for a Pediatrician - Jessie 1/23/2012 (2)
  • testing - Barbara Braun 1/20/2012 (5)
  • Art Classes for Homeschoolers - Jena Robbins Schieb 1/20/2012 (0)
  • Reading Specialist available to tutor in Southern Chester County - Lisa Stoddard 1/20/2012 (0)
  • Play group/ meetup for my 6 yo? - Sarah 1/19/2012 (1)
  • geometry - Tammy 1/18/2012 (2)
  • Should I use K12 or just do it myself? - Sarah 1/18/2012 (2)
  • Oh Scrud! instructions - Libbie Kucel 1/16/2012 (2)
  • law - Cay 1/16/2012 (2)
    • Re: law - SharonM 1/16/2012 (0)
    • Re: law - Nanette Blank 1/16/2012 (0)
  • Home schooling a special needs child - Stacy Peeples 1/13/2012 (0)
  • Moving into PA - Heather 1/12/2012 (1)
  • Bowling for Home Schoolers - Arnold's Bowling Center 1/11/2012 (0)
  • Music Lessons-Earth Music School - Tim Dodson 1/11/2012 (0)
  • Community Apiary at Awbury Arboretum! - Anaiis Salles 1/11/2012 (0)
  • Yikes! Graduation Project!! Can I issue high school diploma mid-year? - Bonnie 1/10/2012 (1)
  • homeschool group in lehigh valley - kerri goodman 1/10/2012 (0)
  • Student Contest Info - Dixie 1/9/2012 (0)
  • Advice on Developing Homeschool program - Ashley 1/8/2012 (0)
  • Seniors - Donna 1/8/2012 (0)
  • Online Arabic Language Classes - Kendra 1/8/2012 (0)
  • PA Study Projecgt - Wendy 1/7/2012 (1)
  • New to Homeschooling - Julie 1/6/2012 (0)
  • Testing a child who cannot read - Lisa Cross 1/6/2012 (3)
  • Question about length of books for reading requirement - Jacqueline 1/5/2012 (3)
  • Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Applications NOW Available - Michele Kittell 1/4/2012 (0)
  • Writing a Research Paper - Dan Hulse 1/4/2012 (0)
  • Health and Wellness program for homeschoolers - Janet Schmidt 1/2/2012 (0)
  • need evaluator - lynn 1/1/2012 (0)
  • 2012 greater pittsburgh homeshcool workshop and curriculum fair - debra 1/1/2012 (2)
  • Homeschooling seems to be going downhill - Dianna 12/31/2011 (0)
  • Reading Specialist available to Tutor your Homeschooler!! - Marie Hawley 12/30/2011 (1)
  • North Penn YMCA Home School Physical Education Program - Margie Washington 12/21/2011 (0)
  • "Special Kids" Camp Expo - January 28 - Holly Henry 12/20/2011 (0)
  • Giving up homeschooling after 18 years - Annette 12/19/2011 (6)
  • Tutoring in English, Writing, and Mandarin Chinese in Philadelphia - Abby 12/17/2011 (0)
  • Carnegie Mellon University Algebra Experiments - Jennifer Ferris-Glick 12/15/2011 (0)
  • AP only transcript? - Michelle Borthayre 12/12/2011 (2)
  • HELP! - Katrina Gallagher 12/8/2011 (0)
  • Home School Swim - Rebecca 12/7/2011 (0)
  • moving out of PA - Brenda 12/3/2011 (1)
  • Need an evaluator - michelle ogureck 11/30/2011 (0)
  • Summer Language Camps in the Philadelphia Area - Elizabeth S. Dete 11/30/2011 (0)
  • Forestry Field Day - Carol Lugg 11/30/2011 (0)
  • PHAA transcript request - Ginny 11/28/2011 (1)
  • Homeschool groups near Whitehall, PA? - Nickole Jude 11/28/2011 (1)
  • December Theatre Schedule - Family Stages 11/27/2011 (0)
  • Best & Worst Ways To Teach A Poem - Bruce Deitrick Price 11/26/2011 (0)
  • new to homeschooling - krystle aybar 11/22/2011 (4)
  • Homeschool family move from VA to PA - Kathy B. 11/21/2011 (1)
  • getting a copy of transcipt from PA Homeschoolers - Pam 11/18/2011 (1)
  • The Common Application - JoAnn 11/15/2011 (3)
  • Homeschool Debate Teams - Amber 11/15/2011 (1)
  • help - casandra 11/14/2011 (1)
  • 2012 commencements - Sue 11/14/2011 (1)
  • Online Violin/Viola lessons for homeschoolers - Slapin-Solomon Viola Duo 11/14/2011 (1)
  • School performance of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker - karen miranda 11/14/2011 (0)
  • Enrollment of Homeschoolers in PA - Amy 11/13/2011 (1)
  • Berks County and nearby: RACC hosting open house; interested in HSers! - Diane 11/13/2011 (0)
  • Moving to PA - Nickole 11/13/2011 (0)
  • Environmental Science core experiences at Bethlehem Nature Center - Karen Dolan 11/12/2011 (0)
  • INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION/TUTORING IN ENGLISH/WRITING - Barry R. Greenawalt 11/9/2011 (0)
  • Friends Program - James R. Behrens 11/9/2011 (0)
  • Changing School Districts Mid-Year - Nancy Trauger 11/9/2011 (1)
  • Players of the Stage presents A Little Princess - Beth Barshinger 11/8/2011 (0)
  • Home Schooling Provider - Wilson 11/8/2011 (0)
  • Need of an evaluator - Judy Banks 11/7/2011 (0)
  • IUP Health & Physical Education After-School Activity Program - Janet 11/7/2011 (0)
  • Friends - Carol 11/7/2011 (0)
  • PA Youth Harmony adjudication event - John Cosgrove 11/4/2011 (0)
  • Going from homeschool to cyber school - Sherrie 11/4/2011 (0)
  • Transcripts & The Common application - Barb V 11/2/2011 (0)
  • Transcripts - Missie 10/28/2011 (1)
  • question - Analida Braeger 10/28/2011 (0)
  • Missed a testing - Denise Weaver 10/28/2011 (0)
  • Filling for Jessica Shirk - Brenda Shirk 10/28/2011 (0)
  • Testing & Evaluation - bianca guerra 10/27/2011 (0)
  • testing change - amy mcmenamin 10/26/2011 (0)
  • Parent Workshop: Organizing for Learning - Holly Henry 10/25/2011 (0)
  • Homeschoolers Ski Club --- Come join the fun - Carole Matheny 10/25/2011 (0)
  • HOMESCHOOL DAY at the National Watch and Clock Museum - Janet F. 10/24/2011 (0)
  • individualized instruction in Brookville/Summerville area - melissa kraus 10/24/2011 (0)
  • indiviualized instruction - melissa 10/24/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool band to book for groups - Guy Bilyou 10/21/2011 (0)
  • 10/22/11 - "Fangs! A Spooky Creature Feature" at the Wagner Free Institute of Science - Abby Sullivan 10/19/2011 (0)
  • fayette county-where/to whom send affidavit - register as homeschooler? - Marisa 10/17/2011 (2)
  • transcript - Candace 10/17/2011 (1)
  • Mark Milovats Invites your child to perform at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh 11/27/11 - Eliabeth Dames 10/16/2011 (0)
  • PEGASUS Poetry Contest for PA students - Ann Gasser of PPS, Inc. 10/15/2011 (0)
  • Virtual homeschool - Carla 10/14/2011 (0)
  • Bucks County Community Wellness Day Sat Oct 15th - Community Wellness Day 10/13/2011 (0)
  • Wilson Reading Tutor Collegeville Royersford Limerick Pennsylvania - Jill Vettori 10/12/2011 (0)
  • Lackawanna County Learning Clinic - Dr. Kristin Bewick 10/11/2011 (0)
  • innovative teaching tool: Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. - jennie 10/10/2011 (0)
  • FREE Master Class with Taylor 2 Dance! - The Palace Theatre 10/10/2011 (0)
  • pa laws and high school - jane 10/9/2011 (0)
  • Kutztown University Offers Free Reading Testing on Oct.. 15th & Nov. 19th - Dr. Cathy Walkovic 10/9/2011 (0)
  • Looking for HS Band Near Sunbury - Caroline Owens 10/3/2011 (0)
  • ? about HSing in PA - Abby 10/2/2011 (3)
  • Tutoring/Enrichment K-6 - Lori Seekely 9/29/2011 (0)
  • Public School Sports - James 9/28/2011 (1)
  • Math Tutor - Appa Hardner 9/28/2011 (0)
  • Reading Tutor Serving Philadelphia's Main Line - Marie Hawley 9/24/2011 (0)
  • New historical fiction novel that might appeal to homeschoolers - Douglas 9/24/2011 (1)
  • Writing Workshops Available, Susquehanna Valley - April Line 9/23/2011 (0)
  • National Merit Scholarship - Diana Francesca/parent 9/21/2011 (2)
  • National Merit Scholarship - Diana Francesca/parent 9/21/2011 (0)
  • Fall Classes at the Butler Art Center! - Michael R. Rehm 9/19/2011 (0)
  • English Tutoring - Westmoreland County - Colleen Raymond 9/19/2011 (0)
  • Non-profit theater class information in Wallingford, PA - Susan Wood 9/19/2011 (0)
  • Question about Gifted IEP - Lisa C. 9/18/2011 (2)
  • Used Book Sale at GreenTree Library-Strong Children's Section - Mary Lou Pacella` 9/18/2011 (0)
  • cello lessons - Dr. Eleanor Christman Cox 9/17/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool Enrichment classes at North Hampton Community College in Bartonsville PA - Nikki Sajudin 9/16/2011 (0)
  • Harrisburg, PA Social Group - Rebekah Mallonee 9/16/2011 (0)
  • Spanish lessons/academic tutoring - Cindy Hayko 9/16/2011 (0)
  • Kidsfit classes at Crossfit Pottstown - Rob Matthews 9/16/2011 (0)
  • GPA - Sandy Newman 9/15/2011 (1)
  • Celebrate Citizenship and Constitution Day! - Alyssa 9/15/2011 (0)
  • Home-school students invited to Drexel to see interactive science exhibits - Maria Zacharias 9/15/2011 (0)
  • Home School Friends - Elizabeth Erikson 9/15/2011 (0)
  • York Area Drama Camp AUDITIONS less than a week away!! - Michelle Robinson 9/14/2011 (0)
  • Tumbling and/or Cheerleading Classes - Xtreme Tumble and Cheer 9/13/2011 (0)
  • Health and Physical Education - Janet 9/13/2011 (3)
  • FREE Practice SAT Test Saturday 9/24 (Kaplan) - Tim Tobitsch 9/13/2011 (0)
  • Don't Miss York Area Homeschool Drama Camp!! Registration Deadline Extended - Michelle Robinson 9/11/2011 (0)
  • Swimming lessons and dance lessons in Phoenixville - Nick 9/11/2011 (0)
  • Home school speech and debate - Pam Hopkins 9/10/2011 (0)
  • Wilson tutor available for 19525 and surrounding areas - Joan 9/9/2011 (0)
  • Need Voice lessons in South Fayette Area? - Juli Wright 9/8/2011 (0)
  • Fall Testing Sites - Charleen White 9/8/2011 (1)
  • Professor Phineas T. Boggs & His Incredible GOBAC Time Machine (York Area Homeschool Drama Camp) - Michelle Robinson 9/7/2011 (0)
  • What is the PHAA school code for AP exams? - Sandy Newman 9/6/2011 (3)
  • Math Tutor with BA Mathematics degree - Martin Cohen 9/6/2011 (0)
  • Having trouble printing test application - Lisa 9/4/2011 (2)
  • K-12 Tutoring Support from Certified Teacher - Amy 9/4/2011 (0)
  • Home School Options: Art Education - Victoria Quiroz 9/1/2011 (0)
  • Do missionaries home on furlough have to follow homeschool law? - Jacqueline 8/30/2011 (0)
  • vo tech and homeschooling - Karen 8/30/2011 (0)
  • speech - judson c. sears 8/30/2011 (0)
  • Sullivan, Bradford, Tioga, Lycoming and Wyoming Counties: Spanish and College Prep Courses Available This Fall - MissB 8/30/2011 (0)
  • French tutoring offered - Cordelia Cayten 8/30/2011 (0)
  • assesments for special needs children - Katie 8/29/2011 (1)
  • Correction: York Area Homeschool Drama Camp Multiple Child Discount - Michelle Robinson 8/29/2011 (0)
  • $$$ DISCOUNT OFFERED for Multiple Children Enrolled In York Area Homeschool Drama Camp - Michelle Robinson 8/29/2011 (0)
  • Fall Testing - SAH 8/27/2011 (0)
  • co-op classes in State College - Laura 8/26/2011 (0)
  • Spanish and College Prep Courses - Bradford/Sullivan/Lycoming Counties - RSnavely 8/25/2011 (1)
  • Fall Testing - SAH 8/25/2011 (0)
  • PSAT score on transcript - Sandy Newman 8/25/2011 (1)
  • Private piano lessons - Heidi Griffith 8/25/2011 (0)
  • Extracurriculars - Dan 8/24/2011 (1)
  • fall vs. spring testing for 3rd graders in pgh - Patti T 8/24/2011 (1)
  • Praise for Homeschoolers - Bruce Deitrick Price 8/23/2011 (0)
  • Lancaster Science Factory Offers Homeschool Classes! - Lauren Schaller 8/23/2011 (0)
  • tutoring - Michelle 8/23/2011 (0)
  • FS Sonlight Cores 300 and 400 complete postage paid. - Sherry 8/23/2011 (0)
  • FREE Pennsylvania Project - Wendy 8/23/2011 (0)
  • Free Montessori albums - Paula Kline 8/22/2011 (1)
  • Reading classes for those students who struggle with dyslexia, reading comprehension, spelling, or writing - Debra Gingrich 8/22/2011 (0)
  • Reading classes for those students who struggle with dyslexia, reading comprehension, spelling, or writing - Debra Gingrich 8/22/2011 (0)
  • York Area Homeschool Auditions Less than 1 Month Away - Michelle Robinson 8/21/2011 (0)
  • Fall 2011 testing in Lancaster - Marybeth 8/21/2011 (0)
  • New to homeschooling, Help! - Jennifer Gipson 8/21/2011 (1)
  • Additional Homeschool Classes offered at Ambler YMCA - Angela Townsley 8/20/2011 (0)
  • home school curriculum available - Lorraine Daddario 8/19/2011 (0)
  • Christiana Homeschool Academy...any others? - Gretchen 8/19/2011 (0)
  • Rental Space Available - Leslie Fick 8/19/2011 (0)
  • 2011 York Area Homeschool Drama Camp - Michelle Robinson 8/18/2011 (0)
  • Pollinator Power! A program of the second annual Philadelphia Honey Festival - Abby Sullivan 8/18/2011 (0)
  • Auditions for Children of Eden - Holly 8/17/2011 (0)
  • Fall Testing - Christy 8/16/2011 (0)
  • College Board Exams - ACT - Trish 8/15/2011 (1)
  • end of year portfolio - Wendy 8/15/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool Band - Cathy Taylor 8/11/2011 (0)
  • Christian Homeschool Phys Ed Classes - Nathan Rosentrater 8/10/2011 (0)
  • Should I be worried - Theresa 8/8/2011 (3)
  • Ballet Classes in Mt. Airy/ Homeschoolers Welcome! - Cynthia 8/8/2011 (0)
  • Central PA 2012 Graduation Ceremony - Janae 8/8/2011 (0)
  • Speech requirements for high school - Brenda 8/7/2011 (2)
  • 2012 graduation - Susan 8/5/2011 (1)
  • Art Instructions and P.E. curriculum for Homeschoolers - New Freedom Art and P.E. at PSC 8/5/2011 (0)
  • The Artist Within Art Studio Field Trips - Jennifer Urbanek 8/2/2011 (0)
  • New to home schooling... - Ann 8/2/2011 (3)
  • Help understanding the law please.... - Lee 8/2/2011 (2)
  • PSAT, ACT, and SAT - Trudi 7/28/2011 (3)
  • Daytime Music lessons - Central Penn Music 7/27/2011 (0)
  • Vaccine - Sharon 7/27/2011 (1)
  • AP Lit books for sale =--used last year with Mrs. Inspektor's class - Leslie Chaverin 7/26/2011 (0)
  • Sign Up for a Kaplan SAT Prep Course! - Tim Tobitsch 7/26/2011 (1)
  • FREE Practice SAT Tests Sat. August 6 & Sat. August 27 - Tim Tobitsch 7/26/2011 (0)
  • Health & Physiology Requirement - Mark 7/26/2011 (0)
  • legal status of post-mandatory age homeschoolers - CE 7/25/2011 (2)
  • Baierl Family YMCA Home School Art Gym and Swim Program - Ashley Kuban 7/23/2011 (0)
  • re: ap latin vergil - Julie 7/22/2011 (1)
  • Hearing screening tests - Christa 7/21/2011 (1)
  • Kids Martial Arts Training - Master Mary DeStolfo 7/20/2011 (0)
  • high school transcripts....detailed - Nanci 7/20/2011 (0)
  • Pedaling the Planet K-8 group/assembly program - Lisa Primerano 7/18/2011 (0)
  • selling Teaching Textbooks sets - Suzanne 7/18/2011 (0)
  • what is 7th grade? - jackie 7/18/2011 (1)
  • Private Voice Lessons - Patricia Rowell 7/18/2011 (0)
  • K-12 ESL Specialist & HS English & History - Jo Abrams 7/17/2011 (0)
  • Music tutor for Gideon Study Center - Laura Miller 7/15/2011 (0)
  • 2nd year French tutor for high school students - Laura Miller 7/15/2011 (0)
  • Phildelphia portfolio pick-up - Theresa 7/14/2011 (4)
  • PHAA conference - Nanette Blank 7/14/2011 (0)
  • Online Reading Tutoring Available - Michael Stearns 7/13/2011 (0)
  • Wilson tutor available for 19525 and surrounding areas - Joan 7/11/2011 (0)
  • School has requested more materials for documentation.... - Bonnie 7/10/2011 (1)
  • Diploma from MN will is not accepted by PA trade school. HELP. WHAT CAN I DO? - Daniel Andrews 7/10/2011 (0)
  • Reading and math tutoring available. Certified/experienced teacher. - Megan Miller 7/9/2011 (0)
  • Mandarin Chinese - Appa Hardner 7/8/2011 (0)
  • Computer Science - Appa Hardner 7/8/2011 (0)
  • Available Literacy Coach\Certified Reading Specialist - Jackie Wright 7/7/2011 (2)
  • FREE Practice SAT Test this Saturday (Kaplan) - Tim Tobitsch 7/7/2011 (1)
  • High School at Home conference - Bonnie 7/6/2011 (0)
  • Online Driver Education - Dennis Conwell 7/5/2011 (0)
  • Maximum age under Act 169 - Jan 7/2/2011 (0)
  • 5 Host Families Needed Now for Girls! - Jennifer Keating 7/2/2011 (0)
  • Photos in my potfolio by mistake, seek their rightful owner (Philadelphia School district) - Sylvia S. Duggan 7/1/2011 (0)
  • PA Homeschoolers Newsletter - Kathy 6/30/2011 (1)
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  • Magazine

    Another Robot team, with homeschoolers from Western PA makes it to the World Competition!
    The Terabytes Robotics Team!, 4/20/2012

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: a while back I shared a terrific article about the eastern PA team of junior high level homeschoolers taking part in the robotics competition-- now here's news on a senior level team! AND they are also looking to do a major service projectwith their robot down in Guatemala at a children's home-- read on! Also,   if you are in the Plum, PA area, the Terabytes would like to invite you to their team room at Bible Baptist Church (200 Elicker Road, Plum) for an Open House on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 12 to 6pm to see their robot in action.


         A local team of seven high school students, team 4149 the Terabytes, has earned their way to the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World competition in St. Louis in late April.

         The FIRST organization (www.usfirst.org) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology.  They work to accomplish this goal through mentor based programs such as the FIRST Tech Challenge.  The FTC competition is played on a twelve by twelve foot playing area where four robots in alliances of two compete to earn the most points.  This year the challenge involves picking up racquetballs, putting them in baskets, then stacking the baskets or raising them super high.  There are also bowling balls on the field that can be pushed around to be scored.  A match starts out with a thirty second autonomous period followed by a two minute teleop(remote controlled) period.  There are also a variety of judged awards based on the team’s outreach, engineering design, ingenuity, and other factors.  The highest award in FTC is the Inspire Award.  The Inspire Award is given to the team whom the judges thought was the best “role model”, and was a strong competitor in all the judging categories as well as on the field.

         FTC Robotics team 4149 the Terabytes, based in the Pittsburgh area, recently qualified for the World FTC competition at the Ohio state championship in Cleveland.  Though the Terabytes didn’t win the competition on the field, they were honored to receive the Inspire Award which ensured them a seat at the World Competition.  They are the only team from western Pennsylvania to qualify at the FTC level....

    Read more...

    Comments: 3


    5th grade homeschooler wins PA level of National Bicycle Poster Contest!!!
    Jenna Litynski, 3/27/2012

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: I was so delighted to hear from the Litnyski family this morning about this wonderful win for Brenna! This is her poster-- we hope *everyone* who takes part in this website helps in VOTING now for Brenna's terrific artwork, from April 2-6, 2012.... We can all help her become the national winner! I know you'll agree that she really worked hard and that she created a dramatic and very meaningful image. Brenna's mom shared how much her daughter enjoyed taking part in this project -- and her hope was that Brenna's win would inspire other homeschool students to jump in and take part in engaging and worthwhile contests of all sorts, which can really stretch our kids to reach for new goals and complete a memorable project. We're all so proud of Brenna! And your homeschool kids will also benefit by knowing they've helped out another student here (through voting for Brenna's poster!), and I know they'll be inspired by seeing the work of the other state winners up on the website for the contest. 
    On January 24, 2012, Suzan Knott made the following posting on the bulletin board of www.pahomeschoolers.com: 

    5th GRADE NATIONAL BICYCLE POSTER CONTEST!

    The 2012 NATIONAL BICYCLE POSTER CONTEST is also open to homeschool students!
    Now through March 1st, fifth-grade students across the state can compete in the contest and learn about how bicycles can be one solution to many of our countries emerging issues (bicycling is fun, healthy and green). The contest, is sponsored by Saris, Schwinn, Lazer and Planet Bike and there are great prizes to be won for the students AND schools.

    Bike poster 2.jpg

    My name is Jenna Litynski and I am the proud mother of Brenna Litynski, a homeschooled student, who won the 5th Grade Saris Cycling Poster Contest for the state of Pennsylvania!  She will be representing Pennsylvania with her artwork at the National Level and NEEDS YOUR HELP. Online public voting will take place between April 2nd and 6th at www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest and the national winner wins a trip to Washington DC for the 2013 National Bike Summit!  We need the homeschoolers of Pennsylvania to support Brenna by helping her get votes. If she wins, she will attend the National Bike Summit in 2013 and represent the homeschooled students and families of Pennsylvania!  She does not have classmates from a brick and mortar school to help, but hopefully she will have the hundreds of Pennsylvania homeschooled students and their families support her and vote for her artwork!  The future of cycling as a form of transportation and healthy living is in the hands of young people like Brenna.  Art contests such as this one are wonderful opportunities for homeschooled students to broaden their horizons.  They allow the creative student to use and enjoy their creative gifts, but also encourage students to find ways of applying them to make a difference in the lives of others....

     

    Read more...

    Comments: 3


    Homeschoolers FLL Robotics Team from the Quakertown PA area earns major win-- heading to international competition!
    Allison Janney, homeschool student, 2/26/2012

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: Over the years I've heard from many homeschool groups taking part in the First Lego League Robotics program-- and all have been incredibly grateful for this unique experience.  I was delighted to hear of the wonderful experience of this team from the Quakertown PA region in the eastern part of the state-- and to see their grateful hearts as they have worked together so very well as a team. I know we all wish them the best, and that they will be able to fund their team trip to the international competition this April 2012. 

    If you don’t like long stories, we suggest skipping this. However, for the few readers that might still remain, we should add the disclaimer that although this is a long story, it is not quite long enough to count as one of your 25 books for the PHAA diploma English requirement. So if anyone is still interested in reading this, then we shall ask you to solve a math equation:  What does 8 homeschool kids + 1 robot equal?

    In the fall of 2010, eight homeschooled teenagers formed an First Lego League robotics team and over the two seasons the team has been existence, we have really seen God at work. God brought the team together in less than twenty-four hours. Some of us had never met before.  God also provided all registration fees, robots, parts, pieces and many other things. Consequently, we picked Jireh, which in Hebrew means the Lord provides, as our team name.

    robotics team pyramid.jpg

    As an FLL team we must:  build and program an autonomous robot (If you don’t know what this means then, as a homeschooler, you should grab a dictionary!); research a real world problem in a specified area of science and come up with an innovative solution; and work well together as a team. Of course, being homeschooled, our moms quickly turned the research project into a unit study and we can all quite easily rattle off the summary of last year’s research.  “We aim to prevent medial epicondylar apophysitis using the principles of neuroplasticity and biofeedback.” This year the team chose something easier-- preventing food spoilage during a power outage by designing a refrigerator ice pack which utilizes UV-C pulse light and endothermic reactions.

    Last season, through God’s grace, the team did very well (taking first at the local level and second at the regional level). Of course, since we were homeschooled, we were asked some rather interesting questions at the competitions, my favorite being, “Isn’t so nice that you get to get out and see people?” Yes, I know how it is, we spend all day in our pajamas, cruelly locked in a dark closet, without TV and…I’m off topic.

    robot team 2 students.jpg

    This season our team saw God move mountains. At the local event our team placed first but at regionals everything fell apart. Although the research and the team work judging sessions went well, the robot game just went horribly. The first match our light sensors stopped working and the second match our fully charged battery died. In robot scores, the team was just about last place. Quickly we changed batteries, attempted to fix the light sensors by shoving a tire in one and were frantically rewriting code when we were called up for our third and last round of the day. We knew we were going in with an untested battery, untested code, and light sensors that worked sporadically even if the tire stayed wedged in place. The team was on the competition floor and we were praying, “God, it’s up to you because there is no way this should work.” All too soon we were up....

     

    Read more...

    Comments: 2


    Lancaster Teen Named Grand Prize Winner in Susquehanna Bank Video Contest
    Alison Giella, 1/19/2012

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: It's always great to hear about homeschoolers getting involved in positive and creative activities, especially when they are working as a small team to meet a goal. I hope the following press release encourages your family to look into some unique ways to use your children's strengths and interests. Our warmest congratulations to Zachary and Mitch Blank, and to Elijah and Jude VanHanxleden-- sounds like they've really found a wonderful activity that they love, and that they are enjoying spreading a positive message to others through their unique video productions.


    Zach Blank 1.jpg

    LITITZ, Pa., January 19, 2012 – What’s the risk of not saving money? Zachary Blank and a few friends provided the answer in a video that won Susquehanna Bank’s Lights, Camera, Save! contest for teens, and their effort is now competing as a finalist in the national contest.

    Zach’s video “Saving Matters” was honored as part of the Lights, Camera, Save! video contest organized by the American Bankers Association Education Foundation. It is featured on Susquehanna Bank’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/SusquehannaBank. In the contest, students age 13 to 18 submitted 90-second videos about the importance of saving money.

    “Saving Matters” shows a boy considering buying a toy tractor, until he imagines what his future may hold if he doesn’t learn to save money as well. Sixteen-year-old Zach made the video with his brother Mitch, as well as Elijah and Jude VanHanxleden.

    Zach Blank 2.jpg

    Together, they formed Zebrafilm Studios, and they’ve been making videos regularly since the middle of 2011. Their videos can be seen at www.youtube.com/zebrafilmstudios.

    “We usually like to plan out some absurd storyline, shoot it together, and then relax and edit it afterwards. Once we're done, we put it up on our website, Youtube, and Facebook,” Zach said. “We believe that videos can be funny, entertaining, and clever without being crude, inappropriate, or violent.”....

    Read more...

    Comments: 1


    Poerty Out Loud-- a wonderful national contest... homeschoolers welcome... and info on local Greensburg PA contest February 3, 2012
    Leigh Jerz, 12/20/2011

    Editor’s Note from Susan Richman: I love the annual Poetry Out Loud contest, and it’s wonderful to see that homeschoolers are continuing to have fine opportunities to take part in this program, which has local, regional, state, and national levels of competition. In the past half-dozen years, homeschoolers in Pennsylvania have done very well in this competition—with PHAA graduate Olivia Meldrum (now a junior at Franciscan University in Ohio, majoring in sacred music) one year winning at the state level and going on to National competition. I treasure the opportunity to have heard Olivia recite her poetry selections for me at her annual evaluation meetings—she truly used this contest as a vehicle to explore poetry deeply, gain real presence in recitation, and develop her appreciation of a full range of poems from varied eras.  Some years there have been as many as three homeschoolers making it to the ‘top ten’ finalists in Pennsylvania—and I’m sure all gained immensely by participating.

    The contest involves memorizing and reciting one poem from the Poetry Out Loud online anthology at the local level, two poems at regionals, and three at the state level.  The website gives excellent guidelines to families – you can make this an important part of your English program for your high school homeschooler. Many parents might feel at a loss in approaching poetry—use this contest website to guide your teens towards real appreciation.  Below is specific info on the Greesburg area local homeschoolers competition, open to any homeschoolers nearby (Westmoreland County in Western PA). If you know of other local homeschool groups hosting competitions, do post below as a ‘comment’. This would be a *wonderful* activity for a homeschool co-op to consider—I know many co-ops have high school English classes or drama classes, and hosting this contest would be a great activity!

    poertyoutloud_logo.jpg

    StageRight of Greensburg is offering homeschoolers the chance to participate in the Poetry Out Loud contest,scheduled for  Friday February 3, 2012.  Artistic Director Tony Marino will be judging the contest.  High School homeschool students (Grades 9-12, plus 8th-graders who are taking High School English) need only recite ONE poem from the many listed on the Poetry Out Loud website; the winner gets to participate in the Regional competition in February at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg-- and that winner goes to state (which requires 3 poems). The location will be StageRight, 100 North Main St, Greensburg PA 15601

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    Want a unique health assignment??? Have your kids take part in this PA contest to create a PSA against alcohol and drug use...
    PA National Guard, 11/21/2011

    Editor's Note from Susan: We all need to help our kids learn about varied health issues, including the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Some of you might want to look into this neat contest to help you do this. Let us know if your kids decide to enter! I was pleased that homeschoolers in PA were specifically invited to take part, too. One nice thing about many academic contests is that they often include free educational materials related to the theme of the program-- here's a link for the DrugFreePA curricular materials related to this contest, which could be interesting for families to look over even if your kids don't actually enter the competition. The materials focus on helping kids discern how advertizing media can try to influence their choices and decisions related to this issue. You can also find past winning public service announcements (PSA's) from this contest, on YouTube. If anyone has other ways they've found helpful in discussing this topic with your kids, do post below.  I'm sure for most of us, simply *modeling* an appropriate message is a main approach-- but having ways to have a more in-depth conversation is also a great idea.

    The Pennsylvania National Guard Counterdrug Joint Task Force, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Drug Free Pennsylvania are launching, for the 5th year, a statewide contest designed to find highly creative middle and high school students.

     

    The Sound Off: Pennsylvania's Drug Prevention Television/Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest will provide an opportunity for youth to send a positive message to their peers and communities that drugs and alcohol do not have to be part of their activities.

     

    The contest is open to all public, private and home-educated Pennsylvania students in grades 6-12. If necessary, the winning team will professionally produce the PSA that will be aired on television or radio stations throughout the state....

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    Scholarships for 12th graders planning on careers in government or military service
    Katharine Hutton Tweedy, Washington Crossing Foundation, Washington Crossing Foundation

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: When we receive info on scholarship opportunities we like to pass this info on to homeschooling families-- especially when the sponsoring organization is seeking ways to let homeschoolers specifically know about their offering. Today I heard from the Washington Crossing Foundation, a non-profit group located in Pennsylvania, about their scholarship program for high school seniors-- perhaps they had heard that many homeschoolers seek to serve our nation through involvement in government or through military service leadership. I hope this opportunity will be helpful ones for homeschool seniors in PA-- and note in the following info that there are some special awards available for students in the Greater Philadelphia counties. The deadline for receipt of application materials is January 15, 2012-- PHAA of course can help with providing official copies of high school transcripts for students enrolled in the PHAA diploma program, and your PHAA homeschool evaluator could be a terrific person to write the needed recommendation letter. Full info on applying can be found at the organization's website, listed below. 

    WASHINGTON CROSSING FOUNDATION

    P. O. BOX 503

    LEVITTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 19058-0503

    215-949-8841

    www.gwcf.org

    The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the FORTY-THIRD ANNUAL NATIONAL WASHINGTON CROSSING FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS for STUDENTS COMPLETING TWELFTH (or final high school year) in 2012 that are planning careers in government service.

    We invite you to explore our web site www.gwcf.org, which contains all of the information candidates should require to prepare and submit an application. Each interested student is invited to write a one-page essay stating why he or she plans a career in government service including any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. The student must confine the essay to viewpoint, attitude and purpose in choice of career.

    This essay must be accompanied by a recommendation....

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    Encouragement to take part in the ASA Statistical Project Competition-- Homeschooler Jeremy Keenan WON 1st place last year!
    Carole Matheny, AP Statistics Online Teacher, 10/4/2011

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: It's always really encouraging to hear about the dedicated work and effort of our AP Online students really paying off-- and often this is quite literally! I was delighted to hear this story from our (wonderful!) AP Statistics teacher, Carole Matheny, about the 1st place win of one of her past students in this excellent project competition. I think this is such a great example of encouraging a student to really go with their interests and stretch to develop a major contest entry, demonstrating how this can often reap real benefits. And I don't mean only the actual prize and special recognition this student won-- but the longterm benefits of knowing he could develop such a major project, follow-through on all the many details, figure his results, write up a major paper and develop graphs of his findings, and get everything in final form by the deadline of June 1st. I'm sure that knowing he could accomplish this will really help him feel confident to try the next major challenge he takes on-- he'll know he's the sort of student who can really shoulder personal responsibility in a meaningful way. I also think this article points out the unique benefits of having your child take part in one of our Advanced Placement Online Classes-- your child might become inspired to really pursue a unique major project that goes beyond the scope of the class itself. Also, besides the project competition, there is also a poster competition (entries due April 1 each year), open even to young elementary age students-- check out the website for the American Statistics Association, as they have lots of examples of past winning entries. Even if you opt not to take part, could be quite fun to look over these posters with your kids!

     

           [Don't worry-- just read on and you'll see why this is the illustration for this article!]

    It was May, 2009, and since AP testing was over, my AP Statistics class was also finished for the year. It was that time of year when most students think about their summer vacation or maybe if they’re graduating, about the college they will soon attend in the fall. Several students wrote thank you notes to me for teaching the class and others left encouraging notes to future students about my class. So I wasn’t surprised when I heard from the youngest student in the class, a ninth grader, Jeremiah. Having enjoyed the class, he wanted to continue learning about statistics. Surely four years without working with statistics would be too long of a break from the subject and he might not remember the material when he needed it in college. Besides, he found he really enjoyed statistics and wanted to learn more. That is something I really enjoy about working with homeschool students-- their interest to learn, inside or outside the classroom.

    In our email correspondence I pointed Jeremiah to several online courses he might pursue in statistics and to several possible statistical competitions.  AP Statistics is similar in scope to a college level statistics introductory course. Being new to online courses, I had heard other PA Homeschoolers AP Online teachers mention how they often had continued contact with past students and how much they enjoyed hearing from them and keeping up with their accomplishments or learning how they found the course useful in their college studies. Helping Jeremiah find these additional statistical courses and competitions was having a similar affect upon me. It also might be quite helpful to future students.

    It wasn’t long before Jeremiah decided that he would enter the American Statistical Association Statistical Project Competition.  ASA is a large community of statisticians and each year they promote statistics by conducting poster and project competitions for children in grades K through 12.  The entries are judged by committees of statisticians and teachers who award cash prizes, calculators and certificates.  

    Jeremiah decided to run a unique taste test. Living in China, he was familiar with both Chinese made Coke and through visits to the States, US made Coke. Could people tell the difference between the two? Could they identify one as made in China and the other as made in the U.S?....

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    ESSAY CONTEST: STUDENTS LEARN BY LISTENING TO LIFE STORIES
    The Legacy Project, 2/23/2011

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: One of my very favorite projects that my AP US History online students do each year is a History Interview. They find someone who's older-- often a grandparent, or an elderly neighbor or friend-- and ask them about some key historical events they remember. Many chose to interview a veteran-- this year I even had a student complete a professional level video interview of a man who survived the Bataan Death March during World War II. One of the sweetest parts of the project is how close my students feel to these special older people after their interviews-- and there have even been sad times when the grandfather interviewed about his time serving our nation overseas during World War II died before the end of the school year. These students then felt a particular level of gratitude that they had made the time to really talk with their grandparent, hearing stories they'd never known before, and feeling a new bond. Knowing the power of this type of exchange, I was delighted to find out about this national essay contest-- I hope many homeschoolers will enter. With any contest, my core criteria for deciding whether or not it would be 'worth it' to enter, is to decide if the activity the contest involved was inherently worthwhile-- without any outside prizes involved. And that is definitely the case with this contest, open to student ages 8 to 18. And my guess is that many students will end up writing two essays, instead of just one-- one that's just 300-words long, to fit the criteria of this contest, and a second that is quite a bit longer, to really bring out all that was learned through the interview.  

    The Legacy Project is running its 11th annual Listen to a Life
    Essay Contest.
    The biggest reward for students -- like last
    year's Grand Prize winner 10-year-old Vann Barnette -- is what
    they learn about themselves, their family, and even history when
    they listen to the life stories of a grandparent or grandfriend.
    The national contest, run in partnership with Generations United
    in Washington, DC, receives thousands of entries from across the
    country. Barnette won last year's Grand Prize of a Lenovo
    ThinkCentre computer for himself and $25,000 of Orchard
    educational software for his school. This year's contest is open
    to students 8-18 years of age.

    Barnette, a grade 4 student at Strawberry Hill Elementary School
    in Anamosa, IA, learned about a pivotal moment in his maternal
    grandfather's life when he interviewed Gerald Udell, 74. He
    starts his essay by writing, "My Grandpa has done a lot of things
    such as getting a PhD and testifying in front of members of
    congress. Despite these accomplishments, the proudest moment of
    his life is when he made an old man cry."

    He goes on to tell the story of his grandfather's experience....

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    Homeschoolers and 4H-- some new programs related to the sciences!
    Amber Shollenberger, 7/1/2010

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: I was delighted to get this note from Amber Shollenberger, one of our PHAA homeschool grads-- it's always exciting to see what fields homeschoolers move into in their lives. Amber and her older sister were both very involved in 4H during their growing-up years, taking many state awards for projects with sheep and wool especially-- so I loved hearing that Amber is now working fulltime for the national 4H office.  

    Dear Dr. and Mrs. Richman,

    I’m not sure if you remember me, but I was a 2005 PHAA graduate. Both my older sister, Ashley (2000), and I graduated through PHAA ceremonies in Harrisburg, PA. I went on to obtain my B.A. from the Penn State University in 2009, and today I work for the National 4-H Council in Chevy Chase, MD (right outside of Washington, D.C.).

    I am contacting you today to see if there if there are any opportunities to connect homeschoolers in Pennsylvania with 4-H, specifically with 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD)....

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    Constituting America-- website and contest encouraging students to read the Federalist Papers
    Susan Richman, 6/22/2010

    Note from Susan Richman, Editor: I received this email from the 'Constituting America' program, which is sponsoring a special contest for students right now-- deadline in two weeks! Even if you don't have the time right now for taking part in the contest, do check out this great site on active reading of the Constitution and the Federalist Papers-- the site has an active 'blog' section, daily videos, and much more. I'm sure these resources will be very valuable all through the school year as you help your kids learn about our government and its foundations. Let us know if you take part!

     

    Read more...

    Comments: 0


    Participating on a team in the Lego Robotics competition
    John Cahill, 6/20/2010

    [7th grade John Cahill participated on the Beaver Botics, a mixed team of school kids and homeschooled kids that competed in Lego Robotics competitions during the 2009-2010 school year.]

    Six weeks of robotics, building, programming, etc., happened to be the most fun I ever had in an educational project. Two times a week for two hours each day for six weeks we met before the final competition. I, with four other teammates, constructed three robots and wrote eight programs for our three robots to perform in the competition....

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    Homeschooler Daniel English of Pittsburgh wins Blackwood Theater Organ Scholarship!
    Susan Richman, 5/11/2010

    Editor's Note from Susan Richman: Many homeschool students try out for scholarships to recognize their gifts and talents -- and it's always heart-warming to hear of a wonderful win like this one! Our congratulations to Daniel English for this major accomplishment. We hope his award will inspire other young homeschool musicians:

      Harrisville, Pa. (May 10, 2010) – Daniel English of Pittsburgh has been awarded a $4,500 scholarship from the Blackwood Theatre Organ Society. English was one of five Tri-State high school seniors awarded the 2010 scholarships, which totaled $20,000.

     

                The Blackwood Theater Organ Society is a not-for-profit organization created to encourage students to pursue instrumental music performance careers. Over the past ten years, the Society has awarded more than $126,000 in scholarships to high school seniors planning to pursue an instrumental music performance degree in college....

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    How the Odyssey of the Mind program Gives Shape to Content; Using Art and imagination to Solve Problems.
    Dianne Settino, 4/20/2010

    Dianne Settino and her husband Linus Meldrum have been leading our first ever AP Studio Art: Drawing online with PA Homeschoolers this year-- within a month we plan to have an online art show of the students' amazing work completed for this outstanding course. Dianne and family live on a small farm in rural Juniata County, and she and her husband are the proud parents of two PHAA graduates (one now a graduate of Franciscan University and one completing her freshman year there), and one son now in 7th grade at home.

    Four years ago when I heard about the Odyssey of the Mind program, I remember thinking, “where were you when I was a kid!?!”. This international creative problem-solving competition is all about the kind of imaginative art, learning and play activities that my family loves! In Odyssey, students learn to use creative skills of any and all types to solve one of five problems, and then present them when they compete at the local, state, and international level. One problem each year usually lends itself perfectly to an all-out art plan of attack. Go to www.odysseyofthemind.com for all the amazingly fun and exciting details! Since its inception, literally millions of students have enjoyed designing creative solutions to fun problems.

    You may be thinking "FUN PROBLEMS!?" While my children were jumping with joy when the obligatory “creative” project was assigned in many co-op classes, some of the other children and their parents were groaning. As a school student, I can distinctly remember thinking that the most interesting math lessons were at the back of the math textbooks. They usually involved building models or tessellations or geometry. I eventually realized that we would never get to these. There were never enough weeks in the school year to get to the more experiential math. Each fall, a new textbook was assigned with the never-to-be-reached interesting lessons at the back. If you have a child who’s reluctant to learn a particular academic course of study it might be time to break out the lessons that we often never get to. Include more creative, "thinking outside of the box" assignments. Maybe one year you could do some of the end-of-the-year math lessons interspersed throughout the year.

    Today, schools and families are trying to find ways to include creative aspects in all areas of study. If a bit of creative work is included throughout a child’s early education they probably won't dread these assignments. While it is important to learn the grammar to all subjects it is equally important to learn to use that grammar in ways that create content. This content can illustrate a student’s understanding of the subject’s ideas and concepts. A child that can take ideas and develop them into an interesting performance or presentation that teaches others is definitely learning. This type of creative sharing will also help them learn to love the process of learning. Teaching this way with even one subject will help the student think creatively across their curriculum.

    Odyssey of the Mind requires the students to thoroughly understand the subject matter needed to solve their problem. As they reform the content of the solution into a performance/presentation the resulting shape is sometimes a hysterical dramatic presentation.  At other times, ity’s an awesome surprising vehicle of some sort. Young competitors are only limited by the project’s budget and their imagination!

    PORT1_10hr_10.10.09_MirrorSelfPortrait.jpg

    *one of Jessie Kusuma's self-portraits for AP Studio Art: Drawing*

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