September 6, 2008 We've started a new year, and everyone is doing such great thing, and haven't sent much for pictures. That's ok, it's not much to look at, but I'm always excited to hear from busy homeschoolers. I'm putting up the newest newsletter and adding things to the calendar.

May 16, 2008 I've made some changes based on people's comments. I put some of the pictures back on the blog, and made a space for the calendar. If you have any pictures for the blog, please email me with them. Remember - this is the page that people see and for us to show the world exactly how wonderfully we're doing with our children.

Bemidji Area Homeschool Association Newsletter -- September 5, 2008

Contents:
1. Medieval Faire September 13th
2. Free School Desks
3. Bagpipe Lessons Available
4. Fall Weekend Retreat for Homeschool Graduates
5. National Geographic Bee
6. Duluth Children's Museum
7. Lifelong Learning Lectures
8. Websites to Check Out ==================================================================
Calendar of Events -- Mark your calendar Now!
[Note: Events are open to ALL homeschoolers! Share the news with friends.]
September: Monday, September 15 -- Gym Bin - noon to 2pm
October: Monday, October 6 -- Gym Bin - noon to 2pm
Friday, October 10 - Homeschool Science Friday - "Star Lab" - 2pm
Monday, October 20 -- Gym Bin - noon to 2pm
Thursday, October 23 - Homeschool Hands-on Science - "Paper Bridges" at HSC - 2pm ==================================================================
Please send corrections, updates, articles, homeschool items for sale & wanted, etc. to Linda: 335-6432 or simonson@paulbunyan.net =========================================================================
1. Medieval Faire September 13th There is going to be a Medieval Faire on September 13th in Library Park, downtown Bemidji. Medieval crafts & demonstrations, music, etc. If you would like to demonstrate or sell items there, please contact: Sam Malloy at 444-8750 or e-mail gavkyan@hotmail.com

2. Free School Desks Heartland Christian Academy would like to offer our extra student desks to any BAHA family that can use them... free! We have a couple of different styles. They may be picked up during school hours. To reserve a desk, call Dr. Roach at 218-751-1751.

3. Bagpipe Lessons Available Brian Solum is offering lessons to learn to play the Bagpipes out of his private home studio for BAHA students. Start-up costs for materials are approximately $150. For any questions about costs and times etc. please visit his website and click on the “Lessons” tab. I have flexible scheduling and can accommodate private or small group lessons. I live near the Hospital so location is convenient. Clearly established goals and enthusiastic lessons for all students regardless of ability.

4. Fall Weekend Retreat for Homeschool Graduates On Saturday and Sunday, October 11th and 12th, join us for a unique event specifically organized for homeschool graduates. You will: · Find encouragement and fellowship · Relax and share experiences with other homeschool graduates · Build community with those who share your formative experiences The retreat will be held at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, located 125 miles north of Minneapolis/St Paul, in scenic McGregor, Minnesota. A number of activities will be available, including hiking, sports events, gym, bonfire, climbing tower, and even a coffee shop. Cost is $56, which includes meals and lodging for two days and one night. For details, please contact Sarah at mnhomeschoolgraduates@yahoo.com or 218-768-2004 This is an announcement which was included in the "NonPaper MACHE," an e-mail announcement bulletin provided as a service to MACHE members. You may receive this bulletin which is sent the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month by becoming a member of MACHE. Annual membership with MACHE is $35. Benefits for members include a comprehensive handbook designed especially for the Minnesota home educating family, a 20-page bimonthly newsletter, legislative and legal updates, discounts for conferences and HSLDA membership, and more... Go to www.mache.org or e-mail info@mache.org for more information.

5. National Geographic Bee Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge. Homeschool associations may enter; deadline for registration is October 15, 2008. See contest website for further details and registration requirements. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/society/ngo/geobee/

6. Duluth Children's Museum Our new winter hours start Tuesday, September 2nd Monday: Closed Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Children 2 and Under Free Children 3 - 13 $5.50 Adults $10.00 These tickets will give you access to not only the Children's Museum, but also the Duluth Art Institute, Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Veteran's Memorial, and the St. Louis County Historical Society exhibits. Membership means free admission! Join as a member of the Duluth Children's Museum and get free admission to all exhibiting organizations at the Historic Union Depot. Current Programs: http://www.duluthchildrensmuseum.org/programs.htm

7. Lifelong Learning Lectures SEPTEMBER 23 LIFELONG LEARNING LECTURE TO OUTLINE HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL ROLES OF RELIGION IN INDONESIA BEMIDI, Minn. – Dr. Alex Nadesan will explain the historical and current influence of religions on culture in Southeast Asia during a 10 a.m. Academic of Lifelong Learning lecture September 23 in the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation (CRI), located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North. Nadesan, a professor emeritus of political science at Bemidji State, will focus on his native country, Indonesia, during the 90-minute program, which is open to the public at no charge. The presentation will examine the introduction, growth and eventual fall of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in Indonesia as well as the rise of Islam on the island country. He will describe the historical remnants of various fallen empires in Indonesia, the influences of the cultures of India, the coming of Islam, colonialism, and the co-mingling of religions. He will also explain how the diversity created conflict and prevented unity for the population. “The public will gain a deeper understanding through the historical knowledge of events and people,” Nadesan explained. “The differences of practicing Islam in Southeast Asia and Middle East are important because of the current interpretations in the West on the compatibility of democracy and Islam.” Nadesan received a certificate of law from Islamic University of North Sumatra in Indonesia before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gustavus Adolphus College, a master’s in political science from the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in international relations and organizations from American University. See rest of Fall lineup: http://www.cri-bsu.org/ALL/ALL_fall_o8finaldraftnewsletter.pdf

8. Websites to Check Out
http://www.leapingfromthebox.com/ Homeschool articles to help us think "outside the box" http://www.utmost-way.com/frame40.htm Kitchen chemistry experiments! http://www.superchargedscience.com/ SuperCharged Science -- free .pdf science experiment guide near bottom of front page (when you sign up for the free stuff you'll have an option to have a free teleclass, too) http://www.learningtreasures.com/egypt_worksheet.htm Egypt worksheets http://www.whoisyourcreator.com/ Who is your creator? http://highland.hitcho.com.au/bibleforms.htm Bible study printable forms (.pdf) http://www.gator-woman.com/ Endangered wildlife of Florida
http://www.si.edu/Museums/ Smithsonian museums
http://www.eclipsecrossword.com/ Crossword puzzle generator http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/election2008.htm Election 2008 - teaching resources from Scholastic
http://www.pocanticohills.org/election/job.htm Info on job of President http://www.learningtreasures.com/article1018.htm Mini-unit on rivers of world
====================================================================== Please share this newsletter with other homeschoolers you know and encourage them to ask to be added to the mailing list! If you do not wish to remain on the BAHA mailing list, please contact Linda: simonson@paulbunyan.net

August 29, 2008 Contents:
1. Physical Education Class Offered for Homeschoolers
2. Annual Bike Sale at Itasca State Park
3. Generation Joshua - Get out to Vote Initiative
4. Evaluation of High School Credits
5. Special Needs Resources
6. Websites to Check Out

Calendar of Events -- Mark your calendar Now! [Note: Events are open to ALL homeschoolers!] September: Monday, September 15 -- Gym Bin - noon to 2pm

October: Monday, October 6 -- Gym Bin - noon to 2pm
Friday, October 10 - Homeschool Science Friday - "Star Lab" - 2pm
Monday, October 20 -- Gym Bin - noon to 2pm
Thursday, October 23 - Homeschool Hands-on Science - "Paper Bridges" at HSC - 2pm ==================================================================
Please send corrections, updates, articles, homeschool items for sale & wanted, etc. to
Linda: 335-6432 or simonson@paulbunyan.net =========================================================================

1. Physical Education Class Offered for Homeschoolers If you were unable to attend the informational meeting on Aug. 28th, there will be another meeting on September 4th at 1pm at the Evangelical Free Church in the gym. I have also changed the fee to be $20 per family per time. I look forward to meeting people who are interested in the class. Also, come to the meeting prepared for activity! Feel free to contact me for more information. Thanks, Theora Snyder 2180760-2706 theora_snyder@yahoo.com

2. Annual Bike Sale at Itasca State Park ~from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/parkrapidshomeschoolers/
Fellow Homeschoolers, For your information, Itasca State Park is having their annual bike sale this Monday, Labor Day, starting at 7:00 a.m. They will be selling all of their 150 bicycles that they bought new this Spring. We have purchased bikes from them in the past and have been satisfied with what we got, for the price. For more information, you can call 218-266-2150. John & Patti Schrader :)

3. Generation Joshua - Get out to Vote Initiative Generation Joshua: Win Prizes for Getting Out the Vote Dear HSLDA Members in Minnesota: As you may know, HSLDA and Generation Joshua are organizing an exciting Voter Registration Initiative (VRI) for the 2008 election in six key states, including Minnesota. It is our belief that Minnesota will have many close races, and what better way to affect the election than to have as many people as possible have their voices heard? Volunteering for the VRI has two rewards. First, you will have a direct effect on the election by registering people to vote. Second, students ages 11-19 will be able to learn about the political process and win actual awards! Prizes range from t-shirts and gift cards to iPods and laptops. So whether you just want to hold a small drive at your church or homeschool group, or if you want to coordinate multiple drives across the state, there is something for everybody. As a special incentive, volunteers who coordinate a drive will receive full credit for the voters they register, as well as half credit for voters registered by those working under them. This is a key election, and programs like the VRI will have an impact on policies that will affect our children and their children. With your help, we can make a difference in Minnesota! To sign up visit http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=5467 or call (540) 338-8608. Will Estrada Director, Generation Joshua

4. Evaluation of High School Credits There are several ways to evaluate credits. If your child completes a high school-level text by a reputable publisher in an academic course (math, science, English, foreign language, or history), consider the material covered to be one credit. A one credit course typically requires one school year to complete. A one-half credit academic course (such as American Government or perhaps Constitutional Law) typically requires one semester or one-half year to complete. Covering the material in a textbook does not necessarily mean doing every problem, answering every question, or reading the book from cover to cover, but you should diligently cover the material presented. Some authors calculate teaching 75% of a textbook to equal one credit, but the bottom line is, don't shortchange your child. As an example, you may not spend as much time nor go into as much detail on the Vietnam War as you do on World War II, but you would still want to be certain that your child has an understanding of the main points regarding the Vietnam War. Let integrity be your guide. For courses that do not use a standard high school-level textbook (perhaps you are putting together your own unit study, or you are using an integrated curriculum), log the hours that your child spends completing the course work. One credit is approximately 120-180 hours of work. The upper end of this range (180 hours) is usually appropriate for lab science courses, while 150 hours is the average for a year long academic course such as English or History. Don't become legalistic in keeping track of each minute, but generally, when evaluating credit for an academic course, a good rule of thumb is 50 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 36 weeks, for a one-credit course. Logging hours is a good method of determining credit for elective courses such as art, music, sewing, carpentry, web page design, etc. The lower end of the range (120 hours) is fine for elective courses. For a half-credit elective, log approximately 60 hours; for a quarter-credit elective, log approximately 30 hours. If your child is enrolled in a course at a community college, you should keep in mind that a one-semester college course is comparable to a one-year high school course. Therefore, if your child takes English 101 for one semester at the community college and earns 3 college credits, this is comparable to satisfying a full-year, one-credit high school course. High school credits and college credits are calculated differently. College credits are determined by hours of instruction and don't equate to high school credits. Local policies may differ so it is best to check with a specific college or state to see how they treat dual enrollment courses. For a more in-depth discussion of calculating and evaluating high school credits, the following are handy references: Article: Preparing for College Resources: Homeschooling High School: Planning Ahead for College Admission by Jeanne Gowen Dennis Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+u+la, Updated by Barbara Edtl Shelton Transcript Pro (Version 3) by Inge Cannon (Software designed to help calculate credits—Version 3 is especially helpful for residents of California, Indiana, and South Carolina) From HSLDA website: http://www.hslda.org/highschool/docs/EvaluatingCredits.asp

5. Special Needs Resources http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/How_To_Homeschool/articles/homeschoolingtherebel.php Homeschooling the Rebel
http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/ Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/specneedsforms.htm Special needs forms http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/specialneeds.htm Articles on many special needs areas
http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=986 Gifted & ADD/ADHD http://www.brightideaspress.com/resources.htm Maggie Hogan's resources http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/217847/ An inspirational blog.....
<Adding - Wierd Kids is one of the origional special needs sites. www.wierdkids.com >

6. Websites to Check Out
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html CIA World Factbook http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/ End of summer Homeschool Freebies & Labor Day sale
http://www.convert-me.com/en/ On-line measurement converter
http://www.factmonster.com/ Fact Monster: online Almanac, Encyclopedia, Dictionary and Thesaurus. There are also kid's categories like World, United States, People, Sports, Science, Math and Money and MORE!
http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/homeeccooking/a/cookingkids.htm What's for lunch? -- cooking with kids
http://www.eagermind.com/letterpractice_us.htm Free printable pages for pre-school http://www.theeasyessay.com/ The Easy Essay -- help with organizing thoughts http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=24689&it=1&SRC=Newsletter Free division flashcards
http://www.classicalastronomy.com/Newsletter.asp Classical Astronomy email newsletter History& Government Ideas:
http://www.senate.gov/vtour/ Virtual tour of US Capitol
http://www.oyez.org/tour/ Tour of US Supreme Court http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/360index.html White House Tour http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/ Presidential Libraries http://www.trumanlibrary.org/kids/index.html Harry S. Truman Library - kids pages http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/introvl.html Roosevelt Library lending library http://vvl.lib.msu.edu/findingaids.cfm?action=list&CategoryID=3&rowstart=1 Voice recordings of presidents
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html 100 top American speeches http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-legislature.cfm State & Local Governments on the net http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette-display.shtml Flag etiquette ======================================================================
Please share this newsletter with other homeschoolers you know and encourage them to ask to be added to the mailing list! If you do not wish to remain on the BAHA mailing list, please contact Linda: simonson@paulbunyan.net