Get Out of the House

Get Out of the House!

Spend A Summer of STEM at CBU

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Picture courtesy of Christian Brothers University.

Picture courtesy of Christian Brothers University.

The Gadomski School of Engineering at Christian Brothers University (CBU) has a wonderful line up of engineering programs for students this summer. My children have had the opportunity to attend some of the workshops previously offered by the school. I really like the attention they give to both male and female students who have the potential to become great engineers. Although they do offer programming for middle school students, the sessions this summer are geared towards high school students. If your child will enter the ninth grade in the fall, that also includes them through rising twelfth grade students.

2017 Future Women Engineers Program
The 2017 Future Women Engineers Program will be held Monday through Friday, June 26-30, and is open to female high school students. Participants will learn about Chemical & Biochemical, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer and Mechanical Engineering through hands-on activities. There will also be tours and talks led by professional women engineers and scientists. There fee is $75 and registration closes Friday, June 9. Register now!

2017 Transport Packaging Summer Program
The Transport Packaging Summer Program will be offered on Friday, July 14, and is open to rising high school freshmen to seniors. The fee is $10, which include lunch. Register now by Thursday, June 15!

2017 Aspiring Engineers Workshop
This will be a week-long experience of hands-on engineering experiments in Chemical, Civil, Electrical/Computer and Mechanical Engineering. Participants will also hear from guest speakers who will discuss the different engineering programs offered at CBU. The program is open to rising freshman to high school seniors. The fee is $50. Register now by Friday, June 30!

All of these programs have limited space, so if your child may be interested, do not delay in registering.

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©2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Malco Theatres Kids Summer Film Fest

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Summer brings out the fun outside as well as indoors. Malco Theatres is showing you how to enjoy the summer inside with the return of the Kids Summer Film Fest. There will be a special movie feature every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the 20 Malco Theatres that cross five states; Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Besides the fun and excitement your children will experience, another reason to attend is several children’s hospitals throughout the Mid-South will benefit from the fest proceeds.

The Kids Summer Film Fest will run Tuesday, June 6, through Wednesday, July 26, and admission if only $2 per person. Here is the movie fest lineup:

The Peanuts Movie, June 6 and 7
Kung Fu Panda 3, June 13-14
Mr. Peabody & Sherman, June 20 and 21
Trolls, June 27 and 28
Horton Hears a Who!, July 4 and 5
Alvin & The Chipmunks : The Road Trip, July 11 and 12
Penguins, July 18 and 19
Rio 2, July 25 and 26

The theatres are ready for you, but it is suggested you arrive early to get the best seat and not miss the show. These are the participating theatres in Tennessee.

Greater Memphis Area
Collierville Towne Cinema Grill
Paradiso Cinema Grill
Stage Road Cinema
Desoto Cinema Grill
Olive Branch Cinema and Grill

Middle TN – Smyrna
Malco’s Smyrna Cinema

Visit the Malco Theatres website to find theatres in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi.

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©2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Once Upon a Time Storybook and Holy Bible {review}

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Although “Once Upon a Time” is how many fairytales begin, it is also a way to begin telling the story of many happenings in the Bible. The only difference is we know the stories in the Bible are true and actually happened “once upon a time”.

The Once Upon a Time Holy Bible and Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible are a beautifully illustrated book set that will introduce young children to some of the most memorable stories in once_upon01
the Bible. The set will grow with your child into their elementary age years. Both books are colorful and beautifully illustrated with images that will appeal to many children, especially those who have a strong attraction to Disney films.

Through the illustrations of Omar Aranda, the Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible comes alive telling the stories of Hannah’s Prayer, Jonah and the Big Fish, Jesus is Baptized, The Blind Man, Lazarus, Wake Up and more. The vivid images in the book will keep the attention of little children as they learn more about the people and occurrences in the Bible. The Once Upon a Time Holy Bible is just that, a Bible. It also has nicely illustrated pictures that appear on full color and highlighting six “great stories of the Bible.”As your child grows and continues to want to learn more about God, having their own NIrV Bible that elaborates on the stories that were read to them from the storybook will become a great resource. If you have children ofonce_upon multiple ages, you could also use the book set together. Read a chapter in the storybook with your children and then find the full story in the Holy Bible to give more insight into the story. Both books make for great read-alouds during the day or as part of your story time before bed.

It is recognized the stories in the Bible are not meant for entertainment. The Once Upon a Time Holy Bible and Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible take a different approach to introducing children to God’s word. Although a storybook about God may not be the traditional way to introduce children to Him, it is often one that is more affective for some contemporary children. For parents who prefer to introduce their children to God in a more traditional manner, the Once Upon a Time Holy Bible may be another answer. Either way Zondervan has got you covered as it helps you tell the “ ultimate Happily Ever After story!”

Learn more about the Once Upon a Time Book Set
Website: Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible
Website: Once Upon a Time Holy Bible

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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.
Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible

We Have Color of Music Winners

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The Jackson Symphony League has presented the Color of Music Art Contest for 20 years. The art contest is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade with the goals of:

“•Providing an opportunity for listening to and visually interpreting classical music.
• Increasing awareness of The Jackson Symphony and familiarize students with repertoires presented by The Jackson Symphony.
• Encouraging a lifelong appreciation of symphonic music by young people.”

For the past three years, Homeschool Roster has provided a means for homeschool students to participate in the contest. This year, there were eight homeschool students – Alyssa Basham, Ruthie Freeman, Alex Harrison, Zane Harrison, Evangeline Holmes, Issac Holmes, Bethany Knott and Caylee Knott – who participated and four of them received winner ribbons and a T-shirt for their art pieces.

Pictured is Ruthie Freeman with her art piece, "Streams of Shining Waters". Photo courtesy of the Freeman family.[/.

Pictured is Ruthie Freeman with her art piece, “Streams of Shining Waters”. Photo courtesy of the Freeman family.

Pictured is Isaac Holmes with his art piece “Homecoming”. Photo courtesy of the Holmes family.

Blue Ribbon Winners
Second Grade
Ruthie Freeman “Streams of Shining Waters”
Isaac Holmes “Homecoming”

Sixth Grade
Zane Harrison “Twinkling Stars”

Pictured (l-r): Alexi Harrison and Zane Harrison with their art pieces, "The March" and "Twinkling Stars", respectively.

Pictured (l-r): Alexi Harrison and Zane Harrison with their art pieces, “The March” and “Twinkling Stars”, respectively.

Honorable Mention
Alexi Harrison ‘The March” (fourth grade)

Congratulations to those winners and a big thank you to all who submitted art pieces. It is wonderful to have the homeschool community represented in the contest. All of the art pieces that were submitted by students will be on display at the Carl Perkins Civic Center Thursday, April 6 through Friday, April 14. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 8, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center where the winners will be recognized. That is the day after the last free open rehearsal by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Homeschool Roster has a field trip to that rehearsal on Friday, April 7, which will feature a Musical Journey through Europe with Music from Roman Carnival Overture by Berloiz and The Moldau by Smetana.

If you have a child who would like to participate in the Color of Music Art Contest for 2018, send an e-mail to Homeschool Roster and you will receive a reminder e-mail notifying you once the dates have been confirmed.

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©2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Let Them Be Creative: WLJT Writers Contest

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Do you have an aspiring young writer or illustrator? WLJT is holding its annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest for children in kindergarten through third grades. The contest is “based on the Reading Rainbow® Young Writers and Illustrators Contest” and in the past has only been open to lower elementary age children. This year, WLJT is partnering with Discovery Park of America and opening the contest to fourth and fifth grade students too. And yes, homeschoolers are able to participate.

All eligible children are encouraged to participate in the contest for the chance to author a winning piece as well as win a number of prizes that include Sky Zone passes, McDonald’s gift certificates, Jackson Generals tickets, Walmart gift cards, books, arts and crafts supplies and more. To add to the excitement, the winners of the fourth and fifth grade contest will receive a one-year membership to Discovery Park of America.

This is an opportunity for children who already have a passion for writing and love to bring their stories to life on the written page. It is also a chance for a student who may not enjoy writing, but loves art and can bring their pictures to life with words. When given some time, putting words together to tell a story is not as difficult as it may seem.

Authors may submit a story (fact or fiction) or prose or poetry. Students in kindergarten and first grade must use a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 200. Second and third graders must use a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 350. Fourth and fifth grade students must use a minimum of 100 words and have a maximum of 500. Submissions must also have at least five original illustrations. This is a great writing and fine arts exercise (assignment 😉 ) for children.

Contestants will be graded on the following criteria:

40% Creativity and originality of plot and/or themes
40% Story structure and use of literary devices
20% Relevance, quality and originality of illustration

So, get your children working on that story, prose or poetry now, because all submissions must be delivered or postmarked by Friday, March 31. Remember these are two different contests. The postmarked submission deadline to WLJT, P.O. Box 966, Martin, TN 38237 is Friday, March 31.

First through third grade contest
Read the complete contest rules for the first through third grade contest.

The teachers of the First Place winners and the teacher with the largest class submissions will also be winners.

Fourth and fifth grade contest
Read the complete contest rules and entry form for the fourth through fifth grade contest.

Call Sabrina Bates at (731) 881-7561 or e-mail for more information.

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©2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

UT Martin Offers ACT Prep in West Tennessee Areas

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act_prepUT Martin is making it easier for homeschoolers to prepare for the ACT by offering ACT preparation opportunities in more areas. Many of your children are preparing to take the ACT for the first, second or more time. The score your child earns on the ACT can make the difference between what school they attend to the amount of scholarship money they are offered. If you want to prepare your child to achieve their best score, an ACT prep class or workshop may be the answer. Alex Beene, UT Martin Adjunct Instructor; College and ACT Adviser for Fayette County Schools, is offering high school juniors and seniors several ACT prep classes on UT Martin satellite campuses. I am glad to see the addition of a location in Bolivar. The one-day workshops are geared towards helping students prepare for taking the ACT test. It will cover all three subjects, provide tips for managing testing time and cover “some of the most commonly missed questions” – learn how to get them right!

If your student has already taken the ACT, they can still benefit from these instructional events. Students are able to take the ACT exam more than once and may choose which score in each subject they want to use when applying for scholarships and college admission (see other benefits of taking the ACT). Attending one of the workshop could lead to your child scoring higher on the exam.

Although calculator use is not necessary, if your child wants to use one, it must be an approved ACT calculator.

The ACT test will be offered again this year on Saturday, April 8. Although the registration deadline has passed, you may register late, by Friday, March 17, and a late fee will apply. The next test date is Saturday, June 10. The registration deadline is Friday, May 5, 2017 and late registration is May 6-19, 2017. Find a test center near you.

Bolivar
One-day Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2017
Time: 1 p.m. 5 p.m.
Location: Madison-Haywood Developmental Services Building, 615 Moss Lane, Bolivar, TN 38008
Registration Fee: $45 per student

Jackson
One-day Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 25 and May 20, 2017
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: UT Martin Jackson Center, 3031 U.S. 45 Bypass, Jackson, 38305
Registration Fee: $45 per student

Somerville
One-day Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2017
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Fayette County Career Center, 121 West Court Square, Somerville, Registration Fee: $45 per student

You may register online.

Call (731) 881-7082 or (800) 482-5199 or e-mail Debbie Mount for more information.

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©2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! {review}

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bear_hug

There is nothing better than receiving a hug; arms wrapped tightly and lovingly around you. When it comes to our children, I cannot think of any better little people to hug. Adding the words, “I’m going to give you a bear hug,” makes the hug that more special, because bears are big, which can only mean it will be a big hug. That verse is one author Carolina B. Cooney wrote for her now three grown children, when they were young. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! is also the tile of her new picture book for children, which was published in December.

About the Book
“I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.”

Hugs are special in so many ways and it does not matter if the hug comes from a dog, cat, duck or a horse, which are some of the many types of hugs Cooney shares in her book. She even makes a hug from a “creepy crawly snug bug” sound affectionate and one that anyone would enjoy. The amusing rhymes that describe numerous types of hugs are fun to read and are ones children will enjoy hearing. Of course, the best hugs are “bear” hugs children receive from their parents, right before they are carried and tucked into bed.

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! is nicely illustrated by Tim Warnes whose seemingly playful personality comes through on the pages in the book. Cooney and Warnes are a great combination for telling this loving and playful story that makes a great bedtime read or an anytime story.

Cooney has authored 90 books for young adults and I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! is her first picture book. You may purchase I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! from Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, as a hardback for $16.99.

You may learn more about the book
Official Website
Facebook
Twitter

Age Range: 4-8 years
Hardcover: 32 pages

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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Don’t Miss the Last Week of FAFSA Frenzy! At JSCC

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fafsa_frenzyWhen I think of financial aid and getting excited, the two never intersect. Excitement brings thoughts of something to look forward to that is going to be a lot of fun. Financial aid conjures piles of paperwork that must be completed by a deadline that is impossible to meet. In steps FAFSA Frenzy 2017! workshops across the state to assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the Tuesday, January 17, 2017 deadline. If your child is a senior in high school, already attending college or plans to return to college in the fall, attending FAFSA Frenzy! is a step in the right direction.

Tuesday, January 17, is the last day to submit the FAFSA application to receive financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year. It is also a requirement for students who applied for the TN Promise scholarship. Completing the FAFSA application is a requirement to remain eligible.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship are encouraged to attend FAFSA Frenzy 2017!. They will have access to computers for submitting the online application as well as receive on-site assistance with questions they may have regarding completing the application. The application process takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Suggested items to bring to the event to make completing the application easier are the following:

  • 2015 Federal Tax Return
  • Social Security Number(s)
  • Driver’s License (if any)
  • 2015 W‐2 Forms
  • 2015 untaxed income records, such as child support received and veterans non‐education benefits
  • Current information on checking and savings account balances; stock, bond, and other investments; and business and farm assets
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your alien registration card
  • Student’s FSA ID (apply for your FSA ID)
  • Parent’s FSA ID (apply for your FSA ID)

The workshops are not required, but are made available to students and parents who may be unfamiliar with the FAFSA and the opportunities it offers students. The workshops are free and you do not have to be a current or prospective student of the college or university where you attend the workshop. You may also complete the FAFSA application online at home by visiting the website.

FAFSA Frenzy! locations

Call Lori Thorne at (731) 425-2605 or e-mail for more information.

FAFSA Frenzy: Jackson State Community College, Student Center, 2046 North Parkway, Jackson 38301.

FAFSA Frenzy! Schedule
Tuesday, January 10, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wednesday, January 11, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Thursday, January 12, at February 11, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Zonderkidz The Beginner’s Bible® {review and giveaway}

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There is no better way to direct a child to the Lord than to give them their own Bible. The Beginner’s Bible® – Timeless Children’s Stories has been the choice of many for over 25 years as the perfect Bible to present to children. My oldest child was gifted a copy of his own not long after he was born; that was 14 years ago. A lot has changed with the new design of the book making it even more appealing to little children and young readers.

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The Beginner’s Bible® is one of the many selections from the ZonderKidz, which published by Zondervan. If you are familiar with Zondervan, you know they publish quality books for both children and adults. My first student study Bible was published by Zondervan. ZonderKidz books are geared towards children under 12-years-old. The Beginner’s Bible® was illustrated and written for children from birth to six-years-old. There are 512 pages and each one is illustrated with three-dimensional and colorful pictures that capture the attention of the reader and/or child listener. The occurrences in the Bible are written into a story format that is easier for young children to understand. If you have a young reader, they will be able to easily read the text on the pages. The redesigned The Beginner’s Bible® is definitely a nicer presentation and one you and your children will enjoy sharing together.

Learn more about The Beginner’s Bible®
Official website: The Beginners Bible
Facebook: ZonderKidz
Twitter: Beginner’s Bible

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Guess what? Homeschool Roster has a copy of The Beginner’s Bible for you to win.


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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette {review}

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book-LG-when-jesus-was-a-green-eyed-brunetteAbout the Book:
“When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. Those hurting and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living Jesus. Best-selling author Max Davis challenges us to do more than simply receive God’s grace—we need to allow grace to soften, change and shape us. As you read this book you will laugh, cry and come face-to-face with the living Jesus, much like Davis did, when he found Him living in a green-eyed brunette. As Davis puts it, “Jesus is very much alive today and still does incredible things—sometimes supernatural things—through us!”

Max Davis has already written more than 20 books and adds When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette to his repertoire. The book is a compilation of stories where people, including Davis, have “met” Jesus in the most unexpected places. The experiences have led to their lives being transformed. The stories are not exclusive to joy and happiness, but rather show God at work and the miracles that result. Readers are presented with real-life stories that people have walked through. There is joy and happiness, but there are also tears and pain.

I think one chapter title expresses the fact very well. “Bleeding All Over the Pages”, which comes with the warning: “Life without pain could really hurt you.”

As Christians, our purpose in life is not for us, but rather to share Jesus and the words of God. The faith (or not) we maintain through our experiences – the good and the bad – speaks volumes to others. When it comes to pain, although difficult, we should not become consumed by it. As a foot soldier for Christ, we need to take our experiences and be a blessing to someone else going through that same hurt. Despite the cuts (i.e. pain) we experience in life, Jesus is always free to us to accept and God is always there; He never leaves us. In the same chapter, Davis shares a number of “cuts” he experienced. Some cuts he mentions are receiving the news his 13-month-old son was deaf, a divorce he never wanted, the loss of a pastoral position and several years struggling to stay above financial ruin. Davis, as do the others whose stories he tells, overcome trials, but are blessed by God, because they or someone else allowed themselves to be used by God. They were not consumed by their experience, but rather kept their focus on God.

My mama said, “Alanna has been your savior twice ib your life,” Jesus is my Saviour, but I know what Mama means. The two times in my life when I was at a tipping point, God sent the green-eyed brunette to me.”

The green-eyed brunette is his wife, Alanna.

Davis reminds readers to not discount or challenge the experiences we go through, but instead to allow God to carry us through and work through our lives. In that way we share the love of Jesus, bless others and truly please Him.

About the Author:
“Max Davis is the author of over 20 published books and has been featured in USA Today and Publishers Weekly and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in Journalism and Biblical Studies and is a much sought-after speaker for churches and organizations worldwide. He and his wife, Alanna, live on 50 beautiful acres in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.”

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette is available in paperback for $15.99.

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