The Homeschool Roster blog will be back to normal on Monday, November 2. The event notices for all of the field trips will again be available. Feel free to e-mail me at homeschoolroster@gmail.com if you need to contact me before Monday.
Field Trip and Event Recap: February
February was, well, a lot of a bit busy. If it was happening, Homeschool Roster was there.
Since the weather has been cold, it was extremely play-heavy, which kept us indoors and warm. Some of the theatre we enjoyed included The Miraculously Journey of Edward Tulane. I never read the book, but will now. It is an emotional story, but has a wonderful ending. A school year would not be one without seeing Junie B. Jones. The precocious little girl entertained as usual. Anything Shakespeare by the Tennessee Shakespeare Company (TSC) is always Shakespeare at its best. TSC productions are a delight for the lover of Shakespeare and a relief for those bored with the thought of his plays. They make sitting in the audience fun and we always leave with smiles on our faces after an enjoyable performance. Along with Edward Tulane, TSC presented Twelfth Night. Cinderella the Musical and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare are a couple of other performances we saw in February.
Two productions I really enjoyed were Disney’s Aladdin The Musical and Grease. We headed to the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis to see Aladdin. I love it when performances are offered during the week and daytime. Apparently, I am not alone. Along with the Homeschool Roster members sitting in the audience, the Orpheum was packed with other theatre goers. I love the movie Grease and the University School of Jackson brought it to the stage. The singing was wonderful and you could tell those kids had a blast on the stage acting, singing, and dancing.
We did some fine arts appreciation with and an art tour and a symphony rehearsal. Some other things we did were toured Whole Foods Market, the Lane Motor Museum, the Nissan Factory, a Memphis Police station, and the FedEx Forum. We will repeat some of those tours again in the upcoming months.
We continued with the ASL and ukulele classes. Brittany has done a wonderful job as an instructor and all of the students have learned a lot. The ASL may be a beginning class, but many of the students are ready to advance in the language. My children can hold regular conversations using ASL.
March will bring warmer weather and we will soon be heading outdoors. I am looking forward to that with nature/historical hikes, horseback riding and hot air balloon fun.
You may still register to become a Homeschool Roster member.
You take care of Homeschooling and Homeschool Roster will take care of the field trips.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE HOMESCHOOL PROM 2020
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©2020 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/.
Head to Delta Fair for Homeschool Day
The Delta Fair & Music Festival returns for another season of good ole’ country fun in Memphis at the Agricenter (7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, 38120). Homeschool, FFA & 4-H Day also returns and will be on Friday, September 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On that day, homeschoolers will receive a special admission price of $5 on tickets for children five years old and older through to adults. This gives them complete access to all of the activities and events on that day. Children four years old and under receive free admission.
If you plan to hang out at the fair after 2 p.m., you may purchase a $15 wristband (regularly $25) for fair entry throughout the evening. In order to take advantage of either discount opportunity, you must purchase the tickets or wristbands by 2 p.m. on that day. So, if you plan to go, be sure to arrive timely enough to allow for lines; 2:01 p.m. is too late! The special prices are available only at Entrance 3, Homeschool, FFA & 4-H check-in booth, which is at the front of the Agricenter. Enter the area off Walnut Grove to be directed to the correct area and where to park, which is $5. There is no re-entry after 7 p.m. and you will have to pay again for parking if you leave the lot.
Along with the many planned events on Homeschool Day at the fair, there are opportunities for your children to participate in a number of competitions as a group (if they are active in DECA, FCCLA, FFA or 4-H) or as an individual.
Poster Contest People’s Choice Award – win a $500 scholarship prize. Entries due Saturday, August 24. Call Jan at (901) 487-3075 or e-mail {info@deltafest.com} for more information.
Queen Pageants – Entries due Monday, August 26, but late entries will be accepted at the door with a fee increase. Early bird registration applies if your application is received by Friday, August 16
Dancing Stars Competition (eight to 21 year-olds) – Entry due Monday, August 26, but late entries will be accepted at the door with a fee increase.
Student Art Contest – Entries due Saturday, August 24.
Photography Contest – Entries due Thursday, August 15.
Individuals – see all competitions
It you are not able to make it on Homeschool Day, choose another theme day or just go when you are able. See all of the events planned for the fair.
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©2019 Homeschool Roster. Article by iF YOU AREJennifer 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/.
We’re Headed to JA BizTown
Homeschool Roster is heading to the Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown in Memphis. Participants (grades fourth through sixth/ages, late 10 through early 13) will learn entrepreneurial skills in an interactive and hands-on town/city that includes positions in government all the way down to small business ownership. This experience is open to Homeschool Roster members and non-members.
FROM JA BIZTOWN
“Elementary school students are not old enough to drive, work, vote or be the boss. But that does not stop them from operating banks, managing restaurants, writing checks, using debit cards, and voting for a mayor at JA BizTown, where students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.
A trip to JA BizTown is an exhilarating five-hour simulated workday experience for students as they immerse themselves in the role of JA BizTown citizen for the day. As CEOs, CFOs, ad executives, bank tellers, geologists, graphic designers to name just a few of the exciting job opportunities in JA BizTown. Students take on the role of a business team member in addition to participating in the BizTown economy as a consumer during their lunch and shopping breaks.” ~ JA BizTown
What students learn as members of a business team:
- To responsibly manage staff, financial resources, inventories and customers.
- To work as a team.
- To account for business expenses and still take in enough money to make a profit.
- To balance their professional and personal responsibilities.
What students learn as consumers or customers:
- To make wise financial decisions.
- To write checks, manage a debit card and balance a check book.
- To make deposits into their bank accounts.
- To understand their relationship, as consumers, to the economy.
Participants will be required to complete 12 hours of lessons (easily added to your regular school week) before attending the field trip date. The work may be done at home. We will visit on Wednesday, May 13. The price is $30 per student. If you have a high school student (ages 16 – 18) who would like to participate during the JA BizTown day, they may attend as a student volunteer/worker. As a volunteer/worker they may attend for free. Spaces are limited for these positions.
You may register here to receive for more information. Your interest does not commit you and your child is not confirmed to attend until funds are received for their registration. If you have more questions, e-mail Homeschool Roster.
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©2019 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 Kids 2019 Summer Film Fest
Are you ready for summer? We are and the outdoor and indoor fun it brings. Kidsfest returns to a Malco Theatre near you. The lineup this summer includes many movie favorites. There will be a special movie feature every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the 22 Malco Theatres that cross six states: Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri 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 2019 Summer Film Fest will run Tuesday, June 4, through Thursday, July 31, and admission is only $2 per person. Here is the film fest lineup:
Despicable Me, June 4 and 5
Minions, June 11 and 12
The Secret Life of Pets, June 18 and 19
Illumination Presents SING, June 25 and 26
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, July 2 and 3
Trolls, July 9 and 10
Puss In Boots, July 16 and 17
Shrek, July 23 and 24
DreamWorks Captain Underpants The First Epic Movie, July 30 and July 31
The theatres are ready for you, but it is suggested you arrive early to get the best seats and not miss the show. These are the participating theatres in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Greater Memphis Area
Collierville Towne Cinema Grill {Collierville}
Forest Hill Cinema Grill {Germantown}
Paradiso Cinema Grill & IMAX {Memphis}
Stage Cinema Grill {Bartlett}
Middle TN – Smyrna
Smyrna Cinema {Smyrna}
Mississippi
Corinth Cinema {Southaven}
Desoto Cinema Grill {Southaven}
Olive Branch Cinema Grill {Olive Branch}
Tupelo Commons Cinema Grill {Tupelo}
Visit the Malco Theatres website to find additional theatres in Mississippi as well as in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Missouri participating in the Kids 2019 Summer Film Fest.
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©2019 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/.
2019 Homeschool Roster Field Trips Announced!
I cannot tell you how excited I am that 2019 has arrived. With the New Year comes new field trips and Homeschool Roster has an exciting line up this year. We are going places with 45 field trips already on our schedule. Believe it or not, I have a few more that will be added at a later date. We are also excitingly getting ready for Homeschool Prom 2019! Check out where we are going.
UPDATE: We added Peter Pan The Musical, Lion King On Ice, TheTempest, Alice in Wonderland, A Musical, Secret Garden, Snow White and Teen & High School Field Trips – Grease: School Version and High School Musical.
Do you want to join us? Join the Homeschool Roster – Get Out of the House group and sign up for the newsletter, so you do not miss out.
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©2018 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/.
MACN College Fair Returns to Memphis
Once again the Memphis Area College Night (MACN) college fair returns to the West Tennessee area. If you have a high school student, this is an event they should attend. The MACN college fair has been held annually in Memphis for several years. It has given college – bound students an opportunity to connect with representatives from noted colleges and universities from across the country all in one place.
The free college fair is open to high school students only and their parents. September is a major month for students beginning the application process for post-secondary education. The MCAN can give seniors a last minute look at some schools to consider. There are more than 100 colleges and universities with representatives scheduled to attend the event to speak to potential students. Schools from California to Missouri to Connecticut will be represented. Several schools from Tennessee – for those parents who may want to keep their children close to home – will also be onsite.
Although the event is geared towards students who already plan to attend college, you should also encourage your high school student, who does not have college on their mind, to attend. Having the opportunity to see what options are available to that child may cause them to reconsider their path after high school graduation. Because plans change, students should take advantage of as many opportunities that are now open to them.
The MACN is only two hours long, which is not a lot of time to visit with all of the schools. Students should review the vendor list to see which vendors they want to visit. Coming prepared with questions for the representatives will enable students to make thoughtful decisions regarding schools they are considering attending after high school.
The MACN will be held on Monday, September 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Agricenter International {7777 Walnut Grove, Memphis, 38120}. There is no need to register to attend. Call (901) 569-3427 or e-mail MACN for more information.
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©2018 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/.
Yes! Homeschoolers Do Prom
I am not certain when the rumor started that birthed the myth: homeschoolers lack social skills and opportunities. Our view last week looked a little like this – of course, there was school, but there was also theatre practice, serving as a home tour docent at a cemetery (of all places), soccer games, a field trip and we finished the week with the 2018 Hardeman County Homeschool (HCH) Prom: A Night Under the Stars.
UPDATE 2019: Join us for Homeschool Prom 2019! – “Once Upon a Time”
It is weeks, just like the last one that make me laugh when I hear someone’s concern about my children missing out on opportunities, because I have chosen to homeschool them. So far, we have not missed out on much. Because of our free time flexible schedule, homeschooling has opened a number of doors to us. Along with opportunities, my children have made some great friends.
These girls, along with other homeschool friends, enjoyed a night out together at the 2018 HCH Prom that was held at The Franklin Courtyard in Mississippi this past weekend. Homeschoolers came from all over to attend the homeschool prom. I will tell you this much, homeschoolers know how to party (good and clean) and have some fun.
Their friendship was formed on the volleyball court playing for the West Tennessee Homeschool Sports and Activities (WTHSA) organization. Just a note that there are a number of homeschool organizations in West Tennessee that provide opportunities – music, speech and debate, athletics, art, field trips, dance, science fairs, gymnastics – for homeschoolers. You name it, homeschoolers have got it . . . and, yes, prom.
I can honestly say these girls and their other teammates immediately bonded. I know that may sound weird, but it is actually quite normal; we’re homeschoolers. We can be serious, but can also get a little bit silly sometimes.
How is that for socialization?
I would say, as homeschoolers, my children are not lacking in opportunities. The real challenge is me learning how to say, “no,” because we just cannot do everything.
How many of you can relate to that?
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©2018 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/.
Register Now for the Book It! Reading Program
If you are looking for a creative way to encourage your children to read this school year, Pizza Hut just may have the answer for you. For more than 25 years, the Book It! reading program has been a unique tool in motivating young people to pick up a book and read by recognizing their reading accomplishments with a pizza.
The parent/teacher establishes monthly reading goals for each child that may be tailored to their reading ability. If a student is not yet reading independently, a parent or other reader may read to the child to help them achieve their goal. Once the child has achieved their reading goal at the end of the month, they are rewarded with a Reading Award Certificate that may be redeemed at any participating Pizza Hut restaurant for a personal pan pizza.
Participation is easy for parents/teachers who may enroll their children through their homeschool. All materials (ex: Reading Reward Certificates) for the program are provided for free to schools. The Book IT! program begins October 1 and ends March 31. Students must be in kindergarten through sixth grade to be eligible to participate. All participating kindergartners must be age five by September. The program is only open to schools (home, public and private schools) and not clubs, groups or organizations. All families must enroll individually.
Enrollments will be accepted through September 1 or until supplies run out. Register your homeschool today.
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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/.
Don’t Miss the Last Week of FAFSA Frenzy! At JSCC
When 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/.
