Get Out of the House

Get Out of the House!

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/.

CLE 37th Annual Christian Educators’ Workshop

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You have made it this far into the school year. How is it going for you? Do you already feel like you need some encouragement? A little pick me up and reminder of why you decided homeschooling was the path for your family? Well, maybe a day at the 37th Annual Christian Educators’ Workshop presented by Christian Light Education may be one well spent.

Christian Light Education (CLE) is a well-known curriculum in the academic community. It is a division of Christian Light Publications (CLP), a literature ministry that has produced Christian books, pamphlets and tracts for more than 40 years. Through CLE, CLP has been able to provide children and youth with a solid Christian education with the curriculum it produces for homeschools and Christian schools.

CLE brings its annual educator’s workshop to West Tennessee where it will be hosted at the Whiteville Mennonite Church on Wednesday, October 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. The theme is “Cultivating a Love of Learning” and it is a full day of fellowship and workshops that will cover a variety of topics.

“The workshops are not just geared for people who are using their curriculum. It is for the general education,” said Merlin Mast, of the Whiteville Mennonite Church. “There are more practical workshops basically to encourage and inspire homeschoolers and small Christian schools with the need of a Christian education.”

Some of the topics include:
The Joy of Learning
Middle Grade Math Challenges
Motivated Teachers Motivate Learners

See the full workshop schedule.

The workshop will feature speakers Jonathan Erb, Lyndon Hartman and Peter Whitt.

The event is free and the Whiteville Mennonite Church will be providing food for the workshop attendees. Although there will be on-site registration, a telephone call would be appreciated to ensure they properly prepare for all of those who plan to attend the workshop.

37th Annual Christian Educators’ Workshop
Wednesday, October 26, from 8:30 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Whiteville Mennonite Church
7065 Fayette Corner Road
Whiteville, Tennessee 38075
(731) 659-2576 (home)
(731) 609-1746 (cell)

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©2016 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/.

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!

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The Smithsonian Magazine makes art appreciation easy with its Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live! event, which gives you free admission for one day to more than 400 museums across the country. According to the American Alliance of Museums, there are more than 17,000 museums in the United States. That is a whole lot of museums. I have only had the pleasure of visiting a small fraction of what is available to us every day. This year, there are 16 museums in Tennessee that are participating in the event that will be held on Saturday, September 24.

The museums are in all regions throughout Tennessee. There are some that will appeal to all members of your family.

American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge
Belmont Mansion, Nashville
Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art, Memphis
Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, Jackson
Crockett Tavern Museum Morristown
Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville
The Muse Knoxville, Knoxville
Museum Center at 5ive Points, Cleveland
Museum of Appalachia, Clinton
Museum of Biblical History, Collierville
Museum of East Tennessee History, Knoxville
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Vonore
Trousdale Place, Gallatin
Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery, Nashville
West TN Delta Heritage Center/Tina Turner Museum, Brownsville
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Knoxville

Although you may have already visited some of them, you may want to go again. I find I learn something new each time I return to one of the museums I previously visited.

Obtaining a ticket for the day is easy, and the best part is the tickets are free. The ticket allows admission for two people to one museum of their choice. Only one ticket may be used per household, per address. Additional museum guests from your household must pay to enter with you. Once you register online, you will be able to download your ticket to use on September 24.

If you know you will be in another state that weekend and would like to take in a museum tour for free, see what museums are participating where you will be visiting. Get your free ticket early, so you do not miss out.

Find a participating museum near you.

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©2016 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/.

Get Ready! Get Set! Get Out of the House!

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Are you ready for the new season of field trips with Homeschool Roster? We’re ready and have some great ones already planned as well as ones we are still working on for the new field trip season. There will be some repeats of field trips we have done in the past, because people just loved visiting those places. Homeschool Roster will also be venturing out further than the Memphis and Jackson areas. Our vacation time during this past summer reminded me of how much more there is to see outside of West Tennessee.

Is there anywhere you would like to go? Connect with me and let me know. I will check about adding your idea to the Homeschool Roster field trip calendar. Do you have a homeschool-friendly, family-friendly or educational event you think homeschoolers would find interesting? Send me a message. I will check about adding your idea to the Homeschool Roster event calendar, which will start publishing next month.

It is going to be a great season this year. We want you to join us for the education of it all, the friendships that will form and the fun that is guaranteed to be had. Sign up for the Homeschool Roster newsletter, so you don’t miss anything!

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©2016 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/.

Bryan College Hosts Homeschool Visitation Day

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{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.}

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Bryan College will host Homeschool Visitation Day on Thursday, September 15, on its campus in Dayton, Tennessee. Along with special guest speaker Tim Echols, founder of TeenPact, it will be a jam-packed day of activities just for homeschoolers. There will be campus tours, workshops with Dr. White Jones – Bryan College American Literature professor and Apologia author – and others, lunch and guests will have an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students.

Homeschool Visitation Day (HVD) was created to introduce homeschoolers to the academic and extra-curricular opportunities available to them at Bryan College. The Christian liberal arts college has history that dates back as far as 1925, when it was established to provide a Christian worldview education to students. Its motto is “Christ Above All”. Bryan College offers more than 20 majors, has three graduate programs and a student body of just under 1,500 students. The college even has a homeschool specialist, Pat Wesolowski. She is a homeschool veteran and will work to help your child succeed at Bryan College.

Students, ages 15-years-old and older, and their parents are invited to this free event. It will give them an inside look at a day-in-the-life of a Bryan College student. They will attend regularly scheduled classes as well as some special classes and workshops that will be held just for HVD. Some of the workshops and class offerings are the following:

1) The U S Constitution with Dr. Clausen
2) Origin of rights: Subjective vs. Objective Analysis with John Sterling
3) Why China should not receive Most Favored Nation Status with Reggie Ecarma
4) Preparing for College Writing with Beth Impson
5) Worldview Issues with Jack Saunders
6) Modern Human Slavery: Defining It and Fighting It with Josh Hood
7) The Freshman: Learning How to Read a Film with D. R. Fraley
8) Ready to Launch: Preparing Teens for Life after High School with Pat Wesolowski
9) The Scopes Trial; What Really Happened! taught by Pat Wesolowski
10) The Honors Program with Col. Petite
11) A Christian Response to the Mix of Faith and Doubt in Emily Dickinson’s Poems taught by Dr. Whit Jones, author of the recently published Apologia text American Literature
12) Creation, Fossils, and Relevant Issues (at Pocket Wilderness) taught by Neal Doran, biology professor and Todd Wood, President of CORE Academy of Science

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and finishes at 4 p.m. There will also be time to meet with admissions andbc_homeschool_visitation01 financial aid representatives who can help you plan a Bryan College education for your child. Families that are able to spend the entire day at Bryan may stay longer and enjoy the film screening of The Freshman with refreshments and conversation with D. R. Fraley at 4:30 p.m. and attend the junior varsity Lady Lions volleyball game against Covenant College, which will be played at 7 p.m.

Do you want to attend HVD? You may register online now. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to attend with a student, age 15-years-old and older, who is registered!
For more information, visit the HVD event page or contact Pat Wesolowski at (850) 212-1232 or e-mail for more information.

Homeschool Visitation Day, Thursday, September 15, at 8:30 a.m.
Bryan College, 721 Bryan Drive, Dayton, Tennessee 37321

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©2016 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/.

Enjoy Competition and Homeschool Day at Delta Fair & Music Festival

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delta_fairIt Is just two weeks until 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). I am happy to see the return of Homeschool, FFA & 4-H Day, which will be on Friday, September 9 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. 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 number of events planned 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 27. Call Jan at (901) 487-3075 or e-mail {info@deltafest.com} for more information.

Queen Pageants – Entries due Friday, August 26, but late entries will be accepted at the door with a fee increase.

Dancing Stars Competition (eight to 23 year-olds) – Entry due Monday, August 29, but late entries will be accepted at the door with a fee increase.

Star of the Fair – Entries due Monday, August 29, but late entries will be accepted at the door with a fee increase.

Student Art Contest – Entries due Saturday, August 27.

“I am Beautiful” Pageant” (special needs) – Entries due Wednesday, August 31.

Photography Contest – Entries due Thursday, August 18.

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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©2016 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/.

Join the GPAC Student Volunteer Team

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gpac400For more than 20 years, the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) has brought high quality theatrical and musical productions into its theatre for the enjoyment of audiences in the greater metro Memphis area. Their goals have been to “educate, engage, enrich and transform”. That has not only been achieved through the talent on the stage, but also by the volunteers behind the scenes. The GPAC is seeking “energetic and personable” students, ages 16 through college, to join the GPAC Student Volunteer team and help it continue to offer the best to its guests when they visit the center.

The Student Volunteer team was created to offer young people, who are interested in the performing arts or who want to be more involved in their community, an opportunity to give back while also learning more about the performing arts center. Student volunteers act as goodwill ambassadors to GPAC by assisting all Front of House staff in providing excellent customer service, insuring public safety and assisting with various educational programs throughout the season.

“This is a great way for students to acquire community service hours and get experience working in a performing arts venue,” said Emily Hefley, GPAC Programming Manager and Youth Symphony Director. “We hope to develop a mentoring program, so students who have an interest in certain areas like marketing, development and production can be mentored by our staff.”

The student volunteer program has allowed GPAC to diversify its current volunteer base. Community service comes with rewards.

Benefits of Being a GPAC Student Volunteer:

• Hands on experience working at a world-class performing arts organization (Great for your resume!)
• Chance to see performances when working a shift.
• Great way to build your volunteer/community service experience.
• Opportunity to earn community service hours.
• Exposure to the behind-the-scenes operations at an arts organization.

Students are able to choose to volunteer for a wide variety of events throughout the season from classical to jazz, to dance to international themes. GPAC shows typically run Thursdays through Sundays. Performances are usually during the evening, but there may be some morning or matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We also have educational events that we need volunteers for like Family Art Days, Peanut Butter & Jam music program for young kids, preshow arts and crafts etc.,” said Hefley.

Students may also receive community service volunteer hours for their participation in the program. The GPAC Volunteer Coordinator will track student hours and provide detailed documentation.

Interested students must complete and submit the student volunteer application by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, to be considered. All applicants for the 2016-2017 GPAC Student Volunteer Program will be notified of the results by Thursday, September 15, 2016. Students who are accepted into the program will be required to attend the training /orientation session, which will be held on Tuesday, September 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at GPAC. Call Kathy Lovett, GPAC Facility Services Coordinator at (901) 751-7670 or e-mail for more information.

You may submit your application by mail, drop-off or e-mail:

Mail or drop off to: GPAC Student Volunteer Program, Attention: Kathy Lovett, 1801 Exeter Road, Germantown, Tennessee 38138

E-mail to: Kathy Lovett

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©2016 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/.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Triathlon

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Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program celebrates 20 years this summer. That is a whole lot of reading done by a whole lot of children. It continues another summer of reading excitement and fun on Tuesday, May 17 with the theme “Triathlon”. If you have a child in first through sixth grades, they may participate and also earn one free book of their choice. “Competing” in the summer reading program is easy and fun.

Although Triathlon is the theme, there is no real competition. The student is encouraged to read at his own pace. The triathlon comes in with the exercises the student will complete in their Summer Reading Journal. There are four from which the student must choose three. There are also three steps to complete to participate:

Step 1. Complete the Summer Reading Triathlon Reading Journal.
Step 2. Take the completed journal to your local Barnes & Noble store. Find a Store.
Step 3. Choose a free book from the list of offered titles.
It is really that simple and your child will receive a free book. I would suggest you have your child complete their Summer Reading Journal as soon as they are able, so they can get the book title they really want. Also, call the store before turning in the journal to be sure they have a copy of the free book title your child prefers.

First and second grades
Detective Camp (A to Z Mysteries Super Edition #1)
DK Readers Level 1: Jungle Animals
Dr. Seuss: The Great Doodler
Jorge el curioso: El puesto de limonada
Mercy Watson to the Rescue (Mercy Watson Series #1)
Pete the Cat: Scuba-Cat
Pinkalicious and Planet Pink
Stowaway! (Puppy Pirates Series #1)
The Thrills and Chills of Amusement Parks

Third and fourth grades
The Bell Bandit (The Lemonade War Series #3)
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 (I Survived Series #2)
Justice League vs. Bizarro League (LEGO® DC Comics™ Super Heroes Series)
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
Stuart Little

Fifth and sixth grades
The Bravest Princess
Chomp
Esperanza renace
Lea Dives In
The Night Gardener
President of the Whole Fifth Grade
Story Thieves (Story Thieves Series #1)
Travel Team

All titles of the free books that will be distributed this summer are available while supplies last. The Summer Reading Journal will be accepted through Tuesday, September 6.

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©2015-2016 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/.

Become an Archaeologist and more at CH Nash Museum at Chucalissa

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Chucalissa

At the C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa, you can be an archaeologist for a day without having served time in the field or received a degree. On the third Saturday of every month, the community is invited to come to the museum, roll up their sleeves and volunteer. There are prehistoric artifacts from excavation sites in Tennessee that need processing, the trail and gardens that need landscaping along with other tasks that help the park continue to be inviting for the many visitors who come through daily. With the warmer weather on its way, you can get outdoors and be productive.

Students may earn volunteer hours for school, towards scholarships, like the TN Promise, as well as for future college applications. The day begins at 9 a.m. and finishes at 1 p.m. You may lend your hand and give your time for one, two, three or all four hours. There is no experience required and children are welcome to attend with adult supervision. That makes it a great opportunity to do something together as a family. Call (901) 785-3160 for more information.

CH Nash Museum at Chucalissa, 1987 Indian Village Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38109

2019 volunteer schedule
February 16
March 16
April 20  Spring Family Fun Day (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
May 18   (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
June 15  (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
July 20  (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
August 17  (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
September 21 (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
October 19  International Archaeology Day (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
November 16  (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
December – No volunteer day in December.

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©2015-2019 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/.

Save the Date: College Goal Tennessee at TCAT Whiteville

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If you need financial aid for college, makes plans to attend College Goal Tennessee that will be hosted by TCAT-Whiteville on Saturday, January 16 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. College Goal Tennessee is a non-profit program that offers free information and assistance to Tennessee families with students applying for financial assistance to attend college. Advisors will be on hand to answer questions about TCAT-Whiteville and provide assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for financial aid. You do not have to be a TCAT-Whiteville student or plan to attend the college to attend this free event. Call student services at (731) 254-8521 for more information.

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©2015 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/.

Join Us for Field Trips and Fun

DO YOU HAVE A HIGHSCHOOLER?