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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, TN 38109

2017 volunteer schedule
February 16
March 16
April 20
May 18
June 15
July 20
August 17
September 21
October 19 International Archaeology Day (volunteers must register two weeks in advance)
November 16

The museum offers free admission on Sundays in January and February. The hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. See There is a family-friendly movie shown at 2 p.m. Call to find out what is showing.

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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/.

Save the Date: The Great Tennessee Air Show

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You will feel like you’re flying high at The Great Tennessee Air Show that will be coming to the Smyrna Airport in June. It will be two fun-filled days with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Breitling Jet Team in the air and a variety of fun and games on the ground for adults and children of all ages. You may purchase tickets now.

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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/.

Jackson State Community College to Host Open House

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jscc_open_houseJackson State Community College (JSCC) will host an open house on Saturday, January 9 from 10 am. to 1 p.m. on its campus. Now that the TN Promise offers affordable education at technical and community colleges, JSCC is one of the colleges that more students are considering and attending to earn a degree.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to tour the campus, learn about student life and organizations from JSCC students and discuss academic goals and financial aid options with advisors. This is a free event for those who would like to attend.

If you have a high school student who is looking for that “right school” this is a great opportunity to get their questions answered and see the campus up close. If you are a parent who has considered attending or returning to college to earn a degree, you may take advantage of this opportunity too. Start working toward that degree that will be the start of a new career after you have finished educating your last child.

Contact Countance Anderson by e-mail {canderson26@jscc.edu} or call (731) 424-3520 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/.

Save the Date: Rhodes College ‘Live Close, Feel Far’

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Rhodes College in Memphis invites high school students to Live Close, Feel Far, which will be held on its campus, Monday, January 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The program was designed by Memphis area high school students, who graduated and now attend Rhodes College. They share their perspective on the college experience and the benefits of attending a local college while still getting that far-from-home experience. This is an event for both students and parents featuring faculty, staff and parent panels. Save the Date and make plans to attend the evening that will be informative and a lot of fun.

Register online or e-mail or call (901) 843-3700 or (800) 844-5969 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/.

Help Deck the Arbor for Christmas at Shelby Farms Park

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There are only 44 more days until Christmas and Shelby Farms Park wants to bring the magic of Christmas to Woodland Discovery Park. In order to do that, they need your help. Each year, through the Deck the Arbor program, the winding serpentine arbor tunnel outside of the children’s park is decorated with ornaments that are handmade by people just like you. This is the fourth year the program has been held and is part of the preparations for readying the park for the Orion Starry Nights.

Deck the Arbor. Picture courtesy of Shelby Farms Park.

Deck the Arbor. Picture courtesy of Shelby Farms Park.

Over the years, this community art project has drawn participation from schools; classrooms; youth groups, businesses, individuals and homeschoolers. Participants may be creative with the design of their ornaments while keeping with the Christmas spirit. When making your ornament, you should use materials that will be able to withstand the winter temperatures, which are often cold and wet. The ornaments will be hung on the steel wire arbor with zip-ties for approximately 40 days. Participation in the program is free. This is also a great project a family may do together.

Deck the Arbor. Picture courtesy of Shelby Farms Park.

Deck the Arbor. Picture courtesy of Shelby Farms Park.

Ornaments must be delivered to the park by Friday, November 20 (extended deadline), so they may be hung by the park volunteers. If you would like to hang your own ornament(s), you will be assigned a time and a section on the arbor to decorate. Remember to bring your family and friends during the Orion Starry Nights to show off your creative and decorative flair.

The ornaments will be available for pick-up on Monday, December 28. You must make arrangements and return to the park to claim your ornaments. All ornaments not claimed by December 28 will be recycled.
Read the application to participate in Deck the Arbor. Contact Coral O’Connor by e-mail coconnor@shelbyfarmspark.org or call (901) 222-7265 for more information.

Be a part of making Shelby Farms magical this Christmas season.

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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/.

SWE at CBU to offer S.T.E.M. workshop for girls

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cbu_stemThe Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter on the Christian Brothers University (CBU) campus in Memphis is sending a “shout out” to all girls who may or may not have, ever considered pursuing a degree in a S.T.E.M. field. The organization has previously hosted spring and summer workshops presented by CBU administrators, but this is the first time a student-led workshop has been presented. The SWE Fall Workshop will be held on Saturday, November 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

As workshop co-chairs of the CBU SWE, undergraduate sophomores Yuliana Luna and Georgina Johns have created the free workshop for middle and high school girls to introduce them to S.T.E.M. career opportunities. Their goal is to encourage girls to consider engineering, or any S.T.E.M. program, when it comes to choosing a career.

“When I was younger, I knew I was good at science and math, but I was more interested in the performing arts,” said Luna who is majoring in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Packaging Engineering. “I liked math in high school, but I did not have this passion. It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized I was really good at math. I like science and physics and that is how I decided to get into engineering.”

Johns knew early on she wanted to study engineering.

“I was pretty good in math and I figured engineering would be the right way to go,” said Johns. “I am more of a visual person, so I’m studying Structural Engineering. To see structures built up by calculations is pretty cool to me.”

The women have benefitted from their membership with SWE in many areas like tutoring; association with a number of professional female engineers; mentoring support and resume assistance. Luna and Johns both graduated from schools in the Mid-South area; Luna, from Cordova High School and Johns, from Houston High School. They want to encourage other girls as they have been supported.

“There are not enough women in this field and it would be great to have more,” said Luna.

There will be a morning session from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for sixth through eighth graders and an afternoon session from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ninth through twelfth graders. The focus will be on Civil and Mechanical Engineering. There will be discussions, demonstrations and hands-on opportunities. The workshops will be taught by a CBU professor and an upper-class senior from the engineering department.

“Some of the activities include working with math, physics and different types of sciences,” said Johns. “In the Civil Engineering workshop, there will be bridge building using K’NEX . The same engineering will be covered in both workshops, but the older level will be a little more advanced.”

Luna and Johns have great expectations for the day and shared girls are already responding to “the call” and have registered for the workshops. Both women agreed the engineering field is growing and will continue to be a part of the future. They want to see more women involved.

“Engineering is going to grow and we need diversity, meaning females in the field, to get a different perspective than males,” said Johns. “I think, over time, females will hopefully rule over the engineering profession.”

E-mail e-mailing Yuliana Luna or Georgina Johns to register for the workshop.

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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?