Get Out of the House

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Homeschool Day at the U

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Homeschool Day at the U

I had never heard of Union University (UU) until I moved to West Tennessee. Once here, it still just remained, to me, one of the many schools in Tennessee for higher education. As we became more involved in the homeschool community, Union University often came up as the college where many of those students pursued their education after high school. On Friday, September 17, Union University is holding Homeschool Day at the U to share why it is one of the top choices of universities by homeschool students.

Just a few facts about Union University, which was founded in 1823:

  • The Student body is less than 3,100 students.
  • There are more than 100 programs of study.
  • The ratio of student to faculty is 10:1.

Another fact to consider is more than 80 percent of the faculty has earned the highest degree that is possible in their field.

Homeschool Day at the U is a full campus, all-day experience for high school, homeschooled students and their families. Everything will be provided and is free including the meals (ex: breakfast, lunch, etc.) for all families attending with their high school aged student.

Union has organized everything with the homeschooler in mind. The panel is comprised of homeschool students and faculty with extra faculty/staff being used in areas that seem to be important to the typical homeschool family.

Students and their parents will also learn about the honors program, resident life and attend a chapel service, which is required by all enrolled UU students.

Enrollment counselors will be available to answer questions about the various academic programs, admissions process and financial aid opportunities.

Union is very homeschool-friendly.

Homeschool Day at the U Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Check-in and welcome in Grant Events Center
10 a.m. – Chapel
11 a.m. – Faculty and student panel
12 p.m. – Lunch for the family and enrollment session
1 p.m. – Department visits
2 p.m. – Campus tours
3:15 p.m. – Wrap-up

Register for Homeschool Day at the U. If you are not able to attend the event, there are other opportunities for you to visit the UU campus. Admission is free through September 30, 2021.

If you have any questions, call (800) 33 UNION (86766) for more information.

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©2021 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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Apply Now for the TN Promise

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Ready or not, a brand new school year is here and the count down for many of you to high school graduation has already begun. With that, the TN Promise application for 2021/2022 is now open.

I had my first graduate last school year, completed the TN Promise application as well as the FAFSA, and I live and breathe to tell my story. I may still be grappling with the fact I have a high school graduate, but completing the TN Promise and FAFSA applications were both easier than I thought.

The TN Promise scholarship (last-dollar scholarship) provides students with free tuition to attend more than 40 community and technical colleges, and some four-year institutions that offer associates degrees in Tennessee. Thousands of students have taken advantage of this opportunity of “free college” since the scholarship was introduced to the fall class of 2015. The TN Promise application is open now for students entering college in the fall of 2022. Monday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you just miss it. There is no grace!

My Child Isn’t Going to College!

If you have a child with plans other than college, still complete the application. Applying does not obligate a student to attend college, but does ensure they do not miss the opportunity for free tuition if they later change their mind and want to attend. College is expensive. Don’t leave money on the table.

Eligibility requirements to apply for the scholarship are the following:

  • TN resident
  • A student graduating from an eligible homeschool, high school or has earned a GED/HISET (prior to their 19th birthday).
  • Complete the TN Promise application by Monday, November 1, 2021.

Eligibility requirements to receive the scholarship are the following:

  • Attend mandatory team meeting(s).
  • Complete and report eight (8) community service hours by Friday, July 1, 2022.
  • Complete the FAFSA application by Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

Apply now for the TN Promise.

Do You Need Help?

Online: Live Chat
Telephone: Call (800) 342-1663
E-mail: write now

College Campus Tours

If college or attending a trade school is a plan for your high school student, join Homeschool Roster on one of its Discovering Your Destiny college campus tours. In the past, we have toured several schools in West Tennessee that included Christian Brothers University, Freed-Hardeman University, Jackson State Community College, Lane College, Rhodes College, Southwest Tennessee Community College, TCAT campuses and the University of Memphis.

Join the Homeschool Roster – Get Out of the House group for college campus tour updates and to learn about other field trips and events for homeschoolers.

Hands-On Learning at JA BizTown

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Homeschool Roster is heading to the local Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown in the Memphis area. 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.

A lot has changed over the last year with the JA BizTown presentation. The town is now located in a mobile unit where students will enjoy the same educational opportunities as in the original Memphis location.

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 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 either fall 2021 (December) or spring 2022 (May). The price is $45 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.

This experience is open to Homeschool Roster members and non-members. 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, which will open once the date is confirmed. That will be based on the responses from those interested in attending. If you have more questions, e-mail Homeschool Roster.

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©2021 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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

TWRA Boater Education Class

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The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is sponsoring a boater education class, which will be held in Hardeman County on Saturday, May 15. All boaters* in Tennessee waters, born after January 1, 1989, are required to have and carry (at all times) a Tennessee Boater Education card when operating any boat with engines of 8.5 horsepower or more. Students, ages 12 and older, may take the boater education class and are required to purchase a Type 600 Boater Education Test Permit before attending. At last check, the test permit exam will be given at the end of the class or you can study and take the exam online. Note the class is for information purposes and not required to take the exam.

Register for the class—>Register Now

*Out of state boaters: If you were born after January 1, 1989, TWRA will accept any NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.

EVENT: TWRA Boater Education Class
DATE: Saturday, May 15, 2021
TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Hardeman County AgriBusiness Center, 120 Vildo Road, Bolivar 38008

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©2021 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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Memphis Zoo: Tennessee Tuesday

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Lions, tigers and polar bears! Oh my. The Memphis Zoo opens its gates for Tennessee residents to enjoy the zoo for free. People 17 years and older may bring their photo ID (ex: Tennessee Drivers license, current Tennessee college or Tennessee military) and enter the zoo for free. Persons 16 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult, age 21 or older. That adult may bring up to five (5) children 16 and under. A $3 conservation fee will be charged to enter the China exhibit where the Giant Pandas live. The $10 per vehicle parking fee will also apply.

Website: Memphis Zoo
Telephone Number: (901) 333-6500

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©2021 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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

UT Martin Offers ACT Prep in West Tennessee AreasOLD

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act_prepIt is test taking season and many of your children are preparing to take the ACT for their 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. UT Martin is offering high school juniors and seniors several ACT prep classes on their satellite campuses in Jackson and Somerville. The one-day workshops are geared towards helping them prepare for taking the ACT test. It will cover all three subjects to help students prepare for the exam.

If your student has already taken the ACT, they can still benefit from both of 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 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, December 10. The registration deadline is Friday, November 4, and late registration is November 5-18, 2016. Find a test center near you.

UT Martin Somerville
One-day Workshop
Dates: Monday, October 17, 2016
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Registration Fee: $45
Location: UT Martin Operations- Somerville/Fayette County, 121 West Court Square, Somerville, 38068

UT Martin Jackson
One-day Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 1, October 15, November 19 and December 1, 2016
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

You may register online.

Call (731) 881-3510 (800) 482-5199 for more information.

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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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Don’t Miss the Teen Dress Giveaway

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Picture courtesy of Glamour Our Dress (GOD) ministry.

It is prom season and we are looking forward to the Homeschool Prom 2020: “Moonlight Masquerade”. Excitement is building as many teen girls have already started shopping for that special prom dress. With prom being a formal event, attire to fit the occasion is required. Unfortunately, personal style often surpasses the amount one can afford for a dress that will be worn for just one evening. Glamour Our Dress’ Teen Dress Giveaway invites young girls into its closet to “shop” and choose a prom dress that will become their own, for free.

The Teen Dress Giveaway is being held on Saturday, March 14, at the Victory Worship Center of Jackson (VWC). Dresses are being given away to girls shopping for prom.

“Our mission is to ensure young women are able to attend their formal event (prom),” said ministry director Stephanie Reasons. “Prom is often a very important milestone in a young girl’s life.”

Prom expenses go beyond the price of the prom ticket. There are shoes, accessories, and of course, the dress. Finding an affordable dress can sometimes be difficult. The Teen Dress Giveaway eliminates that concern by opening its “closet doors” to young girls who may not be able to otherwise purchase a dress.

This is the second year the giveaway, an outreach project of the church’s Glamour Our Dress (GOD) ministry, has been held. Last year, it was well received by young girls and their parents.

“We met mothers of these young women who were devastated they could not afford to provide a dress for their daughters,” said Stephanie. “The Teen Dress Giveaway made a real difference for their daughters.”

Stephanie, a transplant from Ohio, participated in a similar outreach before moving to Tennessee. She went on to share that some of the women who serve with the giveaway have personal experience with the mission.

“Many of us had to miss our proms because we just could not afford to spend money on what is likely a single use gown,“ said Stephanie.

The Glamour Our Dress ministry is providing girls a unique and personalized shopping experience. All attending will receive a personal shopper who will show them dresses of interest and help the girls select that special prom dress. Appointments are encouraged and will take priority but are not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

Picture courtesy of Glamour Our Dress (GOD) ministry.

Currently, there are almost 300 dresses from which to choose. Most of the dresses were donated and include formal gowns. All are in good condition – gently used or brand new – with sizes ranging from zero to 30. There are a variety of styles and colors of dresses. A seamstress will be available to make minor adjustments, if necessary. Between the personalized service and dress selection, attending the Teen Dress Giveaway will be a wonderful beginning to any girl’s prom experience.

The hope is to continue the outreach that has filled a need in the community. The ministry outreach will be held every year if it has dresses to give away. Those attending the Teen Dress Giveaway are encouraged to donate the dresses back to Glamour Our Dress if they no longer need them.

“The girls are able to keep the dresses they get at the giveaway,” said Stephanie, who noted, “We would also be happy to take the dresses back into inventory to be given away to another girl.”

Along with regularly accepting dress donations, the ministry also accepts cash donations. Those funds are used to purchase additional dresses, shoes, accessories, and food for the day of the event. All cash donations may be sent to the Victory Worship Center of Jackson to be directed to the Glamour Our Dress ministry.

Stephanie has some tips for your day of shopping.

“Come early! We have a good selection, but be open to options, “said Stephanie. “We may not have that specific dress in a specific color and size, but we have a good selection.”

Glamour Our Dress Teen Dress Giveaway – Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 10 a.m.

Victory Worship Center
333 Old Humboldt Road
Jackson, Tennessee 38305
www.victoryjackson.com

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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Field Trip and Event Recap: February

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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.

The Orpheum Theatre recognized Homeschool Roster in the program for Disney’s Aladdin The Musical.

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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Searching for that Special Prom Dress?

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The date for Homeschool Prom 2020: “Moonlight Masquerade“ has been set (Friday, May 1) and now it is time to find that special prom dress to make the evening just right. Should you go short or long . . . A-Line or shift . . . strapless or sleeves . . . ballgown flowing or wrap . . . floral or solid, there are so many choices to make. Fortunately, there are many options from which to choose when searching for that special prom dress.

prom dress

The first year my daughter attended prom, just like a homeschool mom, I decided to make her dress. It seemed like a good idea, especially since sewing is second nature to me. Although her dress turned out just fine, I found myself making final stitches only moments before she had to leave out the door on prom night.

I am a bit wiser now. Homeschoolers can do a lot, but that does not mean we have to do everything. So, my daughter gets the pleasure of searching and finding that special prom dress and I don’t have to worry about meeting a sewing deadline.

Although prom is more than two months away, starting the prom dress search now is a good idea. There is time to try out dresses and change minds about style; order a dress early enough for it to arrive on time; choose the perfect accessories and hairstyle that goes with the dress; find the shoes that fit just right, and spend the days before prom calmly prepared for the evening. That is how I like to get ready for prom.

Below are some locations you may want to check to find that special prom dress for the Homeschool Prom 2020. Just a tip, if you find the dress in a brick-and-mortar store, check its website, because sometimes, better pricing on the same dress is offered online. I saved almost $50 on the same in-store dress when I purchased it online from the same store.

Shop for Prom Dresses
Amazon: Shop Now

David’s Bridal: Shop Now

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
Offers a homeschool discount.
{1495 Vann Drive, Jackson, 38305} – (731) 410-4030

Dillard’s: Shop Now

Jackson Christian School: Shop Finders Keepers Consignment Sale – March 7 – 8, 2020
{832 Country Club Lane, Jackson, 38305}

LD² Consignment & Jewelry Boutique: Shop Now
{100 Vann Drive, Suite A, Jackson, 38305}

Macy’s: Shop Now

Noel’s Closet {Fayette County}: Shop Now
Open by appointment only, but she will pull dress sizes and styles (if she has them) before you arrive.

Prom Closet: Shop March 14
(301 Westside Drive, Humboldt, 38343}

Prom Girl: Shop Now

Rina’s Bridal: Shop Now
{2665 North Highland Avenue Jackson, 38305}

Many of these locations also have tuxes, suits, etc. for teen boys. If you know of any other locations for prom attire that should be added to the list, let me know.

If you need a reminder of the dress code for the Homeschool Prom 2020, please read the code of conduct. If you are wondering if a dress meets the prom dress code, feel free to e-mail Homeschool Roster.

Purchase your tickets now to Homeschool Prom 2020: “Moonlight Masquerade“!

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE HOMESCHOOL PROM 2020

 

Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to the Homeschool Roster blog and get our articles in your inbox! Sign up for the Homeschool Roster newsletter.

©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 https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

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