ENOCH of New Jersey e-Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2011

From the President’s Desk

Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that ENOCH’s 22nd Annual Homeschool Convention is only 7 months away and registration for exhibitors has been open since October 19th. When we reviewed the on-line surveys that were done after the convention, one of the things that we gleaned from them was that you are looking for more curriculum based exhibitors. We know that is important to you and that is why you come to the convention. But there are some things that keep us from getting more curriculum based exhibitors. Many of these exhibitors do not come to our convention because we do not have the attendance that they need to make it worth their while to come. This is a predicament. Attendees do not want to attend the convention because there are not enough curriculum base exhibitors and those exhibitors do not come because our attendance is too low. One thing I ask is that you contact your favorite supplier and encourage them to come to the convention, (May 17-18. 2012). Let than know that you would like to see them at our convention. Early-bird registration for exhibitors is open until April 15, 2012. They can register on-line at http://www.enochnj.org/index.php/2012convention/exhibitor_reg2012.

It gives me great pleasure to officially welcome to the ENOCH Board, Michele Gross as Secretary. Michele has worked for several years at ENOCH’s Support Group Leadership Conference and last year as the convention’s Volunteer Coordinator. This year she is the Exhibitor’s Coordinator for the convention. The Board is very excited to have her come along to serve the homeschoolers in New Jersey.

I want to remind the Support Group Leaders that our Annual Leadership Conference will be held November 12, 2011. You can find more information about the conference inside this newsletter. Our speaker is Mike Donnelly of HSLDA. We have been working on some things that will encourage and help you that you can pass along to your members. Make plans to join us.

As we begin the holiday months, remember to give thanks to God for His blessings this year.

Rejoicing in Him,
Rich Millward
President
president@enochnj.org
www.enochnj.org

Encouraging Words For Homeschoolers Across The Nation

A Real Mom's Homeschool by: Maggie Hogan

What are your priorities? Are you the type to plan ahead? Do you have lists for daily activities, weekly menus, grocery items, and coupons … or even a list of things for which you need to make a list? Or instead, do you find yourself disorganized and short on teaching time?

I am a Real Mom, not the Martha Stewart of Homeschooling. Planning ahead and staying organized are not my strong suits. I will admit there have been times when I’ve had to run to Wal-mart for underwear when I got too far behind with laundry. And even though I’ve been married to the same wonderful, forbearing man for over 30 years, there are still days when I’ve simply forgotten to cook dinner.

How does one keep on track with teaching when one is organizationally challenged? I could attempt to inspire you with biblical principles, great quotes, and examples regarding planning ahead. I could set before you lofty goals. I could even try and make you feel guilty for not being better organized. (Although with my own reputation for using a shovel to clear off my desk, who would take me seriously?) But that is not my purpose.

Doing my best in homeschooling is important to me, and therefore, I’ve had to develop strategies for successfully completing each year. I hope these ideas will encourage you as well. Before I share, one caveat: you have to find your own style. Just because I do things a certain way doesn’t mean you should, too. I intend for this list to be suggestions - not the ten commandments of homeschooling. If a tip doesn’t work for you, evaluate and adjust it, or toss it.

10 Tips I’ve Learned the Hard Way

1. Plan.Okay, you’re laughing at me. But at some point I realized that if my kids’ educations were really important to me, I’d have to put some time into planning. Realistically, I know I won’t keep up with daily lesson plans. But I found out that I can sit down once a month and write out monthly objectives. What works best for you? A summer planning marathon? Monthly planning times? Weekly updates or nightly reviews of what you got done that day and hope to accomplish the next?
2. Consolidate Teaching Time. How often per week do you teach history or science? Do you and your children function best with a little every day? A medium amount of two or three times per week? Or a big chunk once a week? For me it works best to teach these two courses twice a week through about fifth grade, moving to a weekly time frame in the upper grades. On the days I’m not specifically teaching, they have reading and other assignments to work on. I find doing history or science in one or two big chunks is more interesting because we can dig deeper into the subject before running out of time.
3. Choose Your Time Wisely. Know your students, yourself, and your household. When would be most productive? Personally, I could care less about Alexander the Great at 8:00 a.m. but find him truly fascinating later in the day!Bedtime Bonus. One ritual that was consistent in our home when the boys were younger was our evening bedtime stories. We often used compelling history books or books with science topics during this special time.
4. Combine Courses. Literature with history, history with geography, or geography with science.
5. Think Outside the Box. Creative map and timeline work can count for history, geography, and art. Pay attention to community service hours, Scout projects, and other “non-school” endeavors that are actually educational.
6. Keep school fresh by occasionally surprising the kids. Would they get a kick out of having school in a weird place for a day? Pile pillows in the bathtub (empty, of course) and have the kids work in the tub. Or go undercover by draping a blanket over a table and doing school underneath with pillows, blankets, and flashlights. My favorite: turn the master bedroom into the classroom. Take everything you might need onto the bed (including the popcorn!) and pretend to be on a boat surrounded by sharks. Provide a pathway of socks that become tiny islands to step on for getting to the bathroom.
7. “Mini” Mega-Cooking. The days I cook a few extra meals to put in the freezer are a blessing. I often double up on any given meal so that I can have one for a busy day or a sick friend. I almost never cook a single chicken! I prefer to brown 5 or 10 pounds of ground beef at a time (perhaps with onions) and I’ll freeze what I don’t immediately need. The extra can be pulled out for a head start on chili, tacos, spaghetti, etc. Crock-pots are a mom’s best friend. Good pizza coupons are treasured. And the husband who offers to bring home the occasional Chinese or deli meal is worth his weight in gold!
8. Share. Teaching plans and resources can be shared with a friend. Although I love co-ops and have been involved in them yearly since 1991, they aren’t feasible for everyone. But if you have a friend who is teaching the same course as you and would be willing to share the work load in planning lessons or gathering resources, what a blessing! Bonus: checking in with each other to see how it’s going, adds accountability.
9. The Baby Connection. Babies and toddlers – gotta love ‘em! Learn when to include them, when to work around them, and when to wait until they are asleep. Some moms have a high tolerance and some babies are low maintenance. As a mom with low tolerance and high maintenance babies, I had to learn flexibility. Special toys which are only brought out during teaching time helped. They enjoyed the read-alouds even though the material was over their heads. History costumes, building forts or re-creations, and other hands-on projects can often be completed with little ones in tow. For work best done uninterrupted, use naptime or videos. (Yes, I happily used quality videos as babysitters on occasion!)
10. Summer School. Use summers for history/science projects and field trips. We even had a couple of short summer school sessions utilizing appealing material that the kids were eager to dive into. Count the hours toward the following year’s school. This provides leeway and less pressure during your more formal school time.
    

Maggie Hogan is a motivational speaker and co-author of The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide and other resource books. She and her husband, Bob, have been homeschooling their boys since 1991. Involved in local, state, and national homeschooling issues, they both serve on boards of home education organizations in Delaware. They are also owners of Bright Ideas Press, a homeschool company dedicated to bringing the best practical, fun, and affordable materials to the homeschool market. www.BrightIdeasPress.com

WHY HOMESCHOOL TEENS? by Elizabeth Smith

When our children reach the high school years, we begin to question whether homeschooling can really provide them with what they need—spiritually, socially, and academically. But  homeschooling is effective in high school for the same reasons it is effective in the younger grades. As a matter of fact, homeschooling in high school can yield great dividends in the life of your teen.

Here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider homeschooling your teen.

1. Continue the Family-Building Process

The teen years are a strategic time to cement relationships that last a lifetime. Parents can continue as the primary role models. You can make sure that your teen is instructed and discipled consistently each day with moral training and sound doctrine.

2. Cement Family Relationships

Relationships are the most important thing in family life. When teens are away from home for six-to-eight hours a day, subtle changes begin to erode relationships at home. Divided allegiance or "serving two masters" can shake their foundation. The result is weakened family ties and parental influence.

3. Provide an Excellent Learning Environment

Receiving one-on-one instruction is the most effective way to learn. At home, academics have priority, and there are no classroom distractions. Conversely, studies show that barely one third of the school day in traditional high schools is dedicated to academics.

4. Individualize Education Based on Needs

You can customize your teen's education to provide motivating opportunities to develop gifts and abilities. In areas of academic weakness, you can provide extra time and help. No classroom setting can offer this consistent and loving support.

5. Accelerate Academic Progress

Many homeschooled children are academically ready to do college-level work between the ages of 14 and 16. Additionally, researchers have found that age/grade isolation or segregation actually inhibits socialization. Available data demonstrates that homeschooled children are ahead of their public school counterparts in maturity, socialization, and vocabulary development.

6. Have Direct Influence over Peer Relationships

Homeschooling allows parents to fulfill their God-given responsibility to oversee the choices and amount of time spent outside the family. Parents can mentor their teens as they develop the important lifeskills of evaluating and choosing friends, resolving conflicts, and handling romantic relationships.

7. Protect from the Pressure to Conform

Teens feel strong pressure to compromise their standards and personal identity to conform to "the group." Few are mature enough to withstand constant pressure.

8. Maintain Flexibility

Homeschooling allows great flexibility for family plans and work or service opportunities. Through these venues, teens can gain valuable experience to help prepare them for future adult responsibilities.

9. Create a Safe Learning Environment

News headlines tell us that the presence of drugs and violence are escalating on high school campuses across the country. Homeschooling offers a safe haven for learning, and it provides more opportunity for parents to recognize and lovingly intervene if their child exhibits at-risk behavior.

10. Allow God to Show Himself Strong

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." Let us look to God and trust Him as our provider during these special years.

Elizabeth Smith, wife of Home School Legal Defense Association President Mike Smith, taught three of her four children at home from 1981 to 1996.

Homeschooling Failure? By Sherry Bushnell

I sat down heavily in my chair. Looking out the dining room window the fall leaves of orange, yellow and green skittered across the yard. Some of them blew up against the childrens’ Tonka toys, remaining stuck there until a gust blew them another direction.

My 5 ½ year old son sat beside me playing with the sorting objects we were working on. He looked over at me and smiled a big smile. My heart was heavy inside. I had imagined it all to be simple. So much easier. I wiped the drool off his chin with a Kleenex. From what I had read, children with Down Syndrome were to be expected to progress...albeit at a slower rate than other children without DS, but what was I doing wrong? We had been working at this simple task of sorting easy shapes for weeks. No progress.

Homeschooling Jordan has been a wonderful experience but our lack of skills being gained presently was really discouraging me. Other homeschooling parents of children with Down Syndrome were reporting such great successes. Their children could say the alphabet, talk legibly, listen and follow directions...were potty training....

So that was how I felt. Stuck. We were going nowhere. The Lord used a conversation with an acquaintance to help me see a problem. My sights were set too high. Our goals were not being accomplished because I was asking Jordan to do things he simply was not ready to do. It was not that he would never accomplish that which we were working on...it was just too soon. The range of mental capabilities in children with DS is wide. I had been hoping Jordan would out-shine them all. Is that so abnormal for a proud mom?

This painful little glimpse into a part of my life I look back fondly on now. It was a real turning point in my attitude and feelings towards homeschooling. A gradual realization that Jordan and I did not have to measure up to the successes of others was a real relief. My failure-type attitude changed into one of looking only toward the next goal to conquer. Jordan and I could now have a great time just where we were at. So what if he was behind the others who shared his disability. My other children were thriving and learning quickly. I knew Jordan’s slower progress was not due to my lack of skill or the time or attention he was receiving. He could only go forward at the rate God had chosen to give him. Not at the rate others were given.

Why were we homeschooling in the first place? The answers were plentiful...

Because I wanted to be with Jordan...because character training was such a vital, vital, aspect of our family’s homeschooling agenda...because we cared about Jordan’s health...because we knew that no one would or could give Jordan the undivided attention and care that we could as parents... Looking back now I can see other areas beside academics that Jordan had been doing terrific in. He was obedient, liked to share his toys and help carry in firewood and groceries. He liked to eat wholesome food (he hates McDonalds food), was gentle to the baby animals, could ride a trike, play on the slide and swings. Jordan was cheerful and rarely grumpy...the list could go on. All of our children have many wonderful areas of positive achievement, but not necessarily in the academic area. It seemed like such a simple solution. I needed to relax. I found goals that Jordan and I could meet. We broke up the tasks to learn into smaller segments. We love to achieve our ambitions. Success is sooooo...sweet! A rule we continue to use: "The more we expect of our children, they more they seem capable of doing." AND, God made them just the way they are!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Essay Contest Winners for 2011!

The Education Network of Christian Homeschoolers of New Jersey held our annual Essay Contest for 2011 and this year our winners were:

Emma Jacob (6-9 yrs. category)
Charity Ray (10-13 yrs. category)
Shannon Turner (14-17 yrs. category)

Each winner was notified and encouraged to attend the convention to pick up their award and certificate. Emma Jacob was the only one who could be there for the presentation but it was a memorable for sure.

As a surprise, Emma was presented with her award by Andrew Pudewa himself. She was so surprised and got to shake Mr. Pudewa’s hand. It was quite exciting.

This month, we will feature Shannon Turner's winning essay. Please see August and September newsletters for Emma's and Charity's winning essays. Congratulations to all!

Theme for the category, “The Most Influential Person in the 20th Century”.

    I'd seen the tapes on the shelf in the basement before, and my eight year old self’s
curiosity had been aroused.
    "Mommy," I asked, "can I listen to these?"
   My mom turned to see what it was I wanted to listen to - an Adventures in Odyssey tape?
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe Audio Book? Nope. Instead, I was holding out a white and
purple box labeled What in the World's Going on Here? A Judeo-Christian Primer in World History.
    "You want to listen to Diana Waring?" I nodded.
   "You know they're not stories, right? It's someone teaching history."
    "Ok."
    "Sure. Go ahead, then."
    She didn’t expect it, but those tapes would change my life. Ever since that day, I’ve been
listening to Diana Waring's tapes (and later CDs) for pleasure, and I've used one of her history
curricula for school. Diana Waring, through those CDs and books, has greatly influenced me,
leaving me with a love of history, a Christian perspective on that history, and ultimately a
stronger faith in God.

    Diana Waring ignited in me a fascination with history. At first, perhaps, it was her stories
and engaging manner that gave me a desire to listen. Her tales about the Pharaohs in Egypt, the
Roman Emperors, the Babylonian Captivity of the Israelites, and Alexander the Great enthralled
me. I would listen to her recordings whenever I could – while going to bed, while dressing my
dolls, while cleaning my room. As I listened, soaking in all the information and passion she had
to impart, there was birthed in me a love of not just her stories, but history itself. History became
my favorite subject. Even dry history textbooks held a fascination for me. Not only so, but the men
and women she talked about became my role models (or my mental caution tape), and I began to
consider not only their life stories, but the principals behind their stories. George
Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” By
instilling in me a love of history, Diana set me on the path of wisdom – knowing history,
the mistakes of my predecessors are less likely to be my own.

    Without God, there is no wisdom, and Diana Waring is always conscientious to teach
history from a Christian perspective. When telling of the various Roman Emperors, she keeps the
rise of Christianity in mind, and when she speaks of such horrible events as WWI, she reminds
her listeners of the concurrent revival in China. History according to the Bible is a key element in
her accounts as well. She teaches the story of Tubal-Cain, an “instructor of every craftsman in
bronze and iron” (Gen 4:22, NKJV), as factually as she does that of Napoleon Bonaparte, and
weaves the story of Jesus’ life in with the context of other events in the Roman Empire. Hearing
her interweave the Biblical account with the rest of the historical narrative – the former of which
it is easy to forget is just as true as the latter – has greatly influenced my worldview, by
reinforcing for me that the accounts in the Bible are factual, historical events. As I have
continued my study of history, I have also continued to see history from that same Christian viewpoint.    

    Ultimately, that perspective has strengthened my faith, instilling in me a greater trust in
God. As she teaches about the events of history, Diana reminds her listeners that God has always
been and always will be faithful, and that while events in and of themselves may seem hopeless,
“God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His
purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Her message that, “…There is no darkness so deep that God’s
love is not deeper still. He’s faithful. He’s good. He’s wise. He sees what’s coming. He prepares
us. We can trust him. …we need to understand that he’s faithful and we can trust Him.” (What in
the World’s Going on Here? Disc 3,) has encouraged me through the years. As I’ve grown, that
message – that God has always proven faithful in the past, preparing us for whatever troubles lie
ahead – has helped me to trust Him no matter what happens, giving me strength and hope.    

    Diana Waring’s presence in my life has influenced me to become who I am now, but how
will she influence me in the future? Perhaps someday I will teach history; perhaps I will even
write history curricula of my own. Who knows where the traits her influence has nurtured in me
will lead? But whether or not history plays a major part in my career, Diana’s teaching will
always play a major part in my life, inspiring me to always carry with me a love of history and a
love of God.    

Written by Shannon Turner

Announcing ENOCH of New Jersey’s  ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011

Why Should You Attend This Year’s Conference?

• Inspiration and Practical Tools for Leadership
• A New Vision for Your Group and You
• New or Veteran Leaders, this Leadership Conference Is for You
  

Centrally located at
Cornerstone Calvary Chapel
6550 Route 9 South, Howell, NJ 07731

9:30 AM to 3:00 P.M.
Continental Breakfast & Hot Lunch will be provided

Cost: $20 per couple and/or individual
Non-leader guests are welcome at a cost of $20 per person
RSVP BY NOVEMBER 1ST !

SEND PAYMENT TO:  ENOCH of New Jersey, c/o 15 Manchester Ave., Keyport, NJ  07735

Please email the following information to office@enochnj.org:
Support Group Leader Name
Support Group Name
Address
Names of any guests

A sampling of what is planned for the day!

• Lots of fellowship!
• Door prizes!
• Networking with other leaders!
• A Town Hall Meeting!
  

More details to follow!

For more information contact, office@enochnj.org or by calling 732-291-7800.

Is Your Support Group Connected with ENOCH?

One of our ongoing goals here at Education Network of Christian Homeschoolers is to maintain a list of local support groups. Our mission is two-fold: to help individual families connect to groups in their area and to assist support groups and support group leaders, working together to encourage and support the home school community here in New Jersey. We hope to have this list available on our website soon and we want to make sure your group is represented!

Why Is It Important to Get Your Group Connected?

We offer help to home school support organizations such as suggestions or ideas for support group activities, the need for advice on handling those problem situations, or perhaps you would simply like new home school families to know you are in the area. Connect with ENOCH, and we'll help you find the answers!

If your support group is currently listed with ENOCH and you have not updated your contact information for the new school year, including current board members, and group dynamics, you may easily do so by contacting our office at office@enochnj.org.

If your support group is not listed with ENOCH, simply let our office know and weill help you get registered for the website.

It is easy to get your group connected and/or updated. Simply contact the office at office@enochnj.org.

ENOCH is on facebook and twitter!

         

 We are on Twitter and Facebook! BECOME A FAN TODAY  of  ENOCH of New Jersey on facebook and twitter!  Find out all the  homeschool happenings in NJ as welll as links, announcements, stories, etc. that are posted to help you and get connected to the homeschool community through social media. Tell every homeschooler you know!

OTHER EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES  

HOMESCHOOL MOM NEEDED

Catholic family desires Catholic/Christian Homeschool mom to supervise my homeschooled girl, age, 7, from Wednesday to Friday anywhere from 7 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until February in my smoke free – pet free Bricktown or your smoke free – pet free Bricktown, Point Pleasant, or Silverton/Toms River area home during the school year. Must drive. Good pay $50.00 cash per day. PLEASE e-mail GRACE GJD@verizon.net

PIANO LESSONS AT HOME

Focusing on the beginning and intermediate piano student.
Private lessons in your home.
Over 25 Years Experience
For further information, please call Toni R. at 973-960-9797
Morris County Area

Tutor, Visiting Educator, and Professional Developer in Central New Jersey

My name is Lynn Bowen, and I am reaching out to you and other area homeschool families in order to offer my services as a tutor, visiting educator, and professional developer of instructional strategies.

For the past 14 years I have been a public school teacher in Central New Jersey. Prior to that, I devoted several years to teaching CCD at my church while raising my daughters. My most recent teaching assignment, and the bulk of my career, has been dedicated to Basic Skills instruction. In this role I have worked one-on-one or in small group settings teaching reading, writing, and math. I have been trained to teach Family Science as well.

Please feel free to contact me if you should desire my services for your students and/or instructors. A resume can be sent for additional information.

I welcome your inquiries and look forward to the possibilities of working together!

home (609. 587.1659)
cell (609.558.1878)
email: ljbowen@optonline.net
www.linkedin.com/pub/lynn-bowen/34/675/126

Home-Based Educational Services: Montessori Elementary Homeschooling and Tutoring

My name is Suzanne Marie Amato. Thoughout my years of teaching in both public and private schools, I realized the need for better alternatives to institutional education. After spending three summers in intensive Montessori Elementary training, and sitting through many educational psychology classes, I realized something was missing in the translation from teacher-training to actual implementation in the classroom.

A passionate educator, I soon realized I could not promote change from within, so I decided to create my own program. Having spent many years with children of all ages, I realized what homeschoolers already know. You must, first and foremost, know the child. Their strengths, interests, and individual potential are the foundation for the intellectual, emotional and physical health of our children. The bond that parents have with their children is their greatest asset.

After establishing a solid relationship based on mutual respect with the student, the foundation for learning is set. I can then share my love of learning and critical thinking.
I specialize in:

• teaching critical thinking skills using Socratic reasoning
• moving from the concrete to abstract in mathematical concepts
• emphasizing cross-curricular connections
• Discovery-based learning

If you are seeking a curriculum and don’t know where to begin, I have a full Montessori elementary curriculum including lessons and materials for: K-8 Math, Geometry, History, Geography, Science, and K-12 Language Arts: including vocabulary, spelling, grammar, literary analysis and writing.

Through many years of research and training, I have also created my own Literature and Writing program based on higher-level, meta-cognitive comprehension strategies and the 6 Traits of Writing. Also available are Language SAT prep, preparation for state testing and high school entrance exams. Affordable private and group lessons are available in Bergen County thoughout the year. Email Lv2reed@aol.com or call 201-439-0601 for more information.

WORLDS UNSEEN BOOK TRAILER CONTEST

To promote creativity and initiative in young readers, we’re running a Book Trailer Contest with a prize of $100 + a trilogy. Participants are invited to film and post their own book trailer for Worlds Unseen online. The winner will also be featured on Rachel’s writing website: www.rachelstarrthomson.com and the trilogy website: www.worldsunseen.com. There is no entry fee, and teamwork is allowed and encouraged!

The contest is open to ages 11–21. All submissions must be in by 12:00 PM, December 1, 2011. See below for a full list of rules.

Contest rules:

• Book trailer must be three minutes or less. All filming must be your original work—no using clips from anyone else.
• Contest open to ages 11 – 21.
• Teamwork is allowed and encouraged!
• Download Worlds Unseen FREE from http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/6860 today and unleash your creativity!
• To submit a trailer, upload your submission to www.youtube.com, and send an email to thomson.rachel@gmail.com including your name(s), age(s), address, email address, and link to your submission.
• Deadline: 12:00 PM EST, December 1, 2011.

PRIZE: $100.00 + full set of Seventh World trilogy. Winner will also be featured on www.rachelstarrthomson.com and www.worldsunseen.com

SYNOPSIS: The Council for Exploration Into Worlds Unseen believed there was more to the world and its history than the empire had taught them. Treating ancient legends as history, they came a little too close to the truth. Betrayed by one of their own, the Council was torn apart before they could finish their work.

Forty years later, Maggie Sheffield just wants to leave the past behind. Memories of the Orphan House where she grew up are fading; memories of her guardians’ murder are harder to shake. When a dying friend shows up on her doorstep bearing the truth about the Seventh World–in the form of a written covenant with evil–Maggie is sent on a journey that will change her forever.

Rachel Starr Thomson is the author of the Seventh World Trilogy, a fantasy in the tradition of George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, and other great Christian writers. She’s also a homeschool graduate and the oldest of twelve kids. The first book in the trilogy, Worlds Unseen, is available as a free download from Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/6860 .

OPERA NEW JERSEY TEEN ART COMPETITION and SPECIAL OFFER TO VISIT!

Entering its 10th anniversary season, Opera New Jersey is launching an inaugural Teen Art Competition and will be accepting submissions from students ages 14 – 18 throughout the state. The program kicks off with the task of designing the Opera New Jersey 10th anniversary logo, and the winning artwork will be used in all 2012 Opera New Jersey Summer Season materials. The winner will also receive special recognition at the Annual Opera New Jersey Gala, as well as free mentorship and workshop opportunities for continued artistic development with acclaimed local artists and organizations.

Opera New Jersey’s Teen Art Competition Guidelines:

Style: Logo Format: PDF, Tiff, or EPS Formats preferred but not required; Original vector file if possible.
Title: “This is your Opera New Jersey”
Subject ideas: A decade in NJ history, Opera as visual art, New Jersey pride
General: All digital artwork will be considered. Keep the logo clean and simple. All styles will be taken into careful consideration.

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012, 3:00p.m.
Work must be submitted digitally to: Education@OperaNJ.org

Semi-finalists and winner will be announced March 15, 2012.

Artwork will be reproduced for Panelists only. Semi-finalists will be announced prior to the final decision. No reproduction of the final Logo will be used without written consent submitted prior to the final announcement.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Also, if you’re interested in bringing students to the opera, or any other collaboration, please let me know- We have a dress rehearsal open to students in February, and several other programs offered at no charge for student groups. For more information about this special opportunity contact Laura Baldasano at: lbaldasano@operanj.org
For more information about Opera New Jersey visit their website at:  http://www.operanj.org/index.html

2012 NJ Homeschool Educators Science Fair

It's that time of year again. For those of you with students in grade school or high school, I hope you'll again plan on participating in the 2012 NJ Homeschool Educators Science Fair. Based on feedback from last year, we are proposing to hold the fair on one day which will be Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 (location to be confirmed). We're also working on potentially simplifying the judging process with the intent of providing more feedback to the students, especially at the 6th grade level and up as they prepare for Coriell.

Please also feel free to share this information with other families you know in the "homeschool community". I'm happy to talk to any parent or group of parents who may have an interest in the science fair and who want to know more about what is involved. Here is our website with details on the fair (see the link just below). All 2012 registration forms, you can get from here.

http://njhomesci-fair.webstarts.com/index.html

Please note the following important items with regard to the registration forms.

For Kindergarten through 5th grade, you need to complete the 1-page Homeschool Educators form AND Form 1B

For 6th through 12th grade, Coriell requests that you also complete the student contact information form in addition to the other forms. Please email me if you have any questions regarding these forms to minimize back and forth for any incomplete items on the forms. It does take some time to review the forms for submission to Coriell, so I ask that you provide them as soon as possible but certainly no later than the deadlines posted on the website. Keep in mind that generally the data gathering for the projects can only begin once the registration forms are approved, so earlier is better. The need for time to review the forms is especially true of experiments that require sign-off from a review board for the more "dangerous" experiments.

Please mail the forms to my attention:
Roy Costa
6 Turnberry Court
Voorhees, NJ 08043

The registration cost will remain at $15 per student (still no additional cost beyond 3 students). Checks should be made out to "NJ Home Educators, Inc".

Some families prefer to send their forms in to Coriell directly -- that's fine of course but I ask that you still send in your registration information to me for the Homeschool Science Fair so that we are aware of your registration.

I hope this information is helpful to you and I hope to hear from you soon regarding your students' projects. Please contact Roy Costa at rxcosta@gmail.com, if you have any questions.

Homeschool Astronomy Day - A free event November 26th!

Homeschool Astronomy Day - A free event
Saturday, Nov 26th, 9am-Noon
Runnemede Inn: 109 E. 9th Ave, Runnemede, NJ 08078

RSVP and Questions: Tony.Ceraso@HomeSchoolAstronomy.com or 856-278-6276
http://www.icontact-archive.com:80/e7t1CYWWjUaCNLZ0ED2N55_bBzedjkNL

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Homeschool Workshop

At Macculloch Hall Historical Museum we are excited about the educational programs we have to offer to homeschool families and homeschool organizations.

Homeschool Workshop dates for 2012 that have been designed for families to coincide with the museum’s new exhibit “Gone for a Soldier”: Jerseymen in the Civil War, which opens November 6th and runs to July 1, 2012.

The exhibit features rare Civil War uniforms, equipment, posters, photographs, drums, weapons, and personal items documenting the role that New Jersey played in the Civil War. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum collaborated with the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee to make this exhibit possible. Several evening lectures on the Civil War have been scheduled for 2012 as well as weekend public programs, including living history groups, for spring 2012 so please find us on Facebook and/or check the museum’s website for information as it becomes available.

Workshops are held the fourth Tuesday of the month and include time in the Civil War exhibit, work with primary sources, and hands-on activities. Pre-registration is required. Please email cwinslow@maccullochhall.org or leave a message at (973) 538-2404 ext.10 with your name, the number and age of children and a contact phone number. Activities are designed for children ages 7 and up. Cost is $6 per student. Find us on Facebook or visit our website at www.maccullochhall.org for directions and other public programs.

Tuesday, February 28    1-3 p.m.
Remembering Abraham Lincoln

Tuesday, March 27 1-3 p.m.
Rural South and Industrial North

Tuesday, April 24 1-3 p.m.
Soldiers and Camp Life

Tuesday, May 22 1-3 p.m.
1860’s Life in the Northern Home

Tuesday, June 26 1-3 p.m.
Forts and Sieges

Macculloch Hall, a Federal-style mansion built by George Macculloch in 1810 and transformed into a museum in 1949 by W. Parsons Todd, features Todd’s impressive antiques collection, changing exhibits, and a collection of works by Thomas Nast. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.

HOMESCHOOL SKI CLUB at BLUE MOUNTAIN

These chilly days make me start thinking about ski season.  What a great way to get outside and enjoy those cold days of winter!

In the past we've had a homeschool ski club on Mondays at Blue Mountain (located between Allentown, PA and the Poconos).  This year I plan to ski on Mondays; however, we now have the flexibility of skiing on ANY non-holiday Monday-Thursday, from 8:30am-10pm.  So if you want to ski at a great mountain--but not on a Monday--you can still join our group and enjoy skiing on the Monday-Thursday of your choice at very good prices.

Here are the QUICK FACTS:
WHERE:  Blue Mountain   (www.skibluemt.com)
WHEN:    6 Mondays in Jan./Feb.   or  any other non-holiday Monday-Thursday,  8:30am-10pm
PRICE/person:    $98 (lift only);    $139 (lift + rental);    $169 (lift + rental + lesson)
Children 5 and under do not need a lift ticket (just order the number of rentals needed @ $21 each)
Ages 6 and up may participate in Group Lessons.  Price for only one group lesson:  $26

DEADLINE for Renee to receive your payment and required forms:   FRIDAY,  NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Contact Renee Winship  (732-379-0757)  if you plan to participate and to receive downloadable release/equipment rental form. 
 

CHERRY HILL ROLLER SKATING

Come join us for 2 hours of fun, physical activity.  Every third Friday there is roller skating for the home school community.  The rink is open only for us.   The games are turned off, the music is family friendly.  Mom's get to socialize while kids skate with their friends.  Come meet home schoolers from every area........open to all.
 
Where: Cherry Hill Skate Center 664 Deer Road Cherry Hill
What: Private party 2 hours of skating with family friendly music
Who: Any home schooler please invite all put down your home school lists
When: 3rd Fridays (NOT December) from September-April 1-3PM
Cost:  $3 per skater (non skaters do not pay) Max $12 per family (cash please!)
skate rental available for $3 from rink (last year's price) either quads or inline

You may bring your own skates

Please no outside refreshments as the snack bar is open.  Consume your food before coming in.

Dates for 2011-2012 School year
September 16
October  21
November  18
January  20
February  17
March  16
April  20

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PUBLICATION DATES

ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletter NEXT DEADLINE

Here are the deadlines for the upcoming ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletters.  The deadlines are firm and coordinated so that we can get you a fresh newsletter by the first of each month. Thanks.

December 2011: Friday, November 25th
January 2012: Wednesday, December 21st (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE DUE TO HOLIDAYS)
February 2012: Wednesday, January 25th

Send all submissions to newsletter@enochnj.org.  This deadline serves the purpose of allowing time for editing and formatting the newsletter in order that time-sensitive information can be posted and mailed in a timely manner.

Final editing begins at the deadline.  Submissions prior to the deadline are always welcome and encouraged.
 
Posting and emailing is normally by the 1st of the month (except for the June issue).
 
Thanks for your help in getting the newsletter delivered promptly.

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If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter, you can subscribe now!  If you would like the e-Newsletter delivered directly to your e-mailbox each month, go to Monthly Newsletter link on our website at www.enochnj.org.
 
Encourage your support group members to subscribe to the ENOCH email list!  Include this portion of our newsletter in your monthly hardcopy newsletter.  Get the word out that this newsletter is for them!   We use our subscription list to notify the homeschooling community of changes to our website, of the Convention and our Leadership Conference, alerts, and other important news.
 
All submissions desiring consideration for publication in the e-Newsletter should be sent to newsletter@enochnj.org.  Thanks.
 
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