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Oct. Newsletter

October 2009 NEWS from THREE SISTERS

September was a successful month – our KNIGHT was spectacular, RENAISSANCE Day was fun, and
DEWEY was great. We’re looking forward to our new website and HLR Programs in October!

HLR Programs
Registration is open for Middle Eastern Marketplace. Experience life in a different culture without leaving Iowa. Presented by Kristie Burns on Oct. 9. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines HSAP. Grades 1 – 4 at 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; grades 5 and up from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Hour and half sessions, $3/student. Limit of 35 students. We have room for 15 more students in each session as of Oct. 1. Registration now open until noon on Oct. 6.

Registration is also open for Recycle Me!, scheduled for Oct. 26. Designed for grades K - 2 (older siblings welcome), free admission. Kids have a hands-on activity and practice making decisions about items used in their everyday lives. 10:15 a.m. 30 minute program in Pleasant Hill. Cap of 35 kids.

Calendar
As a way to encourage the home school community, we’re looking to publicize all non-exclusive home school events. Event submissions that are not members-only such as open support group meetings, field trips, and speaking engagements are welcomed at calendar@homelearningresources.com. Approved events may be included in our monthly newsletter. We keep a calendar of these events in the sidebar of the blog as well as on the Calendar page on our website.

Sept. 29 – Oct. 7 Borders Educator Appreciation Week, West Des Moines

October 8 – Campfire Informational Meeting. 10:30am at the Altoona Library. Campfire is for both boys and girls ages 2 years-12th Grade. This will be a homeschool group. The Program Director for Campfire and the group’s leaders will be at the meeting. Craft provided for the children. Club meetings will be Thursdays from 10:30am-12pm, twice a month at the Altoona Library. The first meeting on Thursday, October 22nd. Contact info: Nicole Seay -- Niklynne@gmail.com

Oct. 9 – Middle Eastern Marketplace, West Des Moines

Oct. 9 – 12 Teacher and Librarian Appreciation Weekend. Half Price Books, Clive. Educators save 20% on everything in-store

Oct. 10 – 18 Barnes and Noble Fall Educator Appreciation Week, Jordan Creek Town Center. Educator Reception on Oct. 11; Home School Reception Oct. 18

Oct. 26 – Recycle Me!, Pleasant Hill

Looking ahead:

Nov. 20 – Bread Around The World. Just in time for you to add to a Thanksgiving conversation, this program will discuss flat bread in Mexico, the United States, and India; include the topics of corn and yeast as ingredients, and have a hands-on portion. Presented by Barb Vaske through World of Difference in West Des Moines. Two sessions, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., 45 minutes each. Grades K - 8. Younger siblings will need to be off-site. Admission $5. Limit of 18 kids/session. Held in partnership with WDM HSAP. WDM HSAP families please register with Tami Prescott. Registration opens approximately Oct. 20. Information at Three Sisters website.

Dec. 11 – Nutcracker Ballet, (the school edition is edited down to one hour). Produced by Iowa Dance Theatre at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. $3/person. Contact Kathy at dandkpolson@msn.com

Other community events are posted on our blog as received.

Conference News
The theme for 2010 will be “Homeschool Success,” on April 17, 2010 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. Suggestions for topics and volunteer speakers are also being accepted at see3sis@yahoo.com

Until next month, Julia
THREE SISTERS is a small Iowa company founded by three bargain-loving home school moms. It has produced homeschool sales and a conference. It remains open to producing other events, including HLR Programs. The founders revel in the fact that sisterhood does not rely on bloodlines.

website work

the host for our new website is unexpectedly down. We are at the hands of the host. If you would like to register for a program, you will need to inform the office at see3sis@yahoo.com Sorry for the inconvenience. -- JULIA

Campfire Kids

October 8 – Campfire Informational Meeting. 10:30am at the Altoona Library. Campfire is for both boys and girls ages 2 years-12th Grade. This will be a homeschool group. The Program Director for Campfire and the group’s leaders will be at the meeting. Craft provided for the children. Club meetings will be Thursdays from 10:30am-12pm, twice a month at the Altoona Library.  The first meeting on Thursday, October 22nd. Contact info: Nicole Seay -- Niklynne@gmail.com

Website work

Everyone, be my editor and look through the new website. My 9yo found one error as she stopped by to tell me something!

Before the newsletter comes out...

...I want you to know that registration is open for Middle Eastern Marketplace and Recycle Me. Recycle Me is located at our new website. We're putting final touches on the new site, and we'd love to have it tested before we switch over for good, so go ahead and poke around. If you find anything janky, let our office know at see3sis@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Nutcracker at the Civic Center

The message mentions an enclosed registration form -- you will need to ask Kathy for this form. It isn't transposing prettily when I try to send it to groups. Sorry for this extra step. -- JULIA

--------------

OUR 27th SEASON     

September 15, 2009

Dear Home School Educator

The Iowa Dance Theatre is excited to once again present a special performance of The Nutcracker Ballet to school children.  The performance will take place on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm at the Des Moines Civic Center.  The cast will present a shortened version of this holiday ballet, which will include narration of the story, and should last just under one hour.  Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled performance time.  You will need to find your own parking.  Upon your arrival at the Civic Center , please check in with the Iowa Dance Theatre volunteers right inside the lobby doors.

Admission is $3.00 per person.  Advance payment is mandatory in order to be admitted to the performance.  The deadline for payment is November 30, 2009.  If you are able to assemble a larger group of homeschoolers, one adult may be admitted free of charge for every ten students.  Please send the payment to:

            Iowa Dance Theatre

            909 NE Canterbury Drive                   No later than November 30, 2009

            Ankeny , IA  50021

            Attn:  Kathy Polson

We need advance notice of people with special needs (wheelchairs, etc.) so that I may coordinate accessibility with the Civic Center personnel.  No photography is allowed in the theater, and proper theater etiquette would be appreciated.

Please fill out the enclosed form and email to dandkpolson@msn.com or mail to the above address.  If the number of students and/or chaperones changes after you send the enclosed, please notify us by November 30, 2009.  No 'paper' tickets are issued, rather this is handled as a reservation system.  In our efforts to reach as many in the home school community as possible, please feel free to pass along this information to other home school families.

The Iowa Dance Theatre is very excited about The Nutcracker this season.  In a unique alliance with area dance schools, we will have over 220 performers representing 30 dance studios from central Iowa and beyond!  Iowa Dance Theatre is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to bringing educational, artistic, and performance opportunities to central Iowa 's talented dancers.

We look forward to your participation in this theatrical event.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Polson at (515) 963-8311 (home phone) or (515) 554-7104 (cell).

Sincerely

Kathy Polson

Coordinator - "Nutcracker" School Performance

Iowa Dance Theatre

Update 9/15/09

Now available on the website --

• Teacher Aid for Water Cycle/Dewey the Water Drop
  

• Teacher Aid for Renaissance Day

• Middle Eastern Marketplace registration 

• Teacher Aid for Marketplace

Teacher aids for Renaissance Day

Noting that the Teacher Aid is a work in progress for Renaissance Day. As Mary Lynn and I consult this week, we'll probably add more to the Teacher Aid. You may want to check the link after the program for additions, especially as we add a section on Calligraphy and Sports and Games. -- Julia

Teacher Aids now available

Teacher Aids for Renaissance Day and Dewey the Water Drop Water Cycle are now available on our website.

Kevin and Amy gave a great presentation on Knights. Everyone is encouraged to share their photos in our flickr photo pool. This is will be done through invitation only. If we missed inviting you, please let us know at see3sis@yahoo.com. A little peek:

KNIGHTS

Reminder have been send, but just in case you didn't get it --

Parking will be on 14th Street or at Stilwell Junior High School for Knights.

Thank you.

Prairie Heritage Week Sept. 6 - 12

Julia asked how kid-friendly the following event would be. The response is below the event details. Three Sisters has no other information. Please contact Michele with questions. Thank you.

Prairie Heritage Week
Warren County NRCS & Warren County Conservation Board

September 6th –12th

Prairie Seed Collecting
Collect seed for prairie reconstruction!
Monday, September 7th 9am-12pm
*contact Michele to register

Prairie Talk & Walk
Annett Nature Center
Tuesday, September 8th 6pm

Evening Prairie Walk
Rolling Thunder Prairie State Preserve!
Saturday, September 12th 6pm

Indianola Public Library
Prairie Books on Display!
Free Prairie Information!
Throughout September

For questions or more details contact Michele @ 961-5264x112
 ----------
Julia,
Kids are more than welcome and I'd love to see kids come out for these events. 

The seed collecting event will be simple, we'll point out a few plants that are ready for harvest and show you how to collect the seed-pull it off and toss it in a bag-many plants will be the perfect height for kids!  If you have children that like to grow plants the landowner is letting people take home some seed to grow for themselves too.

The talk on Tuesday will be about historic prairies, the bison that roamed them, the deep roots, wildlife that uses prairies, how prairie cleans water, etc.  It could be a little much for really young kids but will only be 20 min. and then there will be a trail walk through prairie where we'll point out different plants and talk about their uses.

The Rolling Thunder Prairie walk won't have any trails, really young kids may be afraid to walk through the plants.

I would recommend the library display for some rainy day, there are a number of new children's books and the display will be up all month.

Let me know if you have anymore questions and we'd love to see you there!
Michele

Sept. newsletter

September 2009 NEWS from THREE SISTERS

It’s school time! Let’s learn some new, fun things!

HLR Programs

Registration is open for Knights (all ages), Renaissance Day (10 a.m. for grades 1 – 3) and Water Travels with Dewey (late K – 1). Any family belonging to the WDM HSAP will need to register for HLR Programs held at Rex Mathes (Knights and Renaissance Day), at least one month in advance if possible, through coordinator Tami Prescott, at prescottt@wdmcs.org October program registration will open online approximately one month before the program.

Calendar

As a way to encourage the home school community, we’re looking to publicize all non-exclusive home school events. Event submissions that are not members-only such as open support group meetings, field trips, and speaking engagements are welcomed at calendar@homelearningresources.com. Approved events may be included in our monthly newsletter. We keep a calendar of these events in the sidebar of the blog as well as on the Calendar page on our website.

Sept. 1 – Home school P.E. Tuesdays at SportsPlex West, Waukee. Times vary according to age. 8-week sessions. 515-987-0806

Sept. 3 – Home school girls gymnastics Thursdays at Chow’s, West Des Moines. 9 – 10 a.m. Small class size, world class apparatus and coaching. Call immediately for information (515) 223-5460.

Sept. 9 -- Knights. Kevin talks about life as a kid in the days of knights, explains his armor, takes questions from the audience, and with his vast historical knowledge, he might talk about anything else you bring up. Register at http://www.homelearningresources.com/knights.

Sept. 18 – Renaissance Day. Interactive topics of calligraphy and quilling, peasant dancing, games/sports, and stained glass. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines HSAP. Register at Three Sisters website.

Sept. 18 -- Home school P.E. Walnut Creek YMCA 1 – 4 p.m., optional swimming 2:55 – 3:50. Snack provided. Pre-register at http://www.dmymca.org/branch/walnut_creek. All participants not pre-registered will need to pay at the front desk that day.

Sept. 21 – Water Travels with Dewey. Kids grades K – 1 learn about the water cycle through a half-hour long puppet show. Free admission. Location: Altoona. Pre-registration requested through Three Sisters website.

Looking ahead: Oct. 9 – Middle Eastern Marketplace and Oct. 26 – Recycle Me! Information at Three Sisters website. Other community events are posted at threesis.blogspot.com.

Conference News

The theme for 2010 will be “Home School Success.” Suggestions for topics and volunteer speakers are also being accepted at see3sis@yahoo.com

Until next month, Julia

THREE SISTERS is a small Iowa company founded by three bargain-loving home school moms. It has produced homeschool sales and a conference. It remains open to producing other events, including HLR Programs. The founders revel in the fact that sisterhood does not rely on bloodlines.

Homeschool P.E. at SportsPlex West

Three Sisters has no further information.

Dates:	Session Begins September 1, 2009 on Tuesdays Session I:  9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 Session II: 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 Session III: 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23 Session IV: 3/2, 3/9, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, *(Skip Week of Spring Break) **1/2 Session V: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 (1/2 the Session Price)
Time:	Grades K-2: 1-1:50pm Grades 3-4: 1-1:50pm Grades 5-6: 2-3pm Grades 7 & Up: 2-3pm
Who:	Boys and Girls in Grades K-12
Cost:	Grades K-4: $50 per student per 8-class session Grades 5 & Up: $60 per student per 8-class session
Location:	SPW (890 Olson Drive in Waukee)
Register:	Stop by or call in over the phone at SPW.
Contact:	Front Desk at 515-987-0806

Update on writing class offerings

From Mary Lynn Carvour, a follow up from a previous announcement:

 

I'm offering the classes at two locations. We have ... 4 total students signed up at this point for the Altoona class.... The Huxley class has a good number enrolled. If you hear of others who are inerested, please encourage them to email or call my cell and be patient for a response.

 

... The Altoona writing class is scheduled for the afternoon of [Sept. 18]. Huxley starts on Sept. 25.

 

Three Sisters has no further information. Please contact Mary Lynn with all concerns and questions at 515-967-0268 or eduem@aol.com. Original source is here at her website.

Registration for Monarch Tagging Now Closed

Thank you for your interest and we'll see all of you there!

Renaissance Day late session CLOSED

Registration for our Renaissance Day program at 11 a.m. for grades 4 and up is now FULL. No more registrations are being accepted at this time.

Registration for Water Cycle Program now open

Three Sisters frequently gets asked about programs for younger grades. Here you go!

Sept. 21— Water Travels with Dewey™. Dewey the Waterdrop puppet will teach students about the water cycle and pollutants that are picked up along the way. After the show, students participate in a sequencing activity to review what they have learned. Presented by Des Moines Water Works. 10:15 a.m. in Altoona from grades "2nd semester kindergarten" to 1^st. Thirty minutes. Cap of 35 students. No fee. Details on registration can be found here.

Home school p.e.

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines offers a monthly home school p.e. class at its Walnut Creek branch, located at 948 73rd St. Your support group is encouraged to have a representative present at home school p.e. organizational meetings. Phil Simmons is the contact for meetings, at 224-1888 and phil.simmons@dmymca.org. Three Sisters has no further information. Julia's note: the following is excerpted from my local support group's notes from the last home school p.e. meeting.

1. Home School P.E. will meet the 3rd Friday of each month with the exception of March.  (That date is March 26, 2010.)  Home School P.E. begins September 18, 2009.  The program runs from 1:00-4:00 (optional- swimming from 2:55-3:50). A snack is provided. 
2. There has been a price increase that is consistent with all YMCA fees.  Non-members will be charged $5 and Members will be charged $2.  Pre-registration is available through the Walnut Creek  YMCA Website.  They are making a concentrated effort to go paperless.  All participants not pre-registered will need to pay at the front desk on the day of H.S. P.E..  http://www.dmymca.org/branch/walnut_creek.asp?bid=5
3. They will be dividing the children into 5-8 year olds, 9-11 year olds, and Teens.  This program is open to K-12.  PLEASE NOTE:  5 year olds will need to be accompanied by a parent for the first session they attend.  Please plan on staying with your 5 year old the entire session. If they want to swim, the parent will need to be in the water with their 5 year old as well. Going forward you may be asked to attend with your child if they are struggling in the program.  This has been implemented because of the numbers of children attending and their available staffing.
4. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!  In order for the program to be a success, Phil is asking for a minimum of one (more would be great) parent volunteer for the class and 2 parent volunteers (again, more would be great) for the pool.  The parent volunteers for the pool would need to be in the water.  The class volunteer  is needed from 12:45-3 and the pool volunteer would need to be available from 2:30-4:00.  At the very bottom of this thread, I will include a duty description for both.   If you sign up prior to the session, all fees will be waived for your children for that session. This is a great opportunity to get Dads involved too!
5. You may email Phil Simmons at phil.simmons@dmymca.org if you are interested in helping out.
   
6. Knowledge is power,  if your child has health, developmental, or behavior issues, please share that with Phil.  He has a great deal of experience working with a diverse group of children and wants every child to have fun, be safe, and get the most out of the program.
   
7. FYI- Child Watch is only available to YMCA members who remain on site. There is a limit of 2 hours. 
8. YMCA values:  Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
9. FYI- Partner with Youth Campaign takes place in February 2010.  The Y relies on individual donations and support from the United Way.  If you like the home school program and would like it to continue, please consider donating during this campaign.  This would be a great way for us to show our appreciation and support for the Y.
10. There is a possibility of the Ankeny YMCA also offering a Home School P.E. program.  If they do, they will coordinate with Phil at the Walnut Creek Y so that dates do not overlap. One of his personal goals is to have a Home School P.E. class at different Y's so that children would have the opportunity to attend on a weekly basis

Volunteer Descriptions:
Class Volunteer

• Teach and demonstrate the YMCA mission and values through conduct and enforcement of rules.
• Present yourself in a professional manner both verbally and non-verbally.
• Maintain safe environment with participants.
• Facilitate snack time.
• Help Coaches to create a safe and fun P.E. experience.
• Be present on your volunteer date from 12:45-3:00 P.M..
• Be prepared to engage in activities and conversations with kids.
• HAVE FUN!

Pool Volunteer:

• Teach and demonstrate the YMCA mission and values through conduct and enforcement of rules.
• Present yourself in a professional manner both verbally and non-verbally.
• Maintain safe ratios in water for supervisors and kids (1:10).
• Help kids transition from locker room to pool safely, and in a timely manner.
• Help lifeguards to create a safe and fun pool experience.
• Be present on your volunteer date from 2:30-4:00 P.M..
• HAVE FUN!

Last call for Monarch Tagging

The Monarch registration page will be disabled on Thursday around noon, August 27. The Teacher Aid will remain available indefinitely.

There are about ten spots available between the morning and afternoon programs.

We are currently looking at Weebly and WordPress to host our website. If glitches occur in the registration process because of the migration, please send a note to our office.

Homeschool girls gymnastics

Chow's called again yesterday. Their plan is to have a mixed level gymnastics class on Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Julia has been lobbying Chow's hard for an afternoon class. More community response has gotten results in the past at this business. Chow's number is 223-5460.

Heads up! September newsletter

We're accepting ideas and calendar submissions for our September newsletter in the office at see3sis@yahoo.com. You can also leave a comment here with an idea.

Renaissance Day Registration

Renaissance Day Registration is up on our website. I think. See, we were getting services from Google Page Creator. But Google axed the page creator project and didn't leave a comparable service. So we have to move, and we've been plagued by indecision ever since. But I think everything is functional on the website. If you cannot sign up for a program, please send our office a message. Thanks.

Writing Class Offerings

Three Sisters has no further information. Please contact Mary Lynn with all concerns and questions at 515-967-0268 or eduem@aol.com. Original source is here.

HOME SCHOOL WRITING CLASSES 09-10

Sign up for a Friday afternoon of writing classes all the kids can enjoy every month.

• 1-2 PM - WRITING CLASS - grades 6-8 (flexible to include 5^th or 9^th +) $8.00
• 2:00 - 2:20 PM - I CAN WRITE - PK-2^nd graders $6.00
• 2:20 - 3:00 PM - WRITING IS FUN - grades 3-5 (may include 2^nd or 6^th) $8.00

Children will have fun learning good writing skills that will inspire their creative writing and bubble over to inform and improve their writing ability in general. Class can be used as your writing curriculum or as support learning. There will be 9 sessions for a full year of instruction. Obviously, the greatest benefit will be to attend every month so that students’ skills can build and grow with the teaching. New students will be allowed to join throughout the year and they will still learn a lot as we progress. Sign up in advance for the year or the coming month. Minimum: 10 students needed/day.

Bring a friend: enrolled student- sign up a new student and both get the new student’s first class ½ price.

There are two locations scheduled at this time: (may change due to size of class, etc.)

North Location: Huxley Library - Dates: 9/25, 10/23, 11/20, 12/11, 1/22, 2/19, 3/19, 4/23, 5/21

East Location: Altoona Library - Dates: 9/18, 10/16, 11/13, 12/4, 1/15, 2/12, 3/12, 4/16, 5/14

WRITING CLASS - 1 hour class from 1:00-2:00 PM

• Homework assignments will be given.
• Curriculum - teacher created curriculum will focus on the elements most commonly lacking in writing programs. Students will learn to effectively use description, a reader-in-mind focus, characterization, plot development, and editing with a variety of writing styles. Short exercises build confidence and skill. A portfolio and final ‘polished’ piece will be completed.
• Materials provided: photocopies will be provided within cost of course and some special materials will be provided.
• Materials needed: three-ring binder (1″ or more), paper & writing materials, and a quality thesaurus will be needed.

I CAN WRITE - 20 minutes from 2:00 - 2:20 PM

• PK-2^nd grade
• Curriculum - teacher created lessons about different kinds of writing for kids. They will write and publish their own little book in the spring.
• Materials provided: a book each week and materials for exercises.
• No materials needed.

WRITING IS FUN - 40 minute class from 2:20-3:00 PM

• Grade level homework assignments will be given.
• Curriculum - teacher created curriculum centers around the 6+1 Traits of good writing. Students will explore a variety of writing strategies, identify qualities of good writing in books, and have fun writing. A portfolio of learning and a special project will be created.
• Materials provided: photocopies and some materials will be provided.
• Materials needed: three ring binder (1″ or more), writing paper and pencils

Programs open to all

Three Sisters offers HLR Programs for the entire homeschool community, including programs held in partnership with the WDM HSAP. Only programs scheduled for Rex Mathes Elementary are conducted with the HSAP partnership, which means that roughly half the spots will be "pre-reserved" for HSAP students. These numbers are already accounted for in the reservation process that is available to the community.

Programs that are not held at Rex Mathes do not have reservations exclusively for WDM HSAP students. Send all questions to see3sis@yahoo.com for further clarification or call Julia.

Registration for KNIGHTS Now Open

By visiting this page, you can register for Knights. The Teacher Aid, here, is available to everyone, whether they sign up for the program or not.

Homeschool Gymnastics

I got word from Chow's today that they would like to add a home school gymnastics class (just like last year). They currently have a beginner girl session scheduled for Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. and advanced beginner girls for Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Registration for these two classes is currently open to summer students.

For non-summer students, families will want to show preliminary interest by leaving a parent name, phone number, and child's name at the gym: (515) 223-5460. The Chow's website is brand new (it really needed a makeover) -- you can view tuition rates there.

It was also noted that a different time and day of week may be used for a homeschool class should non-homeschool classes allow and interest indicates.

Knights

I just noticed that there is ONE WEEK left until registration for Knights will begin. Check out JoustEvolution to learn more about our presentation. I first heard Kevin talk about three years ago to a large group of Cub Scouts. He was fantastic! He related to the kids very well (ages preschool through grade 5), had one boy try on his armor, and held everyone's attention amazingly well!

Bread Around the World

Just confirmed today --

Bread Around the World

Presented by Barb Vaske through World of Difference

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 Two sessions, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. 45 minutes each. Grades K - 8. Registration begins Oct. 20.

Held in WDM in partnership with the WDM HSAP.

Description: Just in time for Thanksgiving consideration, this program will discuss flat breads in Mexico, the United States, and India; include the topics of corn and yeast as ingredients, and have a hands-on portion. Admission $5. Limit of 18 kids/session.

Registrations open one month before the program

Our HLR Programs are generating a lot of interest as people start thinking about school and paperwork. This note is a reminder to everyone that registration for each Program will open approximately one month before the program occurs. For example, if a program is scheduled for Oct. 1, then registration will begin around Sept. 1.

Additionally, all families need to complete two steps to complete their registration:

1. Parent Release form. This is on the registration page. Each program will have a different release form.
2. Use PayPal. This is below the release form link on the registration page.

For you plan-ahead people who have studied the program offerings -- About free programs: Julia currently thinks it's a situation where you pay with PayPal to hold your spot(s) and the office will refund your money after the program.

Monarch tagging registration

Families need to have both the PayPal and the Parent Release form sent into Three Sisters in order to be placed on the attendance roster for all programs. The release form is linked on the registration page as Item #2; the PayPal button is linked on the registration page as Item #3. If you need assistance, please ask at see3sis@yahoo.com.

Nature Awareness classes

Three Sisters has no further information. Please contact Danielle with all concerns and questions.

Nature Awareness group classes starting up based on the book Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature for Kids of all Ages and their Mentors.
The plan is to meet roughly every 2 weeks and go through activities suggested in the book. Meetings would alternate between indoor and outdoor. Local parks will be explored during each season (Winter & Summer included). All ages of children and adults are welcome - this is not designed to be a 'drop-off' activity, familial participation is highly encouraged. For more information please contact Danielle @ rainspirit_school@msn.com. We are also looking for adult 'mentors' to help with the planning.

Registration for Monarch Tagging Now Open

By going to the Three Sisters HLR Programs page, families can now view the Teacher Resource Aid and register for Monarch Tagging. A complete description is available at the website. Our August newsletter is schedule for release on Aug. 1.

Homeschool classes

Three Sisters has no further information. Contact Mary Lynn with questions and concerns.

There are some classes for homeschoolers being offered by Mary Lynn Carvour. There is no info on the web, so I suggest sending an email to her or calling her for dates and times -- eduem@aol.com, phone number visible at her website. She is proposing monthly events that require some prep work as well as the following proposed classes (once a week for a number of weeks): writing for grades 6-8, writing for grades 3-5, and art for grades 1-6.

WDM HSAP clarifications

If families are interested in attending an HLR Program at Rex Mathes AND belong to the WDM HSAP, please let Tami Prescott know at least one month in advance. Tami will process all WDM HSAP requests. WDM HSAP families do NOT need to register at the website.

News deadline for July newsletter arriving

Home school support group leaders and members,

This is a friendly notice to submit any calendar items or info on events and classes that are open to any homeschooler (i.e., not members-only) to calendar@homelearningresources.com or to Julia at see3sis@yahoo.com
This calendar has been created to help homeschool parents and presenters gather enthusiasm for learning at home, and for support groups to inform people about their groups. You can see the calendar at Three Sisters website to get an idea of how your information will be presented.

All events will get a small plug at the Three Sisters blog. For your event to be considered for the Three Sisters newsletter, the deadline is July 27 (for a release on Aug. 1).

Let's get some positive synergy going for the upcoming school year! Thanks!

Program registration for WDM HSAP students

Moms with WDM HSAP students wanting to register for any program held at Rex Mathes Elementary will need to do so through the HSAP Coordinator Tami Prescott, prescottt@wdmcs.org if they want the HSAP to pay for admission. All deadlines still apply to HSAP students. Payment is the only thing that is different for them compared to the rest of the registrants. If you have questions, do not hesitate to send a message to Tami or Julia.

Monarch Program

I finished work on the Monarch Registration page today. My dh Mr. TellBlast came up with the thought of using Adobe DreamWeaver and it was just the magic I needed to make the page look the way I wanted it to. The registration page will accessible through the HLR Programs page, and is schedule to be active on the main website by July 24, 2009.

Monarch Tagging is an all-ages program for 30 kids and their parents. Presented by a Polk County Conservation Board naturalist, kids will learn about monarch biology (life cycle, identifying, and migration), then hopefully catch and tag some monarchs. Nets will be provided in limited supply. Tags will also be supplied and provide an opportunity to learn about sexing monarchs and finding the proper cell on its wing for the tag. August 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

More information on Jonathon Lewis event

For more information on the presenting group for this month's Jonathon Lewis event, Three Sisters just got word that people can visit the group's blog here.

Programs for the youngest

Julia has fielded a couple questions regarding targeted age groups for HLR Programs. In order to make the presenters feel comfortable and keep them coming back in the future, Three Sisters is enforcing the age limits the presenter suggests. Every family can be dealt with case by case, so if you have questions or want to make an exception, please get a hold of Julia and discuss.

There are two events that are open to all ages: Monarchs (August 28) and Knights (Sept. 9). Registration opens one month before the respective program date through the website.

July 2009 Newsletter

July 2009 NEWS from THREE SISTERS

What crazy weather we’re having! Most people are thinking of vacations, but if you're following threesisjulia on twitter, you'll see that Three Sisters has been thinking ahead to the new school year.

HLR Programs

We’ve added a track of programming for the younger set, grades 2 and under, to accompany our programming for older kids. We’ve also set a program on knights, with a real live armored knight, on Sept. 9. More details are on our website. Registration for particular programs will be available on our website, approximately one month before the program. For short term news, we’re using our blog for updates. Following or subscribing to the blog is an easy way to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Sept. 9 – Knights. A full-time professional knight will present a one hour program for all ages at 10 a.m. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines HSAP. $5/family. No cap!

Sept. 21 – Water Travels with Dewey. Learn about the water cycle with a half hour puppet show and a sequencing activity to aid in retention. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

Oct. 26 – Recycle Me! Kids learn about making good choices about items they use every day. Hands-on. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

Calendar

We’re looking forward to partnering with support groups to publicize their events. Our first submissions are listed below. Let’s hope for a great turnout. Event submissions are welcomed and approved through calendar@homelearningresources.com. Approved events may be included in our monthly newsletter. We keep a calendar in the sidebar of the blog as well as on the Calendar page on our website.

July 18 -- Jonathan Lewis, editor of _Home School Enrichment_ magazine. Cornerstone Church (US Hwy 30) speaks from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Schedule: The Socialization Deception, Break, Why I’m Glad to be a Homeschool Graduate, Q and A. Admission: $3. Questions: (515) 231-3088

August 26, 2009 -- 5th Annual Not Back to School Picnic, sponsored by IAUnschoolers Yahoo Group. Potluck Picnic. Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. Shelter Coneflower A. Noon - 4 p.m. More info from brownsplus2 at yahoo dot com or graber at mchsi dot com.

Other daytime educational events during July include Jazz in July (www.MetroArts.org), nature programming (contact your county conservation board), and library summer reading events (check your local library).

Until next month, Julia

THREE SISTERS is a small Iowa company founded by three bargain-loving home school moms. It has produced homeschool sales and a conference. It remains open to producing other events, including HLR Programs. The founders revel in the fact that sisterhood does not rely on bloodlines.

Homeschool Event

From the Ames Area Christian Home Educators:

Sat., July 18 – Jonathan Lewis, editor of _Home School Enrichment_ magazine will speak at Cornerstone Church (US Hwy 30) from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Schedule: The Socialization Deception, Break, Why I’m Glad to be a Homeschool Graduate, Q and A. Admission: $3. Questions: (515) 231-3088 (sorry, no online info supplied)

K - 2 Progamming

I've gotten the following scheduled for younger children. You can read more about the programs at the website. Registration opens one month prior.

Sep. 21 -- Water Travels with Dewey. Learn about the water cycle with a half hour puppet show and a sequencing activity to aid in retention. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

Oct. 26 -- Recycle Me! Kids learn about making good choices about items the use every day. Hands-on. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

HLR Programs

All of my calls are not being returned except for one place. I am wondering if camps or a school year schedule is making this situation. I have the best intentions.......

Supporting Support Groups

Three Sisters is a business, not a support group. We started talking one on one to support group leaders earlier this month to understand their needs as we schedule programs and accept calendar submissions.

We'd like to enjoy a synergy between our business and the community. With our ability to rent halls and book speakers without passing huge costs on to individuals, we feel that we could be a resource to groups. Since we have no membership, we have little need for privacy and can assist groups in making their open meetings more widely known with a public calendar.

Feel free to contact Julia at see3sis@yahoo.com if you are a support group leader -- she is nice and will not bite! Let's work together!

Age of Chivalry program

Imagine: Knights in shining armor, right before your eyes, speaking to your kids, explaining what kids' lives were like "back in their day," maybe dressing an audience member in armor. Julia saw a similar program a few years ago and is happy to present it to the homeschool community. Kids young and old will remember this program. Tentatively scheduled for 9/9/09, during the Renaissance Faire weeks in Des Moines, JoustEvolution will present in West Des Moines. Stay tuned.

Twitter

We usually have more people visiting our blog than our website. Although we have no blog followers, having more people check in here than at our website seems to indicate an interest in knowing about short term developments. Julia started a twitter account last month under threesisjulia, and twitters about daily Three Sisters business as well as more personal stuff. Blog readers are certainly welcome to follow -- maybe we can all stay connected in a two-way relationship better via twitter.

Teacher aids

My schedule is quite full this next week, so I've worked on assembling teacher aids for our monthly programs this week. These will be lists of contact information and print and web resources to continue and extend the learning that occurred at the program. I know I really appreciate such lists when the kids and I are all excited about a subject -- I think that timing is just as important with a teacher aid as the content. The plan is to have these available to program registrants and anyone who requests as a webpage.

Oct. 9

Update: Middle Eastern Marketplace will have two sessions:

10:30 - 12 noon for grades 1 - 3 and

12:30 - 2 p.m. for grades 4 and up.

Oct. program

Oct. 9 -- Middle Eastern marketplace. Experience shopping in a different culture, in many ways unchanged for hundreds of years. Held in West Des Moines in partnership with the WDM HSAP. Details TBA. Expecting: a session for older and younger kids, $3/student, and a cap of 35 children.

Visit with a Veteran

Considering a visit with a WWII veteran around Veteran's Day, Nov. 11. Not many left, and feel like they ought to be remembered. Other veterans would be interesting, too, but I'm guessing that they aren't available to talk during a Friday afternoon because they're young enough to be working. Three Sisters wants to give the homeschool community what it desires -- leave a comment.

2009-2010 Programming

On the calendar:

August 28 at 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Monarch Tagging. Presented by a Polk County Conservation naturalist. Catch, tag, and release monarchs on the prairie. $2 per child. Registration opens Aug. 1.

August 28 at 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Monarch Tagging. Presented by a Polk County Conservation naturalist. Catch, tag, and release monarchs on the prairie. $2 per child. Registration opens Aug. 1.

Sept. 18 at 10 and 11 a.m. Renaissance Day. Grades 1 -3 at 10 - 11 a.m.; Grades 4 and up from 11 - noon. $2/kid. Registration opens August 18. Topics include calligraphy, peasant dancing, games and sports, and stained glass. Kids will take home calligraphy and stained glass. If you would like to bring a poster to show everyone what you have learned prior to this program, let us know and we'll provide an easel. There is a playground on the property if you need to occupy one age group while the other is in the program.

Sept. Programming

We're taking definite steps toward Sept. programming, a Renaissance Day. Arrangements will hopefully be done within 24 hours. Please take time to answer the poll in our sidebar.

Programming is a GO!

Three Sisters happily announces a partnership with the West Des Moines Community School District. More details will come in our June newsletter, but I am so excited that I just had to post today. This partnership allows Three Sisters to host higher end presentations at lower costs and in bigger rooms so more people can benefit. Programs for smaller audiences will still be offered at other locations in the metro. Julia has been monitoring the poll now has a new poll question: If you were to attend a large presentation, what time and day works best for you? Vote in the new poll in the sidebar. As always, input is welcomed at see3sis@yahoo.com.

Homeschool Event for next week

Anyone can buy; only members of SHEEP and HEED can sell.

Homeschooler BUY/SELL/TRADE Event
sponsored by SHEEP/HEED

May 18th 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Westchester Evangelical Free Church
4919 Aurora Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310


Bring bags to take your purchases home.

May News from Three Sisters

NEWS from THREE SISTERS

May 2009. Happy Spring! Three Sisters says “Thank you” to everyone who came to the Stuff Sale and the Home Learning Resources Conference and Sale. We love finishing our events early in the year!

Event Calendar. We’ve sensed a need for an online homeschool event calendar. There are currently many events that are “open to all,” but notices are not given through an “open to all” website. We’d like to offer a calendar service, probably through our current website, www.homelearningresources.com. Event submissions will be welcomed and approved through see3sis@yahoo.com.

Programming. We’re also wanting to present free and low-fee monthly educational events to the homeschool community. We’d like to present topics that people can use in their homeschooling. Which subjects do you see a need for? If you’d like to see Three Sisters bring a particular topic, one-time class, or program to the homeschool community in the Des Moines area, drop us a line at see3sis@yahoo.com by June 5, 2009. After this date, we’ll consider, investigate, and prepare for an awesome 2009-2010! You can also vote for some readily available programming by visiting our blog and taking the poll in the right-hand sidebar. (excuse any typos!)

When and Where. We’d like to eliminate the no-admission retail sales hall and keep the stuff sale and conference. What are your thoughts on dates and locations for this? You can either write a comment here on the blog, or send email. We will carefully consider all input.

Upcoming Des Moines area events:

May 15 – Catching Croakers, 8 p.m. Chichaqua Longhouse, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, northeast Polk County

May 15 – Family Friday Night, Fascinating Frogs, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

May 18 – Registration begins for summer reading programs at many local libraries

May 19 – Nature Friends – Birds, 6:30 p.m. Jester Park, Granger

May 23 – Night Hike, 8 p.m. Prairie Flower Campground, Saylorville Reservoir

May 29 – Family Friday Night, Playful Pandas, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

May 30 -- Mammals of Iowa, 1 pm., Yellow Banks Park, southeast Polk County

June 5, 6 – Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators Conference, Des Moines

June 9 – Nature Tales, 2 p.m. Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

June 12 – Family Friday Night, Feathered Friends, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

June 13 – Night Hike, 8 p.m. Cherry Glen Campground, Saylorville Reservoir

June 17 – Nature Play Date, 10:30 a.m. Greenwood Park, Mary Miss Pond, Des Moines

June 17 – Nature’s Story Hour/Animal Habitats, picnic lunch at MacRae Park, upper shelter, Des Moines

Until next month,

Cathy and Julia

Conference video -- Waldorf

We have a video from the conference, as promised, from Kristie Burns. She writes:

I had some glitches in my system the past week so I was unable to get this video online right away. This video is a video I had taken of my lecture/workshop at the Home Learning Resources Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, two weeks ago. I now have the video online for you all to see.

This video is called "Rhythms and Stages in Waldorf Education" and talks about the rhythm of the child, of the day, week, year, month and seasons. It also addresses the needs of the child at each age and what topics they are most suited to studying at that age. I also talk a bit about the "why" behind these subjects.

There is a ten-minute sample (that is the limit at Youtube) at:

http://waldorftv.weebly.com/webinars.html

On the same page you also have the option of downloading the entire video or signing up for the video webinar in May. There is also a small E-book and some charts (of what your child should be studying at each age ) available with the full download.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie
www.EarthSchooling. com

Calendar Testing

This blog will serve as a testing ground in the next month. Our surveys from the last two events show us that people would like a calendar with home school events listed in one online place. We'll be experimenting with calendars embedded in the blog along with event details. Input on this service is welcome at see3sis@yahoo.com

Next season

Three Sisters is already planning a new season of events. To send your input on the kind of events and programming you would like to see us bring to the Des Moines area, drop us a line at see3sis@yahoo.com

Wrap Up

Thank you to everyone who came to the Stuff Sale!!! I forgot to take photographs -- can you believe it?

The completed surveys will be considered carefully as we plan our next season. We may possibly have a survey here on the blog so everyone else can have input on Three Sisters' next year of events.

Speakers

Updating April 23, 2009 --

We met so many brand new to home schooling parents over the weekend and are still fielding questions via email and phone that I thought I would publish contact information for speakers and any vendors who were speakers. To date, I have permission to release:

Sheryl Maxey -- Usborne Books. Spoke on teaching children of different ages at the same time. sheryl.maxey@gmail.com

Peter Sipes -- Bolchazy-Carducci Latin language publisher. peter@bolchazy.com

Amy Graber -- Unschooling. graber@mchsi.com

Christine McNunn -- World of Difference. Christine@fairworldgallery.com

Debi Zahn -- Charlotte Mason home schooling. ddzahn@globalccs.net

Katy Diltz -- HAIL, political action group. kdiltz@iowatelecom.net

Mary Lynn Carvour -- Mary Lynn's Learning Center. Spoke on Beginning paperwork, Science, and History. eduem@aol.com

Kristie Burns -- Waldorf home schooling and World of Difference. herbnhome@yahoo.com

I haven't seen them yet, but Kristie reports that the videos from her workshops are ready to view and that they turned out nicely. I'll get a link here once I locate them online.

Speaker Contact

We met so many brand new to home schooling parents over the weekend and are still fielding questions via email and phone that I thought I would publish contact information for speakers and any vendors who were speakers. To date, I have permission to release:

Debi Zahn -- Charlotte Mason home schooling. ddzahn@globalccs.net

Katy Diltz -- HAIL, political action group. kdiltz@iowatelecom.net

Mary Lynn Carvour -- Mary Lynn's Learning Center. Spoke on Beginning paperwork, Science, and History. eduem@aol.com

Stuff Sale Tips

The basics: HLR Stuff Sale
Friday, April 24, 2009

12 noon - 4 p.m.

Grimes United Methodist Church
13525 NW 70th Ave Ste A
Grimes, IA 50111
On Hwy 44 in Grimes, 1/2 mile west from water tower

New for 2009 is our welcome table. It will contain a display of:

1. Stuffed bags. Three Sisters will bring the take-home bags from last weekend's conference and sale. There is a small supply of these. The bags contain information (catalogs) from vendors who were unable to have a booth, including LEGO Education, Total Language Plus, etc.

2. Self-serve bag stuffing is available for you on the welcome table once the stuffed bags are gone.

3. Drawings for door prizes. Put your name in our fishbowl for our door prizes. If you include your email address, we'll put you on our e-mailing list. Vendors are eligible to win. We will give two seasonal craft kits from Shirley's Pre-packaged Crafts at 1 p.m. CD's from the Institute for Excellence in Writing will be given away at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

4. Surveys from the conference. In order to provide home learning resources beyond the sales and conference, we are asking for your input. Fill out a survey at one of the tables and turn it in before you leave.

Same as last year: The fellowship area of the hall will have tables and chairs for you and your kids to hang out during the sale.

Tips for sellers:

0.5 Table reservation is now closed. Sorry if you did not meet the deadline of Monday, April 20. There is always next time.

1. Start organizing your home school "stuff" now.

2. Price your stuff. Your shoppers can use the bags that Adoremus has supplied, or you can supply other shopping bags.

3. Find a cash box. Buyers deal directly with the sellers. Three Sisters does not offer a coordinated sales point for all sellers. Negotiating can be done at your discretion.

4. We expect you to set up and clean up your own assigned space.

5. Your kids will need to be supervised. Misbehaving children create a difficult atmosphere for sales.

Tips for buyers:

1. Kids need to be supervised. Misbehaving children make shopping and visiting unpleasant.

2. Make a shopping list. Bring cash rather than checks.

3. Realize that you will deal with individual sellers. All merchandise on one table will need to be paid to the renter of that table. So no grocery carting unpaid goods from multiple tables around the hall.

4. Adoremus has supplied shopping bags for you. You can also bring boxes and bags for your finds if you are a high volume shopper.

Stuff Sale Vendor Update

We will accept PayPal Registration until Thursday. Go here to read the necessary forms. Partial inventory is listed in the sidebar of this blog.

Conference

Cathy and I sincerely thank everyone for attending Three Sisters Sale and Conference.

<--- Maureen Stone gave a great talk!

Our Stuff Sale will be the last event of the season. Tips to having a great experience at our Stuff Sale will appear on this blog later this week.

Update April 13

April News Update from Three Sisters

www.homelearningresources.com

Conference News:

Online and mail-in registrations will be accepted until April 17, 2009. Walk-in

registrations will be accepted the day of the conference. Our website has details. Your attendance makes future conferences and retail sales events more likely.

Our speakers will help you no matter “who you are” or “where you are” in your home school journey. Parents who are beginners, experienced, worn-out, or full of ideas will take some nuggets of knowledge home from our speakers. Our website has descriptions of the workshops and keynote speeches.

We will have a fellowship area in the vendor hall for those who wish to “eat in” for lunch.

HLR Sale News:

Three Sisters has eleven vendors coming to the Sale. This is a ‘homeschool store’ – come and shop from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Well-behaved children are welcome in the vendor hall. Free admission to the vendor hall.

Fair World Gallery and World of Difference Day have signed as vendors. Both are local Iowa businesses. Fair World Gallery has hard-to-find learning materials that can immerse your family in another country. Your support group can also book a visit with someone who has lived in a foreign country and can share music, culture, and customs through World of Difference. One representative will give a vendor presentation for both companies. http://www.fairworldgallery.com/catalog/index.php and

http://www.worldofdifference.us/

Discovery Toys - Tamara Sanders, has also signed as vendor. Shop for her unique toys, games, and books without “party pressure” at our free-admission sales hall!

Stuff Sale News:

For those shopping: We currently have eight gals renting tables. A current list of their top items for sale (at used prices!) can be found in the sidebar of our blog.

We are offering door prizes at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Shopping will probably end by 3:30. Three Sisters has four door prizes to give away:

From Shirley’s Pre-packaged Crafts -- Two craft kits. One kit has enough supplies for 12 seasonal crafts for a young elementary student. Supplies, instructions, and a calendar are included in the kit. www.shirleysprepackagedcrafts.com These two kits will be given away at the same time.

From the Institute for Excellence in Writing – Two audio aids for the parent. Nurturing Competent Communicators CD, and a 2-disc set entitled The Profound Effects of Music on Life. http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/

For those with resources to sell: You can now use PayPal and email to rent a table. Please ask questions through see3sis@yahoo.com -- Applications for the Stuff Sale are due by April 20.