March 27th, 2011

Copper Country Home Educators
"Updates!" by Val Juntunen	March 27th, 2011
Welcome to the new CCHE "Updates!" Please let me know if you have any problems with the new format. Thank you! Meet Finlandia Day Tomorrow Meet Finlandia Day is Friday, April 1st. Parents, families, and prospective students of all ages are invited to meet faculty, learn about financial aid, attend a class session, and have lunch with us at Finlandia University. We also always welcome those of you who might be looking for a dual-placement for your home school scholar. For more information or to RSVP, call us at 877-202-5491 or 906/487-7208. And, a side note: Finlandia University will be represented once again at the INCH Convention in Lansing, MI. Thank you. Lynn M. Barrette Office of Admissions Finlandia University 601 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI 49930   Spring Banquet RSVP NOW Where: Miscowabic Club When: April 15, 5:00-11:00pm Whom: 9-12th graders Cost: 30.00 per person Menu Choices: Shrimp Alphredo with Penne Pasta                         Rasberry Chicken                         Top Sirloin with beefy mushroom sauce R.S.V.P. by   April 1st  Call Chris Lynum@ 524-4994 to reserve your spot. Send Check for 30.00 to Chris @ 106 E. Fall Street L'Anse, MI 49946 Ancient Civilizations Film at PLDL April 5th Robert Wheeler from the Ancient American Preservation Society will show the film "The Lost Civilizations of North America" on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the Portage Lake District Library.   The film explores the fascinating world of ancient North America and the advanced societies that lived there. It also discusses why some artifacts and evidence of advanced civilizations have largely been ignored or lost. There will be a question and discussion period following the film.  This program is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org. Drawing Families into Nature April 6th Join author/illustrator Wendy Halperin at Hancock Public School (in the High School) on April 6th from 6 to 8pm for a workshop on drawing nature. This workshop is part of a larger series/movement called "Drawing Children into Reading". See the following link to view the flier for this event: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=19CqKWI2vOi4MaVx-E5A0XcqHztmtmau1mcx_v5_Y8PQZWdQHYPYoxPbrXGDB&hl=en&authkey=CIyG3ZYO Dr Suess Extravaganza April 7th The Portage Lake District Library invites children of all ages to a "Dr. Seuss Extravaganza" on Thursday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. This event will celebrate Dr. Seuss and the whimsical magic of his stories.   This event is sponsored by members of Michigan Tech's Circle K Service Organization. Tech students will read classic Dr. Seuss stories and lead the kids in decorating Cat in the Hat cookies with a Dr. Seuss-ish flourish. Gluten-free cookies will also be available for those who want them.  Circle K International Service Organization looks for opportunities for service, leadership, and friendship. Their wide range of projects includes activities such as picking up trash on highways and playing board games with the elderly.  Library programs are free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org. Kiwanis Family Fun Day April 9th This is an annual event held at the Copper Country Mall. It includes free activities for the children and access to child and family resources from area organizations. KFRC Consignment Sale April 9th A consignment sale to benefit the KFRC Tree House Indoor Playground is being held at the Copper Country Mall on the weekend of April 8th – 9th.  See the flier online at:   https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=1X9bR-p_IuUi2MwMmDF9ZuSIW6ZVwGcVdwOLtPcKtlj41oiR6qkrQ9s-Jiima&hl=en&authkey=CJqX3LgN HomeSchool Theater Production April 12th On the evening of Tuesday, April 12th at the Little Gem Theater in Lake Linden (time TBA), the homeschooler's drama club will be putting on several short plays that they've been diligently working on.  This will also be an opportunity for individual students to perform (play an instrument, recite a poem, do a monologue, whatever!).  If your student is interested in sharing a particular talent at this event, please contact Margo Rudd at mcruddart@gmail.com or 906.369.4086. Note from Val: All homeschooling families are also welcome to attend the production. Science Field trips April 13th & April 29th If you KNOW you are going to attend, RSVP to keranena@sbcglobal.net.  If you don't know until the day of the trip that you will be attending-- just show up.    Isle Royale Moose-Wolf Ecology Field Trip Who: Grades 4-6 When: WED, April 13th at 1:30pm Where: Lake Linden School Forest Cost: $25 charge to be split among the families attending   Brockway Mountain Raptor Migration Viewing Who: Grades 3-12 When: Friday, April 29 at 12:30pm (will go to about 2:15 w/an optional hike) Where: Brockway Mountain Drive Cost: Free   History Smackdown April 6th From Val – As far as I've heard no one has put together a team yet. If anyone wants to do so please let me know and I'll help get the word out for students interested in joining. This event will only be available to our group if someone takes the initiative to lead it. Thank you! It has only just dawned on us that the registration deadline set by the Smackdown team of March 31, 2011 happened during your Spring Break. To rectify that oversight, the 9th Annual Copper Country High School Local History Smackdown registration deadline has been extended to close of business, Wednesday, April 6, 2011. As of this writing, nine (9) teams have registered; one (1) team from Jeffers High School, one (1) team from Houghton High School, three (3) teams from Ontonagon High School, two (2) teams from Baraga High School, one (1) from Dollar Bay High School, and one (1) from L'Anse High School. Remember, due to seating limitations on the Calumet Theater stage, we can register no more than twenty teams total. The new extended registration deadline is now April 6th. For more information on registration please see the park's Smackdown page on our website at http://www.nps.gov/kewe/forkids/smackdown.htm You will also find at that same URL, a coaches guide, a student guide, and after the registration deadline, this year's sample questions (for new coaches - be sure to study those!). For your convenience, a registration form is attached to this email. If you haven't coached a team before, or if it has been awhile, please contact me with any questions. I would be happy to speak with you. Please use the following registration form: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=1FGRHpvsCVQLU37FPIIy_bRgHy0j0MEtv4cmQJwQ_iAalLNaFbJunHoGxRpDu&hl=en&authkey=CNXrsbMG Thank you. Regards, Brian phone: 906-483-3026 (new number) facsimile: 906-337-3169 email: brian_hoduski@nps.gov 906/487-7234 (office) 906/370-9575 (cell) Ancient Civilizations Film at PLDL April 5th Robert Wheeler from the Ancient American Preservation Society will show the film "The Lost Civilizations of North America" on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the Portage Lake District Library.   The film explores the fascinating world of ancient North America and the advanced societies that lived there. It also discusses why some artifacts and evidence of advanced civilizations have largely been ignored or lost. There will be a question and discussion period following the film.  This program is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org. Autism Symposium May 12-13th For educators, parents, family members, policy makers, researchers, practitioners, students and persons living with ASD. Presented by Oakland University's Center for Autism, Research, Education and Support (OUCARES) and the Department of Human Development and Child Studies. Marriott at Centerpoint  3600 Centerpoint Parkway Pontiac, MI 48341 248-648-6018 Discounted rooms at $89. Please call the Marriott at 1-800-579-8395 for reservations. Use group code: qlcqlca.   Registration Prices: Early Bird: $175 Regular: $205 (after March 31st) Includes lunch and refreshments   For more information and registration: oakland.edu/oucares or 248-370-3077/248-370-2424   WPA Homeschool Conference May 6-7th Register now for the 28th annual WPA Home Education Conference on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Find information on the WPA Web site http://homeschooling-wpa.org/conference/index.shtml or get a hard copy by emailing WPA at wpa@homeschooling-wpa.org or calling the WPA voice mail at 608-283-3131. Here's an overview of the conference: 98 workshops, 53 new Choosing a Curriculum • Blogging • Hands-on Science • Starting a Family Business • Homeschooling Boys • Socialization • Being a Homeschooling Dad • Homeschooling Kids of Different Ages • Baking Sourdough Bread • Kids With Special Needs • Homeschooling Without Outside Support • Dealing with Boy Energy • Homeschooling for High School • College Admission and Financial Aid • and much more Outstanding new and returning speakers  Connections workshops for the whole family Ham/Amateur Radio and Weather Spotting • Bird Banding • Nanotechnology • Ground School for Future Pilots • Theatrical Techniques • Unit Origami • Taekwondo • Rock Polishing • and much more More opportunities to meet homeschoolers General session and graduation ceremony Affordable on-site housing and all-you-can-eat buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner   The conference for everyone Whether you're completely new to homeschooling or a veteran; Whether your children are toddlers, teens, or grown; Whether you purchase your curriculum, create your own, do unit studies, are eclectic, or unschool; Whatever your reasons for homeschooling.   Save $15 on your conference registration fees and $7 on each WPA handbook you purchase by becoming a member of WPA.   Get a $10 WPA coupon (NOTE from Val: Holly Emmert has graciously kept us informed about the WPA conference – so if you want to credit someone it should be her) for each individual or family who did not attend the conference in 2009 or 2010 and who names you on their registration form as the one who encouraged them. http://homeschooling-wpa.org/conference/special.shtml#coupons   Thank you.   The WPA Board Wisconsin Parents Association Voice Mail 608.283.3131 www.homeschooling-wpa.org wpa@homeschooling-wpa.org Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/homeschoolWI http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185900271426517&index=1 Story Line Project Deadline May 15th The links below contain an in-depth explanation of an exciting opportunity for you and your children to participate in The Story Line Project, a public art project that will be seen by thousands of people. This project celebrates your ancestors and your family history. Many local children and families will participate, and this is a special invitation to homeschooling families to join in creating this remarkable artwork.   The Story Line Project is headed by local artist Mary Wright and coordinated by Carol Ekstrom. As you may recall, Mary is renowned for her large, community art projects. She did the Chairs Project, where dozens and dozens of chairs were painted in Finnish blue and white designs and displayed in a long stack up the entire length of the Quincy Mine Shaft. She did the Doors Project, where dozens of wooden doors featured portraits of local ancestors and were displayed along Quincy Street in Hancock. Mary also did the Mittens Project, where community members decorated huge mittens that were also lined up along the entire length of Quincy Street in Hancock. Mary Wright has done numerous other community art projects, and The Story Line Project is the latest of her endeavors.   Please take time to read the enclosed materials so you can learn about the scope of this project. There is much to be gained by participating in this work. You can visit the website at www.thestorylineproject.com   Participants will also be able to attend the performance of the opera, Rockland, next July. After this performance, all of the stories gathered from The Story Line Project will be archived and transferred to the website of the Keweenaw National Historic Park website, and will be available online for future generations to read.   The deadline for panel entries to arrive in Houghton is May 15, 2011. Extension of deadlines can be arranged.   If you cannot access these attachments, please let me know and I will mail copies to you, or you can pick them up at the library. I will also be happy to arrange work sessions in the library community room if you like. Let me know how I can help you in any way. I would also greatly appreciate knowing if you want to participate or not. Please send me an email letting me know your level of interest so I know what to plan for.   Thank you so much for taking time to read this and for your consideration in participating.   Best to you always, Chris   Chris Alquist calquist@hotmail.com (906) 482-4570 (phone) (906) 482-2129 (fax) www.pldl.org The following links will take you to the attachments: Dear Teachers: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=1qyxaHWxrbzEy3X4o6RDvIW8dWmjOQciTkxsAujf6V3vQ1MFHYrHP3wlPs8DV&hl=en&authkey=CNup6sYH Lesson Plans: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=1yB9ZCtZMxMTOPip-SwiaCgtBlwC9_XSrsgKzpBnL_5POvS-AELFR9GDsDTdZ&hl=en&authkey=CKim4eIJ A New Wave of Genealogists: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=1lw-_1LX0N8HFhrlfF6Sl2sEyjdfd4HzRRtcztRh2L78Xm3XRAKPzbCif7toG&hl=en&authkey=CLrP_PwD Remembering the Chairs: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=1doBw3Kzpr3LRKG070xTFbPPVwBlRU0ZxEgdwkOt0NwnENKOlXdmiemu2xm9v&hl=en&authkey=COme3IsJ INCH Homeschool Convention May 20th – 21st 28th Annual INCH Homeschool Convention in Lansing Michigan is May 20th – 21st. See http://inch.org/convention/ for details. Vidalia Onion Benefit Sale Order By May 1st The local Shriners' are raising money for the transportation fund that pays for kids from our area to go to the Shriners' Hospital (usually in the Twin Cities) where they receive free, advanced orthopedic, burn and cleft palette care. (From Val: My daughter, Jessica, is a Shriners' Hospital patient.) One of the many fundraisers they do to raise the needed funds is a Vidalia onion sale. You get: 10lb bag of Vidalia onions for $10. Please email me at ccheupdates@gmail.com if you are interested in ordering onions. You can pay when they come in. The onions will be available at either Bay Insurance on Sharon St. in Houghton or (if you make arrangements with me) I am willing to deliver. Free Book I have a copy of The Young Voyager: An Exciting Historical Novel of Mackinac here that I would like to offer to anyone on the Updates list that wants it for their homeschooled child to read. The cover is not in great condition but the book is clean inside. The book is by Dirk Gringhuis. Reading level of "young adult."  visit http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=9780911872347 for a description.  Please contact me via email if interested: crazyjolson@gmail.com Parent's Night Out Recap The Parent's Night Out last Tuesday was a success. Several small children really enjoyed the ball pit and the parents discussed many different topics. We also had free bags with information on curriculum and other homeschooling topics that were provided to us by Great Stuff Convention bags (there's plenty left so more will be available at the next Parents' Night Out. Feel free to email ccheupdates@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to participate in planning the next Parents' Night Out. Watch the updates for April's event! Items to Remember Open Swim at Finlandia's Pool, 1-2pm on Thusdays ($2 per a person; $6 for a family, with possible gym time afterwards until 2:30). Parents can swim too or enjoy some time chatting with other adults. This is an excellent way to get to know other homeschoolers while giving the kids some exercise and group activities! Remember that in order to participate in the Open Gym the child must wear clean gym shoes or socks. Per Finlandia's rules – bare feet are not permitted. Drama Club -  Tuesdays, 3-4(:30) at Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay. Gymnastics with Jeanie- on Mondays at 3:30. The sessions are pro-rated to students that would like to join after the start date. Anyone that would like to continue with classes after that can be placed in the regular program at the home-school rate. No Homeschool Chess  on March 25 and April 8 due to the 4H sponsoring chess with the MTU Chess Club during those weeks.  This is an opportunity to learn some new skills and play different people. All ages can attend.  Contact Sharon Foix  sharonfoix@wildblue.net 906-337-3404 or Judy Chizek  jgchizek@mtu.edu with any questions. March 19 &26, April 9 &16,   CHESS with the MTU Chess Club, MTU Mub.  Rooms to be determined.  Cost free for members, and $10 membership fee for non-members.  Scholarships are available.  Call 482-5830 to register. Make your Amazon.com purchases through CCHE. Just go to our website at: http://www.cchomeeducators.com/store. Then you can browse some of the books we've put together or just click the "powered by Amazon.com" in the upper left and you can shop on Amazon.com just like normal. There's no added cost to you but CCHE receives a small commission from every purchase you make when you click through from our site. Thank you! From Val I hope you all will let me know what you think of the new format. I had some wonderful feedback from the many people that volunteered to test it out for me. Thank you volunteers!

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