Tag: chicagoland area

Teacher appreciation events

This time of year finds lots of stores hosting teacher appreciation events, and of course homeschool teachers will want to enjoy these as well.


My favorite of those I have attended in previous years — Office Depot. Here’s the scoop from their site:

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Office Depot’s Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast events are held at Office Depot retail stores across North America and are designed to provide a venue for teachers to network and prepare for the upcoming school year.

More than 100,000 teachers are expected to attend.

Office Depot is celebrating our Star Teachers with a spectacular day of savings and special treatment! As our guest, you will enjoy breakfast, 10% off purchases (exceptions  provided if asked), and a tote bag filled with gifts.

Take advantage of this exciting event to stock up on all the classroom materials you’ll need in the fall. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to make sure you find the best supplies you need to succeed.

The Office Depot Star Teacher Program is open to Pre-K through 12th Grade classroom teachers.

Staples

Staples says thank you to teachers with :

  • FREE thank you gift bag*
  • Great coupon savings
  • Get a sneak peek at must-have new items for your classroom

*FREE gift bag available for first 100 teachers. While supplies last. Information on location — Click here

Office Max

Office Max will be thanking teachers starting this coming weekend on July 31 and August 1. MaxPerks members receive free reuseable bag with a 20% discount for everything you can fit in it. More giveaways and gifts as well while they last. More information on their site, just click here.

Big Lots

Saturday, August 13, 2011is Big Lots’ Teacher Appreciation Day. They want to thank America’s teachers and educators for their  hard work and devotion.That’s why they have designated August 13, 2011 as Big Lots Teacher Appreciation Day. Check out special discounts just for educators on that day.

Don’t forget to call ahead to confirm dates and offers at your local store. And, don’t forget your homeschool ID card to verify your status as a homeschooler.

Thanks to Frugal Penny for the heads up.

Great America — homeschool days and more

Found out about these events from the Six Flags’ website:

Six Flags Autism Awareness Day

HOMESCHOOL DAY — AUGUST 18th

Six Flags hosts the 16th annual Home School Day event on August 18. Enjoy a fun filled day at the park with your family and friends. A special all-you-can-eat Home School Day picnic is also available in our private picnic grove. Contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for additional information.

CATHOLIC FAMILY DAY — August 14th

Six Flags Great America is excited to announce Catholic Family Day on Sunday, August 14th. Enjoy a fun filled day with your family and friends at Six Great America and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. In the evening join us for Mass in our Southwest Amphitheatre sponsored by the Young Adult Ministry Office – Archdiocese of Chicago. Please contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for more information.

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY — July 30th

Six Flags Great America and the Autism Society of Illinois are proud to announce the Second Annual Autism Awareness Day.


Including the Chicago Children’s Theaters Red Kite Project. Join us in our Wilderness Theater for interactive, multi-sensory
performances courtesy of the Chicago Children’s Theaters Red Kite Project. There will also be a designated Quiet Area near the Wilderness
Theater that will provide sensory exercises for guests throughout the day from 10:00AM–5:00PM

More details on this event and special discounted tickets on the AutismIllinois site.

And, for more educational benefit from Six Flags:

Make Six Flags Great America your outdoor learning lab

Six Flags Great America is not only the entertainment capital of the world but also a unique outdoor learning lab.  We have designed specific learning materials for both students and teachers that gives experiential learning a new meaning.  Let Six Flags be your outdoor learning lab and use the free materials below to plan lessons and make learning fun.  Whether it’s calculating (or experiencing) the velocity of the America Eagle or learning how an entertainment giant like Six Flags markets themselves.

Educational Resources:

Illinois Curriculum Standards correlations to Six Flags Rides
Wisconsin Curriculum Standards correlations to Six Flags Rides

Physics Day Teacher Manual
Physics Day Student Manual

Math and Science Day Teacher Manual
Math and Science Day Student Manual

Marketing Day Commercial Guidelines

Six Flags Great America recommended amusement park physics websites for further learning:

The Physics Classroom

Amusement Park Physics

Funderstanding

Thinkquest

The Physics of Amusement Parks

Physics Education

CPS Webinar Presented by Nathan Unterman for Preparation for Physics Day Field Trips
Office of Science / Physics Day Webinar – April 14, 2011

Physics Day Vest Data

Don’t forget to use your Reading Reward free tickets before they expire.

We just enjoyed the day there yesterday and it was once again a great incentive for my kids. They look forward to it every year.

Homeschooling rock climb

Info from Vertical Endeavors:

Vertical Endeavors offers Homeschool Days to homeschool students and families! Indoor rock climbing is a great way to introduce your students to a unique experience in a controlled, professional environment. Vertical Endeavors offers a variety of experiential education opportunities where students can broaden their horizons, try a new activity, and step out of their comfort zones. The benefits of indoor rock climbing include promoting mental and physical health, improving self-esteem and self-confidence, encouraging teamwork and leadership, and developing problem-solving and goal-setting skills.

2011 Homeschool Schedule

  • July 13
  • August 17
  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16
  • December 21

Rates/Times

  • $10/person
  • 1-3 p.m.
  • Includes harness

Download button

NOTE: Registration is on a first come first service basis. Sessions often fill fast, so sign up early. 100 maximum participants. Ages 4 and up. Contact us to sign up: 630-836-0122.

Both students and parents are encouraged to sign up for a Basic Safety Lesson but it is not required to participate in Homeschool Days. This introductory lesson covers knot tying, belaying, rope management skills, the use of technical equipment, and climbing commands. An emphasis is placed on the skills needed to climb and belay in a controlled environment. Although belay skills can be learned by any individual who is ready to learn them, please keep in mind that you must be 14 or older to test out to belay at Vertical Endeavors.

Every participant, including climbers, chaperones, and spectators must complete a Vertical Endeavors Liability Waiver. Please double check each waiver to make sure it is complete. Anyone without a fully completed waiver will not be allowed to participate.
Location: 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL Telephone 630.836.0122 Fax 630.836.0132

IEW Seminars coming to Chicago

Institute for Excellence in Writing
Institute for Excellence in Writing Presents
Two Days of Writing Seminars with Andrew Pudewa
Chicago, IL area – August 3-4, 2011

Please forward this message to friends and colleagues!

Location:
Judson University
1151 North State Street
Elgin, IL 60123

Wednesday, August 3 – Student Workshops
Thursday, August 4 – High School Essay Intensive
Friday-Saturday, August 5-6 – Chicago Homeschool Expo (CHE), Andrew Pudewa, Featured Speaker
(Descriptions Follow)

To register or for more information about these events, go to www.excellenceinwriting.com/IL2011 or call 800-856-5815.

Contact us:
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
8799 N. 387 Rd.
Locust Grove, OK 74352
800.856.5815
info@excellenceinwriting.com
A day of workshops for students Grades 3–10, new to the IEW writing program.
  • Introductory Workshop*: Grades 3–5: 8:30 AM–10:15 AM
  • Introductory Workshop*: Grades 6–8: 10:30 AM–12:15 PM
  • Advanced Workshop: Story Writing – Grades 3–8: 12:30 PM–2:45 PM (Full)
  • Advanced Workshop: Research Papers – Grades 5–10: 3:00 PM–5:15 PM (Full)
Cost: $20.00 per student per workshop. Teachers & Parents may observe at no cost.

The Introductory Student Workshops are enjoyable, informative and motivating for the children who attend, but they are also meant to serve as demonstration classes. Parents are encouraged to remain in the room, observing and participating with their child. Please make arrangements for the care of non-enrolled siblings. Please register early as theseworkshops fill fast. Sorry, no enrollment accepted at the door for Student Workshops.

August 4: High School Essay Intensive

8:30 AM-3:30 PM
Get immediate experience and inside tips on how to do your best on the SAT or ACT essay. Also includes strategies for composing the college application personal essay.

Cost: $50.00/participant (accompanying adult, $25.00)

August 5-6: Chicago Homeschool Expo (CHE)

Andrew Pudewa will be a speaker!
His sessions include:

  • Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day (August 5)
  • Teaching and Evaluating Writing (August 5)
  • The Profound Influence of Music on Life (August 5)
  • Reaching the Reluctant Writer (August 6)
  • The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing (August 6)
We will also have a booth, so please stop by.
More information here: www.excellenceinwriting.com/CHE-2011

Book sale at the HRC

Homeschool Resource Center OPEN HOUSE & FLEA MARKET (the following taken from the library’s calendar):

When: July 30, 2011 – 10:00 am until 4:00 pm

This free event is the perfect opportunity for current homeschoolers to get re-energized, and for those thinking about homeschooling to ask questions and get real answers.

10:00 am to Noon: Used Curriculum Flea Market

A limited number of tables and half-tables are available by advance reservation only. Those who do not register in advance may bring a blanket and use the lawn to sell.

1:00 to 4:00 pm: Open Forum Panel Discussion and Q&A

Learn about the different homeschooling styles, curriculum choices, legal information, where to find resources, and much more. (Guest speakers to be announced.)

To reserve a free space to sell at the flea market or for further information, please call our Homeschool Parent Advisor at 847-497-4407.

Sign Language classes

Information on some upcoming sign camps and classes starting at the end of June!

Website: http://www.alwaysfeelconnected.com/

Hurry to sign up as spaces are filling fast!

Please feel free to pass this on!

Summer Classes:

Early Bird Registration is $25.00

**If you sign up for 2 weeks you will receive $5 off your total price,  or for all 4

weeks then you will receive $10 off your total price!**

A)  June 20th – June 24th   6:00pm – 7:00pm

B)   June 20th – June 24th   7:10pm – 8:10pm

C)   June 27th – July 1st       6:00pm – 7:00pm

D)   June 27th – July 1st        7:10pm – 8:10pm

Summer Camps!!!

Join us this summer for some exciting and fun summer camps at Always Feel Connected!  At these camps you will be enriched in deaf culture and history while learning vocabulary, games and at least one song in sign language!  At the end of the week the kids will perform the song for their parents.  There are many to chose from so chose one or as many as you want!  I hope to see you there!

Time:  9:00am – 12:00pm

Early Bird Registration is $75.00

**If you sign up for all 4 weeks you will receive $20 off your total price**

A)  June 20th – June 24th

B)   June 27th – July 1st

C)   July 11th – July 15th

D)   July 18th – July 22nd

E)   To Be Announced – Deaf Theater

**This will be a week where the kids will learn a play/musical and perform it ALL IN

SIGN LANGUAGE at the end of the week**

Contact:

Stacey Borrego

Always Feel Connected

630-479-9094

www.alwaysfeelconnected.com

alwaysfeelconnected11@comcast.net

Reading assistance

Received information about this helpful resource from Steve and Robin Blaha:

We are former homeschoolers who for the last six
years have been providing one-on-one reading instruction in our
reading clinic.  Children of all ages, abilities or disabilities have
received all the tools they need to become proficient readers.
Parents are encouraged to participate in classes, therefore being
equipped to help their students with reading activities at home.  We
provide a warm relaxed environment and students are never blamed for
difficulties they may have.  They very soon blossom into confident,
capable readers.  We still have a few openings for our Summer Reading
Boost.

The details . . .

Organization Name: Academic Associates Reading Clinic

Contact: Steve or Robin Blaha

Location: 570 Forum Drive, Roselle, IL

Email: academicassociates1@yahoo.com

Website: www.everychildcanread.com

Phone: 630-307-0777

Summer bowling

Great deal for a summer of bowling. You do need to still pay shoe rental, any adult games are not free, and you just get one game per day. However, if you have a Brunswick bowl nearby and your kids enjoy bowling, and you plan to bowl a couple times this summer, it is definitely worth the couple minutes to sign them up.


Join the Brunswick Bonus Zone and save money while you’re having a good time. Membership is free. As a Brunswick Bonus Zone member, you’ll receive exciting discounts and promotions on all the Brunswick fun, from bowling and food, to games, parties and more. Smoke-free times are available at all locations. Once you’re signed up, we’ll send you an e-mail with your first money saving offer!
NOTE: We have total respect for your privacy. We won’t share your information with anyone, and you can always unsubscribe with a single click. View the Brunswick Privacy Policy.
© 2009 Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation. Brunswick Zone is a registered trademark of Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation.

Crossroads offers sports just for homeschoolers

If you are looking for homeschool sports this is the place to begin your search. Excellent program and a variety of sports available. Check out all the details on their website Crossroads Christian Youth Center.

Meet up in Oswego & Fox Valley area

Looking to connect with other homeschoolers face to face? This meet-up might be just the thing.

This is a place where homeschooling families from the Western Suburbs can connect with each other, socialize, make friends, set up events & playdates, ask questions, share ideas, explore resources, network together and have fun!   Most of our Meet-ups are in the Oswego, Naperville, Aurora, Yorkville, Montgomery and Plainfield areas however, anyone from neighboring towns is welcome. Many of our field trips also are in nearby areas. We are looking for active participants to get involved with events. We are a group that welcomes all philosophies on homeschooling.

Name: Fox Valley Homeschoolers

Location: Oswego, Il

Primary Contact Person: Joni Choudhary

Email: joni_choudhary@hotmail.com