ACCHE Online

2012-01-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Co-Op Spring 2012Schedule

Elementary

Elementary	First 1:15 - 1:50	Second 1:50- 2:20	Third 2:20- 2:50	Fourth 2:50- 3:20	Fifth 3:20- 4:00
Pre-K	Art	Pre-K	Music	Pre-K	Pre-K
4 & 5	Art	Science	Music	FIAR	FIAR
6&7	FIAR	FIAR	FIAR	Art	Science
8 & 9	Science	Art	FIAR	FIAR	FIAR
10 & 11	Bible Study	Book Club	Science	Spanish	Art

MiddleSchool/High School

1:15-2:05	2:10-3:00	3:05-4:00
Spanish 2	Creative Writing 2	Chemistry
Chorus	Art	Literature
Founding Fathers History*	Leadership Bible Study*	Debate*

End of the Year Picnic

2011-05-03T18:47:00.001-07:00

Time	Tuesday, May 10 · 10:00am - 1:00pm

Location	Barboursville Park

Created By	ACCHE - Appalachian Christian Co-operative of Home Educators

More Info	All homeschooling families are invited to join us for our end of the year picnic. We will meet at the Amphitheater at 10:00 where the drama and music classes will share with us what they have been working on this semester. We will sit on the stage for the performances. Kids on the floor and adults in the back. Adults may want to bring a chair. Then we will move to the shelter near the basketball courts for food, fun, and fellowship. Paper supplies and chicken will be provided. Please bring a drink and side dish/dessert to share. Leave a note as to what you're bringing please. Thanks! Stephanie

ACCHE T-Shirts

2011-01-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

T-shirt/hoodie orders will be taken at co-op next Tuesday, February 1st. We must have a minimum order of 12 shirts to place an order. The shirts will be printed with the ACCHE logo in white ink. Shirts must be paid for when ordered and, assuming we get the minimum order, will be delivered at our following co-op on Tuesday, February 15th. Prices and color choices are below. Please have exact cash or make checks payable to Hometown Sportswear.
short sleeved tees: $6.36
black
burnt orange
California blue
columbia blue
cyber pink
deep purple
forest green
jade
kelly green
dark khaki
maroon
oxford grey
royal blue
navy
red
chocolate
cardinal
long sleeved tees: $8.48
black
forest green
maroon
oxford
royal blue
navy
red
hooded sweatshirts: $ 21.20
black
forest green
maroon
oxford grey
royal blue
navy
red
cardinal
chocolate
kelly green

Faculty Lounge

2011-01-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

January's Faculty Lounge will be hosted by Sara Swann on Friday, January 21st. The theme will be SAVING MONEY, including couponing and other shopping strategies. It's a chance to share what you know and learn from other moms as well. Bring a dish to share for this evening of fun and fellowship. No kids allowed! Please rsvp to Sara for directions: theswanns@netzero.net

Spring Class Choices

2010-12-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

See below the classes offered for middle and high school students for ACCHE's spring semester. Please share the list with your middle/high schoolers. They will need to choose one class for each period. Sign-up will be available at co-op on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Period ½ - 10:15 - 11:10
Creative Writing (Jennie Spoor)
This class will cover creative (fictional) writing rather than expository writing--shorts stories, poetry, maybe even novel rather than essays. We will spend a lot of time learning to show rather than tell, learning how to make our work clear for the reader in various situations, and use various literary devices CREATIVELY. We will have lots of fun writing and hearing each others' work and talking about improving. Students will need a spiral notebook or ring binder with blank paper and the ability to store loose papers.
　
Literature (Glenna Sadler)
This class will be reading The Chronicles of Narnia, all 7 books, in chronological order so the events in the books will make more sense. The books will be read in the 2-week periods between classes with discussion each time we meet. Written assignments will frequently accompany the reading assignments.

Spanish (Becky Corder)
Beginner Spanish will be covering pronunciation, pronouns, basic vocabulary, and common phrases.
　
　
Period ¾ - 11:15 - 12:10
Drama (Tammy Payne)
In Drama, we will be learning some acting techniques. We will also be putting on a play for the co-op families at the end of the semester.

Puppetry (Patricia Stilwell)
In this class, you will learn basic puppet manipulation: how to hold a puppet, move its mouth and body correctly. You will also learn how to use arm rods on a puppet and how to work a human arm puppet. We will be singing songs and maybe work on a little play to perform if time allows. Hope to have a lot of fun!!

Dangerous Class (Angela Harbour)
This class will be based on the Dangerous Book for Boys and some other resources to teach skills that will be fun and useful.
　
Period 5 - 12:15 - 12:40
Lunch

Period 6 - 12:45 - 1:20
Health (Beth Miller)
This class will cover some basic body systems and first aid basics. It may also touch on smoking and drug use basic info, and healthy life choices.

WV Studies (Lynda Vance)
Information presented will cover the culture and history of West Virginia

Public Speaking (Mary Black)
This class will cover the basic speech types, informative, layout, persuasive, impromptu, and demonstration. Students will memorize some speeches and write some of their own speeches. They will give oral presentations to their classmates.

Safety Town

2010-11-16T09:20:00.001-08:00

All 2nd and 3rd grade homeschoolers are invited to Safety Town, run by the Huntington Police Department. Monday, January 24th has been reserved for up to 20 homeschooled children. Class begins at 9:00am and will cover topics like bicycle, train, and pedestrian safety. The afternoon will be dedicated to outside play so dress warmly!! Bad weather will result in cancellation and no other dates are available for rescheduling. Bring lunch.

Parent seating is limited so you may want to combine with another family and send only one parent with several children. There is no charge.

Please rsvp to mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com.

Toyota Field Trip

2010-11-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

All homeschoolers, 4th grade and older, are invited to tour the Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Buffalo, WV. Rules/Guidelines below:

Your tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV) has been confirmed for Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. . Please plan to arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to your tour start time.

We pride ourselves in having a safe, clean environment at TMMWV. To help us maintain this environment, we would like for you to be aware of our visitor guidelines.

No smoking, candy or gum
No shorts or sandals (long pants and closed-toe shoes, please)
No cameras, tape recorders, musical equipment, cell phones, or pagers
No children may tour unless they are in the 4th grade or above
No on-site eating (sandwiches, snacks, sodas, etc.)
At all times during the tour:
Everyone will need to wear the safety glasses we provide, keep their hands, legs, and feet inside the tram, and keep their seatbelts fastened.

Your tour will start in our plant lobby. You may enter the plant through the main gate and unload the students. Security will then escort the bus to our visitor parking area. The bus driver is welcome to participate in the tour also.

Please Sign-Up via email (mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com). Only the first 50 people signed-up will be allowed to tour.

Christmas Party

2010-11-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Our December 7th co-op will not be meeting at River Cities Community Church. Instead, we will meet at Pump Up the Fun for a Christmas party from 11:00am until 1:00pm. There is no admission charge. Make certain your children wear socks. Please bring your favorite party snack and/or drink to share.

Because of number restrictions enforced by PUTF, we unfortunately have to limit this party to only current ACCHE members.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2010-10-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

The Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY is offering The Best Christmas Pageant Ever performed live on stage. Our group will be attending the 9:30am performance on Friday, December 17th. If you'd like to attend, please plan to be there at 9:00am. Admission is $4 per person (paid at the door) and you must sign-up to ensure a seat. They anticipate this show will sell out (they've already sold out two performances).

You can sign-up by email (mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com) or at co-op Tuesday (Oct 26). Tuesday is the only day to sign-up. Sorry for the limited sign-up time but we need to get our reservation turned in to reserve our seats.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
In this hilarious Christmas tale, a couple struggling to put on a church pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem and the fun when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on. This is an American classic.

ACCHE T-Shirts

2010-10-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

T-shirt/sweatshirt orders will be taken at co-op next Tuesday, October 12th. The shirts will be printed with the ACCHE logo pictured above. A variety of color choices and sample sizes will be available at co-op on Tuesday. Shirts must be paid for when ordered and will be delivered at our following co-op on Tuesday, October 26th. Prices are below; please have exact cash or make checks payable to Hometown Sportswear.

short sleeved tees: $6.00
long sleeved tees: $8.00 (I had this price wrong last week at announcements)
crewneck sweatshirts: $15.00
hooded sweatshirts: $ 20.00

Faculty Lounge

2010-10-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

All homeschoolers are welcome to join us for Faculty Lounge next Friday, October 15th at 6:30pm. October's Mom's Night Out will be at the home of Glenna Sadler in Barboursville. Please bring a dish to share!

Leave a comment or email Glenna to RSVP and get directions.

Pumpkin Festival Field Trip

2010-09-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

All homeschoolers are welcome to join us for fun at The Pumpkin Festival. Admission is $2 per person. Our group will meet outside the back (only) gate at 9:00am on Thursday, October 7th. Give yourself plenty of travel time! It will take longer than you think to get through the parking lot. We will not wait for latecomers but you will be able to enter and get the $2 student/group rate if you tell them you are with ACCHE.

We will try to grab a spot on the hill to the left after entering the gate, the same place we claimed last year. You can leave your blankets/coolers there for the day (at your own risk but we’ve never had a problem). Preschoolers and elementary students can work on decorating their pumpkins at this spot (rules below). Please RSVP (mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com) or sign up at ACCHE on Tuesday! I have to call in a number so they will have enough pumpkins for our little ones.

They will have many of the activities that they’ve had in the past such as:
The Mountain Men Encampment
Story Telling
Many Old Time Crafts
The
Lions Club will sponsor an eye clinic - parent must be present or send a signed permission slip
Pumpkin Decorating for ages preschool thru 5th grade
Remember the rules:
No commercial decorations, only those that the children
think up.
Be sure to bring all materials and adhesive for
decorating.
Bring something to sit on; the ground will be
damp from dew.
Pumpkins must be finished by 11:00am for judging.
Label the back of your pumpkin with your name, grade, and group (ACCHE)
Only decorated pumpkins can be taken off the grounds
Food Vendors
Craft Booths
Public Service
booths
Birds of Prey
Entertainment building with age appropriate
entertainment for students
Agriculture Tent with a cow to be milked and a
chicken laying eggs plus more
Arts and Crafts Tent for spinning, weaving, and
canning displays

You can pack a lunch - coolers are allowed! - or plan to eat from the vendors. We usually leave our coolers on our blankets and meet back for lunch around 12:30.

The Pumpkin Festival is at the Cabell County Fairgrounds/Pumpkin Park in Milton.
From I-64, take the Milton exit #28
Turn towards town (right if from Hgtn; left from Chrlstn)
Turn right onto Rt 60 at the 2nd light
Turn left onto Fairgrounds Rd at the next traffic light
Follow the road around the curve.
You’ll see the entrance to Pumpkin Park on your left
Follow the road around the fairgrounds and park in the back. Traffic is slow here and will add an additional 15-20 minutes to your trip. Plan accordingly.

Co-op Cancelled This Week

2010-09-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

As most of you know from the millions of emails I've sent, River Cities Community Church will be hosting a funeral/dinner tomorrow and therefore will be unavailable for our classes. Rescheduling for a different day was unsuccessful so we will not meet for co-op classes this week. Our next regularly scheduled co-op is Tuesday, September 28th.

We will, however, meet for a playdate and flag football tomorrow, September 14th, in place of classes. We'll meet at Altizer Park at 11:00am. We'll move the flag football game there as well. You may want to pack a lunch, extra chairs, and wheeled toys such as scooters or skates.

Directions:
From I-64, take the 29th St. exit and head towards Huntington
Turn right at the first light by Jolly Pirate Donuts, crossing the bridge into Altizer
Turn right at the second stop sign
Travel three blocks, follow the road as it curves onto 8th St. around the ball fields
The playground/picnic shelter/parking is on the left

Faculty Lounge

2010-09-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

September's Faculty Lounge will be held at the home of Deide McComas in Ona. Please bring your favorite dish for a night of kid-free fun!

What: Faculty Lounge
When: Friday, September 17th, 6:30pm
Where: Deide McComas' house; rsvp for directions via email
RSVP: mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com

Flag Football

2010-09-09T13:54:00.001-07:00

** please note the location/time change

All homeschoolers are welcome to play flag football at Altizer Park on Tuesday, September 14th, at 11:00am. Flags are provided so just bring a water bottle. This is a mostly big kid activity unless your little ones just love football and think they can keep up with the middle/high schoolers. There is a playground/picnic shelter nearby so you may want to pack a lunch and bring the little kids to play.

If we get a good turn-out, we can make this a monthly or bi-weekly activity.

Directions to Altizer Park (see map in post above):
From I-64, take the 29th St. exit and head towards Huntington
Turn right at the first light by Jolly Pirate Donuts, crossing the bridge into Altizer
Turn right at the second stop sign
Travel three blocks, follow the road as it curves onto 8th St. around the ball fields
The playground/picnic shelter/parking is on the left

ACCHE Fantasy Football

2010-09-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

September 7th will be draft night for our ACCHE Fantasy Football League. All middle/high schoolers are welcome to play. We'll meet at my (Mary's) house in Culloden at 6pm, Tuesday, September 7th. Bring $3 to cover the cost of pizza, chips, and drinks. Please rsvp to mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com and I'll send directions

If you were an owner last year, you will be able to use your team info from last year, but will have to draft new players. The league has been renewed and you should have received an email invitation to renew your team. New players will have to set up their teams before the season starts. We'll go over instructions on how to do that during the draft.

For those of you unfamiliar with Fantasy Football:
copied, with some minor editing, from wikipedia
Fantasy Football is a fantasy sports game in which participants (called "owners") are arranged into a competitive league, earning “fantasy points” by using the statistics of real football players. The owners of each league draft real-life NFL football players, filling a roster containing the various offense or defensive positions on a team, such as Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Kicker and Defense. Depending on how well the players on an Owner’s team do in a given week, the team earns Fantasy Points to compete against the other owners in the league. If a running back rushes for a touchdown, for instance, the running back earned a pre-determined amount of points for that running back’s owner. At the end of the season, win-loss records determine league rankings or qualifications into a playoff bracket. You will need to pick your starting line-up from among your drafted players prior to each week's game. Then, just sit back and watch the points rack up!

Co-op Tomorrow!

2010-08-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

I (and my kids) am so excited for co-op tomorrow! We meet at River Cities Church on RT 60 in Huntington. Classes start at 10:00, but try to be there by 9:45. If you are new to the co-op you are welcome to come to the first session to check out how co-op runs to see if it is right for you and your family! See you there!

Join the Yahoo Group

2010-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

In an effort to streamline communications about co-op and events, we are asking that everyone sign up for our yahoo group. The group makes it easier to maintain our mailing list, make announcements, communicate with one another about class needs and assignments, and to have online communications within the group. It is not difficult to sign up for the list. Lynda Vance has put together these easy step by step instructions. Lynda will also be available at our picnic on Tuesday with her laptop to walk you through the process if needed.

How to sign up to receive e-mails from the ACCHE. Yahoo! group

1. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acche1

2. Click on “Join this group.”

3. If you do not have a Yahoo account, click on “sign up.” (otherwise, skip to #8)

4. Fill out & submit this form. You never have to use this Yahoo address again, unless you want to go to the ACCHE Yahoo group home page. But you may want to write it down somewhere for that reason.

5. Click “continue.”

6. In the next page, under Yahoo! Profile, click on “new profile.” (I think that’s what it said.) beside your e-mail address.

7. Click on “add an alias” to change the name that will appear on the e-mails you send to the group. Change & save. Click close.

8. Choose the email address that you would like group messages sent to (the address you use most often).

9. Choose Individual Email…..because you will need to know immediately about snow days, etc.

10. Finish & click “join.”

11. On the next page…..uncheck the optional “install Yahoo! Toolbar.”

12. Click “continue.”

13. You are now set up to receive all the announcements, upcoming events, etc. from ACCHE.

Thank you.

Co-Op Start Up Picnic

2010-08-12T08:23:00.001-07:00

Time	August 17 · 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location	Barboursville Park. Shelter just pass the ball fields.

Created By	ACCHE - Appalachian Christian Co-operative of Home Educators

More Info	Join us for a picnic in the park to kick off the school year. All homeschoolers are welcome. For those joining co-op your paper work and fees ($12/ student) can be taken care of at the picnic to avoid the first day of co-op rush! Chicken and paper goods will be provided. Please bring a drink and side dish or dessert to share.

Hope to see you there!

Fall Semester 2010

2010-07-31T04:29:00.000-07:00

Our fall semester is right around the corner. Where has the summer gone?

Our start up picnic is Tuesday Aug 17th. All homeschoolers are invited. Those who wish to join co-op for the semester can fill out paper work and pay fees. More details to come soon.

August 20th is Faculty Lounge. This is a time for the mom's to get together. Faculty Lounge in August will be used to finalize schedules and teaching assignment for co-op. Of course there will be plenty of time to socialize and eat good food. More details to come, but please mark the date.

Co-op begins August 31st. We meet at River Cities Church, Rt. 60 in Huntington. Classes begin at 10:00 and we break for lunch at 12:40. Please plan to arrive by 9:45 for that first day.

The Fall Schedule:
We offer classes for children from nursery through high school. Babies to age 2 will be in the nursery. Potty trained 3 & 4 year olds will have their own pre-school classes most of the day, but will come out for Art and Music.

Elementary students, ages 5 to 8 will have a block of about an hour and a half for the Five in a Row classes. Five in a Row is a literature based unit study. Please check the link for more information. These students will also have a gym and a math class.

Students ages 9 & 10 will have two one hour classes: science and cooking, and one half hour class: gym.

Students 11 and older will be able to choose their classes with in the block. First hour they can choose from crafts, literature, or cooking. Then a half hour block where the choices are West Virginia history, gym, or ACT prep. The next hour the choices are literature, science or generation change (This is a Dave Ramsey personal finance class geared toward teens.)

We have one huge need for teaching assignments right now. We have no gym teacher. Any ideas or volunteers are welcome.

Movie and Playdate

2010-06-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Date:	Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Time:	9:00am - 1:00pm
Location:	Pullman Square and Riverside Park
Street:	220 9th Street
City/Town:	West Huntington, WV
	View Map

Description

Free Movie at Marquee Cinemas. Choose from Imagine That or Hotel for Dogs. Movies start at 9:30. Meet in front of the ticket booth at 9:00 if you want to sit together.

Pack your lunch. After the movie we will meet at Riverside Park. It is behind the flood wall near the theater. Meet near the play area.

Llama Farm Field Trip

2010-05-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, May 27th, we have a great opportunity to visit the llama farm of Jeff and Annie Higginbotham, Head and Heart Fiber Farm. Annie is very excited about our visit. She'll do an informative workshop with lots of llama interaction and also take the llamas through the obstacle course. Some of the older kids may also get to take the llamas through the obstacle course depending on their behavior that day (llamas and kids! lol). You can also bring apples to feed the llamas.

Please pack a lunch for yourself and bring a water bottle or bottles that will last you through the afternoon. We will be outside in the sun for several hours, from 1pm - 4pm. Closed shoes are required to avoid any llama stomped feet. :) Please don't wear sandals!!

There is no charge for this trip but they do accept donations so please be generous!

Head and Heart Llamas is located on Union Ridge Rd in Glenwood, WV (between Rt. 2 and Rt 60, near Milton). Driving directions are on the web site shown above. Parking is an issue so please meet at Stephanie’s house at 12:40 to carpool. Email Stephanie if you need directions.

Faculty Lounge/Planning Meeting

2010-05-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mom’s Night Out for May is doubling as a planning meeting for next semester’s co-op. I hope everyone will be able to make it because we have some exciting plans to share. We also need YOUR input to make our co-op the best it can be.

We will have a potluck dinner at the home of Glenna Sadler in Barboursville. We’ll meet at 6:30pm on this Friday, May 21st. Please bring your favorite dish to share.

If you're coming from Ohio or Kentucky and would like to carpool with Sara Swann, please call her to make arrangements (304-617-8826).
If you're coming from Milton and would like to carpool with Mary Black, please call her to make arrangements (304-743-3714).

For driving directions, check your email inbox or email Glenna.

ACCHE Rules and Guidelines

2010-04-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Please arrive at 10:00am and plan to stay until 1:15 pm.

Please attend every co-op unless significant illness prevents you. This a cooperative, which means that we all come together to provide this experience for our children. Everyone is needed and your enrollment implies a commitment to co-op sessions. A parent of each child must help with the co-op and be on premises during co-op.

Announcements begin at 10:00. Please be on time or a few minutes early. Announcements concerning co-op classes, field trips, and other activities, as well as other topics that may be of interest to homeschoolers are sent out via email on the Monday before co-op. Please make certain you check your email Monday evening or Tuesday morning before co-op. We will limit our circle time announcements to only the most immediate and most pressing issues.

Classes will run from 10:15 until 12:40. Co-op participants are expected to attend all classes on the schedule for their ages. They can not pick certain classes to attend and sit out of others. Please help your children come prepared for classes. Double check to ensure that they have what they need and are taking home all their belongings, including home work and art work. Unfortunately, the church does not have storage for co-op, so items that are left at the church may be lost before our next meeting.

During co-op, children should not be taught or led to support any beliefs contrary to the ACCHE Statement of Belief, although presentation of educational information about other belief systems is permissible. Nothing that glorifies wickedness, magic, or sinful behavior is permissible and will be grounds for expulsion from the Co-op and all ACCHE activities. If you doubt the appropriateness of the material, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. Alternatively, you can check with co-op directors who will bring the questionable material to the guidance committee for approval.

Lunch time and free play will be from 12:40 until 1:15 in the gym. Please pack a lunch for you and your children and plan to stay for fellowship. This unstructured time gives the kids and parents time to chat, play, and build friendships.
　
FEES
Fees are charged to cover the cost of classroom materials, snacks, administration costs and other expenses as they may arise. Fees vary based on the costs of classes offered each semester. Current fees for preschool and school -aged children are $12 per child per semester. Fees should be paid no later than the 2nd co-op session. Cash is preferred. Checks will be accepted.

CLEAN-UP
The church has been very generous in allowing us to use their building. We are the only outside group the church allows to use their facilities and they can disallow their permission at any time. We should always plan to leave the church looking better than we found it. All participants are expected to help clean up every time!!!

Make certain that your classroom is back to the original furniture arrangement; floors and tables are clean; and trash cans are empty. There is a cleaning cart in the gym designated for our use. It includes cleaning products, a sweeper, and new trash bags.
In addition to your classroom, please take the initiative to clean any messes you notice in the bathrooms, hallways, or gymnasium. Make certain your children are cleaning up their crumbs and wrappers from lunch and that they take home all their belongings, including art work.

RULES OF THE BUILDING
Please instruct your children on the rules of the building that we are graciously being allowed to use:

No running except in the gym
Participants must stay out of the main part of the church building
Students may only be on the balcony while going to/from upstairs classes
Students should not loiter in bathrooms or the hall leading to the bathrooms
Students may not play on or behind the bleachers or racks of chairs/tables
The only exit door that should be used is the main gymnasium door (or else the alarm may sound)
CLASSROOM RULES
Students should be kind and respectful to classmates and teachers
Students should be attentive to instruction and participate to the best of their abilities
Students should be respectful of the church and its property

Parents are expected to enforce these rules, whether it be your child or someone else’s child who needs correction. A gentle reminder is always appropriate.
Parents will be financially responsible for damage caused by their children.

ACCHE Legal Waiver

2010-04-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

The following indemnity waiver was drawn up to protect all volunteers, parents, and the church from liability. All participants must sign the waiver as a condition of participation.

In consideration of your accepting myself and my child or children for participation in the Appalachian Christian Cooperative of Home Educators (hereafter referred to as “ACCHE”), I, my child, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims that I or my child may have against ACCHE and its agents, volunteers, teachers, employees, representatives, successors, and assigns for any and all injuries and damages of whatever kind suffered by myself or my child or children that arise from participation in any ACCHE programs or activities.

For the consideration stated above, I further agree that, in the event my child or I should incur any damages arising from participation in ACCHE, I will personally indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the organization and its agents, volunteers, teachers, employees, representatives and assigns against any and all loss and damage occasioned thereby, including, but not limited to, attorney fees.

I warrant that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above named children and that I have the right to authorize the foregoing and do hereby agree to hold ACCHE and its agents, volunteers, teachers, employees, representatives, successors and assigns harmless of and from any and all liability of whatever nature which may arise from or result from such participation.

ACCHE Discipline Policy

2010-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

With the high Christian standards of discipline set by our current families, we do not anticipate any disciplinary problems from the students involved in the Co-op. However, even children who know the standard sometimes like to push the boundaries to make sure they are still in place. So that we may assure them that the boundaries are, in fact, in place, we are setting forth this policy.

Our program does not have a set of rules so rigid that we have a penalty that applies to each offense. However, just as “co-op” applies to the parents and their responsibility to the group to share in the duties, we want our children to understand that “co-op” applies to them also. Their responsibilities are to be attentive to the instruction they receive, considerate of their classmates, and respectful of the church and its property.
It is not our desire to be harsh, but we want to ensure an environment that is conducive to academic growth for all the students. We recognize that our co-op exists on the good will of all of the families who participate, and it is only fair that no one student be allowed to create an atmosphere that detracts from our children’s ability to learn and form lasting friendships. It is for this reason that the leadership retains the right to take any reasonable disciplinary action to maintain a warm and friendly environment.
When a student is disruptive in class, he will be sent to the gym to the administration table and monitored by an available parent. When his own parent is available, he will be advised of the child’s offense. The child will be able to return to his class that day at the teacher’s discretion. If the offense occurs repeatedly, the parent may be asked to meet with the ACCHE Leader Team. The leader team has the authority to recommend that the student be expelled form the co-op. If the child is asked to leave, the remaining portion of his fees will be returned. It should be noted that only the most severe offenses should result in expulsion.
Any dispute arising from discipline issues or this discipline policy will be referred to the ACCHE Guidance Committee. The decision of the ACCHE Guidance Committee is final. The parties understand that this method shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising from this agreement and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit in any civil court for such disputes.

Statement of Faith

2010-04-21T07:05:00.001-07:00

• As Christian home educators, we believe that God is our inspiration and that all glory belongs to Him. We desire to reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ, our one and only Savior, in all of our efforts. We are guided by the Bible, recognizing the Scriptures as being inerrant, infallible, and authoritative in all matters of faith and practice.

• We believe that God, in six days, created everything simply by speaking it into existence and, thus, each creature was specially made by God and did not evolve from another. We believe that man has dignity and worth as bearer of the image of God and has been given by God dominion and stewardship over the earth.

• We believe in one God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. We believe that salvation cannot be earned by humans and is achieved by grace through faith in Christ—a free gift bestowed by God on all who believe in Christ, repent of their sins, are born again, and walk in newness of life.

• We believe our students should study good literature written by both Christian and non-believing authors. Such work will be appreciated for its outstanding literary qualities and also provide students the opportunity to recognize and critique unbiblical perspectives. We will not study any literature that glorifies wickedness or sinful behavior.

• We believe that the study of history should confirm that our Almighty God upholds, directs, and governs all things for His own purpose and glory. Within this divine plan of God, human beings operate freely and are responsible for what they think and do. Historical material should be presented against the backdrop of God’s providence and the standards of Scripture.

• In conclusion, we realize that, as a homeschooling Co-op, we are composed of several Christian denominations and, therefore, must show consideration, respect, and sensitivity to any denominational differences that we might have. However, we believe that God created man and woman in His image to be sexually different and mutually complementary. Marriage is designed by Him to be between one man and one woman, and children benefit most from the love of a mother and a father. Ultimately, we realize that education is the responsibility of the parents and that we must respect the role of families in addressing issues that arise in forming a Biblical view of life and the world.

April Faculty Lounge

2010-04-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Faculty Lounge will be this Friday night, April 16th, at 6:30pm.

Dorothy Heffner will be the hostess.

Please brink a dish to share and enjoy a fun evening with friends!

Rsvp to Dorothy for driving directions.

Teen Lock-In

2010-02-15T13:56:00.000-08:00

All middle school and high school aged homeschoolers are invited for an overnight lock-in at the gym of Lewis Memorial Baptist Church* on Friday, March 12th, 8:oopm. We’ll play basketball, volleyball, and board games, watch movies, and any other activities the kids want to do (within reason!).

Please bring a drink and snack to share as well as $3 for pizza.

Parents are welcome to stay but if you’re dropping off, please make sure you leave contact information with a chaperoning parent and be back for pick-up by 8:00am (this is overnight!).
Please contact Mary Black (mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com) to sign-up and/or volunteer to help chaperone.

*Lewis Memorial is located on West Pea Ridge in Huntington. The gym is in the Family Life Center at the top of the parking lot.

Pump Up the Fun

2010-02-15T13:49:00.001-08:00

Here's your chance to get the kids out of the house to burn some energy!! We've reserved Pump Up the Fun on March 2nd and April 13th from 2pm-4pm.

The cost is $5 per child; bring a drink and snack to share; you must wear socks to play!

All homeschoolers are welcome!!

Faculty Lounge

2010-02-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

What: Faculty Lounge
When: Friday, February 19th, 2010, 6:30pm
Where: Sarah DeGroff’s House in Eleanor
Bring: a dish to share

Faculty Lounge is ACCHE’s Mom’s Night Out. Please join us for a kid-free evening of food, fun, and fellowship. We always have a blast!

2010-01-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

Highlands Museum and Discovery Center
1620 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY

Friday, February 26th
$3.50 admission includes workshop and museum.

10:30am - workshops (details below)
11:00am - lunch (pack your own lunch)
~11:30 - explore museum

Challenge Your Mind and Body! (Gr. K-6) Want a unique blend of health, physics….and fun? Includes the best of our science, engineering, physics and health activities!

Go Scavenging! (Gr. 6 and up). Test your historical knowledge by tackling our latest scavenger hunt! Especially designed for older students to take a fresh look at the exhibits around them.

Sign-up sheet available at next co-op or via email.

Free Issue of Home Educating Family Mag.

2010-01-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

You can receive a free sample copy of Home Educating Family by visiting their web site. While I haven't received my free magazine yet, I've heard it's very nicely done.

Faculty Lounge

2010-01-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

Faculty Lounge is ACCHE's Mom's Night Out. We usually meet at someone's home for food and fellowship, but for January, we'll be meeting at Evaroni's Pizza in Kenova. Leave the kids with Dad and come out for some fun!

Details:
What: Faculty Lounge (Mom's Night Out)
Where: Evaroni's Pizza, Kenova, WV
When: Friday, January 15th, 6:00pm

Heiner's Bakery Field Trip

2010-01-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

There is a field trip planned to Heiner's Bakery this coming Wednesday. Those that went last year really enjoyed the bakery tour! If you'd like to go, please email Mary to be added to the sign-up sheet. They have asked that we limit our kids to 1st grade and up, no younger siblings! This is their stipulation. This trip is also limited to only 20 kids so please sign up only if you're certain you'll go.

WHERE: Heiner's Bakery
1300 Adams Ave
Huntington, WV
(just enter the main lobby and they'll direct you to the meeting spot)
WHEN: Wednesday, January 13th, 9:00am
WHO: Homeschoolers in 1st grade or above (new limitation)

Upcoming ACCHE Service Projects

2009-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON

The middle/high school age classes will be hosting a spaghetti lunch after co-op on November 17th at 12:45. The lunch will be by donation and all donations will go to a former ACCHE family. The dad is battling cancer and has been unable to work for almost a year. Everyone is invited to join us!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

ACCHE will be collecting shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child on November 17th.

Through Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project, you and your children can send gifts to children in more than 100 countries suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine and poverty. Simply fill a shoebox with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and/or a personal note. ACCHE will pay half of the shipping charges so you only need to include $3.50 per box to get it to the children.

A detailed brochure will be available at co-op tomorrow.

Pumpkin Festival Photos

2009-10-01T18:40:00.001-07:00

Activities for Middle School and High School Students

2009-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Below are two new additions to the calendar. These activities are planned to give the older students a chance to hang out together. All middle school and high school homeschool students are invited!

Get lost in The Corn Maize! on Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:00pm. We’ll meet behind Milton Middle School for a wagon ride to the maze. Please bring $6 for admission. Chaperones will be on site but may not be with your child in the maze. If you feel your child needs constant supervision, please join him/her at the maze! If you’re dropping off, please make sure you leave contact information with a chaperoning parent and be back for pick-up by 8:00pm. Contact Mary Black (mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com) to sign-up and/or volunteer to help chaperone.

Join us for an overnight lock-in at the gym of Lewis Memorial Baptist Church* on Friday, November 13th, 8:oopm. We’ll play basketball and board games, watch movies, and any other activities the kids want to do (within reason!).

Please bring a drink and snack to share as well as $3 for pizza.

Parents are welcome to stay but if you’re dropping off, please make sure you leave contact information with a chaperoning parent and be back for pick-up by 8:00am (this is overnight!).

Please contact Mary Black (mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com) to sign-up and/or volunteer to help chaperone.

*Lewis Memorial is located on West Pea Ridge in Huntington. The gym is in the Family Life Center at the top of the parking lot.

Point Pleasant Pictures

2009-09-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today we took a field trip to Point Pleasant WV to visit a local history museum, state park, and the flood murals that are currently being painted. Here are a few photos from the trip.

Faculty Lounge

2009-09-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Faculty Lounge
You’re invited to ACCHE’s Mom’s Night Out!

This will be time of fellowship and support with other home school moms,
so please bring a dish to share but leave the kids with Dad.

Mark the following dates on your calendar:
Friday, September 18th, 6pm - Tailgate Party at Sara Swann’s House
in South Point, OH
Friday, October 16th, 6pm - We’ll meet Julie Costolo’s House in
Huntington, WV - theme to be announced
Friday, November 20th, 6pm - Thanksgiving Dinner at Mary Black’s House in Milton, WV

Friday, December 18th, 6pm - Christmas Party at Michelle Workman's House in Fort Gay, WV

Who says socialization is a problem?

2009-09-08T04:24:00.000-07:00

Today co-op begins! this time of year is always exciting!

Anyone who wonders if homeschoolers get enough socialization hasn't looked at our calendar!
The calendar has been updated with many field trips and educational events in the Tri-State area. In the next week there is a camping trip, homeschool band, a picnic, a field trip to an animal hospital, a scavenger hunt at the library.

Be sure to check on the calendar for details and upcoming events.

Homeschool Band

2009-08-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Fall is around the corner, and soon homeschool band will be starting again. This is a fun and educational time for students.

THEME will begin Monday Sept. 14.
The band meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Barboursville (beside Autozone, near Kmart)
The cost is $5 per student per band meeting. (Fees are paid for the month the first band meeting of every month.)
Beginners meet from 3:00 - 4:00
Advanced students meet from 4:00- 5:00
Director: Tim Appleton see his bio on the Tri-state page.

Beginners needing instruments and books can contact Tim at 304-542-3005, or simply stop into Kerr's Music World (5505 Rt 60.) Generally beginners are age 9 are older, but exceptions can be made for students with previous music experience. Call Tim.

The band rehearses throughout the year, and preforms a winter and spring concert in addition to playing at the Homeschool Day at the Capital in the spring.

2009-08-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Faculty Lounge
Theme: Pizza Party
When: Friday, August 21st, 6pm
Where: Jennie French’s House
Faculty Lounge is a fun time for moms to fellowship.
Make your favorite pizza or dessert and join the fun!

Please rsvp to Jennie to get directions

Announcing Fall Classes

2009-07-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

The fall semester of co-op is right around the corner. Here are the classes that will be offered:

11 years and older
All- Gym, Cooking
Boys - Dangerous Book for Boys - The class will offer a variety of activities take from this book.
Girls - Girls Only Class - They will be learning about art, poetry, drama, needlecraft, and other activities the girls indicated interest in.

Elementary Students
Gym
Math Games
Healthy Snacks (preparing and eating)
Science
Art
Gym

Pre-School
Preschoolers will have their own class that includes stories and other activities. They will also go to Art and Healthy Snacks.

Nursery will be provided.

Following are the dates for co-op. We meet from 10 - 12:40.

August 25^th (picnic begins at 11:00)

September 8 and 22

October 6 and 20

November 3 and 17

December 1 and 15

Summer Fun

2009-07-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun stuff happening over the next several weeks! Hope to see you there!

Friday, July 17th - 11:00am
Picnic at Glenna’s House
Glenna will be grilling hot dogs; bring a side, dessert, and/or drink to share.
Bring your fishing gear if you want to try the fishing pond.
Email Glenna for info or directions

Friday, July 24th - Faculty Lounge - 6pm
We'll be meeting at Sarah DeGroff's House.
Leave the kiddos at home and bring something yummy to share.
I know it's a drive but it's worth it. I'll be leaving Milton at 5:30ish if anyone wants to hitch a ride with me. :)
Email Sarah for info or directions.

Friday, July 31st - Pool Party at Pam's House 12:00pm
This is the make-up date for last month's cancellation.
Please bring a dish for our potluck lunch.
Email Pam for info or directions.

Fall Co-op Dates

2009-06-26T14:51:00.001-07:00

Fall co-op dates have been approved.

We will kick-off the semester with a picnic at Altizer Park on August 25th. Please bring a dish and drink for our potluck lunch and a folding card table if you have one. We are outgrowing the picnic shelter but since Altizer is the perfect, central location, we'll make due by putting the food on card tables and leaving the picnic tables for us to sit down. The festivities will begin at 11:00am.

Co-op classes will begin two weeks after the picnic and continue on alternating Tuesdays. The dates will be:

September 8 and 22
October 6 and 20
November 3 and 17
December 1 and 15

Announcements are at 10:00am. Classes run from 10:15 until 12:45. Following classes, we'll have lunch and playtime in the gym.

Please put these dates on your calendar. You don't want to miss any of the fun!

A Few Pictures from the Geography Fair

2009-04-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fun Things to do Coming Soon

2009-04-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

Tubby the Tuba

The Clay Center will be hosting the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra's children's performance of Tubby the Tuba and Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. This concert is recommended for grades K-2 but all ages are welcome.

We will attend the performance on April 22nd. The concert starts at 11:45 but we must enter as a group and check-in thirty minutes prior. Therefore, we will meet at 11:00am.

The cost is $4 per person. The concert lasts one hour. If you'd like to explore the Clay Center afterwards, there is an additional charge.

If you'd like to attend, please sign up at co-op on Tuesday or email me by Friday, April 17th at noon (the reservation must be made by Friday afternoon).

mommyz3boyz@yahoo.com

Pump up the Fun

The last Pump up the Fun outing for the school year!
Friday April 24th join us at Pump up the Fun on Merritt's Creek in Barboursville.

1:30-3:30

$5 PER KID THEY CANNOT PLAY WITHOUT SOCKS PLEASE PAY WITH CASH OR CHECK PLEASE BRING A SNACK AND DRINK TO SHARE

Hope to see you there!

Safety Town Field Trip

2009-03-30T13:33:00.001-07:00

Safety Town is run by the Huntington Police Department. It is designed to teach 2nd grade students about emergency calls and traffic and pedestrian safety. Because it is designed for 2nd graders, we need to limit sign ups to 7-8-9 year olds. Older kids will be too big drive the cars. Younger kids may not have the attention span for the classroom portion. This is the police department's stipulation! They've also asked that we limit the number of students to 20 and the number of adults to three. Because of this, you may need to send your child with another family or plan to drop-off/pick-up.

Our trip to Safety Town is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13th. We'll be there from 9am until 1pm. The morning will be spent in the classroom. After lunch, the kids will spend about an hour in the miniature town driving and practicing pedestrian safety. The cost is $1 per student. Everyone should bring a packed lunch.

We will have a sign-up sheet at co-op on Tuesday, March 31st.

World Cultures Day

2009-03-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Tammy are planning a Geography Fair for Tuesday, April 28th.

Each family will do a display on a country of their choice. We will sign up for countries to avoid duplication. If you’d like to get started, you can email Mary the country of your choice and I’ll sign you up. Or you can wait until the March 31st co-op where we’ll have a sign-up sheet. The following countries have already been chosen: Russia, Egypt, China, Italy, Japan, Israel, India, Mexico, Germany, The Czech Republic, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Paraguay, Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Guatemala, Uganda, and Iraq.

The displays will be set up in the World Cultures classroom and possibly down the upstairs hallway. Each child will share his or her family’s project during the World Cultures Class. Middle School ages will do their presentations during their 2nd class period (there will be no Science that day).

Your project should include a display board or poster with information about your country. You can include any or all of the following ideas or add your own ideas! Have fun with it! This is NOT a competition, just a day of FUN!

Things that could be included:

description/map location
items like money or clothing
FOOD
music
industry
climate
language
native animals
landmarks
what the country is famous or infamous for
crafts/artwork
video
photos
souvenirs
costumes (the kids can wear these during their presentations)
a stamp or stickers representing the country - Each child will have a passport to be stamped as they visit each country.

The Great Sunflower Project

2009-03-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Be a Citizen Scientist

The Great Sunflower Project has given local homeschoolers a chance to help scientists at San Francisco State University understand and protect pollinator (BEES) populations. They need to know more about bee activity and that’s where our work is helpful.

What do you need to do?

Plant the provided sunflower seeds. They've already sent me 25 packets of seeds to be used by our co-op. I will give them out to anyone interested in counting bees.

After your sunflowers have grown, you’ll collect data twice a month. Collecting data is just sitting outside for 30 minutes counting the bees that visit your sunflowers. You’ll give your best guess at what type of bee you see and record the temperature. I have data sheets to document your findings.

When you finish your 30 minute scientist stint, you’ll simply mail in your data sheet or enter the data on-line.

You’ll be helping bees and learning a little about bees, flowers, and the scientific process!

Please email Mary if you’re interested and I’ll bring the seeds and data sheets to co-op on March 31st.

ACCHE T-Shirts

2009-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

If your kids are outgrowing the tshirts we made last year, we have a great opportunity to get some new shirts. Newlifeshopper.com can print t-shirts for only $5.95 each. There will be a picture and Bible verse (2Chronicles 7:14) on the front and our group name on the back.

We need to place the order by April 9th. Therefore, we will only be taking orders at the next co-op on March 31st! You'll need to have your order ready and money in hand on March 31st! You can write a check to me (Mary Black) and I'll place the order on-line. Please plan to add a few cents to each shirt you order in order to cover postage. Shipping cost will depend on the number of shirts ordered so I can't give you an exact amount now.

The Next Faculty Lounge

2009-03-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Moms don't forget this coming Friday, the 20th, is The Faculty Lounge. It is a time for moms to get out of the house without the kids to spend time with other homeschool moms. All homeschool moms are welcome. This month the theme is Mexican. Our hostess is Mary. Contact her for details or to sign up for food! Hope to see you there!

Ice Skating

2009-03-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, March 12, we'll be ice skating at South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena from 11am until 1pm. The cost is $5 per skater. Please let Pam know if you're coming or if you signed up and won't be coming.

All homeschoolers are welcome!

Okay, I'm here!

2009-03-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

I finally found a few minutes to get signed up, without interruption. Don't ask me how that happened. It must have been a fluke. As soon as I figure out how to add pictures, I will. I have a few good ones, but none of Mary, yet. . .

Fun for Moms, Fun for Kids

2009-02-27T10:02:00.001-08:00

There are so many activities available for us here in the Tri-state area! I added even more activities to the calendar today. Some of the newest to be added included the softball schedule for the spring and summer months, an Easter potluck following ACCHE co-op on April 14th, and a Mother's Day Luncheon on May 8th.

Activities that are coming soon include Science Club March 10th, Project Day March 13, and the Faculty Lounge on March 20th. We had a great time at last month's Faculty Lounge, and hope to see even more moms join us this month for an evening away from the kids. Please email Mary for details, as she is the hostess for March!

Please be sure to check the calendar for all the upcoming activities. It is filling up fast. Who says homeschoolers do not get enough socialization?!

So much fun, we are doing it again!

2009-02-24T11:18:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that this Friday we are headed to Pump Up the Fun again. All homeschoolers are welcome from 1:30-3:30. Bring a snack and drink to share. The cost is $5 per child.

ACCHE Mom's Night Out

2009-02-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

We'd like to try something new, our own Mom's Night Out! We'll be meeting at people's houses to minimize cost and encourage mingling. These will be held the 3rd Friday night of each month. Sara Swann will be hosting the first one on Feb. 20th. Mary Black will be hosting the second one on March 20th. We are looking for Moms and homes for April 17th and May 15th.

We understand that you might not be able to come to every one but feel free to come as you're able. This will be a time of fellowship and support for one another as homeschool moms. You don't have to be a member of ACCHE to come; all homeschool moms are welcome!

ACCHE's 1st Mom's Night Out

Friday, February 20th at 6:00pm
"A Soup and Salad Dinner at Sara's"
Sign up to bring your favorite soup, salad or dessert by emailing Sara (theswanns@netzero.net) or at Co-op on the 17th.
You won't want to miss the FUN, FOOD and Fellowship!
Directions will be available at Co-op or via email. Sara lives in South Point, OH approx. 25-30 mins. from the Huntington Mall. Don't let the distance deter you, travel together!

New on the Calendar

2009-02-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Added to the calendar today:

New Dates for Pump Up the Fun

Field Trip to the Post Office

Homeschool Day at the Capital

Check the calendar for times, dates, and contact information.

Canned Foods and Box Tops

2009-01-31T09:54:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder:

Glenna is collecting non-perishable food items for a local ministry.

Don't forget about Box Tops. The deadline for sending those in is quickly approaching. Please bring them to co-op on Tuesday.

Hope you all are doing well with all the snow, ice, and power outages we've been having! Snow is also predicted for Tuesday. If Cabell county closes school co-op will be cancelled. Hoping that doesn't happen, and we will see everyone on Tuesday!

The Calendar is Filling Up

2009-01-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

The calendar was updated today. Be sure to check for upcoming activities. A couple of highlights:

PUMP UP THE FUN!

This Friday let the kids burn off some energy. Perfect time considering this cold snap we are in! $5 per child. Bring a snack and drink to share.

Testing

Group testing through WVHEA will be April 2nd at Westmoreland Baptist Church. The early bird deadline has already passed. February 10th is the next deadline to register with out a late fee. February 26th is the final day to register.

Find information and forms at the WVHEA page. Contact Crystal (cnewmans at yahoo.com) for Cabell county testing information.

Spring Semester Underway

2009-01-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

It seems odd to be saying spring semester when there's snow on the ground. But we can't call it winter semester lest we confuse it with last semester, though I imagine we'll see more snow this semester than last. We'll also see May showers and April flowers, so spring semester it is.

We got off to a great start yesterday. We had three new families and a few exciting, new classes. I know my baby loved the new music class, though the big boys are still claiming gym as their favorite.

Registration will be open until our second session, so it's not too late to give co-op a try or let your friends know. Spring semester will meet on the following dates:

January 6th and 20th
February 3rd and 17th
March 3rd, 17th, and 31st
April 14th and 28th
May 12th (year end picnic)

Pump Up the Fun

2009-01-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

January 16th we will have a field trip to Pump Up the Fun. This is an indoor inflatable playground. It is a wonderful place to burn off cabin fever! Email us for more details!

Herald-Dispatch Field Trip

2008-12-31T07:34:00.000-08:00

We made a trip to visit our local newspaper, The Herald-Dispatch, in November. The kids got a good idea of all the work that goes into printing a daily paper. They met the editor and saw the news department, art department, sales department, and printing department, including the printing presses.

This is the first group to go. We had to plan two trips since they couldn't accommodate a large group at once.

Learning about graphic design...

Printing presses - The Herald Dispatch is one of only two newspapers in the country to use this type of printing press.

More printing presses - That newspaper is actually travelling down from the floor above. The printing presses are two (or three?) stories high.

Free Funnies for Everyone!

The little kids found a use for their free funnies, too. I think Matthew and Kenzie had more fun than anyone on this trip. They rolled on every floor in the place (in a very well-behaved sort of way, lol)

Even Evan was reading on his "day off school."