Weather Wits and Science Snickers by Steve LaNore

Steve LaNore, weatherman for KXII TV Channel 12 in Sherman, TX has written an eBook full of fun weather humor! Mr. LaNore is reaching out to homeschool parents to share this book and his love of learning. It's called "Weather Wits and Science Snickers" and is only $3 for the download.

You can download this book to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and you don't have to have an eReader to do so! Check it out and be sure to let Steve know what you think.

Class Ideas for EC

Sometimes you want to teach, but you have no idea WHAT to teach! It happens to everyone from time to time. So, here are a few suggestions...and maybe these will take you on rabbit trails to more ideas! Click here to download a blank form for a Class Descriptions.
Check back often to see additional ideas!
Magic Tree House Grades 2-3 or 4-6 Assign one book to be read each week at home, and then discuss the topic in class (dinosaurs, mummies, tornadoes, etc.). Magictreehouse.com has an entire section for teachers with free printable activities and teacher notes for every book.
Magic School Bus Grades K-1 or 2-3 Easy and fun science activities can be adapted from the books or video episodes. The Scholastic website has great links to go with all the topics (bats, gravity, oceans, and more) and there are easy science experiments in the back of each book.

Home Economics is a lost art, or is it? Keep it alive with a basic skills class for high schoolers. This Pinterest board has a few links to start, or go with a program like Keepers at Home.

Unit Studies on any topic are easily adapted to Enrichment Classes. Homeschool Share has an extensive list of Unit Study topics listed by age, from Preschool to High School!

Birds are fun for any age. Here are some links to all sorts of fun bird learning activities.
Crafts are always popular. Need some ideas? Here are plenty for the high school age. Make something new every week and even use them for gifts!

Preschool classes take a certain special kind of teacher! If this is your crowd, and you just need some inspiration, look no further than these links!

The ideas are endless. Read this article for more.

2012-2013 School Pictures

PAYMENT IS EXPECTED ON PICTURE DAY. Packages range in price from $15-55.

We will have Senior portraits in February during Enrichment Classes, followed by picture retakes and group photos (of groups such as Cub Scouts etc.).  There will not be another day for Senior pictures.  If you are unable to make this date and you are a Senior, then you must contact Angela Dick, Yearbook Coordinator, so she can determine another school location for you to take pictures at.

EC's Newly Structured Schedule

For the last 12 years, EC has been a 10 week program, with Orientation taking place 2-3 weeks before the semester began.

In September, 2012 that changed!

EC will last a total of ELEVEN WEEKS, and will be structured as follows:

WEEK 1  will be a semester kick-off and orientation from 9-12 a.m. This is absolutely mandatory for all EC participants 4th grade and up.

9:00 New family Orientation and cleaning crew instruction. This is mandatory.
10:30 Meeting for all families to cover important business, announcements, sign up sheets, etc. This is mandatory for all new and returning families. Students 4th grade and up will have a seperate meeting in the gym with activities.
11:30 Meet and greet time with all families. Pizza fundraiser by the RRCH Yearbook.

Students 4th grade and up MUST attend New Family Orientation and/or the mandatory meeting as it applies to their families. Childcare and activities will be provided for children 3rd grade and under.

In September, immediately following lunch, School Pictures will begin.

WEEKS 2-11 : Classes begin as normal, with assembly starting at 8:45 and the last bell ringing at 2:00 p.m.

Welcome to Gainesville

• Morton Museum - Free. Rotating displays about Cooke County and local Texas
  history.
• Amelia's Attic - Across from the courthouse on California Street. Great antique store. Fun for browsing or purchasing. It turned my 10 year old into an
  antiques-loving kid. It's also a great way to discuss history when the kids pick
  up something and say "What is THAT?"
• Weises - Commerce street across from the courthouse. They sell old-fashioned Dr. Pepper WITH SUGAR at the back of their store.
•  Frank Buck Zoo - Admission. BUT they have a great deal on an annual family pass.
  

Welcome to Denison

• TX travel information center - located on hwy 75 north of Denison. Great for pamphlets, information, and kid fun. Most workers aren't real kid friendly.
  
• Randel lake - take hwy 75 north watch for signs. This is the main source for Denison's water supply.
  
• Eisenhower State Park- hwy 75 north exit 72 turn left and follow signs. Hiking, camping, fishing, programs, etc. Admission fee
  
• Carpenters bluff bridge – Main Street, go east watch for signs. Old one lane
  bridge crossing red river.
  
• Waterloo park - playground, hiking/mountain bike trail, duck feeding, fishing
  pond.
  
• Eisenhower birthplace - admission fee
  
• Katy Depot- railroad museum, old train, radio station, etc.
  
• Historic driving tour - directions can be gotten at the Chamber of Commerce on Woodard.
  
• Frontier village – Loy Lake Road off hwy 75. Historic village with museum. Museum is free, admission fee to village. Now has HUGE bust sculpture of President Eisenhower out front that can be seen from the hwy. Drive around behind frontier village into the park area to see a old very large tower (used to be a water tank).
  
• Park with ruin type pillars - north side of the old TMC. Park in parking lot
  across the street from the old TMC and walk into the park on the north east
  section of the parking lot. There is a pavilion type area back there that has
  columns made from the old Denison railroad bridges, with a brick floor made of
  the old hand made bricks that used to line Denison streets. There is a plaque
  that tells the history of it all. Take your camera! This place makes awesome
  pictures.

Books-A-Million Reading Program

For the summer of 2012, Books-A-Million in Sherman has a fun program for children of all ages. Simply read 4 Dr. Seuss books to earn a free lunch bag!

This program is only offered at the Sherman, Texas location. Drop by their store to pick up the form and get all the details.

Children who are not yet readers may participate when a parent reads the books to them.