A little more info on Blessed Beginnings prek/k classes....

from Juli:

Here are a few answers to questions I thought might be helpful:

What dates do we begin & end?  

The 2nd semester begins Jan. 9th and we go through April 24th, skipping April 3rd (a total of 15 weeks). We meet Fridays from 12:30-3:00 at Lighthouse Baptist Church

Is it a big deal if we miss classes? How structured will be this be as far as continuing things from week to week? 

I know that especially in the winter months there are always unpredictable things that come up. If you have to miss then it's just the way it is :-) For the sake of the class it is helpful if everyone attempts to attend regularly. Classes/activities will stand alone. However it is always fun to build on previous weeks and revisit what has been learned. It is also extremely helpful to the teachers when possible to be informed if your child will not be coming.

How will parents be involved?  rotation duties?  

Parents are welcome to stay and help anytime. Some of you have mentioned you would be available to help. This is great! Especially during learning center times - having an adult sitting at the centers will help each area run smoother :-) If you would like to stay and help then please do so. You can help whenever you are available!

My only request is that you do not stay and chat with other moms in the room we are trying to have class in :-) This is very distracting for teacher and kids. If you stay to help then please, help: play with the kids, pass out supplies, encourage kids to listen to instructions, set an example ;-)

It is however not required to stay. I know how nice it can be to have a few hours with out children to go get something done! So don't feel guilty if you want to just drop and run ;-) Or perhaps you are or want to teach in KWEST or TWIST - now you can! They are always needing extra help with the older kids classes too. You don't have to have a student in the older groups to teach!

Is there a cost?

Just the same cost to be part of TWIST or KWEST. It's one set fee for the whole family regardless of what group you are part of and this helps us pay for the heat and such.

as far as for BB specifically...No not at this point...I think we should  be able to gather everything we need from donations. The only thing I may need to do is make copies and I am not sure how much that will cost me yet.

Some ideas for supplies/donations that I am looking for:

things like learning games, flash cards, puzzles, play dough, measuring cups and spoons, PreK sewing type activities, yarn, scissors, glue, scrap paper, water paint, paint brushes... also need some containers with lids to store the activities :-) If I need to I thought I would just go pick up the Tupperware shoebox containers from the dollar store.

I was basically hoping everyone could just take a look at what they already have at home and collect up one or two fun activities that they don't use to share with us. Items that are not consumed can be returned to you at the end of the semester (LABEL WITH YOUR NAME!) or if you would like we will keep them for the BB groups future use.

If you can bring what you have to Malachi's Family Café during our open hours before Jan. 9th that would be helpful for me to get it all organized...otherwise you can bring stuff to class in January.

I hope this helps answer your questions.

Blessings,

Juli

New preschool class offered on Fridays during TWIST & KWEST!

 Since I (Shannon!) am expecting a baby ANY day now, I do not know when we will open Countryside Playschool again (for more than playdates).  I am delighted that Juli is stepping up to fill the void while I enjoy the new baby (if he ever gets here!)!  Here is some info on the upcoming class:


So as you may have heard we are changing things for Kwest this next semester and adding bright beginnings. I am looking forward to this change- I think it will be more age appropriate for our little ones and better for the teachers too!
In case you don't know who I am: I am Juli Bounds, mother of Selah, Seanna, Kai Kai, Sofe, Shamarah (AKA. Marshy) and new baby Seth. I taught in Kwest last year the God's World class. Because we have a lot of preschool age kids this year we decided it would be good to have the BB group.
So here is what I have planned:
Bright Beginnings is for preK and kindergarten ages: basically 3-6yr
Be sure your 3 yr old is interested in school though - I recommend they should be older and mature 3 yr olds. You know your 3 yr old!
If you are unsure of whether your 6 yr old should be in Kwest or bright beginnings - base it on whether they can read or not. Kwest is designed for readers and BB is for non-readers.
We will be doing preschool activities in BB: I want to reinforce things they are learning at home and give a place they can practice with friends. We will do letters, colors, seasons, animals, art, music, PE... It will be a structured time.
I have decided to do the same time frame as Kwest and Twist as this is more convenient for those of us with kids in multiple groups. However for those of you who like the shorter schedule I have designed our BB time to work for you as well. The first and last 30 minutes of our time together will be learning centers. You may arrive any time during this first half hour and pick up anytime during the last half hour. However please if possible respect our class time and have your kids there in time for our first class and don't pick them up before we are done.

SCHEDULE:
12:30-1:00 learning centers (arrival)
1:00-1:30 Class Time
1:30-2:00 snack & PE
2:00-2:30 Class Time
2:30-3:00 learning centers (pick up)

SNACK > Please send a water bottle and a simple to open healthy snack with your child.

SUPPLIES > What the kids already have from the previous semester is fine: pencil box with basic supplies, crayons, pencil, glue...
> If you have any age appropriate learning games or other craft supplies that you no longer need that we could use in our learning centers we would appreciate it.
Also I am hoping to keep learning center supplies in small plastic totes - like shoebox size or slightly larger with lids...If you have any to share let me know.
If we get what we need donated we will not need to pay a supply fee :-)

SIGN UP >
So if this all looks good to you and you would like your child to participate then you need to please get them signed up :-) I need to know how many children to count on!
Simply email me with their name and age: 7bounds@gmail.com
Thanks!
Feel free to contact me with further questions!
Looking forward to having fun learning with your little ones!
Juli Bounds

Fast Transcripts info

Scott asked if we might link this info on our blog - here are the details if you are interested!
Shannon

Fast Transcripts gives homeschool parents the ability to create professional high school transcripts with error-free GPA calculation. Cost is only $16 ($12 for HSLDA members)

Scott Meadows
http://www.fasttranscripts.com/
706-353-3548

Free Swap this Saturday, Oct. 4

All are welcome!  If you have stuff to donate it can be dropped off from 10-12 at Faith Presbyterian on s. 24th & Monroe (around back).  If you just want to shop you can come from 12-2pm.  Everything is free!  Clothing, curriculum/books, housewares, toys, think really big, free yard sale :0)
See you there!
Shannon

2014-2015 Activity Information

Below you'll find the activities being offered this year - very similar to last year.  If you would like more information contact me & I'll send your info to the appropriate person (I don't want to put all of their personal info online ;0)).
Thanks & blessings!
Shannon

Quincy Area Christian Home Educators (QACHE)

Parent Informational Meeting for 2014-15 Academic Year

QACHE falls under the Illinois Christian Home Educators. You can go on the Illinois Christian Home Educators’ website www.iche.org and sign up to receive their free homeschool magazine. 

Why join QACHE?

v   Email notification of all QACHE activities

v   Support and encouragement

v   Fellowship with other homeschool families

v   Social activities/fieldtrips

v   Educational information and ideas

v   Group learning opportunities

v   Basketball (boys and girls)

v   Volleyball (girls)

Membership Benefits

• Yearbook
• Family Directory
• Group emails
• Family Gymnastics Night
• DVD:  Boot Camp
• Miscellaneous activity expenses subsidized

 Remember it’s up to YOU to see that these suggestions and ideas happen.  There is no prevailing committee

of people that organizes and makes things happen.  This is YOUR group.  If you would like suggestions or

advice about how to organize a specific event or activity from parents who have been in the group longer,

feel free to contact anyone on the executive committee and we’ll do our best to point you toward the

individuals who can give you the best information and help.

            Executive Committee:

                        Randy & Becky

                        Keith & Tami

                        Mick & Cindy

                        Curt & Amanda

                        Alan & Lisa

 When it comes to homeschool activities and fieldtrips, please consider the following:

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody

would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did.  Somebody got angry

about that because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought that Anybody

could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t.  It ended up that

Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

COMMUNICATION                                    Contact Person                                                       Contact email

QACHE Yahoo Group Email                            Cindy                                 

Email is for QACHE related material only.  If you have something that is not a QACHE event, you may send it out one time through the group.  Information sent should be informative, not a subjective opinion.  If in doubt, please send to a member of executive committee for review. 

QACHE Master Calendar                                 Cindy

QACHE Family Directory                                 Cindy

Every family who completes a Family Membership Form will be listed in the directory.  We realize there are many within our group who teach private lessons in various fine arts or have products or services to sell.  If your family owns a business and you would like to be featured on our business page in the directory, please get all information to Cindy by October 1^st. We also have an online business directory on the database section of the QACHE site.  Support our homeschool entrepreneurs!  

QACHE Picture Day                                         Cindy

Picture day will be 10:30-1:30 October 7 at Rock Church. Watch for details via email.

QACHE Yearbook                                            Kelly

                                                                        Carmen

Thanks for your help in making our QACHE yearbook a wonderful portfolio of homeschool memories!

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT              Contact person                                                Contact email             

Book It! Reading Incentive Program               

Motivate your Kindergarten-6^th grader to read by rewarding their reading accomplishments with praise, recognition and fun! Individual family enrollment via website: http://bookitprogram.com/Enrollment/homeschool.asp

Must enroll by September 1^st. Free enrollment!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (Spring)                    Coordinator needed!  (must have four year degree)

Music Events                                                   Amanda 

Muddy River Children’s Opera at JWCC, Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium.  Date TBA

Quincy Symphony Young People’s Concert at Baldwin Intermediate School – Date TBA

Quincy Area Youth Chorus (QAYC)     Paul                                          

            Fall & Spring Concert TBA

Quincy Symphony Orchestra Season Tickets

Children attend free!  You may contact the symphony office at 217-222-2856 for ticket and concert information.

Quincy Park Band

Free concerts all summer, every summer and one at Christmastime!  For more information and a concert schedule see www.quincyparkband.com

Teen Pact – Government Leadership School 

For complete details and information go to www.teenpact.com or talk to Mary  or Lisa .

GROUP LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES     Contact person                                          Contact email

Countryside Playschool                                  Shannon Jarvis                       peanutsissydog@gmail.com

Meets Tuesdays in Sept, Oct, Nov from 10 am – 1 pm with activities & fun for ages 2-8.  Group of 12 children will have 2 teachers. Located on Payson Road in St. John’s Cathredal.  $24 for 4 week session, with a $20 registration / supply fee.

Classical Conversations                                                                                  www.classicalconversations.com

Foundations (K-6^th) & Essentials (4^th-6^th):    Diane 

            Challenge (7^th-9^th):                                       Molly                            

Combines Biblical worldview and classical tools of learning as paid tutors equip parents and encourage students.

Parents accompany the students each week through classes where fun methods are used to “train the brain to retain.” Foundations  meets 9 am – noon; Essentials 1 pm - 3p.m.; Challenge A 9 am – 3 pm.

1^st Sem. begins Wednesday, Aug 27; 2^nd sem. Jan 7. Cornerstone Baptist Church 7918 Hwy MM, Hannibal.

KWEST (Kids working, encouraging, and sharing together) & TWIST (Teens working, interacting, & studying together)

            KWEST (K-3^rd grades)                          Kelly

            TWIST   (4-12^th grades)                         Cindy

                                                                        Amanda

1st Semester: Sep 12 thru Dec 12 (skip Nov 28) = 13 weeks

2nd Semester: Jan 9 thru Apr 24 (skip Apr 3) = 15 weeks

Fridays 12:30-3:30 PM, Lighthouse Baptist Church

SaintBots Robotic Team                                 Alan         

                                                                        Mick & Cindy            

7^th-12^th graders are given a challenge and work together as a team to build a robot that will perform the

assigned task.    More information about the program can be found at usfirst.com/ftc.  We will meet on

Fridays from 3:30 – 5:00  at Klingner and Associates'  office, located on the corner of 24th and College.

ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES                         Contact person                                                 Contact email                                 

www.quincysaints.org                 

Basketball – Boys varsity & JV:                      Alona Basketball Comm. Pres.

Tim  (coach)                          

                                                                        Jeff (asst.)                           

                    Junior High Boys:                      TBA                            

                    Girls:                                           TBA

Volleyball – Girls varsity & 14U:                     Molly  Athletic Director                 

Stacie            (coach)                        

                    Girls 4^th-6th                                 Annaliese     (coach)

Spirit Squad                                                    Amanda                              

                                                                      Erin

            Pom and flag team for girls age six and older.  October – February.

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

Kroc Center Swimming                                   Cindy                                  

Swimming lessons one day a week for 8 weeks.You pick Mon, Wed or Sat. 

Preschool: 9:00-9:45am.  School age: 9:50-10:35am.  Most Advanced (M/W only): 11:00-12:00pm. 

1st Session is week of 9/8 thru week of 10/27.  2nd session (Mon. ONLY because of holidays) 11/10 - 12/29. 

Session cost for preschool and school age is $24 for Gold member, $28 for other member, $40 for non-member. 

Session cost for most advanced is $30/$35/$50.

**You must register at the Kroc Center at least one week in advance or you will be charged more.

YMCA Swim/Gym                                            Jeanie

Quincy Table Tennis Club (QTTC)                                                                              ttennisinqcy@gmail.com

FUND RAISING OPPORTUNITIES         Contact person                             Contactemail

Box Tops for Education (BT4E)                       Coordinator needed!                          

Save your Box Tops and QACHE earns .10 for each one!

Hy-Vee Labels for Education                           Cindy

Cut out the UPC code (number should begin with 75…) from the label.   If possible please group them in

packs of 50 and designate that they have been counted already.  We receive 5¢ for each label.

Scrip Orders                                                    Michelle

MISC. FAMILY EVENTS / ACTIVITIES     Contact person                                             Contact email

Mom’s Night Out                                             Terry

6:30pm at Malachi’s Family Café (1739 Oak St).  All homeschool moms are invited.  Topic of discussion

will be decided by those attending.  Held 2^nd Tuesday of each month.

Clothing Swap / Curriculum Sale                    Shannon Jarvis                   peanutsissydog@gmail.com

            Details TBA.  Most likely in October.

Operation Christmas Child                             Mary                                       

National Collection week is November 17-24^th and relay center is located at LifePoint Bible Church,

1739 Harrison.  If you are interested in volunteering, or for more information, please contact Mary Shelor. 

For complete details check web site:  www.samaritanspurse.org

Gymnastics Center Family Night                     Cathy

            An all-time favorite family fun night. Watch emails for details. 6:30-8:30 pm Friday, April 10, 2015.

Fall Family Dinner/Spring Family Picnic -       Coordinator(s) needed for either or both!                                          

These two dinner events have been wonderful family get-togethers, and we have had some awesome

speakers and presentations. Please consider making either or both a priority for your family to attend. 

Graduation Ceremony                                     Coordinator needed!                          

Carnival                                                           Coordinator(s) needed!

            A fun family event, usually held in late Spring as an end of the year party.  Families run carnival style

booths, with everyone in attendance donating prizes to be handed out.Details in the Spring.                       

GROUP FIELD TRIPS                                                                                                           .

If you have a new fieldtrip idea, or would like to organize a fieldtrip, please do so!  Simply check with Cindy who oversees the QACHE calendar to be sure there is no major conflict with other events.   Then send out a group email with your specific details, sign-up, etc.   Remember:  As coordinator of a field trip, please designate a photographer for submitting photos to the yearbook.

Fieldtrip ideas:  This list is not exhaustive in any way. It is a combination of fieldtrips done in past years, as well as some of your suggestions for new fieldtrips.

Area Bank Tour                                Going Bonkers                   Library                                Quincy Herald Whig

Auntie Ann’s Pretzels                     Heartland Dairy                 Lock & Dam Tour             Quincy Museum Tour

Buffalo Wild Wings Rest.                              HIS Ranch                          Mark Twain Cave               Quincy Police Dept

Continental Cement                         Hummel Springs                Mill Creek Farm                R Pizza Farm Tour

Dot Foods                                          KHQA or WGEM              Old Tyme Assoc.                              Springfield IL Lincoln Sites

Edgewood Apple Orchard                             Klingele Vet Clinic           Papa Johns Pizza                              Starbucks

Fire Safety House                             Knapheide Tour