Friday, March 23, 2007

Passport to History Program

Passport to History Program

Calling all homeschoolers to “walk in the footsteps of history”!
Passport to History is an interactive program for elementary school children generally in the 3rd-5th grades. Each child receives a Delaware County Passport. Collect 5 stamps from participating historical sites in Delaware County and receive in a special awards ceremony for homeschool students, the following:
T-shirt
Framed Certificate
Lapel Pin

Delaware County has a rich history!!
Do you know where William Penn originally stepped foot on Pennsylvania soil? It wasn’t Philadelphia! The Caribbean isn’t the only place with Pirates!

This Program is free. Most historic sites are free with passport!

Program includes:
Guided tours of historic Chester sites upon request.
Play all about Delaware County at Hedgerow Theater in April.
All children in a homeschool family are eligible for Passport status!

Call the number below to learn more about “walking in the footsteps of history!

Debbie Frederick
Passport to History Coordinator
610-359-0826

Writer's Workshop at Wayne Art Center

Wayne Art Center is offering the following class for homeschool students:

Writer’s Workshop
Creating and Illustrating My Own Story
Thursdays, April 26 – May 31, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, $95
Ages 7-10
With Kathy Hubbard
Creative Writing teaches children important things such as spelling, grammar, sentence construction, and continuity. Each class will begin with the reading of exemplary children’s literature to allow the students hear good writing while at the same time opening up their imaginations. Then, using these stories and poems as a guide, students will learn about the mechanics of writing through the creation, development and revision of his or her own work. The children will be encouraged to keep an in-class “writing journal” in which he or she will work on a variety of stories and poems with the goal of choosing one piece to revise and illustrate for a final “book”. Our last class will be a story/poetry reading where students can, if they choose to, present their finished book to parents and classmates.

Kathy Hubbard has been teaching creative writing for over ten years and has a Master's Degree from New York University.

For registration information, please call Wayne Art Center at 610-688-3553, x200.
Wayne Art Center is located five minutes off Route 476 (Blue Route), St. Davids exit.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Delaware Theater Company: Student Matinees tickets still available

The Delaware Theater still has seats available for the following specially priced student matinees:
Driving Miss Daisy on March 15 and March 22 at 10:30 a.m.,
Henry V on April 26 and May 3 at 10:30 a.m. 
(All are Thursday student matinees.) 

Tickets are $10.50 each for education groups attending student matinees.  Call 302-594-1104, ext.204, to arrange for student matinee tickets and to find out about complimentary chaperone tickets.  Student matinee tickets must be reserved in advance. 
 
Tickets for education groups at regular performances may also be arranged by calling 302-594-1104, ext. 204.  Prices are $13 per ticket for education groups of 10 or more; the individual student rate is $15 per ticket. 

Johanna Schloss
Associate Director of Education
Delaware Theatre Company
200 Water Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-594-1104 ext. 204
Fax 302-594-1107
mailto:johannaschloss@delawaretheatre.org
www.delawaretheatre.org


More informaiton on the available shows"
Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry,  Thursdays, March 15 and 22, 10:30 a.m. 
Alfred Uhry's classic play Driving Miss Daisy tells the story of a Jewish widow and her African-American driver who develop a rewarding and unlikely friendship in the racially divided deep South. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement, the story weaves both national news-events and everyday injustices through their experiences, reminding us all that our diversity is rich, and our commonality is our treasure. 

 Related Core Curriculae
History: American Civil Rights Movement, U.S. Constitution, states' rights  
Language Arts: Static vs. dynamic characters, use of dialect in dialogue, traditional and nontraditional plot arc
Social sciences: Overcoming prejudice and bias, ageism in society, literacy

Henry V by William Shakespeare, Thursdays, April 26 and May 3, 10:30 a.m.
This classic play tells the story of the young King Henry V of England, a man who faces inner conflict with himself trying to be a leader of moral integrity, while struggling externally to unite his countrymen in the face of war.  Sanford Robbins (of the Univ. of DE's PTTP)  will direct this high-energy, theatrically imaginative piece. 
Related Core Curriculae:
History:  British history and monarchy, leadership styles during historical crises
Language Arts:  Prose and verse in Shakespearean text, dramatic exposition through dialogue

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Homeschool Overnight at Ashland Nature Center

Below is a note from David Pragoff, School Programs Director at Ashland Nature Center.

I have been hearing about these overnight programs at Ashland nature center for years.
I am told they are an experience not to be missed. I thought this time would be our turn.
Unforturnately, we have multiple conflicts that make it impossible for us to try this time.
:-(

I would urge anyone of you out there who can, to consider Participating...
The homeschool programs we have been attending since the fall have been top notch.
The facilities are warm and welcoming, the lands belonging to and accessible to the Nature
Center are awesome. View from the hill where we have gone hawk watching are breathtaking.

We were in the lodge last week for a program, I got a peek at the dorms where the overnight groups
sleep. There is a long wood walled, high ceilinged room on each end with rows of bunk beds for
the campers. (A side for boys, a side for girls.) Very warm, very inviting.
The kids all got a kick out of the large communal sink with the foot pedal to turn on the water.
There are showers, a kitchen, a great room. And I hear the highlight of the event is
the campfire down by the river in the evening...

Anyway, copied below are the details:

Greetings Everyone,
 
We wanted to send a reminder note about the upcoming Homeschool Overnight on March 29th and 30th.  Currently we have only a few families registered.  We would love to see many more come out for this experience immersed in science and nature!  
 
Printed below is the schedule for the overnight.  Please contact Judy Montgomery at judym@delawarenaturesociety.org if you have any questions.  To print a copy of the registration form, click on the link below. The program ID number is “S07-094-AS”
 
http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/edu/reg_form.html
 
We hope to see you for this exciting event!
 
~David
 
 
David H. Pragoff
School Program Coordinator
Delaware Nature Society
P.O. Box 700
Hockessin, DE  19707
phone - 302-239-2334, extension 133
fax - (302) 239-2473
www.delawarenaturesociety.org
 

From: judy montgomery
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 2:26 PM
To: david pragoff
Subject: Homeschool Overnight Adventure- March 07
 
Homeschool Overnight Adventure
at the Ashland Nature Center
 
 
 
 
 
Thur. March 29 – Fri. March 30, 2007
 
Join other homeschoolers this spring to learn about stream ecology and birding with binoculars, meet and learn about reptiles and amphibians and enjoy an outdoor campfire. Stay in the beautiful Ashland Lodge - heated and comfortable. Spacious great room and kitchen. Separate boys/girls bathrooms and dorms.
 
Overnight Activities Schedule:
Thurs. 9:30 a.m.                     Arrive and unpack
10:15                           *Introduction
10:30 – 12:30              *1st Program: Reptile & Amphibian Workshop
11:30 - 1:30               Bag Lunch/Free Time
1:30 - 3:30                  *2nd Program: Stream Ecology
5:30 – 6:30                  Dinner – family style
6:30 - 7:30                  *Evening Program – Frogwatch and night hike
7:30 - 8:30                  *Campfire with marshmallows
9:00                             Ready for bed
 
Fri.      7:00 – 8:00                 Breakfast
8:00 - 10:00               *3rd Program: Birding with Binoculars
10:15 – 11:30              *Backyard Habitat slide show
11:30 - 12:30              Lunch and building clean up
12:30 - 1:00                Clean up lodge/*Inspection, departure
 
All *starred activities led by Ashland’s experienced naturalists.
 
Cost is $25.00 per student for lodging and instruction. Minimum of 15 students.
One adult per family should plan to accompany their child
 (No charge for adults)
 
Simple meals are planned for dinner and breakfast. Participants will be asked to bring grocery items to share.  Meals will be cooperative.
 
Contact Judy Montgomery  - (302) 239-2334 x 127        judym@delawarenaturesociety.org
 
For more information on overnights, visit:
www.delawarenaturesociety.org

Friday, March 16, 2007

Forgotten Cats: Volunteers needed

This is a wonderful organization for homeschoolers to pick up public service/volunteering credit. Forgotten cats is a registered NFP and therefore recognized for state and federal requirements for volunteering credits, reward, academic requirements, etc...

Forgotten Cats is seeking volunteers to work in their adoption center in Christiana. The adoption center is located in the Petsmart located at 1291 Churchmans Road, in the Center Point Shopping Center, across from the Christiana Hospital.

Students must be 16 or older to volunteer on their own. However, those younger than 16 can volunteer along side their parents.

Volunteering at the adoption center is a great way to teach a myriad of values, the importance of volunteering, the responsibility that goes along with caring for other living things. Younger children will learn the hard work along with the
rewards of caring for animals, great way to test the waters before taking the plunge and adopting your own pet!

And volunteering for forgotten cats is not all work - there is of time in your shift to play with and cuddle your new furry feline friends!

For more information contact Gail: gail1220@comcast.net

Skipjack Martha Lewis

The Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc. needs volunteers onboard the Skipjack Martha Lewis.
No age requirement.
Training Provided.
410-939-4078
or
firstmate@skipjackmarthalewis.org
http://www.skipjackmarthalewis.org/discovery.htm

They also offer opportunities for educational field trips!

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research

Volunteers are needed to help care for injured wild birds. Volunteers must be 16 or older.
Saturdays: 11am
Tuesdays: 6pm
Tri-State's Frink Center for Wildlife, 110 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, De.
Contact: 302-737-9543
jbartley@tristatebird.org
www.tristatebird.org

Read Aloud Delaware Volunteer Training

Looking for a volunteering opportunity for your homeschooler?
Why not consider being a "Read Aloud" Volunteer?

Volunteers must be 14 or above to volunteer on their own.
They may volunteer younger than 14 when accompanied by and adult.

The next training session is:
Wednesday March 21st at the Bear Library, 101 Governors Place.

Read aloud offers training sessions about 3xs a month.

To find other dates and locations for training sessions visit
their website: www.readalouddelaware.org
The application to become a volunteer is also available on their website.
Or you may call: 656-5256

Monday, March 12, 2007

Brandywine Creek State Park: Spring Programs

For Immediate Release
Contact: Barbara Woodford, Nature Center Manager or Nicole Merrick, Naturalist
Brandywine Creek State Park
(302) 655-5740
FAX (302) 577-7756
Barbara.Woodford@state.de.us
Nicole.Merrick@state.de.us

Spring Comes Roaring In with Great Programs at
Brandywine Creek State Park

This spring the staff of Brandywine Creek State Park invites visitors to discover the beauty of its rolling landscape in a series of indoor/outdoor events and programs devoted to bird watching, canoeing, frogs, family activities, children’s activities and more. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming up:

Guided Canoe Trips
Each trip offered includes an American Red Cross Canoe Certified trip leader to safely guide you and your friends and family down the tranquil Brandywine from start to finish. Also, included in each trip is a Brandywine Creek State Park naturalist who will help you experience nature on a whole new level by highlighting the exciting things we see along the way. The fee for each trip is $45 per canoe with a minimum of two people and a maximum of three people per canoe. Participants aged 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Some snacks will be provided, but bring plenty of water. These trips have limited participation and advance registration is required. Please contact the Nature Center with questions or to register by calling (302) 655-5740.

• Canoeing Basics - 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29
This spring, learn something new and fun at Brandywine Creek State Park. An American Red Cross Canoe certified instructor will teach you all of the basics to get you started on your first canoe trip on the Brandywine. Get up to speed on safety and basic strokes on dry land before a calm 2 hour paddle down the Brandywine. A park naturalist will also be on hand to help identify the turtles, frogs, birds, and wildflowers we will see along the way! Snacks will be provided, but please bring plenty of water. Please be aware that shoes and clothes may get wet. Meet at the Nature Center.

• Wildflowers in Bloom Canoe Trip– 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Enjoy the calm beauty of spring as we search for Virginia Bluebells and other spring wildflowers that appear along the banks of the Brandywine. Join our park naturalist and American Red Cross Canoe certified trip leader on this guided canoe excursion. Some canoeing experience is recommended (such as attending our canoeing basics program). Meet at the Thompson’s Bridge parking lot.

• Birds on the Brandywine Canoe Trip – 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19
Spend a late spring afternoon paddling the calm Brandywine while listening and looking for all the beautiful birds that can be found along the way. We will stop for along the way for a light snack. Then, we will continue on down the Brandywine listening for the sounds of evening birds. Some canoeing experience is recommended (such as attending our canoeing basics program). Meet at the Thompson’s Bridge parking lot.

• Amphibians and Reptiles of the Brandywine Canoe Trip – 1p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 9
This trip is a surefire way to see a lot of great turtles and perhaps some other amphibians and reptiles while enjoying the beautiful Brandywine valley scenery. We will stop along the way and enjoy a snack provided by Brandywine Creek State Park. Some canoeing experience is recommended (such as attending our canoeing basics program). Meet at the Thompson’s Bridge parking lot.

Exciting Events:
Gather your friends and family for these great park events. This spring, there is something extraordinary for everyone to enjoy. Please call the Park Office or visit our website at www.destateparks.com/brandywine for fees and information.

• Kite Day – 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 21
Celebrate Earth Day at this once-a-year event by trying your hand at making your own kite! Join us for a day of fun and learning and soar to new heights in the great outdoors. The program fee is $2 per kite.

• Gary Lasako Memorial Special Populations Fishing Derby – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 28
Join us for the 27th Annual Special Population Fishing Derby. The derby is presented by the Delaware Trout Association, Brandywine Creek State Park, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Pre-registration is required. For further information, please contact the Nature Center at (302) 655-5740.

• National Trails Day: Cache-in, Trash-out – 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Beginners intro to Geocaching June 2
For beginners, a short introduction to using a GPS unit will be provided.
10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Cache-in, Trash-out Saturday, June 2
Have fun, learn something new, and take care of the park at the same time! Work in teams to located a specially placed geocache (a treasure trove of small rewards) using a GPS Unit. While you are searching for the cache, pick up any trash you spy along the way (gloves and bags will be provided). For the official Delaware State Parks geocaching policies, please see the following website: http://www.destateparks.com/geocache/index.asp. A limited number of GPS Units are available, but bring your own if you have one. There is no fee for this program. Advance registration is required to participate in the Beginners intro to Geocaching.

• Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at Brandywine Creek State Park – 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 22
In honor of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22, and Arbor Day on Friday, April 27, we head out to Brandywine Creek State Parks’s exclusive Flint Woods Nature Preserve. Learn to appreciate trees in a whole new way during this guided excursion through the Nature Preserve. Leave with tips on selecting trees for your own backyard that are beneficial to wildlife and a tree seedling! Participation is limited to 14 participants. The program fee is $4 per person. Pre-registration is required.


Educational Programs for all ages
The following programs and events meet at the park’s Nature Center. Advance registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register by calling 302-655-5740.

• Bird Walk Series – 8 a.m. Saturdays, March 31, April 28, and May 26
Birders from the Delmarva Ornithological Society will lead this advanced birding trip and offer tips and advice to birdwatchers. The program is free, with light refreshments provided by the Friends of Brandywine Creek State Park.

• Owl Prowl – 7:30p.m. - 9p.m. Saturdays May 19 and June 2
Following a presentation about the owls of northern Delaware, participants will head outside to search for signs of the park’s resident owls. Cost is $4 per person. No flashlights please.

• Birding Basics and Breakfast – Continental breakfast 9:30 a.m., and Birding for Beginners at 10 a.m. – 11a.m. Saturday, May 26
Start the day with a hot cup of coffee and a cool look at some of Brandywine Creek’s beautiful birds in this family friendly birding program. First, participants will see and hear some examples and then head out with binoculars on a half-hour hike. Breakfast will be provided by the Friends of Brandywine Creek State Park. Program is free of charge, with donations accepted for the park’s bird feeder project.

• What in the World is a Woodcock? – 6p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14
Learn about the exciting breeding ritual of the American Woodcock from park staff. Then, we’ll head out to try to find a Woodcock performing its breeding display. This program will last approximately 1 ½ hours and pre-registration is required.

• Frogs and Toads at Dusk: Family Fun During Spring Break! – 6:30p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12
We will learn some neat tricks to help you identify our local frogs and toads. Then we’ll head out into the park in search of these wild wonders. Please, no flashlights! This program will last approximately 1 hour. The program fee is $4 per person and pre-registration is required.

• Mysteries of the Night: Family Fun During Spring Break! – 7:30p.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 13
How good is your night vision? Bring your family and friends and explore nature at night. We will listen and look for a variety of nighttime delights! Please, no flashlights! This program will last approximately 1 hour. The program fee is $4 per person and pre-registration is required.

Flint Woods Nature Preserve
The following programs will meet at the park’s Nature Center and travel to the Brandywine Creek State Park’s exclusive Flint Woods Nature Preserve, a satellite area of the park with a mature stand of hardwood trees and rolling terrain. Programs at Flint Woods cost $4 per person and include transportation from the Nature Center.

• GPS Scavenger Hunt – 2p.m. Sunday, March 11
Do you like the outdoors but feel daunted by GPS technology? In this introductory program will teach you all of the basics using park provided GPS units. Then, you will try your hand at our specially designed scavenger hunt using your new GPS skills to guide you. Cost is $4 per person.

• Owl Prowl – 7p.m. Saturday, April 14
Following a presentation about the owls of northern Delaware, participants will head outside to search for signs of the park’s resident owls. Cost is $4 per person. No flashlights please.

• Celebrate Arbor Day at Brandywine Creek State Park – 2p.m. Sunday, April 22
In honor of Arbor Day on Friday, April 27, we head out to Brandywine Creek State Park’s exclusive Flint Woods Nature Preserve. Learn to appreciate trees in a whole new way during this guided excursion through the Nature Preserve. Leave with tips on selecting trees for your own backyard that are beneficial to wildlife! Cost is $4 per person.

• Mysteries of the Night - 7:30p.m Friday, May 18
.How good is your night vision? Bring your family and friends and explore nature at night. We will listen and look for a variety of nighttime delights in our exclusive Flint Woods Nature Preserve! Please, no flashlights! This program will last approximately 2 hours. The program fee is $4 per person and pre-registration is required.

• Animal Communication: How did Doctor Doolittle Do It? – 2p.m. Sunday, May 20
Learn how animals communicate and what they might be ‘saying.’ We will explore bird song, frog calls, squirrel tails, and more. This program will last approximately 2 hours. The program fee is $4 per person and pre-registration is required.

Children’s Programs:
• Terrific Toddlers – 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., for children ages 2-3, $5 per child
Thursday, March 22 and Friday March 23 – “Movin’ & Groovin’” answers questions like, “How do animals get from place to place?” Join us for this program and we’ll learn how animals get around. Put on your movin’ shoes and be ready to jump, fly, and run as we pretend to be our favorite animal and play animal games!
Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20 – “Welcome Spring!” After a long winter nap, spring is finally here! Let’s go on an adventure to look for the colors, sights and sounds of spring. After our adventure, we’ll have a snack and fun craft activity to welcome this colorful season.
Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18 – In “Nature Babies” new animal babies are everywhere! Bring your special someone to this program to learn about how animal mommies take care of their babies. We’ll take a walk outside and look for baby animals and their mommies and then make a lovely gift for your special someone.

• Nature Explorers – 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., for children ages 4-6, $5 per child
Thursday, March 22 – In “Animals on the Move” we’ll learn how our native animals get around and why they move the way they do. We’ll swim, jump, run and fly as we pretend to be our favorite animal.
Thursday, April 19 – “Changes are Springing!” It’s time to get on your hiking shoes! Weather, animals, plants and even you are changing as the weather gets warmer. In this program, we’ll explore outside to find some wonderful changes that spring is bringing, followed by a snack and colorful craft.
Thursday, May 17 – “Oh Baby, How You are Growing!” Animal babies are all around us and growing - just like you! We’ll talk about how animal mothers protect and care for their young. As we take a walk outside, we’ll look for animal mothers caring for their young. We’ll finish with a lovely craft for your special someone.

Advance registration is encouraged for these children’s programs at Brandywine Creek State Park, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. To register or for more information, please call 302-655-5740.

More About Brandywine Creek State Park: Brandywine Creek State Park offers year-round opportunities for enjoying our wild world. Towering tulip trees, old farm buildings, and rolling hills framed by grey stone walls welcome visitors to this beautiful park. Hiking, picnicking, nature trails, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing and a disc golf course offer visitors a variety of ways to enjoy their day.
Location: Brandywine Creek State Park is located just off the intersection of Route 100 & Rt. 92 on Adam’s Dam Road.
Hours: Park hours of operation are 8 a.m. until sunset, year round.
Admission: Park Admission charged daily May 1 through October 31, 2007. $3.00 per Delaware Registered vehicle, $6.00 per Out-of-State Vehicle. Annual Delaware State Parks admittance permits are now available at Brandywine Creek State Park Office.

For more information on the park, please visit www.destateparks/bcsp/bcsp.asp.
-end-




Barbara Woodford, CIM
Interpretive Manager
Brandywine Creek State Park
Wilmington State Parks
P.O. Box 3782
Greenville, DE 19807
Phone: 302-655-5740
Cell: 302-383-4608
Email: Barbara.Woodford@state.de.us

Brandywine Creek is now accepting registration for 2007 Summer Camps!
Summer Camps are online at www.destateparks.com !

Dupont Children's Theater: Seats still available for upcoming performances!

My family loves attending these performances, we try not to miss a single one!

There is still room available for the following:

Paul Revere: April 30th at 9:30 and noon. (New time and day.)
The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe: May 30th at either 9:30 or noon.
Have a Dream, the Martin Luther King Story: May 3rd at noon.

If you go to their web site you can download curriculum supplements for most of
the shows in their children's series.

For tickets and further information you may contact:
Barbara Slavin
DuPont THEATRE
DuPont Bldg
Wilmington DE 19801
302-594-3166
www.duponttheatre.com
email: Barbara.e.slavin@usa.dupont.com

Hope to see you there!