Old Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Homeschoolers

September 1, 2004 Newsletter #42 Editor: Suzanne
Student editor: Oleg


Mount Vernon Newsletter for homeschoolers

Thank you Moms and Dads for another great year. Last year, we enjoyed participating in joint classes with the group.Thanks to Paul for an outstanding math class that mentored the older teens and found the gaps in their math. Paul gave a very good overview and taught the teens lessons that brought them up to speed and helped their comprehension. It helped mine, too. The girls tested well this year.

Thanks also to Lisa N. who taught math to the younger and pre-teens. We are really proud of our math booklets with our understood concepts. The boys needed to be taught the math and vocabulary over and over and over. They listened and Lisa made sure they understood what was going on. The girls loved to go to writing with Lisa N.


Not Back to School Picnic

September 7th at Ft. Hunt Park!

4-H Parties

We love to party and play games with everyone. K has found a computer game called Civilization and has been having a blast with history this summer. We also found sculling with Sandy Run Scullers wonderful with Coach Martin. The kids are all incredibly buff.


Summer Orchestra

We spent all summer with violin and jury workshops with D.C. Orchestra. They take beginners and Sat. Sept. 4 is the instrument petting zoo. Moms and Dads walk around the track and actually talk to each other. It was very friendly.


Reading

Last year, we found that Reading Circle with library books checked out in triplicate was a tremendous incentive to read daily. Once a week math and daily homework, once a week writing club and lots of parties worked well.4-H twice a month and potlucks became the new tradition. The Dads and everyone came together and we had a really good time.


Lapbooks again this year

This year the lap book will be featured as a tool to research topics and produce a memory book that can be read by the youth and shown as a complete work. The calendar has "Arise Life on Earth" as the first topic. The study of science and history will be included in the books to be orally presented. Last year, we taped and presented each family with a CD with the children featured like stars and all we have to do is put them in the DVD player and they can watch each other give their speech and show their lapbooks. Thanks, Jeff. We do appreciate your making the copies. The grandparents liked watching the presentations. We hope the children like to watch them, too.


Calendar for This Year included

Lisa N. has made the calendar with all our most favorite activities. This year, we camp in 4-H. I am going to take my crew to Shenandoah's Skyline Drive for hikes on accessible trails into the wilderness. We will drive up and walk in with backpacks and walk back out after looking at waterfalls and nature. K and I went for a week-end and it rained constantly. We were ready to hike and came back disappointed but, eager to return and give our boots a work-out. Partakes offers lots of opportunities to participate in nature studies. The telephone number is included on the calendar. A reservation needs to be made with the park offering the event or co-ordinated with Lisa N @ e-mail address:napierrn@juno.com.

Badges for Rewards

Time Travelers was so much fun, the badges inspired my guys. Scouts and badges are offered through the parktakes also. Check it out and sign your youth up.


Editor has fallen and can't get up.

Yes, I took a header on the curb at Best Buy in Springfield. Crunched my glasses, scratched my phone and broke out my front tooth. Now, I truly resemble Alfred E. Newman of Mad magazine. The hillbilly Mama will not be out in public again. At least, not until the dentures are ready or the chicklet arrives. An infection set in and four teeth were removed. I eat soup and go look in the mirror. Well, I will not be in public for some time. This means my kids will be home schooled. The girls have enrolled in NOVA for languages. And, don't make me laugh or open my mouth if you see me.

Classical Education

Our family is using the Bauer book on classical education for this year. Italics writing, learning Greek and Latin roots. We hope to do Art and set up an art studio on our screened in porch, build a mews for the falconry apprentice and find a sponsor in time to get a red-tailed hawk this year. K has her hunting permit and we all are interested in learning archery and weapons. Everybody did well on testing this year. Spelling, grammar and vocabulary are on our list for concentration Also, playing classical music while we work. Bought several Teaching Company courses on Logic, Science and Geometry. Go on without me and just imagine I am there with you.

Newbies

Newbies, Play Group was great, but one of you needs to start one. Grist Mill or Ft.Hunt Park. Go there and talk to one another. Our kids have grown so fast, we let them drive us to Starbucks for grown Mom group. I have a senior this year, and time is flying. Also, check the events and show up if you want to meet some of our group.

Contact for Information About Mount Vernon Homeschoolers

Email address for Lisa N: napierrn@juno.com Recommended:
  1. Keith's Driving School
  2. Sandy Run Scullers
  3. Seton Testing Service
  4. Scholastic Books
  5. D.C Youth Orchestra
  6. Prince William Youth Orchestra
  7. Alexandria Music Store for teachers and instruments.
  8. Capital Jiu-Jitsu Team

Have a Great Year!!!

Click for 2004-2005 Calendar

Click here for Calendar