PSIA Competition - Call for contestants

With 19 contest categories covering a wide range of disciplines, PSIA is an exciting opportunity for students to engage in academic competition with their peers throughout the state of Texas. PSIA contests span all levels from Grade 1 to Grade 8 —and PSIA is open to homeschoolers, too!

PSIA programs are designed to support the basic academic curriculum. Contest preparation is easily implemented into daily studies, and participation in academic meets serves to enrich skills. PSIA academic contests are designed to motivate students to find new excitement in learning, achieve a higher mastery level, and receive recognition and awards for academic excellence. Several local homeschoolers have even won scholarships through their involvement with PSIA!

Learn more about PSIA at their website:
www.psiaacademics.org
REGISTER for the Team Here

Extraordinary Education's group membership allows us to send up to 3 students per grade/age level per event to the local District competition. Students who do well at the District level may go on to the State tournament. It is time to register students for these competition slots!
REGISTER for the Team Here

PSIA DISTRICT 12AA CONTEST
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Host Site: Trinity Lutheran School, Spring

Please check out the contest descriptions on the PSIA website at www.psiaacademics.org then let us know ASAP if your student is interested in filling any slots on our team. There are a limited number of slots available for each event, and slots are filled on a first come basis. 
REGISTER for the Team Here

NOTE: PSIA rules allow students to compete up to two grade levels above their current grade level but they can never compete below level. Also, a homeschooled student’s grade placement is determined according to their age on September 1st (the grade they would be in public school.) It can benefit an advanced student to compete with their age-mates in academic contests.

PSIA EVENTS OFFERED

LANGUAGE ARTS:

• Creative Writing (Grades 1-2) 
  Using a prompt of several pictures, students have 30 minutes to create an original story based on the pictures.
• Ready Writing (Grades 3-8) 
  Students are given a choice between two prompts. Each prompt defines the audience and provides or implies the purpose for writing. Time limits vary by grade level.
• Spelling (Grades 2-8) 
  As spelling words are pronounced contestants may either write or print each word. Test words come from the current PSIA Spelling List (80%) and from outside sources (20%).
• Dictionary Skills (Grades 4-8) 
  Students use all elements of the dictionary as they learn practical techniques for extracting and applying resource information.
• Vocabulary (Grades 5-8) 
  SAT preparation skills, including word usage, reading comprehension, and analogies, are honed through this challenging multiple choice, 30-minute contest.
• Listening Skills (Grades 4-8) 
  Contestants may take notes as they listen to the contest script on CD, and then use these notes as they answer objective test questions in 10 minutes.

MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE:

• Mathematics (Grades 2-8) 
  In a multiple choice 30-minute math test students are challenged beyond their grade levels in a variety of general math questions including algebraic equations.
• Number Sense (Grades 4-8) 
  Contestants find high-speed solutions to math problems in this exciting and challenging 10-minute contest in mental mathematics.
• Calculator Applications (Grades 6-8) 
  This 30-minute contest develops mathematical reasoning and knowledge and requires application of problem solving skills toward realistic problems.
• Maps, Graphs & Charts (Grades 4-8) 
  Students are challenged to obtain information from visual sources. Tests include maps, graphs & charts needed to answer multiple choice questions derived from the 2003 or newer editions of the Nystrom Desk Atlas.
• Science (Grades 6-8) 
  Earth, Life and Physical Science information are tested in this 30-minute, multiple choice contest, which usually consists of 50 test questions.

FINE ARTS:

• Music Memory (Grades 3-8) 
  Students identify composers and selections from some of the world’s best known classics. Contestants write answers as they hear 15-second segments of the music and also take a 20-item test over information found in the current PSIA Music Memory Student Handbook.
• Art Memory (Grades 4-5) 
  Students are challenged to identify the artist and the work and answer questions about the art and the artists found in the current Art Smart Bulletin (paintings are from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D. C. and museum in Texas.)
• On-Site Drawing (Grades 6-8) 
  Using a display still life model consisting of from 4 to 7 objects, contestants produce a rendering on regular drawing paper using any drawing media. Contestants have 45 minutes at the contest site to produce their work of art.

SPEECH EVENTS:

• Storytelling (Grades 1-3) 
  Contestants hear a story that they retell before an audience. Contestants will have approximately 6 minutes to retell the story in their own words.
• Poetry Interpretation (Grades 4-8) 
  Students select, prepare and read a literary prose selection, with introduction, within a six-minute time limit.
• Impromptu Speaking (Grades 6-8) 
  Students are challenged to organize their thoughts on a topic for three minutes, then speak for five or fewer minutes without notes.
• Modern Oratory (Grades 6-8) 
  A challenge in writing and speaking, students prepare a short speech to examine the pros and cons of an issue (choice of 5) and defend their points of view. Contestants take a convincing stand on only one side of the issue.

For more details and rules about specific contests and events, please refer to the PSIA website links above.

Registration Information: 
REGISTER for the Team Here

• Registration with the EE Team is $35 per student per event for current EE students and $40 per student per event for non-members. Individual homeschool families may also compete by registering directly with PSIA. The cost is usually greater to compete as an individual family.
• Registrations and fees must be received in the EE office at least 4 weeks prior to the contest date.
• There is a limit to the number of students we can enter. Students must be registered and PAID to fill a slot.
• We can enter up to 3 students per grade level per event. Some events have combined grade levels, and we may only enter 3 students in those grades combined.
• Students may only compete in non-conflicting events. There are special rules for double-entry that only apply to specific events. Please refer to the PSIA Conflict Pattern Schedule for more information.
• Families who participate are expected to fill judge/grader slots on the day of the contest.
  Our group is required to provide one volunteer judge or grader for every 2.25 entries. Your family should plan to fill one slot for each 2.25 contests in which your own students compete. Volunteer slots may be filled by either or both parents, another family member, friend, neighbor or even a high school or college student. Our team will be penalized if we do not fill our assigned slots, so volunteers must be reliable.

Contest Preparation:

• Paid contestants are welcome to make use of the study materials available at EE. Study materials may not leave the EE campus, but parents are welcome to make copies for a small copy fee. We have invested many dollars in purchasing prior years' tests and other materials. We are thrilled to share them with our contestants!
• Parents will need to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT with the Director if they need to make copies or view PSIA materials.
• Please MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE on the EE website or send an email to extraed@att.net.

REGISTER for the Team Here

Robotics Team Wins Awards at BEST Regional Championships

Extraordinary Innovation Labs BEST Robotics Team competed at the Texas BEST Regional Championship Tournament in Dallas on November 13-14, 2015. The team had their best showing at Regionals in many years.

The Robot Division performed quite well, making it to the semi-final round out of 60 teams in attendance. In the end, the team’s robot placed 12th and also won the “Most Robust Award” for its quality craftsmanship and reliable design.

The Marketing Division was also recognized for their efforts with a 4th Place BEST Award. This prestigious award takes all components of the competition into account including the Marketing Presentation, Marketing Display Booth, Engineering Notebook, Robot Performance, and Team Spirit. This is an outstanding accomplishment among very stiff competition.

The team will be looking for new members for next year’s competition, so be on the lookout for information. The team in planning to host a number of off-season training events to help prospective members learn skill such as 3-D printing, CAD design, CNC machine operation, programming, web design, and more. In addition, the team is planning to host some fundraising camps next summer including Lego Engineering Camps and Minecraft Camps.

If you would like to stay informed about upcoming EIL Robotics team events, please send an email to info@eilrobotics.com to be added to a mailing list.

EE Fall Festival

Friday, November 6th
1:00-4:00 p.m.

Students and families are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun at this FREE family event at Extraordinary Education.

• Hop on a Hayride
• Roast Marshmallows over a campfire
• Participate in the extreme sports of Potato Sack and 3-Legged Racing
• Get your Face Painted
• and MORE!

My Young Entrepreneurs Club will be selling concessions--Bring cash and support your classmates

This special event is presented by E.E.'s Event Planning Class.

We do need a few parent volunteers for 30 minute shifts.

Please sign up to volunteer using this link:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B4BA4A72BA3F49-fal

BEST Robotics–Extraordinary Performance!

The Extraordinary Innovation Labs team competed on October 17  in the 2015 North Houston BEST Robotics competition.

The team earned high honors taking 1st PLACE in the overall BEST AWARD competition. The BEST Award is the highest honor a team can earn in BEST. It encompasses all aspects of the competition in 5 different areas including a Marketing Presentation, Marketing Display, Engineering Notebook, Robot Performance and Team Spirit.

The team also earned 2nd PLACE overall in the ROBOT COMPETITION, narrowly losing to Clear Creek. In addition, the team won 1st PLACE MARKETING PRESENTATION and received the FOUNDERS AWARD FOR CREATIVE DESIGN for the third year in a row.

The North Houston HUB contest included 15 registered schools such as the Academy of Science and Technology, John Cooper School and Clear Creek High School among others. The team now moves on to the Regional BEST Competition to be held on November 13-14 in Dallas. Be sure to congratulate these outstanding students when you see them!

BEST Robotics Contest 10/17/2015

          Excitement is building for the BEST Robotics Competition which will take place this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015 at Woodlands College Park High School. Robots will be competing all day from 9:30am until 3:00pm. Plan to bring your family out and cheer on the Extraordinary Innovation Labs team from Extraordinary Education. Don’t forget to wear the team’s colors for this year which are black, grey, white and copper and bring your noisemakers. (no air-horns allowed)

          The B.E.S.T. Competition is a robotics competition held annually. The program seeks to Boost Engineering, Science and Technology among middle and high school students. It lasts six weeks and challenges students to use processes in engineering and design to develop a fictional company that will build a robot to meet a certain need. This student led team then competes with other teams from across their area to test and market their product.

          The theme of this year's competition is “Pay Dirt”. The “need” that must be fulfilled involves mining for resources including coal, copper, aluminum, iron, lithium and aggregate and well as mining safety. The challenge also incorporates the commodities market and fluctuating prices (points) based on supply and demand.  Extraordinary Innovation Labs, sponsored by the Extraordinary Education Center, is a team of homeschooled students ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. The team has participated in the BEST competition every year since 2001.

          2015 presents a new challenge and therefore, produces a new team who will be fulfilling this challenge. Our team’s fictional company this year is called “Rolling Stones”. We are looking for safe, efficient ways to mine resources as well as repair and maintain the mine. In order to complete all the tasks that lead up to final game day, the team is divided into two divisions: Technology Division and Marketing Division. Each division is in charge of a crucial part of constructing or promoting our company and products.

The marketing division's job is to promote the company. In order to do this, the group must set up meetings with future employees, create outlets where people can view the team, and even come up with a presentation to a board of potential investors (judges) while maintaining a professional environment. Marketing is accountable for just as much work as the technology division, although their work is more public and less physical. However, marketing members do have the opportunity to build when it comes time to construct their booth for Game Day.

Of course, the other division is the technology department. In the technology department they deal with the construction of the product. Their product, the robot, has to complete certain tasks and also comply with restrictions given by the judges in order to score. They help marketing by giving them information on how the robot was built, the math involved, and plenty of other things required for The Notebook. Both teams are tested in their abilities to work together to create and accomplish tasks dealing with both the physical and organizational aspects of developing a company.

To learn more about BEST Robotics or EIL's Robotics team, you can always visit the team website for more information. (www.eilrobotics.com)

FAITH Graduation–Registration

FAITH of NW Houston Graduation
May 21, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
2200 Lake Woodlands, Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380

FAITH of Northwest Houston is excited to once again sponsor our Homeschool Graduation Ceremony for the community.
NOTE: This is not an EE-sponsored event. It is open to any area homeschoolers. We are passing on the information since EE does not sponsor a graduation ceremony at this time.

Cost: $325* per Graduate
*All fees are non-refundable and may not be transferred

Registration will open on October 12.  If you have a 2016 graduate and are interested in your student graduating with FAITH of Northwest Houston Homeschool Graduation, please go to the following website and click on ‘Graduation 2016’ in upper left corner:  www.ecoops.com/faith  Here you will find the link to the application and instructions.  The application includes the fee schedule and dates of mandatory meetings and deadlines.

We have space for 56 graduates this year.   Applications are accepted in the order received, so if you know you are interested, please fill out the online application ASAP and pay the deposit by PayPal or by mail.  Payment must be received to secure your graduate’s spot.  Historically, the spots fill up quickly so don’t wait.

A quality graduation requires the work of many.  Please prayerfully consider how you can best contribute in order to make this a memorable graduation for all of our students.  Also note that you will be asked at the bottom of the application to offer two names, emails and phone numbers of potential junior or sophomore high school student volunteers or adult volunteers to assist on graduation day.  This is a great help to us! Please think about this ahead of time, ask their permission, and gather their information before you begin your application.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact this year’s co-directors, Andrea McCourt and Judith Hill.

Blessings,

Zelpha Franzmann,
Faith of Northwest Houston Administrator

Andrea McCourt,
Faith of Northwest Houston Graduation Co-Director
andrea “at” eheat.com; 281-415-1695

Judith Hill,
Faith of Northwest Houston Graduation Co-Director
judith1hill “at” yahoo.com; 713-829-5911

P.S. Once we have 56 applications, the system will no longer accept any more.  If you find this to be the case, please go to the link for the “2016 Graduation Wait-list”. We will take 10 on this list.  We are truly sorry to have to limit the number of graduates, but it is necessary to keep the personal tone of the graduation ceremony.  No deposit is necessary unless accepted from the wait-list.

“Giving glory to God as we celebrate the accomplishments of homeschool graduates”

Super Moon/Lunar Eclipse Viewing Event

Sunday, September 27th, 2015
7:00 pm-12:00 am

Come join us at the MakerBarn for a view of the Super Moon and Lunar Eclipse. We'll have telescopes set up, and we'll grill up some hot dogs. The Barn is a great location from whence to watch the sky.

Please RSVP at the link below so we’ll have an idea of how many hot dogs we’ll need.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GTIIraAVBDDfCGWNDSgH76UU8cSRtSZdBctzhhF6XUo/viewform

Here are some links where you can learn more about this special astronomical event.

http://www.space.com/30427-supermoon-total-lunar-eclipse-september-video.html

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/Gallery/SupermoonLunarEclipseSeptember2015.html

2015 PSAT - A Completely DIFFERENT Test

2015 PSAT - A Completely DIFFERENT Test

Join Dr. Beasley for a webinar on Sep 08, 2015 at 7:00 PM CDT.

Register now!

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5959468840183086594

The October 2015 PSAT has been completely redone: different format, different type of questions, different scoring, different everything! Most people are unaware of the changes. Find out what to expect and how to prepare.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

View System Requirements

Presenter: Dr. Kuni Michael Beasley
BS, MBA, D. Min., Ph.D.
President, Beasley College Prep
Dean, NEW College Prep & National Homeschool Academy

Please Note: Due to issues beyond our control, Extraordinary Education is unable to offer the PSAT at our campus this year. Please contact your local high school immediately to find out their procedures for registering to take the test.

BEST Robotics Team Meeting–Tues 9/1

It's time for the new BEST Robotics season!

Extraordinary Innovation Labs invites current and prospective members  to our annual Team Kick Off Meeting on Tuesday, September 1st. The BEST Robotics Competition Kick Off Day is on September 5th, but we need to get organized before we jump into this year's competition!

EIL BEST TEAM KICK OFF MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st
7:00 - 9:00pm
Extraordinary Education Center "Dewberry" Room (middle portable building)

• Gear up for Hub Kick Off Day on September 5th
• Info for new members
• ELECTIONS!

RSVP: If you are interested in being part of the team this year, PLEASE RSVP by completing the INTEREST FORM here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GnRD76drYDOzxwBbX2Dpo-LJg6nl39tI2JwgZKVJfK0/viewform

Many important team dates, times and locations are noted on the INTEREST FORM.

Learn more about BEST at the links below:

North Houston Best HUB: http://www.northhoustonbest.org/

EIL Robotics Team Website: http://www.eilrobotics.com/
Note: This was the website for last year’s competition. Not all features are functional at this point in time.

MakerBarn at EE: https://www.facebook.com/thewiz.zone

With the establishment of the new MakerBarn at EE we have some great opportunities for our students to learn skills and receive coaching from some amazing engineers and "makers" of all kinds. I hope your family will join us for this exciting year of robotics!

Elise Eaton

Meet the Teachers & New Family Meetings

Meet the Teachers / Open House
August 13th @ 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Come out to Extraordinary Education for an Open House and Meet the Teachers event. You will have a chance to speak directly with our teachers and find out about the classes they are offering this year. Registration will be available at the event. A New Family Overview will be offered prior to this event from 6:00-7:00.

New Family Information Meeting
August 13th @ 6:00-7:00 p.m.
New and prospective families are invited to join us at Extraordinary Education for one of our final New Family Overview Meetings before the start of the new school year. These are informational meetings hosted by the Director. Question & Answer and a brief tour will follow the meeting. Be sure to invite your friends who may be wondering what EE is all about.
RSVP is requested. Please register for a meeting by clicking on the date in the calendar that you would like to attend.
http://www.extraed.net/new_family_information
Please plan for a MINIMUM of ONE HOUR for the New Family meeting plus additional time for question & answer and an optional tour of the campus. Prospective students ages 9 and up are encouraged to attend. Siblings and younger children and welcome, but they may become bored. All children must stay with a parent at all times while visiting the campus. 

Lone Star College Placement Test Prep Workshops

The Extended Learning Center (ELC) at LSC-Tomball is offering two College Placement Test Prep Workshops for prospective dual credit students. Students will be assessed and will then be offered specialized tutoring to help improve scores. By participating in this initiative, students will learn the importance of the TSI, they will also have free access to online practice material and the best part of all, these students will be offered a ½ off voucher to take the TSI. There will be two workshops offered on August 10^th or August 17^th . The workshops will be held from 1:00-4:00 pm. Please note that a student can only RSVP one date, they cannot confirm one spot and “reserve” another for a different date, due to limited availability in each workshop.

- In order to RSVP a student for this workshop, please contact Vivian Rogers by email or phone:
Vivian.l.rodgers@lonestar.edu
832-559-4242
**ONLY 25 SEATS AVAILABLE**

Lone Star Dual Credit Information

Having just struggled through the Lone Star College online application process multiple times and then having to go down to the LSC office and have someone walk me through it, I thought it might be helpful to put together a spreadsheet of what I have learned about applying for dual credit at LSC. I am not technologically challenged, so I figure if I am having problems plenty of other people are!

http://tinyurl.com/lscdualcredit

Also - For those who may be interested, EE has been able to reserve a number of seats in the SAME sections of certain online classes. You do not have to be a member of EE to join these class sections through LSC-Tomball.
Fall: English 1301 / Spring: English 1302
Fall: History 1301 / Spring: History 1302
Fall: Math 1314 (College Algebra) / Spring: Math 1316 (Trigonometry)
Fall: Government 2305 / Spring: Economics 2301

Being in the same class section with friends and other dual credit homeschoolers can help your child by allowing him/her to collaborate and study together with other students. All of the students in that section will have the same teacher and the same homework, etc. If we get enough kids enrolled in a section (I think it is 10 kids) then that section will be limited ONLY to our homeschool kids and they will have the teacher all to themselves. :-)

If you wish to join one of these special dual credit online class sections, you will need to enroll though the LSC-Tomball campus and go through the LSC-Tomball Dual Credit Advisor to be enrolled in these EE sections. Even if your child is registered with another campus, they can enroll in one of these sections. They only need to contact the LSC-Tomball Dual Credit Advisor to do it.

A Dual Credit Lab is also being set up at the EE campus where students can get on a computer to work on class assignments while also receiving help from a mentor in the room. This is primarily designed for students who are taking other classes at EE, but any student enrolled in these LSC dual credit class sections is welcome to attend Lab. (There is an hourly cost for lab time.)

Dual Credit at EE - Info Meeting Monday 6/29

Representatives from Lone Star College will be at Extraordinary Education on MONDAY, JUNE 29 at 7:00pm to explain dual credit options to be offered at EE for Fall 2015. If you are considering dual credit for the 2015-2016 school year, please plan to join us for this informative meeting. Registration will be available at this meeting.
Students and parents are encouraged to attend together if possible.

Dual Credit Info Meeting
Monday, June 29
7:00-8:30pm
Extraordinary Education Campus
9522 Carraway, Magnolia, TX 77354

“All About Turtles” Nature Camp

Come on along to Nature Camp!

• See and interact with live turtles.
• Learn where they live and what they eat.
• Find out about the turtle life cycle.
• Sing, make projects, and play games.
• Have a great time learning!

Who: Children 4-8 years old     
Dates: June 15 - 18 (Monday - Thursday)
Time: 9:30 - 12:30
Cost: $100/camper Where: Extraordinary Education Learning Center 9522 Carraway Lane, Magnolia, TX 77354
REGISTER NOW!
What to bring:

• Healthy Snack
• Water Bottle
• Change of Clothes
• Towel

What to Wear:

• Waterproof Boots
• Comfortable Clothes (may get stained, will get wet/dirty)

Teacher:  Nancy Baker, M.Ed. Contact - teacherlady55@yahoo.com

AT-AT Walker - Build It Yourself Workshop!

Saturday, June 13
1:00pm - 4:00pm
14 years and up
Register Now!

All of the pieces to make this fantastic fully articulated AT-AT Walker have been pre-cut on a laser cutter. During the class, the instructor will walk you through putting it all together.

Only $35! This special price class is limited to 10 participants.

NOTE: All proceeds go to help fund the MakerBarn Project. You can learn more about the MakerBarn Project at the links below:

http://www.extraed.net/makerbarn
http://www.wiz.zone/

Woodlands Innovation Zone MakerBarn Project

The Maker Barn is coming to Extraordinary Education!
This exciting new makerspace project will be developed as a partnership between  Extraordinary Education, the Woodlands Innovation Zone, and My Young Entrepreneurs Club.
The Maker Barn will be a place where students can learn the practical application of S.T.E.A.M. education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and where adults can explore their own creativity as well. Classes for kids will be offered during the day through EE’s regular programs while the evening hours and weekends will be reserved for adults (older students working on a project will be welcome with a parent/guardian).
What is a Makerspace anyway?

To describe them simply, makerspaces are community centers with tools. Makerspaces combine manufacturing equipment, community, and education for the purposes of enabling community members to design, prototype and create manufactured works that wouldn’t be possible to create with the resources available to individuals working alone. These spaces can take many forms but they are all united in the purpose of providing access to equipment, community, and education, and all are unique in exactly how they are arranged to fit the purposes of the community they serve. Makerspaces represent the democratization of design, engineering, fabrication and education. (Source: http://spaces.makerspace.com)

The barn is approx. 3600sqft and we are estimating it will take approx. $20K (and a lot of free labor J ) to bring it to where it needs to be. EE also has other classrooms that could be utilized for teaching classes as well. This scenario is a win/win for everyone - The Woodlands Innovation Zone, Extraordinary Education, Montgomery Young Entrepreneurs, and the community!
MakerBarn Project Donation Page
What can you do to help? I'm so glad you asked!

• LET US KNOW YOU ARE INTERESTED! If you are interested in being part of making the Maker Barn project a reality, please contact Jeannie James, the group coordinator, to let her know about your interest.   
• TELL YOUR FRIENDS about us!!  We need to build as much community support and momentum as we can right now. The more interest we can garner in the beginning, the faster we can get this thing built.  So talk to your neighbors, your friends & family, your co-workers. Most people don’t even know what a makerspace is and we need you to help educate them!
• Let us know what you are most interested in using a makerspace for.  As we develop a plan and begin to build out the space, this will help us in deciding where to focus our time & money first. 
• Volunteer your time and expertise for the build-out! We will need a lot of helping hands to get the barn cleaned out first. Then there will be electrical work, plumbing, & A/C work to do. We will need to put up a few walls and seal off the elements, as well as add some storage for EE’s existing needs as well as the Maker Space needs.  We could also use some website & marketing help. 
• Volunteer to teach a class. We have the opportunity to raise funds this summer even while the build-out is going on by utilizing EE’s additional classroom space. You can teach a one-time class or a week-long day camp type class or even an extended class over a series of weekends. You are limited only by your imagination.  So whatever your "maker" specialty, we’d love for you to share it with us.
• Consider donating to Extraordinary Education (EE) to help fund the build-out and equipping of the Maker Barn. A webpage has been set up to allow folks to donate to this project on-line at the link below. A lot of people donating just a little bit will go a long way in getting this done. 
  MakerBarn Project Donation Page
• We are also looking for corporate funding, either monetary or in the donation of equipment and supplies.  If you own a company, work for a company, or know of a company that would be interested in supporting what we are doing, please let us know!

Upcoming Meet the Teacher Events

Please plan to join us at these upcoming Meet the Teacher events! You will meet our extraordinary teachers and learn more about our 2015 classes.

Saturday, April 11, 2015
Homeschool Family Expo
http://www.homeschoolfamilyexpo.com/
Klein ISD Multipurpose Center
7500 FM 2920 Rd, Spring, TX 7737
10:00am-3:00pm
Extraordinary Education is one of the presenting sponsors.
You will find our booth next to the entrance.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Open House/Meet the Teacher
EE Campus, Lunch Room Building
6:00-7:00 - New Family Info Meeting
7:00-8:30 - Open House/Meet the Teacher

Thursday, May 7, 2015
Open House/Meet the Teacher
EE Campus, Lunch Room Building
6:00-7:00 - New Family Info Meeting
7:00-8:30 - Open House/Meet the Teacher

Mock Trial State Contest Results

The Extraordinary Education Mock Trial Team competed at the Texas State Mock Trial Tournament in Dallas on March 6-7, 2015. This was the third year that the EE team has advanced to state and also the third year that EE has competed in mock trial.

The team earned a number of nominations for "Outstanding Witness" and "Outstanding Advocate" in their rounds. Each judge can nominate only one ONE student for each of these awards per round, so each nomination is a great honor. To receive recognition at the banquet a student had to be nominated by all three judges in a single round or by two judges in each of two separate rounds.

Here are the nominations our team received for these awards.

Outstanding Witness

• Jacob Smith (3 nominations)
• Arin Yost (2 nominations)
• Ethan Briscoe (1 nomination)

Outstanding Advocate

• Jonathan Mitchell (4 nominations) – AWARD, RECOGNIZED
• Arin Yost (4 nominations) – AWARD, RECOGNIZED

Our team was the only team out of 28 teams at the contest to have two students recognized for the Outstanding Advocate Award.

In general, the team did very well at the state contest. Although they did not advance to the finals, they had split ballots in three of their four rounds and several of the ballots they lost were by a very small margin or even a single point. Their only decisive loss was to Tivy High School - who went on to compete in the "Final Four". Be sure to congratulate these extraordinary students when you see them!

Mock Trial Team members pictured above (l-r)
Bottom row:
Ethan Briscoe, Arin Yost
Second row:
Jason Eaton, Jacob Smith
Third row:
Allison Chamberlain, Natalie Herreid
Top row:
Matthew Sheppard, Jonathan Mitchell
Not pictured:
Team Sponsor: Elise Eaton
Attorney Advisor: Maureen Ball
Coaches: Michael Eaton, Karina Brisack

NOTE: EE is looking for students to be part of next year’s Mock Trial team. Membership is limited to 10 students. Be sure to register early to claim your spot!

Extraordinary Results at PSIA Contest!

Extraordinary Education students competed at the Private Schools Interscholastic Association District 10A contest on Saturday, March 28, 2015. The competition was held at
San Jacinto College North. FIFTEEN of our students placed in the top 6 spots in a variety of events ranging from traditional subjects such as Math, Science and Vocabulary to more creative topics such as Drawing, Writing and even Music Memory. EIGHT of these students are now qualified to advance to the State contest and  TWO more are qualified as alternates. The PSIA State meet will be held in Fort Worth in May. Be sure to congratulate these students when you see them!
Special thanks to Kuvonne Vorderbruggen for her hard work in coordinating the team this year!

Abigael Jones
* 1st PLACE - Number Sense 6 - STATE QUALIFIED
* 1st PLACE - Spelling 6 - STATE QUALIFIED
* 1st PLACE - Math 6 - STATE QUALIFIED

Kiki Vorderbruggen
* 1st PLACE - On-site Drawing 6 - STATE QUALIFIED
* 1st PLACE - Music Memory 5/6 - STATE QUALIFIED
6th PLACE - Ready Writing 6

Alina Rodriguez
* 1st PLACE - Vocabulary 5 - STATE QUALIFIED
* 2nd PLACE - Ready Writing 5 - STATE QUALIFIED

Kessa Vorderbruggen
* 1st PLACE - Music Memory 3/4 - STATE QUALIFIED
* 3rd PLACE - Ready Writing 3 - STATE ALTERNATE

Preston Morgan
* 1st PLACE - On-site Drawing 7 - STATE QUALIFIED

Nanma Abraham
* 2nd PLACE - Math 7 - STATE QUALIFIED
4th PLACE - Vocabulary 7

Emma Cruz
* 2nd PLACE - Science 7 - STATE QUALIFIED

Spencer Martin
* 2nd PLACE - Spelling 7 - STATE QUALIFIED

Catherine Salinas
* 3rd PLACE - Music Memory 7/8 - STATE ALTERNATE

Mia Cruz
* 3rd PLACE - On-site Drawing 6 - STATE ALTERNATE

Carlos Rodriguez
4th PLACE - Math 3

Bradley Rice
4th PLACE - On-site Drawing 7

Alexa Underwood
5th PLACE - Ready Writing 5

Olivia Salinas
5th PLACE - Maps, Graphs & Charts 4

Maddox Crenshaw
6th PLACE - Number Sense 5
6th PLACE - Math 5

Homeschool Football

Registration for the 2015 Warrior football team is now open. 

The Tomball Christian Warriors is a Christian-based, homeschool support organization that focuses on developing Godly men and women through competitive sports, striving for excellence in competition, character and ministry as to be an example of Christ throughout our community and around the world.

You can visit their website at www.tomballchristianwarriors.com

This is not an Extraordinary Education team, but some of our EE students are either currently on the team or have been in the past.

Fall 2015-Spring 2016 Schedule Preview

We have been hard at work creating the schedule for Fall 2015-Spring 2016. With so many different teachers and classes, and a wide variety of personal preferences and needs to take into consideration, it can be a challenging task!

You may preview the proposed schedule at the link below.

FALL 2015-SPRING 2016 DRAFT SCHEDULE

Please keep in mind that the EE schedule is always a work in progress. New classes will definitely be added over the next few months, and some will have to be changed to different times or days or be removed altogether for different reasons.

REGISTRATION IS NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME.

• CURRENT FAMILIES may register after 3/27.
• NEW FAMILIES may register after 4/17

Please also be sure to read the Fall 2015 registration requirements at the link above so you will be prepared for the registration process.

Conroe Area Homeschool Semi-Formal Event

May 2, 2015
Theme: A Night in Paris

Who:   Homeschool High School Students (grades 9-12, OR 14 yrs old by day of dance) and their guest.

This event is open to all area homeschoolers. You do not need to be a member of any support group to attend this event.

What: Semi-formal private party including dinner followed by dancing and music.  This event is not a “couples” event.  Join other homeschool high school students for a very special evening of fellowship and fun. 

When: Saturday, May 2, 2015.  6:30-11 pm

Where: North Montgomery County Community Center, 600 Gerald, Willis Texas

Mandatory Dress Guidelines:  You must dress appropriately or you will not be permitted entry into this event.

• Guys: Either (1) dress slacks and/or a traditional coat and tie.
• Gals:  Modest, no shorter than 4 inches above top of  knee-cap - to floor-length dresses. (Modest means: No cleavage and No backless gowns.) Every dress shorter than the knee will be measured before entering.  Failure to comply with dress code, students will not be allowed in and money will not be returned.
• Parents/Chaperones:  Your choice of semi-formal/formal dress (please observe the same guidelines set forth above) or church attire.

Conduct:  Keep your dress, dance, and attitude respectful.  Remember who you represent!  If your behavior is inappropriate, you will be asked to leave the event and you will not be allowed to re-enter.
Smoke-free and alcohol-free event! 
No Public Display of Affection!

Cost: (includes dinner)

• Early Bird by March 20: $50 per person including alumni
• March 21- April 17: $70 per person including Alumni
• NO Registrations will be accepted after April 17.  No WALK INS!
• Adults parents wanting to eat 30.00.  Adults not eating are welcome to attend or drop in free of charge, however, we will have a limited number of extra chairs.

Send the following information to:

Billie jo Craig
9613 Crystal Springs Dr.
Conroe, Texas 77303

Name
Address
Email – this is how we will send out information
ADULT contact phone number
Age
Grade

Checks payable to : Billie jo Craig

Questions: 936-203-2866 OR billiejocr@yahoo.com

Scholarship Opportunity

Montgomery County Right to Life is looking for students who would like to earn money for college and be part of God's work on our Lone Star College campuses.  MCRTL sponsored its first pro-life scholar, Christian Rodgers, in 2013.  Christian began Lone Star Pro-life group on the Montgomery campus of LSC and his group has quickly grown to 118 students.  God, the Giver of Life, is raising up a pro-life generation that is turning back the tide of abortion, euthanasia and disregard for life.  You can be a leader in God's work in our community!  Apply today!

• Amount: $2,000 per year.  Renewable.
• Devote 50 hours each semester to organizing pro-life projects and events through an on-campus pro-life group.  This averages out to only about  2.5 hours per week!
• Students agree to be in the program for a minimum of 2 years. 
• Deadline:  March 16, 2015
• Eligibility: Students who will be high school graduates, who will have at least 2 years of undergraduate course work to complete in the fall of 2015 at Lone Star College.
• Students will receive training through Texas Right to Life during the summer for 1 week to prepare them and will receive support and follow-up throughout their time in the program. 
• Application is available online at Montgomery County Right to Life's website:  www.mcrtlife.com

For more information please  visit www.mcrtlife.com or call Teresa at 281-900-8209

Stanford Testing 2015

Extraordinary Education will again be hosting standardized testing for those families who choose to test. Stanford Testing at EE is open to all area homeschoolers. See below for costs and co-op expectations.

• STANFORD Achievement Test (SAT) - MAY 18, 19, 20 (MON, TUES, WED)
• Daily test period: 9:00 am-noon (Exact times will vary by grade level and specific tests given each day.)

Please take some time to look over information about the test before registering. Basic testing information can be found on the BJU Press website: http://www.bjupress.com/testing/stanford.php

The STANFORD test will be ordered by families individually and administered as a group at the EE campus. The test results will be delivered directly to each family privately.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31.
LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UP TO APRIL 30, ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS. 
Please be aware that an expedited shipping fee may also be required by BJUP for test orders placed after our ordering window.

Please contact EVE GEIGER with questions about SAT testing. (egeiger@extraed.org) A separate email will be sent out to registered families with further information about the Stanford Test procedures and how to order the test for your child/children.

DETAILS

• The Facility Fee for current EE students is $5/student. (plus the cost of the test) 
  Facility Fees for current students will be deducted from your ClassJuggler account. You will still need to register below to reserve your child's spot.
• The Facility Fee for non-members is $15/student. (plus the cost of the test)
  Facility Fees for non-members must be paid online at the time of registration. 
• Facility Fees help cover test-related expenses as well as facility-related expenses.
• Students registering after March 31 will incur a Late Fee and will only be accepted on a space available basis. The Late Registration Fee is the same regardless of membership status. 
• The Facility Fee payment on this form only helps cover the costs of using the FACILITY during testing. 
• EACH FAMILY MUST ORDER THEIR OWN TESTS DIRECTLY FROM BJU PRESS ACCORDING TO EMAILED INSTRUCTIONS.
• This test is being offered as a "co-op" activity. This means that test administrators are NOT paid for their time and all testing families are expected to volunteer to serve in some way on test days.
  Volunteer Positions:
  • Test Administrator - Stay on site all three days to administer the test to students. Must be a qualified tester with BJUP. Qualified Testers must have a Bachelor's degree in ANY subject and complete a tester application with BJU Press.
  • House Manager - Stay on site one or more days to answer phones, greet visitors & handle crises, etc. Oversee all other volunteers for the day. Insure that there are enough volunteers, snacks, and paper goods ahead of time.
  • Recess Monitors - Stay on site one or more days to monitor students during testing breaks. Recess/snack breaks occur at various times throughout the testing day.
  • Snack Service - Stay on site one or more days to set up snacks, serve snacks and clean up kitchen and snack trash. Recess/snack breaks occur at various times throughout the testing day.
  • Snack Providers - Provide snacks for the group each day. Homemade/healthy snacks are preferred. Snack providers must also serve on site at least one day of testing.
  • Facility Set-up - Haul chairs/tables to specific rooms based on numbers needed. Must be done on Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to testing day.
  • Facility Clean-up - Return furniture to original locations, sweep rooms, take out trash. Must be done immediately after testing on final day.

Instructions for ordering tests and testing day procedures will be EMAILED to registered families. Please insure that you can receive email from extraed@att.net and office@extraed.org. Please also check your "spam folder" or "bulk mail box" regularly so that you do not miss important messages.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO INSURE THAT MESSAGES ARE RECEIVED AND READ REGARDING THIS TEST. Extraordinary Education is not responsible for missed messages or mail going to spam folders.

It is important to point out that standardized testing is NOT required in Texas. We offer testing to families as a way to help parents assess their child's progress and assist them in making curriculum and course choices.

It is also important to note that the "SAT" test we will be administering is the "Stanford Achievement Test". It is NOT the same "SAT" test that students take for college entrance. That test is administered by the College Board, and it is only for high school students who are preparing for college entrance.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

2015 Homeschool Family Expo

Mark your calendars now for the Second Annual Homeschool Family Expo presented by Extraordinary Education, Legends Sports Complex, Usborne Books and Classical Conversations. The big event will take place Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Klein ISD Multipurpose Center located at 7500 FM 2920 Rd, Spring, TX 77379.  The expo is open to all homeschool families in the Greater Houston area.

During the event, you’ll have a chance to meet other local homeschool families and explore the latest classes, co-ops, and support group offerings available in our community, shop the unique offerings at the Student Commerce Fair, view interesting student displays at the Student Literacy Fair, enjoy an info-stuffed take-home bag, qualify to win fun door prizes, and sample goodies from our concession stand.

There's even an opportunity for your child to have a booth in the Student Commerce Fair and/or he can submit a project to the Student Literacy Fair. Be sure to sign up soon so your child can participate!

This enriching day is sponsored by WoodlandsMommy.com and is totally free to attendees, so register today for the most exciting homeschool event for families this town has to offer.

EE Mock Trial Team Wins Region VI!

The Extraordinary Education “EXCEED Academy” Mock Trial Team took 1st Place at the Region 6 Mock Trial Competition in Huntsville on February 6. This is the third time the EE team has earned the Regional Championship title in the past four years.

Special thanks go to senior, Karina Brisack, and graduate, Michael Eaton, for the many hours they have shared helping the team prepare. Karina and Michael were members of both previous Regional Championship teams.

Be sure to congratulate these outstanding students and wish them luck as they head to STATE Competition March 5-7!

Pictured from left to right-
Front Row - Arin Yost, Maureen Ball (coach), Jacob Smith, Jason Eaton
Back Row - Ethan Briscoe, Allison Chamberlain, Jonathan Mitchell, Matthew Sheppard, Natalie Herreid

How are You Going to Pay for College? Free Webinar

How are You Going to Pay for College?
Join Dr. Beasley for a webinar on Jan 13, 2015 at 7:30 PM CST.

Register now!https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8347443163825049602

"Mom and dad don't have to pay a penny for my college... and neither do I!"
-- All paid with scholarships and opportunity funding!
-- NO Loans, NO Debt, NO Mortgaging the Family Home!

ONE HOUR with Dr. Beasley could save you $10,000, $50,000, $100,000 or more in college costs.

Dr. Beasley addresses the two biggest questions about college:

1. Is my kid ready for college?
2. How am I going to pay for it?

Since 2011, every student who has completed Dr. Beasley's program has received a scholarship to college. In 2013, ALL students received FULL scholarship offers for a total of $3.2 million in scholarships, 50 FULL Scholarships, and 72 Total Scholarships!

Dr. Beasley has a BS from Texas Christian Univ., an MBA from Oklahoma City Univ., a D. Min from Tyndale Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the Univ. of Texas-Arlington. He attended college 22 years and paid for only ONE Semester. Dr. Beasley's wife was a high school dropout who earned a FULL Scholarship to Harvard (YES - THAT Harvard!) and graduated with Honors!

This is a rare opportunity to learn critical information from an internationally recognized expert in college education.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

View System Requirements

Dr. Kuni Michael Beasley
BS, MBA, D. Min., Ph.D.
President, Beasley College Prep
Dean, NEW College Prep & National Homeschool Academy

HOME SCHOOL GOLF

Would you like your child to learn a sport they can play for their entire lifetime? Golf is your answer!  Christian Home School Athletics (CHSA) Golf has two home school golf programs:  Developmental Golf and Competitive Golf.  Developmental Golf seeks to develop home school golfers ages 7-18 and build a lifelong love of the game.  Our competitive program focuses on junior high and high school home school golfers with golfing experience.  CHSA Competitive Golf aims to build highly competitive home school golfers who can easily transition to college play, if that is their goal.  Our competitive players participate in scrimmages and tournament play in the spring leading up to the national tournament in May.  CHSA Golf has two practice locations:  Magnolia Creek Golf Club in League City and Lake Windcrest Golf Club in Magnolia!

We seek to honor Christ in our attitudes and efforts both on and off the course.  Competitive practices have a time of devotion and all tournaments have a time of prayer.  We aim to build godly character and integrity in our players throughout the year.

Practice locations:

Magnolia Creek Golf Club, 1501 West Bay Area Blvd., League City, TX 77573 (Monday practices)

Lake Windcrest Golf Club, 10941 Clubhouse Circle, Magnolia, TX 77354 (Wednesday practices)

Practices begin January 12 & 14, 2015 and run through May.  Fall practices begin in August and run through November.  See our full calendar on the website.

To learn more about our program, please visit our website www.chsawolverines.com .  To register, contact our VP, Betsy Mayfield at tbmayfield@att.net

God Bless,
Betsy Mayfield
VP CHSA Golf

http://www.chsawolverines.com/