Extraordinary Future City News!

Our EE team has just returned from the Houston Area Future City contest - bringing home the trophy for “Best Transportation System” as well as “Second Place Overall”! Our team is now the alternate to advance to the national level contest to be held in Washington D. C. in February.  Should the First Place Team be unable to attend, our team will take their place. The advancing team wins an expense-paid trip to Washington D. C. for this contest.

The Future City contest involves many different skills and interests. Each year, students must:

• Develop a “Virtual City” design using SimCity4 software. Their city must meet very difficult criteria to earn maximum points.
• Construct a table-top Scale Model showing a section of their ideal future city. Their team cannot spend more than $100 constructing their model, so most models are made from recycled items.
• Write a 1000-word Research Essay about the annual city engineering topic.
• Write a 500-word Abstract introduction to their city design.
• Give a 7-minute Oral Presentation and answer 7 minutes of questions from the judges on competition day. Teams must do their presentation several different times for several different sets of judges, and the Final round takes place on the stage - in front of all the other teams and guests while holding a microphone!

Students who represented Extraordinary Education at the contest today were (from left to right): Andrew O’Brien (alternate), Ion Powell Jason Eaton, and Brooke Mayfield.
Elise Eaton served at the team’s Teacher Mentor and Todd Powell served at the team’s Engineer Mentor. Many other EE students also contributed to the construction of the model.

Please be sure to congratulate our extraordinary team when you see them this week!

PSIA Competition - Call for contestants!

Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA)
Academic Contests for  Private Schools & Home Schools
www.psiaacademics.org

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!

Extraordinary Education's group membership allows us to send up to 3 students per grade/age level per event to the local District 10A 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!

PSIA INFORMATION MEETING/TEAM REGISTRATION
Tuesday, January 15 @ 7:00pm
Extraordinary Education Campus
9522 Carraway, Magnolia, TX 77354
RSVP for the Information Meeting NOW!
REGISTER for the Team Here

PSIA DISTRICT 10A CONTEST
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Host site: San Jacinto College North

A few students are registered for the EE team, but we have room for lots more!

We are offering a PSIA Information Meeting for those who may need more details before signing up. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00pm at the Extraordinary Education campus.
RSVP for the Information Meeting NOW!

Please check out the contest descriptions on the PSIA website and 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 4-8)
  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.
• Prose 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:

• Please plan to attend the Information Meeting on Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00 if you are considering registering for the team. If you cannot attend, please register online on the EE website to let us know the events in which you are interesting in competing.
• Registration with the EE Team is $20 per student per event.
• 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.

NEW Spring Classes at EE! Register NOW!

Politics, Science and the Development of the Modern Mind - HBU Academy Dual Credit
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 1:15-3:15pm (only 3 spots left!)

Warriors Heroes and Sagas - HBU Academy Dual Credit
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm

Martial Arts 101 with Cox ATA Martial Arts
Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30-1:30
Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30-2:30

EE Mock Trial Team
Region VI Competition - February 2, 2013
Team meetings: Thursday evenings, other times TBD

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The Academy at HBU
North Houston Satellite
Dual Credit for Homeschoolers

Houston Baptist University will be offering two classes at Extraordinary Education on Tuesdays and Thursdays this Spring. Both classes can earn the student 3 units of transferable college credit.

Courses to be offered include:
Philosophy 1330 - Politics, Science and the Development of the Modern Mind (Tues/Thurs 1:15-3:15pm)
English 2320 - Warriors Heroes and Sagas (Tues/Thurs 3:30-5:30pm)
Both classes are in the style of the HBU Honors College, meaning they're discussion based, and founded on the Great Books.

Class sizes will be limited to facilitate class discussions. Families are encouraged to register soon to reserve their child's spot. ONLINE Registration is quick and easy through the EE website. See the links below for details.

HBU Academy North Houston Satellite Information
Spring 2013 Course Offerings
Registration Information

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MARTIAL ARTS 101

Since the first class was taught many years ago, the focus of Songahm Taekwondo has remained the same: to provide students the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy.

CLICK HERE for More Class Information
Registration Information

Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30-1:30
Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30-2:30

Classes are taught in a multi-age format. The instructor is very confortable working with multi-age groups.
This is a two-day-per-week class, but you can still participate if you can only attend one day. Please make a note in the “shopping cart” when registering for the class and also let Amy know so she can get your charges set up correctly.

About the Instructor
Mr. Kalob Cox comes from a home schooled family of six. He was home schooled from 1st-12th grade. All six of his siblings have been home schooled from K-12th. He has been a Children's & Student Pastor for the past ten years. He received his ordination in 2007 from Kerry Shook of Woodlands Church.
Mr. Cox is a 3rd degree Black Belt, Six Time State Champion, Nationally Certified Instructor & Owner of Cox ATA Martial Arts. He has a beautiful wife Charissa Cox & Baby Girl Kyrene Cox.

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HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL

Does your high school student enjoy "hands on learning" with projects and real life application?
Does your student have an interest in drama or debate?

Join the award-winning EE Mock Trial team as we explore the American Legal System by participating as an attorney and/or witness in a criminal case. Looks great on college applications as an extracurricular activity! This event is sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association and more details can be learned here:
http://www.dallasbar.org/mocktrial
http://www.extraed.net/mock_trial_team

On February 2nd our team will compete in Region VI in Huntsville, Texas. We will present a criminal case as prosecution and defendant - so both sides of the case are examined as we prepare for the competition. This is a six week commitment, but could extend through early March if the team advances to the State Meet as our team did last year.

PARTICIPATION DETAILS
Team workshops will be held at Extraordinary Education to prepare for the event. Weekly meetings will take place on Thursday evenings. Team meetings will also take place on certain Fridays, and other times may be arranged when our team is formed. Not all meetings are mandatory, but team members must be committed to set aside time to focus on preparation for the event and time to work via phone or internet with their partners (attorney/witness).

This team is set up as a “co-op” activity. This means that there is a facility fee and contest & materials fee, but no tuition is charged. Parents are expected to pitch in to help in some way. This may include helping with with supervision, transportation, food, materials, etc. or with actual team prep.
Facility Fee: $25/student
Contest & Materials Fee: $50/student
State Contest Fee: TBD (if team advances to State)

Our Mock Trial team is looking for at least three more members and a timer so please contact the team sponsor ASAP if your student is interested. (Contact information below.) Competing team members must be high school age, but younger students may participate on a scrimmage team and learn skills in preparation for being on the team in the future.
Please share this email with friends who may be interested!

TEAM SPONSOR
Maureen Brisack Ball
maureenball2012@gmail.com

EE Internship Program

EE is looking for a few dedicated high school students to serve as Interns in various areas within the EE organization during the Spring 2013 semester. This is a mentorship/service opportunity offering experience and development in the areas of leadership, problem-solving, planning and communication skills.

Students in the program will lead or co-lead an enrichment class or lead in an area of responsibility under the guidance and supervision of an adult mentor. Students in the program will meet weekly with their mentor for training, to review past activities, and to plan for upcoming activities. They will also serve a minimum of one hour weekly in their area of responsibility.

Participants will learn many new skills throughout the semester while gaining valuable experience and on-the-job training. At the end of the semester, students will come away with a letter of recommendation from their mentor and service hours that can be included on applications for college and employment. Students may also count their activities and service toward earning the Congressional Award if desired. http://www.congressionalaward.org/

These are not paid positions (and there is no cost for the program) but a high level of commitment is required. If your student in interested in applying for one of these positions please contact the Director, Elise Eaton. extraed@att.net 

Teaching Intern – Lego Engineering 3 (Mon 2:30-3:30)
Teaching Intern – Lego Engineering 2 (Wed 2:30-3:30)
Teaching Intern – Chess Club (Mon 1:30-2:30)
Children’s Chapel Intern – help plan/lead music & activities for Children’s Chapel service (Mon 11:00-11:30)
Social Media Intern - develop EE Facebook/Twitter sites and/or blog, write posts, post photos, get the word out about activities and news, etc. (flexible schedule)
Public Relations Intern - develop relationships with local newspapers and other media, write press releases, help represent EE at outreach events and activities such as booths, new family meetings, open houses, etc. (flexible schedule)
Habitat Project Intern - help with development and maintenance of Habitat areas in cooperation with Habitat Coordinator, enlist volunteers to help with Habitat needs, guide student groups to work on Habitat projects, promote responsible actions such as recycling, composting, trash pick-up, etc. (flexible schedule)
Events Intern – help plan/lead special events in cooperation with Director and Event Coordinator, enlist volunteers to help with events, promote events (flexible schedule)
Others may be available. If you have a special interest or calling in a particular area, please send Elise a message describing how your student could serve EE as an Intern.

EE Letter Jackets Group Order

 

A number of our students have expressed interest in having letter jackets. The students have had an opportunity to view and discuss the colors and other jacket details and have come up with the jacket options shown below. I have found some great prices online at www.webjacket.com. Since it takes 4-6 weeks for delivery, we must order very soon. We can get jackets delivered by mid-February if we order before Christmas. The prices shown below reflect a jacket with a wool body, synthetic leather sleeves, snap closure, and thin satin black lining.

Students will be able to earn a special EE Service patch to go on their jacket by doing volunteer service this spring. Additional patches and letters will be available for participation in EE teams and activities. Parents can also order patches and letters individually from a variety of online sources for activities in which their students have been involved.

We will be placing a GROUP ORDER on December 21st with a projected delivery date in mid-February.
For those who can’t order right now, we will place a second order on January 18th with a projected delivery date in mid-March.
EE will pay the SHIPPING on these group orders and you can also avoid paying TAX by ordering with the group.

To be part of the 12/21 order, I must know the size/options information below AND HAVE PAYMENT by 12/21/12.

· Please EMAIL your order info to extraed@att.net.
· For PAYMENT you can either MAIL A CHECK to Extraordinary Education, 9522 Carraway Lane, Magnolia, TX 77354.
· Or PAY ONLINE VIA CLASSJUGGLER.
Please add $5 to the total amount if paying online.

Please note that ANYONE can order from the webjacket.com website. It is not necessary to order with the group.
You can order other colors, personalization options and special features if you order on your own.

Order Info Needed

· Jacket SIZE and STYLE (PLAIN, EE Front ONLY, EE Front & NAME on Back)
Please include EXACT SPELLING if ordering your name on back
· Other OPTIONS if desired (Removable lining, short/tall size)

Please email Elise with any questions. extraed@att.net

Jacket Options & Prices

PLAIN JACKET
Children XS-XL  $77.32
Youth XS-XL       $88.37
Adult XXS-XL     $99.42
Adult 2XL-3XL  $110.47

 

 

"EE" on FRONT ONLY
Children XS-XL $91.77
Youth XS-XL $102.82
Adult XXS-XL $113.87
Adult 2XL-3XL $124.92

 

 

"EE" on FRONT & NAME on BACK
Children XS-XL $111.30
Youth XS-XL $122.35
Adult XXS-XL $133.40
Adult 2XL-3XL $144.45

 

 

OPTIONS

+$ 16.99 - Partly removable lining. (Zippered on and off lining to do embroidery work in the future.)
+$5 - Short (- 1 inch)
+$11 - Tall (+ 1 inch)

Please see sizing details on www.webjacket.com

NEW Martial Arts Classes - Spring Semester

Since the first class was taught many years ago, the focus of Songahm Taekwondo has remained the same: to provide students the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy.

Being prepared for class includes being dressed properly in uniform or approved t-shirt & work out pants. The student will be required to participate in 12 classes per testing cycle. The classes are 40-45 minutes in length to give the students time to cool down and clean up for their next classes.

In Martial Arts 101 students will learn the following:

• Students will earn nationally recognized ranks with the American Taekwondo Association (ATA)
• In as little as five semesters they can earn their 1st Degree Black Belt
• Life Skill training: Respect, Honor, Discipline, Self-Control, Integrity, Goals & Perseverance
• Students will learn how to teach & speak in front of large groups
• Learn how to set and achieve Goals
• Increased Coordination - Increased Focus and Concentration - Increased Strength & Flexibility - Overall Body Workout - Decrease Chances of Injury in Sports and
  Everyday Life
• Basic self-defense, Basic joint-locks, Street self-defense, Bully Prevention
• Combat Weapons Training (optional)
• Board breaking
• Introduction into kicking, punching and cross-fit drills
• Nutritional instruction

Class Sessions Offered

• Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30-1:30
• Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30-2:30

Both class sessions are offered for ages 6 years-up. The instructor has experience working with mixed-age groups.
Class sizes will be limited due to space/facility considerations.

Testing

• 1st Testing: February 27 (Orange Belt)
• 2nd Testing: May 8th (Yellow Belt)

Note: Every belt will have requirements that students must achieve in order to test.

Tournaments

• March 2nd: Atascocita, TX
• April 29th: Magnolia, TX

Note: Tournaments are NOT a requirement, but are encouraged

Supplies (included with Supply Fee)

• Deluxe Uniform, T-shirt & Curriculum book

About the Instructor
Mr. Kalob Cox comes from a home schooled family of six. He was home schooled from 1st-12th grade. All six of his siblings have been home schooled from K-12th. He has been a Children's & Student Pastor for the past ten years. He received his ordination in 2007 from Kerry Shook of Woodlands Church.
Mr. Cox is a 3rd degree Black Belt, Six Time State Champion, Nationally Certified Instructor & Owner of Cox ATA Martial Arts. He has a beautiful wife Charissa Cox & Baby Girl Kyrene Cox.

CYT Field Trip Opportunities

CYT has three fantastic shows coming up; all with school-day shows available. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend all three shows. At $6 per person, it is the best deal in town!

• Guys & Dolls, Jr. – Friday, December 14^th at 11:30 a.m. in Tomball
• Canterbury Tales – Monday, January 21^st at 11:00 a.m. in The Woodlands
• Schoolhouse Rock Live! – Thursday & Friday, January 24^th & 25^th at 1:30 p.m. in Conroe

To purchase school-day tickets, please contact Cyndie Phillips at Cyndie@cythouston.org.

Yours Truly,

Cyndie Phillips
PR Group Sales
Christian Youth Theater Houston
www.cythouston.org

CYT Scholarship for 5-7 year-olds

Christian Youth Theater Houston has three full scholarships available for Extraordinary Education students. These scholarships are for theatrically inclined 5, 6, or 7 year-olds for the “Our Gang'” performing arts class current WinterSession 2012/13. This class is valued at $185 and is being taught Mondays 4:45-6:35pm at First Christian Church, 3500 Loop 336, Conroe TX 77304.

Conditions of the scholarship:

• Immediate enrollment at www.cythouston.org as students must be available to start class this Monday, Dec 10.
• No absences (except for fever/illness)
• Mandatory attendance at Showcase on Monday, Feb 4

Class schedule:

• Mon Dec 10
• Mon Dec 17
• **2 week Christmas break
• Mon Jan 7
• Mon Jan 14
• **break Mon Jan 21
• Mon Jan 28
• Mon Feb 4 (class and showcase) 4:45-9pm

Contact Ann Seberino at 619-664-6369 as we want these scholarships used. Thank you and we at CYT look forward to working with you and your students!
Sincerely,
Ann Seberino
Area Coordinator
CYT Houston Conroe/Montgomery

HBU Academy - Spring 2013 Registration

HBU Academy North Houston Satellite
Dual Credit Classes for Homeschoolers
SPRING 2013 REGISTRATION
Register NOW!

Houston Baptist University is proud to announce The Academy, a brand new, dual-enrollment program designed specifically for homeschoolers!

The Academy at Houston Baptist University exists to extend the challenge and rewards of university style classes to Houston area home school students, providing them with the opportunity to earn transferable college credit along the way. Each class is designed to immerse the student in an essential era or theme in western history, literature, philosophy and culture through reading of the original texts that shaped the world.

Houston Baptist University will be offering two classes at Extraordinary Education on Tuesdays and Thursdays this Spring. Both classes can earn the student 3 units of transferable college credit. An additional theater/literature will be offered on Thursday evenings if there is sufficient interest.
Courses to be offered include:
Western Civilization 2320 - Politics, Science and the Development of the Modern Mind (Tues/Thurs 1:15-3:15pm)
English 2320 - Warriors Heroes and Sagas (Tues/Thurs 3:30-5:30pm)
Both classes are in the style of the HBU Honors College, meaning they're discussion based, and founded on the Great Books.

Class sizes will be limited to facilitate class discussions. Families are encouraged to register soon to reserve their child's spot. ONLINE Registration is quick and easy through the EE website. See the links below for details.
HBU Academy North Houston Satellite Information
Spring 2013 Course Offerings
Registration Information

At The Academy, they don't believe in busy work, lecturing, or that tests are the most important part of education. Their classes are Christian, classical, Socratic, and centered on engaging students in the great conversation as it has existed throughout history, and as it continues today.

EE Christmas Party

Friday, December 14
2:00-5:00pm

Come join us for a jolly afternoon enjoying Christmas snacks, making Christmas crafts and having fun with friends. We’ll have different areas set up with special activities for all ages.

Students have been helping plan our party as a service-learning project, but we need plenty of adults to help with the details and supervision. Responsible teens ages 14-up are also welcome to volunteer. We’ll also need snacks, so plan to bring something yummy!

We need all attendees to RSVP in order to plan for sufficient craft supplies. We also need all volunteers to sign-up so we can make plans to include you.

Please RSVP and sign-up to Volunteer via PT Avenue.
Go to https://www.ptavenue.com/login.asp OR http://www.extraed.net/pt_avenue_login
Use the organization code "extraed" in the left-hand section.
NOTE: It is not necessary to create a PT Avenue account in order to sign-up.

• To RSVP, click the Calendar icon at the top of the screen.
• Then click on the RSVP link shown on December 14th.
• To volunteer, click on the Volunteer icon at the top of the screen.
• Then select Show Volunteer Needs and fill in your name and contact information.

Volunteers should plan to help for the entire party. Specific jobs will be assigned by the Party Coordinator.