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/

Meeting Needs at Christmas

As we approach the season of giving, when God gave His son to the world, our thoughts often turn to people and organizations who are in need our support.

Several families in the Extraordinary Education community are in need at this time. Please use the green “Donate” button if you would like to help these families enjoy a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Gift cards for things such as groceries and gas or stores such as Walmart and Target would also be appreciated. Gift cards can be dropped off with the House Manager to be given to our families in need.  

The Extraordinary Education Center is also in need of numerous upkeep items as we continue to grow. Our regular tuition and fees only cover teacher pay and regular expenses. Improvements and major repairs must come from donations. If you would like to help support your learning center, please use the red “Donate” button to donate. You can give a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift.

Improvement projects that are in need of funding:

• Playground fence – A fence is needed around our playground for safety. We have an Eagle Scout ready to build the fence, but funds are needed for the materials.
  Projected cost: $1,500
• Garden Fence – We are in need of an 8 foot fence around the vegetable garden to keep the deer from eating up our student’s hard work.
  Projected cost: $2,000
• Flooring – A number of our rooms are in need of flooring upgrades due to the high level of traffic they receive. The number of rooms we can refurbish depends on funding received.
  Projected cost: $3,000-$10,000
• Parking – Several truckloads of dirt or crushed shell need be hauled in so that cars to do not keep getting stuck in the mud.
  Projected cost: $1,500
• Tables & Chairs – Many of our tables and and chairs are “hand-me-downs” from other organizations, and many are literally on their last legs and continue to break or fall apart on a daily basis.
  Projected cost: $5,000
• Storage Buildings – We are in need of a dedicated storage building for archery equipment and another building closer to the garden for gardening equipment.
  Projected cost: $1,500
• Handicapped Ramp – We are in need of a ramp for the portable buildings. We often have students with injuries as well as teachers and visitors who would benefit from a ramp. 
  Projected cost: $2,000
• Painting & Renovations – A large portion of the “main house” has been renovated over the past 8 years, but some areas remain stuck in the 70’s. We would like to update the kitchen with new paint and remove the fireplace in the Indian Paintbrush classroom.
  Projected cost: $5,000
• Classrooms & Restrooms – EE has grown from 160 students in 2013-14 to over 300 students in 2014-15. Continued growth is expected for 2015-16, so additional classrooms and restrooms are a must. Options include bringing in more portable buildings, renovating the barn and/or new construction.
  Projected cost: $100,000+
• Additional Property - 20 acres adjacent to the EE campus are currently for sale. ($80K/acre) We really need a few of those acres for things such as an auditorium, gym, additional classrooms, parking, playing fields, etc.
  Projected cost: $240,000+

As a recognized 501c3 organization, donations to Extraordinary Education are tax deductible.

Double your gifts! Many employers also offer matching funds when employees donate. Your efforts to fill out the paperwork with your employer for matching funds is greatly appreciated!

Extraordinary Education Center EIN: 20-5480296

NEW Middle School Science Class for Spring 2015!

“Moving Beyond the Page” Literature-based Science
6th-8th grade 

This exciting literature-based science class will integrate middle school science concepts with literature and language arts concepts using a creative, hands-on curriculum. This semester students will study cells, including looking at various cells under a microscope, while also reading and writing nature poems. Then, they will learn about Force and Motion, doing in-class experiments to illustrate concepts, while also reading about Albert Einstein.

Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00-11:55am
Instructor: Marci Parsley
Tuition: $75/month
Supply Fees: $45 Supplies + $10 Book Rental
SIGN UP NOW in your ClassJuggler account!

Textbook and Materials:

• Moving Beyond the Page Curriculum
• Quest for Personal Best: Individual Sports by Lisa Greathouse
• Albert Einstein by Kathleen Krull
• Cells by Susan Meredith
• The Tree That Time Built by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston

Homework: Students will need to spend approximately 45 minutes per day on their assignments.

PSIA Competition - Call for contestants!

Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA)
www.psiaacademics.org
REGISTER for the Team Here

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!
REGISTER for the Team Here

PSIA DISTRICT 10A CONTEST
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Host Site: San Jacinto College North

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 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.
• 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:
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

European Mosaic Trip

Join other EE families and teachers for a fabulous 15 day trip in June of 2016 to London, Paris, Munich, Berlin, Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, and more!

Be the first to learn about this spectacular trip and save $100.00 if you enroll by the end of 2014! (The sooner you enroll, the longer you have to pay off the trip/earn money for the trip/dream about the trip/etc.!!!)

There will only be two meetings about the European Mosaic this year: Sunday, November 16^th at 4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, November 18^th at 4:30 p.m. on the EE campus in Mrs. Campbell’s classroom. (We will have additional meetings in the Spring of 2015.)

All students who will be twelve years of age or older by June 1, 2016 and their parents are invited to attend the meeting and travel with us.  Students who will be fourteen years of age or older by June 1, 2016 will be able to travel with the group without a parent chaperone.  Students who are twelve and thirteen at the time of the trip must have a parent or guardian travel with them.  Family members are welcome on this trip as long as they meet the minimum age requirements.

Please consider joining us on this trip of a lifetime!  It will undoubtedly change your life!

Rick Green's Constitution Alive! Class

Sunday, November 16
3:00 – 6:00 pm
The Woodlands Bible Church
2407 Timberloch Place, Suite D
The Woodlands, TX 77380

History and government do NOT have to be boring! Rick Green brings the Constitution and citizenship to LIFE through compelling and entertaining stories about the lives, fortunes, and sacred honor sacrificed to make America the most powerful and most free nation in the history of the world.

Rick will take you back to the events of 1776 and the Declaration of Independence, 1787 and the Constitutional Convention, and step by step through the Constitutional Amendments, right up to the current debates in our nation today covering topics such as nullification, impeachment, the Electoral College vs. National Popular Vote, First Amendment Freedom of Religion, individual God-given rights. vs. group government-given rights, is the Constitution a living document, and much more.

Read more at http://rickgreen.com/live-events/constitution-classes/#jv2wrKT3FEvWM818.99

Space is limited, so register today! To register, please go to: http://rickgreen.com/montgomery-county-constitution-class/

Tuition:
$25 per individual
$35 per couple (1  workbook)
$45 per family (2 work books)
$10 per student (no workbook)
Children under 14 are free/with parent

NOTE: This is a community event. It is sponsored by the Montgomery County Tea Party. It is not sponsored by EE.