“Dumpster Day” Work Day

Don't forget to join us for Dumpster Day at EE on Saturday, February 6th.

One of our local scouts, Daniel Derheim, is heading up this effort as his Eagle Scout Project. For this project, volunteers from the scouts as well as EE will be cleaning up a large junk pile of construction debris and logs from in front of the barn as well as a large amount of construction debris and household items that are piled on the rear side of the barn. We will also be sanding and staining some of the wooden picnic tables.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided so PLEASE RSVP to aderheim@comcast.net ASAP so we can make plans for how much food to to provide.​

Important info:
Date: Saturday, February 6th, 2016
Time: 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
NOTE: Volunteers are needed throughout the day, so please join us even if you cannot stay the whole day.
Location: Extraordinary Education, 9522 Carraway Lane, Magnolia, TX 77354
*Breakfast will be provided starting at 8:30 until whenever it runs out.
*Lunch will be provided starting around noon.

For safety reasons, please make sure that you wear long pants that can get dirty, closed-toed shoes and work gloves. It would also be a good idea to wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring safety goggles.

If you have any questions, either email aderheim@comcast.net or call 936-672-3635 (Robert Derheim’s cellphone number).
Thanks for your willingness to help!

Mock Trial Winners!

The EE Mock Trial Team competed in the Region 6 Mock Trial competition on Friday, Jaunary 22, 2016.  Once again, the EE team earned 1st Place in the region and will be heading to the Texas State Mock Trial Competition in Dallas in March. EE team member, Arin Yost, was also named the Outstanding Advocate in both rounds at the contest. In fact, Arin received the OA nomination from every judge in every round! Be sure to congratulate these students when you see them.

EE team members from left to right: Jacob Johnson, Arin Yost, Ion Powell, Jason Eaton, Michael Eaton (coach), Madi Arnold, Matthew Jones.

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.