Extraordinary Mock Trial State Results

After winning the Region 6 competition in January, The Extraordinary Education "EXCEED Academy" Mock Trial Team competed at the Texas High School Mock Trial State Contest in Dallas on March 4th-5th, 2016. Once again, the team represented EE very well and earned recognition in several categories. Although the team did not advance to the finals, they did win 1 out of 4 rounds with many of their losing ballots only within 1-2 points difference. The competition was very close.

Pictured from left to right - Front Row: Jason Eaton, Arin Yost, Matthew Jones; Back Row: Madi Arnold, Jackson Davidson, Ion Powell, Jacob Johnson

Arin Yost was recognized as a finalist for Outstanding Advocate and many other team members earned nominations for outstanding roles. Each judge can only nominate one person for an award per round, so receiving a nominations is quite an accomplishment. Our students earned MANY nominations!

• Arin Yost
  • 7 Outstanding Advocate Nominations
  • Finalist for Overall Outstanding Advocate
• Ion Powell
  • 3 Outstanding Witness Nominations
• Jacob Johnson
  • 2 Outstanding Witness Nominations
• Jason Eaton
  • 2 Outstanding Witness Nominations
• Madi Arnold
  • 1 Outstanding Witness Nomination

The team will be looking for a few additional members for the Fall 2016-Spring 2017 contest. Be sure to register for the Mock Trial class so you can be part of this award-winning team next year!

CLASSES CANCELLED 3/10/16 due to High Water

Please be advised that classes at Extraordinary Education are cancelled today, Thursday, March 10, 2016, due to high water in the area around the school and in the areas where our families and teachers have to travel to get to class. Rain is forecast to continue through lunch, so road conditions are not likely to improve until later in the day. Enjoy your spring break and we will see you back in two weeks!

Current high water road closures:

• FM-2920 AT SH 249/ TOMBALL PKY - Road closed due to flooding on FM-2920 FM 2920 Rd both ways at TX-249 Bus State Highway 249. Reported on: Mar 10, 2016 4:13 AM
• SH-249 Southbound at DECKER PRAIRIE - Hazardous driving conditions due to flooding on TX-249 State Highway 249 Southbound at Decker Prairie Rd. Reported on: Mar 10, 2016 4:28 AM
• Hardin Store: Several areas underwater
• Dobbin Hufsmith Road: Areas closed due to high water
• Carraway Lane: High water on the road

Waller ISD says it will be closed today, Thursday, due to poor rood conditions. Both schools and offices will be closed.

Magnolia ISD:  Alternative bus stops in effect due to high water, but classes will be held as normal.

REFERENCES:
http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/roadclosures/

http://abc13.com/education/waller-isd-closed-shepherd-isd-on-2-hour-delay/1239526/

http://www.khou.com/story/news/local/2016/03/10/thursday-school-closures/81572804/

Texas History Field Trip Opportunity

San Jacinto Day Battle Reenactment and Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2016
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, TX

Booming cannons, cracking musket fire, thundering hooves and battle cries will resound across the San Jacinto Battleground as hundreds of history reenactors recreate the events leading up to Texas winning its independence at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. The festival begins with a ceremony commemorating the battle’s anniversary held on the northern steps of the San Jacinto Monument.

SCHEDULE
10 AM: Celebration of San Jacinto
10 AM – 2 PM: Demonstrations of army and civilian life
3 PM: Re-enactment of Battle and Surrender

INFORMATION
For more information, visit the following websites:
http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/ 
http://www.texasarmy.org/events/san-jacinto-day-battle-reenactment-and-festival

LOCATION
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
3523 Independence Pkwy
La Porte, TX 77571
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/san_jacinto_battleground/

Homeschool Family Expo 2/27/16

We hope your family is making plans to attend the HomeschoolFamily Expo this Saturday! Extraordinary Education is one of the presenting sponsors of this event. 
EE will have a booth and we will be handing out the preliminary FALL SCHEDULE at our booth! If you want to get an early peek at the schedule, come out and visit us at the Expo! You will also find tons of information about local organizations and resources for homeschoolers and many family fun activities. See below for details.

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Homeschool Family Expo
Saturday, February 27, 2016
10:00am - 4:00pm
Klein ISD Multipurpose Center
7500 FM 2920 Rd.
Spring, TX 77379

The 3rd annual Homeschool Family Expo is this weekend! Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters for making this event possible. This year's Expo is produced by WoodlandsMommy.com and presented by: Extraordinary Education, Legends Sports Complex, Usborne Books & More, and Classical Conversations.

If you have not signed up to attend this FREE event, please RSVP now so we can know to expect you:

_________________________________________

Here's our schedule for the day!

Business Exhibitor / Vendor booths open
10:00am - 4:00pm

Get to know dozens of businesses in our Homeschool Community - schools, co-ops, sports, social groups, educational services, business & shopping opportunties, and more!

Family Literature Fair
10:00am - 4:00pm

Check out the projects submitted by local homeschool families. We'll announce a Grand Prize winner at 1:00pm.

Student Commerce Fair 
10:00am - 4:00pm

Come shop the unique offerings of the Student Commerce Fair and support our local homeschoolers selling everything from paper airplanes to bracelets and beyond. Two different shifts (10:00am - 12:45pm and 1:15pm - 3:00pm) totaling  approximately 45 student booths!

Homeschool Moms Help Session
10:15am - 11:15am

Questions? We've got answers! Come hear from experienced homeschool mothers from all walks of life regarding scheduling, homeschooling fears, designing your homeschool unique to your family, and the paradigm shift all parents must make when homeschooling. Forum-style - bring your questions here. Presented by P91 Homeschool Consulting.

"How Children Learn Naturally"
11:30am - 12:00pm
by Rebecca Handlon-Miller

A brief overview of a Charlotte-Mason-style education. Learn about the CM philosophy,  have a peek into what a typical day/week looks like with this style, and see if it's right for your family.

Homeschool Family Mixer
12:00pm - 1:00pm

We have a fun mixer activity planned for our attendees during this hour of the event. Get to know other families and take home some great door prizes!

Concessions Open
11:00am - 3:00pm

Make sure you hang around for lunch, presented by Holy Smoke's BBQ & Catering! There will be link sandwiches, chopped beef sandwiches, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, grilled chicken breast salads, and of course - kid's packs.

Robotics Demonstration
1:15pm
Presented by Woodlands Children's Museum

"Homeschool as a Life Style"

2:00pm - 2:30pm

Are you treating homeschooling as just a "side job"? Learn to Homeschool as a Life Style with Homeschool Resource Network - including tips for curriculum building, learning style identification, goal setting, incorporating travel into the homeschool journey, and more.

"The Independent Learner"
3:00pm - 3:45pm

by Johnnie Seago

“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!