Calling all Young Entrepreneurs!

It's time to get to business!

The MYEC Young Entrepreneurs Club will begin meeting the 1st Thursday of every month, beginning Nov, 3rd., from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Meetings will be held in the “upper room” at The MakerBarn, 9522 Carraway Ln, Magnolia Tx 77354. Meetings are open to anyone 14 and up who is interested in entrepreneurship. Youth younger than 14 may attend with a parent only.

Find out more on the club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/165724376961376/

If you need more information, feel free to contact Jeanie or Jessie James. 281-850-2158 / 832-492-7932.

Robotics Team Sweeps Local Hub Competition

The Extraordinary Innovation Labs Robotics Team competed on October 15  in the 2016 North Houston BEST Robotics Contest.

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.

In addition to the overall BEST Award, the team also earned the following top awards:

• 1st PLACE MARKETING PRESENTATION
• 1st PLACE MARKETING BOOTH & INTERVIEW
• 1st PLACE ENGINEERING NOTEBOOK
• 1st PLACE PROGRAMMING AWARD
• 4th PLACE overall in the ROBOT COMPETITION

The North Houston HUB contest included 18 registered schools such as the Academy of Science and Technology, John Cooper School, East Early College High School, and Klein High School among others. The team now moves on to the Texas BEST Regional Competition to be held December 8-10 in Dallas.

To learn more about the EIL Robotics Team, please visit the team website at www.eilrobotics.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eilrobotics

Be sure to congratulate these outstanding students when you see them!

2016 EIL Robotics Team
Back Row L-R: Alex Gutierrez, Ion Powell, Aiden Campbell,  Jackson Davidson, Terrell Ford, Logan Tucker, Colin McKenzie
Middle Row L-R: Chris Martens, Daniel Lopez, Jacob Parker, Taryn Campbell, Nabeel Bacchus, Eli Rose
Front Row: Jason Eaton, Tandi Ford, Tabitha Ford, Madison Gutierrez, Andrew Riley (not pictured: Jack Fruehwirth)

EIL Robotics Team Partners with MakerBarn Makerspace to Enhance STEM Education

A partnership between the Extraordinary Innovation Labs BEST Robotics Team and the newly developed MakerBarn makerspace is helping to increase student learning of science, technology, engineering and math. The EIL team, formerly known as The Woodlands Homeschoolers, has competed in the annual BEST Robotics contest since 2001. Over the years, the team of homeschooled students has struggled to find space in which to construct their robot, marketing booth and other components of the competition. For many years the team met in homes and took over their parents’ garages for up to six months during the local and regional competition season. And while school sponsored teams often have well-equipped workshops and funding, the EIL team has had to borrow the equipment needed. Sometimes this has left the team without the proper tools for the job.

Several years ago the team began meeting at the Extraordinary Education Center (www.extraed.org), a local non-profit organization that supports homeschooled students through classes, teams and activities. While this move helped with space concerns, the team still struggled with equipment needs. With the recent development of The MakerBarn makerspace on the Extraordinary Education Center campus, the team now has access to state of the art tools and equipment such as a CNC machine, laser cutting machine and 3-D printers. More importantly, the team has received valuable assistance and mentoring from volunteers who are part of the MakerBarn makerspace community. MakerBarn mentors have trained the students on use of many tools including the CNC machine and laser cutting machine. MakerBarn volunteers even helped finish out a dedicated section of the barn just for the team. The MakerBarn (www.themakerbarn.org) is a membership based community organization committed to supporting and sharing the art of “making” with people of all ages.

Extraordinary Innovation Labs (www.eilrobotics.com) is a student led organization that provides a safe, family friendly environment for students to learn about science, technology, and engineering as well as marketing and communication skills. The team also provides an outlet for students to develop valuable leadership skills. The team has placed in the local hub contest and advanced to the regional competition numerous times in the past 15 years. Between competitions, the team hosts camps to promote STEM learning and the BEST Robotics program in the community. Through the camps, the team also raises funds to be used toward competition expenses. Camps have included Lego Robotics Camps, ReBoot Engineering Camps, and Minecraft Programming Camps.

BEST Robotics (www.bestinc.org) is a national program designed to Boost Engineering Science and Technology through a robotics competition. Teams are provided with raw materials such as plywood, pvc pipe, screws and other hardware along with a controller and motors and then challenged to turn those materials into a working robot within a six-week timeframe. The competition also has other elements which enhance student learning about the business world including a marketing booth, marketing presentation, and engineering notebook.

Meet the Teachers & New Family Information

Families both old and new are invited to come out on Tuesday, August 9, to Meet the Teachers from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and learn more about our Fall 2016 classes and programs. If you are still considering enrolling, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out about our classes and what teachers will be offering. For families who are already enrolled, it’s a great time to meet your teachers prior to the first day of class.

A New Family Information session will be held on the same day from 6:00-7:30 p.m. This session is for families who are new to the EE program and will explain how our program works and how to get started with enrollment.
Please RSVP for the New Family meeting at the link below.
http://www.extraed.net/new_family_information

Children are welcome at Meet the Teachers and the New Family Meeting, but they must remain with a parent at all times while on campus.

Maker Camp

Maker Camp has begun!

Come join us at the Maker Barn, an official host site for Maker Camp, on July 25-29th from 1:00-3:30 and work with our makers to complete projects. Cost for on-site camp is only $5 to help offset costs of supplies. Projects are designed for students ages 7-12. Older students are welcome to come and participate and may work on challenge projects.

The Maker Barn is located on the campus of Extraordinary Education at 9522 Carraway Lane, Magnolia, TX 77354. Just off FM 2978 at the back of The Woodlands. Please register if you plan to attend so we can have enough supplies on hand.
http://themakerbarn.org/happenings/maker-camp/

Go to http://makercamp.com/ to learn more about the program which encourages kids to start making! The website is full of projects your kids can do at home and then upload their pics to connect with a community of other campers across the country.

Join EE at the THSC Convention July 21-23!

Looking for some homeschool inspiration this summer? Then come join us at the annual THSC Convention! The convention takes place Thursday, July 21 through Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Convention Center. Be sure to drop by the Extraordinary Education booth in either the Local Vendor Spotlight area OR the Main Exhibit Hall and enter to win an EE “Rebel” T-shirt.
THSC Convention: Local Vendor Spotlight Thursday, July 21, 1:00-9:00 p.m. Woodlands Waterway Marriott - Waterway Foyer (upstairs)
FREE ADMISSION! http://www.thsc.org/events/texas-home-school-conventions/thsc-convention-the-woodlands-local-vendor-spotlight/
This is your opportunity to connect with local resources, classes, and support groups in the greater Houston area. Find out about the opportunities located close to your home town. Spend time browsing the vendor tables and gaining valuable information about local organizations.
Thursday Night FREE at the THSC Convention
Woodlands Waterway Marriott Convention Center
Thursday, July 21, 2016 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm - FREE Shopping in the Exhibit Hall
7:00 pm – 9:00 p.m. – Our Extremely Popular and Informative Getting Started Seminars
FREE ADMISSION! http://www.thsc.org/events/texas-home-school-conventions/thursday-night-free-thsc-conventions/
New to Home Schooling or just New to Conventions? We’ve got you covered! Interested in Convention but just don’t know what it is all about? Do you want to look before you leap? Well, we have a plan for you! Come on Thursday night and you can shop in the Exhibit Hall for FREE! Then at 7:00 you have your choice of two inspirational free workshops.
THSC Main Exhibit Hall
Woodlands Waterway Marriott Convention Center
Fridayday, July 22 & Saturday, July 23, 2016 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
http://www.thsc.org/events/texas-home-school-conventions/woodlands-exhibitors/
Shop dozens of the top home school vendors in the country.
If you’re looking for ideas, encouragement and inspiration, try to New to Homeschooling Seminar or enjoy one of the numerous workshops offered on Friday and Saturday.
THSC Convention Workshops
Friday, July 22 & Saturday, July 23 http://www.thsc.org/events/texas-home-school-conventions/woodlands-workshops/
New to Home School Seminar
Thursday, July 21, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
$10 Admission
http://www.thsc.org/events/texas-home-school-conventions/woodlands-new-to-home-school-seminar/
Conventions can be as overwhelming as the questions that lead to a decision to home educate. Booth after booth in the exhibit hall, multiple workshop sessions to choose from, and the daunting task of figuring out exactly what you should do first are all challenges most first time home schoolers face. THSC is here to serve you and we want to take the guesswork out of your Convention experience.
The New to Home School Pre-Convention Seminar is a three-session offering designed to help you find your way to a great beginning. Join others new to home education in this valuable time of discovery.

Open House & Extraordinary Art Show - May 10th, 2016

Come on out and see what’s happening at Extraordinary Education this summer and next fall at our final Open House & Meet the Teacher event this spring. All families both old and new are invited to come out and talk with teachers about their fall classes and summer camps. BRING A FRIEND!
EE art students will also be hosting their Spring Art Show during the Open House from 6:00-8:30pm. Come enjoy these amazing works of art and help support our extraordinary students!
MEET THE TEACHERS & OPEN HOUSE​ TUESDAY, MAY 10th
6:00-8:30 – ART SHOW! 6:00-7:30 – NEW FAMILY OVERVIEW
6:00-8:30 – MEET THE TEACHERS
Open House/Meet the Teacher events are an opportunity for families to talk with teachers in an informal atmosphere. They are designed to allow parents and students to meet the teachers, gather information about their classes and ask questions to help them determine the best classes for their needs. Parents can find out about curriculum, workload expectations, course objectives and more.
A New Family Overview will take place from 6:00-7:30 pm on the evening of Open House. This meeting is offered to help new families understand how our program works and answer common questions. All families are expected to attend a New Family Overview before enrolling in fall classes. (This meeting is not required for those only enrolling in summer camps.)
Meet the Teachers will take place from 6:00-8:30 pm, and will be a bit different this year. Teachers will be set up with displays and information about their classes in classrooms around the campus. A map will be provided when you arrive. This arrangement will allow families to tour the facilities and meet with teachers at the same time. (Please note that children must stay with a parent at all times!)
RAIN NOTICE - In case of very rainy weather on the evening of the event, all activities will take place in the portable buildings only.

MakerBarn Grand Opening June 2016

Mark Your Calendars for the MakerBarn Grand Opening in June 2016!
Watch for more details to come.

What We've Been Up To:
We're nearing the finish line! Volunteers cleaned up to make room as we brought in more equipment over the past weeks, including a 15" planer, a 11x26" manual metal lathe, an additional laser cutter, and a 42" wide carriage inkjet printer. We've worked on drywall, electrical, roof trim, venting systems, and compressed air systems.

The EIL Robotics team's area has been concreted and a wall built to close it in. By next week, we'll be texturing and painting as we finish out the Electronics & Science Lab and the Craft/Framing shop upstairs.

Remember, this is a completely volunteer led project and, to show our gratitude to everyone who has come out to lend a hand, we will host a volunteer appreciation lunch and demo on Sunday, May 1st, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is really extraordinary what our volunteers have accomplished and built for their community. I hope you can join us in celebrating Montgomery County's first makerspace!

Pre-opening membership pricing is available for a few more weeks. You can sign up on our website via paypal or by contacting Jeanie using the link below.

Work Days – Fridays & Saturdays in April
Apr 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30 - 9am-1pm (or until we're done)
We'll be continuing our normal work days throughout April. We'll hang the rest of the drywall this week and then hopefully texture and paint next weekend. Lighting and flooring are all that remains after that. Follow the drive to the end. Barn is located behind the portable buildings. (Additional work days may be added, including some evening hours. Watch the website calendar for details.)

Maker Meetup at Extraordinary Education Thurs, Apr 14th and 28th, 7pm-8:30pm
We invite you to come hang out with us, take a tour of the Barn progress, get your questions answered and just get to know your maker community. We'll meet in the portable closest to the Barn, and/or in the Barn. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday.


Maker Lunch at Fuddruckers Thurs, Apr 21st, 12pm-1pm
This is a great time to build relationships with fellow makers. Everyone is welcome. Look for us in the back room. Located at 2290 Buckthorne Place, The Woodlands TX

Purchasing a Maker Barn Membership now will help us acquire needed materials while securing your membership at over 15% off.  This offer ends soon! To pay with credit card, go to our website or contact Jeanie for more details.

EE is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible. If you have tools you would be willing to donate to the Maker Barn, or if you have access to materials that could be donated, please contact George.

Contact Jeanie about Membership
Contact George about Tool & Material Donations

EARLY Robotics Team Winners!

In the final head to head battle of the 2016 Spring EARLY Robotics Tournament in Huntsville, TX it was EE Gearhead Sharks vs EE Gearhead Sharks! Extraordinary Education’s EARLY Robotics Team took 2 robots to competition on Saturday, April 9, each created and driven by two different student teams – The Gold Team and the Silver Team. With 13 teams in attendance at the contest, our two teams took both 1st Place and 2nd Place in the Board Competition.

The teams also competed in a special on-site challenge called the Teamwork Competition. Given surprise materials, the students had to build an object.  This year's object was the tallest freestanding tower made from paper, tape, a yardstick, and toothpicks. The Silver team tied for 1st place with three other teams in the first round, and to break the tie, a new object was presented to the teams. In the end, the Gearhead Sharks Silver Team won 2nd Place.

What an extraordinary effort! Please be sure to congratulate these students when you see them!


1st Place Board Challenge Gearhead Sharks
“Gold Team” (These guys also scored
the high score for the day!) From Left to Right:
Luke Pollan and Colby Shilling



2nd Place Board Challenge
Gearhead Sharks
“Silver Team”
From Left to Right:
Caden and Jack Alderson



2nd Place Teamwork Challenge
Gearhead Sharks
“Silver Team”
From Left to Right:
Caden and Jack Alderson

EARLY Robotics Spring 2016 Team
From left to right - Ion Powell, Colby Shilling, Luke Pollan,
Jack and Caden Alderson, Todd Powell

EARLY Robotics Spring 2016 Class
From left to right FRONT ROW: Colby Shilling, Ashton Lucas, Luke Pollan, Mathew Uzzell, Jack Alderson, Ian Picard, Caden Alderson.
BACK ROW: Ion Powell (Asst. Coach), Todd Powell (Coach)

Extraordinary Efforts at PSIA Contest

Many Extraordinary Education  students competed in the Private Schools Interscholastic Assocation District 12AA Contest on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016. The team chose to compete in the AA tournament which is for larger schools, so the competition was very tough and placing is more difficult. Our students did quite well though and earned many awards. A number of students also qualified for the State PSIA Contest to be held at TCU in Fort Worth on April 30th. Special thanks to our PSIA Campus coordinator, Kuovonne Vorderbruggen. It is a huge task to coordinate this event, and she did a fantastic job!

Be sure to congratulate these students when you see them!

Alina Rodriguez
2nd Place - Vocabulary 6th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED
2nd Place - On-site Drawing 6th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED
2nd Place - Ready Writing 6th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED

Eva Alvarado
1st Place - Vocabulary 6th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED
2nd Place - Spelling 6th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED
3rd Place - Listening Skills 6th-8th Grade - STATE ALTERNATE

Preston Morgan
1st Place - On-site Drawing 8th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED

Gracie Sawyer
1st Place - Poetry Interpretation 7th-8th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED

Kiki Vorderbruggen
1st Place - Ready Writing 7th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED

Abby Brown
2nd Place - On-site Drawing 8th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED

Carlos Rodriguez
2nd Place – Maps, Graphs and Charts 4th Grade - STATE QUALIFIED

Samuel Rodriguez
2nd Place - Creative Writing 1st Grade - STATE ALTERNATE

Spencer Martin
3rd Place - Spelling 7th-8th Grade - STATE ALTERNATE

Olivia Salinas
3rd Place – Maps, Graphs and Charts 5th Grade - STATE ALTERNATE

Zoe Pool
6th Place - On-site Drawing 6th Grade

Evan Rice
6th Place – Maps, Graphs and Charts 8th Grade

Catherine Salinas
6th Place - Dictionary Skills 6th-8th

Alexa Underwood
6th Place - Ready Writing 7th Grade

Note: Some of our EE students also competed as individual homeschoolers in another district. Unfortunately, I did not received a report of those awards. We will update everyone when we have more news!