Merry Christmas!

We wish you a merry Christmas.. we wish you a merry Christmas.. we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!  May the LORD bless your efforts as your strive to serve HIM in 2010!

Denver Eagles Web Store

It is finally here! 

The Denver Eagles Branded Active Wear Website is now open!   Get your Eagles Wear for Christmas!

To ensure a delivery by Christmas, all orders must be placed by noon December 18th. Any orders received after noon on December 18th will be available for pick-up with in 7-10 business days.  All orders are for pick-up at Threaded Ink Media unless customer advises otherwise. If the order is shipped, shipping charges will be applied.  

The Artios Academies

The Artios Academies consists of three separate programs: Artios Academy of Arts and History, Artios Conservatory of the Visual and Performing Arts, and Artios Preparatory Academy. Our goal in each program, whether in our arts and history program, our advanced arts instruction level, or our academic academy, is to raise up the next generation of leaders who have been educated, equipped and elevated to make a difference in the culture around them.


The goal of each of the three Artios programs is to raise up educated, culturally literate, artistically trained, spiritually discerning servant leaders of the Kingdom. Taken from the Greek, Artios means complete, sufficient, whole and qualified. The name itself contains and defines the three fold vision of the Academy.

To Educate

By providing highly specialized and intensive training for students who possess special talents and/or interests in the visual and performing arts as well as a creative and integrative approach to academics both at home and through the optional Artios Academics program

To Equip

By providing not only artistic and academic preparation, but also a Christian worldview philosophy which will prepare the students to effectively minister and make a positive difference in their God-given areas of artistic expression and chosen field of profession.

To Elevate

By raising up educated, artistically trained, spiritually discerning, culturally literate servant leaders of the Kingdom.
 - ~ -

Artios Academy of Arts and History

Artios Academy of Arts and History exists to give homeschool students a foundational, historically based instructional program in the arts. The Academy of Arts and History meets one half day a week. On that day, students attend age-appropriate classes in music, history, arts and drama. There are four separate levels of instruction in the Academy program: Primary (kindergarten and 1st grade), Elementary (2nd through 5th grade), Middle School (6th through 8th grade), and High School (9th – 12th grade). Students receive instruction in both arts history and arts related skills which are based on the National Arts Standards. In addition to being taught the arts within their historical context, students are also taught arts appreciation in a classical four year rotation of time periods (Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance, Early Modern and Modern) in a Charlotte Mason style, hands-on approach. Students of Artios Academy of Arts and History will gain a Christian worldview of the arts while receiving skills and expertise in art, music, and theater.

For more information regarding our rural program, Academy Shorts, for small groups of students in rural settings cilck here.

Artios Plus

Academy Plus is a collection of various arts related classes that are offered both before and after Academy class hours. Classes in drama, music, art and dance, as well as private instruction in musical instruments, band, choir and drama clubs are part of the Academy Plus program.

In addition, open enrollment classes from the conservatory program are also listed as part of the Academy Plus program. Open enrollment classes for the Preparatory program may be found under the Preparatory Academy link and are registered for under the Preparatory registration process.

Artios Conservatory for the Visual and Performing Arts

Artios Conservatory for the Visual and Performing Arts is a unique program designed for high school students who have each demonstrated proficiency, talent, and a personal desire to pursue their interest in a particular area(s) of the arts. A natural outgrowth of Artios Academy of Arts and History, the Conservatory program serves as great preparation for those students wishing to pursue college level training in the arts, as well as those who wish to pursue their areas of interest as means of ministry in the future.

Each student involved in the Conservatory program benefits from focused and specific classes in his or her chosen interest area, as well as small class sizes and individual attention, coaching and mentoring. Students who have already learned skills in other foundational arts programs find their skills pushed to a higher level of understanding and proficiency.

Artios Conservatory offers a distinctive approach to the arts by requiring each student to participate in the worldview class scope and sequence, and by offering a broad approach to arts history and various arts disciplines. It is our desire to prepare students not only in art-related skills, but also to help each student lay a foundation of firm Biblical and Christian worldview of the arts. Our minds should be filled with God's ideas before interacting with the culture. This enables us to have interaction with culture, but not accommodation. This approach is what sets all Artios Academy programs apart from other arts programs, and insures a safe and appropriate environment for arts instruction.

Strands of study offered vary by location, but may include any of the following: visual art, music, visual media (film, digital/film photography), theater (acting or tech/media), and literary arts. All majors begin with basic foundation courses in the arts, progress to discipline-specific courses, and are completed with preparation for senior projects, recitals, shows and portfolios. Artios Advanced Arts Education Diplomas are awarded to graduates. Students enrolling in Artios after freshman year are eligible to receive credits based on prior instruction and demonstrated abilities, and are thus eligible for either a full Artios diploma or a provisionary diploma. Recent graduates from the Artios program have received arts-related scholarships to a variety of colleges based on portfolios and auditions using materials and instruction received while attending Artios Academy.

For information regarding our summer residence conservatory program, Artios Outpost, click here. (and then that goes to a page about Artios Outpost)

Artios Preparatory

Artios Preparatory Academy is an academic program which operates as an optional extension of the Artios Academy of Arts and History and the Conservatory programs. Though our curriculum is college prep, our concern for our students and their families goes far beyond the scope of academics. We care deeply about discipling students' hearts to apply Biblical principles to every area of thought and daily life. We have as a priority an integrated and creative approach to instruction, which gives students the tools and knowledge necessary to see life as a whole. Thus, students are able to apply their knowledge in each academic and arts related subject on a broad scale of implementation, versus an isolated knowledge with no practical application.

God has given parents the responsibility of teaching and training their children. It is our goal to be an extension of the home, and to come alongside homeschool families by providing structured tutoring in the middle and high school core academic subjects. By providing an approach to education that is creative, integrative and thoroughly grounded in a Christian worldview, Artios Preparatory Academy prepares students to function as individuals who can reason and relate all issues of life to the doctrinal foundation of the Christian faith.


This program is available in either an on-site or online format. Our online program, Artios Home Companion is available for students in areas where an Artios Academies location or specific Artios program is not offered.

For more information, visit here.  

Spring Constitutional Law Online

Students are now able to register for the spring semester of Constitutional Law Online, taught by Michael Farris, Chairman of Home School Legal Defense Association and Chancellor of Patrick Henry College. Registration ends the first day of class, January 4, 2010. The course concludes June 7, 2010.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the history and background of our legal system, from a biblical perspective, or if you’re looking for a good U.S. government class for your homeschooled students, then this class is for you! This internet-based course follows Michael Farris’ textbook, Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens, and uses a computer-based audio CD to deliver the “classroom” lectures. Live chat-room discussions held every two weeks allow students to pose questions to Dr. Farris.

Do you want to not only interpret Supreme Court cases but also build a foundation for evaluating future judicial decisions? Learn constitutional law with Michael Farris! Dr. Farris is offering his high school-level Constitutional Law course to help you:

• Understand our nation’s founding documents
• Explore precedent-setting Supreme Court cases
• Master tough legal terms and complex judicial and legislative concepts
• Tackle tough questions about what the Founders really intended and what you can do to uphold their vision
• Broaden your understanding of and appreciation for the Constitution of the United States

Students may enroll in either the spring semester (January—June) or fall semester (September—February) and receive a copy of Dr. Farris’ textbook Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens, along with an audio CD-ROM containing his recorded lectures (supplemented by the discussions of a live class). These lectures are provided in MP3 format for easy playback on multiple audio devices.
Students participate in secure Internet chat sessions hosted by Dr. Farris every other week for “live,” text-based discussion. They may also post questions to Dr. Farris at any time using our secure Internet forum, which allows all students to see and learn from Dr. Farris’ answers.
Dr. Farris, a former bar examiner, presents both a mid-term and final bar-style exam question for students to research and answer. The exams are intended to test the student’s ability to apply the course material to a fictitious legal scenario. Answers are written in essay format and sent to Dr. Farris to be reviewed, critiqued, and graded. Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion.

Tuition is $250 for HSLDA members and $275 for non-HSLDA members and is due in full upon registration. Late enrollments may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Questions?  Check out here. 

 

Anatomy Lesson of the Day

With 205 bones and 700 muscles the horse is a challenging animal for anatomy students to study.

That was until champion rider Gillian Higgins came up with the novel idea of showing people how it all works.

Rather than bog them down with dusty diagrams and skeletal sketches, she hit upon the idea of painting the inner workings of the horse on the beast itself.

Gillian Higgins shows-off her anatomical study on thirteen-year- old Kiitos ahead of a lecture on equine anatomy

Now veterinary students, race horse trainers, eventers, pony club members and dressage judges are flocking to her lectures to see the horse painting in action.

Ms Higgins uses water-based hypoallergenic paints which are easy to wash off afterwards.  She takes four hours to apply the equine make-up - painting the skeletal structure on one side and the multi-coloured musculature on the other.

More...

'Painting the skeleton and musculature on the side of the horse really helps to bring the subject to life,' she says.

'You can discover how to get the best out of your horse by seeing exactly what happens as it moves.'

The champion rider Gillian Higgins paints the flexor muscle chain on one side of the horse

Gillian, 27, a sports remedial therapist, from Nottingham, first hit on the idea three years ago after completing a degree in equine business management at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

She said: 'I realized that many riders and trainers could benefit from a better understanding of how the horse works. With all those bones and muscles with incredibly long names, it can be a bit much to take it all in.

'I'm trying to show the anatomy and how the horse works in an interesting and easy to understand way.

'I started gradually with a bit of paint but then became more and more in demand. Now I go all over the country from Cornwall to Inverness and I'm soon flying off to South Africa to give a demonstration there.'

A horse has 205 bones and 700 muscles. Painting a steed helps students remember which one is where

Normally her models are her 12 year old eventer Freddie Fox or six year old Henry - although if she travels further afield from home she relies on schools and colleges to provide a steed for her. Greys are best because the colours show up more clearly.

Gillian, who won a gold medal at the student riders nations cup in 2006, said: 'Freddie Fox is the best model because he has just the right temperament and loves to be the centre of attention at the demonstrations. Being painted isn't much different for them as being groomed or handled. They don't mind at all.

'The worst thing that has ever happened was when a horse that had not minded being painted in the slightest, then had to go into an arena in front of 150 people. He got a bit spooked up by the crowd and was jumping around and became a little bit too much.'

For more information and details of Gillian's book How Your Horse Moves visit here! 

 

Libery University Online Academy

Quality online education with world-class support Liberty University Online Academy is an online  academic program specially developed for grades  3-12 and supported by Liberty University — the  world’s largest Christian university and non-profit  online educator. Proven curriculum that’s simple to administer Liberty University Online Academy offers a turn-key home learning system with solid curriculum that is  simple to manage. With Liberty University Online  Academy you and your homeschoolers will benefit  from: Online academic support through a unique faculty/student messaging system Automated lesson planning Instant grading feedback Flexible, yet structured program, customized to  meet the needs of each student Biblically-based, Christ-centered curriculum Rolling Enrollment: enroll and start classes  at any time of the year Qualified academic support with your personal academic advisor Record keeping and transcripting of all  student work Access to Liberty University’s extensive  online library services Save $250 on Spring Tuition! Call (866) 418-8741 for details, or click here to  submit your online application and to begin  enrolling your student in the Spring 2010 semester!

Homeschooling Thru High School: Gift of Prayer

Looking for last minute Christmas gift ideas for your spouse or your teen? The best gift of all may be the gift of prayer or a book to encourage a more abundant prayer life. We wish to offer a few suggestions to consider:

* The Only Necessary Thing by Henri Nouwen
* The Power of the Praying Teen by Stormie Omartian
* The Prayer that Changes Everything by Stormie Omartian
* Prayer by Richard Foster
* Letters to Malcolm by C. S. Lewis
* Experiencing Prayer with Jesus by Henry & Norman Blackaby
* Praying God’s Word Gift Set by Beth Moore
* Breakthrough Intercessory Prayer Ministry, prays for your request for a 21-day period. Read more about this resource here! 

2010 MASTERS National Conference

Registration for the 2010 MASTERS National Conference has officially opened!

Early Bird Deadline: December 30, 2009

Register NOW for this event here!

We are excited about the plans for this year's annual MASTERS National Conference where you can learn to develop your communication skills for the Master. We hope you will join us for the best training offered by ICC!

NEEDED help for Single Mom

My name is Julie Sky and I have quite a need.  I am a Christian single mother and also a flight attendant based out of Colorado Springs.  I do not have family here and I have lost my sitter.  I home school my 13 yr. old daughter and our former babysitter was a homeschooler who homeschooled my daughter when I worked along with her other children.  Well, due to financial reasons she had to return to work and I lost my sitter.  What I need is a Christian family who homeschools to watch my daughter.  She already has her work and does not need to be personally taught.  She is a great Christian young lady who is polite, respectful, and kind.  We are moving from Breckenridge and I will need someone by this weekend.  The situation is critical as I will need a sitter for 2 trips this month.  I normally fly 3 trips a month and am gone a total of 9 days out of the month.  I have my schedule a month ahead of time so there are no surprizes.  If I cannot find a sitter for my daughter I will lose my job and we will be in trouble.  Could you please help me find a family who would be willing to help us?  The need is great. Please call me at your earliest convenience.  Julie Sky,  303-720-8125 or julieeaglesky1@yahoo.com.  

A Letter from HSLDA: December 2009

As former homeschool moms, we remember how December was usually full of activities that competed with school time. Church play rehearsals, Christmas concerts, get-togethers with relatives, crafting special gifts, and other events eat up time. Don't feel guilty about cutting back on course assignments by eliminating 3–5 problems from each math lesson, scaling back on composition writing, or skimming over a chapter in history. Also, look for academic content in the holiday activities in which your teens participate. For example, count that concert attendance as part of a music course, incorporate family seasonal reading time into the literature class, and log the hours your teen spends Christmas caroling as part of her community service. You’ll see that these activities then become a part of your schooling for December instead of being perceived as distractions from school.
We also recommend that you take extra care to maintain control over your calendar during the holidays. Be purposeful in scheduling time of relaxation for you and your teens. Plan some evenings when everyone will be at home together and you can enjoy hot chocolate and a Christmas movie classic or enjoy reading Scripture or singing Handel’s Messiah! The many wonderful opportunities available during the holidays will require deliberate restraint to guard against exhaustion. Taking a hard look at the calendar before it becomes overloaded will reap good fruit.

                                   

Did you know studies show that discouragement and despair are heightened during the holiday season? The majority of us have experienced this firsthand. The main reason tends to be unmet expectations. We envision and expect a perfect holiday with no personal conflicts, no financial concerns, and no lack of cooperation from teens. When this scenario fails to present itself, we are disappointed.
In order to refocus your thoughts, make an honest assessment of your expectations for the holidays and ask the Lord for wisdom in knowing which ones He would have you release to Him. If relations with extended family are strained, consider spending quiet time in prayer for these relatives asking the Lord to give you grace to cope with them.
If your teen’s lack of cooperation is more evident during the holidays, take great care not to respond in anger but to ask the Lord for an opportunity each day to encourage your teen or to tell him that you love him. The Lord may use these kindnesses to change his heart.
If money for gift giving is non-existent, focus on giving gifts of time and abilities. For example, have each family member make a coupon book for others in the family. A teen might present a coupon to a sibling that offers to make his bed for a month. A mom can give out coupons to each child for a batch of homemade cookies. Other coupons could provide time for a hike or walk in the park or making a special meal. Another suggestion came from a mom whose son had very little money to spend on gifts, so she asked him to memorize a poem from Valley of Vision (a collection of Puritan prayers). When he recited it to her from memory, it was music to her ears; and it represented a love gift of time from her son. Perhaps there is a passage or chapter in Scripture that your teen could memorize for you—it doesn’t cost a penny, but it is a heartfelt gesture.
Here are some additional ideas to fend off low spirits and melancholy you may feel during December. Make a priority of staying in the Word of God—no matter how busy you are! You can’t be refreshed if you aren’t drinking in and meditating on truth. Perhaps you’ll want to purchase a special Christmas devotional for the month to do with your teens or perhaps schedule time to read over the Christmas story as a family. During your homeschool day, play Christmas carols as background music. These songs are rich in lyrics, beautiful in melody, and they will set a wonderful atmosphere in your home.
You and your teens may enjoy planning a simple way to bless someone less fortunate. It may be purchasing gifts for Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree ministry or for a family in your neighborhood or church who is experiencing difficult times this season. Other ideas include baking cookies and delivering them to volunteer fire departments, visiting the elderly in nursing homes as your teen uses his or her musical talents to brighten the residents’ day, or setting aside a few extra minutes during each school day to pray for specific servicemen and women who will be spending Christmas far away from friends and family.

                                  

The holidays accentuate heartaches. If you are in the midst of a particularly painful time, we extend our sympathies to you. We offer you the hope that the Lord is your provider, redeemer, and restorer. He carries you on His heart because He is the healer of broken hearts. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. The Lord promises to give you comfort, so cry out to Him and seek His face.
If you are fortunate not to be experiencing grief this holiday season, ask the Lord for awareness of those in the homeschooling community who may desire help, solace, or comfort. Your involvement may be to open your home for some needed fellowship, to open your wallet to meet a particular financial necessity, or to open the Word of God and share an encouragement verse by way of a personal note.
If you don’t know of anyone needing help and feel so led, consider making a donation to the Home School Foundation, an affiliate of the Home School Legal Defense Association that channels donations to homeschooling families in want.

We encourage you to pray diligently during December so that exhaustion, discouragement, and disappointment will not be the hallmarks of your holiday season! May the Lord give you an abundance of joy and peace as you celebrate His birthday. He is the perfect gift coming down from the Father of lights. 
- HSLDA

"In Bethlehem Inn" Christmas Play

Of course you know the story, it’s Christmas!

You know Joseph and Mary, you know Herod;

you even know the donkey…

But what about the poor Innkeeper?

Does anyone have a heart for the poor, maligned Innkeeper?

Now you get to hear the “rest of the story”…

“In Bethlehem Inn” 

In Bethlehem Inn is a dinner theater, where the dinner guests have fun experiencing a fine Middle-Eastern meal while being enveloped in the historical events of that evening over 2000 years ago.  The members of the cast perform their parts, which includes serving the meal and making the guests feel right at home – their home that is, in 0 B.C Bethlehem.  He has taken in all he can and is trying to manage the food and sleeping accommodations (Holiday Inn this is NOT), with help from his servants, whose help is sometimes more of a hindrance.  As one of them notes – “you get what you pay for”!  Of course, there is one more person who arrives looking for lodging for himself and his wife, but there is simply no more room.  The rest, as they say, is His-story!

This is a wonderful experience that lands you in a familiar story, but really IN the story.  Have fun conversing with your servers, your hosts, and your fellow members of the tribe of Judah while enjoying a wonderful Middle-Eastern meal!

 

 
4905 W. 60th Ave (around back)
Arvada, CO
December 10, 12 at 6:30, 12 at 2:00
December 17, 18, 19 at 6:30, 19 at 2:00
Call for tickets:  303-456-6772  303-456-6772
Or go online and visit here
 
 
Ticket prices include the meal described above…
Single Tickets                                                              $25.00
Senior Discount Tickets                                               $22.00
Group Tickets (per group of 8 – a table)                           $160.00
Exclusive Evening (maximum of 64 people)                    $1000.00

Merry Christmas from the Denver Eagles

Please join us for
Denver Eagles Alumni Games
Come support your Denver Eagles, enjoy a reunion with your former teammates and bless Open Door Ministries! Bring out your Rec League players (Eaglets!) and let them see what their futures can hold by watching our current and past Eagles compete.

To replace our admission fee this year, we've decided to work with Open Door Ministries and share the gifts that we have received. They need some sporting equipment for their daycare center, as well as daily needs, and we thought that would fit well, with us being a Christian sports organization. Please see the list below and prayerfully consider what you can contribute individually or as a family!

We also discovered that the daughter of the lady we're working with used to play for the Denver Eagles!
·Date: Monday, December 21st

·Alumni Player Fee: $20
Sign up online at DenverEagles.org
Confirmation of registration upon receipt of payment
If enough players sign up, we will add a Double Alumni game at 5pm
Winner will play the current Varsity girls or boys team at 6:15 or 7:30pm.

·Location:
Colorado Christian University
8787 W Alameda Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80226

·Admission: To benefit Open Door Ministries
Please see the list below.

·Schedule:
Possible Double Alumni Game 5pm
Girls game 6:15pm
Guys game 7:30pm

·Concessions available for dinner

Admissions to benefit Open Door Ministries, see here.


Please use your discretion in what you contribute.
Every donation is appreciated so much!

*Non-perishable food items
*Cash donation to purchase equipment

Basketballs (outdoor) several
Soccer balls
disc golf disc (150 grams and lighter)
field cones
pool table
table tennis table
water bottles for each child (55)
indoor nerf basketball and hoop
dodge balls
T-ball stand
small nerf balls
lightweight plastic baseball bat
large (basketball size) nerf ball
any other indoor sports equipment

Sincerely,
The Denver Eagles Board of Directors....Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! Remember Jesus Is The Reason For The Season. May God Bless you and your famliy during this Holiday Season. 

Thank You LORD for Chris Klicka

A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations Christopher J. Klicka was called home by his Lord on October 12, 2009, at age 48, following a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis. An attorney, spokesman, lobbyist, and homeschooling husband and father, Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy, their seven children (ages 11–21), and his parents, Ardath and George Klicka.

“Chris was both a people person and a goal person. He cared deeply about people, but was also driven to always do more!” says HSLDA President J. Michael Smith. “He was the most determined person I ever met in my life. Even with all the things he accomplished every day at HSLDA, he continually wanted to tackle new challenges and serve homeschoolers in more and better ways. He was so focused on the homeschooling world, but he was also very much focused on his family and dedicated to raising his children.”

An integral part of Home School Legal Defense Association’s staff for 24 years, Chris was HSLDA’s first full-time employee, first executive director, and first full-time attorney. He believed passionately that homeschooling was the best educational method for children and demonstrated that passion in every area of his life.

Chris and Tracy homeschooled all seven of their children. He traveled across the United States (and around the world) defending families’ right to homeschool and advocating homeschooling. He participated in countless radio interviews on homeschooling issues. He wrote five books on homeschooling, penned numerous articles, and had two more books in progress when he passed away. He lobbied state legislators, U.S. senators, and foreign diplomats to support homeschooling. He sought greater freedom for homeschooling parents and students in every area—from local school districts to sports associations, college admissions departments, and military recruitment requirements. He sought to educate the educators, truant officers, policemen, judges, and even social workers about the benefits and legality of homeschooling.

Even deeper than his passion for homeschooling was his deep love for his Lord. We may never know how many people Chris inspired to homeschool or continue homeschooling, or how many people he inspired to draw near to his Lord.

“Chris’s accomplishments as a lawyer for homeschooling are clear and of value that cannot be overstated. He was one of the most important pioneers of our movement,” says HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris. “He believed that this truly is God’s way to teach children to love God. He believed it deeply. His conviction was infectious. He was a man of single-hearted devotion that I have never, ever seen equaled. The passion that Chris felt for the mission to which God called him never, ever, ever, ever dimmed, even slightly.”

HSLDA deeply appreciates and honors Chris’s life and his dedicated contribution to our organization and to homeschooling. Our staff will miss him more than we can express, and we are praying with and for his family. The homeschooling movement has lost one of its greatest advocates and friends, but Chris leaves an incredible legacy of freedom and awareness of homeschooling to the thousands of homeschooled students whose parents have made The Right Choice.”

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.“ II Timothy 4:7-8”

Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.“ Revelation 2:10 

Advent Concerts

Chamber Choir - Advent Service of Lessons and Carols The Advent Service of Lessons and Carols is a tradition of scripture coupled with song to experience the reason for the coming or advent of Christ. Beginning with the Fall of Man and ending with looking forward to the second coming of Christ, this service creates a remembrance of the real reason for Christmas. The choir will also present the NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE of Cecilia McDowall's "Annunciation".

Tickets are not required for this service.
Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church
18000 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016


Chamber Choir - Advent Service of Lessons and Carols
The Advent Service of Lessons and Carols is a tradition of scripture coupled with song to experience the reason for the coming or advent of Christ. Beginning with the Fall of Man and ending with looking forward to the second coming of Christ, this service creates a remembrance of the real reason for Christmas. The choir will also present the NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE of Cecilia McDowall's "Annunciation".

Tickets are not required for this Service
Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 

A Call to Pens - Patrick Henry College Writing Contest

This year, Patrick Henry College invites aspiring writers to answer the call – more specifically, A Call to Pens. PHC’s first short story competition for students ages 12-18 was set in motion last year by PHC student, Peter Forbes (now an alumnus of PHC) who wanted to support the college and give young writers an opportunity to create original works of fiction that thoughtfully reflected a Christian worldview. Over 250 students nationwide responded to the “call” with mature, well-written stories, and we eagerly await the response of participants this year.

A Call to Pens is a contest with a broader mission than winning prizes. If we wish to shape the culture, we must first engage it – in all aspects of life. Quality Christian literature engages the culture in a less direct manner than other vocations, but it is no less important.

“The pen really is mightier than the sword,” says Dr. Gene Veith, Provost at PHC and author of several books regarding Christianity and culture. “Writers really are the unacknowledged legislators of mankind. Writers played a major role in bringing down the Soviet Empire simply by writing stories that changed people’s sensibility. Changing our own culture in a more God-pleasing direction cannot be done by political action alone. Changing the culture is a cultural task, and for that we need Christian writers. The Call to Pens contest is designed to help raise up those writers.”

For those interested in entering the contest, please visit www.phc.edu/acalltopens.php. There will be two separate divisions, each with a separate theme, based on age. Several cash prizes will be awarded to the top writers in each division. All proceeds of the competition will be given to PHC’s Annual Scholarship Fund. The entry deadline is December 30th, 2009; winners will be announced in March, 2010. 

Beyond Academics - A Note from HSLDA

There is more to life than algebra! You're preparing your children for life. They're developing enduring friendships, making memories, and building skills and hobbies that will last them for years. You want to make sure your child has the right opportunities and experiences to become a well-rounded adult. What are some of the resources available to homeschoolers?

Extracurricular activities

You can help your child obtain a well-rounded education throughout the high school years by involving him/her in several extracurricular activities. Planning these activities at the beginning of the high school years will maximize possibilities for the student to grow into leadership positions. Opportunities abound for employment, community service projects, church-related ministries, sports teams, orchestra, band, etc.—the list goes on and on. Check out your local support groups and state homeschooling organizations to investigate extracurricular activities that may already be organized. If nothing is currently organized in an area of interest, consider having your child initiate an activity that others may want to join! Choose extracurricular activities wisely, and assist your child in maintaining a healthy balance of academics, outside interests, and work. As your teen participates in extracurricular activities, consider recording them on an extracurricular sheet, and then add to the sheet each year of high school. Keep in mind that many college admissions officers prefer that students be involved wholeheartedly in several activities, rather than minimally involved in many activities.
Character and Leadership Training

* American Heritage Girls
* Awana
Emphasis on Scripture memory and discipleship and leadership training
* Boy Scouts of America
Training in leadership and citizenship
* Pioneer Clubs
Spiritual and personal development, evangelism, and discipleship
* Scripture Memory Fellowship
Scripture memory program and resources for edification and encouragement

Competition and Scholarship Awards

Many contests and competitions are open to homeschool students. Each competition or contest has its own eligibility requirements, so be sure to carefully comply with the stated rules and deadlines. Contests can motivate your student to write an essay, draw a picture, or even build a robot! With most contests offering monetary rewards, they are well worth the effort and offer an opportunity for your child to earn scholarship money. The College Board’s article, “Where the Scholarships Are: How to Develop a Scholarship Strategy,” provides helpful information as you begin to research scholarships.

Finding a scholarship might appear to be one of the mysteries of higher education. But it doesn’t have to be! Starting your search in the right places is the key, and the resources listed here will help you do just that. You’ll be amazed at what you might find—there are scholarships for just about every conceivable category. One HSLDA member family had a daughter who was a swimmer and had asthma. They actually found a scholarship for asthmatic swimmers. You just never know what’s out there. Happy hunting!

To learn more about competition and scholarship awards.
Military

* American Cadet Alliance
* Civil Air Patrol
* US Naval Sea Cadets Corp

Summer Camps

* Generation Joshua Summer Camps
Generation Joshua sponsors a Family/Teen camp during the summer providing lectures and discussions by inspiring and nationally known leaders explaining how your family can impact our nation for Christ in the political and civic arenas. The week includes plenty of time for fun and relaxation with activities such as horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, arts & crafts,etc.
* Homeschool Science Academy’s Anatomy and Physiology weeklong camps
* JH Second Wind Camp
* PHC Teen Camps
Patrick Henry College's Teen Leadership Camps provide leadership training to high school students. Students learn how to apply a biblical worldview to issues of today in fields such as journalism, intelligence, and constitutional law.
* Probe Ministries
Weekend and week long apologetics and Christian worldview training for teens.
* Summit ministries
Teens learn how to understand ideas and answer major challenges to Christianity, develop a Biblical worldview, and are challenged to become leaders.
* Worldview Academy
A non-denominational organization helping Christians develop a Biblical Worldview. Training is provided in evanglism, apologetics and servant leadership.

Sports

* For Homeschool Sports Opportunities in specific states, see the State Resources page
* Homeschool Basketball
* Homeschool Football League.
* Homeschool Sports Network
Sports teams available and to be organized
* How To Start a Homeschool Sports Program
* Interscholastic Equestrian Association
* National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA)
Dedicated to promoting "Christ-centered excellence" in Christian school athletic programs, NCSAA is currently working with HSLDA to become a liaison between homeschoolers and Christian school leagues with this twofold objective: to convince Christian school leagues to allow the participation of homeschoolers (either as members of existing school teams or as separate homeschool teams), and to oversee eligibility and other issues that may hinder homeschoolers' participation in these leagues.
* National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
* National Homeschool Football Association
* National Homeschool Volleyball Tournament
* Play Ball! Homeschoolers Take the Field
This HSLDA article from the Court Report provides detailed information on the opportunites for homeschoolers to participate in sports.
* So, You Want to Play College Ball?

Friends

It’s understandable for parents to worry that homeschooling might limit their child’s friendships. But ask yourself, “What kinds of friends do I want my kids to have?” Attending school with several hundred other children rarely results in deep, lasting relationships. Homeschooling gives teenagers the freedom to make many friends, and the chance to cultivate those friendships in a mature way. Even families living in rural, less-populated areas quickly discover that homeschooling actually allows more time to get involved in community and social activities than attending traditional school does.

* The Best Kind of Socialization (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
* “Friends—God’s Gifts to Us”
* Rural Homeschooling and Place-based Education
* The “S” Word

Life skills

Preparing your child for adult life includes training in basic skills beyond the academics. For ideas, see the Life Skills Checklist, along with a list of resources. Also consider providing courses or experiences in some of the following areas.

* Driver's Education
* First Aid
Consider having your child take a CPR Certification course. These courses are usually offered through the American Red Cross or a local hospital.
* 4-H Clubs
* Local Cooperative Extension Courses
Local county governments sometimes team up with universities to offer practical courses to the community, which your student may be interested in taking as electives. Examples of cooperative extension classes include finances, savvy consumer techniques, home economics, Master Gardener certification, and nutrition. It may even be possible for you and your student to take a course together. To find out if such classes are offered in your area, try an internet search using your county's name along with "cooperative extension."
* Personal Financial Management
Have your child learn about setting up a checking account, considerations for buying a car, financing a college education, setting up a budget, and more.
o Money Matters for Teens
by Larry Burkett
o Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples: A Lifetime Approach to Spending, Saving and Investing
by Larry Burkett
o The World's Easiest Guide to Finances
by Larry Burkett
* Resume Writing & Interviews
o Creating Your High School Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing an Effective Resume for College & Career
by Kathryn Kraemer Troutman
o Entry Level Resumes
Targets college students and recent grads
o Field Work Savvy: A Handbook for Students in Internship, Co-Operative Education, Service Learning, and Other Forms of Experiential Education
by Joan A. Milnes
o How to Write a Masterpiece of a Resume
o Interviewing Skills
by Tim Hindle
o Jobweb - Resumes and Interviews
o Resume Writing 101
o Say What You Mean on a Job Interview e-Study
o Standard Deviants School, Interviewing Progam 1: Getting Ready, VHS
o Student Resume Formats
o The Insider's Guide to Writing the Perfect Resume
* Resources
o Life Skills for Kids: Equipping Your child for the Real World
by Christine M. Field
o Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers
by Barbara Frank
o Survival Training: Life Skills for Young Adults Resource List (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Missions

Cross-cultural experiences will stretch your student physically, mentally, and emotionally and broaden his/her perspective of the world.

* Adventures in Missions
* Teen Missions International
* English Language Institute of China (ELIC)
* Youth With a Mission (YWAM)

Motivation

Help! My teenager doesn't want to do his schoolwork. He won't help around the house. He's so uncooperative. What can I do?

* I Hate School: How to Help Your Child Love Learning
by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
* Age of Opportunity
by Paul David Tripp
* Romancing Your Child’s Heart
by Monte Swan
* Seven Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential
by Zan Tyler

Time Management

How do I squeeze into 24 hours all my high schooler's subjects, her extracurricular activities, time with my other children, attention for my husband, making dinner, and doing laundry? And how do I teach my teenager to manage her time more efficiently?

* Personal Time Management Tool
* Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+u+la
by Barbara Edtl Shelton
* Time Management Tips for High School Students
* Help for the Harried Homeschooler : A Practical Guide to Balancing Your Child's Education with the Rest of Your Life
by Christine Field
* Homeschooling at the Speed of Life: Balancing Home, School, And Family in the Real World
by Marilyn Rockett
* A Mom Just Like You
by Vickie & Jayme Farris
* Flylady.net

Volunteering
The teenage years provide an opportunity for your teen to begin a lifelong practice of serving others. These sites will provide you ideas on where and how to begin.
Work Permits

When children begin working outside of the home, many parents are confused by employers’ requests for permits, especially when told that the work permits must be issued by a public school official. Any homeschooler can go to his or her local school district to get a work permit in any state. Some private schools are issuing officers as well, and in some states a homeschooler can get the permit from the state (Michigan is one of those states). Hourly work restrictions and occupation prohibitions can also be confusing. Most states do not have an exemption for students who graduate early. For more information and details on work permits, see “Getting Permits Might Take Work” by J. Michael Smith, HSLDA President.

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