Three Sisters

New everything!

2010-07-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

No, not really new everything. But it is a new school year (almost), and I'm popping in to write my less-than-occasional blog post.

Three Sisters has a main website at www.homelearningresources.com

Our program offerings are at the main site (read program descriptions here) and our main blog with its more current community info, as well as what we're thinking about future programs, is there (check it out here).

This blog is used every now and then as a newsletter archive. In mid-August 2010, our 2009 newsletters will be here. You will find them with either the search function (that box in the upper left-hand corner) or by looking in the right-hand sidebar "Blog Archive."

For veteran Iowan homeschoolers, Three Sisters has a new phone number. It's local to Des Moines:

515-422-9747

Have a great summer!

Conference Countdown -- 3 weeks until conference

2010-03-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Conference Countdown – 3 weeks until the conference

You can help us spread the word about the great world of homeschooling – we’ll mail a flyer for you to hang at your local library. Let us know at see3sis@yahoo.com THANKS!!!

Get these updates in your inbox as soon as they are released – send email to see3sis@yahoo.com and say “put me on the mailing list!”

Conference News:

Three Sisters HLR Conference

“Homeschool Success”

April 17, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

West Des Moines

Admission to conference workshops is $15/single or $25/married couple.

Registration is open now at http://wp.homelearningresources.com/events/hlr-conference/conference-registration/.

Three Sisters has lined up nine practical workshops to help homeschoolers. These will contain information that can be used immediately, and all are listed at Three Sisters website. Two workshops to mention now:

□ Home school day: fiction vs. reality. A home school mom of three great kids, local mom Tamara briefly discusses different home school philosophies, helps you identify goals, and empowers you make a successful home schooling lifestyle that works for you, while sprinkling in examples (good and bad) from her days. Many resources will be shared. Highly interactive.
□ Connected: How to find a home school support group. Veteran home school mom
Sheryl discusses the different levels of home school support and how to find the right match for your family. Participants will receive information regarding the various forms of support available in the Central Iowa area as well as ideas about how to start your own support group.

HLR Sale and Stuff Sale News:

2010 HLR Sale and Stuff Sale

Sat., April 17 from 9 a.m. – noon

West Des Moines, held before and during the conference

No admission fee to go shopping

Shoppers: The Stuff Sale is for families to sell their unused learning resources – books, games, etc. at used prices. We also have a “free table.” A former teacher gifted us with first and second grade learning materials.

Spring cleaners: Sell your stuff -- $5/half table and $10/full table. Send email to see3sis@yahoo.com for more details.

The HLR Sale is for retail sales. Committed vendors to date include:
□ Guilt-Free Homeschooling – homeschool planners and diagnostics
□ Keyboard West – discounted daytime piano lessons for homeschoolers
□ Usborne Books and More – educational children’s books
□ Math-U-See -- Demo will play for those unfamiliar with the program, take-home DVD and literature for those considering this curriculum

March 2010 newsletter

2010-03-01T07:02:00.003-08:00

March 2010 News from THREE SISTERS

Look for our program participants to be featured in the Des Moines Register School pages on Thursdays! If you don’t get the paper, check out the write-up about our Animal Winter Survival program (look at this link http://wp.homelearningresources.com/2010/02/animal-winter-survival/) in Three Sisters blog posts. We post all sorts of things of home school interest on our blog. Program participants also get invited to join protected flickr photo pools. Join us for fun programming this month and next.

HLR Programs

□ Gyotaku, March 5, grades k - 12. Make a Japanese fish print and learn about its history. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines Home School Assistance Program. Younger kids can stay with parents in the adjacent lounge area if needed. Class maximum: 30 kids. Held for one hour on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in West Des Moines. Registration open now at this link: http://wp.homelearningresources.com/hlr-programs/gyotaku/

□ Civil War, April 21, 11 a.m., all ages. One hour. Join re-enactors Roger and Carol Shannon as they interpret clothing, equipment, and gender roles during the Civil War as well as sing songs for and with their audience. Registration opens about one month prior to the program.

2010 Stuff Sale: Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 9 a.m. – noon in West Des Moines. For people with things to sell, applications to sell at a table are available by request. For people who want to shop, there is no admission fee. We also have a “free table” that is confirmed as having:

one puzzle clock
lots of vowel worksheets
2 clock stamps for worksheets
subtraction and addition flash cards
contraction worksheets
laminated 100 chart
shape pattern worksheets
opposite puzzle
telling times worksheets
math worksheets
tubs full of other materials

HLR Sale: Retail vendors selling home learning resources from the local area are welcome in the sales hall. To suggest vendors or to apply for space as a vendor, contact our office at see3sis@yahoo.com. The HLR Conference will be held in the afternoon at the same site.
Admission to the sale will be free. Confirmed display from Math-U-See. Demo will play for those unfamiliar with the program, take-home literature available. Take-home bags available for all!

Conference News: Three Sisters HLR Conference is themed “Homeschool Success,” and will be held on April 17, 2010 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. Admission to conference workshops is $15/single or $25/married couple. Registration is open now at http://wp.homelearningresources.com/events/hlr-conference/conference-registration/.

We have room for one more volunteer speaker. If you need assistance in an area of your homeschooling, please let our office know and we’ll try to find a speaker to match your need.

Speakers:

□ Sherry Fiscella will give two workshops, one about Bloom’s Taxonomy and one entitled Confident Reading Teacher.

□ Maureen Stone (Stone v. State of Iowa) will talk about The Later Years: High school, college, and PSEO and give a closing speech called Home School Success

□ Sheryl Maxey will present a workshop on home school networking

□ Kristie Burns will talk about handiwork and crafts for academics

□ Julia McGuire will give two workshops called Homeschool 101: Introduction to Paperwork and Using the Internet for Homeschooling.

Other community events and homeschool related happenings are posted on our blog (click this hyperlink) as received.

Until next month, Julia

THREE SISTERS is a small Iowa company founded by three bargain-loving home school moms. It has produced homeschool sales and a conference. It remains open to producing other events, including HLR Programs. The founders revel in the fact that sisterhood does not rely on bloodlines.

Blog migration

2009-10-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

We've moved! This space will remain open indefinitely, and may become the newsletter archive.

Our new blog, with the latest updates is at http://wp.homelearningresources.com/blog-for-recent-updates/

See you there!

Oct. Newsletter

2009-10-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

October 2009 NEWS from THREE SISTERS

September was a successful month – our KNIGHT was spectacular, RENAISSANCE Day was fun, and
DEWEY was great. We’re looking forward to our new website and HLR Programs in October!

HLR Programs
Registration is open for Middle Eastern Marketplace. Experience life in a different culture without leaving Iowa. Presented by Kristie Burns on Oct. 9. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines HSAP. Grades 1 – 4 at 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; grades 5 and up from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Hour and half sessions, $3/student. Limit of 35 students. We have room for 15 more students in each session as of Oct. 1. Registration now open until noon on Oct. 6.

Registration is also open for Recycle Me!, scheduled for Oct. 26. Designed for grades K - 2 (older siblings welcome), free admission. Kids have a hands-on activity and practice making decisions about items used in their everyday lives. 10:15 a.m. 30 minute program in Pleasant Hill. Cap of 35 kids.

Calendar
As a way to encourage the home school community, we’re looking to publicize all non-exclusive home school events. Event submissions that are not members-only such as open support group meetings, field trips, and speaking engagements are welcomed at calendar@homelearningresources.com. Approved events may be included in our monthly newsletter. We keep a calendar of these events in the sidebar of the blog as well as on the Calendar page on our website.

Sept. 29 – Oct. 7 Borders Educator Appreciation Week, West Des Moines

October 8 – Campfire Informational Meeting. 10:30am at the Altoona Library. Campfire is for both boys and girls ages 2 years-12th Grade. This will be a homeschool group. The Program Director for Campfire and the group’s leaders will be at the meeting. Craft provided for the children. Club meetings will be Thursdays from 10:30am-12pm, twice a month at the Altoona Library. The first meeting on Thursday, October 22nd. Contact info: Nicole Seay -- Niklynne@gmail.com

Oct. 9 – Middle Eastern Marketplace, West Des Moines

Oct. 9 – 12 Teacher and Librarian Appreciation Weekend. Half Price Books, Clive. Educators save 20% on everything in-store

Oct. 10 – 18 Barnes and Noble Fall Educator Appreciation Week, Jordan Creek Town Center. Educator Reception on Oct. 11; Home School Reception Oct. 18

Oct. 26 – Recycle Me!, Pleasant Hill

Looking ahead:

Nov. 20 – Bread Around The World. Just in time for you to add to a Thanksgiving conversation, this program will discuss flat bread in Mexico, the United States, and India; include the topics of corn and yeast as ingredients, and have a hands-on portion. Presented by Barb Vaske through World of Difference in West Des Moines. Two sessions, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., 45 minutes each. Grades K - 8. Younger siblings will need to be off-site. Admission $5. Limit of 18 kids/session. Held in partnership with WDM HSAP. WDM HSAP families please register with Tami Prescott. Registration opens approximately Oct. 20. Information at Three Sisters website.

Dec. 11 – Nutcracker Ballet, (the school edition is edited down to one hour). Produced by Iowa Dance Theatre at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. $3/person. Contact Kathy at dandkpolson@msn.com

Other community events are posted on our blog as received.

Conference News
The theme for 2010 will be “Homeschool Success,” on April 17, 2010 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. Suggestions for topics and volunteer speakers are also being accepted at see3sis@yahoo.com

Until next month, Julia
THREE SISTERS is a small Iowa company founded by three bargain-loving home school moms. It has produced homeschool sales and a conference. It remains open to producing other events, including HLR Programs. The founders revel in the fact that sisterhood does not rely on bloodlines.

website work

2009-10-01T14:08:00.001-07:00

the host for our new website is unexpectedly down. We are at the hands of the host. If you would like to register for a program, you will need to inform the office at see3sis@yahoo.com Sorry for the inconvenience. -- JULIA

Campfire Kids

2009-09-30T07:25:00.001-07:00

October 8 – Campfire Informational Meeting. 10:30am at the Altoona Library. Campfire is for both boys and girls ages 2 years-12th Grade. This will be a homeschool group. The Program Director for Campfire and the group’s leaders will be at the meeting. Craft provided for the children. Club meetings will be Thursdays from 10:30am-12pm, twice a month at the Altoona Library. The first meeting on Thursday, October 22nd. Contact info: Nicole Seay -- Niklynne@gmail.com

Website work

2009-09-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone, be my editor and look through the new website. My 9yo found one error as she stopped by to tell me something!

Before the newsletter comes out...

2009-09-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

...I want you to know that registration is open for Middle Eastern Marketplace and Recycle Me. Recycle Me is located at our new website. We're putting final touches on the new site, and we'd love to have it tested before we switch over for good, so go ahead and poke around. If you find anything janky, let our office know at see3sis@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Nutcracker at the Civic Center

2009-09-17T18:12:00.001-07:00

The message mentions an enclosed registration form -- you will need to ask Kathy for this form. It isn't transposing prettily when I try to send it to groups. Sorry for this extra step. -- JULIA

--------------

OUR 27th SEASON

September 15, 2009

Dear Home School Educator

The Iowa Dance Theatre is excited to once again present a special performance of The Nutcracker Ballet to school children. The performance will take place on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm at the Des Moines Civic Center. The cast will present a shortened version of this holiday ballet, which will include narration of the story, and should last just under one hour. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled performance time. You will need to find your own parking. Upon your arrival at the Civic Center , please check in with the Iowa Dance Theatre volunteers right inside the lobby doors.

Admission is $3.00 per person. Advance payment is mandatory in order to be admitted to the performance. The deadline for payment is November 30, 2009. If you are able to assemble a larger group of homeschoolers, one adult may be admitted free of charge for every ten students. Please send the payment to:

Iowa Dance Theatre

909 NE Canterbury Drive No later than November 30, 2009

Ankeny , IA 50021

Attn: Kathy Polson

We need advance notice of people with special needs (wheelchairs, etc.) so that I may coordinate accessibility with the Civic Center personnel. No photography is allowed in the theater, and proper theater etiquette would be appreciated.

Please fill out the enclosed form and email to dandkpolson@msn.com or mail to the above address. If the number of students and/or chaperones changes after you send the enclosed, please notify us by November 30, 2009. No 'paper' tickets are issued, rather this is handled as a reservation system. In our efforts to reach as many in the home school community as possible, please feel free to pass along this information to other home school families.

The Iowa Dance Theatre is very excited about The Nutcracker this season. In a unique alliance with area dance schools, we will have over 220 performers representing 30 dance studios from central Iowa and beyond! Iowa Dance Theatre is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to bringing educational, artistic, and performance opportunities to central Iowa 's talented dancers.

We look forward to your participation in this theatrical event. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Polson at (515) 963-8311 (home phone) or (515) 554-7104 (cell).

Sincerely

Kathy Polson

Coordinator - "Nutcracker" School Performance

Iowa Dance Theatre

Update 9/15/09

2009-09-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

Now available on the website --

Teacher Aid for Water Cycle/Dewey the Water Drop

Teacher Aid for Renaissance Day

Middle Eastern Marketplace registration

Teacher Aid for Marketplace

Teacher aids for Renaissance Day

2009-09-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

Noting that the Teacher Aid is a work in progress for Renaissance Day. As Mary Lynn and I consult this week, we'll probably add more to the Teacher Aid. You may want to check the link after the program for additions, especially as we add a section on Calligraphy and Sports and Games. -- Julia

Teacher Aids now available

2009-09-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

Teacher Aids for Renaissance Day and Dewey the Water Drop Water Cycle are now available on our website.

Kevin and Amy gave a great presentation on Knights. Everyone is encouraged to share their photos in our flickr photo pool. This is will be done through invitation only. If we missed inviting you, please let us know at see3sis@yahoo.com. A little peek:

KNIGHTS

2009-09-07T16:43:00.001-07:00

Reminder have been send, but just in case you didn't get it --

Parking will be on 14th Street or at Stilwell Junior High School for Knights.

Thank you.

Prairie Heritage Week Sept. 6 - 12

2009-09-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Julia asked how kid-friendly the following event would be. The response is below the event details. Three Sisters has no other information. Please contact Michele with questions. Thank you.

Prairie Heritage Week
Warren County NRCS & Warren County Conservation Board

September 6th –12th

Prairie Seed Collecting
Collect seed for prairie reconstruction!
Monday, September 7th 9am-12pm
*contact Michele to register

Prairie Talk & Walk
Annett Nature Center
Tuesday, September 8th 6pm

Evening Prairie Walk
Rolling Thunder Prairie State Preserve!
Saturday, September 12th 6pm

Indianola Public Library
Prairie Books on Display!
Free Prairie Information!
Throughout September

For questions or more details contact Michele @ 961-5264x112
----------
Julia,
Kids are more than welcome and I'd love to see kids come out for these events.

The seed collecting event will be simple, we'll point out a few plants that are ready for harvest and show you how to collect the seed-pull it off and toss it in a bag-many plants will be the perfect height for kids! If you have children that like to grow plants the landowner is letting people take home some seed to grow for themselves too.

The talk on Tuesday will be about historic prairies, the bison that roamed them, the deep roots, wildlife that uses prairies, how prairie cleans water, etc. It could be a little much for really young kids but will only be 20 min. and then there will be a trail walk through prairie where we'll point out different plants and talk about their uses.

The Rolling Thunder Prairie walk won't have any trails, really young kids may be afraid to walk through the plants.

I would recommend the library display for some rainy day, there are a number of new children's books and the display will be up all month.

Let me know if you have anymore questions and we'd love to see you there!
Michele

Sept. newsletter

2009-08-31T10:52:00.001-07:00

September 2009 NEWS from THREE SISTERS

It’s school time! Let’s learn some new, fun things!

HLR Programs

Registration is open for Knights (all ages), Renaissance Day (10 a.m. for grades 1 – 3) and Water Travels with Dewey (late K – 1). Any family belonging to the WDM HSAP will need to register for HLR Programs held at Rex Mathes (Knights and Renaissance Day), at least one month in advance if possible, through coordinator Tami Prescott, at prescottt@wdmcs.org October program registration will open online approximately one month before the program.

Calendar

As a way to encourage the home school community, we’re looking to publicize all non-exclusive home school events. Event submissions that are not members-only such as open support group meetings, field trips, and speaking engagements are welcomed at calendar@homelearningresources.com. Approved events may be included in our monthly newsletter. We keep a calendar of these events in the sidebar of the blog as well as on the Calendar page on our website.

Sept. 1 – Home school P.E. Tuesdays at SportsPlex West, Waukee. Times vary according to age. 8-week sessions. 515-987-0806

Sept. 3 – Home school girls gymnastics Thursdays at Chow’s, West Des Moines. 9 – 10 a.m. Small class size, world class apparatus and coaching. Call immediately for information (515) 223-5460.

Sept. 9 -- Knights. Kevin talks about life as a kid in the days of knights, explains his armor, takes questions from the audience, and with his vast historical knowledge, he might talk about anything else you bring up. Register at http://www.homelearningresources.com/knights.

Sept. 18 – Renaissance Day. Interactive topics of calligraphy and quilling, peasant dancing, games/sports, and stained glass. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines HSAP. Register at Three Sisters website.

Sept. 18 -- Home school P.E. Walnut Creek YMCA 1 – 4 p.m., optional swimming 2:55 – 3:50. Snack provided. Pre-register at http://www.dmymca.org/branch/walnut_creek. All participants not pre-registered will need to pay at the front desk that day.

Sept. 21 – Water Travels with Dewey. Kids grades K – 1 learn about the water cycle through a half-hour long puppet show. Free admission. Location: Altoona. Pre-registration requested through Three Sisters website.

Looking ahead: Oct. 9 – Middle Eastern Marketplace and Oct. 26 – Recycle Me! Information at Three Sisters website. Other community events are posted at threesis.blogspot.com.

Conference News

The theme for 2010 will be “Home School Success.” Suggestions for topics and volunteer speakers are also being accepted at see3sis@yahoo.com

Until next month, Julia

Homeschool P.E. at SportsPlex West

2009-08-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters has no further information.

Dates:	Session Begins September 1, 2009 on Tuesdays Session I: 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 Session II: 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 Session III: 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23 Session IV: 3/2, 3/9, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, (Skip Week of Spring Break) *1/2 Session V: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 (1/2 the Session Price)
Time:	Grades K-2: 1-1:50pm Grades 3-4: 1-1:50pm Grades 5-6: 2-3pm Grades 7 & Up: 2-3pm
Who:	Boys and Girls in Grades K-12
Cost:	Grades K-4: $50 per student per 8-class session Grades 5 & Up: $60 per student per 8-class session
Location:	SPW (890 Olson Drive in Waukee)
Register:	Stop by or call in over the phone at SPW.
Contact:	Front Desk at 515-987-0806

Update on writing class offerings

2009-08-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

From Mary Lynn Carvour, a follow up from a previous announcement:

I'm offering the classes at two locations. We have ... 4 total students signed up at this point for the Altoona class.... The Huxley class has a good number enrolled. If you hear of others who are inerested, please encourage them to email or call my cell and be patient for a response.

... The Altoona writing class is scheduled for the afternoon of [Sept. 18]. Huxley starts on Sept. 25.

Three Sisters has no further information. Please contact Mary Lynn with all concerns and questions at 515-967-0268 or eduem@aol.com. Original source is here at her website.

Registration for Monarch Tagging Now Closed

2009-08-27T11:13:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your interest and we'll see all of you there!

Renaissance Day late session CLOSED

2009-08-27T10:16:00.001-07:00

Registration for our Renaissance Day program at 11 a.m. for grades 4 and up is now FULL. No more registrations are being accepted at this time.

Registration for Water Cycle Program now open

2009-08-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters frequently gets asked about programs for younger grades. Here you go!

Sept. 21— Water Travels with Dewey™. Dewey the Waterdrop puppet will teach students about the water cycle and pollutants that are picked up along the way. After the show, students participate in a sequencing activity to review what they have learned. Presented by Des Moines Water Works. 10:15 a.m. in Altoona from grades "2nd semester kindergarten" to 1^st. Thirty minutes. Cap of 35 students. No fee. Details on registration can be found here.

Home school p.e.

2009-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines offers a monthly home school p.e. class at its Walnut Creek branch, located at 948 73rd St. Your support group is encouraged to have a representative present at home school p.e. organizational meetings. Phil Simmons is the contact for meetings, at 224-1888 and phil.simmons@dmymca.org. Three Sisters has no further information. Julia's note: the following is excerpted from my local support group's notes from the last home school p.e. meeting.

Home School P.E. will meet the 3rd Friday of each month with the exception of March. (That date is March 26, 2010.) Home School P.E. begins September 18, 2009. The program runs from 1:00-4:00 (optional- swimming from 2:55-3:50). A snack is provided.
There has been a price increase that is consistent with all YMCA fees. Non-members will be charged $5 and Members will be charged $2. Pre-registration is available through the Walnut Creek YMCA Website. They are making a concentrated effort to go paperless. All participants not pre-registered will need to pay at the front desk on the day of H.S. P.E.. http://www.dmymca.org/branch/walnut_creek.asp?bid=5
They will be dividing the children into 5-8 year olds, 9-11 year olds, and Teens. This program is open to K-12. PLEASE NOTE: 5 year olds will need to be accompanied by a parent for the first session they attend. Please plan on staying with your 5 year old the entire session. If they want to swim, the parent will need to be in the water with their 5 year old as well. Going forward you may be asked to attend with your child if they are struggling in the program. This has been implemented because of the numbers of children attending and their available staffing.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! In order for the program to be a success, Phil is asking for a minimum of one (more would be great) parent volunteer for the class and 2 parent volunteers (again, more would be great) for the pool. The parent volunteers for the pool would need to be in the water. The class volunteer is needed from 12:45-3 and the pool volunteer would need to be available from 2:30-4:00. At the very bottom of this thread, I will include a duty description for both. If you sign up prior to the session, all fees will be waived for your children for that session. This is a great opportunity to get Dads involved too!
You may email Phil Simmons at phil.simmons@dmymca.org if you are interested in helping out.
Knowledge is power, if your child has health, developmental, or behavior issues, please share that with Phil. He has a great deal of experience working with a diverse group of children and wants every child to have fun, be safe, and get the most out of the program.
FYI- Child Watch is only available to YMCA members who remain on site. There is a limit of 2 hours.
YMCA values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
FYI- Partner with Youth Campaign takes place in February 2010. The Y relies on individual donations and support from the United Way. If you like the home school program and would like it to continue, please consider donating during this campaign. This would be a great way for us to show our appreciation and support for the Y.
There is a possibility of the Ankeny YMCA also offering a Home School P.E. program. If they do, they will coordinate with Phil at the Walnut Creek Y so that dates do not overlap. One of his personal goals is to have a Home School P.E. class at different Y's so that children would have the opportunity to attend on a weekly basis

Volunteer Descriptions:
Class Volunteer

Teach and demonstrate the YMCA mission and values through conduct and enforcement of rules.
Present yourself in a professional manner both verbally and non-verbally.
Maintain safe environment with participants.
Facilitate snack time.
Help Coaches to create a safe and fun P.E. experience.
Be present on your volunteer date from 12:45-3:00 P.M..
Be prepared to engage in activities and conversations with kids.
HAVE FUN!

Pool Volunteer:

Teach and demonstrate the YMCA mission and values through conduct and enforcement of rules.
Present yourself in a professional manner both verbally and non-verbally.
Maintain safe ratios in water for supervisors and kids (1:10).
Help kids transition from locker room to pool safely, and in a timely manner.
Help lifeguards to create a safe and fun pool experience.
Be present on your volunteer date from 2:30-4:00 P.M..
HAVE FUN!

Last call for Monarch Tagging

2009-08-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Monarch registration page will be disabled on Thursday around noon, August 27. The Teacher Aid will remain available indefinitely.

There are about ten spots available between the morning and afternoon programs.

We are currently looking at Weebly and WordPress to host our website. If glitches occur in the registration process because of the migration, please send a note to our office.

Homeschool girls gymnastics

2009-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Chow's called again yesterday. Their plan is to have a mixed level gymnastics class on Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Julia has been lobbying Chow's hard for an afternoon class. More community response has gotten results in the past at this business. Chow's number is 223-5460.

Heads up! September newsletter

2009-08-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

We're accepting ideas and calendar submissions for our September newsletter in the office at see3sis@yahoo.com. You can also leave a comment here with an idea.

Renaissance Day Registration

2009-08-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Renaissance Day Registration is up on our website. I think. See, we were getting services from Google Page Creator. But Google axed the page creator project and didn't leave a comparable service. So we have to move, and we've been plagued by indecision ever since. But I think everything is functional on the website. If you cannot sign up for a program, please send our office a message. Thanks.

Writing Class Offerings

2009-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters has no further information. Please contact Mary Lynn with all concerns and questions at 515-967-0268 or eduem@aol.com. Original source is here.

HOME SCHOOL WRITING CLASSES 09-10

1-2 PM - WRITING CLASS - grades 6-8 (flexible to include 5^th or 9^th +) $8.00
2:00 - 2:20 PM - I CAN WRITE - PK-2^nd graders $6.00
2:20 - 3:00 PM - WRITING IS FUN - grades 3-5 (may include 2^nd or 6^th) $8.00

Children will have fun learning good writing skills that will inspire their creative writing and bubble over to inform and improve their writing ability in general. Class can be used as your writing curriculum or as support learning. There will be 9 sessions for a full year of instruction. Obviously, the greatest benefit will be to attend every month so that students’ skills can build and grow with the teaching. New students will be allowed to join throughout the year and they will still learn a lot as we progress. Sign up in advance for the year or the coming month. Minimum: 10 students needed/day.

Bring a friend: enrolled student- sign up a new student and both get the new student’s first class ½ price.

There are two locations scheduled at this time: (may change due to size of class, etc.)

North Location: Huxley Library - Dates: 9/25, 10/23, 11/20, 12/11, 1/22, 2/19, 3/19, 4/23, 5/21

East Location: Altoona Library - Dates: 9/18, 10/16, 11/13, 12/4, 1/15, 2/12, 3/12, 4/16, 5/14

WRITING CLASS - 1 hour class from 1:00-2:00 PM

Homework assignments will be given.
Curriculum - teacher created curriculum will focus on the elements most commonly lacking in writing programs. Students will learn to effectively use description, a reader-in-mind focus, characterization, plot development, and editing with a variety of writing styles. Short exercises build confidence and skill. A portfolio and final ‘polished’ piece will be completed.
Materials provided: photocopies will be provided within cost of course and some special materials will be provided.
Materials needed: three-ring binder (1″ or more), paper & writing materials, and a quality thesaurus will be needed.

I CAN WRITE - 20 minutes from 2:00 - 2:20 PM

PK-2^nd grade
Curriculum - teacher created lessons about different kinds of writing for kids. They will write and publish their own little book in the spring.
Materials provided: a book each week and materials for exercises.
No materials needed.

WRITING IS FUN - 40 minute class from 2:20-3:00 PM

Grade level homework assignments will be given.
Curriculum - teacher created curriculum centers around the 6+1 Traits of good writing. Students will explore a variety of writing strategies, identify qualities of good writing in books, and have fun writing. A portfolio of learning and a special project will be created.
Materials provided: photocopies and some materials will be provided.
Materials needed: three ring binder (1″ or more), writing paper and pencils

Programs open to all

2009-08-13T20:19:00.001-07:00

Three Sisters offers HLR Programs for the entire homeschool community, including programs held in partnership with the WDM HSAP. Only programs scheduled for Rex Mathes Elementary are conducted with the HSAP partnership, which means that roughly half the spots will be "pre-reserved" for HSAP students. These numbers are already accounted for in the reservation process that is available to the community.

Programs that are not held at Rex Mathes do not have reservations exclusively for WDM HSAP students. Send all questions to see3sis@yahoo.com for further clarification or call Julia.

Registration for KNIGHTS Now Open

2009-08-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

By visiting this page, you can register for Knights. The Teacher Aid, here, is available to everyone, whether they sign up for the program or not.

Homeschool Gymnastics

2009-08-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I got word from Chow's today that they would like to add a home school gymnastics class (just like last year). They currently have a beginner girl session scheduled for Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. and advanced beginner girls for Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Registration for these two classes is currently open to summer students.

For non-summer students, families will want to show preliminary interest by leaving a parent name, phone number, and child's name at the gym: (515) 223-5460. The Chow's website is brand new (it really needed a makeover) -- you can view tuition rates there.

It was also noted that a different time and day of week may be used for a homeschool class should non-homeschool classes allow and interest indicates.

Knights

2009-08-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that there is ONE WEEK left until registration for Knights will begin. Check out JoustEvolution to learn more about our presentation. I first heard Kevin talk about three years ago to a large group of Cub Scouts. He was fantastic! He related to the kids very well (ages preschool through grade 5), had one boy try on his armor, and held everyone's attention amazingly well!

Bread Around the World

2009-08-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Just confirmed today --

Bread Around the World

Presented by Barb Vaske through World of Difference

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 Two sessions, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. 45 minutes each. Grades K - 8. Registration begins Oct. 20.

Held in WDM in partnership with the WDM HSAP.

Description: Just in time for Thanksgiving consideration, this program will discuss flat breads in Mexico, the United States, and India; include the topics of corn and yeast as ingredients, and have a hands-on portion. Admission $5. Limit of 18 kids/session.

Registrations open one month before the program

2009-07-29T10:11:00.001-07:00

Our HLR Programs are generating a lot of interest as people start thinking about school and paperwork. This note is a reminder to everyone that registration for each Program will open approximately one month before the program occurs. For example, if a program is scheduled for Oct. 1, then registration will begin around Sept. 1.

Additionally, all families need to complete two steps to complete their registration:

Parent Release form. This is on the registration page. Each program will have a different release form.
Use PayPal. This is below the release form link on the registration page.

For you plan-ahead people who have studied the program offerings -- About free programs: Julia currently thinks it's a situation where you pay with PayPal to hold your spot(s) and the office will refund your money after the program.

Monarch tagging registration

2009-07-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

Families need to have both the PayPal and the Parent Release form sent into Three Sisters in order to be placed on the attendance roster for all programs. The release form is linked on the registration page as Item #2; the PayPal button is linked on the registration page as Item #3. If you need assistance, please ask at see3sis@yahoo.com.

Nature Awareness classes

2009-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters has no further information. Please contact Danielle with all concerns and questions.

Nature Awareness group classes starting up based on the book Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature for Kids of all Ages and their Mentors.
The plan is to meet roughly every 2 weeks and go through activities suggested in the book. Meetings would alternate between indoor and outdoor. Local parks will be explored during each season (Winter & Summer included). All ages of children and adults are welcome - this is not designed to be a 'drop-off' activity, familial participation is highly encouraged. For more information please contact Danielle @ rainspirit_school@msn.com. We are also looking for adult 'mentors' to help with the planning.

Registration for Monarch Tagging Now Open

2009-07-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

By going to the Three Sisters HLR Programs page, families can now view the Teacher Resource Aid and register for Monarch Tagging. A complete description is available at the website. Our August newsletter is schedule for release on Aug. 1.

Homeschool classes

2009-07-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters has no further information. Contact Mary Lynn with questions and concerns.

There are some classes for homeschoolers being offered by Mary Lynn Carvour. There is no info on the web, so I suggest sending an email to her or calling her for dates and times -- eduem@aol.com, phone number visible at her website. She is proposing monthly events that require some prep work as well as the following proposed classes (once a week for a number of weeks): writing for grades 6-8, writing for grades 3-5, and art for grades 1-6.

WDM HSAP clarifications

2009-07-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

If families are interested in attending an HLR Program at Rex Mathes AND belong to the WDM HSAP, please let Tami Prescott know at least one month in advance. Tami will process all WDM HSAP requests. WDM HSAP families do NOT need to register at the website.

News deadline for July newsletter arriving

2009-07-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Home school support group leaders and members,

This is a friendly notice to submit any calendar items or info on events and classes that are open to any homeschooler (i.e., not members-only) to calendar@homelearningresources.com or to Julia at see3sis@yahoo.com
This calendar has been created to help homeschool parents and presenters gather enthusiasm for learning at home, and for support groups to inform people about their groups. You can see the calendar at Three Sisters website to get an idea of how your information will be presented.

All events will get a small plug at the Three Sisters blog. For your event to be considered for the Three Sisters newsletter, the deadline is July 27 (for a release on Aug. 1).

Let's get some positive synergy going for the upcoming school year! Thanks!

Program registration for WDM HSAP students

2009-07-11T19:43:00.001-07:00

Moms with WDM HSAP students wanting to register for any program held at Rex Mathes Elementary will need to do so through the HSAP Coordinator Tami Prescott, prescottt@wdmcs.org if they want the HSAP to pay for admission. All deadlines still apply to HSAP students. Payment is the only thing that is different for them compared to the rest of the registrants. If you have questions, do not hesitate to send a message to Tami or Julia.

Monarch Program

2009-07-07T19:24:00.001-07:00

I finished work on the Monarch Registration page today. My dh Mr. TellBlast came up with the thought of using Adobe DreamWeaver and it was just the magic I needed to make the page look the way I wanted it to. The registration page will accessible through the HLR Programs page, and is schedule to be active on the main website by July 24, 2009.

Monarch Tagging is an all-ages program for 30 kids and their parents. Presented by a Polk County Conservation Board naturalist, kids will learn about monarch biology (life cycle, identifying, and migration), then hopefully catch and tag some monarchs. Nets will be provided in limited supply. Tags will also be supplied and provide an opportunity to learn about sexing monarchs and finding the proper cell on its wing for the tag. August 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

More information on Jonathon Lewis event

2009-07-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

For more information on the presenting group for this month's Jonathon Lewis event, Three Sisters just got word that people can visit the group's blog here.

Programs for the youngest

2009-07-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Julia has fielded a couple questions regarding targeted age groups for HLR Programs. In order to make the presenters feel comfortable and keep them coming back in the future, Three Sisters is enforcing the age limits the presenter suggests. Every family can be dealt with case by case, so if you have questions or want to make an exception, please get a hold of Julia and discuss.

There are two events that are open to all ages: Monarchs (August 28) and Knights (Sept. 9). Registration opens one month before the respective program date through the website.

July 2009 Newsletter

2009-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

July 2009 NEWS from THREE SISTERS

What crazy weather we’re having! Most people are thinking of vacations, but if you're following threesisjulia on twitter, you'll see that Three Sisters has been thinking ahead to the new school year.

HLR Programs

We’ve added a track of programming for the younger set, grades 2 and under, to accompany our programming for older kids. We’ve also set a program on knights, with a real live armored knight, on Sept. 9. More details are on our website. Registration for particular programs will be available on our website, approximately one month before the program. For short term news, we’re using our blog for updates. Following or subscribing to the blog is an easy way to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Sept. 9 – Knights. A full-time professional knight will present a one hour program for all ages at 10 a.m. Held in partnership with the West Des Moines HSAP. $5/family. No cap!

Sept. 21 – Water Travels with Dewey. Learn about the water cycle with a half hour puppet show and a sequencing activity to aid in retention. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

Oct. 26 – Recycle Me! Kids learn about making good choices about items they use every day. Hands-on. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

Calendar

We’re looking forward to partnering with support groups to publicize their events. Our first submissions are listed below. Let’s hope for a great turnout. Event submissions are welcomed and approved through calendar@homelearningresources.com. Approved events may be included in our monthly newsletter. We keep a calendar in the sidebar of the blog as well as on the Calendar page on our website.

July 18 -- Jonathan Lewis, editor of _Home School Enrichment_ magazine. Cornerstone Church (US Hwy 30) speaks from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Schedule: The Socialization Deception, Break, Why I’m Glad to be a Homeschool Graduate, Q and A. Admission: $3. Questions: (515) 231-3088

August 26, 2009 -- 5th Annual Not Back to School Picnic, sponsored by IAUnschoolers Yahoo Group. Potluck Picnic. Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. Shelter Coneflower A. Noon - 4 p.m. More info from brownsplus2 at yahoo dot com or graber at mchsi dot com.

Other daytime educational events during July include Jazz in July (www.MetroArts.org), nature programming (contact your county conservation board), and library summer reading events (check your local library).

Until next month, Julia

Homeschool Event

2009-06-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

From the Ames Area Christian Home Educators:

Sat., July 18 – Jonathan Lewis, editor of _Home School Enrichment_ magazine will speak at Cornerstone Church (US Hwy 30) from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Schedule: The Socialization Deception, Break, Why I’m Glad to be a Homeschool Graduate, Q and A. Admission: $3. Questions: (515) 231-3088 (sorry, no online info supplied)

K - 2 Progamming

2009-06-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

I've gotten the following scheduled for younger children. You can read more about the programs at the website. Registration opens one month prior.

Sep. 21 -- Water Travels with Dewey. Learn about the water cycle with a half hour puppet show and a sequencing activity to aid in retention. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

Oct. 26 -- Recycle Me! Kids learn about making good choices about items the use every day. Hands-on. Grades K – 2. No cost. Cap of 35 children.

HLR Programs

2009-06-21T22:42:00.001-07:00

All of my calls are not being returned except for one place. I am wondering if camps or a school year schedule is making this situation. I have the best intentions.......

Supporting Support Groups

2009-06-18T14:35:00.001-07:00

Three Sisters is a business, not a support group. We started talking one on one to support group leaders earlier this month to understand their needs as we schedule programs and accept calendar submissions.

We'd like to enjoy a synergy between our business and the community. With our ability to rent halls and book speakers without passing huge costs on to individuals, we feel that we could be a resource to groups. Since we have no membership, we have little need for privacy and can assist groups in making their open meetings more widely known with a public calendar.

Feel free to contact Julia at see3sis@yahoo.com if you are a support group leader -- she is nice and will not bite! Let's work together!

Age of Chivalry program

2009-06-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Imagine: Knights in shining armor, right before your eyes, speaking to your kids, explaining what kids' lives were like "back in their day," maybe dressing an audience member in armor. Julia saw a similar program a few years ago and is happy to present it to the homeschool community. Kids young and old will remember this program. Tentatively scheduled for 9/9/09, during the Renaissance Faire weeks in Des Moines, JoustEvolution will present in West Des Moines. Stay tuned.

Twitter

2009-06-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

We usually have more people visiting our blog than our website. Although we have no blog followers, having more people check in here than at our website seems to indicate an interest in knowing about short term developments. Julia started a twitter account last month under threesisjulia, and twitters about daily Three Sisters business as well as more personal stuff. Blog readers are certainly welcome to follow -- maybe we can all stay connected in a two-way relationship better via twitter.

Teacher aids

2009-06-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

My schedule is quite full this next week, so I've worked on assembling teacher aids for our monthly programs this week. These will be lists of contact information and print and web resources to continue and extend the learning that occurred at the program. I know I really appreciate such lists when the kids and I are all excited about a subject -- I think that timing is just as important with a teacher aid as the content. The plan is to have these available to program registrants and anyone who requests as a webpage.

Oct. 9

2009-06-01T15:57:00.001-07:00

Update: Middle Eastern Marketplace will have two sessions:

10:30 - 12 noon for grades 1 - 3 and

12:30 - 2 p.m. for grades 4 and up.

Oct. program

2009-05-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

Oct. 9 -- Middle Eastern marketplace. Experience shopping in a different culture, in many ways unchanged for hundreds of years. Held in West Des Moines in partnership with the WDM HSAP. Details TBA. Expecting: a session for older and younger kids, $3/student, and a cap of 35 children.

Visit with a Veteran

2009-05-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Considering a visit with a WWII veteran around Veteran's Day, Nov. 11. Not many left, and feel like they ought to be remembered. Other veterans would be interesting, too, but I'm guessing that they aren't available to talk during a Friday afternoon because they're young enough to be working. Three Sisters wants to give the homeschool community what it desires -- leave a comment.

2009-2010 Programming

2009-05-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

On the calendar:

August 28 at 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Monarch Tagging. Presented by a Polk County Conservation naturalist. Catch, tag, and release monarchs on the prairie. $2 per child. Registration opens Aug. 1.

August 28 at 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Monarch Tagging. Presented by a Polk County Conservation naturalist. Catch, tag, and release monarchs on the prairie. $2 per child. Registration opens Aug. 1.

Sept. 18 at 10 and 11 a.m. Renaissance Day. Grades 1 -3 at 10 - 11 a.m.; Grades 4 and up from 11 - noon. $2/kid. Registration opens August 18. Topics include calligraphy, peasant dancing, games and sports, and stained glass. Kids will take home calligraphy and stained glass. If you would like to bring a poster to show everyone what you have learned prior to this program, let us know and we'll provide an easel. There is a playground on the property if you need to occupy one age group while the other is in the program.

Sept. Programming

2009-05-26T10:26:00.001-07:00

We're taking definite steps toward Sept. programming, a Renaissance Day. Arrangements will hopefully be done within 24 hours. Please take time to answer the poll in our sidebar.

Programming is a GO!

2009-05-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters happily announces a partnership with the West Des Moines Community School District. More details will come in our June newsletter, but I am so excited that I just had to post today. This partnership allows Three Sisters to host higher end presentations at lower costs and in bigger rooms so more people can benefit. Programs for smaller audiences will still be offered at other locations in the metro. Julia has been monitoring the poll now has a new poll question: If you were to attend a large presentation, what time and day works best for you? Vote in the new poll in the sidebar. As always, input is welcomed at see3sis@yahoo.com.

Homeschool Event for next week

2009-05-13T06:42:00.001-07:00

Anyone can buy; only members of SHEEP and HEED can sell.

Homeschooler BUY/SELL/TRADE Event
sponsored by SHEEP/HEED

May 18th 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Westchester Evangelical Free Church
4919 Aurora Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310

Bring bags to take your purchases home.

May News from Three Sisters

2009-05-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

NEWS from THREE SISTERS

May 2009. Happy Spring! Three Sisters says “Thank you” to everyone who came to the Stuff Sale and the Home Learning Resources Conference and Sale. We love finishing our events early in the year!

Event Calendar. We’ve sensed a need for an online homeschool event calendar. There are currently many events that are “open to all,” but notices are not given through an “open to all” website. We’d like to offer a calendar service, probably through our current website, www.homelearningresources.com. Event submissions will be welcomed and approved through see3sis@yahoo.com.

Programming. We’re also wanting to present free and low-fee monthly educational events to the homeschool community. We’d like to present topics that people can use in their homeschooling. Which subjects do you see a need for? If you’d like to see Three Sisters bring a particular topic, one-time class, or program to the homeschool community in the Des Moines area, drop us a line at see3sis@yahoo.com by June 5, 2009. After this date, we’ll consider, investigate, and prepare for an awesome 2009-2010! You can also vote for some readily available programming by visiting our blog and taking the poll in the right-hand sidebar. (excuse any typos!)

When and Where. We’d like to eliminate the no-admission retail sales hall and keep the stuff sale and conference. What are your thoughts on dates and locations for this? You can either write a comment here on the blog, or send email. We will carefully consider all input.

Upcoming Des Moines area events:

May 15 – Catching Croakers, 8 p.m. Chichaqua Longhouse, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, northeast Polk County

May 15 – Family Friday Night, Fascinating Frogs, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

May 18 – Registration begins for summer reading programs at many local libraries

May 19 – Nature Friends – Birds, 6:30 p.m. Jester Park, Granger

May 23 – Night Hike, 8 p.m. Prairie Flower Campground, Saylorville Reservoir

May 29 – Family Friday Night, Playful Pandas, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

May 30 -- Mammals of Iowa, 1 pm., Yellow Banks Park, southeast Polk County

June 5, 6 – Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators Conference, Des Moines

June 9 – Nature Tales, 2 p.m. Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

June 12 – Family Friday Night, Feathered Friends, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

June 13 – Night Hike, 8 p.m. Cherry Glen Campground, Saylorville Reservoir

June 17 – Nature Play Date, 10:30 a.m. Greenwood Park, Mary Miss Pond, Des Moines

June 17 – Nature’s Story Hour/Animal Habitats, picnic lunch at MacRae Park, upper shelter, Des Moines

Until next month,

Cathy and Julia

Conference video -- Waldorf

2009-04-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

We have a video from the conference, as promised, from Kristie Burns. She writes:

I had some glitches in my system the past week so I was unable to get this video online right away. This video is a video I had taken of my lecture/workshop at the Home Learning Resources Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, two weeks ago. I now have the video online for you all to see.

This video is called "Rhythms and Stages in Waldorf Education" and talks about the rhythm of the child, of the day, week, year, month and seasons. It also addresses the needs of the child at each age and what topics they are most suited to studying at that age. I also talk a bit about the "why" behind these subjects.

There is a ten-minute sample (that is the limit at Youtube) at:

http://waldorftv.weebly.com/webinars.html

On the same page you also have the option of downloading the entire video or signing up for the video webinar in May. There is also a small E-book and some charts (of what your child should be studying at each age ) available with the full download.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie
www.EarthSchooling. com

Calendar Testing

2009-04-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

This blog will serve as a testing ground in the next month. Our surveys from the last two events show us that people would like a calendar with home school events listed in one online place. We'll be experimenting with calendars embedded in the blog along with event details. Input on this service is welcome at see3sis@yahoo.com

Next season

2009-04-27T09:19:00.001-07:00

Three Sisters is already planning a new season of events. To send your input on the kind of events and programming you would like to see us bring to the Des Moines area, drop us a line at see3sis@yahoo.com

Wrap Up

2009-04-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to the Stuff Sale!!! I forgot to take photographs -- can you believe it?

The completed surveys will be considered carefully as we plan our next season. We may possibly have a survey here on the blog so everyone else can have input on Three Sisters' next year of events.

Speakers

2009-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Updating April 23, 2009 --

We met so many brand new to home schooling parents over the weekend and are still fielding questions via email and phone that I thought I would publish contact information for speakers and any vendors who were speakers. To date, I have permission to release:

Sheryl Maxey -- Usborne Books. Spoke on teaching children of different ages at the same time. sheryl.maxey@gmail.com

Peter Sipes -- Bolchazy-Carducci Latin language publisher. peter@bolchazy.com

Amy Graber -- Unschooling. graber@mchsi.com

Christine McNunn -- World of Difference. Christine@fairworldgallery.com

Debi Zahn -- Charlotte Mason home schooling. ddzahn@globalccs.net

Katy Diltz -- HAIL, political action group. kdiltz@iowatelecom.net

Mary Lynn Carvour -- Mary Lynn's Learning Center. Spoke on Beginning paperwork, Science, and History. eduem@aol.com

Kristie Burns -- Waldorf home schooling and World of Difference. herbnhome@yahoo.com

I haven't seen them yet, but Kristie reports that the videos from her workshops are ready to view and that they turned out nicely. I'll get a link here once I locate them online.

Speaker Contact

2009-04-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

We met so many brand new to home schooling parents over the weekend and are still fielding questions via email and phone that I thought I would publish contact information for speakers and any vendors who were speakers. To date, I have permission to release:

Debi Zahn -- Charlotte Mason home schooling. ddzahn@globalccs.net

Katy Diltz -- HAIL, political action group. kdiltz@iowatelecom.net

Mary Lynn Carvour -- Mary Lynn's Learning Center. Spoke on Beginning paperwork, Science, and History. eduem@aol.com

Stuff Sale Tips

2009-04-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

The basics: HLR Stuff Sale
Friday, April 24, 2009

12 noon - 4 p.m.

Grimes United Methodist Church
13525 NW 70th Ave Ste A
Grimes, IA 50111
On Hwy 44 in Grimes, 1/2 mile west from water tower

New for 2009 is our welcome table. It will contain a display of:

1. Stuffed bags. Three Sisters will bring the take-home bags from last weekend's conference and sale. There is a small supply of these. The bags contain information (catalogs) from vendors who were unable to have a booth, including LEGO Education, Total Language Plus, etc.

2. Self-serve bag stuffing is available for you on the welcome table once the stuffed bags are gone.

3. Drawings for door prizes. Put your name in our fishbowl for our door prizes. If you include your email address, we'll put you on our e-mailing list. Vendors are eligible to win. We will give two seasonal craft kits from Shirley's Pre-packaged Crafts at 1 p.m. CD's from the Institute for Excellence in Writing will be given away at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

4. Surveys from the conference. In order to provide home learning resources beyond the sales and conference, we are asking for your input. Fill out a survey at one of the tables and turn it in before you leave.

Same as last year: The fellowship area of the hall will have tables and chairs for you and your kids to hang out during the sale.

Tips for sellers:

0.5 Table reservation is now closed. Sorry if you did not meet the deadline of Monday, April 20. There is always next time.

1. Start organizing your home school "stuff" now.

2. Price your stuff. Your shoppers can use the bags that Adoremus has supplied, or you can supply other shopping bags.

3. Find a cash box. Buyers deal directly with the sellers. Three Sisters does not offer a coordinated sales point for all sellers. Negotiating can be done at your discretion.

4. We expect you to set up and clean up your own assigned space.

5. Your kids will need to be supervised. Misbehaving children create a difficult atmosphere for sales.

Tips for buyers:

1. Kids need to be supervised. Misbehaving children make shopping and visiting unpleasant.

2. Make a shopping list. Bring cash rather than checks.

3. Realize that you will deal with individual sellers. All merchandise on one table will need to be paid to the renter of that table. So no grocery carting unpaid goods from multiple tables around the hall.

4. Adoremus has supplied shopping bags for you. You can also bring boxes and bags for your finds if you are a high volume shopper.

Stuff Sale Vendor Update

2009-04-20T12:03:00.001-07:00

We will accept PayPal Registration until Thursday. Go here to read the necessary forms. Partial inventory is listed in the sidebar of this blog.

Conference

2009-04-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Cathy and I sincerely thank everyone for attending Three Sisters Sale and Conference.

<--- Maureen Stone gave a great talk!

Our Stuff Sale will be the last event of the season. Tips to having a great experience at our Stuff Sale will appear on this blog later this week.

Update April 13

2009-04-14T10:28:00.001-07:00

April News Update from Three Sisters

www.homelearningresources.com

Conference News:

Online and mail-in registrations will be accepted until April 17, 2009. Walk-in

registrations will be accepted the day of the conference. Our website has details. Your attendance makes future conferences and retail sales events more likely.

Our speakers will help you no matter “who you are” or “where you are” in your home school journey. Parents who are beginners, experienced, worn-out, or full of ideas will take some nuggets of knowledge home from our speakers. Our website has descriptions of the workshops and keynote speeches.

We will have a fellowship area in the vendor hall for those who wish to “eat in” for lunch.

HLR Sale News:

Three Sisters has eleven vendors coming to the Sale. This is a ‘homeschool store’ – come and shop from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Well-behaved children are welcome in the vendor hall. Free admission to the vendor hall.

Fair World Gallery and World of Difference Day have signed as vendors. Both are local Iowa businesses. Fair World Gallery has hard-to-find learning materials that can immerse your family in another country. Your support group can also book a visit with someone who has lived in a foreign country and can share music, culture, and customs through World of Difference. One representative will give a vendor presentation for both companies. http://www.fairworldgallery.com/catalog/index.php and

http://www.worldofdifference.us/

Discovery Toys - Tamara Sanders, has also signed as vendor. Shop for her unique toys, games, and books without “party pressure” at our free-admission sales hall!

Stuff Sale News:

For those shopping: We currently have eight gals renting tables. A current list of their top items for sale (at used prices!) can be found in the sidebar of our blog.

We are offering door prizes at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Shopping will probably end by 3:30. Three Sisters has four door prizes to give away:

From Shirley’s Pre-packaged Crafts -- Two craft kits. One kit has enough supplies for 12 seasonal crafts for a young elementary student. Supplies, instructions, and a calendar are included in the kit. www.shirleysprepackagedcrafts.com These two kits will be given away at the same time.

From the Institute for Excellence in Writing – Two audio aids for the parent. Nurturing Competent Communicators CD, and a 2-disc set entitled The Profound Effects of Music on Life. http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/

For those with resources to sell: You can now use PayPal and email to rent a table. Please ask questions through see3sis@yahoo.com -- Applications for the Stuff Sale are due by April 20.

More Stuff Listed

2009-04-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

Updated the sidebar to include more STUFF that people are bringing.

Details on how to make the best of the Stuff Sale will come after the Conference and Sale o April 18 are over.

Door prize

2009-03-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

Be sure to put your name in the fish bowl for a chance at this door prize, to be given away at our Stuff Sale. From Shirley's Pre-packaged Crafts, we have two boxes of goodies to give away, one for older kids and one for younger kids. They include 12 different seasonal activities. We'll be drawing names at 2 p.m. Everyone, including people entering names in the fishbowl after 2 p.m., will be entered into our database for Three Sisters' monthly newsletters.

The Stuff Sale now includes seven gals selling their used home learning materials with a lot of great stuff. A partial listing can now be found in our blog's sidebar. Take a look now.

New Vendor Signed!

2009-03-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Julia's Attic Used Books will be at our Home Learning Resources Sale. Located in West Des Moines, she carries used curricula, books, and other educational material. You can see her inventory at her website to get a feel for what she may bring to the Sale.

Workshop Schedule

2009-03-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

'WHO WE ARE'

Home Learning Resources Conference

Keynote 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

"We are doing what is right for our children" -- Maureen Stone

Maureen draws on her years of experience, from the pioneering years of homeschooling in Iowa to the present day, to encourage you to educate your family at home, even when difficult situations arise.

VENDOR SESSION ~ 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Go Political! -- Katy Diltz, HAIL www.HAIL-iowa.org Room 1

Let your representatives and other elected officials know you homeschool. How to find out who your representatives are, approaching them about homeschooling, building a friendly relationship with them, and working to gain support for homeschooling in your community.

Teaching Multiple Ages with Success -- Sheryl Maxey, Usborne Books www.UsborneReaders.com Room 2

How can I do school with a toddler underfoot and a babe in arms? With 18 years of experience, Sheryl gives practical advice on successfully creating a home learning environment where everyone wins.

Latin and Greek in the Homeschool -- Peter Sipes, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers www.bolchazy.com Room 3

To be announced

Beginners Workshop/Legal Options -- Mary Lynn Carvour, Room 4

You want to homeschool. Now what do you do? Mary Lynn, a certified teacher and veteran homeschool mom and consultant, shows you how to file paperwork and match your lifestyle to one of three legal options.

SESSION 1 ~ 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

"We Teach Science on a Shoestring" -- Mary Lynn Carvour, Room 1

Excite your younger elementary students about health, chemistry, geology, and more in this practical workshop. All of Mary Lynn's ideas have been tested in the classroom and the home.

"We Are Taking College Classes" -- Maureen Stone, Room 2

High school students can take college classes during high school on the school district's tab by using the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO). Maureen gives advice and history as the mom who brought this opportunity to the homeschool community.

"We are exploring Waldorf" -- Kristi Karima Burns www.DreamAngels.com Room 3

You've heard about the Waldorf philosophy, but exactly is it? Kristie explains how to bring Waldorf ideas into the home school.

SESSION 2 ~ 12:45 - 1:30 p.m.

"We Are Using Charlotte Mason Methods" -- Debi Zahn, Room 1

Step into a day in the life of Debi's family of twelve kids to see how Charlotte Mason methods help her teach her children in a natural, literature-based, kid-friendly style. See what a living book is, how nature study can be done, and what to do about grammar.

"We Are Unschooling" -- Amy Graber, Room 2

How in the world can unschooling work? Amy, mother of two, reveals how everyone can make unschooling work through detoxing, building a "curriculum" that includes math, reading and other subjects, complying with the law as an unschooler, and how to approach the assessment options as an unschooler.

"We Are Crafting Through History" -- Mary Lynn Carvour, Room 3

Easy ideas for every day emerge in this hands-on workshop. Younger and older children and their parents will benefit from Mary Lynn's enthusiasm.

SESSION 3 ~ 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

"We Are Connecting" -- a circle discussion led by Cathy and/or Julia www.homelearningresources.com Rooms 1 and 2

If you have general questions or specific needs, you can ask here. Everyone will be safe, respected, and "there are no stupid questions!" Veteran and new homeschoolers attending the conference can answer questions about co-ops, support groups, curriculum needs, park days, field trips, and more. Make new friendships as the founders of Three Sister moderate this discussion.

KEYNOTE 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

"We Are Looking to Our Future, Remembering Our Past" -- Ed Dickerson website here Rooms 1 and 2

Ed gives insight to the future of homeschooling in Iowa. As the current lobbyist for HAIL, he is keen to the pulse of the statehouse, and can lend historical information as to why our laws are the way they are -- how 0.6 funding for HSAP's was determined before 0.3 funding was chosen, why we have the portfolio, and much more.

Updated list for Stuff Sale

2009-03-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

The LIST now includes the following. Prices revealed at the sale.

Saxon Math Algebra 2, third edition homeschool set (hardcover text, not the consumable text) + DIVE CD
Exploring Creation with General Science, plus the Solutions and Tests Manual, by Dr. Jay L. Wile

Science and Living in God's World, Gr. 6, w/ Tests and Answer Key

Easy Grammar, Gr. 4-5, Teacher's Manual, Answer Key, and Student's Reproducibles in one book.

Saxon Math 5/4, 2nd edition, Homeschool Kit w/ Tests and Solutions

MCP Level E Student's Book and Teacher's Book, never used

Set of 12 "Highlights Mathmania" workbooks, only slightly used

"Highlights Which Way USA" workbooks, set of 50 states, very slightly used

Power-Glide Children's Spanish w/ 2 sets of workbooks I, II, and III, Parents' Guide and set of 8 CD's. (Workbook I with some writing in it, II and III never used.)

Latina Christiana I and II Pronunciation CD's.

Famous Men of Rome, Roman History, Student and Teacher's Books

Veggie Tales videos and music CD's

EZ Grammar

1001 Ways to Explore Science and Nature

Math Wheel Addition/Subtraction Flash Cards

What Your Third Grader Needs to Know

Harcourt 6th Grade Grammar Practice Book - Teacher's Edition with reproducible student pages

complete set of “The Incredible World of Wally McDoogle” books

Hooked on Phonics

Bible on cassette

toy cash register with “How to Count Money” booklet

Dear America Video Cassettes

Judy Blume A Box of Fudge (box set of four books)

Easy Science Activity Journals (grades 3 – 6)

idea book for teaching hands-on math concepts to junior high kids

a lot of K - 1 books for science and math

Bob Books

Abeka readers

What I heard

2009-03-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

Heads up for some brand new stuff at hand me down prices! I heard that speaker Mary Lynn Carvour will be applying for space at our Stuff Sale. She used to own a retail educational supply store in central Iowa's metro area. -- JULIA

2009-03-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

New stuff to list for the Stuff Sale!

Exploring Creation with General Science, plus the Solutions and Tests Manual, by Dr. Jay L. Wile

Science and Living in God's World, Gr. 6, w/ Tests and Answer Key

Easy Grammar, Gr. 4-5, Teacher's Manual, Answer Key, and Student's Reproducibles in one book.

Saxon Math 5/4, 2nd edition, Homeschool Kit w/ Tests and Solutions

MCP Level E Student's Book and Teacher's Book, never used

Set of 12 "Highlights Mathmania" workbooks, only slightly used

"Highlights Which Way USA" workbooks, set of 50 states, very slightly used

Power-Glide Children's Spanish w/ 2 sets of workbooks I, II, and III, Parents' Guide and set of 8 CD's. (Workbook I with some writing in it, II and III never used.)

Latina Christiana I and II Pronunciation CD's.

Famous Men of Rome, Roman History, Student and Teacher's Books

Veggie Tales videos and music CD's

News bit

2009-03-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would pop in here to clarify that Three Sisters is finding vendors for its Home Learning Resources Sale in West Des Moines only. We are not working other events in other cities or DM metro this year.

We feel that there is a large need for admission-free homeschool conferences and sales, and will continue to hold such events as a way to promote homeschooling in a friendly manner.

Stuff Update

2009-02-28T12:28:00.001-08:00

Adding EZ Grammar to the growing list of Home School "Stuff" for sale.

We now have the following list of stuff that will be at the Stuff Sale.

EZ Grammar

1001 Ways to Explore Science and Nature

Math Wheel Addition/Subtraction Flash Cards

What Your Third Grader Needs to Know

Harcourt 6th Grade Grammar Practice Book - Teacher's Edition with reproducible student pages

complete set of “The Incredible World of Wally McDoogle” books

Hooked on Phonics

Bible on cassette

toy cash register with “How to Count Money” booklet

Dear America Video Cassettes

Judy Blume A Box of Fudge (box set of four books)

Easy Science Activity Journals (grades 3 – 6)

idea book for teaching hands-on math concepts to junior high kids

a lot of K - 1 books for science and math

Bob Books

Abeka readers

March Newsletter

2009-02-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

Currently, I'm editing Three Sisters' March newsletter. We always get more material than we can fit into a reasonable length. I think people will be interested in the featured speaker, so I plan to put a follow up "Speaker Spotlight" here after the newsletter release.

If anyone would like a pre-printed Stuff Sale vendor application, please let me know by phone or email. Thanks, JULIA

More Stuff

2009-02-23T19:49:00.000-08:00

People have stuff at great prices for you, including:

1001 Ways to Explore Science and Nature
Math Wheel Addition/Subtraction Flash Cards
What Your Third Grader Needs to Know
Harcourt 6th Grade Grammar Practice Book - Teacher's Edition (Reproducible student pages)

The list grows

2009-02-20T13:04:00.001-08:00

We have had more vendors signing up for Home Learning Resources Sale:

Door Posts Publishing

Two Minute Teacher

Barefoot Books

Our Home Learning Resources Sale will occur during our Home Learning Resources Conference on Sat., April 18, 2009 in West Des Moines.

Additionally, five people have reserved tables for the HLR Stuff Sale. We are holding our Stuff Sale on the afternoon of Fri., April 25, 2009 in Grimes. See our website www.homelearningresources.com for more information.

Need for Speech Expert

2009-02-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

We had a prospect orally commit to speaking on speech therapy; she has now committed to another event and will not be at Home Learning Resources Conference and Sale. Please drop us a line if this subject is one that you would like to see us pursue again. Thanks!

Registrations coming in

2009-02-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

That's right -- some people are on the ball and have registered for Home Learning Resources Conference. We truly appreciate early birds, as they allow us to supply preliminary attendance information to prospective vendors for the HLR Sale. As a first time event, early numbers are quite important. We intend to send confirmation emails as we receive your registrations. Thank you!

Working

2009-02-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

New prospects keep coming to our attention. Picture Book Patch, a used book seller, from Des Moines and Doorposts, dealer of character building materials, are both being contacted. We want to serve our community, so send an email if you have suggestions for prospective vendors.

Changes

2009-02-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to unify the look of our website, blog, and business cards, we have changed our color schemes. We want them to look like they go together. The content has not changed. Everything published in the past is still available and reads the same.

A unified look is important to us, but not a priority at the moment, so things may look ragged until June-ish. Summer will be a time for major cosmetic change. Our business continues to focus on admission free sales events and meeting the needs of the home school community (without turning into a support group).

Catching Up

2009-02-02T15:13:00.001-08:00

Update on the Home Learning Resources Sale: Julia's Attic has verbally committed to a booth. Hyperlinks for verbal commitments will be activated once a paper commitment is received. This will allow you to make a shopping list before the Sale.

Update on the Stuff Sale: a complete set of “The Incredible World of Wally McDoogle” books, Hooked on Phonics, complete Bible on cassette, toy cash register with “How to Count Money” booklet, Dear America Video Cassettes, Judy Blume A Box of Fudge (box set of four books), Easy Science Activity Journals (grades 3 – 6), an idea book for teaching hands-on math concepts to junior high kids, a lot of K - 1 books for science and math, readers, Bob Books, and Abeka readers.

Registrants are finding things all the time as they do an early spring cleaning. Updates will go here until our March newsletter is released.

Oral Commitments

2009-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

To date, Three Sisters has gotten oral commitments from the following vendors to exhibit at our Home Learning Resources Sale:

HAIL

Simply Fun

Barefoot Books

Dawn Werts-Philbin

Entrance to the Home Learning Resources Sale is admission-free and will be held from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sat., April 18, 2009 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, located at 3900 Ashworth Rd. in West Des Moines, IA.

Stuff Sale Details

2009-01-23T16:55:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would pop in here to comment on the location of the upcoming Stuff Sale in April 2009, especially because someone said they tried to find the location previously with no luck.

Grimes United Methodist Church is EXTREMELY easy to find. From 141, take the Grimes exit and go west. Drive west. You may feel that you are running out of town, but then aha! there it is on the north (right) side of the street. Handicap accessible, adequate parking lot. Look for our HLR signs in the easement.

Stuff Sale Update

2009-01-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

Someone has started an early spring cleaning! We have two gals committed to tables for the Stuff Sale already. Books seem to be in excess -- pretty typical of most homeschool families that I know! As kids get older, some books just don't work anymore (or never did work). If you have an overflow of books at your house, you'll want to reserve a table as soon as you can. Since we're trying to maintain a fellowship/kid area at one end of the room, our space is limited.

January Newsletter

2009-01-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Home school Parents!

In this issue: HLR Stuff Sale details and spotlights on speaker Kristie Karima Burns and vendor Sheryl Maxey with Usborne Books.

HLR Stuff Sale, by Julia: Details are in! This event was the brainstorm of a home school mom, where families sell “home school stuff” that they are not using to other home school families at used prices. We will run the sale as we did last year, with time for sellers to set up, time for doors to open to families who want to browse and shop, followed by a time for everyone to tear down. There will also be an area for families to visit.

HLR Stuff Sale
Friday, April 24, 2009
Free admission
12 - 4 p.m. –- use the east double doors
Grimes United Methodist Church
13525 NW 70th Ave Suite A, Grimes, IA 50111
It’s on Hwy 44 in Grimes, 1/2 mile west from the water towers
Look for Three Sisters’ HLR signs to guide you!

To sell your materials at the Stuff Sale, see the documents attached to this message. New this year will be take-home bags. Adoremus Books has kindly donated bags for shoppers to use for their purchases.

Conference News

Home Learning Resources Conference and Sale

“Who We Are”

Sat., April 18, 2009

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

3900 Ashworth Rd.

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Park in the south lot – look for the HLR Signs!

Speaker Spotlight, by Cathy: Kristie Karima Burns, one of our five speakers, will be speaking on Waldorf Education in home schooling. If you are like me and are unfamiliar with this topic, I encourage you to attend the conference and learn more about Waldorf.

In preparation for writing about Kristie, I was hopping around all of her various websites and have decided Kristie is a woman of boundless energy! Along with home schooling her children, she runs many online businesses and helps others in their home schooling trek in the Waldorf way.

Recently, Kristie asked us to join in her joy of finishing her first full-length chapter book! She enjoys storytelling with her children and has completed the story entitled "The Journey of Analise". If you would like to hear this story, told by Kristie, you can do so for free at Waldorf Radio.

To learn about our other four speakers, visit the Three Sisters website and click on “Conference Speakers.” Registration begins now. Early bird pricing is in effect for registrations postmarked by March 30.

Vendor Spotlight, by Julia: Sheryl Maxey of Usborne Books is not new to home schooling, but she is somewhat new to town. We first met Sheryl at our 2008 Home Learning Resources Sale. She was a door prize winner, and loved connecting with the other home school families. Shoppers can visit the vendors on the sales floor for free!

Since Sheryl has home schooled for 18 years and used Usborne books for every grade level, she will give a presentation about the books while working in some great ideas about how to teach multiple grade levels successfully at the same time. For a preview of the merchandise she may have on hand at the Home Learning Resources Sale, visit her website.

Kristie and Sheryl will be Three Sisters Home Learning Resources Conference and Sales Event, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines. With the theme “Who We Are,” Three Sisters’ Conference will focus on workshops and motivational topics to assist you in your home school journey, no matter “who you are” or where you are in that journey.

Visit the Three Sisters website to find information and updates on our events. We are still fielding ideas for the conference as a way to respond best to the home school community. We would love to get your input at see3sis@yahoo.com. Carrie, our sales rep is working hard on getting vendors. You can suggest businesses to her at carrie@homelearningresources.com. Additionally, to join our direct email list (and get monthly updates like this one), let us know and we’ll add you.

Until next month,

Julia and Cathy
Founders
Three Sisters

THREE SISTERS is a small Iowa company founded by three bargain-loving home school moms. After frustrating attempts to change the system to allow admission-free shopping, these three moms decided to create their own system and produced their first sales event, Home Learning Resources, in 2005.
Since then, THREE SISTERS has produced two other Home Learning Resources sales events in Des Moines and one in eastern Iowa. Always sensitive to the needs of the home school community, the HLR Stuff Sale was a suggestion the company took from a loyal shopper. It was held in early April 2008.
The company will make its first venture into conference production in April 2009. It remains open to producing other events.
Three Sisters is now operated by two of its founders. The founders realize that sisterhood does not rely on bloodlines.

Stuff Sale Details

2009-01-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

HLR Stuff Sale
Friday, April 24, 2009
12 - 4 p.m. -- enter through the east double doors
Grimes United Methodist Church
13525 NW 70th Ave, Grimes, IA 50111

The site is located on Hwy 44 in Grimes, 1/2 mile west from the water towers. It is very easy to find. You can try this place for directions. We'll have our HLR signs out to point the way.

There is no charge to get in. As with our last Stuff Sale, there will be space for visiting, a place for shopping, and the understanding that your kids will be under your watch and care at all times. Please keep food items in your vehicle or at home.

We encourage you to bring your own bags and boxes for hauling your purchases home. In case you forget, we are pleased to announce that take-home bags will be available courtesy of Adoremus Books.

To sell your 'homeschool stuff' at Three Sisters' Stuff Sale, go to our website, www.homelearningresources.com Find the HLR Stuff Sale page, then print the necessary form. Once we receive it, you'll get an email confirmation. Start sorting through your stuff to sell!

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T21:37:00.001-08:00

Our monthly newsletter will arrive in your email inbox late this week. If you would like to join our e-mail list to get the latest news delivered to you, send your contact info to see3sis@yahoo.com

Stuff Sale News

2008-12-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

We're still looking for a place to hold an April Stuff Sale. We feel that we cannot look earlier than the first Friday of April or later than the first Friday of May. If you have a suggestion for a venue, please contact Three Sisters at see3sis@yahoo.com.

Prospecting begins

2008-11-01T18:55:00.001-07:00

Vendor prospecting has started. We have a lot of space to fill in the new HLR location.

We hope to become more effective in using our time and resources with the addition of Carrie to Three Sisters. If there is a company you would like to see in Iowa, send us a note and one of us will try hard to get that company here.

Spring Stuff Sale

2008-10-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

A shopper from our Stuff Sale asked if we would hold another one in 2009. After looking at the calendar, we are shooting for the afternoon of Friday, April 24, 2009. Cathy is in the process of locating a kid-friendly place in central Iowa.

We are also attempting to use our own mailing list more effectively, have a sales rep working to get vendors here for our April Conference, and sincerely move from research to solid marketing.

Another one

2008-10-04T08:57:00.001-07:00

We've confirmed another topic and speaker -- Debi Zahn will speak on Charlotte Mason Education. Debi is teacher and mother to twelve children ages newborn through high school. She is active in a central Iowa Charlotte Mason support group, and has years of experience.

Our goal is to have nine speakers over three session, as well as one session dedicated to vendor presentations. In our effort to give the home school community what it wants, we're open to ideas from YOU -- who should speak, what topics you want to hear, and which vendors you like to browse.

We're also deliberating over a Spring 2009 Stuff Sale. Proposed dates will be in a poll in the sidebar -- vote today!

Speaker news

2008-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

New topics and speaker info confirmed:

"Science on a Shoestring" and "Crafting Through History," by Mary Lynn Carvour. You may have run into Mary Lynn at a Renaissance Faire over the years. She is a fantastic and natural teacher. She draws on her experience as a teacher to focus on two subjects that parents often wonder about incorporating without wanting to bore their children. Mary Lynn can give a great presentation and we are happy to have her.

"Waldorf Education," by Kristie Karima Burns, ND. Kristie is very knowledgeable in using Waldorf methods. To find out how to use Waldorf methods, Kristie gives quotations from Rudolf Steiner, the originator of Waldorf schools, and uses her life experience as a Waldorf school teacher and writer to encourage parents in using Waldorf methods.

"Doing what is right," by Maureen Stone. Maureen has a lot of experience in standing up for what is right. When her family decided to challenge the State of Iowa to allow her daughter the right to use the Post-Secondary Education Option, she had to be very strong in her conviction to home school. If she could stay the course, so could anyone. Parents will find Maureen very motivational.

"Looking to our future, remembering our past," by Ed Dickerson. Ed was a major figure in forming the current Iowa home school law. He can tell good stories about the old days, and encourage parents to keep on the path as the future unfolds.

In the works

2008-09-19T19:04:00.001-07:00

Topics that we're prospecting include:

Classical education

Science on a shoestring

Lapbooking/notebooking

Homeschooling options -- supervising teacher, annual assessment -- standardized testing and portfolio, HSAP, correspondence school

If you have topics that you want to hear or can speak about, let us know!

Speaking

2008-09-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Topics confirmed thus far:

Waldorf education

History and Future of Homeschooling in Iowa

Post-Secondary Enrollment Option -- PSEO parents will relate their experiences

Speakers

2008-09-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

We are currently confirming our loose oral agreements with the prospective speakers that we talked with since May 2008.

One of the great things about Three Sisters being a small operation is that we can accommodate change quickly and easily. Julia and Cathy are in charge of decisions, and are committed to adapting to the needs of the current home school community. If you have a topic or speaker that you wish to see, send a message to us at see3sis@yahoo.com