North Country Homeschooling Co-op

Welcome to a new year of co-op! 

There are LOTS of changes to co-op this year as we continue to grow and more families offer to teach.  Our biggest changes are our new location, new meeting time, and a big expansion to our offerings for the middle & high school kids.  Please excuse the length of this email. There is a lot of information to share!


New Mission Statement

The North Country Homeschool Co-op a nondenominational group, open to all homeschooling families in our region.  We are parent run, with parents planning, teaching, and organizing all our activities.  We provide a mix of structured classes and free play time for children from preschool through high school, with a strong focus on play based, hands on, activities for all ages.  We welcome children of all abilities and ages!

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New Location

Our big news is that the North Country Homeschool Co-op has a new home!  The Cadyville Wesleyan Church will be hosting us this year.  They are located on Rt 3, right in the village of Cadyville, next to the old elementary school building.  The new building is amazing with lots of classrooms, a preschool room, full kitchen, nursery/toddler room with a private bathroom, teen lounge, rec room with ping-pong, foosball, etc, large fellowship hall, and even an elevator for handicap access to the basement where the classrooms are!   The church property borders the old Cadyville school property, and we have access to the playground and fields for classes and recess time.  It is also conveniently located near the Cadyville beach, and also the town park with it's rec trails, another playground, and disc golf course. 


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New Meeting Time & Class Schedule

Co-op will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, and the 5th Wednesday in long months. Co-op has use of the building from 11:00am - 3:00pm every other Wednesday. 

There is a small possibility we may occasionally have to cancel classes if there is a Wednesday funeral service.  In the event that happens we will have 24-48 hours notice from Pastor Jeff at the church, and notices will immediately go out to the newsletter, event blog & Facebook group. 

The regular weekly schedule will be:

11:00am - 12:00pm -- Structured class time for all ages PreK- high school.

12:00pm - 1:00pm -- Bag lunch.  Recess next door at the playground (weather permitting).  Indoor group games, rec room time, free play room & board games in bad weather.  Children's Chorus will meet about once a month from 12:30-1:00.

1:00pm - 2:00pm -- Clubs (book clubs, board game club), additional activities & outside speakers for older kids, ongoing craft activities & other projects.  Most afternoon offerings will be for the 7+ age kids, but younger siblings are always welcome to stay and play in the preschool, free play, nursery rooms, or neighboring playground.

2:00pm - 3:00pm -- This time slot is available as overflow for longer running afternoon classes, and any classes parents would like to arrange by outside teachers (such as a hired teacher coming in to offer a biweekly language class or activity like karate)

*** Please note that the homeschool support group Kari Zurlo was running out of her home will be moving to co-op this year!  The support group will meet during the 1:00p - 3:00p slot, upstairs in the fellowship hall.   Young children are welcome to the meeting, which will be adjacent to the nursery/toddler room. Older children can keep themselves busy with the various afternoon clubs, activities, crafts, rec room, and at the nearby playground if there are volunteers to watch them there. Please make note of the new support group times in with the class schedule below. ***


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New Class Structure

As you can see we're trying things a bit differently this year!  Classes or activities will be offered for different age ranges/interests in separate classrooms.  You can see in the class schedule below that we are offering a lot more classes for the older kids! 

We are also adding a little more structure to the class time, particularly during the 11:00-12:00 time slot. 

Each class for school age children will have activities in its own assigned classroom, with a teacher & assigned helper.  Meanwhile parents will have a chance to assist in other rooms, assist with set-up & clean-up, visit in the fellowship room, or supervise younger siblings in the nursery or preschool area.

Parents of preschool & nursery age children only are welcome and encouraged to attend activities with their little ones.  Most weeks there will be a designated preschool room with a short circle/story time, followed by a couple of activities & then free play.  The nursery room is upstairs off the fellowship hall, and next to the kitchen.  It has rockers, pack n' play, a changing table, baby swings, toddler toys, and a private bathroom.


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New Policy On Students with Disabilities

We have decided to make a formal statement about how we handle students with disabilities since this is a question that is often asked.  Our policy is simple -- we welcome students of ALL abilities!!!  


Our new building is fully handicap accessible, so even children in wheelchairs or with other physical limitations can easily attend co-op classes.

If your child struggles academically, socially or both we encourage you to come try co-op!  Every child is asked to perform at *their* best, but we do not expect every child to perform or act the same.

If your child struggles with social situations or hyperactivity, please know that MANY of the other families who regularly attend co-op have gone through similar things with their children.

Your child is welcome to come and participate at whatever level they are comfortable. For some children this may mean "just" observing for a class or two (or more!). That is fine.  Experience has shown us that most children will overcome their initial shyness after a couple classes.  The free play room is an excellent option for shy or nervous children, as it gives them a chance to meet the other kids, without the pressure of a classroom environment.

Please make sure to speak privately prior to class with your child's teachers & assistants about any special things to keep in mind when teaching your child.  While we are encouraging parents to allow school age children to work as independently as possible with just their teacher & assistant, if a child truly needs a parent present for comfort or assistance just let us know.

Ultimately, parents are responsible for helping their child manage their behavior.  Co-op is a welcoming, but not therapeutic environment.   


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New Motto: Co-op Is Cooperative!  ;-)


We need families willing to help!  How can you help?

1) Teach a class.
This one explains itself.  If you have an idea for a class please contact Amanda Bokus at bokusfamily@westelcom.com or Holly Warren at hollyjwarren@gmail.com, or on the private North Country Homeschooling Facebook page.  If you would be willing to teach or team teach a class, but aren't sure about what to teach or where to start please contact us. We would be happy to provide class ideas, match you with other parents who would prefer to team teach, and generally mentor you a bit through your first co-op teaching experience!

2) Arrange an outside speaker or teacher to lead a class
If you have an outside speaker or teacher you would like to arrange please contact Holly Warren at hollyjwarren@gmail.com or private message on Facebook to Holly Warren.  It is helpful when scheduling an outside speaker/teacher to know what ages they are comfortable working with, what their fees are, and how large a time slot they need. 

3) Sign-up to assist in a classroom helping others who are teaching
One of our classroom changes is we are assigning helpers to as many classes as possible.  The helpers job is to assist the teacher in whatever way the teacher needs help.  This will most likely be with things like set-up, clean-up, and rotating through with the teacher to answer questions or provide assistance. Room helpers will make it so that all parents do not have to attend classes with children who may need help, and allow parents to focus on assisting younger siblings who need more one-on-one attention.  You can sign-up to be a room helper by emailing Holly Warren at hollyjwarren@gmail.com, private message on Facebook to Holly Warren, or sign-up on the sheets available at the sign-in table at each class session.


4) Sign-up for clean up crew
Clean-up crew helpers will be assigned a particular classroom or classrooms to help clean up & return to their original set-up.  You can sign-up to be on cleaning crew by emailing Holly Warren at hollyjwarren@gmail.com, private message on Facebook to Holly Warren, or sign-up on the sheets available at the sign-in table at each class session.

5) Donate Supplies
Co-op is always in need of basic school supplies.  If you are interested in donating an item or items here is a short list to consider:  plain paper, construction paper, colored pencils, glue sticks, school glue, school scissors, markers, holiday stickers (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthday) for nursing home cards, magic erasers, case of paper towels, rubbermaid style bin for storing supplies at the church, preschool toys, puzzles & books in good condition.

If enough members volunteer to help with teaching, assisting & cleaning everyone should only have to work a couple times each year.  All teaching, room helper, and clean-up assignments will be arranged prior to the class, so you know it will fit into your family's schedule.  If you have a age/grade level you'd prefer to teach or be a room helper with please make a note of that when signing up


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New Membership Fee to Cover Liability Insurance (pending)

The co-op continues to be open to any homeschooling family in our region.  However, due to our group needing to purchase liability insurance, there will be a yearly fee this year for families participating.  The cost hasn't been set yet, as we need to hear back from the insurance agency.   Once more detailed information is available it will immediately be sent out to both the newsletter & the Facebook group.

Families who have never attended co-op before are welcome to attend once before deciding if they'd like to participate regularly & contribute to the insurance policy.


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Class Fees

Fees for individual classes will still be paid weekly to cover costs of materials.  Fees will continue to be collected using the honor system at the sign-in table each class day.  When you sign-in, please be sure to check to see if the classes your child is attending that day have fees, and if so, please put payment in the appropriate envelope. 

As class fees are generally very modest, it is best if families can bring $1's and $5's when paying for classes.

Fees will continue to be announced in the class descriptions so families can make sure they have the correct change. 


Some classes, especially for the middle/high school students, may have higher fees due to the supplies the class requires. For example, we will be offering a dissection class for middle/high school kids during the spring semester, and the dissection kit & 4 specimens will run about $50 per student.   While we try to keep the overall class fees low, students and parents have expressed interest in high level classes or classes that require specific items that may cost more.

Please make sure to check the announcements for any classes your children are attending to see if there is a fee or other item that should be brought in order for them to participate.


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Attendance Policy

Participation each week is not mandatory. Families are welcome to come to as many or as few classes as their schedules & interests allow.

Please note the RSVP policy for each class your family is interested in & contact the appropriate person via email or phone. 

Please note that some classes this year, mostly ones for the older kids, will have limited class sizes.  Again, refer to each class write up for full details. 


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New General Rules

1)  Parents, please do not drop off your child.  Co-op is NOT a drop-off activity.  Parents are expected to be on the premises at all time.   Drop-offs may occasionally be allowed on a case by case basis for children 7+, with prior permission from the instructor and/or one of the co-op coordinators.


2)  Please no candy treats as rewards in class.  In order to be mindful of food allergies, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and mindful of everyone's various food preferences we are asking that candy not NOT be given by teachers as rewards in class.  Families are certainly welcome to pack whatever they would like for their own children to eat during the bag lunch/recess period, but for rewards please consider stickers or other small tokens.

3) All classes will be meeting in the basement of the Cadyville Wesleyan Church unless otherwise stated in the class description.  The church offices are upstairs, and in an effort to be respectful of this fact, and contain the mess we make, we are requesting that students stay downstairs where the classrooms area, unless there is a specific class they are attending upstairs or they are with a parent in the nursery/toddler area. 




North Country Homeschooling-October 16, 2013 -- Banker's Field trip

October 16, 2013 -- Banker's Field trip -- 9:30am

We will be meeting at Banker's again this year for apple & pumpkin picking, wagon rides, feeding the animals, and cider & doughnuts.  Banker's is on Rt 3 in West Plattsburgh, NY.  The field trip starts at 9:30, please plan to arrive by 9:15, and park in the rear (not up near the store) where the signs indicate field trip parking.

The price will be $6.50 per child for apple picking, pumpkin picking, food for the animals, and a cider/doughnut snackAdults and pick apples and have cider & doughnuts for $3.50 each.  Unlike past years, adults can not pay the child's rate in order to pick a pumpkin as well.  Banker's had a poor pumpkin crop due to the wet spring.  If adults want to purchase a pumpkin they can do so separately through the store. 

North Country Homeschooling- October 30, 2013

First day of regular classes at the Wesleyan Church 
2083 NY State Route 3. Cadyville, NY 12918

Free Play Room: Legos

Community Service Project:  Please bring a nonperishable item for a local food shelf.  Drop box will be near sign-in table.


11:00 - 12:00:
Preschool --  Fall theme preschool class to tie in with the Banker's field trip.  Apples, pumpkins, leaves, and all things fall will be the theme of this class.  Please note:  There will NOT be Halloween activities in this class.
Teacher: Lisa Bergin
Fee: None
RSVP: Lisa Bergin, bergs76@gmail.com

Elementary kids #1 --
Elementary Engineering, using VanCleave's "Engineering For Every Child"
Teacher: Emily Blauvelt
Fee: None
RSVP: Emily, emily.blauvelt@gmail.com

Elementary kids #2 --
The Science & Art of Butterflies
Teacher: Amanda Bokus
Fee: None
RSVP: Amanda, bokusfamily@westelcom.com

Older Kids (9+) --
Thomas Edison & Electricity Experiments, Part 1

Teachers: Holly & TJ Warren
Fees & Assignments:   There are no fees for this class.  Your child will need to read the first 1/2 of the book Childhood of Famous Americans: Thomas Edison.
This is the book we will be using:http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Edison-Inventor-Childhood-Americans/dp/0020418507. 
If your family has a set of snap-circuits they would be willing to donate just for this class period please contact Holly.
RSVP: Holly,  hollyjwarren@gmail.com

12:00 - 1:00:   bag lunch/recess

1:00 - 2:00:
American Girls Club -- This club is for kids in 2nd - 6th grade.  Books for the year will be chosen by the students at this first meeting, plus several craft activities will be provided. 
Teachers: Holly Warren & Amanda Bokus
Fee: None for this class session, but your student will need to buy the assigned books or get them from the library.
RSVP: Holly or Amanda (see emails above)


Boys Book Club -- This club is for boys in 4th and up.  They will be starting with a discussion of the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  Please have read the book prior to coming to class.  More information on the book can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Hatchet-Gary-Paulsen/dp/1416936475/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379351372&sr=1-1&keywords=hatchet+by+gary+paulsen
Teacher: Tammy Neureuther
Fees & Assignments: No fee for this class session.  Please have read the book Hatchet prior to class.
RSVP: Tammy, tamneureuther@yahoo.com

Board Game Club --  This club has two sections. One is for boys & girls from K-3, the other is for boys & girls grades 4+.   Games will be set up in separate classrooms.  Please bring your favorite game to share, and make sure to label your box too!   Any questions can be directed to Amanda Bokus.


2:00 - 3:00:
Finish up clubs

North Country Homeschooling Co-op: November 6th, 2013

Regular classes at the Wesleyan Church

Free Play Room:  Kinex

Community Service Project:  Please bring a nonperishable item for a local food pantry.  Drop box will be near the sign-in table.

11:00 - 12:00:

Preschool --  TBA

Elementary kids #1 --  
Ancient Egypt
Teacher: Kerri Lamarche
Fee: $2 per student, and please bring 1 roll of toilet paper per student participating for the "mummy wrap"!
RSVP: Kerri, turtle4u234@yahoo.com

Elementary kids #2 --
Canvas Tape Painting
Teacher: Amanda Bokus
Fee: $2 per student, and please have each student bring a small (approx 8x10) art canvas, like the ones sold at Michael's. 
RSVP: Amanda,  bokusfamily@westelcom.com

Older kids (9+ years) --
Thomas Edision & Electricity Experiments, Part 2
Teacher: Holly & TJ Warren
Fees & Assignments: $2 per student, and please have read the second half of the book Childhood of Famous Americans: Thomas Edison prior to coming to class.
RSVP: Holly, hollyjwarren@gmail.com

12:00 - 1:00:  bag lunch & recess 
Children's Chorus  -- This club is open to all students, and all ages.  As long as they can sing along & stand in place without being disruptive your student is welcome to join chorus.  This fall we will focus on learning a variety of seasonal songs to be sung at a local nursing home at a time to be determined in mid December.  This class will run from 12:30 - 1:00. 
Teacher: Holly Warren
Fee: Free
RSVP: Holly, hollyjwarren@gmail.com

1:00 - 2:00:
Yoga for Kids
Teacher: Lizzie Girard
Fee: Free

Board Game Club --  This club has two sections. One is for boys & girls from K-3, the other is for boys & girls grades 4+.   Games will be set up in separate classrooms.  Please bring your favorite game to share, and make sure to label your box too!   Any questions can be directed to Amanda Bokus.

Daytime Homeschool Support Group -- The daytime homeschool support group will meet upstairs in the fellowship hall from roughly 1-3pm.
Coodinator: Kari Zurlo
Fee: Free
RSVP: Kari, pyrz51@frontier.com

2:00 - 3:00:
Finish up clubs & support group meeting.

North Country Homeschooling November 20, 2013

Free Play Room: Lincoln Logs

Community Service Project: 

#1  --  Final collection for the local food banks.  Drop box will be near the sign-in table. 

#2  --  Making Thanksgiving cards for nursing home residents & shut ins.  A table will be set up for making nursing home cards as students have time throughout the day.  Please place completed cards in the box on the table.



11:00 - 12:00:
Preschool:  TBA

Elementary kids #1 --
Winter Birds In The North Country & Make a Bird Feeder Project
Teacher: Kelli Trombley
Fee: Free
RSVP: Kelli at kellitrombleyhs@yahoo.com

Elementary kids #2 --
Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box assembly & collection
Teacher: Holly Warren
Fee: $7.00 to mail a completed shoe box.  Shoe boxes can be brought ready to go, and we will have labels & packing materials available for families who want to pack their shoe box.  Families who do not want to build a box, can also donate $7 to cover the cost of shipping a box. 

Older kids (Grades 4-8) --
Mental Math & Math Tricks
Teacher: Tammy Neureuther
Fee: Free


12:00 - 1:00:   bag lunch/recess

Children's Chorus  -- This club is open to all students, and all ages.  As long as they can sing along &  stand in place without being disruptive your student is welcome to join chorus.  This fall we will focus on learning a variety of seasonal songs to be sung at a local nursing home at a time to be determined in mid December.  This class will run from 12:30 - 1:00. 
Teacher: Holly Warren
Fee: Free
RSVP: Holly, hollyjwarren@gmail.com

1:00 - 2:00:
American Girl Club --  This club is for kids in 2nd - 6th grade.  Book for this class will be decided on by the students at the October 30th meeting, and announced then.
Teachers: Holly Warren & Amanda Bokus
Fee: $2 per student
RSVP: Holly or Amanda (see emails above)

Boys Book Club  --  This club is for boys in 4th and up. The book to be read for this class will be decided on at the October 30th meeting, and announced then.
Teacher: Tammy Neureuther
Fees & Assignments: TBA
RSVP: Tammy, tamneureuther@yahoo.com

Board Game Club --  This club has two sections. One is for boys & girls from K-3, the other is for boys & girls grades 4+.   Games will be set up in separate classrooms.  Please bring your favorite game to share, and make sure to label your box too!   Any questions can be directed to Amanda Bokus.

2:00 - 3:00:
Finish up clubs.












North Country Homeschooling- December 4, 2013

Free Play Room: Legos

Community Service Project: Making Christmas cards for nursing home residents & shut-ins.

11:00 - 12:00:
Christmas crafts, Cookie Exchange & Gingerbread Houses

Come join us for a day of mixed-age activities, making Christmas crafts, gingerbread houses, and Christmas cards for local nursing home residents & shut-ins.  We are in need of about 10-12 families who would be willing to bring a craft project to share with the group. 

If you would like to bring a craft to share please RSVP Holly at hollyjwarren@gmail.com .


If you would like to participate in the cookie exchange please RSVP Emily Blauvelt at emily.blauvelt@gmail.com .

12:00 - 1:00:  bag lunch/recess
Children's Chorus  --  Final practice before going to the nursing home!   This club is open to all students, and all ages.  As long as they can sing along &  stand in place without being disruptive your student is welcome to join chorus.  This fall we will focus on learning a variety of seasonal songs to be sung at a local nursing home at a time to be determined in mid December.  This class will run from 12:30 - 1:00. 

Teacher: Holly Warren
Fee: Free
RSVP: Holly, hollyjwarren@gmail.com

1:00 - 2:00:
Board Game Club --  This club has two sections. One is for boys & girls from K-3, the other is for boys & girls grades 4+.   Games will be set up in separate classrooms.  Please bring your favorite game to share, and make sure to label your box too!   Any questions can be directed to Amanda Bokus.

Daytime Homeschool Support Group -- The daytime homeschool support group will meet upstairs in the fellowship hall from roughly 1-3pm.
Coodinator: Kari Zurlo
Fee: Free
RSVP: Kari, pyrz51@frontier.com

2:00 - 3:00:
Finish up clubs & support group meeting.

Co-op will break for the holiday season, and classes will restart on January 15, 2014.





North Country Homeschooling Co-op Spring Class Ideas

Classes for the remainder of the year are currently still being planned, but a few previews are.....

For older kids: animal dissection (worm, crayfish, yellow perch, frog) , Photography 101, Bicycle Repair & Maintenance, origami, Fairy Tales on Trial/You Be The Judge, Economics, Internet Safety, Backyard Ballistics, Respiratory System & Tobacco Education, several outside speakers, bookmaking, chicken dissection, and much more!

For younger kids: Lego building challenge & free play, Respiratory System & Tobacco Education, Oceans, Castle Times, Colonial America, Folk story teller, Fairies, Process Not Product art class.

For all ages: Backyard Chickens 101, science or project fair, vermicomposting

Complete Spring 2014 schedule will be out as soon as all classes are confirmed with the teachers!

So there is everything you need to know for co-op for the 2013-2014 school year!  If you hung in there all the way to the end, thank you!  :-)

We are looking forward to a great year of co-op.  Please come join in!

Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Class Clown- At LPCA

Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Class Clown
presented by ArtsPower

Tuesday, October 8
9:30 AM and 11:00 AM
Musical for grades 1 - 4
Athena Lorenzo has been slimed and she doesn't think it's very funny. Someone in Ms. Gleason's class is playing practical jokes. Theodore “Jigsaw” Jones claims to be the very first detective in the whole school. It's up to Jigsaw and his friend Mila to investigate the sliming and track down the class clown. This could be their stickiest case yet!
Brimming with music, charm, and humor, ArtsPower’s new production – based on the book by renowned author James Preller - will make audiences laugh and think as they learn the secret codes that Jigsaw must decipher to solve the mystery.
Teachers and Parents:  Download the Study Guide here.
Tickets: $2 each

The Weibrecht For Schools Only Series presents special performance programs during school hours specifically for students. 

Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Seating is limited.
Teachers and school reps may call to make reservations. Schools and homeschool parents  ONLY may call Anya at 518.523.2512 to reserve seats. 

The Weibrecht For Schools Only Series is  funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts, the Lake Placid Education Foundation, the Bruce L. Crary Foundation, the Redducs Foundation Stewart’s Shops, and the Joy to the Children Benefit.
For more information, click here to join our e-mail notification list or call us at 518-523-2512.
 Fall 2013 School Reservations Begin:
Monday, September 16 at 9:00 AM

Homeschool Model United Nations Team

It is time to start planning for 37th annual conference of the North Country Model United Nations. Every year this conference is held in Champlain, NY. Last year 5 students represented area homeschools and performed very respectably.  This year I would like to take a larger group.

The dates for this year's conference are not yet out, but I expect it to take place the first week of March, possibly March 6, 7 and 8, 2014. 

Model UN provides an opportunity for students to collaborate on working papers and resolutions with other delegates and engage in debate with those of opposing viewpoints while using diplomatic rhetoric and protocol.  There is a wide range of topics to discuss in the many different committees.  Delegates can be in small or large committees where they can be active participants or more passive observers.  Students can choose their committee or to be dual delegates with another student.  There is no experience required.  We will be having regular meetings to prepare delegates. 

Model UN is recommended for highschool students, but interested middle schoolers are also welcome.  There is a small fee to attend.

Please let me know as soon as possible if your students are interested as we would like to send in an approximate count and choose our country very soon.

Suzanne Spronk <wayneandsuzanne@gmail.com>, 563-7691

June 2014 Homeschool Camping Trip

Sun June 8- Fri June 20, 2014 at Ausable Point Campground.

Booking reservations starting now to get sites in our group area!  Come for any days during that 2 week period, you do NOT have to book for the full 2 weeks. Families will be coming in & out throughout the 2 weeks.  If something comes up you can cancel or swap with another family at a later date if it turns out you can't attend.

We are shooting for sites 35-46'ish, all near the beach & bathroom.  Sites 36, 37, 38, 41, & 43 are currently booked (as of 9/10/13) with families from our group.

Feel free to contact Amanda Bokus with any questions at bokusfamily@westelcom.com .

For those of you on Facebook there is also a Facebook group for North Country Homeschooling Campers where many of the camping families discuss which meals, who is bringing what gear, etc.  The group can be accessed by going to: Facebook Homeschool Camping Group

We'd love to see some new families camping with us too!

Adirondack Youth Choirs, Wind and String Ensembles, and Orchestra

Parents,

We wanted to get our rehearsal space secured and times in place before forwarding out the registration form (attached) for the upcoming Adirondack Youth Orchestra Association season.  I believe that these are the correct times.  I will let you know if there are any corrections.  We are very excited to announce that starting with our fall season we will be adding two new groups, the Adirondack Youth Choir (AYC), directed by Cherie LaDuke and the Adirondack Youth Voices (AYV), directed by Megan Yonteff.  The AYC will be for those students in grades 4 - 7 (with a minimum age of 8).  The AYV will be for those students in grades 8 - 12.

Our rehearsal space will remain on the third floor (rooms 300 and 324) of the Myers Fine Arts Building on the SUNY Plattsburgh Campus (for all of the groups except the Adirondack Youth Strings-AYS).  The AYS rehearsal space will again be at the Peru High School.  However, we were notified by SUNY that one of their campus groups has requested the space for Sunday evening so we are being required to adjust some of our rehearsal times on Sunday.  The first rehearsal will be on Sunday, September 15th for all of the groups (see below for the rehearsal times) EXCEPT the AYS, which will have their first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 17th (at 6pm).

Sunday rehearsal times:
Adirondack Youth Choir (AYC) - 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Adirondack Youth Voices (AYV) - 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Adirondack Youth Winds (AYW) - 4:15pm to 5:15pm
Adirondack Youth Mezzo Strings (AYM) - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Adirondack Youth Orchestra (AYO) - 4:30pm - 6:30pm

If you have any questions that are specific to one of the groups please feel free to contact the conductor.  Also, you can find additional information at our web-site: www.ayoa.org or on our Facebook page: AY Facebook .  Feel free to forward this information to anyone that you think may be interested in joining one of the groups.

We're looking forward to another great season.

Youth Theater Classes at North Country Cultural Arts Center

North Country Cultural Arts Center Theater

Theater for Youth: Acting Class (Ages 12 – 15)
Instructor: Anne Day-Jones
Saturdays, (6 Sessions + Performance) September 14 – October 19 (9:00-11:00am)

Cost: $95/85 for members

See yourself on film! In this class we will work with individual monologues and short 2-character scenes from theater and film to explore effective (and fun!) acting on camera. Scenes will be filmed and students will have a record of their work. Where possible students can choose the scenes and characters they would like to work on.

This class is focused on ages 12-15 and students should be able to memorize short dialogues or monologues and willing to work on them between classes (not much work, but a little bit!) Younger students who are interested should contact the teacher. *inquire about scholarships


Theater for Youth: Creating Theatre – Intro to Acting for Kids (Ages 8-15)
Instructor: Anne Day-Jones
Saturdays, (6 Sessions + Performance) September 14 – October 19 (11:30am-1:30pm)
Cost: $95/85 for members

Explore different story-telling and acting techniques and put them together to create a piece of original theater. There will be space for lots of student input, improvisation and theater games. *inquire about scholarships

Theater for Youth: Musical Theater from A-Z (Ages 9-13)
Instructor: Deb Vanneman
Saturdays: (6 Sessions + Performance), October 5 – November 9 (12:30-2:30pm)
Cost: $95/$85 for members

From Acting to Blocking, Comedy to Drama, and Exit to Fourth wall, find out everything you need to know about musical theater in this fun and fast-moving workshop for performers aged 9 to 13.  Each week will include a special focus area, and every class will include theater games, improvisation, rehearsal, and tips on how to prepare and perform like a pro.  Parents and friends are invited to a short performance during the final half hour of the last class. (Students should dress comfortably for movement, and bring a three-ring binder and pen or pencil to each class.) *inquire about scholarships

Theater for Youth: Dance for Musical Theater (Ages 8-15)
Instructor: Diane White
Saturdays, (6 Sessions + Performance), October 26- December 14 (no class November 9th) (10:00am-12:00pm)
Cost: $95/85 for members

 This six week workshop will focus on dance and choreography for Musical Theatre.  Students will learn several choreographed numbers from popular musicals.  Students will also have the opportunity to work collectively and choreograph a number from a selected musical production. Both activities will be incorporated into a performance. *inquire about scholarships

Here's the link to our full brochure: http://plattsburgharts.org/?page_id=8345

North Country Cultural Arts Center Art Classes

Seasonal Halloween Plate (Ages 5-9)
Wednesday, October 2 (4:00 – 5:30pm)
Cost: $25 includes materials

Join in the Halloween season by making a plate in character and even customize it into sections for veggies, chips, fruit and a sandwich. Students will make and decorate with under glaze stains. Finished plate ready for pick up in 2 weeks from class.

Seasonal Thanksgiving Plate (Ages 5-9)
Wednesday, October 23 (4:00 – 5:30pm)
Cost: $25 includes materials

Enjoy the Thanksgiving season by making and designing a turkey plate! Each feather could be formed into a sections! Students will make and decorate the plate with under glaze stains. Finished plate ready for pick up in 2 weeks from class.

Mommy/Daddy and Me Clay Time (Ages 2-4)
Instructor: Shannon Piche-Smith or Jackie Sabourin
Second Tuesday of the Month, September 10, October 8
(10:00 – 11:00am or 6:00 – 7:00pm)
Cost: $25/$20 for members
Share the joy of clay with your child and create a new project each month. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please sign up for each session individually. Max. 8 students

Kid’s Clay: Hand Building (Ages 5-9)
Instructor: Ashlee Goddeau
Sundays, October 6 – November 3 (11:00am – 1:00pm)
Cost: $95/$85 for members, plus $10 materials fee

During each session, learn the basic techniques of hand building by making small sculptures and functional works (microwave and dishwasher safe). The last session saved for glazing. Completed work ready for pick up 2 weeks after the last class.* Inquire about scholarships.

Kid’s Clay: Hand Building (Ages 10-14)
Instructor: Ashlee Goddeau
Saturdays, September 28 – November 2 (1:00 – 3:00pm)
Cost: $95/ $85 for members, plus $15 materials fee

During each session, learn the basic techniques of hand building by making small sculptures and functional works (microwave and dishwasher safe). The last session saved for glazing. Completed work will be ready for pick up 2 weeks after the last class.* Inquire about scholarships.

Kids’ Wheel (Ages 12-14)
Instructor: Kim Mazur
Saturdays, September 14 – October 5 (10:30am – 12:30pm)
Cost: $120/$115 for members $30 materials fee

This class will teach the basics of wheel throwing. Students will turn cylinders into mugs and bowls as well as create plates and shallow dishes. Students will decorate with under glaze staining and glazing in the last session. Completed work will be ready for pick up 2 weeks after the last class.* Inquire about scholarships.

Intro to Monoprints Workshop (Ages 5-8)
Instructor: Shannon Drowne
Saturday, October 19 (2:00 – 4:00pm)
Cost: $25

Learn the basics of the printing process while creating original artwork from your imagination or your environment! Children will learn about monoprints, a unique printing process where only one print comes from the printing plate. No experience is necessary!

Here's the link to our full brochure: http://plattsburgharts.org/?page_id=8345

Fort Ticonderoga

Can't make the Fort Ticonderoga Homeschool Day? Come on a day that is good for you.

FIELD TRIPS FALL 2013 Through October 20th
Student groups can make reservations for self-guided field trip experiences through October 20, 2013. Explore Fort Ticonderoga. Interact with French troops. Visit the historic trades shop to learn about the production of clothing and shoes. Watch as soldiers prepare their mid-day meal in the field kitchen. Explore the King's Garden. Explore our new 1.7-mile hiking trail to the Carillon Battlefield. A Fort Interpreter meets your group and provides a brief orientation. Suggested self-guided activities available on our website.

Reservations: Call Nancy LaVallie at (518) 585-2821 or email atnancy@fort-ticonderoga.org.

Cost: $6/student. One free adult for every five students. Additional adults $12/adult.