Learning together as a
Family
 
Somis Home Study

Geo Bee Team
Congratulations to all our competitors and the Finalist Bailey Moreno and our school level winner Sophia Roberts.

Science Fair  
Tuesday, February 9th  6:00-7:30pm
Dessert/Snack Potluck
 Please join us for this annual, funfilled event!  Come see students' work and presentations!  Paper goods and flatware will be provided and Heidi will have some cases of water on hand, too!  We look forward to seeing you that evening!

Science Fair Links

Scientific Method
Here is a site with some explanation of the Scientific Method.
Go to http://tinyurl.com/y7f8wl and learn what you need to know to make a great science project.

Another site with a basic explanation of the Scientific Method. This site even has examples of experiments.
Go to http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/sci.htm to get started.

Science Fair
The following sites are a great start for your scientist, especially if they are stuck and don't know what to do. These sites contain lots of examples and ideas.

Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, and Tools for Serious Students
www.sciencebuddies.org

This site is great! www.all-science-fair-projects.com  You can search, browse and look at links with useful sites to prepare your projects.

Janice VanCleave is a science fair expert. She has written over 45 books on science fair projects. This site is excellent and has a section dedicated to "Everything you need to know about creating a science fair project; from helpful hints on displaying your science fair project to judging information.
Go to http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/ for more details.

Another great site with tons of ideas and sample projects. go to www.juliantrubin.com/fairprojects.html and have fun.

This site is written by a science teacher and former science fair organizer and judge.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html


California Gold Rush SPA Day!
Friday, February 19, 2009                               10:00-2:00pm    FREE
 There’s goldin them thar’ hills!  Join us for a fun adventure as we journey westward in search of gold.  Send your buccaneers with a sack lunch and let the mayhem begin.  California history, search for gold, camp skits and more.


7th Grade Writing Exam
 All 7 th graders will need to take the STAR Writing Exam: Tuesday, March 2, 2010. This untimed exam should take about an hour and then students can join classes. We will be calling to remind all those who need to test. Just show up that day and we will take care of the rest! You can preview sample essays and questions from the link on our website or visit the California Department of Education on their site directly at;
www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/resources.asp

8th Grade Promotion
 Time to start thinking about this annual event.  If you have an 8th grader and would like to start planning or just want more information…Sign-up on the activity sheet or ask Heidi!

Women in History
 Here is an awesome volunteer opportunity!  Every year our own Ms. Kimberlie coordinates this school wide week March 8-12, 2010.  Volunteers are given scripts, costumes and props to portray a famous woman from history.  This is a truly rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the students.  Sign-up on the activity sheet or see Kimberlie for details!


Discounts Galore
 Heidi has discount tickets available for almost any amusement park in Southern California-advance purchase is required.  Inquire with Heidi for one discount ticket or multiples!  Get discounts from Knotts, Seaworld, Disneyland, Monica Pier, Medieval Times, museums and more.  Just another benefit of being a part of our group!  These will not be fieldtrips or school sponsored trips!

School Pictures
 The school pictures by Nicole Aitken were amazing!  Thank you Nicole for your great work.  Contact her for private sessions or stay tuned for a photo session coming in Spring 2010!
www.nicoleaitkenphotography.com

Facebook
 
  For all the Facebookers out there, search Somis Home Study and become a fan or you can view the page through the link below!  Let Heidi know what you think and while you’re at it, you can add her as friend!
www.facebook.com/directory/pages/S2701-2750#/pages/Somis-CA/Somis-Home-Study/139952405368?ref=mf

Curriculum Resources

Apex Learning Math Class Tools 3-8
Apex Learning Math Class Tools is a math tutorial online that is interactive, provides practice and gives quizzes and tests.
www.apexvs.com/ApexUI/default.aspx

EdHelper K-8
Comprehensive database of lesson plans in all subjects, thematic units, and worksheets.
www.edhelper.com

Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning is a great resource for worksheets in all subjects, craft ideas, books to make, art and artists. Check what's new each day!
www.enchantedlearning.com

McGraw Hill Mathematics K-6
Online Activities that sharpen math skills and vocabulary from each chapter in the McGraw Hill Math Series. The math game Fact Dash challenges all levels from beginners to fast fact fanatics. Other resources include Cool Math Links, Web Linked Activities and Technology Links that apply to chapter content.
www.macmillanmh.com/math/2002/student

Houghton Mifflin Reading Resources K-6
Bibliographies, Internet Links, and Extension Activities for each theme of the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series. Other resources at this site are Meet the Authors and Illustrators, Additional Spelling Words and Weekly Reader Articles.
www.eduplace.com/rdg/tnc

Prentice Hall Literature 6-8
Their Resource Center has Author Biographies, Milestones in Lit, Reference Links, Writing Prompts and Internet Activities.
www.phschool.com/webcodes10/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.gotoWebCode&wcprefix=eik&wcsuffix=0000

Harcourt Science Resources 1-6
The Harcourt School Publishers' web site for science has links to lessons that correspond to content from the Harcourt Science books.
www.harcourtschool.com/menus/science2000/menu_ca.html

Glencoe Science Resources 6-8
Chapter-specific activities including: web links, online study tools, vocabulary puzzlemaker, quizzes, worksheets and Internet Activities. Visit the Teacher Forum, Science Fair Ideas and NASA's Picture of the Day.
www.glencoe.com/sec/science/ca/index.html

Scott Foresman Social Studies K-5
The Digital Path for the Scott Foresman Social Study Series is now available. Log in and access all
grade level content, planning and teacher resources. Stream video that corresponds to content from the textbooks. See us for user name and password.
http://ca-hss.com

McDougal Littel's Social Studies Components 6-8
McDougal Littel's online resources for students and parents provide activities links and a quiz for each chapter. Other resources that motivate instruction, encourage practice and extend learning support are Current events, Test Practice, Geography Game, challenging Crossword Puzzles, NetSimulation: Decisions in American History and Social Studies Links.
www.classzone.com

Somis Home Study
P.O. Box 900
5268 North Street
Somis, CA 93066
Phone: (805) 386-4372
Fax: (805) 386-4596
kmcdonald@somis.k12.ca.us
hmoon@somis.k12.ca.us
lpalma@somis.k12.ca.us
somisstudy@yahoo.com

Interested in Enriched Home School/Independent Study?
Somis Home Study offers enrichment classes, low-cost to no-cost field trips, standards based curriculum and highly qualified teachers. Contact us to to find out more information about our continuing enrollment and schedule an orientation. You only need:
1. An inter-district transfer form from your local school district.
2. Birth Certificate
3. Immunization records or waiver.
4. Two hours for orientation/enrollment process.