Ron Williams provides Math Tutoring for all ages in all locations of Sierra
County. He says he does this to keep in touch with his real love,
teaching. 894-8350 Leave a message after hours.

There has been a suggestion that we find out what team sports that
home-schoolers want to play. Our end result will be to play on mixed
home/private/public school teams. During the summer, for example, there
are basketball leagues outside of school for all ages. Soccer and baseball
are also available. The Bass Club holds a junior fishing tournament, and
participates in Cast for Kids. The new climbing wall (across the river) is
available to SCHA member card holders. What are some others? Any ideas
for new activities?

A small group of my local homeschool cohorts started a homeschool history
club/co-op that has been going on for about 4 years now.
We have no restrictions of type or style of presentations -- the kids
can do everything even if it requires audience participation.
We have instituted a "Helpful Hints" period after each speaker. A slip
of paper lists Volume, Tone of Voice, Eye Contact, Body Movements,
Gestures, and Facial Expression, with a scale next to each. We vote where
on the scale each child's skills were. Then we conclude with one helpful
hint (such as make lettering larger on the poster, practice a bit more, use
larger font on your notes so you don't get lost... that sort of thing) and
what we really liked about the presentation (unlimited number)
We also had a speaker come in who talked with the kids about what made a
good speech. She demonstrated the "hula dance" that many speakers do as
they speak (shifting weight from one foot to the other.

The Tax Preparer Certification course is a hi-school level, self-paced
online course approved by the IRS and NM Tax & Rev. Completion of 3
levels, beginning through advanced, qualifies one as an IRS certified tax
preparer. The certificate is respected by the IRS and NM Tax & Rev.

Classes are also held as a free public service at WNMU in Williamsburg,
starting in November and ending in February. In the classes, case
scenarios, the IRS software, and role playing put one at ease with the tax
preparation process.

Those who earn the advanced certificate will have the opportunity to assist
low-income people with their tax returns during the tax season, end of
January through April 15. This community service puts hundreds of
thousands of state and federal dollars in the hands of low income people at
no cost to them.

Other levels of achievement provide support.

During the awards banquet at the end of the tax season, volunteers are
recognized for their time and energy.

The Youth Council has volunteer positions open to home-school youth. A
great way to develop job skills, improve your community, and meet other
people. See the myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/scyec

Ms. Estavillo offers free classes in Sign Language, Computers, and Humane
Animal Care. She is the manager at Desert Haven, and says that the No-Kill
Animal Refuge has openings for youth volunteers. estavillo@fbconnectu.net
894-0359

Want to learn violin, fiddle, viola, vioddle, guitar? Start by Sept 15 and
be ready to compete in the NMOTF Fiddling contest October 13. Want to
learn to read music? I offer Music Theory and/or training in Stringed
instruments. For homeschoolers who can't make lessons, I have a beginner's
DVD and music theory computer program. 894-3132 or 744-4005

There has been a suggestion that we start a co-op. Different parents
offering differing classes to groups of youth for free. Call me at
740-1988 to sign up and pledge a subject.