Inspire Insider

Bringing families together, one newsletter at a time!

Monday, December 10, 2018

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Quote of the Week

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School News and Important Dates

Student Entrepreneur Fair

As you read this, our students are hard at work creating wonderful goodies to share with you and your children this Thursday! We would love to see you at our first Entrepreneur Fair, where we will supporting our creative students by buying their homemade purchases! Details are listed on the flyer below.

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Costa Mesa Lending Library Closure Dates

Although our Costa Mesa Lending Library is currently available for pick-ups only (it will open soon, we promise!) please be aware of the following closure dates.
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High School Academic Decathlon Club

Our Academic Decathlon Club is now up and running! If your high school student is interested in participating, your HST can provide more information. Please see the flyer for more details.
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Learning Period 5

This is a long learning period and does not end until January 25, 2019!
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Online Subscription Package (OSP) Deadline Approaching

Online Subscription Package (OSP) Deadline Approaching

Did you know you that still have time to opt-in to our wonderful Online Subscription Package? The deadline to opt-in to the OSP is December 31, 2018! Click on the flyer to view our one year subscription options!


When you opt-in to the OSP, you must select all 5 of your preferences at one time. You are unable to select 1-2 subscriptions and resubmit the remaining preferences at a later date. The system will prompt you if you do not select the full number of subscriptions available for opting in.


If you have opted-in and haven’t received your login information for any of the following subscriptions, please visit the vendor’s website and use the "Forgot password" option to get access.



IXL: https://www.ixl.com/signin/inspirecs


Learn360: https://learn360.infobase.com


MobyMax (select teacher login): https://www.mobymax.com/signin


Prodigy: https://www.prodigygame.com


Shmoop: https://schools.shmoop.com


Time4Learning (select parent login): https://www.time4learning.com/Login/SingleLogin/CustomerLogin.aspx


Tinker (select parent login): https://www.tynker.com/#/forgot-password


TypingClub: https://ics-osp.typingclub.com/

Online Subscription Package (OSP) Deadline Approaching
Orange County Vendor Fair

Orange County Vendor Fair

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our fabulous Vendor Fair on January 18th, 2019! We will have vendor booths, activities for the little ones, and there will be giveaways galore! Our Enrichment Department will be on-site so you can make purchases for items such as educational games, books and homeschooling necessities using student funds and take your items home!


Where: Living Spring Church, 9851 Bixby Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841

When: Friday, January 18th, 2019

Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Orange County Vendor Fair

Field Trips

An incredible field trip opportunity! Click on the flyer to go straight to the booking page.

Park Days

A great way to connect with other families is by attending our park days! We have so much fun planned for you, click on the event flyers below to find out what's in store!


December 19th: Sweet Shade Community Park, Irvine. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm.

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Educational Tools

Curriculum Spotlight: Odysseyware

Odysseyware is a completely online curriculum, for grades 3 to 12. All lessons are online with optional, hands-on activities included. The courses are customizable to fit your student's needs. Through the use of the Odysseyware platform, educators and students have access to more than 300 standards-aligned courses and instructional materials in core subjects, enriching electives, CTE courses, and college and career readiness test prep.


Check out the introduction video below, and their blog here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=IbD0w8XN8Mc

Learn to Type Using Typing Club

Given that computers are a part of modern day life, learning to touch type is a useful skill that both children and adults need. Our children will need to type college applications and resumes one day!


TypingClub is the most effective way to learn how to type. It is web based, and highly effective. TypingClub School Edition is available in both a free and pro version. When you sign up, you can choose a free 60 day trial of TypingClub's Pro Edition, or you can get started with the free edition. After the 60 day trial period, you can purchase the Pro Edition for your desired number of licenses, or continue with the free edition. You can also choose to subscribe to Typing Club in our Online Subscription Package!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7bo6vP3is

Events

Train Rides at Fairview Park

Train Rides at Fairview Park

The Orange County Model Engineers conduct public train rides on the third Saturday and following Sunday of each month from 10:00 am until 3:30 pm. The club has a variety of engines and riding cars. Trains on public ride days are made up of 4 to 6 bench cars that seat 5 to 6 adults and children per car.


The OCME's primary interest is running a safe and reliable first class railroad. Members take great pride in the design and engineering of the facility. For children to ride the trains, they must be able to walk and be at least 31" tall. Many dedicated volunteers donate countless hours keeping this railroad safe for all who share the joy in "riding the rails."


A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. Bridges and terrain variations are just part of the scenery as is the back end of the Costa Mesa Golf Course.


When: Decemebr 15th and 16th

Time: 10:00am - 3:30pm

Where: Fairview Park, 2500 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, 92626

Cost: Rides are free, however, donations are welcome and help keep the trains running.

Train Rides at Fairview Park
Snow Days with Critters at the Santa Ana Zoo

Snow Days with Critters at the Santa Ana Zoo

"Snow Days" is an annual all-Zoo event welcoming winter and celebrating the joys of the season, including snow! Watch animals receive icy treats and snow enrichment, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, discover how animals adapt to surviving in freezing environments, create cool crafts, and listen to delightful winter stories. There will even be a special area set aside for children of all ages to play in "snow." Snow enrichment for the animals is being generously provided by Kona Ice, and they will also have their delicious and colorful shaved ice for purchase at the Zoo!


When: December 15th and 16th

Time: 11am-2pm

Cost: The event is included with the price of admission and is FREE for children 2 and under, as well as for members of the Zoo. On Sunday, December 16, Santa Ana residents can visit the Zoo and enjoy this event for FREE! Proof of residency is required.


For more information, visit their website here.

Snow Days with Critters at the Santa Ana Zoo
Trailside Chat at Crystal Cove State Park

Trailside Chat at Crystal Cove State Park

Stop by Ranger Alex’s Trailside Chat table before starting a hike into the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park. Learn about some of the fun critters living in the park and reasons to stay on the trail. Alex will be stationed at the Moro Canyon Trail Head near the Berns Amphitheater. (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.) $15 day use fee.


Where: Crystal Cove State Park,8471 N Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

When: Saturday, December 15th

Time: 9am-12pm

Cost: Free, but a one-day parking pass is $15

Trailside Chat at Crystal Cove State Park

Homeschooling Advice

9 Ways to Give Your Kids One-on-One Attention Without Cloning Yourself

9 Ways to Give Your Kids One-on-One Attention Without Cloning Yourself

Do you sometimes daydream about cloning yourself? There would be one of you to clean the house, one to prepare meals, and one to school each child. Meanwhile, you – the original you – could relax on the couch reading a good book or playing Words with Friends.

While you might as well give up on having an army of clones to help you homeschool, there are some things you can do to give each of your kids one-on-one attention without cloning yourself.

Read more from this article here.

9 Ways to Give Your Kids One-on-One Attention Without Cloning Yourself

Community and Connection

Facebook Page

Did you know we have an Orange County Facebook page? We have new parents in the group who would love to hear from you! We also advertise our field trips here, and upload the newsletter there every week. Please note: There are three short questions to answer in order to join the group.

Instagram Page

If you are on instagram, we'd love to hear from you! Join our page, learn about our upcoming events and field trips, and tag us in your homeschooling photos!

Orange County Parent Resource Site

Have you visited Inspire's Orange County Parent Resource Site yet? If not, head on over to meet our regional team, stay current on school events, and find general school information. This website is a great resource and one you'll want to bookmark!
Ladan Rashidi - OC Family Liaison

Ladan Rashidi - OC Family Liaison

I have three children who are 2, 6 and 8 years old and was previously a high school math teacher. Four years ago, our family chose the path of homeschooling and we have enjoyed it ever since! I am passionate about helping families navigate their way on their exciting homeschooling journey, and connecting individuals to build a community!


ladan@inspireschools.org

Ladan Rashidi - OC Family Liaison
Shaemanique King - OC Family Liaison

Shaemanique King - OC Family Liaison

I am a mom of four children, ranging in ages from 8 years to 6 months, and have homeschooled for the past four years. I consider my homeschooling style to be “eclectic” as I draw from many sources and philosophies. I have a background in Project Management Support and enjoy planning and hosting activities and events. I look forward to interacting with and supporting homeschooling families!


shaemanique@inspireschools.org

Shaemanique King - OC Family Liaison

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