Inspire Insider

Bringing families together, one newsletter at a time!

Monday, October 14, 2019

Quote of the Week

Big picture

School News and Important Dates

Inspirational Parent Symposium

Click on the flyer to sign up to this amazing event!

Save the date: 2019 Entrepreneur Fair

Save the date for the most wonderful event of the year!
Big picture

Every Kid Outdoors

Every Kid Outdoors, formerly Every Kid in a Park, seeks to bridge the growing disconnect between the next generation and the great outdoors and inspire them to become our future environmental stewards ready to protect and preserve these natural and historic treasures for many years to come. The program gives every U.S. fourth grader and his or her family free access to 2000+ federally managed lands and waters. For more information and to download a pass for your fourth grader, visit everykidoutdoors.gov.

Calling All High School Seniors

Are you a graduating from high school this year and attending a 2 or 4-year college next year? You can get help completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application opened on October 1.

Financial Aid Workshops

Click HERE for available in-person workshops and information sessions taking place in Orange County.

UCI Fall Preview Day

A Message from your High School Counselor:

Come see all that UCI has to offer! Engage with UCI staff and students, tour our lush campus, learn more about our renowned academic programs and comprehensive student services, and get answers to your questions about the admissions process. Register here: https://apply.admissions.uci.edu/register/fallpreviewday2019

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Tegan Thacker, M.S., P.P.S.
High School Counselor
Serving Families in Orange County
Inspire Charter Schools
Ph. 714-794-2060
tegan@inspireschools.org
Big picture

Kids Eat/Stay For Free in San Diego in October

Activate unlimited recess vibes and unbelievable family savings with Kids Free San Diego—where kids eat, stay and play for free all October long. With more than 100 deals at popular attractions, hotels and restaurants, and special savings on awesome activities, it’s the perfect time to take a sunny getaway to San Diego and activate smile mode for the whole family.


Full details here.

Big picture

Picking up items from the Lending Library

Just a reminder: once you receive the “Ready for Pick Up” email on an ordered item, you will have 15 days to pick up your items. If you have not picked up your items, they will be put back into the Lending Library system for another family to check out. For more information, feel free to visit the FAQ section of the Lending Library website.

New Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Mission San Juan Capistrano is pleased to offer a program for the ASD community including adults and children on the autism spectrum as well as their families, friends and caregivers. This program encourages individuals to explore, reflect and learn in an environment that is comfortable for them.


General admission rates apply during ASD Accessibility Hour. Attendees are welcome to arrive before 4 p.m. on ASD Hour afternoon dates and stay after 9 a.m. on ASD Accessibility Hour morning dates.


Friday, December 27 -8 a.m. - 9 a.m.*
Tuesday, April 28 -4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, June 19 -8 a.m. - 9 a.m


Reservations are required for this event. To reserve your spot for ASD Accessibility Hour, please contact our Bookings Department atbookatour@missionsjc.com or (949) 234-1306.

Big picture

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! We are excited to share the first issue of the Special Education Newsletter for this school year. We hope you find the information presented in this newsletter, and all future newsletters, meaningful and helpful in providing enriching information to help support you with your child's education. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions on topics to cover. Have a great start to the 2019-2020 school year!


September 2019 Issue Includes:



  • Introduction to the InspireCares Website
  • What to Expect With Interim IEPs
  • Transition Corner
  • How to Use Blackboard Collaborate and Zoom
  • Helping Your Child Focus and Five Ways to Beat Back-To-School Jitters
  • 27 Beloved Rhyming Book Recommendations
  • Helping Your Child with Autism Get the Most out of Digital Media
  • The Importance of State Testing

Academic Video Library

Did you know you have access to Inspire's academic video library? These videos are available to support students in reading, math, and speech and can be accessed through the EOS!


Instructions to access Academic Video Library can be found here.

I CAN Statements

I CAN statements are family friendly guides that can be used to help your family and ensure your students are on track for their grade level. All learning objectives for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies are provided, written in family-friendly language. I CAN statements help make grade level learning targets clear for families and they address the standards students of the same grade level learn in all public schools.


I CAN statements are conveniently provided at the front Inspire's parent and student planners and can also be found here!

Wild & Free Conference

Wild + Free One Day

The Crossing | Costa Mesa, CA | April 30, 2020


Announcing a one-day Wild + Free event at The Crossing venue in Costa Mesa, CA on Thursday, April 30th! Join 1,000 charter school members for a full day of insight, inspiration, and encouragement with Wild + Free.


This beautiful gathering will feature main-stage keynotes, guest musicians, and surprises throughout the day. We may not all homeschool the same way, but we're not alone. We have each other, and we're in this together.


Ticket orders may be placed through the EOS and are non-refundable. Please select "Product Order" and "Other Vendor."

Big picture

Orange County History Day - Natural History Day

Each year NHD frames students’ research within a historical theme. The theme is chosen for its broad application to world, national or state history and its relevance to ancient history or to the more recent past. The theme for 2020 is Breaking Barriers in History. The theme provides a focused way to increase students’ historical understanding and an opportunity to develop perspective and understanding rather than merely being able to cite facts and figures. Through participation in this program, students in grades 4-12 become amateur historians on their journey to discover the significance of their chosen historical topic.


To learn more about this unique opportunity, please visit https://ocde.us/EducationalServices/STEMandHumanities/History/Pages/History-Day.aspx


If your child is interested in participating in this year's contest, please contact Chuck Glowacz: chuck@inspireschools.org

Big picture

California Homeschool Parent Association

Join The Heart of Homeschooling Parent Education Program this month to LEARN about the history of education and homeschooling. We will also explore the history of charter schools & look at how educational decisions & cultural changes have influenced your family choices today. Every month we have a webinar and group discussions covering an essential Homeschooling topic. Also, every Tuesday we spotlight a Healthy Homeschooling Habit to discuss and investigate on our Facebook Group. Check out our website HERE to learn more. Scroll to the bottom to join the program.


Click here to view the Statewide Executive Board New Officers!

Big picture
Big picture

Non-Consumable Item Returns

Do you have enrichment items that you are looking to return this year? You can drop off the non-consumables you no longer want or need to our Costa Mesa Lending Library.


Please note, non-consumables do not need to be returned until you withdraw from our school, so this is purely voluntary.


Here is the Enrichment Return Item Form that you need to fill in with your return.

2020 Coastal Arts & Poetry Contest - Now Open for Entries

California students in Kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit their original artwork and poetry to this annual coastal and marine themed contest. This is a fun opportunity for your student to showcase their creativity!


Find more details here.

Field Trips and Events

Big picture
Big picture
Big picture
Big picture
Big picture
Big picture

Community Connections: park days, high school hangouts and more!

October is “Adventures in the Great Outdoors” so join us for a lot of fun outdoor activities this month. The November Newsletter is hot-off the press so be sure to sign-up for an “Adventure in Gratitude” including a state-wide event called IMPACT DAY. Be sure to sign-up for each event in the Field Trip and Events page or simply click the links in the newsletters:


October OC Community Connections Newsletter

November OC Community Connections Newsletter


If you would like to know what is going on in other regions or simply want more information about Community Connections, you can find this information in our CC Parent Website where all our newsletters and events throughout the state are found.


If you need any assistance, please reach out to your local Community Coordinator (contact info found in newsletters). We look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Big picture
Big picture

HIGH SCHOOL HANG OUTS

Calling All High School Students!

October 25: Brainy Actz Escape Room


6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

$25 p/person including snacks


17981 Sky Park Circle

Building 39

Irvine 92614


Get your strategy on! Work in teams to unlock the mystery. Experience the thrill of conquering the challenge and eat a meal together..


We have room for 60 teens from North and South OC, so don’t be shy.


Sign ups required here

Educational Tools

Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Pop Ups Books

From renowned pop-up masters Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart comes an awe-inspiring tribute to the world's most beloved extinct animals and their 180-million-year reign on our planet.

Open this book and a massive T. REX springs out, flashing a startling jawful of jagged teeth. Turn the next spread and a ravishing raptor unfurls and appears to fly off the edge of the page. Inside the amazing ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS are "shield bearers" in full-body armor, creatures with frilly headgear, and weighty, long-necked giants. There are even amusing tidbits on the history of paleontology itself — like a pop-up version of a Victorian New Year's dinner in the belly of a dinosaur model, or a pair of scientists locked in a literal tug-of-war over bones.

Full of fascinating facts and lighthearted good humor, this breathtaking book includes fascinating, up-to-the-minute information about popular dinosaurs as well as many lesser-known varieties. With each of six spreads featuring one spectacular, large pop-up as well as booklets of smaller pop-ups and text, ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS is a magnificent display of paper engineering and creativity — an astonishing book that will be read, admired, and treasured forever.


Price: Currently starting at $18.93 on Amazon


Also available: Sharks and other Sea Monsters

Homeschooling Advice

Homeschooling a Child with ADHD

"ADHD complicates the school experience. Children are expected to sit still for hours and quietly do self-motivated seatwork. Recess lasts for only 15 minutes. Distractions abound — distractions that other children may tune out, but which ADHD kids notice. All these things lead to poor academic performance, which turns kids off school permanently. Blaise is smart. He likes to read, and he likes science. I don’t want him to lose those passions because he’s shamed for things surrounding them that he can’t control."

Read the full article here

Local Events

Big picture

62nd Annual Silverado Days

Where: William Peak Park, 7225 El Dorado Dr, Buena Park


Carnival Hours:

Friday: 5:00 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday: 12:00 Noon – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 Noon – 10:00 p.m.


  • Silverado Days draws over 60,000 people over a 3-day period to Peak Park in Buena Park.
  • The festival is sponsored by the Buena Park Noon Lions Club, and this shindig raises thousands of dollars for local charities every year.
  • Local businesses can join the booster club to help offset festival costs and ensure more money for local charities.
  • Each year there are more than 15 food booths, 90 arts & crafts booths and 30 carnival rides and games to share with family and friends.
  • Featured contests include a Car Show, a World Amateur Arm Wrestling Championship, a Amateur Horseshoe Contest, a Pie-Eating Contest, a Hog Calling, a Baby Contest, a Men's Leg Contest, a Dog Show, a Chili Cook-off and much, much more!!
  • New This Year! An American Corn Hole Tournament!
  • Free parking and no entrance fee.

Family Fun Day at Shipley Nature Center

Come join the fun and bring the kids! Our community partners at National Charity League would love to see our Shipley friends enjoying nature at this fun, FREE day.


The Ticktockers, volunteer girls from the League, are primarily interested in providing a fun day for young visitors. They will organize and present assorted crafts (painting rocks, tissue paper flowers, and friendship bracelets) and games (Shipley bingo, scavenger hunt, and ring toss). Musically gifted members from the chapter will provide family-friendly, musical entertainment in the amphitheater.


When: Saturday, October 19. 2019

Time: 9am to 1pm

Where: 17851 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, California 92647

Cost: Free. RSVPs required here.

S.T.E.A.M. for Teens & Tweens

Invite Your Friends To Our Info Sessions

Have a friend who asks about Inspire's amazing team and benefits? Do your friends ask you about homeschooling? We'd love to meet them at one of our upcoming Information Sessions!


Enrollment for the 2019-2020 year is open here now!


Below you'll find some of our upcoming Information Sessions! To view our complete list of Information Sessions, please click here.

Big picture
Big picture
Big picture

Orange County Inspire Team

Big picture

"Wishing you and your families all the best for a happy and adventurous school year!"


~ The Orange County Inspire Team

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.

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

I have three children who are 2, 6 and 8 years old, and I 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

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

Feedback

We would like this newsletter to best reflect the needs of our community! If you have any suggestions or input, please complete this survey. We appreciate your feedback!

Big picture