Inspire Insider

Bringing families together, one newsletter at a time!

Monday, January 7th, 2019

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Quote of the Week

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School News and Important Dates

Orange County Vendor Fair

We can't tell you how excited we are about our upcoming Vendor Fair! We are bringing you a great mix of vendors from across Orange County! There will be giveaways, hands-on activities, presentations, a food truck, and best of all, our enrichment team will be onsite to allow you to shop for products and take them home on the day! This is a day not to be missed!


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

When: Friday, January 18th, 2019

Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

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Learning Period 5

This Learning Period does not end until January 25!
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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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Field Trips

There are many incredible field trip opportunities! Click on the flyers 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!


Thursday, January 31: Sweet Shade Community Park, Irvine. Time: 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

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Educational Tools

Botley: The Coding Robot

Meet Botley, the code to fun! Botley the Coding Robot is here to introduce coding in an easy, friendly way. Children as young as 5 can learn to code with Botley, and with his advanced features, he can grow with them for many years to come.

Botley is ready to use right out of the box, so he will have kids coding in minutes (plan ahead: bottle requires 5 AAA batteries, not included). Botley is also 100% screen free; no phone or tablet required. Explore Botley's advanced features and code him for up to 80 steps, with 40 more you can discover. He can also follow looping commands or be programmed to go around objects with If/Then logic. Turn on the black-line follow mode and set up a path for Botley to travel. Botley even has hidden features to unlock! Botley includes coding cards, detachable arms, interactive obstacles, and Code games that are ready for endless hours of fun and learning. Learning coding with Botley helps kids foster creativity and develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills!


Price? $54.99 on Amazon (link here)

Can I use student funds? Yes! This is a non-consumable item and will be returned when the student leaves Inspire.

What about older children? Check out Dash here for children who are ready to code using a device like an iPad and free apps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHgtD7ZGpr8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA9py48X6_o

Local Events

GameSchoolCon

Inspire is so excited to be attending 2019's GameSchoolCon in Irvine! Board games, role playing games, active games, and video games are all fantastic ways to learn! GameSchoolCon is a full weekend of family fun and where you get to learn what GameSchooling is all about. You can borrow games from GameSchoolCon's extensive Board Game Library and a dedicated Gamerunner will join you at your table and teach you and your friends to play! Meet game designers at the demo tables, browse the vendor hall, step into a VR universe, support local artists at the Homegrown Artists Alley, or roll for initiative in the Role Playing Game Room... There's plenty to do for little kids, teens, and parents, too!


Our Enrichment Team will also be attending, so families can make purchases at the event!


When: February 1 to February 3, 2019

Where: Wyndham Irvine - OC Airport Hotel​, 17941 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614

Tickets: Prices vary. You can purchase tickets here.

Star Light, Star Bright Night Hike

Come see Carbon Canyon Regional Park in a completely different setting - in the dark! On Saturday, January 19, park rangers will lead starlit hikes showcasing the natural wonders that can only be seen at night. The night hikes will feature many fun activities, including:

  • 5:30 p.m. - Hot cocoa and cookies.

  • 6 p.m. - Nature of Wildworks live animal presentation.

  • 6:45 p.m. - A hike through the wilderness area to the Redwood Grove.

These are outdoor events. Please dress warmly, wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight.

Space is limited, please email carboncanyon@ocparks.com to register.

Parent and Me Time at Shipley Nature Center


Celebrate the seasons with your family at shipley nature center. Discover nature’s changes as you walk through the habitats. A child’s trail guide is available for your use.


winter rains sprout colorful mushrooms in secret places along the trails. The interesting shapes may inspire you to make a mushroom print at home. Buy a mushroom at the supermarket or find one in your backyard. Instructions to make a print are available to take home.


When: Every Wednesday at 11am

Where: Shipley Nature Center, 17851 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Cost: Children: Free, Adults: $3



http://shipleynature.org/childrens-programs/

Kids Acting Class

Is your student an actor or possibly just looking for ways to build self confidence? Then this amazing acting class may be perfect for them!!


The Kids Acting Class' Winter Session-Venice, CA, is starting back up next week!


During our, just completed, Fall session young actors from far and wide worked with guest teacher Lexi Ainsworth (2017 Emmy Award-winning actress and former homeschooler) and guest teacher Amy Lord (actress, playwright, theatrical agent) to broaden their theatrical skills!!


Moments from our Winter Session:

1. Scene study with guest teacher Lexi Ainsworth (2017 Emmy Award-winning actress and former homeschooler)


2. Opening circle with guest teacher Amy Lord.


3. Guest teacher Amy Lord starts the class with literature and dramatic engagement to get the imaginations flowing for the younger students.



Click here for more information and to sign-up.



We hope to see you there!

Homeschooling Advice

Homeschooling After the Holidays – 8 Tips To Get Back Into a Homeschooling Routine

"Homeschooling can be difficult after the holidays. Children and parents get used to a lighter slower paced schedule and holiday fun which makes diving back into schooling a bit of a struggle. It is not uncommon to find yourself dragging when it comes to jumping back into Homeschooling after the Holidays. Here are a few tips to make it a bit easier and build a routine everyone enjoys."


Read the rest of the article here.

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

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

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

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