December 2017 Newsletter
Cedar Rapids Home School Assistance Program
The mission of the Cedar Rapids Home School Assistance Program is to provide an educational alternative that considers the best interest of the student, benefits home schooling families, meets the educational requirements of the school district, and complies with state law.
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CRHSAP Families,
It is hard to believe the end of 2017 is upon us! Please read through this newsletter and RSVP by 11/24/2017 to the events of your choosing using the links provided.
As the holiday season approaches, we at the CRHSAP would like to thank you for the "gifts" of your acts of kindness, warm smiles, and words of encouragement that you give to us on a weekly basis. We hope that you have a rejuvenating winter break and return in 2018 ready to continue on your home schooling journey.
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Important Reminders
The last day of this session's Thursday afternoon classes will be December 14th.
There will be no classes December 25th-January 2nd due to Winter Break.
Regular HSAP Enrichment classes will resume on January 3rd, and the new session of Thursday classes will begin January 11th.
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Service Club Food Drive
Help us collect a few things for families during the holiday season! Here is a list of things you could help us with:
Food Products:
Soup (any kind)
Mac and cheese
Jelly (any kind)
Other items –
Tooth brush/tooth paste
Feminine Products
Clean plastic bags
We will be collecting until December 13th, when we will deliver the food and other items to the MCO Food Pantry. If you bring them to enrichment classes, there will be a drop-off box ready with Ms. Mary.
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Thursday Afternoon Classes- Session 2
Family Math Class
In this class, students grades K-2, together with their parents, will explore the world of mathematics! We will learn strategies, activities, and games that will make mathematics more fun for the whole family. These activities will be used as a vehicle to learn more about important topics in K-2nd grades like place value, addition, subtraction, and telling time.
To RSVP for Family Math, click HERE.
Drama Class
In this class, students in grades 3-5 will be using many fun activities to explore drama. Students in this class will share with their families what they have learned on the last day of class.
To RSVP for Drama, click HERE.
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YMCA OPEN SWIM
The First and Third Wednesdays
December 6th and 20th
Time: 1:30-3:00
Helen G. Nassif Center
207 7th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
The YMCA generously opens their pool for CR-HSAP families during their open swim times. This opportunity is free. When families go, please show your membership card or if you are not a member of the Y, please sign in on the CR-HSAP sheet located at the front desk.
Below are the YMCA Rules:
1. A parent needs to accompany their children at this event.
2. Any non-swimmers must wear a floatation device; plan to bring your own.
3. The non-swimmer must have their parent in the water and within an arm’s length reach at all times.
4. Inflatable items are not allowed.
5. Pool toys are allowed, but use may be constrained depending on patron usage of the pool during that Open Swim time.
6. Lifeguards have the authority over all of the posted pool rules and rules that only appear in the YMCA’s handbook.
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Hour of Code- A Global Learning Event
CRHSAP has registered as an official 'host site' for what has been coined the “largest learning event in history”-- The "Hour of Code." This event will take place during Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 4-8).
Our HSAP is providing students hands-on experience with One Hour of Code through the month of December. Students attending 4th-12th grade Enrichment Classes will enjoy full access during their Enrichment Classes.
For students not participating in Enrichment Classes, we are hosting two "Open Lab" times where students can access Hour of Code activities. These Open Lab times are scheduled for Friday. Dec. 1st from 1:30-3:00PM & Wednesday Dec. 13 from 10:00-11:30AM. These Open Lab times will run simultaneously with Open Lab Makerspace times.
We encourage all students who do not attend our Enrichment Classes to participate in this initiative. For more information visit: www.code.org. Parents with programming background who wish to volunteer should contact Mr. Wayne @ 558-1031 or wfritch@cr.k12.ia.us).
To RSVP for the December 1st Hour of Code, click HERE.
To RSVP for the December 13th Hour of Code, click HERE.
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Homeschool Hatchery January Events
Open Lab days encourage family “hands on time” with Maker Materials received from the Alliant Energy Foundation and other donors. The materials supplied will vary each open lab day. Participants could experience floor robots, coding centers, cardboard and LEGO build stations, the demolition center, green screen/stop motion photography, and virtual reality expeditions.
To RSVP for the "Egg Drop Challenge" on January 16th, click HERE.
To RSVP for the Open Lab on January 26th, click HERE.
We are also still taking RSVP's for the December Open Lab days:
To RSVP for the December 1st Open Lab, click HERE.
To RSVP for the December 13th Open Lab, click HERE.
The Potters' Obsession
The Potters Obsession is providing our families an opportunity to paint ceramic pieces just in time for the holidays! When you paint three ornaments or purchase and paint the piece(s), The Potters Obsession will glaze & fire them for you to pick-up in about a week. All ages are welcome. Parents must stay with their students.
Option 1: Paint three ornaments for $12.00
Option 2: Pay a studio fee of $4.00, and purchase a bisque piece of your choice to paint.
There will be two sessions on December 1st, 10:00-Noon, and 1:00-3:00pm. Sessions are limited to 35 participants.
To RSVP for the 10:00 session, click HERE.
To RSVP for the 1:00 session, click HERE.
Friday, Dec 1, 2017, 10:00 AM
1941 51st Street Northeast, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Skyworks Solutions Tour
This tour is open to HSAP High School students only.
Skyworks is a global company with engineering, marketing, operations, sales and support facilities located throughout Asia, Europe and North America. They manufacture semiconductors for use in radio frequency and mobile communications systems. We have the opportunity for a limited number of high school students to tour the Cedar Rapids facility.
Tour Guidelines:
·Prior to arrival, students are required to watch the Skyworks videos: http://www.skyworksinc.com/skyworks_video.aspx
· Students should have questions prepared to ask the engineers prior to the tour. The engineers providing the tours expect an engaged group.
· No drinks/food/bags of any kind can be brought into Skyworks.
· Students are expected to be dressed for a professional tour with business casual attire. This includes closed-toed comfortable shoes.
To RSVP for this event, click HERE.
Wednesday, Dec 6, 2017, 08:45 AM
5110 N River Blvd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
High School Social Event: Bowling at May City Bowl
All 9th-12th grade CRHSAP students welcome!
$4 per student
Sign up now for a fun afternoon of bowling! Get to know your fellow CRHSAP high schoolers, work together in groups, and hone your bowling skills. $4 covers the cost of two games AND shoe rentals. Snacks are available for purchase if you choose. This is a chance for all high schoolers to get to know each other, even if you don’t come to enrichment classes.
Scholarships to cover the $4 are available – just contact Deann at dongie@cr.k12.ia.us. Questions about the event? Email amalek@cr.k12.ia.us
To RSVP to this event, click HERE.
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2017, 01:00 PM
May City Bowl, Trent Street Southwest, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Young Women in STEM EVENT
Young women in 7th-12th grades are welcome!
Only 6 spots left!
Join your CRHSAP classmates for a day of hands-on STEM activities to engage young women! A full day of fun activities, plus lunch is provided. And it’s free! This annual event is produced by Kirkwood Community College, and aims to engage 7th-12th grade girls in a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, challenges, and much more.
Only 10 spots are open to the CRHSAP. Priority will go to 7th and 8th graders unable to attend Open Minds/Open Doors. Also, 4 spots will be reserved for high school students (unless they go unfilled). Questions?
To RSVP for this event, call or email Andrea at amalek@cr.k12.ia.us or (319) 558-4673.
Friday, Dec 15, 2017, 09:00 AM
Kirkwood Community College: Linn County Regional Center, Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA, United States
Theatre Cedar Rapids Tour
Would you like to see a behind the scenes of the theatre? Would you like to go where only the cast are allowed to go? Would you like to see the cat walk, lighting, and sound pieces of live theatre, and more? Then join us for this tour!
The “Little Theatre” movement began in 1925 in Cedar Rapids. Having scenery made and painted by Grant Wood and Marvin Cone, it moved to The Old Strand Theatre, its first permanent home in 1955. In 1981, it moved to the location it is still in today. There have been obstacles along the way that stopped productions (World War II and the Flood of 2008). The grand reopening was February 26, 2010.
Because of steps, strollers may be brought into the lobby but will need to remain there. This event is limited to 30 participants.
To RSVP for this event, click HERE.
Friday, Dec 15, 2017, 01:00 PM
Theatre Cedar Rapids, 3rd Street Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Barnes and Noble Bookfair
Save your Barnes and Noble purchases until Dec. 18th to support the CRHSAP! ALL DAY on December 18th, whenever a customer mentions the Cedar Rapids HSAP, Barnes and Noble will donate 10-15% of their purchase to our program. Let your kids enjoy story time and tech toys while you enjoy a latte…and it all benefits our program!
Schedule of Events:
2:00-4:00: Visit the CRHSAP First Lego League (FLL) Club demonstration table to see their robots in action.
4:00: Storybook reading with Barnes & Noble Staff
6:30: Drama class presentation by Kindergarten-2nd graders, including a demonstration of acting skills and a reader’s theater performance.
Other events may be planned as the day draws closer. If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, please contact Deann at dongie@cr.k12.ia.
More information will be coming soon (keep an eye on your email and take-home flyers from enrichment classes). Questions? Email amalek@cr.k12.ia.us
Monday, Dec 18, 2017, 10:00 AM
Barnes & Noble, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
STEM Career Institute Event
This event is for HSAP 7th graders only.
7th graders from all over Cedar Rapids are invited for a special two-hour STEM career event. Come and get a close-up look at STEM careers that exist right here in Eastern Iowa! Attend three interactive sessions, meet professionals from STEM careers, and engage with hands-on activities. (This event is different from the Young Women in STEM event- both boys and girls may attend this Career Institute event, and 7th grade girls can choose to attend both events.)
Students must be dropped off at the back (north-facing) doors of the Linn Regional Center at 9:00 am, where Ms. Deann will be waiting to gather them. Students can be picked up at the same location at 11:15, after checking out their teacher.
To RSVP for this event, click HERE.
Wednesday, Dec 20, 2017, 09:15 AM
Kirkwood Community College: Linn County Regional Center, Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA, United States
Try-It-On Tuesday
This event is open to HSAP 9th-11th grade students only.
Are you a student interested in a career in health, business/IT or industrial technology?
A CRHSAP staff member will accompany CRHSAP 9-11th grade students as they join the staff and faculty at Kirkwood’s Linn County Regional Center to explore the opportunities that exist to receive hands-on career experience as well as transferable college credit in these fields! Come discover the training, knowledge and jobs that are available in the pathways you are interested in.
Students who sign up for this event will be sent additional information on how to register.
To RSVP for this event, click HERE.
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2018, 10:00 AM
Kirkwood Community College: Linn County Regional Center, Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA, United States
Kaledescope Series at the Gallagher Bluedorn- "Hansel and Gretel"
Recommended Audience: Grades 4-12
Tickets for this performance are $1 a piece. Just a reminder that if you sign up for this performance, you are agreeing to purchase tickets whether or not you attend. Tickets are limited so please RSVP as soon as possible. Please stop by our office to pay for your tickets & pick up your voucher before each performance. Call 558-2088 with any questions.
To RSVP for this event, click HERE. The deadline for signup and payment is December 15th.
Thursday, Jan 25, 2018, 10:00 AM
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Dakota Street, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
Thank You Information for November Events
Dan and Debbie’s Creamery
1600 Main Street
Ely, Iowa 52227
Kent Park
Conservation Education Center
Attn: Kristen and Sydney
F.W. Kent Park 2048 Hwy 6 NW Oxford, IA 52322
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Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Cedar Rapids Community School District not to discriminate in educational programs on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, socioeconomic status, national origin, religion, disability, age (except for permitting/prohibiting students to engage in certain activities) or genetic information and in employment opportunities on the basis of age, race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability or genetic information. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination.
If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Rod Dooley, Executive Director of Equity, (RDooley@cr.k12.ia.us), and/or Linda Noggle, Executive Director of Talent Management, (LNoggle@cr.k12.ia.us), Educational Leadership and Support Center, 2500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, (319) 558-2000.