We have not been updating the blog, but our Co-op is still active!!

We now have a website at www.homeschool-life.com/tx/easts/

Check there for current information.

Tie Dye Day for the Make-it class

Today was a gray day, but inside during the make-it class the kids had a lot of fun with color as they tie-dyed t-shirts. I didn't have a camera with me this time so I'm hoping I can get everyone to wear theirs next week. (hint, hint)

There is just 3 more weeks of classes and then we start to plan for next semester. If you are thinking about joining our co-op let us know now to get in on the ground floor so to speak. We'll have the regular parent information meeting in the late summer, but now would be a good time to plan to meet us and see what we're all about!

1940 Air Terminal Museum

 I finally found a field trip to interest the Parrish family! Today we went to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby airport. I was impressed with the art deco architecture and the circa 1940s fixtures--including the original water fountain. The boys seemed to like the aircraft. Hannah liked the gift shop!

We got a guided tour of the museum and visited the hanger. We got to go inside several of the planes and see the flight simulator and close-up views of the Hobby runways.

Halfway Through

So, we're halfway through the semester, and things are humming along nicely.  My personal computer stopped wanting to turn on, so I brought it to Computer Hardware class, and they took it apart, and determined that it was the power supply.  A huge thanks to Willem for working on finding a part for me...hopefully, I'll be up and running again on my PC soon so my husband can have his laptop back!

This past week we had the most fabulous field trip I've ever been on!  Alvin Community College puts on an art workshop that is all about clay.  The kids--and adults--all got to make a clay mask, and we all got to have a try at throwing a pot on a pottery wheel.  There were plenty of teachers and helpers around, offering lots of help, and we each got to make multiple pieces, which is far different from most workshops like this where each child gets to make one item.  My son, Avery, got to make 3-4 pieces on the pottery wheel, and did the last one entirely by himself from start to finish. They will fire our art in their kilns, and we can go pick our pieces up in two weeks.  In addition to all this, they fed us!  We had donuts, milk, and orange juice when we first arrived, then pizza, sodas, and mini-cupcakes around noon (we were there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).  I know it's not the most nutritious food, but I'm not going to complain as I didn't have to worry about feeding my kids breakfast or lunch.  Now, you would expect to pay at least $30 or so for a workshop like this, but ACC Art Department provides this absolutely free of charge.  I can't recommend this enough to other groups...I think you just have to call to set one up.  Lastly, they do take donations, and I think those of us who attended should pitch in a few dollars at least and let Laura take it when she goes to pick up our artwork.

Lastly, let me say to all the co-op families that I hope you will feel free to come talk to any officer if you are having trouble in the co-op.  We may not always be able to accommodate each and every need, especially as we experience growth in the numbers of families we are serving, but our by-laws state that EASTS exists to meet the needs of home schooled teens and their families, and that is what we will try to do.  EASTS Co-op  really is quite flexible, and there are only a few policies/rules that are necessary to ensure our continued relationship with St. John's Episcopal Church, and our ability to have meeting space there.

Enjoy your Spring Break!

An idea for the walking club

What do you think--new exercise craze--dance walking. Should we try it?

Check it out here:

Settling Into a Routine

Another great week at EASTS Co-op!  I think our new families are fitting in beautifully, and everyone is settling into a routine and getting to know one another.  Some of our families even had a swim party on Saturday for some extra social time.  Luckily the pool was heated, because it was chilly outside!

Lord of the Rings literature class had a unit test, and although I haven't graded all of them yet, I am seeing improvement in scores compared to the last two tests.  Strength Training class started recording how much weight they are using and how many reps they are completing, so they can track their progress over the semester.  P.E. class played a fun Valentine's day version of tag, and Walking Club walked all the way to Five Points Plaza and back.  Math/Science games worked on 3-D shapes and their components (corners, sides, etc.).  Computer Hardware class took apart a hard drive to see how it works--and they learned that doing so renders it useless--while Make-It class made masks in honor of the Mardi Gras celebration that just passed.  The best part of the day, for me at least, was having a nice, hot lunch prepared by the Cooking class.  The lasagna was delicious, and it saved me from having to rush home to make lunch for my family!

See you on Thursday!

Biosphere 1 Recycling Center

This weeks field trip was to the Biosphere 1 Recycling Center in Texas City. It was a bit rainy, but our tour went as scheduled.

Our tour guide, Cindy, explained that Texas City accepts aluminum cans, food cans, assorted metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, untreated wood, glass, tires, motor and cooking oil, anti-freeze, computers, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and batteries for recycling. To drop off trash for the landfill you have to live in the city, but they'll take recycling from anyone.

Our tour was very informative. I even learned who to call to dispose of road kill! (The answer is Animal Control). Also, a real find--Texas City will give you free mulch--you don't even have to be a resident. She said you could come three times a week to pick up mulch or compost. She said the local landscapers do it all the time.