The Homeschool HUB
Your Homeschool Educational Resource

Community Resource classes (Column C)
Fab Lab
How to Make (Almost) AnythingFab Lab Technology – Right here in Niles!
Have you ever dreamed of creating something…anything…your very own original invention, but the prototype only existed in your mind? Well, your dreams have just come true! Now you have the power and technology to make anything!Welcome to Lake Michigan College’s new Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab), a personal fabrication lab where anyone can make just about anything. This class is designed on technology created by MIT professor and inventor Neil Gershenfeld. Neil Gershenfeld's MIT Fab Lab comes to Niles in this digital manufacturing class. Students learn how to make just about anything, by working on several projects to learn the rudiments of product design, problem solving and prototyping, using the simple fab lab machinery. We want the students to be inspired by this course to go on and achieve online degrees or diplomas. Be a part of the global fab lab network and exchange ideas with students and fabbers from around the globe. Emphasis on safety and standard operation of fab lab tools.
* Open to Grades 1-8. Ages 5-14. Supervision by parent, guardian, or designated adult required for students under 10 years old.
* HS/Dual Enrollment classes offered: MON 12:20 - 4:30 or MON 6:00-10:00 p.m.
* Class size: 15 students per class session
* Course dates: January 12-April 29, 2010
* Coursework for beginners and advanced students
* Open lab time Wednesday 1-4pm free to registered students
* Class Times: o TU 10.30-1.30pm o TU 2-5pm o TH 12.30-3.30pm oTH 4-7pm
LOCATION: Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing Campus, 1905 Foundation Drive, Niles
INSTRUCTOR: John Willis
SPACE IS LIMITED !
Robotics
Robotics Classes Run 1/11/2010 - 4/29/2010
Bertrand Crossing Campus, Lake Michigan College
Instructor: Meg Edwards
The following robotics courses meet weekly at LMC’s Bertrand Crossing Campus in Niles, just off of the bypass:
Elementary I: ages 6-7 MON 2:30-3:30
Simple Machines K-1. We will learn to build simple machines, such as pinwheels, measuring cars, and boats. We will discuss concepts like friction, pulleys, wheels and gears. Hands on class. No experience needed.
Elementary II: ages 7-8 WED 2:30-4:00
WeDo robotics. This class is for 7-9 year olds. We will be building simple figures and learning to program with basic drop and drag programs to make our machines move. Hands on class. No experience needed.
Robotics I: ages 9+ TH 4:00-7:00
Using the Lego NXT kits, students will learn to build and program moving robots. They will learn to use several different kinds of sensors, how to problem solve and how to make the robot do several different challenges. Hands on class; No experience needed.
Robotics II: TH 12:30-3:30
Requires pre-requisite of Rob I. This is a follow up course to Robotics 1. In this class we learn more complex programming skills and focus on the engineering principles needed to build strong robots. Hands on class.
Team Robotics: ages 9+ MON 4:00-7:00 no pre-requisite
Competition Class. Ages 9-14. (can be 15 at the competition if was 14 on Jan 1, 2010.) We will be working as a team to build and program a robot for the FLL competition in late fall. This class includes a research project, designing posters and shirts, preparing a skit to present to the judges at the competition as well as other needed tasks. This is a class that needs extra time outside of the classroom and maybe extra time in the classroom. Competitions are always on Saturdays and may involve travel. Parents are encouraged to attend the competition and help out with all the extra work involved during the season.
Parents are not expected to be present during these classes.
Music
Classes Offered by The Music Academies for the Spring semester 2010
115 N. 3rd St., Niles
Children's’ Music Class “Exploration of Music” 6-10 yrs. old
Monday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
These classes help children explore music through study of instruments, listening to musical
performances. They will also learn basic note reading skills and rhythm patterns. Learn to
sing with others, singing in two parts. Activities include motion and dance activities, playing
on rhythm instruments, creating music, learning music history in a fun and exciting way
through musical stories.
maximum number of students per class: 20
Keyboard class L-1B Monday 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. 8 through adult
This class is a continuation of the program which began in September. This class teaches
music reading, basic keyboard skills, rhythm patterns and counting correctly, theory lessons.
Materials needed, 3 - ring binder, pencil, notebook for taking notes, a set of head phones;
students will need to purchase a lesson book at the first class. Instrument to practice on at
home. You may call the instructor for additional information. Instruments can be purchased
through The Music Academies.
maximum number of students per class: 12
Guitar Level 2 Wednesday 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 12 years and older
This class is designed for the student who reads music and have completed a first year
lesson book. They will have the knowledge of basic chords and beginning ability to play
melodies and chords together on all six strings. Materials needed for class: Mel Bay’s
Modern Guitar method Grade 2, guitar, pencil, music stand
Guitar L-1B 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. 8- 11 year olds
Guitar L-1B 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. 12- adult
This is a continuation of the beginning classical guitar techniques, reading music and rhythm
patterns, theory lessons, and playing as a group and individually. Opportunity for
performances several times a year. Material needed for class, classical guitar, 3- ring binder,
music stand. Instruments can be purchased through The Music Academies.
maximum number of students per class: 20
Beginning guitar Wednesday 10:45 - 11:30 A.M. 8 - adult
This class is for the student interested in learning to play the guitar. They will learn note
reading skills, playing melodies on all six strings, basic chords, playing chords and melodies
together. Materials needed for class: acoustic guitar,music stand, pencil. Book to be
purchased the first day of class, cost $8.00.
Recorder class Thursday 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. 8 - adult
For the student who will eventually want to play a wind or brass instrument in the band or
orchestra. Teaches note reading, basic rhythm patterns, theory, counting , and proper
breath control of basic instrument. Materials needed: recorder, 3 ring binder 1 1/2 inch,
pencil, music stand, purchase a book on the first day of class. Instrument can be purchased
through The Music Academies.
Maximum number of students 15
Symphonic Orchestra Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This class is open to any one who has played their instrument for one year or more and
wishes to increase their playing abilities and learn to play with a group. Instruments include:
winds, brass, strings and percussion. Learn the proper and correct concert procedures for
performances and have the opportunity to play for concerts several times a year. Material
needed for class: black 3- ring binder 1 1/2 inch, pencil, music stand, instrument. Theory
book to be purchased at the first day of class. Open to all string, woodwind,brass and
percussion players.
Youth Choir Thursday 11:30 - 12:45 10 - adult
Students learn proper singing techniques, different styles of music, history of music, theory
of music, how to read basic musical lines in their range. How to count rhythm patterns
correctly and sing as a group. Opportunity to perform concerts several times year. Materials
needed for class: black 3- ring binder, pencil, purchase of theory book on the first day of
class.
Maximum number of students per class 40
Keyboard class Level 2 Thursday 1:00 - 2:00 8- adult
This class is for those who have played their instrument for 2+ years This class continues to
teach the skills needed to become skilled on the piano or keyboard including correct playing
abilities, counting rhythm patterns, notes and note reading, listening for proper tones, correct
posture and playing ability. Learning to play in several different styles and more interesting
key signatures and time signatures. Materials needed for class: head phones, black 3- ring
binder, pencil, purchase of a lesson book on the first day of class. Lesson book will be
Bastien Level 2 book Piano series. Supplemental material will be added during the
semester.
Maximum number of students 12 per class
Beginning Band Thursday 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. ages 9 years and older
Students will learn beginning of note reading, playing proper technique on their instruments.
Students will learn how to play with a group, refine their individual skills on their instrument,
learn the basics of theory and how to apply it to their playing ability. Have the opportunity
to play for several concerts during the school year. Materials needed for class: instrument,
music stand, 3- ring black binder, pencil and Essential Elements book 1 for their specific
instrument to be purchased and brought to the first day class. Student will also need to
have their instrument of choice with them on the first day of class.
Maximum number of students per class: 25
String class Friday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. ages 8 to adult
This class is for those who are interested in continuing to learn to play a string instrument,
violin, viola, cello. We will continue to learn the proper way to hold the instrument, learn to
read notes and basic theory, learn to count correctly the rhythm patterns presented in the
music. Students will need: instrument, music stand, pencil, 3- ring binder,purchase lesson
book at the first day of class. Instruments can be purchased through The Music Academies.
maximum number of student per class 25
Intermediate and advanced Band program Friday 11:30- 1:00 p.m.
This program is for students who have played their particular instrument for a minimum of 2
years and are interested in performing with a group, learning to increase their knowledge on
their instruments and playing in different styles of music. The students will learn correct
rhythm and counting, playing in more advanced keys and in small ensembles. Opportunity
to perform in several concerts during the school year. Materials needed for class: instrument,
music stand, 3 ring binder, pencil.
Thank-you,
Valerie Rumpf
The Music Academies
574-292-2714
269-362-5780
Xpressive Music Classes
Classes begin January 15 through May 7, no class April 2
Xpressive Music website
Beginning Music Theory/Keyboard: Young students will learn the language of music; how to read music, what notes sound like, intervals, time signatures, clefs, and basic melodies.
Fridays 9a-10:15a OR 12:30p-1:45p
Intermediate Music Theory: Students will review the basics of music learned in Beginning Music Theory, and move forward into the theory of chords, progressions, and harmony.
Intermediate Theory Fridays 2p-3:15p
Children’s Choir, for grades 1-3: Young students will be exposed to vocal music, taught proper technique for singing, and will prepare for public performances. 75 minute classes, January 15-May 7, 2010 Fridays 10:30-11:45a, no class April 2. Concert tentatively scheduled May 14.
Junior’s Choir, for grades 4-7: Students will expand their knowledge of vocal music, have reinforced proper singing technique, will begin to learn to harmonize vocally, and will prepare for public performances. 90 minute classes, Thursday evenings, 7-8:30p January 14-May 6, 2010, no class April 1. Concert tentatively scheduled May 14.
Symphonix, for grades 8-12: Students will be challenged in different styles of vocal music, including choral and jazz harmonies; and prepare for solo and choral performances at a public venue. 90 minute classes, Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30p January 19-May 11, 2010. Concert tentatively scheduled May 14.
Performance Xpress: This group will perform a full-fledged musical theater production. This includes lights, sound, costumes, and set. Students will need to audition for parts, will be cast onstage or placed in backstage or engineering positions. Students don’t need to be musically inclined! If a student is interested in learning about theater sound production, lighting, costuming, set design, or marketing, then this will enrich their understanding of live theater from a working perspective. Students who aspire to perform on stage will have their shot at the spotlight or the unforgettable camaraderie of performing in a chorus of a theater production.
The musical will be chosen based on enrollment. Possibilities include: Hans Christian Andersen, Annie, Music Man, Bye, Bye, Birdie; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, or another Broadway style production. Classes meet Mondays 6-8p, Fridays 3:30-5:30P. Performance dates May 7-8. Rehearsals will run Monday through Friday from April 27 through May 6 with a Saturday all day SuperRehearsal on May 1.
Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra
Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra Website
Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra is the educational junior division of the SWMI Symphony Orchestra. The 140 member Youth Orchestra is divided into 3 sections:
· Junior Prep Strings – string players w/min. of 1 year of experience: MON 6-7:30 p.m.
· Prep Strings – for more advanced middle school string players: MON 6-7:30 p.m.
· Youth Symphony – for HS level strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion: MON 6-8:30 p.m.
All rehearsals are held at Upton Middle School, St. Joseph. Auditions are required, see details below. The Spring term will begin Feb 22, 2010 and rehearsals continue through the first week of May.
Spring Concert Schedule:
· May 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. – the Youth Symphony at the annual Side-by-Side concert with the SMSO
· May 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. – Spring concert at the Mendel Center Mainstage (All 3 groups)
Plans also include sectionals with SMSO members and opportunities for chamber ensembles. Membership in LMYO includes two free adult tickets to both concerts mentioned above, a student pass to all SMSO Mainstage concerts and more.
Auditions for Junior and Prep Strings and/or new members of the Youth Symphony will be held by appointment on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 8 and 9, at Upton Middle School. Call the SMSO office at 269-982-4030 between 10:00 and 5:00 p.m. to schedule a 10 min. audition time.
Art
Krasl Homeschool Course Information
Course Title: Fine Arts Exploration Age limitations: 5-12
Instructor: Krasl Art Center teaching faculty Daytime phone: 269-983-0271
Instructor Qualifications: All faculty members are experienced, professional art educators. While one instructor will be hired to oversee the primary course, we will hire specialized teaching artists to teach select areas such as ceramics.
The KAC’s Fine Art Exploration will include ceramics, printmaking, drawing, painting and mixed media. Each area will incorporate art history, art appreciation and elements of art, giving students a well rounded experience. Attention will be given to the Michigan Content Standards when developing the full curriculum. As the students’ skill set is analyzed the content will be modified to meet the student’s individual needs. Lesson plans will progress based on the students’ knowledge base and ability to demonstrate success in content areas.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays, 10:00 am-12:00
Fall Semester: Sept. 28 – Dec. 18 (12 weeks)
Winter Semester: Jan. 25 – May 23
Spring Term: Apr. 12 – May 23
The KAC owns an extensive collection or reproductions of works of art. These images will be utilized to make cultural and historical connections with select lesson plans. Additionally, select lessons will feature connections to childrens literature.
The KAC has fully stocked studios for drawing, painting, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, and darkroom photography. These studios and the resources within will be utilized for teaching each class. There will not be additional supply fees.
The KAC will assess the students based on attendance and participation in activities and discussion on a complete/incomplete basis.
BUCHANAN ART CENTER
EXPLORING 2D ART MEDIA WITH THE MASTERS
Instructor: Carmen Thompson, BA Elementary Ed, MA Art Therapy, Private Art Tutor for BAC
Ages 8-12 years old (minimum 6, maximum 12 students)
THURSDAYS 1 – 3 pm
(Designed for Home Schooled Students)
Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11 Winter session AND March 18, 25, April 1, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20 Spring session
Registration required by Jan. 4, 2010
All materials included.
Carmen will begin each lesson with a short introduction to the work and style of a famous artist, so don’t be late. Based on that introduction, the students will then create an original work of their own using what they learned. Students will be given the opportunity to explore still life, portraits, landscapes and abstraction. During the first 9 weeks drawing media will include pencils, colored pencils, pen and ink, pastels and markers. During the second 9 weeks painting media will include watercolors, tempera and oil pastels. We will also explore mixed media collage and the inclusion of the students’ poetry in handmade books. When space is available, students’ works will be displayed on a weekly schedule at the Center.
Buchanan Art Center website
POTTERY
Instructors: Nana Maher, BFA and Marie Remington, MFA
Adults and Teens (limit 8 students)
THURSDAYS beginning Jan. 7 - 1 - 4 pm
2 - 25# of clay included; also includes costs of glazes and firing. Tools needed also included.
This class is designed for handbuilding and wheel students of all levels of experience. Learn imaginative handbuilding techniques, learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel or challenge your throwing skills and consider how to combine the two approaches to clay. We will explore the unique properties of clay, the aesthetics of form, decorating techniques, glaze application, glaze chemistry, and the loading and firing of kilns. No outside clay, please. Change of shoes required. Notebook provided.
SUPERVISED EXTRA STUDIO TIME: The clay studio will be open and supervised so that any student enrolled in a clay class can put in extra time as long as that class is in session. Students are expected to work independently and clean up after themselves.
Darlene Clevenger will supervise 1-4 pm FRIDAYS JAN 8, 15, 22, 29, FEB 4, 11, 18, 25, MAR 5, 12
Marie Hodge will supervise 1-4 pm SUNDAYS JAN 10, 17, 24, 31, FEB 7, 14, 21, 28, MAR 7, 14 Buchanan Art Center website
Physical Education
Andrews University Swim & Gym - Grades 1-8
M or W: 1:00-3:00
Gym & Swim
This class meets at Andrews University in Berrien Springs. Each week students ages 6 & up spend an hour in the pool learning the various swimming strokes, and an hour in the gym being taught gymnastics by University Gymnics team members.
Day and Time: Two different classes to choose from (does not meet twice/week), either Mon or Wed, both from 1pm- 3pm.
Directions: From old 31 heading south, turn left onto Garland at the corner of the medical center next to Apple Valley. Turn left onto International Ct., right onto E. Campus Circle; merge left at the traffic triangle (still E. Campus Circle), go approx. 1 block; you'll see a tall bldg on the left across from Physical Therapy. The parking lot is shared with the Art and Design building that has a tall smokestack. See map here.
Benton Harbor/St. Joe YMCA Swim & Gym - Grades 1-8
TU 1:00-2:45 Jan. 4th - May 29th, 2010
The co-ed group is divided in half, with one group swimming first and the other in structured gym activities, then the groups switch. Swim time provides structured lap times for various strokes and free time. There is an instructional emphasis on health and nutrition built into the program called “Healthy U”.
Directions: From Niles Rd/Ave heading toward St. Joe: turn left onto Hollywood Rd. at the light just before the I-94 ramps. The Y is on the left just before Maiden Lane, about 1/2 mi. Shortcut option: coming down Niles Rd. heading toward St. Joe - you can turn left onto Maiden Lane just past Lynn Crist's Golf Range.
Niles/Buchanan Area YMCASwim & GymSwim & Gym
at the Niles Y will be held on TH from 1-3:00, beginning Jan. 7th.
The first hour will be in the gym, 2nd hour in the pool. This is a co-ed class.Students might not be divided by age this semester due to pool time restrictions, but if there is enough demand for the class, we will have expanded time Fall semester and divide students by age so that only half are in the pool at a time. Niles/Buchanan YMCA website
Home School-Individual Sports
Fall: meets at Lakeland Athletic Club in Niles for those learning tennis/racquetball or tennis, or at Brookwood Golf Course in Buchanan for those learning golf.
Winter: Students will learn skiing and/or snowboarding at Bittersweet Ski Resort north of Kalamazoo.
Time: at student's convenience within discount card hours, as soon as snow falls/tickets are given: M-F 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; after 3:00 weekends & holidays.
12/2 - 3/24 includes 10 lift tickets and 10 equipment rental passes. Ask about discounts for ski helmets too!
Spring: it will be back to tennis for everyone.
3/10-6/2 WED 1:00-2:30
Day and Time: Tennis/racquetball on Wed from 8:30am - 10:30am, limit 12 students. Tennis only on Wed from 1 - 3pm, limit 24 students. Golf on Wed from 8:30 - 10:30am, limit 12 students.
This class for ages 8 & up (golf is for ages 12 and up only) meets in the fall at either the Lakeland Athletic Club in Niles for those learning tennis/racquetball or tennis, or at Brookwood Golf Course in Buchanan for those learning golf. In the winter, classes will be at Bittersweet Ski Resort north of Kalamazoo, where students will learn skiing and/or snowboarding. In spring it will be back to tennis or golf.
Dual Enrollment college classes
Dual Enrollment Process:
Dual enrollment is one of the most exciting benefits offered by the Partnership. Any student who is 14 and in high school may pursue dual enrollment in college classes. Parents need to contact a counselor at the college to discuss entrance requirements i.e. Compass testing. In addition to applying to the college, parents need to enroll their students in the Berrien Springs Parent Partnership. The Partnership will pay for normal tuition and fees (not books) for up to 2 courses per semester. The classes chosen must be part of a degree program; they may not be remedial or extra-curricular in nature. They can be considered core or non-core, but they must be part of a degree program offered by the college. There are two Partnership requirements for dually enrolled high school students; one seated class and one virtual class. HS students may choose any combination of dual enrollment and Community Resource Classes, not to exceed 2 in total.
LMC's Payment Authorization Form must be filled out for each class and signed by John Lohr or Sharon Haynes before classes begin. Click here for form, see the Contact Us page to obtain signatures.
Students must go to LMC or SMC and take the COMPASS placement test to determine which college classes are open to them. The test is free and is administered at both schools. Look at their catalogs to see which courses you would like – you may not take religious, recreation, hobby/craft or physical education classes for your dual enrollment classes.
Lake Michigan College / SMC Schedule
Classes at LMC begin the week of Jan. 11th. Please refer to LMC's website for additional information: www.lakemichigancollege.edu
Fall classes begin Jan 7th at SMC. You can visit their website at www.swmich.edu
Class descriptions:
School (seated) Classes
Online (virtual) Classes
Community Resource Classes






Berrien Springs Parent Partnership
Your home and our schools;
working together to offer the best
educational opportunities for all.
Copyright © 2010 by
The Homeschool HUB
All Rights reserved
webmaster@hshub.org