SHARE Homeschool Support Group

Theory Of Play GRAND OPENING: November 9 from 10AM to 2PM 🎉
So excited for this! A 3,000 square foot indoor playground designed specifically for ages 4.5 to 10 years old! Your child can explore Main Street, the Pod Place, Social Motion, Discovery Den, the Chill Factory, and Art Alchemy rooms, all revolving around self-directed play.
➡️ This is a FREE event, but let them know you are coming by signing up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/? #!/showRSVPSignUp/10C0A4EAAAE2EABFAC52-51930407-theory

✨ SAVE THE DATE ✨

Theory Of Play GRAND OPENING: November 9 from 10AM to 2PM 🎉

So excited for this! A 3,000 square foot indoor playground designed specifically for ages 4.5 to 10 years old! Your child can explore Main Street, the Pod Place, Social Motion, Discovery Den, the Chill Factory, and Art Alchemy rooms, all revolving around self-directed play.

➡️ This is a FREE event, but let them know you are coming by signing up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/? #!/showRSVPSignUp/10C0A4EAAAE2EABFAC52-51930407-theory

➡️ Get more info here:
https://bradenton.macaronikid.com/articles/6722ddd3bc87da6d4306cc47/theory-of-play_--re--inspiring-play-in-the-forgotten-age-group

SHARE's homeschool skating is THIS Friday, 11/1/24 (and is also "picture" day). 11:30am-1:30pm at the Bradenton Astro, 3611 3rd St. W. AREA HOMESCHOOLERS welcome to join in.
re: Blanket drive to benefit NC families re Hurricane Helene
REPLY ONLY TO: [email protected]
941-666-9035
Dear S.H.A.R.E. Families,
We hope that everyone is doing well after hurricane Milton! We are very thankful and grateful that hurricane season will soon be over. As everyone knows and has been watching all of Western North Carolina's devastation from Hurricane Milton, those residents in all of their communities don't have anything and literally are starting over with everything. I'm starting a winter blanket drive for the Clyde, NC area and for the Blacket Mountain, NC area. It's starting to get cold up there and there is no power which means no heat. This would be a wonderful way and blessing to give back to their community and a wonderful lesson to teach to your child/children about giving back to those in desperate need. On Friday, November 1, 2024 is our next S.H.A.R.E. skating. If you could please bring any extra and very gently and clean winter blankets you have at home to our next skating. If you don't have any extra clean and gently used (non smoking) winter blankets at home, could you please buy a winter blanket to contribute to our blanket drive. I'm asking for your family to attach a pretty Christmas card to your winter blanket/blankets signed by everyone in your family along with writing an encouraging note from each family member giving them encouragement and hope.
Lastly, please donate $5 which will go towards shipping all the winter blankets. There will be two (2) clean brown boxes at our November skating; one (1) for the Black Mountain, NC area and (1) for the Clyde, NC area. If you could please donate (2) winter blankets; (1) for the Black Mountain, NC area and the other for the Clyde, NC area. Please see the instructions below for our Western North Carolina below this email:
Instructions for our Western North Carolina, NC area:
1. bring 2 clean/gently (non smoking) used or new winter blankets to our skating on Fri., Nov. 1, 2024
2. put your 2 winter blankets in the boxes at skating: one for Black Mountain, NC and one for Clyde, NC (see labels on boxes)
3. please attach a pretty Christms card to your 2 winter blankets with signing and writing an encouraging note from each of your family members
4. There will be a white envelope on a white table at skating with information for you to fill out, just like you do at skating. Just list your first, last name. Please put your donated $5 inside the white envelope for shipping costs.
I'm going to be taking all the winter blankets home so I can take them to the UPS store to ship our blankets out on Sat., Nov. 10, 2024 so these dear residents of Clyde, NC and Black Mountain, NC can receive their winter blankets as soon as possible. Since the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, I have seen such wonderful newfound unity among our American people. People helping people from all over our country have been stepping up to help one another! People near far far, churches near and far, food trucks/restaurants near and far providing FREE meals to the Western NC residents that have nothing, Elon Musk for helping/providing Star Link for cell service, President Trump for donating $25 million to help Western NC, President Trump for setting up Go Fund Me, the wonderful/late Billy Graham's Samaritan's Purse now run by his son Franklin Graham, and the Cajun Army. I've seen a new found unity among our American people helping fellow Americans in desperate times of need. I've seen a new and much respected love of Patriotism among Americans too. Let's all continue to pray for Western Carolina and let's all keep this new found unity among our American people going! This is so encouraging and brings everyone in our beautiful country newfound Hope!
Thank you so very much for all your support for our blanket drive! I'm very grateful and humble to you all!
Blessings Always to you and to your families,
Holly Karakas
S.H.A.R.E. Western North Carolina winter blanket coordinator

former SHARE/HES: Emmett Carwin D***s, 69, (1/5/1955 - 10/19/2024) of Bradenton, FL entered heaven on October 19, 2024 with his family at his side. Born in Columbus, GA, he moved to Bradenton in November of 1955, where he was raised and returned to raise his own family. He is a proud graduate of Manatee High School, class of 1973.
He is best known for his servant heart as he volunteered with many organizations: First Baptist Church of Palmetto's Choir, Gospel Guys, and Carpenter's for Christ; FELT - Feeding Empty Little Tummies; Palmetto Station at the Manatee County Fair; Honor Flight of West Central Florida where he flew & served on 39 Missions; Blood and Platelet Donor of 35+ gallons; Manatee High School Wrestling Family; Coaching his children's various sporting teams; and Manatee County Republican Executive Committee.
He loved God, his family, our country, airplanes, cruising, sports, travel, and driving a tour bus. He was employed by Video Tape Associates in Hollywood, FL; B & W Frozen Foods, King's Wholesale Florist, Travel Plus Tour Bus Driving; and Verizon/Frontier all of Bradenton.
Emmett is survived by his newlywed wife, Sue (Wile); his six children - Katie (Wes), Carin (Danny), Daniel (Sarah), Tessa (Tim), Josey, & Robert (Ashleigh), and their mother Debbie (Cooper D***s) his former spouse; step-son Mike (Emma); eight grandchildren; and sister Sally (Frank). He was welcomed in heaven by his parents Hugh and Louise D***s.
His Memorial Service will be held 10:00am Wednesday, October 23rd, at First Baptist Church of Palmetto, 1021 5th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221. It is also viewable via Livestream at: https://www.fbcpalmetto.com/livestream/
scroll down and click on Special Services.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to FELT, Honor Flight of West Central Florida, Carpenters for Christ, or Family Life Community School.
p.s. All of our children were homeschooled (1989-2018, except for two years), all of our school-age grands are homeschooled. Emmett was co-owner of Horizon Educational Systems and of SHARE, 2001-2011. He was the "wrestling coach of the Manatee HEAT" for two seasons, when son Daniel was the entire HEAT team. All six of our children are wonderful, loving adults, committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and have precious families; and we are a close family.
Pancreatic cancer diagnosed July 30th -- a very painful fight.

Join Our Live Stream Services | First Baptist Church of Palmetto Experience the power of community and worship with First Baptist Church of Palmetto's live stream services. Connect with us from anywhere and become part of our church family. Our live stream allows you to participate in worship, prayer, and learning, bringing the message of hope and faith into your...

THIS Friday, 9/27/24 @ DEFY, Bradenton

REPLY ONLY TO: [email protected]
Hello,

Location: Defy Bradenton - 7385 52nd Place E, Bradenton34203
When: Friday, 9/27/24
Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm
Event attendance is free - only COST is to jump.

Description:

Defy is hosting an event geared towards homeschool families. We are looking to foster a lasting relationship with the homeschool community. This event will have music, vendors, food, beverages, and rooms for kids to study/do schoolwork. This is our first event for homeschool in quite sometime and we feel its time that we all got jumping together!!

We will have multiple vendors that are in support of homeschool families. Gulf Coast Music Therapy, HSPerks.com and more.

Pricing:
90 Mins of jump time
Kids 2 and under are free with a paid admission
Kids 3-6 is 17.99 + tax = $19.25
Kids 7+ will be 22.99+ tax = $24.60
Socks total cost is 4.27 per pair

We do have membership options:
Basic: 22.99+tax recurring monthly $24.60/month
90 mins jump time everyday

Elite: 24.99+tax recurring monthly = $26.74/month
Unlimited jump time M-F, 120 Min jump time Saturday and Sundays
20% off Cafe items, Birthday parties, socks
Access to member only events held each quarter, all membership promotions, and much more!! MEMBERS can come to use the ROOMS for "FREE" for educational purposes on Tuesdays/Thursdays 9am-Noon

It is my understanding that the step-up scholarship can be used to cover this monthly cost. You can sign up for a membership online or on the day of the event. If you sign up in store, we are offering a FREE buddy pass good for a 90 min jump to be used at your discretion.

Waivers (roller.app) Please click this link and fill out your waivers prior to attending the event. Everyone attending will need a waiver on file.

https://defy.com/defy-bradenton/ This is the link to our website and you can sign up for memberships or check out our website for more information..

DEFY Bradenton | Florida | DEFY Trampoline Parks
Explore DEFY Bradenton and experience our extreme attractions. Become a Flight Club Member or host an epic birthday party. Plan an epic adventure today!
defy.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.

Defy Social Media:

Instagram: DefyBradenton

Facebook: Defy (Bradenton)

Respectfully,

Jimmy Morris
AGM, Defy Bradenton

For those prepping for Helene, hopefully this helps. Trying to prepare students riding it out at Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Any change in track East could also impact University of Florida students although that is NOT in the forecast now. University of South Florida students will be on the fringe of the worst of the storm.

Hurricane Prep List: Here's a list I've compiled over the years. Our family has found it helpful.

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery backups. ( Glow sticks also provide light for a few hours. Stand them upright in a glass or jar to make a lantern.)
2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill them with water, and store them in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill the washing machine and leave the lid up to store water.
4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep them near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in the freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.
6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in the fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.
7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.
9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.
11. Toss out any expired food, clean cat litter boxes, and empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor-free environment. Store water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
16. Make sure you have cash on hand.
17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.
23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also, put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! Remember to pack for pets as well.
28. Check on all family members, set up emergency backup plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
32 . Use plastic cups and paper plates. 👍 You need water to wash dishes....👎
33 . Also if you run out of water tap your hot water heater it can have up to 30 gallons stored in there.
34 . Put water in balloons and store it in the freezer.
35 . If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown Flush it down!💩
If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend it!!!
I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, and place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you will know!!

Rule #7 And for those asking, that means "Don't freak out unless I'm freaking out..we're fine". Whatever comes our way, we've got this as long as we stay informed and prepared.

FREE pizza for "Book It" reading program with Pizza Hut! (my family LOVED this opportunity) PreK-6th grade

Home | The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program BOOK IT! motivates children to read by rewarding their reading accomplishments with praise, recognition and pizza. The program is simple, flexible, fun and free to use in your classroom! BOOK IT! was created in 1984 and currently reaches more than 14 million students and 37,000 PreK-6 grade schools....

TODAY: September 17th:

Constitution Day in the United States is observed on September 17th to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. It is a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.

https://founders.archives.gov/ Listen to the Founders' words regarding the importance of the US Constitution.

FULL Text of the US Constitution --- reminder: the USA is a "constitutional republic", not a democracy

Full Text of the U.S. Constitution https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/full-text

"Preamble: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Full Text of the U.S. Constitution | Constitution Center Read and share the complete text of the United States Constitution.

Do your kids love space?? Kids ages 3-11 get in FREE at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex all this month (September) in celebration of "Future Voyagers Month"! 🪐💫⭐️
DEAL: Purchase one adult admission for $75 and get up to THREE complimentary children’s tickets for each adult ticket bought.
Get the deal here:

Buy Tickets to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Buy your tickets to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex online. Don't miss seeing Space Shuttle Atlantis or meeting a veteran NASA astronaut!

Friday, September 20, 2024

What: S.H.A.R.E. Fishing on the beautiful Anna Maria Island historic fishing pier. Fishing is for all kids and for all ages! All are welcome to join! NO LICENSE NEEDED.

Where: 200 Bridge Street Bradenton, Beach, Fl. (right off of the Cortez Bridge)

Time: 10:30-1:30 p.m.

What to bring: fishing poles, fishing tackle, hat, fishing bait, sunscreen, cold drink, snack/packed lunch, no fishing license is required (you can buy fishing bait at Wal-Mart in the sports section) or (fishing shrimp or squid can be bought at Annie Bait & Tackle at 4334 127th St. W. Cortez Fl. 34215) Fishing poles can be rented inexpensively.

There will be a group picture.

Please remember to email your rsvp with Debbie D***s at [email protected] or with Holly Karakas at [email protected].

Hoping to see many new and old friends!

Blessings,

Debbie D***s-S.H.A.R.E. Coordinator
Holly Karakas - fieldtrip coordinator for Fishing! and 6th-12th Gr Small Group coordinator

IT's TODAY! 9/6/24

beginning of 8 monthly roller skating sessions:

PLEASE forward this email to your homeschooling friends and groups.
SHARE's Monthly Homeschool Roller Skating Plan @ Astro BRADENTON, 3611 3rd St West.

It is sincerely hoped that the Manatee/Sarasota area homeschooling families will choose to participate in the SHARE monthly homeschool skating at Astro for 2024-25.

We have SUCH FUN times at the monthly homeschool skating (since 1991).

Please remember that SHARE rents out the rink plus DJ fees. We need 80 families to sign-up in order to cover the expenses. We are at 50 who have "committed" as of 6/1/24, but I took a step of faith.

2024-25 SHARE’s Monthly Skating Plans:
$70/family (up to 4 skaters, $10 each additional)
OR Single Skater Plan $35 (early bird rates ended in June)

OR $7/skater/session NO refunds.
Cash, check to SHARE, paypal OR Zelle.
(all rates include quad skates) FRIDAYS 11:30am-1:30pm, Sept 6, 2024, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 20 (party), Feb 7, 2025 Mar 7, Apr 4, May 16th 11:30am-2pm (awards)
Astro rents out inlines ($4) and stability carts ($5) -- directly to them, NOT to SHARE

Music is a blend of contemporary Christian, vintage TV show tunes, and Disney, presented by DJ Grant Showalter (for 26+ years), and the Cha Cha slide.

·
**Parent must stay. *NO child/teen drop-offs. *NO food or non-water beverages may be brought in (except for December Christmas party) Astro policy. Everyone MUST remain inside of the rink (Astro safety policy).

· We also hope that homeschool parents will volunteer for 2024-25 to assist with the fieldtrips, activities, small groups, events, nearly all of which are on FRIDAYS (since 1991).

PLEASE PLEASE join in with SHARE's fieldtrips instead of planning your own --- this helps with our discount pricing (ie ice skating). It also honors the time that the fieldtrip coordinator has invested to be a blessing to our area homeschoolers. There is no need to reinvent the wheel.

PAY as friend via Paypal or add $3: [email protected] OR Zelle 941-920-1645 (Debra D***s) OR cash or check to SHARE
Blessings and THANKS!

You won’t wanna miss this one!! 💚🤠🐄

Curiosity Club: Birding Basics
MUST SIGN UP FOR ALL FOUR of the classes/event. (only 20 spots available)
ROCKY BLUFF LIBRARY, Ellenton:
Kids, come learn about the joys of birdwatching from Manatee Audubon Society. Each week our instructor will teach us about birds from different habitats around the county.

This is a series of 3 classes culminating in a field trip to the Felts Audubon Preserve, so please only sign up if you can attend all 4 events. This program is designed for school-ages children and their families.

Dates & Times:
10:00am - 11:00am, Wednesday, September 11, 2024
10:00am - 11:00am, Wednesday, September 18, 2024
10:00am - 11:00am, Wednesday, September 25, 2024
10:00am - 11:30am, Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time Zone:
Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
Library Branch:
Rocky Bluff Branch Library
Location:
Meeting Room
Audience:
Children (4-7 years) Families Teens (13-18 years) Tweens (8-12 years)
Categories:
Education Science/Nature/Environment
https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/12840563

6750 US-301 S, Ellenton

Curiosity Club: Birding Basics Kids, come learn about the joys of birdwatching from Manatee Audubon Society. Each week our instructor will teach us about birds from different habitats around the county. This is...

2024-25 SHARE' Activities Calendar
(SHARE's "Small Groups" meet ONCE a month (please note the date changes)-- we need volunteers**** [email protected]
K-6th Gr: w. Bradenton
K-6th North River:
K-6th East Bradenton/Myakka:
K-6th Sarasota: Jing Herman
6th-12th: Holly Karakas
ATTN: PROM -- if we do not have 5 volunteers by Aug 31st, there is NO SHARE prom for 2025 (it is exhausting and causes SHARE to be in the red $, otherwise) SHARE.prom@ yahoo. com

REMINDER: Skating plan for 2024-25: $70/family/school year (up to 4, then $10 each) OR $35/single skater OR $7/skater/session. Payable via paypal (as friend: SHAREBradenton@ cs. com OR Zelle (941-920-1645 Debra D***s) OR cash or check to SHARE (Early Bird rate expired June 1st). The receipts are written so that the scholarships will reimburse.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE (yes, I am begging you) do not plan these activities on another Friday --- as some of these require larger in attendance for discounts (ie ice skating). It is so much easier if you could just plug in to our fieldtrips, and perhaps even volunteer to help. THANK YOU!
(For those who are in PEP or UA scholarships, most fieldtrips are covered and can be reimbursed with the SHARE receipt)

AUGUST 23, 2024: SWIMMING PARTY: 10am-2pm
Anna Maria Bayfront Park -- bayside OR Lincoln Park, Palmetto 12-2:45pm

SEPTEMBER 2024: __________________ VOLUNTEERs NEEDED
6th Skating 11:30am-1:30pm at Bradenton Astro Skating Center
13: Small Group -(K-6th park and/or splash pads, and pool party for 6th-12th gr.
20th: FISHING @ Bridge Street Pier on Bradenton Beach
27th: Ford-Edison Estates, Ft. Myers (Elisabeth Jordan)

OCTOBER 2024: _______________________
Begins Bishop Museum Homeschool Science classes and YMCA
Wed. PE begins @ GT Bray (Ann Prochnow) [email protected]
Thurs. 3rd: FST "Junie B Jones" (Noelle Knight) FL Studio Theatre - MUST be pre-paid
4th: Skating (PHOTO day) 11:30am-1:30pm
11th Small Groups K-6th (incl I-FLY in Brandon 6th-12th) .... /Sat. Oct. 12: PSAT 's Station downtown - ONLINE -(hosted by HES) MUST-prepay
18th: SEA WORLD ( $42 MUST pre-pay by 10/8th: OR FELTs in Palmetto, then Park Day @ Sutton Park
25th: Hunsader's
NOVEMBER 2024: ________________
1st: Skating (PHOTO day) 11:30am- 1:30pm
free ID for teachers $3/students, Yearbook pics/Photo packages
8th: Small Groups K-6th and 6th-12th "Pot Luck luncheon" and craft
15th: BOWLING @ Bowlero, Cortez Rd.
22nd: Pilgrim Day / Children’s Market ????
28th-29th: Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER 2024: _____________
6th: Small Groups (Cookie Decorating/Card making for veterans/assisted living, PARTIES or “Polar Express @ Parrish RR – individual registration)
13th Door decorating AND Caroling location(s) TBA
20th: Skating (CHRISTMAS Party=bring desserts) 11:30am-1:30pm

JANUARY 2025: ____________
3rd: Small Groups Manatee Historical Village (6th-7th Manatee County Fair entries)
10th: Manatee County Fair (Jan 11th-21st (free entry on 1/11)
17th: Ice Skating @ Ellenton Ice
24th: Florida Studio Theatre -Playmaker Workshop!
31st: Manatee Viewing @ Apollo Beach by power plant (free)
FEBRUARY 2025: _______________
7th Skating 11:30am-1:30pm PROM MEETING @ Arby's after roller skating
10th: Mon. GRAD 2025 Meeting, 6:30pm @ Culver's SR64 Prom planning 7:30pm
14th: Small Groups for K-6th and 6th-12 Valentine's Day PARTIES
21st: COUNTRY REPORTS (Lisa Jamison-Egloff) SIGN UP for this ASAP
28th: Herrmann’s Lipizzan Stallion training 2:30pm/ and ??

MARCH 2024 _________________
7th: Skating 11:30am-1:30pm
14th: Small Groups K-6th and 6th-12th (incl FL Wildlife Rescue presentation)
21st: Baseball game?? (Spring Break public schools 15th-23rd) Camping on field?
28th: FST: "Flying Penguins" (Noelle Knight)

TBA SHARE's Prom - location tba www. SHAREprom. wordpress. com (AT LEAST 5 volunteers needed before August 31, 2024 OR NO PROM***) SHARE. prom@ yahoo. com

APRIL 2025_________________
4th: Skating: 11:30am-1:30pm
11th: Spring Olympics (Ann Prochnow)
18th: Good Friday / Children's Parade (Palmetto)
22nd-23rd: IOWA TESTING location TBD
25th: SMALL GROUPS for K-6th and 6th-12th "Earth Day- Recycling Fashion/Costumes
26th??? GRAD BASH @ Universal ? tbd — seniors

MAY 2025: _________________
2nd:TALENT SHOWCASE w/desserts (Ann Prochnow)
9th: Small Groups (Beach day and/or evening cookout for teens)
16th: Skating 11:30am-2:00pm (AWARDS)
Wed. 21st: Beach Party at AMI Bayfront Park OR Lincoln Park Pool, Palmetto
22nd-24th FPEA CONVENTION
30th: BOOK FAIR (location tba) 9am-11:30am

Sat. MAY 31, 2025________________ Grad coordinator ?
High School GRADUATION 1pm location tba
**reminder: Each month the different "small group" will have its own activity/fieldtrip unless otherwise noted. (incl occasional "nerf gun battles" :) )

EGADS!!!!!

The 2024 Democrat Party Platform regarding Education -- (it is NOT homeschool friendly whatsoever!)

PROVIDING A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN EVERY ZIP CODE
Education is fundamental to the idea of America and to fulfilling our nation’s promise. It is the key to addressing the challenges before us—to growing our economy, maintaining American competitiveness on the world stage, and building a more just, equitable, civically engaged, and socially conscientious nation. As Democrats, we believe that education is a critical public good—not a commodity—and that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that every child, everywhere, is able to receive a world-class education that enables them to lead meaningful lives, no matter their race, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, language status, immigration or citizenship status, household income or ZIP code.

For too long, we have short-changed our children by underinvesting in our nation’s public schools and in our higher education system. Despite ample research showing that early childhood education can improve outcomes for students for decades to come, we still do not have universal, high-quality pre-K. Despite the decades-long trend that has seen more and more women entering the labor force as breadwinners, it is still far too difficult for families to secure safe and affordable child care services. Our public schools are bedrock community institutions, and yet our educators are underpaid, our classrooms are overstuffed, and our school buildings have been neglected, especially in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Roughly six in 10 jobs require at least some education beyond high school, and yet the ever-rising cost of college tuition and fees leaves higher education out of reach—or saddles students with a lifetime of debt.

The emergency conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic have vividly demonstrated to parents, students, and educators across the country that there is no sustainable, long-term substitute for high-quality, in-classroom learning. Significant gaps in access to technology, including lack of access to high-speed broadband and connected devices, have deepened inequities in our educational system for students of color, students with disabilities, English language learners, and students in rural areas and under-resourced neighborhoods during this pandemic. We will significantly increase federal investments in rural, urban, and Tribal broadband infrastructure to close the digital divide and ensure students can access educational resources from their homes and schools now and in the future. We will need increased investments in public education to help students get back on track when public health experts determine it is safe to return to schools.

Democrats believe we can and must do better for our children, our educators, and our country. We are committed to making the investments our students and teachers need to build equity and safeguard humanity in our educational system and guarantee every child can receive a great education. To this end, we support K-12 instruction in civics and climate literacy. We will support evidence-based programs and pedagogical approaches, including assessments that consider the well-being of the whole student and recognize the range of ways students can demonstrate learning. We will reimagine our education system guided by the stakeholders and qualified, first-class, well-trained, passionate educators who know these issues best: young people, educators, parents, and community leaders. Democrats fundamentally believe our education system should prepare all our students—indeed, all of us—for college, careers, lifelong learning, and to be informed, engaged citizens of our communities, our country, and our planet.

Guaranteeing Universal Early Childhood Education
Democrats believe that all children across the United States should have access to high-quality early childhood education programs. We will work with states to offer pre-K for all three- and four-year-olds and expand Head Start and Early Head Start. We will drive increased resources to the communities with the highest need, including those with the highest concentrations of low-income students, impoverished urban areas impacted by gentrification, and rural areas, and will strive to support holistic school readiness. We also will ensure students with disabilities and English language learners have access to and are fully included in early childhood programs.

We recognize that learning starts at birth, and the exorbitant costs of safe, quality child care present a significant economic burden to families. Democrats support making child care and dependent tax credits significantly more generous and will increase funding to states to guarantee that low-income and middle class families can afford child care. We will make major investments to increase quality options for parents and increase compensation for providers. Democrats also support expanding proven programs for low-income and first-time parents, guardians, and caregivers, including home visiting, that can help connect families in need to child care, education, and child development opportunities and improve outcomes for children and parents alike.

Democrats also support raising early childhood standards and providing ongoing professional development for early childhood educators, to ensure that children’s academic, social development, behavioral, and cognitive needs are being met. Democrats believe that early childhood educators, like all educators and all workers, should be paid a family-supporting wage, have access to benefits and paid leave, and be able to organize, join a union, and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Supporting High-Quality K-12 Schools Across America
Each year, the United States spends $23 billion more on schools in predominantly white districts than in non-white districts. Using property taxes to fund public K-12 schools results in inequitable treatment for students in low-income school districts, compared to those in wealthier areas. Democrats are committed to closing the school funding gap by tripling Title I funding, which benefits schools that serve low-income students, and incentivizing states to adopt progressive funding formulas that direct resources to the schools that need it most. We will also ensure sustainable, reliable funding for rural schools, schools in impoverished urban areas impacted by gentrification, and Bureau of Indian Education schools.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has made plain, our public schools are more than places where children learn—they are pillars of our neighborhoods and our society. Democrats believe that no student should ever be shamed over school lunch debt, and support expanding universal free school meal programs. We will also support wraparound health care and nutrition services, before- and after-school programs, adult education classes, and other services by significantly expanding the community school model.

Students should have multiple public school pathways to be able to access the opportunities they deserve. Democrats will work to expand access to career and technical education, magnet schools for science and the arts, International Baccalaureate programs, and early college high schools to offer multiple pathways to meet the diverse needs and interests of America’s high school students. We will increase investments in high-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in our public schools, support access to computer science for all and improve professional development opportunities for math and science teachers, including through the creation of a national science corps of outstanding STEM teachers serving as leaders in their schools and communities. Democrats believe we must prioritize STEAM education and funding for underrepresented students, including students of color, girls, and low-income students, to help remove enrollment and achievement barriers. We will equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand complex scientific issues, counter the rising tide of denialism by promoting environmental and climate literacy, and reverse the Trump Administration’s cuts to the National Environmental Education Act. In addition to developing strong literacy, numeracy, and STEAM skills, our education system should develop the deep learning and life skills needed to thrive in the 21st century economy, including critical and creative thinking, leadership, and judgment and decision-making.

Charter schools were originally intended to be publicly funded schools with increased flexibility in program design and operations. Democrats believe that education is a public good and should not be saddled with a private profit motive, which is why we will ban for-profit private charter businesses from receiving federal funding. And we recognize the need for more stringent guardrails to ensure charter schools are good stewards of federal education funds. We support measures to increase accountability for charter schools, including by requiring all charter schools to meet the same standards of transparency as traditional public schools, including with regard to civil rights protections, racial equity, admissions practices, disciplinary procedures, and school finances. We will call for conditioning federal funding for new, expanded charter schools or for charter school renewals on a district’s review of whether the charter will systematically underserve the neediest students. And Democrats oppose private school vouchers and other policies that divert taxpayer-funded resources away from the public school system, including the program at issue in the recent Espinoza decision.

Democrats are committed to safe and supportive school climates for students and educators alike. Guns have no place in our schools. We disagree strongly with the Trump Administration’s dangerous and short-sighted suggestion that teachers should bring fi****ms into the classroom. Democrats also believe that all schools should have adequate resources to expand school-based health services and hire guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, and school psychologists to help support students’ mental health needs, address trauma, and promote social and emotional development. We will work with school administrators, educators, students, and mental health advocates to reduce the stigma that too often prevents students from seeking out these resources. Democrats will make sure schools do not engage in, and appropriately address, discrimination, bullying and harassment related to s*x, including s*xual orientation and gender identity; race; national origin; immigration or citizenship status; religion; disability; and language status. We will protect the rights of transgender students.

It is unacceptable that America’s public schools are more racially segregated today than they were in the late 1960s. Schools—and classrooms and programs within schools—continue to be segregated by race and class. And, with increasing frequency, students are being unnecessarily and unlawfully segregated by disability, language status and through the use of exclusionary discipline and school-based arrests. We believe that schools must no longer engage in segregation and segregative practices. Democrats support appointing judges who will enforce the Civil Rights Act in schools. We will fund federal programs to promote integration and school diversity, including magnet schools and school transportation initiatives. We will also reinvigorate and increase funding for the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, expand the civil rights data collection to inform civil rights enforcement and the public on the status of equal educational opportunity for all children, and build on the Strength in Diversity Act to increase federal funding for community-driven strategies to desegregate schools.

All children have the Constitutional right to go to school. Schools should be safe zones for children and their families, which is why Democrats will protect sensitive locations like schools from immigration enforcement actions. Democrats believe that English learners should be recognized as bringing an asset, rather than a deficit, with them to school. We recognize the need for significantly increased funding and support for English learners to ensure they can participate meaningfully and equally in school. Democrats will protect the civil rights of limited English proficient parents so they receive information in the language they understand and are able to meaningfully participate in their child’s education, including through public meetings and community decision-making mechanisms.

Democrats believe in providing equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. We will fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and fully implement its requirements for a free appropriate public education and least restrictive environment. We will support aggressive enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the integration mandate of the Olmstead decision, and provide school districts with additional resources to better serve students with disabilities. We will ban seclusion and prevent and decrease use of physical restraint, in partnership with teachers, school administrators, and the disability rights movement. Democrats also support aggressive enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act in schools and other settings.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made long-standing educational disparities evident to all Americans. Democrats will prioritize equitable education and access for students with disabilities, English language learners, low-income students, students of color, and urban and rural students, including those who are homeless, are immigrants or refugees, or are in the foster care or juvenile justice systems. Remote instruction must be individualized to the greatest possible extent and reasonable modifications should be provided for students with disabilities even during a pandemic.

The evidence from nearly two decades of education reforms that hinge on standardized test scores shows clearly that high-stakes testing has not led to enough improvement in outcomes for students or for schools, and can lead to discrimination against students, particularly students with disabilities, students of color, low-income students, and English language learners. Democrats will work to end the use of such high-stakes tests and encourage states to develop reliable, continuous, evidence-based approaches to student assessment that rely on multiple and holistic measures that better represent student achievement. Assessments will provide families with clear, accessible, consistent information about how well schools are serving individual students and groups of students, while better representing student achievement. Students, parents, and educators will be supported by data collection and analysis disaggregated by race, gender, disability status, and other important variables, to identify and address disparities in educational equity, access, and outcomes.

Educators have always been heroes. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the value that educators provide to children, parents, and the economy obvious as never before to tens of millions of Americans. Public school educators should have the same rights to organize, join a union, and collectively bargain as private sector workers. Democrats will fight to significantly increase pay and benefits for all educators, in order to help recruit, retain, and reward high-quality teachers and support professionals, and will continue to support measures to help teachers pay for out-of-pocket classroom expenses. We will support programs to help introduce high school students to the teaching profession, enable school support staff to climb the professional ladder within schools, and recruit a diverse educational workforce through partnerships with HBCUs, MSIs, and TCUs.

Making Higher Education Affordable and Accessible
Democrats believe that everyone should be able to earn a degree beyond high school, if they choose to, without money standing in the way. That is why we will make public colleges and universities tuition-free for students whose families earn less than $125,000—roughly 80 percent of the American people. We will double the maximum Pell Grant award for low-income students, and double federal support for TRIO programs that help first-generation college students, students with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups apply to and complete college.

HBCUs, MSIs, and TCUs serve a disproportionate number of low-income students who might otherwise be unable to access a college degree, and yet these vital institutions are chronically under-resourced. Democrats will work to provide grants to HBCUs, MSIs, and TCUs to lower student costs, increase academic research capabilities, and ensure these essential institutions can continue to thrive in the future.

Democrats support making community colleges and trade schools tuition-free for all students, including Dreamers. Our nation’s network of two-year community colleges provides accessible, high-quality education for students of all ages. Democrats will additionally support and expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities and registered apprenticeships with formal worker representation in program development to provide a clear pathway to high-quality jobs that does not require attending college.

We will increase federal support for services like child care on college campuses, so more students are able to balance the demands of school and family and graduate with degrees. Democrats also support increased funding for wraparound services, including covering the cost of textbooks and fees for low-income students and establishing programs to address campus food insecurity, so students can focus on what matters most: their studies.

Democrats will fight to create a federal funding program for higher education, modeled on Title I funding for K-12 schools, that would direct funds to public and nonprofit colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions based on the proportion of low-income students those schools enroll and graduate. We will promote transparency and fairness regarding higher education faculty working conditions, including adjuncts, graduate employees, and full-time lecturers who are often grossly underpaid compared to full professors, and support and encourage professor tenure. And Democrats will safeguard academic freedom on college campuses.

Democrats oppose the Trump Administration’s cruel and capricious treatment of international students studying in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people around the world dream of coming to the United States, especially to study, innovate, and contribute to our research institutions, our economy, and our communities. Winning the competition for talents is a major component for winning global competitions in the 21st century. Democrats are committed to policies that make the United States welcoming to the more than one million international students who come to study in our colleges and universities annually, contributing to our higher education sector and to our nation’s intellectual and cultural vibrancy. We will act to restore trust and certainty for international students and the higher education sector as part of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Trump Administration’s harmful policies toward international students.

Providing Borrowers Relief from Crushing Student Debt
Student debt is holding millions of Americans back. The COVID-19 pandemic and President Trump’s recession are making it harder for those with student loans to make ends meet right now. Democrats will work to authorize up to $10,000 in student debt relief per borrower to help families weather this crisis.

Beyond that immediate relief, Democrats will also take steps to ease the burden of high monthly student loan payments through legislative and administration relief processes, including creating a simplified repayment process. Democrats will work to pause monthly billing and stop interest from accruing on federal student loans for people earning less than $25,000, and cap payments at no more than five percent of discretionary income for those earning more than $25,000. After 20 years, remaining federal student loan debt should be automatically forgiven without tax liability. For those earning less than $125,000, we support forgiving all undergraduate tuition-related federal student debt from two- and four-year public colleges and universities, and we will also apply this benefit to individuals holding federal student loans for tuition from private HBCUs and MSIs.

Democrats support modernizing and improving the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, including making the enrollment process automatic for people who work in schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. We will also make the program more generous by forgiving up to $10,000 in student debt per year for up to five years, and apply this action to people who have already dedicated 5 years or less of service to working in our schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. We reject Republican proposals that, in the name of simplification, would make students pay billions of dollars more on their student loans.

Not only will these measures make it easier for Americans to buy a home or start a small business, student debt forgiveness is key to helping address the racial wealth gap, as students of color are more likely to have to borrow to finance higher education. Democrats will also empower the CFPB to take action against exploitative lenders and will work with Congress to allow student debt to be discharged during bankruptcy.

The Trump Administration has let for-profit colleges and universities once again prey upon students with impunity by repealing important protections. Democrats will crack down on predatory for-profit higher education programs, including by issuing requirements that these programs be able to demonstrate their value and effectiveness before becoming eligible for federal student loans. We will call upon the Secretary of Education to forgive debt carried by students who were ripped off by predatory schools, including by programs that defrauded students or that misrepresented program offerings or program outcomes, as well as debt held by people who are permanently disabled. And we will protect veterans and servicemembers from being steered into low-performing for-profit higher education and professional programs.