Heart House Austin
November 2006

Note: If you have problems viewing the graphics included in this email, a copy of this e-newsletter can be seen online at http://www.hearthouse.org/newsletter.htm
  

In this issue:

• What's New?  

• Heart House Superstar: Kid of the Month

• Our Program: This Month's Theme

• Photo Scrapbook: Our Favorite Shots from Last Month

• Heart House Angels: Friends and Supporters Who Make Our Program Possible

• Volunteer Spotlight

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Major Heart House Sponsors

The Power of Choice

This October at marked a very special change in Heart House Austin programming. In addition to our thematic learning, guest visitors, and homework support, we will now be offering choice classes. This is an exciting opportunity to allow the children the chance to join a program of their choice during their time at Heart House. Recently, students were given the opportunity to join a class of their choosing: Spanish or “Believe in Me”. In Spanish, Senora Erika will introduce the kids to special activities that foster creativity, problem-solving and decision-making…todo en espanol! Kids will play interactive games in order to emphasize the fun and social aspects of learning a language. Whether it’s Spanish Bingo or Spanish musical chairs, this class will be unique in its approach to learning and speaking Spanish! “Believe in Me” is a movement program which helps instill such virtues as self-confidence, teamwork, and creativity by providing the students with a safe place to express themselves and instructors who keep them actively engaged and moving. The instructors, Ms. Molly and Ms. Debra, also encourage them to explore movements that come from their own cultural background as well as new, imagined movements. Everyone likes to have choices and children are no exception. Choices empower students, make them feel invested in their environment and opinions, and foster a sense of belonging and importance. There is a noticeable excitement in our students’ expressions on the days that they attend these classes. Many of our students are able to express a part of themselves that is new to the group, and our staff is discovering new things about our kids as they become engaged in these classes! We are thrilled that these creativities, talents, and interests will continue to be supported, enhanced and enriched throughout the school year! These two new programs and their highly enthusiastic and motivated instructors are integral in making Heart House an innovative and distinctive after-school program!

Believe in Me program at Heart House

When you walk around Heart House Austin, you will notice a variety of personalities in each classroom. Some are boisterous and rambunctious; others are hard at work on a project or homework. One personality that will definitely stand out is Jada. She brightens the room with her positive and eager attitude. Not to mention that she is impressively calm and collected for a 5 year old child! We have enjoyed watching Jada come out of her shell. A quiet kid by nature, she highly enjoys reading to herself or with her peers. And although she is shy, she is not afraid to tell you how she is really feeling on any given day. She is mature and candid, almost to the point that you sometimes forget you are speaking with a child. Jada has won a handful of awards at Heart House since her first week in August and impressed her program leader and the rest of the staff with her mature and responsible behavior. Congratulations Jada!

November’s Theme: “Animal Habitats”

Where and how do animals make their homes? Children will explore the world of animals as we delve into November’s theme of “Animal Habitats.” They will be exploring the many crevices, niches, and holes that animals call home. Ranging from tree dwellers to ground critters, Heart House children will discover the diversity of places and spaces in which animals exist. Furthermore, they will become critical thinkers about how the interactions between habitats, animals, and humans all impact one another and the world.

They will also learn about endangered species, how habitats become threatened, and what happens to the animals and land as a result. November culminates in activities where students explore ways they can educate others and help protect animal environments.

In continuing the theme, we will teach the children how to be safe around animals and how to use peace and nonviolence in our dealing with these special and unique creatures.
  

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If you'd rather donate via mail or fax, simply download one of the forms below.

Donation to Heart House Austin (PDF Document)
Donation to Heart House Austin (Word Document)
    

Here are some of our favorite images from the last month:

Samuel is Batman at the Halloween party.   Kids dress up in donated costumes. The Heart House staff (Monica, Dee, Meredith, and Diane) pose for a Halloween picture. Mr. Richard gets a makeover from the children who took face painting very seriously. Lidely shows off her painted pumpkin at the Halloween party hosted by UT business students.

Jayson smiles big for the camera! Staff members Monica and Shana come up for air during a Friday Dell party.  Two girls try on costumes for the Halloween party. Getting ready for the party to begin!

Thank you to our many donors and friends who donated funds, time, and talent to our organization this month! For more information on donating to Heart House, please visit our website at http://www.hearthouse.org/donate.htm.
   

Heart House Program Sponsors and Diamond Sponsors provide core support for our mission. Please join us in recognizing and thanking them for making Heart House possible.

Program Heart Sponsors

Diamond Heart Sponsors

From Heart House's CafePress Store
  

  
The Heart House Herald is an online publication of Heart House, a free afterschool program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens.  

   www.hearthouse.org

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