3. Page: 3
Imagine a fun, family flea market festival where everything is offered FREE of charge… What a blessing!
FEAST Blessings Bash
Monday, March 21, 10am-12pm in Burwood Hall
What is a Blessings Bash?
T
his is a FREELY give — FREELY receive event.
There will be no exchange of $$, and you are not
required to bring anything! Come and find items
for your family and bless others with things you no lon-
ger need. You may need to bring bags, boxes, or wag-
ons to take items to your car :-)
What treasures can you bring or find?
Bring as many usable items from your home as you
can. We would love to display:
• Curriculum
• Books
• Media
• Clothing (No Undergarments Please)
• Kitchen & Household Goods
• Toys
• Baby Equipment
• Home Décor
• Even Furniture (No Broken Items)
Instructions for the Blessings Bash:
Be here by 9:30am to place your items for the bash in
the designated areas. There will be tarps and signs to
distribute the items for ease of shopping. Presorting
your items before you come makes it easier to distrib-
ute to the appropriate areas. Please do not bring any
items that are toxic or unable to be donated.
From 10-12pm is when the fun begins! Check out the
array of incredible finds brought by home school fam-
ilies from all across the San Antonio area. At the end of
the Blessings Bash you are welcome to keep any items
you brought that are leftover. All remaining items will
be given to charitable organizations.
Please note:
This event is for home schoolers from San Antonio
and surrounding areas. We all know families in need,
and the desire of our hearts is to bless others. Please
feel free to invite people you know from your home
school or church group, and even friends and relatives!
We want this to be a blessing to all and welcome as
many as we can. Since items at the sale are offered
from Christian generosity, please advise all guests to
be considerate and only take what their family can use.
Items are not to be taken intentionally to sell, but rath-
er with the mindset of kindness, sharing our blessings,
frugality, and gratitude.
Due to prior issues, we need some volunteers to watch
the area to help it be more secure. If you or your hus-
band are available to help, please let us know. Contact
Jeanette Watje at, jeanettewatje@outlook.com, for
more information.
"...there shall be showers of blessing."
Ezekiel 34:26
4. Page: 4
It’sTeaTime…Tea is the perfect time
to slow down and take advantage of
the most important people
in your life!
Join us for a special time to bless and encourage
your daughter over a cup of tea at the
Supercharged Second Saturdays
Your Thrift Store Finds
This Supercharged Second Saturday event
is sure to create special memories
that you and your daughter will cherish forever.
Click here for more info!
And You’re Invited!
Mother Daughter Tea
March 12, 10am-1pm
We will have a lovely time
of fellowship
and a sweet devotional,
followed by a fun and fancy fashion show
featuring thrift store finds on the red carpet.
5. Page: 5
Be
Ready
26TH Annual
Feast
Home School
Convention
June 9-11, 2016
!
featured speakers
something for all ages
Childrens Fair
Boys & Girls Ages 6-12
Fair and be edified by our many other workshop speakers.
homeschoolfeast.com
Come “shop till you drop” at our extensive Curriculum
CON
VENT
ION
2016
Be Ready
Teen Staff
Leadership
Training
Ages 13 – 19
Norman
Wakefield
Phillip
Telfer
John R.
Erickson
Woody
Robertson
Lyndsay
LambertMary
James
Tim
Lambert
Beverly
Parrish
Jody
Hagaman
Jenni
Stalmann
sally may’s
chuck wagon
challenge
Tween Girls Ages 10-12
Andrew
Pudewa
Dave
Nutting
6. Page: 6
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program
Take the ASVAB at FEAST
Wednesday March 23 at 10am
Stanford
Achievement Test
Grades 3 -12
Monday and Wednesday
April 25 & 27, 2016 at 8:30am – 1pm.
The Cost is $75 per child.
Registration Deadline Monday - March 10, 2016
F
EAST is happy to be offering the home school
community standardized testing again this year.
Testing is not required by the state of Texas for
home schoolers, FEAST offers this as a service only.
Space is very limited, and registration will be accepted
on a first come/first registered basis.
Verification: Each student testing as a home educated
student must be verified by their parent/guardian.This
year when you fill out the on-line or in-store registra-
tion, you are verifying that the student you are regis-
tering is indeed being home schooled.
Register here. No late registrations will be accepted.
You will receive a confirmation by email within 2 days
after the registration deadline and an email with in-
structions 1 week before the testing dates.
T
HE ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM is
a free career planning and exploration program
that combines a multiple aptitude test with an
interest self-assessment and a wide range of career
exploration tools. Taking this test can be helpful to vir-
tually all students, whether they are planning on im-
mediate employment after high school in civilian or
military occupations, or further education at a univer-
sity, community college, or vocational institution.
The test is open to all students in 10th - 12th grades
and recent high school graduates. Students who are
considered freshmen are not eligible to participate.
The test will be administered at FEAST Wednesday,
March 16, at 10am. Results will be given to students
at the post-test interpretation workshop which will fol-
low. Visit www.asvabprogram.com for more informa-
tion.
Register here!
Testing study
materials
available in the
FEAST Bookstore!
www.feastbookstore.com
7. Page: 7
High School Essay Intensive
Register Here:
A One-Day Seminar for High School Students & Teach-
ers, June 9, Thursday, 2016, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $50.00/participant (accompanying adult,
$25.00)
P
resented by IEW’s humorous and engaging direc-
tor and master teacher Andrew Pudewa, the High
School Essay Intensive class provides immediate
experience and inside tips toward high school essay
writing, including...
Text analysis: Students will learn to employ strategies
requiredinmanycollegeentranceexamsorinresponse
to literature prompts, including: how to evaluate the
ideas presented; select facts or examples to support an
author’s claims; and identify stylistic or persuasive el-
ements, such as word
choice or appeals to
emotion, which add
power to the ideas.
The college applica-
tion personal essay:
Students will choose
the question, create
the outline, and pol-
ish a final version. Participants will leave with a clear
concept of the task their own outline for an actual per-
sonal essay several new tricks and techniques to add to
their repertoire. Open to all students regardless of their
experience with IEW courses or methodology, this
seminar also offers tools and tips for general composi-
tion skills. Come prepared to write a great deal during
this six-hour class.
Operation iCommand
Empower Your Teen to Change the World
May 12-13, 9am - 6pm
A
re you ready to change the world? Are you pre-
pared to shape the course of American politics,
impact your local communities, and change the
culture around you? If so, then Generation Joshua is for
you. Gen J will equip you to not only understand the
history and founding of America, but also to make an
impact in the world today.
The iCommand full day training, with Generation Josh-
ua, is designed
as an intense for-
eign policy crisis
simulation. The
students act as
members of the
executive branch
of government.
They must respond to a variety of developing foreign
crises. The students take on roles in the State Depart-
ment, Department of Defense,
and national secu-
rity organizations
attempting to dis-
cern wise and true
courses of action. An
intense look at the
powers of the pres-
idency in action, and U.S. foreign policy, iCommand
provides student with an opportunity to test their own
idea of how the U.S. should act on the world stage and
see the consequences in real time.
For more information on Generation Joshua go to,
www.generationjoshua.org
The Generation Joshua iCommand simulation is
limited to 80 students, and will fill up fast, since it
is open to Generation Joshua members through-
out Texas. The cost is $95 per student and includes
lunches and supplies.
REGISTER NOW!
Text Analysis & College Application Essays
8. Page: 8
W
e would like to thank all the men, women,
and students who continue to give their
time to teach God’s word during our weekly
co-op devotion.
Theme Days:
Haveanyideasfortheupcomingco-opthemedays,sub-
mit your fun themes in the co-op office or email Roger
and Johanna Davila at davilas@homeschoolfeast.com.
The FEAST Co-op
Teacher Feature
Carol Schroeder
P
ersonally traversing the home
school trail for over 17 years,
Carol Schroeder has a genuine
passion for teaching home school
students and has instructed her
own children from “kinder to col-
lege.” Recently, her daughter grad-
uated from college as an electrical/
computer science engineer, while
her son is a college sophomore pur-
suing a degree in mechanical engi-
neering. By degree, Mrs. Schroeder
is a Licensed Physical Therapist; by
practice, however, she is a homes-
chool teacher. Having taught co-op
classes for over 7 years, she enjoys
instructing math, writing, and high
school level science classes. Car-
ol has been married to her high
school/college sweetheart, Dale for
30 wonderful years. Since leaving
her career as a physical therapist,
Carol delights in instructing chil-
dren and watching them learn and
grow in God’s truths. While contin-
ually seeking to impact children’s
lives for Christ, she and her family
are very involved in their church.
They attend Mission Church where
they both actively serve in various
capacities.
FEAST Co-op Classes with Carol:
* Biology I
* Biology II
* Chemistry
* AP Chemistry
* IEW Writing
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hathbefore ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10
Go Green
March 8 & 10 –
Give us your best shot at a
look that makes you want to
go green!
Sunglasses Day
April 12 &14 –
9. Page: 9
FEAST Student Council
P
roduced from a biblical perspective, and featuring medical, engineering,
and other experts like Dr. Randy Guliuzza, Made in His Image will fasci-
nate audiences with mind-blowing facts, dazzling imagery, and memorable
illustrations.
Episode 3: Uniquely Human Hands. This episode reveals the purposeful design of
human hands and muscles that gives us unique abilities controlled by a sophisti-
cated nervous system
Christians of all ages will marvel at the complexity of God’s creation as revealed in
Made in His Image. We hope this series will prompt viewers to worship the great-
est Designer of all, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A FREE companion young children’s program will also be offered.Younger children
are welcome to sit quietly with their older siblings and parents in the main work-
shop or they may attend a hands on science class designed especially for them!
Click here to register
F
ebruary had been a busy month for the FEAST Student Council! On February 11th, the students were given
a presentation on basic parliamentary procedure by Doug Rigdon, a homeschool stu-
dent. After the basics of creating a motion were taught, they used the
process to create three different kinds of trail mix. This
not only helped to reinforce the ideas of parliamen-
tary procedure, but it also worked as a team-build-
ing exercise.
After the lesson, the Student Council was given a
special devotion by Lonnie Phillips on Acts 10. He
specifically related it to the purpose of the FEAST Stu-
dent Council, along with our walks as Christians.
Thanks so much to both of our speakers!
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them.”
Genesis 1:27
FEAST Science Workshop
March 28, 6pm
STW Report
S
moothing the Way offered a wonderful work-
shop on “Organizing Your Home” for their Febru-
ary meeting! Bookstore offered 20% off for Patri-
ot Pass members and 10% off non-members that day
on home school organization books.
There will be no Smoothing the Way or PIERS meeting
for March. Don’t miss their last meeting before sum-
mer break on Tuesday, April 12.
10. Page: 10Page 10
FEAST Civics Class
P
lease join us for a time of learning and fellow-
ship at our Civics class on March 16th. Check
our Civics page on the FEAST website for up-
dates on our featured speakers. We will have mu-
sic and drinks starting at 9:45am. RSVP on the
FEAST website and direct any questions to Gale at
hopegale50@gmail.com. We conclude our meet-
ing with a complimentary lunch. Entire families are
encouraged to attend. No tests or writing required.
Please bring a monetary donation to bless FEAST
for the use of the room and their staffing assistance
during the year. An offering basket will be on the
table as you enter the room. Please RSVP by Friday,
March 11th, for lunch. Click here to RSVP.
About Our Program
Our FREE Civics class meets each month at FEAST. The FEAST Civics Coordinator, Gale Sayers, spends
many months handling arrangements with local and state politicians and government and civic leaders
in preparation for our free Civics Classes. Please honor our guests by coming in business casual attire.
Attendance is open to all. Your faithful participation
will ensure the success of these events, so please make
it a priority on your family’s calendar to be physical-
ly present. No writing is required, but personal notes
are strongly encouraged. No tests are given. Come out
and enjoy a very interactive time with our guests.
Many Thanks to Our February Speakers!
11. Page: 11
25 % off Great Science Adventures for grades 2-7!
Introducing Dr. Wile’s NEW
science program for grades K-6!
15% off!
Explore the Wonders of Creation series as a family!
25% off!
15% off Life of Fred!
Makes math fun for grades K-12!
March Book Store Features
Math & Science
12. Page: 12
Mega STEM Blowout!
Lots of curriculum on
SUPER DISCOUNT!
30% off or more!
You never know what
you might find!
You can always find the
lowest price at FEASTbecause we Price MatchClick here to read our Price Matching Policy.
13. Page: 13
FEAST Chess Class
S
tudies show that playing chess is so much more
than just a fun game; it can boost IQ and also de-
velop both sides of the brain. Playing Chess in-
creases creativity, problem solving skills, reading abil-
ity, and improves memory and concentration, while
also teaching planning and foresight. Chess augments
dendrites, the treelike branches that conduct signals
from other neural cells into the neurons they are at-
tached to; think of them like antennas picking up sig-
nals from other brain cells. The more antennas you
have and the bigger they are, the more signals you’ll
pick up. Even special needs children are showing mea-
surable success in these areas.
Scott Lane currently serves as our Athletic Director at
FEAST and offers a monthly Creation Science work-
shop for families. We are so grateful that he has agreed
to invest even more in our great students as our new
chess instructor!
Scott has an "A" rating with the United States Chess
Federation (USCF) and is rated among the top 5% of
players internationally. He played for his high school
chess team and also competed on the collegiate lev-
el for the Texas A&M chess team. He has competed
in over 50 competitive chess tournaments across the
southwest United States.
The FEAST
Chess Class will
meet Mondays
from 10am -
noon at FEAST,
March 21-April
25. Scott will
continue the
format of two
hour chess ses-
sions with alternate playing and teaching sessions all
levels. Scott will also conclude every chess session with
a devotional from God's Word. Chess Class is $125, or
$115 for Patriot Pass holders.
Attention
Graduates of 2015
Home School Graduations will be hosting
their 4th annual graduation ceremony on
May 16th. Please contact Donna Faucett or
LuisTellez for more information.You may go
to,
www.HomeSchoolGraduations.com
Fill out the contact information block in the
website above and you will receive details
of this event.
16. Page: 16
The Nuts and Bolts of
Learning Disabilities
Difficulty or Disability?
I
n order to adequately assess and address learning
difficulties or disabilities, it’s helpful to first under-
stand some general concepts before getting into the
specifics of issues and conditions. There is a difference
in identifying one as having a learning difficulty versus
a learning disability. Anyone can identify a learning dif-
ficulty, such as a greater struggle to memorize math
facts or learn to read compared to their peers, but a
learning disability is more se-
vere and has generally gone
on for more than six months.
To be considered a disabili-
ty, it must be diagnosed by a
trained professional and be
at least two deviations be-
low the standards accepted
by National education stan-
dards. Difficulties observed
by yourself or others are im-
portant in that these obser-
vations may lead to making
a decision about diagnostic
evaluations. The good news
is that learning difficulties or
disabilities can be eliminated
or greatly diminished with
proper methods of remedia-
tion and or accommodation.
Remediation methods are specialized education and
or therapies (physical, occupational or brain trainings)
designed to eliminate or diminish the difficulty or dis-
ability. On the other hand, accommodations provide
methods of allowing a child to work in a way that is
best suited to his/
her way of learning
to achieve their edu-
cation. Accommoda-
tions are needed when a weakness poses a significant
impediment to accomplishing work. They are not a
crutch nor meant to give the child “a leg up.” Accom-
modations simply level the playing field in systems
that are set up for “traditional learners.” Remediation
and accommodation often go hand in hand to help al-
leviate the disability and its impediments.
Where To Get an Evaluation
My recommendation is to seek thorough neuropsy-
chological evaluations from highly credible, reputable
and fully licensed specialists such as a clinical neuro-
psychologist that specializes in the assessment and
treatment of brain injuries and disease. These special-
ists usually hold advanced degrees in clinical psychol-
ogy. Additionally, I recommend auditory and visual
evaluations from an auditory and visual therapist, par-
ticularly if there are concerns that your child may have
attention difficulties. Visual and auditory evaluations
can help rule out attention difficulties and attention
difficulties can mask a visual or auditory problem (Dr.
Eides & Eides, The Mislabeled
Child).
Paying for these services can
be an issue especially if you
are underinsured or do not
have insurance that covers
mental health services. There
are other resources worth
exploring for assistance with
diagnostic evaluations, in-
cluding state/government/
not-for-profit organizations,
medical research centers, and
universities with graduation
programs in psychology.
Reflecting on recent articles
that report home schooling
as one of the fastest growing
educational methods in the
nation, my observation is that one of the biggest rea-
sons for this increase is that parents are removing their
children from traditional educational systems in order
to address their children’s learning differences that the
educational system is currently unable to adequately
address. Subsequently, it leads me to this thought: with
an increasing number of students reporting learning
disabilities, is this really their issue or is this an “issue”
that is indicative of a broken system that has failed
the student in identifying and embracing their unique
learning style? Perhaps we are beginning to accept the
reality that people have unique styles of learning and
that the approach should not be cookie cutter but in-
stead individualized. Diverse learning needs appear to
be the norm rather than a difference.
"...disabilities can be
eliminated or
greatly diminished..."
17. Page: 17
Sports that are in season now...Sports that are in season now...
From Your
Athletic DirectorSpring is just around the corner and our slate of spring sports
has already sprung into gear!
O
ur new golf program has kicked off with programs both for middle
school players in the ISAL league, as well as new high school pro-
gram. Both programs are getting instruction from our new golf part-
ners at the“First Tee.”
Basketball has concluded for most of our teams, but our boy’s JV1 team will
be participating in the National Home School BasketballTournament March
7-11 in Springfield, Missouri. Please pray for traveling mercies for this group
as well as a successful tournament.
Track and Field and baseball have both started their practices for their re-
spective seasons. In baseball, FEAST is fielding a boys' varsity team as well
as two middle school teams.
As usual, a huge number of students and family members participating in
track and field. This is one of our most popular programs.
Mrs. Diane White just reacently agreed to fill the shoes of High School Soc-
cer Commissioner for the coming year. Thanks, Mrs. White, for stepping up
to the plate and taking this on!
We still need a person to be our middle school soccer commissioner. If we
do not find one soon, we will have to cancel our middle school soccer pro-
gram in the fall. We would like to avoid that if at all possible. Applicants may
call me at 210-861-0454 or email me at AD@homeschoolfeast.com for more
information on this important position.
As always there is a wealth of sports opportunities for your kids and families
to be a part of, excel at and enjoy at FEAST this spring. We hope your family
has found one or more to participate in.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1
“I press toward the mark
for the prize of the highcalling of
God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14
Click to View the Complete Sports Calendar
18. Page: 18
T
he FEAST Patriots High
School Soccer team had a
great season! The young
men played with passion, skill,
and teamwork. With several ex-
citing wins and ties, including a
4-4 tie against Cole High School,
the team finished in grand style,
the Patriots won 3-0 against
Atonement with goals scored
by Jacob Rodriguez and Kendall
McLaren.
Special thanks to all those who
have poured into the FEAST
soccer program over the years!
Congratulations to Coach Dot-
zler and the team on a fantastic
season!
FEAST PaTriots Soccer
19. Page: 19
FEAST Patriots Track and Field
A
s the latter part of February ar-
rives, the FEAST track and field
team is making its final prepara-
tions for what is shaping up to be a great
year. The high school season will kick
off at Medina Valley on Saturday, Febru-
ary 20th. The middle school season will
come out of the blocks on Friday, Feb-
ruary 26th, at Blanco HS. Coaches, fans,
and athletes alike look forward to an
incredible year of running. “I can’t wait
to get into meet season. Trying my best
for my team and setting new PR’s are my
goals this year,“says Calvin Lindley, a se-
nior athlete.
Track tends
to bring out the best in athletes.
Coaches and training push them
to new limits, both physically
and mentally. “Learning to hit
the wall and keep going is a key strug-
gle. You just have to find your own way
past it,”advises Tilden Jones, a junior this
year. The coaches manage to get the
athletes in shape, despite only practic-
ing twice a week, through challenging
workouts and strict schedules.
This early in the season, daylight is often
a determining factor in workout sched-
uling. Track workouts run until sunset,
but the training doesn’t stop there. The
coaches of FEAST track believe that spir-
itual training is a key part of a Christian
athlete’s development. Coach Dunn
enthusiastically imparts the wisdom of
both the Bible and his own heart on the
athletes. Victoria Bowden, a senior, ap-
preciates this particular investment into
athletes. “These awesome lessons will
last me many years after I
hang up my spikes.”
Standing firm on this three-
legged stool of Physical
Fitness, Mental Toughness,
and Spirituality, the FEAST Patriots look
ready to reach new heights in the 2016
season.
20. Page: 20
T
he FEAST Navy Team won the inaugural middle school
baseball tournament held at the Missions Baseball Acade-
my on Feb 12 and Feb 13 by winning all four of their games.
Great pitching and defense was the highlight for the Navy team
as only four runs were scored against them over the whole week-
end.
The FEAST Red won their first game of the season over KIPP
during the tournament in a 7-1 victory that was also highlight-
ed by very good pitching and defense. Their only losses were
against the Navy team and the eventual runner up to the
tournament, Knippa.
The season is in full swing with practices throughout the
week until our first game scheduled for Feb 29 against
SACS. Prior to that, the MS Baseball team will play an,
'Opening Day', game on Feb 23 where both teams will
be introduced and the first pitch of the season will be
thrown.
We still have a few spots available for MS Baseball. If
interested contact the baseball commissioner at,
patriots.baseball@yahoo.com.
FEAST Patriots Baseball
Hi Everyone!
O
ur Feast Golf team
is putt, putting right
along. The coaches
at the First Tee of Greater
San Antonio are wonderful.
Our golfers are learning
about the rules of golf, how
to swing the club properly
and which one to swing.
They are also learning about
Honesty, Integrity, Sports-
manship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance,
and Courtesy on and off the golf course. Those are the Nine
Core Values of the First Tee Program. At this time, our Spring
season is closed for registration. But please don't let that stop
you from learning about the game of golf. You can contact the
First Tee of Greater San Antonio for more information about
their Saturday and Sunday classes and you'll be ready for our
next golf season! Please keep our team players, coaches, and
parents in your thoughts and prayers as we begin our tourna-
ment season.
Thank you,
Cindy Seward
FEAST Patriots Golf
21. Page: 21
FEAST CALENDAR
WWW.HOMESCHOOLFEAST.COM
MARCH
1-15 Blow-Out Sale in Bookstore
12 Supercharged Second Saturday
14-18 Spring Break
16-18 Bookstore Closed for Spring Break
16 Civics Class at FEAST
21 Blessings Bash
23 ASVAB Testing
25 Closed for Good Friday
27 Easter Sunday
28 Science Workshop
APRIL
9 Second Saturday
12 Smoothing the Way
12 PIERS
20 Civics Class at FEAST
25 Science Workshop
25 & 27 Stanford Testing
28 Co-op Classes End
MAY
5 National Day of Prayer
8 Mother's Day
12 & 13 iCommand
30 Memorial Day
Family Educators Alliance of South Texas, 25 Burwood Lane, San Antonio, TX, 78216 • 210-342-4674
The MANNA newsletter is published monthly. To submit ads or upcoming events for publication or to inquire
about advertising, please go to www.homeschoolfeast.com FEASTTM reserves the right to refuse any adver-
tisements or events deemed inappropriate for our publication. The views expressed in this newsletter do not
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where noted, provided proper credit is given.
