Valentine's Day Party Details!

We are having a Valentine's Party for all MLC students (and parents) on February 14th at 9:30 a.m.  Children of all ages are welcome to participate.  There will be scheduled fun activities and social time with snacks provided.  There is no cost to members for this event and all materials and snacks will be provided.

We are asking students ages PreK and up to bring their own Valentine's cards to share with their classmates.  Students will be making a craft box or envelope to store their cards in, so if they want to participate in this activity, they should bring cards to exchange.  Of course, it is not mandatory that a student exchange cards to attend the party.

Students will only be exchanging cards with other students in their groups.
The groups are as follows:
PreK-1st - 27 students
2nd - 5th - 30 students
6th - 12th - 14 students

NOTE: No need to run out and spend a bunch of money on pre-made cards!  Have your students make some homemade cards with stickers, typing paper, construction paper, crayons, etc.  Get crafty!  Just have them sign their names on their cards, but don't address them to any specific student.  

Snacks will be juice, popcorn and M&M's.

>>>>IMPORTANT<<<<
Amy Hall has asked that anyone who volunteered to help gather supplies or perform a job while at the party and can NOT fulfill their obligation, please contact her ASAP at hallfamilyhomeschool@gmail.com 

Calendar Reminders
P.S. 2nd hour 6th-12th grade will still meet for Mr. Martin's class on Feb 14th.
All other co-op classes will not be held on Feb 14th.
Feb 21st is a field trip day with no co-op classes held.
Feb 28th Co-op classes resume.

See you next Friday!  

Share the Love...

On January 31st (during co-op classes) MLC members who meet in the coffee room will have a fun little J-O-B.  We are asking that you take a few minutes to plan the Valentine's Day Party for our students!

Sounds simple, right?!  That's because it is!

No need to worry because we have already taken the guesswork out of it.  We have a spreadsheet ready... all you will need to do is fill in the blanks with your ideas and discuss who wants to gather materials, make goodies, coordinate activities, etc.  You will have a good sized budget to work with.

This is a fun way to work together and create a memorable day for our kid-os!

P.S. If you have never planned anything like this, no worries. Come, share your ideas, enjoy yourselves, laugh with each other or at each other, whatever works for you.

P.S.S. Remember this is YOUR co-op, this is a great opportunity to get involved! After all, it is Valentine's Day, SHARE THE LOVE, people.

P.S.S.S. If no one shows up for the planning meeting due to this post, just know that we will hold a party for your kids, but you might not be invited.  We may ask that you wait in the car.

{Just kidding......well.....maybe.}

CLASS CANCELLATION 1/24/14

As some of you may know, we are cancelling classes this Friday, January 24th.  We will resume classes on January 31st.  This week will NOT be 'made up' on another date.  However, the 6th-12th students attending Mr. Canon's class will havea 4th class period during the 2nd hour on February 14th.

So, January 31st will be the last class of Term 3 for all students EXCEPT Mr. Canon's class.

On February 14th, we will be having a Valentine's Day Party for MLC students of ALL AGES beginning at 9:30.  At 10:45, Mr. Canon's students will meet in their classroom.

More information about the Valentine's Day party events will be posted at a later date.
If you have any questions, please email us at MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

Mindful Mom's Night Out - Stokes Bar & Grill

Mindful Mom Members will be gathering at Stokes Bar & Grill, at 12th and Howard in Omaha's Old Market at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 13th.  Stokes menu can be found HERE.

While there is no doubt we love spending time with our children {isn't that why we homeschool?!}, we are looking forward to an evening without potty interruptions, sticky fingers, and sibling quarrels.  With that said, only nursing babies are allowed to join the Moms on this night.  So, get a sitter and come join us for some good old fashioned face time.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about the Mindful Mom's Night Out,
please email us at MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

This event is now on our CALENDAR.
This event requires an RSVP.
Please RSVP using the form below. 

Term 3 Begins January 10th!

Hello MLC Members!
Happy New Year!
Hoping you all had the Merriest of Christmases (Christmasses? Christmas' or Christmas's??)  Oh goodness, looks like it is definately time for me to get back to homeschooling!  I often wonder who is teaching who in this house...

Anywho, January 10th, MLC will be beginning Term 3.  If you are unsure of what classes your children are signed up for, we will have that information printed out for you to review that morning.

Look forward to seeing you all next week!

Term 3
1/10/2014	Co-op Classes
1/17/2014	Co-op Classes
1/24/2014	Co-op Classes
1/31/2014	Co-op Classes
2/14/2014	Valentine's Party (All Ages)
2/21/2014	Field Trip/No Classes

Mindful Mom's Night Out - Texas Roadhouse

Mindful Mom Members will be gathering at Texas Roadhouse, 3231 S. 24th Street in Council Bluffs at 6:30 p.m. on December 9th.

While there is no doubt we love spending time with our children {isn't that why we homeschool?!}, we are looking forward to an evening without potty interruptions, sticky fingers, and sibling quarrels.  With that said, only nursing babies are allowed to join the Moms on this night.  So, get a sitter and come join us for some good old fashioned face time.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about the Mindful Mom's Night Out,
please email us at MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

CLASSES CANCELLED FOR NOV 22nd

ALL MLC 

CO-OP CLASSES CANCELLED 

FOR THIS 

FRIDAY, NOV 22.

St. Paul's will be closed this Friday while construction is completed on the roof project.  There is a scheduled power outage during the time we would normally hold classes.  For this reason, we will have to cancel ALL MINDFUL CLASSES for this week.  Please call MLC members close to you that might not check their email.  We apologize for this unforseen circumstance and short notice.  

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families.

We will resume Mindful activities with Mom's Night Out on December 9th and co-op classes on Dec. 13th.  This will be the last class of Term 2.  Term 3 begins Jan 10th.  

Thank you,

MLC Founding Members

Mindful Mom's Night Out - Barley's Bar & Grill

Mindful Mom Members will be gathering at Barley's Bar & Grill, 114 West Braodway in Council Bluffs at 6:30 p.m. on November 11th.

While there is no doubt we love spending time with our children {isn't that why we homeschool?!}, we are looking forward to an evening without potty interruptions, sticky fingers, and sibling quarrels.  With that said, only nursing babies are allowed to join the Moms on this night.  So, get a sitter and come join us for some good old fashioned face time.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about the Mindful Mom's Night Out,
please email us at MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

This event is now on our CALENDAR.
RSVP using the form below.

Field Trip to Joslyn Art Museum

MLC is heading out for a guided tour of the museum on November 15th. 

This term, some of our older students are studying famous painters.  We thought it would be nice to incorporate a field trip to the Joslyn Art Museum to coincide with their studies.

However, we are not limiting this experience to the older students.  This trip is open to students of ALL ages.  There will be fun for everyone!

Here is some information about the trip, followed by an RSVP form:

• We will be divided into two docent-led groups. Parents should accompany their children on the tour as chaperones.
• We are welcome to bring sack lunches to eat at the museum, and are free to continue viewing the museum's collections after the tour ends. 
• Please let us know (below) if you plan to bring your lunch, as the staff needs a headcount to plan for us.
• Tour will last from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. 
•  Their tour schedule is very busy - if we are late, they will cut our tour short or cancel it altogether, so PLEASE BE PROMPT.

FIELD TRIP:	Joslyn Art Museum - Docents will lead us on a guided tour through 'The Highlights of the Permanent Collection.' Come and experience some of the amazing artwork in the Joslyn Art Museum's world-class collection. Tour is appropriate for students K-12.
DATE:	11/15/2013
MEETING TIME:	10:45
ADDRESS:	Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102-1292 (402) 342-3300
MEETING PLACE:	Atrium Entrance, Admissions Desk
COORDINATOR:	Leah Shannon
PHONE:	402-981-0724
RAIN OUT DATE:	None
ADMISSION:	No, they offer free admission for all ages.
PAYMENT DUE:	None
SUBMIT PAYMENT TO:	N/A
HOW TO RSVP:	Use the online RSVP form on our NEWS page for this event.
CANCELLATIONS:	Email coordinator at leah.shannon@gmail.com prior to day of event; text coordinator 402-981-0724 day of event
RSVP DEADLINE:	Friday, November 8, 2013

Halloween Bowling Party OCT 29!!

Calling all pumpkin heads....

We are having an MLC Halloween Bowling Party at Thunderbowl in Council Bluffs!
Children are free to come dressed in their costumes, but it isn't necessary to attend.  All ages are welcome!!

Thunderbowl stated they have a mom-approved list of halloween and pop music they will play for us during this event.

I know this is short notice, but they would like a head count by Monday morning.  RSVP below!

FIELD TRIP:	Halloween Bowling Party at Thunderbowl
DATE:	10/29/2013
MEETING TIME:	11 am
ADDRESS:	1900 Madison Ave. Council Bluffs, IA
MEETING PLACE:	Inside the doors
COORDINATOR:	Lisa Orsi
PHONE:	4029816907
RAIN OUT DATE:	None
ADMISSION:	$2/game and $2/shoe rental
PAYMENT DUE:	day of field trip
SUBMIT PAYMENT TO:	Thunderbowl Directly
HOW TO RSVP:	Use the online RSVP form on our NEWS page for this event.
CANCELLATIONS:	Prior to the day of the field trip, send an email to MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com to notify us of the cancellation. On the day of the field trip, please call or text Lisa Orsi if you can’t make it.
RSVP DEADLINE:	10/27/2013

Term 2 Begins with a Swap Shop

Hello Mindful Members,

Just a reminder, this Friday marks the beginning of Term 2. Some age groups will have a new line up of classes and classrooms.

 (Nursery and Pre-K-1st will remain in the same locations.) 

 Please advise your children that they may not be heading to the same classrooms.  We do not take attendance, so please remind your children of what class title they are should be listening for at the time of dismissal.

For a listing of what is being offered, CLICK HERE.


GATHER YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS!!

We are also holding our monthly MLC Members Only Swap Shop this FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25th.

The last swap shop was a huge success!  Many thanks to all those who stayed behind to help clean up and offer to take items for donation.

Depending on how many items are brought to the Swap Shop, we may ask members to take their own items back OR ask that more members help to remove items for donation to area shelters or thrift stores.  We hope you find the Swap Shop to be a blessing to your families!

Note to New Members: Swap Shop is simply a FREE monthly garage sale going on during co-op.  You do NOT have to bring items to take items.  Bring when you can, take what you can use.  At the end of the day, we box everything up for donation.  You might want to bring a box, laundry basket, tote bag or something to shop! Enjoy!

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

See you this Friday!

Mindful Mom's Night Out - Oct. 14th

Mindful Mom Members will be gathering at "O" DINING & LOUNGE, 1015 FARNAM STREET OMAHA, NE 68102  at 6:30 p.m. on October 14th.

While there is no doubt we love spending time with our children {isn't that why we homeschool?!}, we are looking forward to an evening without potty interruptions, sticky fingers, and sibling quarrels.  With that said, only nursing babies are allowed to join the Moms on this night.  So, get a sitter and come join us for some good old fashioned face time.

Click here for O's menu options online.
Look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about the Mindful Mom's Night Out,
please email us at MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

This event is now on our CALENDAR.
RSVP using the form below.

Boystown Field Trip Registration Deadline!

A friendly reminder...

Boystown Field Trip is still open and we have plenty of spots available.  The deadline to sign up is tomorrow, 10/10/2013.  

So, go ahead, people, get your RSVP on! 

CLICK HERE to redirect to the original post where you can RSVP.

Registration for Vala's Re-Opened!

THE OCTOBER 3rd PUMPKIN PATCH FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER.

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10th.

We are re-opening registration for this trip.
If you didn't sign up for the Oct 3rd trip and would like to join us for the Oct 10th date, please RSVP below using our online form.

If you registered for the Oct 3rd trip, you do NOT need to RSVP again.  If you can not make the rain out date of Oct 10th and need your name removed, kindly send an email to MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com so your name can be removed from the database to allow room for more families.  Thank you!

***Included with each paid child's admission: a hayrack ride, one smaller sized pumpkin, a ticket to ride the train, and access to many of the activities and shows on the farm.

Details:

FIELD TRIP:	Vala's Pumpkin Patch
DATE:	10/10/2013
MEETING TIME:	9:30 a.m.
ADDRESS:	2102 South 180th Street, Gretna, NE
MEETING PLACE:	Front Gate
COORDINATOR:	Lisa Orsi
PHONE:	4029816907
RAIN OUT DATE:	none (This is the rain out date!)
ADMISSION:	$7/child or adult, children 2 and under are free
PAYMENT DUE:	Day of Event
SUBMIT PAYMENT TO:	Pay Vala's Directly (Accepted: Cash, Visa, or Mastercard)
HOW TO RSVP:	Use the online RSVP form on our NEWS page for this event.
CANCELLATIONS:	Prior to the day of the field trip, send an email to MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com to notify us of the cancellation. On the day of the field trip, please call or text Lisa at 402-981-6907 if you can’t make it. This way we won’t be waiting at the entrance for those who are not able to make it.
RSVP DEADLINE:	10/8/2013

Please RSVP using the form below.

IMPORTANT: PUMPKIN PATCH FIELD TRIP POSTPONED!!!

Good Morning!  

Due to the possibility of severe weather today, we are postponing the Vala's Pumpkin Patch Trip to 1 week from today on Thursday, October 10th.

Normally I would welcome the muddy paths and a cloudy day at the pumpkin patch as a beatiful sign that fall has arrived, but when the weather channel used those three little words 'severe thunderstorms possible', I decided it was probably not a good idea to be in the middle of a corn field with our babes and only straw and barns for protection.  So, rest comfortably and safely on this rainy day and we will see you next week!  

I will repost information on the website today and reopen the registration for the field trip.  Those who have already registered DO NOT have to reregister, but if you are unable to make it on October 10th, please let me know via email so I can remove your entry from the database.  If you have any questions, please let me know via email to MindfulLearningCenter@gmail.com

Lisa Orsi 

2013 Vala's Field Trip Coordinator

Mindful Learning Center

(Some of you may be getting this message more than once, I apologize for this, but just want to be sure everyone gets the message today.)