Academic Toolbox News February 2011
Welcome back to winter! January was a month of mixed blessings. On the positive side we are having some new items and services added to our mix. Also on the positive, we made it safely to Bellingham to celebrate Christmas and our son's birthday. It was a quick trip filled with football, presents, basketball practice and lots of game playing. Roads were wet but bare except for the last mile or so at the summit.
NEW SERVICE
Believe this was mentioned in last month's letter but we are now prepared to offer used books in the store. Since the closing of the Read It Again store downtown, we decided it was time to add that service to our mix. Due to our space limitations we will only accept certain genre of books and CD's. We will also have to be pretty fussy. Rules and regulations are available in the store (call or come in) and online on our website. We really want homeschool books, resource books in all subject areas, Christian books, self-help or motivational titles, and of course children's books. For CD's we mainly want children's music and Christian music. DVD's for Christian and family video, educational, and self help.
FAMILY EXPO
Wenatchee Family Expo is a new event in Wenatchee mainly sponsored by Dr Cara's Children’s Dentistry. For more information and list of participants go to www.wvfamilyexpo.com. The event is Friday and Saturday the 25th and 26th.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
The same days as above the Embracing Early Childhood Conference is sponsored by the Catholic Family Services and will be at the convention center.
ZIG ZIGLER QUOTE
“Success is not a destination, it’s a journey.”
DRAWING WINNER
This month our $25 winner is Becky Britt a Sunnyslope teacher. Congratulations and thank you for being a frequent shopper.
MSP TESTING
We understand the MSP testing will be early May this year. We have just placed an order for additional materials. Workbooks and flashcards are both available. Flashcards are not to "flash" but have entire question or problem on the front with the answer on the back. Teachers usually prefer the cards for use with a document camera or for use where children are working independently so each child would have their own question.
NEW PRODUCTS
Spell to Write and Read is now available as it was recommended that we carry. The program is written by Wanda Sanseri. There are books flashcards etc. available, stocked in our homeschool room.
Paddywhack Lane is a new line of playsets that include a background scene with figures that are poseable and accessories. Several styles and also a book that emphasizes that it’s what’s on the inside of us that really counts!
Evan Moor has provided a new series called Take I t to Your Seat Centers Reading & Language. Practice reading and language skill through fun, hands-on activities. 12 centers in each book that come in individual grades kindergarten through 6th. Also Everyday Literacy Reading & Writing but so far only 3 grades Pre-K, K, & 1st. Two new literature units on Caldecott winners were also in with that shipment.
Several new books from Remedia on reading comprehension that are high interest with lower reading levels. Very popular with those helping special needs students.
Perplexus maze just arrived that was supposed to be here before Christmas and only one style is so far. Very fun and challenging.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are eighteen different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookie zoo.
SUMMER BRIDGE BOOKS
Have sent letters to all the local schools to remind the PTA, PTO, PTSA leaders about the Summer Bridge book fundraiser opportunities. Parents, check with your group to see if they are participating. If not don't forget to come in as school ends to get these great books for your child. They review the grade they are leaving and introduce them to concepts they will get in the fall.
VALENTINE WEBKINZ Lots of pink and hearts in our Webkinz line up for that special Valentine! Love Puppy, Love Frog, Pink Poodle, Ribbon Yorkie, Glamorous Gorilla, Pinktastic Peacock, and the Cherry Soda Pup all fit the Valentine look.
VALENTINE DÉCOR
Still have some Valentine decorations, stickers, cut-outs left but most of the trimmers are gone. And some stickers, visors, books & certificates to help celebrate the 100th day of school!
SOLOMON’S PORCH
We will be raffling off a large Calico Critter Deluxe Village House with a family and some accessories. The proceeds of the raffle will go to Solomon’s Porch. We will be doing this at the Family Expo.
CLEARANCE MERCHANDISE
Still lots of bargains in our Clearance area on resource books, décor, and toys mostly. Have to make room for new lines.
DWIGHT’S BLOG
Have started a blog to share things that you may find interesting, enlightening, or entirely disgusting. In any case would love for you to occasionally check it out and share your opinions.
www.sealevelsharing.blogspot.com
LASTLY
We will be open on the 21st, President’s Day.
On the web www.academictoolbox.com
On Facebook www.facebook.com/academictoolbox
On the phone 667-8746 or toll free at 866-458-0239
e-mail atbox@nwi.net
Hours: 10-6 Weekdays, 10-5 Saturday, Closed Sundays
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