Below is an announcement about the next event in the ongoing neuroscience series, Neuroscience and Society, sponsored by the AAAS and the Dana Foundation. STARS students are invited to go as an extracurricular STEM opportunity. This is a free, catered event hosted down the street from the Spy Museum at the AAAS Headquarters in D.C. Register here: 

Speakers
Sara Lazar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Harvard Medical School

Andrew B. Newberg, M.D
Director of Research, Marcus Institute of Integrative Health
Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital

Chris Streeter, M.D.
Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Neurology
Boston University School of Medicine

“From contemplation to prayer, forms of meditation exist in every society. Now, using up-to-date technologies, these ancient practices are being increasingly studied by neurologists. Although learning to meditate—to turn off all distractions—is no easy task, the advertised benefits claim it to be worthwhile. Such alleged benefits include the “calming” of neurotransmitters, beating addiction, and even building a bigger brain. Published studies argue that meditation can produce structural alterations in the brain and may even slow the progress of certain age-related atrophy. Similarly, some yoga advocates claim that the practice, which is explored as a treatment for major depressive disorders, expands mental faculties. Further, prayer, according to the Huffington Post, can help dissuade impulsive actions. Neuroimaging technologies are revealing changes in blood flow to areas of the brain, indicating more activity. This program will explore the neurological bases of these claims, if any, by explaining how the mind and body talk with one another during the acts of meditation, yoga, and prayer. ”

Location

Dandy Prom Flyer

Announcing the Northern Virginia Homeschool Prom aboard the Dandy River Boat, sponsored by Springfield Teaching and Resource Services (STARS.)

This spectacular event is scheduled for May 2, 2014. The Cruise event will include a 3-course candlelight dinner, dancing in the Dandy’s elegant ballroom, special recognition for Seniors graduating in 2014, event photographer, photo booth props, and other special prom-night surprises. An always-to-be-remembered evening will be spent with friends cruising in the moonlight on the Potomac River past the majestic monuments of our Nation’s Capital. See pictures here: http://www.dandydinnerboat.com/boat/dandy.shtml

Tickets for the Dandy Dinner Cruise on the Potomac are normally priced at $125 or more. As a special gift to our homeschooling families, tickets are specially priced at $85. Purchase of a prom ticket will admit you to three dance socials, two afternoon and one evening, scheduled to provide event instructions and an opportunity to get to know other homeschooled students who will be attending the event.

If you are still undecided about coming to Prom or won’t be able to make it to the actual event but would like to try one of the socials, tickets for those are available for $10 in advance (contact us for details). Remember, they are free for those who RSVP for the main event! Register here:

To reserve your place at the prom, please fill out the attached registration form and return it along with a check to the address enclosed. For other questions, contact STARS at dandyprom@gmail.com or call Laura at 202-562-8589.

Interested parents and teens are welcome to attend our open house May 9th at 7pm, Springfield Church of Christ, 7512 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, Virginia. Meet the tutors, preview class materials, and interact with current students!

STARS features inspired instruction from top teachers in the metro area with decades of homeschooling experience to motivate your students and spark that love of learning.  Our rigorous courses include Apologia science curriculum with intensive lab work, including Physical Science, Biology, Advanced Biology, Nutrition, Chemistry, and Physics – Saxon Algebra I, Algebra II, Advanced Math, and Jacobs Geometry – Introduction to Literature, Creative Writing, World Literature, Essay Writing with SAT Prep – American History – Spanish and German language instruction – Art and Graphic Design – Knitting and Sewing – Classical Guitar and Guitar ensemble.  Tutoring is available as well in selected subjects.

STARS also organizes field trips, such as to Kennedy Center fine arts education programs and for instruction at a renowned and/or Ivy League college for a day, as well as seasonal extra-curricular events and parent support activities.

Please email Anne-Marie Mingo at nova.stars@outlook.com with questions and/or  to RSVP (appreciated but not required!).