July_2020

A Word From The Coordinator

Balancing Act


Often times as homeschool parents, we face daily struggles to maintain a balance. During the school day we have phone calls to take, doctor appointments to attend, meals to plan, household chores that cannot wait, unexpected errands to run, and younger children requiring attention. Sometimes it is nearly impossible as a parent to focus on school, let alone the task of trying to keep the kids’ attention in tact in times of disruption.


My husband and I are blessed to have our moms live on either side of us. My husband is also self- employed. So, we have family and worker friends coming to the house often throughout the day. Interruptions are unavoidable. When my attention is diverted from my kids, they usually scatter as does their attention as if somebody had just yelled, “Squirrel!”. The balancing act is real: balancing emotions as kids struggle to focus; balancing meals when schedules are as flexible as a rubber band; balancing time management when family’s needs must come first. Flexibility becomes a dear friend.

When these diversions run rampant in our house, encouraging scripture quotes such as “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), “To everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), “This shall come to pass” (Zechariah 6:15), and “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) can help bring the balance back to level again. The situation does not necessarily change, but the mindset does. Whatever your daily routine looks like, may you all find your balance.

Michelle Green

2020-2021 Board Officers

Coordinator
Michelle Green
coordinator@rsvlreach.org
Membership Director
Kathy Chauffe
membership@rsvlreach.org
Activities Director
Chelsey Carnahan
activities@rsvlreach.org
Secretary
Emily DeCosta
secretary@rsvlreach.org
Treasurer
Kristen Brown
treasurer@rsvlreach.org
To email the Board: board@rsvlreach.org
To email the REACH group: mail@rsvlreach.org

Board News


The next board meeting is July 16.

Summer Updates

Please be aware when using the website that many updates are being worked on in the summer months. If you have a tab related to your committee, be sure to look over the current information and send updates to Chelsey at activities@rsvlreach.org.

We will transfer our membership system over for the 2020-2021 school year beginning in mid-July. Your current website log-in information will be deactivated on July 27. We plan for the website to be down from July 27-31 for updates and reactivation of membership. If you need to contact the Board or make announcements to the REACH membership during this time please email board@rsvlreach.org. You will receive an email with log-in instructions, as long as you have submitted your 2020-2021 Membership Application.

The Board is currently working on new guidelines, updating current guidelines and setting the budget for the 2020-2021 school year.

Please be assured that REACH leadership, including committee heads and the REACH board, are carefully and prayerfully considering how to address COVID related concerns as we move into the new membership year. We will strive to find safe ways to have as many activities as possible and uphold the core mission of the organization, to be a support to homeschooling families. Watch for specific guidelines coming soon. Guidelines will be adjusted as new information and recommendations are issued by the CDC and local officials. Have a safe and fun summer!

Committee Heads

The combined committee head gathering for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 committee heads will be held virtually on July 30th from 6:00-8:00pm. Committee Heads, be looking for more information coming soon.

REACH Meetings

Check Out Our Monthly Meetings Tab

Membership News & Reminders

2020-2021 Membership Application

Hello Homeschoolers! The 2020-2021 REACH membership application is ready! After submission you will get a confirmation email with payment instructions and a summary of your responses. We will leave the current email group, website logins, and Facebook group in place longer than usual this year to allow all current members to have access to communications regarding rescheduled events. Approval emails …
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2020-2021 Notice of Intent

For information on the 2020-2021 Notice of Intent, go to our Member Info tab and choose the Arkansas Notice of Intent Information sub-tab. The NOI should be filled out by August 15 for the fall 2020 semester or you may have a waiting period.

Secret Sisters

In response to moms who have requested a way to have a more personal connection to other moms in the group, you will notice a new question on the membership application asking about Secret Sisters. If you select "yes" you will be paired with another REACH mom so you can share encouragement, pray for each other, remind each other of upcoming REACH activities, and basically have one person …
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HSLDA

If you plan to join HSLDA you can receive a discount as a REACH member. Just enter the code 210726 when prompted. Annual membership is $115 with our group discount, a savings of $15.
HSLDA Membership Link

Childcare Workers Sign-up

If your daughter, aged 13 or older would enjoy babysitting at REACH meetings, please contact JoLeah Payton at jpayton_99@yahoo.com. You can get a copy of the childcare worker application form HERE. The childcare worker guidelines are HERE.

Committee Heads 2020-2021

Thank you to the following people who have stepped up to head a committee:
Banquet-Melissa Hefley
Book Sale-Michelle Green
Childcare-Joleah Payton
Clubs-Suzanne Sweet
Discovery Fair-Emily Nealy
Field Trips-Allison Hoke
Intensives-Melissa Hefley
Kindergarten Graduation-Amanda Williams
Library-Velvet Sperry
Mentoring-Keri Bucci
Parks/Skating/Parties-Coralin Davelaar
Senior Graduation-Kathy Chauffe
Spelling Bee-Sarah Hann
Teen Activities-Wilma Kinder
Testing-Laura Irvin
Yearbook-Leslie Conditt

The following head position is still open: Field Day
Committee Head Request Information and Form 2020-2021

Yearbook

Yearbook Updates and Reminders

If you ordered a yearbook we are still planning to have them completed! Our staff is working on some creative ways to remember these odd events!

Yearbook Staff 2020-2021

With the unusual circumstances that have extended the 2019-2020 year the Yearbook Committee will begin filling Yearbook Staff positions a little later than normal this year. Be on the look out for the official signup to come out sometime this month.

Please make sure you and your student fully understand the commitment and expectations involved.
*Student must be in 8th -12th grade to work on our 2020-2021 yearbook staff.
*We will meet weekly with adjustments likely along the way. We are still waiting on confirmation as to location and time.
Tentatively: Tuesdays at Grace Baptist from 12:30-1:45.
*ALL students and staff members are expected to attend all meetings unless arrangements are made ahead of time.
*Students are expected to take some constructive criticism at times as we strive to put out the best book we can. They should be willing to listen and make changes as instructed.
*It is helpful if your student is involved in REACH activities!

July Activities at a Glance

PSP Day-Parties/Skating/Parks

The 2nd Friday of each month is devoted to PSP-Parties/Skating/Parks. These activities are open to all ages including teens, but there must be an accompanying adult.

There are no more scheduled PSP events at this time.

Clubs

I know we are all looking forward to some sort of normalcy to come soon. Hopefully by this fall we can begin to meet together again. I know my kids are so ready to see all of their friends!

Though we cannot nail down all specifics at this time, I would love to get us thinking about what clubs we would like this fall semester. We will have a couple returning ones from this year but having new ones are really exciting as well. Let’s get those ideas flowing so we can provide some stimulating and fun clubs for our children.

Clubs are an amazing opportunity for our kids to get together with others of like interests or to learn something new. Each semester everyone has an opportunity to offer a club to the REACH community. What skills or interests does your family have that you would like to share? Clubs can meet at any time and for as often as you like, the dates just need to be cleared with our activities director.

Please email Suzanne Sweet at sweetpsuzy7@gmail.com with any club ideas or questions.

Fall 2020 Clubs

Club: How do I...?

Have you ever wondered... “How do I make food last longer?” or “How do I get honey?” Come join us this fall on third Mondays as different speakers pose these and other “How do I...” questions. Look for more details in August newsletter.

Dates: August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16

This club will coincide with the Craft Ministry Club.

Craft Ministry Club

This club is open to all ages and will involve a time for children to make small craft items and cards as well as write letters for nursing home, overseas military, and hospitals. Crafting supplies: glue, paper, craft sticks, decorations, colored pencils, crayons, stamps, etc.

Dates: August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16

This club will coincide with the Club: How Do I...?

Intensives

I am looking for moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncle, anyone who has a passion to share the knowledge the Lord has blessed them with. You may ask, "what is she talking about." Intensives are 1-2 day learning opportunities we would like to offer our REACH Students. The PURPOSE is to promote a variety of concentrated studies, taught within a short time …
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Contact Melissa Hefley at melissakhefley@gmail.com with intensive ideas or questions.

Field Trips

What field trips would your family like to participate in this year?
There are so many great opportunities in our community as well as surrounding areas for field trips! If there's somewhere fun and/or educational you've been wanting to go perhaps you'd like to organize a field trip so other homeschool families could join in! Anyone in REACH can plan a field trip. Here are some ideas of potential field trips: …
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Contact Allison Hoke at field5897hokeal@hotmail.com with field trip ideas or questions.

Rescheduled 2020 Events

Kindergarten Graduation

The kindergarten graduation committee is announcing the new date for the graduation as July 18th, time will be announced.

Contact Rebekah Brixey (rebekah.richardson92@gmail.com) with any questions.

Used Book Sale Update

The book sale committee has been trying to set a date for the annual book sale. This has been difficult with the current events in our world. As for now we have decided to place the book sale on hold until a little later to see what happens. If cases continue to rise, we will plan to host an online sale where …
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Jr/Sr Banquet

The banquet committee is looking at rescheduling the banquet during the summer.

Senior Graduation

The senior graduation committee is looking at rescheduling the senior graduation during the summer.

Honor Roll

REACH has an honor roll for 9th – 12th grade students. It is based on a student’s achievement on a standardized test. The school year for honor roll purposes is from the beginning of July to the end of June with the honor roll being published in the August newsletter for the previous school year. Submissions are normally due July 10, but we will allow extensions for those whose tests were canceled/rescheduled.

High School Classes 2020-2021

The following high school classes are currently planned for the spring semester: Writing a Research Paper w/Amy Hughes & Art w/Kelly Lilley.

High School Biology Lab 2020-2021

Students will investigate biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and macrobiological level. Hands on laboratory exercises incorporating cellular biology, genetics, DNA, and specimen dissections will be provided to assist students in their understanding of biological themes. Reading assignments will be announced during class or via text message or email for the following week. If you miss class please email the instructor …
Payment is due no later than July 15.
Read more

Constitutional Literacy High School Fall 2020 Class

Constitutional Literacy with Michael Farris
This class is for grades 9-12. If the parent chooses, it may count for the required semester (1/2 credit) of Civics or American Government. If that requirement has already been completed, then the class could count as an elective. Parents are welcome to attend but are not required. The workbook needs to be purchased if …
Deadline to sign up is July 20.
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ACT Math Prep High School Fall 2020 Lab

This lab class is open to students in grades 9-12 who have completed Algebra 1. Graphing calculator is recommended but not required. This required online workbook must be printed to use. Our goal will be to complete approximately half of the workbook this fall. Homework is required (likely 15-18 problems/week varying in difficulty). This lab will be taught in a …
Deadline to sign up is July 20.
Read more

GIVE TO REACH

PayPal
Amazon Smile
FlipGive - To become a team member, use code C339UZ when prompted.
Giving Bean
Fresh Roasted Coffee and Artisan Tea
Kroger Rewards - NPO number XE621

Box Tops 4 Education and Tyson A+
Labels are collected at each REACH Meeting. A collection box is also located in the REACH Library. For the new style of Box Tops, you will need to use the Box Tops phone app to scan receipts within 14 days of purchase.

REACH Codes/Information

Member Handbook
Member FAQ
Code of Conduct
Dress Code
Illness Guidelines

REACH Library Information

Reminder: Please note that this information is for current REACH members only.

REACH Library Code: 1219
A few reminders:
  • Place the key in the lockbox, and mess up the code to keep it secure. Secure the library by locking the door behind you.
  • Sign in upon arriving and sign out upon leaving.
  • No food or drink allowed in the library.
  • Follow displayed instructions for checking out and returning books
  • Use the 3,500+ items REACH Library Database
  • Check out our library tab.
Contact Velvet at library@rsvlreach.org or 479-223-2255 with any questions

Local, State, or National Events

**The following are not REACH sponsored events but are provided for informational purposes only.**

SAU Concurrent Enrollment

Southern Arkansas University is offering Concurrent Enrollment for 11th and 12th grade students. The following courses online: English Comp I & II, U.S. History I & II, World History I & II, College Algebra, and Plane Trigonometry. Courses offered in the Fall 2020 semester: … Read more

HSLDA Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries through August 1

Our annual photography contest has officially opened. We hope that you’re ready to take some photos, because we’ve got some fun themes for you! All homeschooled students aged 7–19 are welcome to participate—and you have up to three chances to place in your … Read more

ABC Virtual Homeschool Core Construction Class

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas (ABC Arkansas) is hosting a Virtual Homeschool Core Construction Class this Fall via Zoom! Check out the quick teaser video from the instructor, Justin Goins - https://youtu.be/jIjNtQ6IbxkWhether students want to learn skills for DIY projects or want to get a jump … Read more

ABC Summer Class Opportunities

ABC is offering 2 summer opportunities for teenage students and parents. Below are the key details and attached are all the flyers and forms for these upcoming events: Homeschool First Aid / CPR / AED Course (also open to parents!) Description: Could you save a … Read more
Arkansas State Parks events

Pope County Library events

Russellville City events

Russellville City and surrounding area events

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