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A Word From The Coordinator
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And the Excitement Begins…
Out with the old and in with the new. That is what this time of year brings for me. I always enjoy taking down off the shelves and boxing up the past year’s curriculum and completed tasks and then bringing in the new year’s work to get placed on the empty shelves. The kids and I also like to get the new folders all labeled for each subject, notebooks and pencils at the ready, and then we try to enjoy the remainder of the summer ‘til our first school day comes. With all the new, this season for us now becomes more of a second spring rather than a hot summer. We are refreshed and recharged.
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I think Isaiah 40:31 (CEV) is an encouraging scripture for this time of year, especially for seasoned homeschool parents: “But those who trust in the Lord will find NEW strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Nobody I know has ever said homeschooling is all a bed of roses. The love we have as parents for our children keep us pressing on through any tough days we may face.
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May we each find a new excitement for the upcoming school year and begin our second season of spring.
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Board News
The next board meeting is August 20.
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With the changes in REACH membership taking place, the Board wishes to remind the membership that REACH activities, such as REACH Spelling Bee, will continue to be open only to REACH members for participation as stated in Activities Defined. Except in the cases of homeschool community outreach type events or approved visitors under the REACH Visitor Policy, activities will be open to only REACH members.
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Meet The Board
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Kathy Chauffe - Membership Director
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My husband, Andy, and I have 3 children. AJ is 17, Abby is 14, and Eli is turning 10 next month. Andy and I celebrated our 31st anniversary this summer! After living in Florida and Louisiana, we are happy to call Arkansas home. I was a public school special education teacher until our son, AJ, was born. We have been homeschooling for over 12 years now. I have been privileged to serve as the REACH Membership Director for 5 years. I love meeting the new families coming into our group as well as staying connected with the rest of our membership. We have a wonderful group and I am truly blessed to be part of it!
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Emily DeCosta - Secretary
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My husband, Matthew, and I have been married for 15 years. Matthew works for Entergy at the nuclear power plant. Our homeschool journey started out when our oldest was 4 years old. We chose to homeschool in order to give our children an education that was centered around God’s Word and that would be flexible for our family’s unique schedule. We have 3 children. Max is now 12 and starting 7th grade. Anna is 10 years old and starting 6th grade. Alex is our youngest at 8 years old and he will be starting 3rd grade this year. Before homeschooling, I helped in a small Christian school and taught piano lessons from home. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as Secretary with REACH. Our family has been so blessed by the friendships that we’ve made and the support that we’ve received through REACH. I’m looking forward to meeting with you all and helping you on your homeschool journey.
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REACH Meetings
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Welcome To REACH: August Monthly Meeting
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The Welcome to REACH meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24th from 6-8 p.m. This meeting will be via Google Meet and is an informational meeting designed to help members get acclimated to using the REACH website, acquainted with members and committee heads, and informed of committees and upcoming meetings and events for the year. A link to join the meeting will be sent out closer to the meeting date. We hope to see … Read more
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Membership News & Reminders
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Welcome New Members
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Brandon and Samantha Williams live in Russellville and have one child: Bennett, age 6.
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Jody and Elizabeth (Libby) Sabins live in Russellville and have one child: Skyler, age 10. Libby plans to serve on the Intensives Committee.
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Secret Sisters!
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If you signed up for Secret Sisters, you will be paired up soon! You will receive an email with the name of your match. After everyone is paired there will be prompts sent out in the Monday Reminders with suggestions for Secret Sisters. The ideas will be simple, like sharing a favorite encouraging scripture or a perfect busy day recipe…Read more
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Childcare Workers Sign-up
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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.
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2020-2021 Notice of Intent
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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.
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HSLDA
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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.
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Library News
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When using the REACH Library, be sure to follow instructions on the signage. To help you remember what you have checked out, take pictures of the cards and/or items. If you pull items from the shelf and do not know how or have time to re-shelve them correctly, lay the items on the table and a library worker will take care … Read more
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Yearbook
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Hello REACH families!! I hope you have had a great summer and are looking forward to another school year! The 2019-2020 school year has been a challenge for the yearbook staff but we are doing the best we can to produce a great book for you. With some of our biggest events just being rescheduled, we won't go to print until late August.Please make sure that you have completed your custom pages if you chose that option. Also, make sure you have submitted photos for events, clubs, pandemic, etc. Thank you to all who have contributed to our yearbook!
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Now, on to 2020-2021!! We are looking for 8-10 students for our staff for the coming year. Students should be in grades 8-12… Read more
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PSP Day-Parties/Skating/Parks
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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.
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We are hoping to have a Back to School Picnic in September, but given the current COVID situation, details have yet to be determined. Keep an eye out for more details later.
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Clubs
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We were hoping virus cases would start dwindling but given the current circumstances Audrey and I have decided to hold off on the “Craft Ministry” and “How Do I...?” Clubs.
We are thinking an outdoor games/play club would work better once it cools off. There are also other clubs in the works. We will get the details out as soon as possible.
If anyone else is interested in hosting a club please take a look at the Clubs tab on the REACH website. Please send questions and ideas to Suzanne Sweet at sweetpsuzy7@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Teen Events
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Teen Events 2020-2021 Questions & Answers
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Will REACH have teen events this year? Yes, we currently plan to have teen events. Will the events involve close interaction and shared food like in previous years? No, at least not for the fall semester. Some prepackaged food may be provided or students will be encouraged to bring their own for some events if needed. Many events will be … Read more
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Technology Awareness with Detective Barker-August Teen Event
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Deadline to sign up for this event is August 26. Steve Barker is a detective with the Russellville Police Department where he has worked since 2003. He has also served as a Homeland Security Task Force Officer and an Internet Crimes Against Children affiliate. During the past 13 years as a Detective his assignments have focused on the investigation of … Read more
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Intensives
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I looking forward to seeing what this group can offer for our up coming school year. Intensives can be a fun way to share your talents so others can learn something new. We have had some fun interesting intensives in the past such as: Ballroom Dancing, Google classes, Nature Hikes, Science Labs, Art, Note Taking… Read more
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Field Trips
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What field trips would your family like to participate in this year?
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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. … Read more
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Rescheduled 2020 Events
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Jr/Sr Banquet
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Banquet has been rescheduled for August 18. This is simplified banquet due to COVID-19 for 2019-2020 participants. They have received the details by email. We ask that 2020-2021 members plan around this event.
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Senior Graduation
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Senior Graduation has been rescheduled for August 14. It will be located at the Dardanelle Community Center. We ask that 2020-2021 members plan around this event.
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Honor Roll
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REACH Honor Roll 2019-2020
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High School Classes 2020-2021
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The following high school classes are currently planned for the spring semester: Writing a Research Paper w/Amy Hughes & Art w/Kelly Lilley.
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GIVE TO REACH
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FlipGive - To become a team member, use code C339UZ when prompted.
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Fresh Roasted Coffee and Artisan Tea
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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.
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REACH Codes/Information
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REACH Library Information
Reminder: Please note that this information is for current REACH members only.
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- 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.
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Local, State, or National Events
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**The following are not REACH sponsored events but are provided for informational purposes only.**
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SAU Concurrent Enrollment
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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
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ABC Virtual Homeschool Core Construction Class
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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
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