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Coordinator News
Rest. Does that sound like a distant dream? Does the thought of rest stress you out as you feel you’ll be further behind if you do rest? So then, you can’t really rest? It’s a common need not met for moms (and dads!), especially those who homeschool. I want to encourage you to allow yourself to have moments, days, or even seasons of rest as needed. Rest is important not only for your spiritual well-being but also for your physical well-being. Not having adequate quality sleep can lead to a snowball of health issues. You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others. This way, you can live to the best of your ability how God designed. Please take a moment and watch this short video about the physiological importance of sleep.
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Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie is an excellent book a fellow homeschooling mama loaned to me a few years ago. What a blessing! It speaks not only to physical balance but also psychological rest and spiritual rest. Honestly, much stress on us is due to over-scheduling and feeling we must do it all or we will somehow be bad parents...somehow our kids will miss out on something. Let the beauty of homeschooling’s flexibility work in your favor! I’ll give you an example at our house: During this Fall 2018 semester, on Wednesdays, I work a 14-hour day. Thursday mornings, we have nothing scheduled, and I don’t have to do anything until 10am. I need rest just like you! And, your house doesn’t have to be perfect or perfectly clean, nor does every single chapter in every single curriculum you use have to be completed. I didn’t clean my floors every week last year, and I’m living to tell you about it now with no problems whatsoever. Some things, just let it go. Prioritize. Delegate. Kids can sense when we are exhausted, frazzled, and not doing well. Pray for the Lord’s guidance to show you how and where you can find not only genuine physical rest but also spiritual rest throughout your homeschooling days, weeks, and years.
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Of course, our most beloved example of rest is the Lord.
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Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-ladened, and I will give you rest. ...and you will find rest for your souls.”
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Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
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Psalm 127:2 “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” [I love the 3 verses following this verse speaking of what a blessing children are! I don’t think the Lord put these verses in this order together on accident!]
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May the Lord richly bless you this September as you carry on with the Lord’s direction for educating your children at home.
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2018-2019 Board Officers
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Board News
- The next board meeting is October 5.
- The banquet committee purpose has been updated to clarify that the banquet and after banquet event are for REACH members only in grades 9-12. Family and friends are welcome to come early to see students dressed up.
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Monthly Meetings
Join us on Monday, October 22nd from 6:00-8:00 pm for the REACH Family-Friendly Talent Show! The show will be held at Twin Oaks Baptist Church located at 120 N. Skaggs Road, Clarksville, AR 72830.
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We’re looking for all sorts of acts! Singing, playing musical instruments, comedy, slight-of-hand tricks, card tricks, pets with special abilities, poetry reading, story telling...just to name a few! Participants can be children, parents, families together, or other grouping of folks as long as ALL participants are REACH members. Family members such as grandparents and cousins and also friends are welcome to attend this event! Remember, it’s Family-Friendly, so all acts must be appropriate for all ages of audience members as well as be appropriate for being in a house of worship. In order to fit in as many performers as possible, please limit acts to ~3 minutes or less. Parents, if you have a nervous budding performer who might have something to share that is only 30 seconds or so long, that would be great! We will try our best to fit in all who would like to perform. Sign-ups will be going up at the beginning of October. However, we wanted to give everyone plenty of notice to be polishing up their acts!
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Welcome New Members!
Heather Bartlett lives in Russellville and has one child, Alivia, age 5. Heather will be serving on the Intensives Committee.
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Stephen and Tiffany Belflower live in Dover and are homeschooling four children: Tayleana, age 13; Aleecia, age 11; Desiree', age 10; and Tristan, age 5. Tiffany will be serving on the Administration Committee scheduling the Tena's Gymnastics classes.
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Josh and Lena Crowe live in Atkins and have two children: Harper, age 5; and Austin, age 3. Lena will be serving on the Yearbook Committee.
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Roxanne Martin lives in Russellville and is homeschooling one child, Kaeleah Gideon, age 15. Roxanne will be serving on the Ministry Opportunities Committee.
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Justin and Brittany McGrew are returning members and live in Clarksville. They have three children: Kaden, age 8; Evan, age 6; and Lydia, age 3. Brittany will be serving on the Clubs Committee.
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Chad and Christy Over live in Russellville and have one child, Charlie, age 5. Christy will be serving on the Discovery Fair Committee.
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Yearbook News
Student Pictures
ONE more chance! Our goal is to have every REACH student pictured in our yearbook this year! If you missed the other two dates, you have one more chance. There is a morning option or a late afternoon/evening option. PLEASE sign up! These photos are also made available for purchase as packages just like "traditional school pictures".
Date: Thursday, September 6th
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Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm & 3:30pm - 7:00pm
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REACH Event Pictures
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Help Wanted! If you are a committee head, in charge of a club, intensive, or other activity (or a parent attending) we need your help. We need LOTS of pictures! As you are enjoying the many activities of REACH, remember the yearbook! You can submit your photos via Google Photos, Dropbox, or email to Leslie Conditt at conditt.reachpics@gmail.com.
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Yearbook ADs
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We are looking for businesses to purchase ads for our yearbook. If you (or someone you know) own a business or provide a service, we ask you to consider purchasing an ad. This is a way for our yearbook to give a little boost to our REACH budget! Business Card - $25 Half Page - $50 3/4 Page - $75 …
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PSP Activities
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Back to School Picnic on September 14
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Time to sign-up your family for the REACH Back-to-School Picnic! REACH will provide table service, hot dogs, buns, and condiments. You need to bring drinks (last names A-H), side dishes (last names I-P), or dessert (last names Q-Z). We need a head count, so here's the link to sign-up (deadline is Sept. 11): Back to School Picnic Sign-Up A few things to note: there are not enough tables for everyone, …
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Field Trips
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There are so many fun opportunities in our community as well as surrounding areas for great field trips! If there's somewhere fun and educational you've been wanting to go perhaps you'd like to organize a field trip so other homeschool families could join in! Here are some great ideas of potential field trips that have been done in past years: …
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Intensives
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Intensives Update
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I am excited about all the intensives planned or being planned for this year. We have a great group of ladies working together this year helping to offer us a variety of intensive classes. If you have an intensive to offer please go to the REACH web and fill out the Intensive request form. If you have any questions about …
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Ballet Workshop Intensives: Ages 5 through Adult!
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Dance with Joy Studios has set up ballet workshops just for REACH! These are coming up in September, so check out the details below for each age range.
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Ballet Ages 5-7 on September 4
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Ballet Ages 8-12 on September 4
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Ballet Ages 13-17 on September 5
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Ballet Ages 17-Adult on September 5
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Ballroom Dancing on September 15
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Sarah Hann, REACH member, will be teaching ballroom dancing intensives on September 15th at Grace Fellowship Church. This is open to 8th grade through adults. You must have a partner. No single dancers allowed. Beginning ballroom will be from 9am to 11:30am. You will learn the basics to the Waltz, Fox Trot, and Swing. There is a maximum limit of 10 couples and a minimum of 3 couples for …
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Homeschooling the Early Years on September 29
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Do you have kids from preschool up through about 3rd grade? Whether you're new to homeschooling or have been around the block a few times, this intensive is for you! We will cover topics like planning and record keeping, balancing homeschooling with other responsibilities, managing our walk with the Lord and relationships with others in the midst of busy school days, and specific considerations …
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Science Experiments 3rd-6th Grades on October 9
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Sara Walker will be leading the students in hands on science experiments. This will be for grades 3rd-6th. All the supplies will be provided. Cost will be $25 per student with a family discount at $20 per student if you enroll 3 or more students between the 2 classes she is offering. The other class is Digital Escape room . …
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Digital Escape Room 7th-12th grades on October 13
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Sara Walker will be leading us in team work to build our very own Digital Escape room. There will be lots of interactive Google apps used during this process. We will then have to try to escape from the digital rooms our fellow students have built. Chrome books will be provided. Cost will be $25 per student with a family discount …
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Tininkling Intensive
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Date, Time, and Location will be announced soon for the following: Tininkling Intensive for ages 8 and up. This is a fun activity for boys and girls. Participants will learn to "dance" between bamboo poles by using rhythm skills. No cost to participate. If you aren't sure what this is, Google it! It's really interesting! Class limit is 20. Watch …
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Babysitting Intensive
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Girls ages 10 and up join us to learn some tips and tricks for babysitting. We will learn how to keep kids safe, happy, and engaged! Class limit is 12. Fee is $10 (this will cover the cost of a babysitter's bag with some helpful items for babysitting). Watch for sign up information at the end of September. Contact me …
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Nursing Home
The REACH nursing home ministry is for all ages. It is a great opportunity for our kids to gain experience in front of others, but the greatest experience is being around older people who just need someone to show them love. The residents so enjoy people coming to spend time with them. We play instruments, sing hymns together, and then visit with the residents. This year all nursing home visits will be the 1st Friday on alternating months at Stella Manor. Our next visit will be on October 5. Contact Velvet Sperry (activities@rsvlreach.org) with any questions.
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Teen Activity at Garage Arcade
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Garage Arcade Website There is a coffee shop, so if you would like a beverage, bring money for that. John and Brandie Staten will be chaperoning, but they need two or three more parents who are willing to sign up to chaperone. Your participation makes our teen events possible, so thank you in advance! If you can fill this need, …
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Fall 2018 Club Events
A big thank you to our Club sponsors this fall! We have a great variety of interests represented here. These clubs are on different days, so feel free to join multiple clubs. Remember Tweens and Teens these clubs are for you too! They are great opportunities for you to make new friends while playing games, donating your time or whipping up some yummy food.
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Boys' Flag Football Grades 7-12
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Hello REACH football players in grades 7-12, it’s about that time of year! We are taking sign ups for this year’s flag football. Bruce Garrett will be organizing this season and if there are any other dads interested in helping please contact him. Following are the dates established for games. The time will always be 3:45 to finish …
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GIVE TO REACH
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Labels are collected at each REACH Meeting. A collection box is also located in the REACH Library.
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REACH Library Information
Please note that this information is for current REACH members only.
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9th-12th Grade Student Opportunity
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Hello REACH High School (9-12th grade) Students & Parents! We have a great opportunity to multi-task! During the 5 home volleyball games at First Baptist Church of Russellville, we can have a concession stand. Not only will it help hungry players and spectators from both teams, but we can also cheer for the JV & Varsity teams! Any profits will …
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Meet the Board
I am a mom. A homeschool mom. Husband, Thomas, is retired from the U.S. government. Homeschooling started out as a trial run with our now tween-aged son, John Michael, beginning 3 in kindergarten and 9 years later becoming a lifestyle which brings great joy. I'm excited about serving REACH as its treasurer and coming together in friendship and support as we connect, engage, and grow.
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Velvet Sperry – Activities Director
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My husband and I have been married for 30 years. Tim is a master electrician and does electrical contracting for Bailey Electric. Before and during the early years of homeschooling, I taught at the secondary and postsecondary level, and did private tutoring. We have homeschooled for 24 years and been a part of REACH (formerly RHEA) for that time. We have 5 children: Katherine (age 29), Joshua (age 26), Angela (age 22), Daniel (age 17), and Luke (age 13) who have been homeschooled for all of their school years. Katherine, Joshua, and Angela have all graduated from ATU. Katherine and Joshua are both married. Daniel is in 12th grade and Luke in 8th grade. I have one granddaughter and two grandsons. I desire to encourage moms in their homeschool walk. As I tell my mom’s high school class, if God calls you to it, He will give you the grace and strength to accomplish it.
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Michelle Green - Secretary
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One of the most important things I would like to share about me is my absolute love for my family. I have been married to my husband, Michael, for 28 years. Michael had been an OTR driver for the majority of our marriage but also worked with his dad many years in construction. Michael recently came off the road, much to our delight, to be home more and is self-employed and working in construction/remodel again. He is my "jack-of-all trades". He blesses our family immensely with his God-given talents. We have 5 kids from age 21 to 6 years old. Our first two are Ashley and Brittany. Both of our girls have graduated from homeschooling and went on to college. Ashley graduated Arkansas Tech with a double major and has married a wonderful young man, Austin Beck. Brittany is in her second year at AR Tech working toward her bachelor's degree in nursing. Next are our 3 boys: Caleb, Daniel, and Everett. With all their energy and creativity, they keep me on my toes and keep me young. We all enjoy serving at our church in Pottsville in many capacities...kids' church, bus ministry, Sunday School, and Wednesday night kids' classes. We also enjoy taking a couple weeks off in summer to volunteer at Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp which ministers to kids in foster care. (If you're ever interested, I'll be gladly willing to share about the camp.) I am happy to be a part of the Board of REACH this year. The Board is a magnificent group of ladies with a heart for REACH. It's a true pleasure to be working with them to help make REACH better for homeschoolers. This is our family's 17th year to home school, and since our youngest is in second grade, it definitely won't be our last. Happy homeschooling to all !!!!!!!!!!
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Local Events
**The following are not REACH sponsored events but are provided for informational purposes only.**
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MUSIC CLASSES/GROUPS NOW REGISTERING
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Arkansas Center for Music Education is now registering for fall 2018 performance groups and 2018-19 classes. For detailed descriptions and information for classes and groups or more information about ACME, email info@ac-me.org, call 479-219-5260, or visit www.ac-me.org.
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Arkansas State Park’s Legacy Week
When: September 3, 2018
Where: Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton
Time: 9 am to 8 pm
Contact: Park Interpreter, 501-727-5441
Cost: FREE!!!
Details: In 1923, Petit Jean became the first state park in Arkansas thanks to the efforts of Dr. T.W. Harrison. In 1933, the CCC laid the foundation for the park as we know it today. Join us for family friendly programs that celebrate the founding and building of Petit Jean State Park, as well as the legacy of Arkansas State Park. Contact the above number for a detailed schedule of events.
23rd Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: September 7-9, 2019
Where: Harrison, AR
Contact: 870-741-2659
Cost: FREE!!
Details: The Festival starts Friday evening with the Hare and Bound Balloon Race. Saturday evening events begin with Balloon tethered to the ground for the exciting balloon glow. Tethered rides are $5/person on Saturday.
Pope County Fair
When: September 11-15, 2018
Where: Pope County Fairgrounds, Russellville
Contact: 479-857-5744
Tim Hawkins Live
When: September 15, 2018
Where: The Center For the Arts, Russellville
Time: 7 pm to 9:30
Contact: 479-498-6600
Cost: Call box office
Details: since giving up his job as a grocery truck driver in 2002, Tim Hawkins has been establishing himself as one of the most in -demand comedians in the country. Tim’s gut busting comedy show entertains the entire family while doubling down on the funny. , a daunting task I. An age where the obscene has become routine. He exposes the ridiculousness of daily life while marveling at his hilarity. The perils of marriage, homeschooling and growing up in the Midwest. Fans are often even more amazed at his singing voice and guitar chop.
Charlie Brown
When: September 28-30, 2018
Where: The Center For the Arts
Time: 7 pm to 10 pm
Contact: 479-498-6600
Cost: Call above number
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