August_2019

Coordinator News

New Year
August is the beginning of school for many people. It is the beginning of a new grade, a
new curriculum perhaps, and a fresh start from a nice break. I highly recommend easing into your transition rather than going from very little routine to highly structured in one fell swoop. In years past, when my children were younger, I liked to ease into school by starting with one or two subjects per day only, adding another subject about twice a week, until we were doing everything on the schedule. This process took about 2-3 weeks total. It also felt less stressful when we were learning new routines with our
curriculum because we only had to learn the new routine in one subject that day.

Now that my children are older, my youngest is in 8 th grade now, we can start school in a more “traditional” manner. We are still not starting every subject on the first day,
though. Remember, home schoolers have the advantage of having A LOT more time to
learn than children attending school. Also, because the teacher to child ratio is much
smaller than schools, children are truly able to grasp concepts more quickly, and
therefore learning doesn’t take as long as it might in a classroom setting.

So, while the weather is hot and humid outside, take advantage of the air conditioning in your classroom, whatever it looks like, and do some learning. Then, when the weather is nicer (maybe October), feel free to take some time off to enjoy it. You can do that!

Try to attend the monthly REACH meetings this year. We, the board, have tried to
create a schedule that will give you a chance to meet other moms and dads, learn a
little bit, and even show off some talent (see November’s meeting!) We hope to see you there!
Melissa Creech

2019-2020 Board Officers

Coordinator
Melissa Creech
coordinator@rsvlreach.org
Membership Director
Kathy Chauffe
membership@rsvlreach.org
Activities Director
Velvet Sperry
activities@rsvlreach.org
Secretary
Michelle Green
secretary@rsvlreach.org
Treasurer
Jana Olson
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 August 19.
The Board has approved the budget for 2019-2020. We have also worked on updating the guidelines and handbook over the summer. We will be getting all of these updates on our website soon.

Meet the Board

Melissa Creech - Coordinator
My husband, Ed, and I have been married for 20 years. Prior to homeschooling, I was a public and private school teacher for 12 years. Then, God asked us to homeschool for a year. That was 5 years ago. My kids were in 3rd and 5th grades when we started homeschooling. They are now in 8th and 10th. My son, Chris, is currently attending public school. My daughter, Cayla (8th grade) is beginning her 6th year of homeschool, while participating in choir through the public schools. I believe I have a unique perspective on homeschooling because of my experience with both public and private Christian schools in the past. I remember just how difficult it was for me to transition from classroom teaching style to one-on-one interactions with just my kids. I am excited to see just what you all want to make of REACH this year and looking into the future!

Jana Olson-Treasurer
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.

Velvet Sperry – Activities Director
My husband and I have been married for 31 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 post-secondary level, and did private tutoring. We have homeschooled for 25 years and been a part of REACH (formerly RHEA) for that time. We have three adult children: Katherine Flach (husband Casey), Joshua (wife Sarah), and Angela. Katherine, Joshua, and Angela have all graduated from ATU. Daniel is attending UACCM part-time this year and plans to attend full-time next year. Luke is in 9th 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.

Meetings

August Meeting

Welcome back to school! Come to the first official REACH meeting of the year on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Grace Baptist Church. We will be showing you the website and its great features available to you and giving you lots of information about the amazing and fun things we have planned for the 2019-2020 school year. 2018-2019 yearbooks should …
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Check Out Monthly Meetings Coming Up This Year

Membership News & Reminders

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Ira and Hali Harper live in Dardanelle and have four children: Tre, age 18; Seth,age 15; Jasmine, age 5; and Elias age 2 . Hali will be serving on the Intensives Committee.

With the deadline to file the Notice of Intent quickly approaching, there are probably many families in the community struggling to make the decision whether to homeschool this year. If you know someone in this situation, please feel free to give them my contact information and I would be glad to talk with them and help answer any questions they may have. You may also direct them to the REACH website and they can fill out a membership form or find contact information there.
Thanks!
Kathy Chauffe, membership@rsvlreach.org

Pictorial Directory

You may have noticed that the Pictorial Directory is no longer separate from the Membership Directory on the new website.  Now, your family photo appears beside your listing in the main directory  Please keep those beautiful family pics coming! You can email them to web@rsvlreach.org.
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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.
HSLDA Membership Link
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Committee Heads 2019-2020

Thank you to those who have stepped up to head a committee.
Administration-Kathy Chauffe
Banquet-Jackie Richardson
Book Sale-Molly Miller
Childcare-JoLeah Payton
Clubs-Suzanne Sweet
Discovery Fair-Emily Nealy
Field Day-Kristen Davis
Field Trips-Velvet Sperry
Intensives-Melissa Hefley
Kindergarten Graduation-Rebekah Brixey
Library-Velvet Sperry
Mentoring-Keri Bucci
PSP (Parks/Skating/Parties)-Coralin Davelaar
Senior Graduation-Tracy Johnson
Teen Activities-Erin Aylor
Testing-Melissa Creech
Yearbook-Leslie Conditt
Read more

REACH Honor Roll 2018-2019

Julian Lilley-12
Daniel Sperry-12
Jelaina Payton-11
Max Aylor-10
A.J. Chauffe-10
Thomas Lilley-10
Caleb Claiborne-9
Sidnye Nealy-9

PSP Day-Parties/Skating/Parks

September 6-Back to School Picnic-noon to 3:00

Please note this date is not the normal 2nd Friday of the month due to the Pope County Fair week.

Save the date for the Back to School Picnic! REACH will provide the main course, table service, and ice. You will need to help supply the rest of the food and drinks! A few things to note: there are not enough tables for everyone, so bring chairs and/or blankets for your family. City Park has playgrounds along with basketball and …
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Remember that 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.
Click here for other PSP dates for the year.

Clubs 2019-2020

Clubs starting in August. . .

Children's Craft Ministry-all ages

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.
Read more

Nursing Home Ministry Club-all ages

This ministry club meets at Stella Manor every other month and is for all ages. It is a great opportunity for our kids to gain experience playing and singing 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 …
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Snack-N-Chat-grades 9-12

This club is for students in grades 9-12. What we will do: Hang out together, play games you bring or that are at the church and eat pizza or snacks. Supplies: bring snacks or drinks you would like to share and money for pizza. Please email Jackie by Thursday evening if planning to attend.
Read more

Clubs starting in September . . .

Outdoor Adventure Club-geared toward middle school/families

Come along with us and explore God's Creation in the beautiful outdoors. Our first meeting will be at the Fifth and Greenwich Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, to hand out a "plan," share information and do a welcome activity. Weather permitting, we plan to utilize recreation areas at Lake Dardanelle State Park and at Ms. Suzanne Sweet's home as well. …
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Games/Play Club-all ages

Join us on third Thursdays for some simple good fun. Have your children bring along any games or toys they would like to share. My kids will be bringing their latest interests: civil war sets, baby dolls and Calico Critters. Bey Blade fans or any other interests come on out and join in the fun!
Read more

Ultimate Frisbee Club-grades 6-12

Ultimate Frisbee Sign-Up Link Come join in with other 6th-12th grade students playing the fun game of ultimate frisbee. All you need to bring is lots of energy and a water bottle. Dress appropriately for playing sports and be sure and follow the REACH Dress Code located HERE. Students must be accompanied by a parent/adult, but it may be another …
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Club starting in October. . .

Junior STEM Club-ages 4-10

Does your child love science, art and engineering?  Are you ready to do some fun hands-on science experiments like creating slime?  Have you ever wondered what makes a rainbow or why some things float or sink in water? In this club geared for ages 4-10, kids will be able to explore and learn about some of the amazing world around …
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Intensive News 2019-2020

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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Coming This Fall. . .Watch for details in upcoming newsletters

Megan Snow is planning Hot Air Balloon with open ended imaginative play and story time in September for ages 4-7.

Chelsey Carnahan is hosting Cooking With Grandma with teacher Brenda Carnahan. There will be a session for grades K-3 in September and one for grades 4-6 in November.

Sarah Hann is planning a Beginning Ballroom Dancing Intensive for late September or early October. It will be 3 hours on a Saturday morning, and we will cover the basic steps of the Waltz, Fox Trot, and Swing. It is free, and open to 8th grade through adults. Participants are required to have a partner.

Lauren Scott will be hosting a Nature Day Intensive for elementary students later this fall, including an object lesson, nature scavenger hunt, and more!

Kelly Lilley will be teaching an Art Intensive in October for grades 7-12.

How to Homeschool Intensive for Moms-August 16-17

Are you a new homeschool mom who is just getting started? Are you in those middle years where “burnout” sometimes begins? Are you nearing the end and just need a push to finish and would be happy to share from your homeschool life lessons? If you answered yes, then this 2-day intensive is for you: “How to Homeschool with Stunning …
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Field Trips

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: Little …
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Field trips currently being planned:
Johnson County Historical Society-September 27
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park-October 18
Little Rock Zoo-November 15

Teen "End of Summer" Pool Party

Sign-up is required.
Teen Sign-Up Link
Who is Coming
Details: Teens! Don't miss out on a great opportunity of fun and fellowship! Our sweet alumni family, Jeff & Susan Ray, have graciously agreed to host our party again. We will be outside in the pool area and the pool house. Please remember to wear a dark tshirt and shorts (both …
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GIVE TO REACH

PayPal
Amazon Smile
FlipGive - To become a team member, use code C339UZ when prompted.
Giving Bean
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.

Fresh Roasted Coffee and Artisan Tea

Giving Bean roasts to order and ships coffee directly to your home or office so you'll enjoy the fresh-roasted difference, but...the difference isn't only in the taste....each bag helps the funding efforts of REACH.
Please consider using our unique charity link so that REACH receives a donation each time you shop.
Go to: Giving Bean

REACH Library Information

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 3,000+ items REACH Library Database
  • Check out our new library tab.
Contact Velvet with any questions (activities@rsvlreach.org or 223-2255).

Local Events

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

Arkansas Center for Music Education

Arkansas Center for Music Education will open registration on Monday, August 5, for the 2019-20 education/performance year. The following classes and performance groups, as well as some still in the planning stages, will be offered: Beginning orchestra – open to age is 10 to adult …
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Lake Dardanelle August events

Pope County Library events

Coming in September - Pope County Fair

Johnson County Fair - Aug. 20-24

August 10 - Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry
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