Cluster Groups
We want to introduce something new that SCCHE is
going to be doing – Cluster Groups.
Actually, a long time ago, SCCHE did something like this, and we want to
re-introduce it again since those of us in leadership think that this is the
best way to meet the needs of the members of the group. So here is the explanation of what is being
planned in terms of support for the homeschool families in the group.
CLUSTER GROUPS
Because SCCHE serves over 400 families, we cannot meet
the support needs of everyone in terms of monthly meetings. Distance, schedules, lack of baby-sitters,
and busy lives sometimes get in the way of homeschool support that many new
home schoolers need. Hence, we are going
to initiate "cluster groups" - that is, small groups that can provide
support and encouragement for new and veteran homeschoolers.
WHAT IS A CLUSTER GROUP?
A cluster group is a small group of families who get
together for support and encouragement.
This group can plan monthly meetings, field trips, park days, or
anything else. Each individual group
'defines' what its focus will be.
WHAT DEFINES A CLUSTER GROUP?
There are multiple ways to "define" your
cluster group. Here are a few examples
of what they could be:
*Geographically:
Home schoolers who live near each other.
*By church: Home
schoolers who attend the same church.
*By interest: Unit
studies, classical approach, book club, crafts, etc.
*By activity:
Field trips, projects, park days, etc.
*By age group
These are just suggestions. You define your group.
WHO CAN LEAD A CLUSTER GROUP?
We are looking for veteran homeschoolers to volunteer to
head up a cluster group. That way, the
leader has some knowledge on the ins and outs of homeschooling. Newer homeschoolers can do so as well, but I
would recommend that new and newer homeschoolers join a cluster group for a
couple of years and then branch off and start one if interested.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO LEAD A CLUSTER GROUP?
The only requirements to be a leader of a cluster group
is that you need to be a member of SCCHE and you need to agree to SCCHE's
statement of faith (see the website for our statement of faith). Agreeing to the statement of faith is a
requirement for all SCCHE leaders and teachers.
WHEN WOULD CLUSTER GROUPS MEET?
That is the beauty of a cluster group. When you get together is totally up to the
individual cluster group.
WHERE WOULD CLUSTER GROUPS MEET?
Wherever you choose.
Someone's home for family gatherings, a restaurant for a parent's night
out, a Saturday morning prayer time for dads, a park, a room at the library, a
room at a church; the sky is the limit.
WHAT ABOUT THE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS AT FIRST BAPTIST
ST. PETERS?
We will still offer some meetings on the fourth Tuesday
of every month. We will always offer a new homeschooler's workshop on
that evening at First Baptist. In
addition, the church will be open on the fourth Tuesday of every month if a
cluster group would like to use the building for their meeting. You would just have to let me (Margaret) know
ahead of time that you wanted to meet there on a regular meeting night.
HOW IS A CLUSTER GROUP FORMED
The first step in forming cluster groups for SCCHE is to
get volunteers who are willing to head up the groups. If you are interested in being a volunteer to
head up a cluster group, please email the following to Margaret Porch at sccheleaders@gmail.com and cc your
email to Barb Leiber at scchemembercoordinator@gmail.com
and Phebe Martin at phebem.scche@gmail.com
- Your name
and address (and hubby's)
- Your email
and phone number
- The type of cluster group you would like to
lead
- The number
of families you would like to be in it.
- An
indication that you have read the SCCHE statement of faith and that you agree
to it.
- The number
of families that you would like in the group.
- If you
would like to self recruit or if you would be open to new homeschoolers and /
or homeschoolers that you don't know joining your group.
- Indicate
whether or not you would want your name and the nature of your cluster group
placed under cluster group leaders on the website, in a password protected area.
Being a leader or member in a cluster group is a
wonderful way to minister to new homeschoolers and you could make lots of new
friends at the same time!
HOW CAN I JOIN A CLUSTER GROUP?
- As cluster group leaders begin to volunteer, we will put
their names in a cluster group area on the website. You will be able to look at them and call the
leader of the one that you are interested in.
- Or, get a few friends together and put one together,
pick someone to be the leader (contact person) and be willing to add some
people to your group that you don't know.
- We will also have a sign up time for cluster groups at
the August kick-off the school year meeting.
WHAT WILL BE GOING ON WITH THE SCCHE MONTHLY MEETINGS AT
FIRST BAPTIST ST. PETERS?
Here is a tentative schedule, with meetings on the 4th
Tuesday of each month (except for concert months). We have reduced the number of formal
meetings so we could allow for more time
for cluster groups to meet. We will
still be at First Baptist Church of St. Peters each month (except Dec and May)
for new homeschooler workshops.
- July - no meeting
- August - Kick off the school year meeting. Three or four topics to choose from and a new
homeschooler's workshop. Sign ups for
activities. Snacks.
Check out the SCCHE library. - September:
Cluster Group Meeting month/New home schooler's workshop
- October: Clothing
exchange/New home schooler's workshop
- November: Cluster
Group Meeting month
- December: Choir
and Band concerts
- January: Mom's
Winter Tea/ New homeschooler's workshop's
- February: Cluster
Group Meeting month/New home schooler's workshop.
- March: Curriculum
discussion round table before the Expo (which will be the last weekend in March
in 2009). New homeschooler's workshop
- April: Cluster
Group Meeting month/Clothing exchange/New homeschooler's workshop
- May: Band and
choir concerts
- June: No meeting
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