Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc

Well, folks, today I had the eggstraordinary honor of visiting the historic home where The Joy of Painting was filmed! 🐔 Stepping into that cozy studio was like scratching around in the coop, looking for that perfect spot to lay a masterpiece. You could almost feel the cluck-tastic energy that Bob Ross left behind—like every brushstroke was a little bit of sunshine pecking its way into our hearts.

Just like Bob’s happy little trees, we all have a canvas to fill, whether it’s a nest to build or a dream to hatch. So, let’s fluff our feathers and get to work, making our lives a beautiful, colorful place, one happy little squawk at a time. 🌳🎨

Remember, every day is a new chance to create something eggstra special. Let’s keep painting, friends.

Bawk, bawk, bawk! 🐔 David R. Cluckles here, reporting from the coop after a cluck-tastic time at "The Stink" during the Pre-GENCON shenanigans! You might ask, “What’s a Stink?” Well, it’s what you get when you gather a flock of gamers under one roof! We had a blast mingling with a gaggle of geese, a litter of pigs, and a fleet of ships—but most importantly, we spread some chicken love and shared stories of our beloved secular inclusive co-op.

We met some egg-cellent organizations and made new friends who are as passionate about learning as we are. These gamers were thrilled to hear about our free-range approach to education and wanted to send a big cluckin’ hello to all of you!

Remember, whether you’re rolling dice or cracking open a good book, keep it fun, keep it friendly, and always keep it inclusive. Until next time, stay egg-ceptional! 🥚🐣

🐔✈️ Well, folks, I’ve officially flown the coop of Jacksonville! This chicken’s on the move, exploring the Charlotte airport. Made a whale friend today waiting for our 1st flight. Gotta say, I pecked my way into the USO for some snacks, and let me tell you—it was finger licking great! 🥪

Right now, I’m roosting here while they give the cargo door a little TLC. Just a minor hiccup before we head to Indianapolis! No need to ruffle any feathers; I’m just winging it and enjoying the layover.

Stay tuned, my fine-feathered friends—more adventures to come as I keep spreading my wings! 🐓🌍- David R. Cluckles

🦸‍♂️🎲 Hey adventurers! David R. Cluckles is packing up the roost and heading to GenCon in Indianapolis, Indiana! 🦸‍♀️🎲

GenCon, the biggest tabletop gaming convention in North America, is about to get even more fun! Our awesome mascot, David R. Cluckles, is ready for an epic quest filled with D&D, games, and lots of feathered fun. He will be there all four days for the show!

If you see this brave chicken at the con, we'd love to take a photo with you! Let’s make this adventure one to remember.

Get ready for some cluck-tastic times! 🐔✨

Thanks for being part of our adventure!

🌟🎉 Exciting News for the Fall Semester! 🎉🌟

Hey, Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. community! 🍁🍂 We're thrilled to announce that our Fall Semester is just around the corner! Get ready for an incredible lineup of classes, activities, and adventures that will inspire and empower our amazing learners. Check out our schedule and see all the fantastic opportunities we have in store: https://www.homeschool-life.com/1064/class/?public=1&private=📚✨

A HUGE thank you to our countless volunteers who pour their hearts and souls into making Free Range Learning Cooperative a stellar program! 🙌💖 Your dedication and hard work are what make our community so special and vibrant.

Let's make this Fall Semester unforgettable! See you all soon! 🌟🚀

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📚✨ Calling all local businesses in Historic Riverside! ✨📚

We're thrilled to announce the Free Range Learning Cooperative Inc.'s upcoming Read-A-Thon, and we need your help to make it a huge success! This event not only promotes literacy but also raises essential funds for our school. Our Read-A-Thon will run from August 6th- October 20th.

🌟 Why should your business get involved?
- Gain exposure to thousands of local and national viewers through our Read-A-Thon page.
- Support our community while benefiting from cost-effective digital and print advertising opportunities.
- Choose from three sponsorship levels to find the perfect fit for your business.

Your support will directly impact our students by empowering them through literacy and essential skills development. Together, we can foster a love for learning and strengthen our community.

Tag a local business that might be interested or contact us directly to learn more about how you can make a difference with your sponsorship. Let's create a Read-A-Thon that leaves a lasting impact on Jacksonville Community!

🎓 Exploring Bright Futures for Home Education

Do you have a high school student and are considering a Home Education (HE) program or Personal Education Program (PEP)? Here’s what you need to know about opportunities and requirements in Florida:

Registration and Participation:
All HE program participants must register annually with the district. PEP students are also required to register with the district, treated equivalently to HE participants. Students can engage in both HE and PEP simultaneously, with the district electronically certifying registration or participation status to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).

**Eligibility Requirements:**
For eligibility for Florida Bright Futures awards, home-educated and PEP students must:
- Meet the General Requirements for a Bright Futures award.
- Submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) online by August 31 of the final year in the program.
- Attain required minimum test scores (ACT®, CLT®, SAT®).
- Fulfill a minimum of 100 hours through volunteer service, paid work, or a combination, documented and verified by the district.

Discover the pathways available and ensure your student is prepared for success with Bright Futures and beyond! 📚✨

🍫 **Happy World Chocolate Day! 🍫**

Today, we’re celebrating the sweetest day of the year by looking back at the delicious memories from Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc.'s Confection Connection class last year!

Our talented students whipped up some amazing chocolate treats that had everyone smiling. From chocolate-dipped fruits to no-bake brownies, the creativity and enthusiasm in the kitchen were truly inspiring. Not only did we indulge our taste buds, but we also learned about the history of chocolate and its journey from cacao bean to yummy dessert.

A huge shoutout to our wonderful instructors and eager learners who made the class such a success. Your passion for cooking and teamwork made every session a delightful experience.

As we celebrate World Chocolate Day, let’s remember the joy and sweetness that cooking together brings. Here’s to more fun and delicious moments in our upcoming classes! 🍪❤️

Happy 4th of July!

As we celebrate with friends, family, and fireworks, Cluckles wants us take a moment to remember why this day is so special.

**The Birth of a Nation:**
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain. Just two days later, on July 4, 1776, they approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson had written the original draft in June, and it was edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

**A Tradition of Celebration:**
- **1777:** Philadelphia hosted the first organized celebration with fireworks, bonfires, and music.
- **1870:** Congress made July 4th a federal holiday.
- **1941:** It became a paid holiday for federal employees.

**Today’s Festivities:**
Now, we honor this day with parades, barbecues, and of course, fireworks! It’s a time to come together, enjoy great company, and reflect on the freedoms of education we enjoy.

Wishing everyone a fantastic and safe Independence Day filled with pride, joy, and lots of fun! 🎆🗽🎉

Free Range Learning Cooperative Pottery Totem

This beautiful creation of our Pottery students – a stunning totem that now stands proudly in the courtyard at Riverside Church at Park and King. This totem, a symbol of our community and permanence, is a collective masterpiece. Each student crafted a unique piece, contributing to a larger, unified whole.

In this safe, happy, and free-range environment, our students have poured their creativity and love into this project, making it a true reflection of our values and spirit.

The totem can be viewed from the King Street sidewalk. 🎨👐

Understanding Home Education Statutes in Florida: A Guide for Parents

Hey parents! 🧡 Are you considering home education for your child in Florida? Here's what you need to know about the state's home education statutes to ensure you're in compliance with compulsory school attendance laws.

🔹 Age Requirement: Children aged 6 (by February 1 of any school year) to 16 must adhere to compulsory school attendance laws.

🔹 School Attendance Options: As a parent, you have several options to fulfill this requirement:
1. Public School - Enroll your child in the local public school.
2. Parochial, Religious, or Denominational School - Choose a school that aligns with your faith or beliefs.
3. Private School - Opt for a private educational institution.
4. Home Education Program - Educate your child at home, following specific guidelines.
5. Private Tutoring Program - Hire a private tutor for your child’s education.

🔹 Home Education Program Details:
- Intent to Home School: Notify your district school superintendent with a written statement of your intent to establish a home education program.
- Educational Progress: Maintain a portfolio of records, materials, and samples of your child's work.
- Annual Evaluation: Submit an annual educational evaluation for your child to the district school superintendent. This can be done through standardized testing, evaluations by certified teachers, or other approved methods.

🔹 Additional Resources: For more detailed information, check out the full statutes on the Florida Department of Education’s website or contact your local school district.

Choosing to home educate is a significant decision, and understanding these statutes will help ensure you provide the best educational experience for your child. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance!

Happy learning! 📚✨

🎉 Exciting Announcement! Meet the 2024-2025 Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. Executive Officers and Board of Directors! 🎉

We are thrilled to introduce our dedicated and passionate team of leaders for the upcoming year! These incredible individuals are ready to guide us through a fantastic year of growth, learning, and community building. Let's give a warm welcome to our new executive officers and board members:

✨ Elizabeth Blake Martel - Chairman

✨ Jennifer Jones - Vice Chairman

✨ Devon Archey - Treasurer

✨ Rebecca Finnell - Secretary

Board of Directors:

✨ Sierra Eagling - Director of Community Events

✨ Shana Mercer - Director of Fundraising

✨ Christy Smith - Director of Recruiting

Each member brings unique skills and a shared commitment to nurturing our vibrant learning community. Together, we’re set to create an amazing experience for all our learners and families.

Here’s to an incredible 2024-2025 school year ahead! 🌟

📢 Exciting News! Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. will be at the First Annual Edison Kids Homeschool Convention! 🎉

We at Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. are thrilled to announce that we will be a vendor at the inaugural Edison Kids Homeschool Convention! This exceptional event is dedicated to bringing together local resources, distinguished vendors, and inspirational speakers—all in one place.

🗓️ **Date:** June 29th, 2024
🕘 **Time:** 9am - 3pm
📍 **Location:** Trinity Baptist Church Plaza, 800 Hammond Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221
🎟️ **Tickets:** $10 in advance / $15 at the door. https://edisonkidsinc.com/event/edison-kids-homeschool-convention/

Event Highlights:

✨ **Local Resources & Vendors:** Explore a diverse array of educational tools and services tailored to support your homeschooling journey.

🎤 **Speakers:** Be inspired by a lineup of dynamic speakers who are pioneers and thought leaders in the world of homeschooling. (Speaker details to be announced soon!)

🔬 **STEM Fair:** Witness young learners showcase their skills through hands-on projects and challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

📚 **Book Fair:** Enjoy a wide selection of books and materials from i55 Book Fairs—something for every book lover!

🤖 **Robotics Demonstrations:** See Maverick Robotics teams and Builders Of Tomorrow, Inc. demonstrate amazing robotics competitions in partnership with the FIRST Program Delivery Organization for Northeast Florida FIRST LEGO League.

🎁 **Door Prizes:** Don't miss the chance to win exciting prizes throughout the event, adding an extra layer of fun to your experience.

Join us to connect, learn, and grow in your homeschooling endeavors. We can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible event. This is more than just a convention—it's the beginning of a community and a movement in home education!

"The greatest invention in the world is the mind of a child." — Thomas Edison

See you there!

Edison Kids Homeschool Convention - Edison Kids Inc Join us for the Northeast Florida Homeschool Convention. Vendors, speakers, STEM Fair, Book Fair, Robotics demonstrations, and more...

🌟 A big thank you to Jax Teach for hosting the Homeschool Open House event! We had tons of fun and it was a pleasure to meet all the homeschoolers that came out. Your dedication and hard work made this event truly special.

Enjoy your chicken flings from Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc.! 🐔✨

🌟 Join us this Friday, June 14th, from 1-5 PM for the Jax Teach Homeschool Open House! 🌟

Whether you’re a homeschool pro or just starting out, this FREE event is packed with valuable resources and connections. 💡

🎓 Connect with local homeschool groups
🤝 Network with experienced homeschool moms & pros
📚 Discover tools and topics to enrich your homeschool journey

It’s a fantastic chance to learn, ask questions, and find support for your homeschooling adventure. Don’t miss out! ✨

See you there! 📅

We are excited to be a vendor at the Homeschool Open House in Jacksonville, FL on Friday, June 14th from 1-5 pm! 🎉

📍 **Location:**
Calvary Baptist Church
4040 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL32218-4408, United States

This event is 🫶free to attend🫶! Come say hi and find out more about our secular inclusive nonprofit organization. 🌈

**Who We Are:**
Join our thriving educational community at FRLC, where we embrace diversity and celebrate individuality. Stepping away from mainstream education, we say no to the status quo and welcome ALL. LGBTQIA+ friendly!!

✨ Event Details:
- Date: Friday, June 14th
- Time: 1-5 pm
- Address: 4040 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218-4408, United States

We can’t wait to meet you and share more about our amazing community! See you there! 🤗

Wow, what a scorcher at Fernandina Pride! 🌞

Huge thanks to everyone who braved the heat to celebrate with us! We're currently contemplating sitting in a bucket of ice to cool off, and poor Cluckles the chicken didn't attend in fear of becoming a BBQ. 😂

But seriously, your support means everything to us. Let's keep spreading love and laughter, even if it means melting a little in the process!

🎉 We're All Set for Fernandina Pride! 🎉

Hey everyone! We're ready and excited to kick off Fernandina Pride at Booth E12! 🌈

✨ Our marble run is set up and ready to roll!
🍗 We're handing out chicken flingers, temporary tattoos, and stickers!

Come join the fun, grab some cool goodies, and celebrate with us! We can't wait to see you at the festival! 🎊

🏳️‍🌈 Exciting news, everyone! Fernandina Pride is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more thrilled! 🎉 Don't forget to swing by booth E12, between 10 am- 2 pm, to say hi to us at Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. 🌈 We've got a handy checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic day. Remember to stay hydrated and slather on that sunblock! Can't wait to celebrate with you all tomorrow! 💖

🦇🌟 A huge thank you to Lubee Bat Conservancy for an unforgettable field trip experience! 🌟

Lubee houses over 160+ bats, including the majestic Malayan Flying Fox with a wingspan of up to 6 feet! It was a chance to observe these incredible creatures up close and personal, while learning about their important role in our ecosystem.🦇

Join us THIS Saturday June 8th at our booth, E12, to spread love, laughter, and positivity—can't wait to see you there! 🌈✨

Get ready to dive into a world of love, diversity, and pure joy at the 4th Annual Fernandina Beach Pride Festival! 🎉🎊

We're over the moon that Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. is joining in on the fun! 🌈 As proud vendors, our mission is simple: to spread love, acceptance, and positivity to every single soul we meet. Swing by our booth, E12, and let's celebrate the beauty of diversity together!

Get set for a day bursting with laughter, excitement, and endless fun! From the vibrant parade to the mouthwatering delights from local food trucks and the buzz of over 100 vendor booths, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🎈 But the real magic? Connecting with amazing folks like YOU!

Drop by our booth to join in the festivities! We'll be dishing out info about our inclusive homeschool cooperative, handing out free temporary tattoos, chicken flingers, and stickers, and sharing smiles and high-fives with every single visitor. Plus, brace yourselves for an epic marble run extravaganza! 🌟 Let your imagination run wild as you build and race marbles alongside new friends and old pals.

And here's a little bonus: show us that you're following us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and you could walk away with a special prize! 🎁

Let's make memories, spread love, and celebrate the magic of diversity together. See you at the Fernandina Beach Pride Festival! 🌟 Don't miss out on the fun and love! 🌈❤️

For PEP families.

We just wanted to make sure you're all aware of a NEW FEATURE that Step Up just announced inside their EMA portal:

You can now print an Award ID documentation showing that your student has been awarded a scholarship!

This is especially important for PEP families, since PEP is its own attendance track according to statute. Since PEP families are no longer Home Education families with the county, some organizations were requesting proof of families' PEP status in order to enroll them in classes, services, or competitive activities. We also had some parents concerned about the ability to prove enrollment in PEP if they were ever questioned while being out and about during the day with their kids, since they would not have an active Letter of Intent from the county to show.

We actually REQUESTED this Award Documentation feature to Step Up months ago, and we're thrilled to see they listened and implemented it!

If you didn't receive the email from Step Up and would like to see the explanation of how to access this feature, or what the button actually looks like inside EMA to help you find it, we have that info in our Forum!

https://www.flhef.org/forum/scholarships/update-5-31-24-ability-to-print-documentation-of-step-up-scholarship-awards-in-ema

🌟 Join Us at Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc.!🌟

📅 Date: June 25th
🕦 Time: 11:15 AM
📍 Location: Historic Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida

We're excited to announce our upcoming Open House event! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

To join our thriving, inclusive, secular cooperative, please follow the checklist below:

1. Eligibility: Have at least one child aged five (5) years or older.
2. Inquiries: Email us at [email protected] for Open House details.
3. Attendance: Attend an Open House and take a tour of our facility.
4. Fees: Pay an annual community fee (per family).

Free Range Learning Cooperative Inc. is where community meets learning! 🌱

📧 For more information and to reserve your spot, please email us at [email protected].

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of our wonderful community! 🎉

🎉📚 **Get Ready to Dive into Homeschooling Fun!** 📚🎉

Hey, Jacksonville homeschooling crew! 🌟

Looking for the inside scoop on homeschooling options in our area? We've got you covered! Join us at the JAX TEACH Homeschool Open House for a day packed with excitement and discovery! 🚀

📅 **Date:** Friday, June 14th
🕐 **Time:** 1:00 - 5:00 PM
🏠 **Location:** Calvary Baptist Church, 4040 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Get ready to:

🔍 Explore curriculum options
🤝 Connect with fellow homeschoolers
🏫 Check out local co-ops
🎤 Hear from amazing speakers
📚 Swap curriculum goodies

Whether you're a seasoned homeschool pro or just dipping your toes in the water, there's something for everyone! Plus, it's completely FREE! 🙌

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for a day of homeschooling fun! See you there! 🎉

🐔🦖 Cluckles the chicken and his friends had an egg-citing day visiting his ancestors at the Museum of Science and History!

Who knew our feathered friend had such a dino-mite connection? From pecking at fossils to strutting his stuff in front of the T-Rex, Cluckles truly felt like a Jurassic VIP. Next stop: Jurassic Park? Stay tuned for more adventures from our coop-tastic mascot!

🐣

We’re just 24 days out, y’all! Here’s an infographic to share. Let’s spread the word and fill Central Park and the streets of Fernandina Beach with love on June 8th. WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX Meteorologist Trevor Gibbs Brian Ernst Music The 7 Street Band

✨ Join us for a celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity at the 4th Annual Fernandina Beach Pride Festival! 🎉🎊

Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. is thrilled to be a part of this incredible event! 🌈 As a vendor, our focus is on embracing every unique individual and celebrating the beauty of diversity. Our booth, E12, will be a hub of positivity and acceptance.

Get ready for a day filled with joy and festivities! From the colorful parade to the tantalizing food trucks and the abundance of over 100 vendor booths, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🎈 But the best part? The chance to connect with amazing people like YOU!

Stop by our booth to say hi and join in on the fun. We'll be giving out information about our inclusive homeschool cooperative, free temporary tattoos, chicken flingers, and stickers, spreading love and positivity one smile at a time. We've got something extra special - a marble run to play with! 🌟 Let your creativity flow as you build and race marbles with friends old and new. Plus, here's a little extra incentive: if you show us that you're following us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, you'll be entered to win a special prize! 🎁

Let's make memories, share laughter, and celebrate the beauty of diversity together. See you at the Fernandina Beach Pride Festival! 🌟 Don't miss out on the love and magic! 🌈❤️

🎩🐰✨ Get ready to tumble down the rabbit hole into a wonderland of enchantment! ✨🎉

🌟 The clock is ticking, and the 2024 Free Range Learning Cooperative, Inc. PROM is TONIGHT! Join us as we venture into a magical evening that'll leave you grinning like the Cheshire Cat! 🌟🎩

📅 Date: May 5th, 2024
🕡 Time: 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
📍 Location: Ortega River Club, 4165 Lakeside Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32210

🎶 Strap on your dancing shoes, for we're about to embark on a journey through a whimsical wonderland filled with mesmerizing melodies and fantastical beats! 🎶💫

👑✨ Embrace the spirit of the Mad Hatter's tea party and dress to impress in your most fabulous attire! Whether you're sashaying solo or sweeping in with a date, all are welcome to partake in this grand adventure! 🎩💃

💃 Don't be late for this very important date! Gather 'round with fellow wonderland wanderers as we celebrate the power of friendship and unity in our own magical kingdom! 🕺🌟

🎉 Prepare for an evening of laughter, dancing, and whimsy beyond compare! Let's make this prom a night to remember in the annals of wonderland lore! 🎉💫

See you amidst the twirling teacups and swirling stars, dear adventurers! Let's paint the town red... and white... and every color of the rainbow! 🌈🐇