Meet Kari: Part 3

What about "EC" (Enrichment Classes)?

What made you begin Enrichment classes?

When Liberty was 4 we heard about Enrichment Classes in Sherman. I had never heard of that before. We called, got in and started. We both fell in love with the classes and I with the concept. I felt like this was the thing that was missing with Jessie and Hiedi's homeschool experience. One day during orientation the EC director, Karen Tooley, announced that she would like for someone to consider starting another EC group. Their group had gotten so big, they were limited on space and their waiting list about 23 families long. She thought if another got started it would help that situation. Well, I took up the idea since I didn't like driving to Sherman each week. I thought it would be nice to start one closer to home. I talked to Karen, she helped me with all the details of setting up our own Enrichment Class and the rest is, as they say, history. The Sherman group was so organized that it made the whole process of starting up our own classes fairly easy. The Sherman group had 3 board members so I thought we should have 3 board members. The first three were Nicki Truesdell , Maggie VanDolah and myself.


What is your favorite thing about EC?

The camaraderie between all the kids. I love that they have a 'school group' that they are a part of. School is a major part of growing up and I think EC is just an added benefit that gives kids something to belong to academically. I have observed over the years that some children don't take their school work as seriously as their parents might like for them to and EC offers a little academic competition and accountability with their peers that helps them see for themselves that they need to step it up. I love my children being exposed to other adults that have something to offer my kids that I can not. I always use Dainah Blalock as an example. She is a wonderful mentor to my daughter in the area of writing. I love that there are classes offered that I just could not offer at home, like Color guard, drama, etc. There are also classes, like history or literature that we do offer at home but the added dimension of a group discussion enhances the study so much. And I can not leave out the fellowship the moms enjoy. There is so much to be gained from so many of the moms and dads that attend EC. I just love our group so much!


What have been some of the challenges with being the leader of this group?

I am sure they are the same challenges that are common to anyone in leadership. I have to continue to go to the Lord and ask Him for wisdom.


If there are any changes you could make for EC what would it be?

I would love for our program to be 5 hours instead of 4. It is not an option for us because of the availability of the church. The other change would be to build or buy our own facility suited to meet the needs of our homeschool community at large.


Kari, I have really enjoyed working on this online interview with you. Thank you so much for sharing with us. You are a wonderful Christan, mother, homeschool parent & friend. You & your family are an inspiration & our EC group is privileged to have you. THANK YOU!!