AHF weekly announcements
Weekly Announcements
The queue is currently at these dates
Marketplace – 2/14
Direct Pay – 2/9
Reimbursements – 2/3 still here but getting closer…
Pre-Approvals – 2/20 (there are a few needing further review from before that but the majority are done up to this date)
** Note, anything not reviewed that was submitted before these dates is likely in further review for one of many reasons. But as a WHOLE this is where the queue is at in processing.
It’s gonna be a busy busy week for all as everyone starts scheduling tests, and the office prepares for the start of the reapplication and new application period which tentatively is expected to happen on MARCH 9TH.
There will be more details on exactly how to do this, I will even be recording a walkthrough video as soon as its up and running and will post it as soon as possible that day. But, the overall plan at this time is that every child who already has funds will simply need to select in classwallet to opt back in. I don’t know what this will look like and really I don’t think we will know until its there. BUT, I will manage through it no matter how it works and will give detailed instructions then.
New students, whether a whole new family or a new student being added to an existing family account will all still be added via FACTS. I will actually be doing this come the 9th as well. My next to youngest turns 5 this month and will be a new Kindergarten student this year so I will add him.
Be warned. If this thing does not act right when I get in there, I cannot be blamed for any colorful language heard in said video…
**** When making a preapproval request make sure you are accounting for the Tax and the Shipping charges that would be incurred. The amount requested in preapproval needs to be the same as what is requested when it was preapproved and so they need to be able to take the full cost into account when issuing the approval. Especially with furniture items where the cost to ship can many times double the cost of the product.
Please do not invite other parents to join the group until they are already funded. But please do send them to the website to read and gather information as they work to make an informed decision.
I also do not mind if you send them to ask me questions if they need answers they still cannot find. But I do need to wait until I can confirm their EFA participation before allowing them access to the group page.
I know it seems a lot and that any and all homeschool family should surely not be too insane to allow in here, but the number of looney toons I have encountered in the past 18 months suggests otherwise.
I have encountered sneaky reporters and journalists pretending to be in the program just to spy on and harass parents.
I have encountered homeschoolers who ARE homeschoolers indeed, actually make public statements on other pages that they hoped the program failed and hoped their off-color purchases they attempted would help to that end. (YES someone actually publicly posted that on a National Based Homeschool forum and was subsequently removed from the group because we do not need that type of energy here.)
This is though why it is important that we put together more info for homeschoolers not yet funded as well or that choose not to use funding and get all of that on the website where they can access it.
Now, let’s review a lesson that not everyone has mastered.
There is still confusion on the difference between an invoice and a receipt. Many do now understand but we have some that still need the links.
You need an INVOICE for direct pay. An invoice shows what you are wanting to place an order for and shows a BALANCE that you are requesting be paid directly by classwallet once approved.
A RECEIPT is used for purposes of reimbursement. A receipt MUST show the payment method, payment date and reflect the payment showing a $0 balance at the end of the receipt.
This link I created to help vendors distinguish shows visual differences between the two.
If you have a receipt that you need reimbursed that does NOT meet the above criteria you must include a screenshot of the payment. You can screenshot your bank account or CC statement to do this. As long as the total and name of charge reflects a matching total this is enough to show proof of the payment being made in full.
If you are using a vendor that you choose to pay and be reimbursed versus use direct pay and they issue you a receipt that is in fact an INVOICE please send them this link so that they can see how to correct it for you. Even vendors especially newer ones can confuse the two. If you ever lose the link just go to the Homeschool Freedom website and click on vendor help in the top navigation. There is a button that links to invoices and receipts and it will always be there.
THE START OF ALL OF THE OTHER REMINDERS WE ARE NOT YET DONE WITH…
Remember you can check the Homeschool Freedom website to look at more information on many vendors.
www.ArkansasHomeschoolFreedom.com
The homepage also has a few videos that are very helpful.
The vendor ads on the page are a great way to get a lot more information if you need to compare classes and look for specific types of items.
ProductType — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
Miss Toni’s search is also extremely helpful when looking for local vendors for extracurricular and tutoring services. This is linked on the website, but the direct link is
Outbridge has done a wonderful job providing a search that you can also utilize to find vendors.
School Finder | Arkansas School Finder
When uploading direct pay invoices and searching for the vendors you will need to be exact.
PLEASE DO NOT use a screenshot to place direct pay order unless the vendor tells you to, their website states to do so, or their ad on the website states to use this process.
We still have a LOVELY little video that will help those struggling to figure out HOW to utilize the various search options available to locate vendors. I will link it again here.
HOW TO USE THE PREAPPROVAL SYSTEM
Follow this link to the pre-approval form: EFA Expense Preapproval Request.
Fill out the form but keep your info complete but brief. More bullet point style not a whole damn conversation. If you have 5 points make them but leave out the fluff. 😊
Provide any links to curriculum or the item itself that are relevant. And be certain to consider and add a line for it that accounts for shipping and tax. The price requested can be quite off if you do not request those. I would suggest stating in the request that your total includes all taxes and shipping to be accurate of the full amount the request needs to be made for.
You will receive an email that is either approval, denial or a request for more information.
If you receive preapproval, please put the normal information you always do. Preapproval does NOT mean they don’t still need your receipt and your other documentation. They do still need all of that uploaded into classwallet so that its in the system WITH the approved order once processed. But add your preapproval email in there as well.
NOTE: All purchases will still be approved based on reasonable need and price criteria. Splitting between children does not automatically mean that you can spend double or triple for the item. A bookshelf that’s twice as much because it HOLDS twice as much can be justified at a higher cost when split between students and may be approved. A bookcase that is more costly because it’s more decorative or made from a higher end wood type or style but that does not actually provide more storage for the increased cost would NOT be reasonable.
THANK YOU for the reviews that are coming in! Please keep them coming.
If you send a simple text only review, I created a little spot on the bottom of the review page.
Blog 2 — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
Here is the form keep using it. I don’t even sleep so I can make it work.
BLOGS — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
I am always available via PM if you need an answer to something and are still confused after checking here and the websites.
Arkansas is truly on the way to becoming the most truly FREE CHOICE for educational opportunities in the country. There are likely never gonna be zero kinks to work out. As one wrinkle gets ironed out surely another will take its place. But every step forward is a leap towards opportunities other states are no where near ready to even attempt to make happen.
WE are all making it happen.
When you submit a test review or submit a product or service review you help make that happen.
When you contact and recruit a new tutor or service vendor and they enter the program and offer their services in direct pay so that other students, not just your own, are able to benefit from it, you help make that happen.
When you take the time to answer the questions other parents have or give a newer homeschooling parent suggestions and advice on finding the right programs and choices for their students, you help make that happen.
Whebn you take the time to give the website address to a new homeschooler so that they can gather information on schooling options or send them to ask someone who may have answers if their questions are not fully answered there, you help make that happen.
I do NOT work for the ADE and do NOT know all answers. But I know a damn site more than the majority because I am a type A, OCD, insomniac that makes and keeps spreadsheets of important data so that I can reference it for accuracy… and I also DO in fact usually know who can help you when I cannot and can forward you to the appropriate person.
My little trolls are still always at it so some days I will need a minute to get back to you.
There are indeed days that the level at which troll #9 trolls us rivals the most vexing of villains to ever grace the pages of a comic.
This child will flood the house and then paint a wall and proudly tell you how his ‘ART PROJECT’ or ‘SCIENCE EXPIRIMENT’ went.
All of the trolls residing here are mischievous, but I will need you all to bear with me as I navigate the daily parenting of the world’s next super villain.
Kannon is basically akin to a herding dog. Oh, he’s an avid worker, you give him a herd of cattle to wrangle and keep the boy running and he will never let you down. If he’s working, he is working hard. BUT- If you turn your back for 30 seconds, he will eat all the chickens. ALL THE CHICKENS!
Ann Snelson
501-412-5107
ArkansasHomeschoolFreedom@gmail.com
Helpful Links from the ADE and Outbridge
Mileage Reimbursement Form (Please make a copy before editing)
Testing Information (everything you need to know about testing!)