Orchard Grove

Amid much recent discussion about the state of education and the right way to administer it, a group of local teachers is planning to offer Warren countians a new option. 

Orchard Grove is set to be a farm-based homeschool tutorial offering Christian-centered instruction for students in pre-K through 8th grade. 

Jacqueline Shehane, one of three current Morrison Elementary teachers and Warren County natives who are launching Orchard Grove, reached out to me to talk about the new venture. 

"Students at Orchard Grove are enrolled in an umbrella homeschool and receive face-to-face instruction from licensed teachers," Jacqueline said. "Orchard Grove provides an alternative to public and private schools, prioritizing not only high-quality academic instruction but also fostering a deep connection to nature and God’s creation, offering students a well-rounded educational experience. Our aim is to provide a nurturing environment that honors the sacredness of childhood while encouraging a love for learning and exploration — without the constraints of state regulations or testing."

Jacqueline has 20 years of experience teaching first through fourth grades. She has a master's degree in elementary education and, as a wife and mother, places an emphasis on the importance of faith, family and lifelong learning.

Joining Jacqueline are Taylor Smoot and Melita Holland. The three are finishing out their contracts with Warren County Schools and will be remaining at Morrison through May.

Taylor began her teaching career at the Bridgestone Environmental Classroom and Habitat (BEECH) working with public, private and homeschool students. She is currently a first-grade teacher at Morrison Elementary. She was raised on her family's multi-generation farm where she still resides with her husband and two children. 

Melita is a pre-K teacher with a heart for nurturing young minds and cultivating a love for learning. Melita relies on her strong foundation rooted in Christian values to influence her style of warm, compassionate, patient teaching, with a desire to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel valued and encouraged to grow.

"We offer a flexible range of services to accommodate the needs of homeschool families," Jacqueline said. "Orchard Grove students can be enrolled full-time (Monday - Thursday), full-time (Monday - Friday), or part-time (two days a week). Fridays are open to any students who would like to drop in and participate in farm activities, life skills, devotion and fellowship. Our daily instruction schedule runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with early drop-off options available. A typical day at Orchard Grove includes morning prayer, the Pledge, group devotions, core academic instruction, farm and life skills lessons, ample time for outdoor exploration and exposure to rich literature and Bible lessons."

The three educators are united in a vision to offer a Christian-based option to parents seeking a place to educate their children.

"We all share a deep passion for Jesus Christ, our families and teaching," Jacqueline said. "We wanted to create a place where our family values and faith can be woven into our daily lessons. As parents, we often hear people say, 'It goes so fast,' or 'You only get one chance.' These sayings have inspired us to take a different path because we will each have our own children enrolled at Orchard Grove. Once we committed to God’s plan, He has completely guided us in making this dream a reality."

Orchard Grove will be located in Morrison on Shady Grove Road with plans to open for the 2025-2026 school year. Enrollment forms are currently being accepted through orchardgrovellc.com.

Following enrollment, students will go through a screening process to determine their academic level, and then will have a shadow day with other children to see how well they interact within a group. 

Southern Roots

replanted

A move over a month in the making was completed yesterday as Southern Roots Boutique uprooted itself from its previous location at 1704 Smithville Hwy. to relocate in the Plaza Shopping Center at 1100 Smithville Hwy. Ste. 111.

While the store at the Plaza has been open since Feb. 26, Carol Prater, owner of Southern Roots Boutique, proudly held a grand re-opening Saturday and officially welcomed customers to the more spacious new store.

Carol started her children's clothing business as a vendor in other local businesses. She quickly expanded her offerings to include accessories and launched her own store on Smithville Highway just over a year ago. The store's name is a reference to her upbringing as, though she was born in Michigan, Carol's parents and grandparents were all raised in the South, and she is proud of her Southern Roots.

"Southern Roots Boutique offers an extensive line of affordable name brand clothing for women, children and babies," Carol said. "Ladies, you will find a lovely selection of dresses, tops, pants and, of course, your favorite Judy Blue jeans. Southern Roots Boutique also has a new line of purses, shoes and fashionable accessories to complete your wardrobe."

Southern Roots offers a full line of baby accessories from brands such as Copper Pearl, Itzy Ritzy and Noodle & Boo. Smocked outfits to bring your new addition home in are also available. Carol plans to begin offering a baby registry service for expectant mothers as well.

"Our children’s line includes all your favorite name-brand clothing for boys and girls and, of course, we have all the hair bows to match, including monogrammed hair bows," Carol said.

Southern Roots carries a full line of Tyler Candle Products and is an Elite Dixie Belle Paint retailer.

"We have the famous Chalk Mineral paint, the Silk All-In-One paint and all the specialty products and accessories," Carol said. "So, if you have that special piece of furniture to paint or a special project in mind, be sure to stop in and check out our selection of Dixie Belle Paint."

Southern Roots Boutique can be reached at (931) 607-3100 or by messaging its Facebook page. The boutique is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Vicki's

Just around the corner from Southern Roots Boutique's new location in the Plaza Shopping Center is Vicki's hair salon. Unfortunately, the staff of Vicki's has endured a terrible week as the shop's namesake and owner, Vicki Cantrell, was a victim of a serious car crash on Friday morning, Feb. 28, on her way to the shop which reportedly left her in critical but stable condition. 

I reached out to Vicki's friend and longtime co-worker Jennifer Jones to convey my best wishes for Vicki and to ask about the current status of the salon.

"The shop WILL remain open, unless Vicki tells me otherwise," Jennifer told me. "We have worked side by side for 33 years. It's just overwhelming to take in right now. She needs all the prayers of the community."

I ask all Business Pulse readers to join me in keeping Vicki, her family and her work family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Until next week,

Same biz day,

Same biz page

That's it for another week. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Ben Lomand Connect for sponsoring Business Pulse. If you have a business you'd like to have featured, please let me know at editor@southernstandard.com.