One of the things that worried me most about homeschooling was the reaction of the school. I have heard so many horror stories on the subject that, frankly, it had me quite rattled. Talk about an instance of worrying over nothing! The people at Annie's school have been nothing short of wonderful!
Annie's teacher called a couple evenings ago. She was so sweet. She obviously had very mixed emotions about it all (a feeling we're quite familiar with). Annie had already told me that her teacher cried when she read the letter we'd written her to let her know that Annie wouldn't be back next year. And in our conversation, she admitted she was very sad. But she said that at the same time, she was very happy that Annie would have a chance to grow and be challenged. She admitted to me that not only is Annie way beyond what is in their 4th grade curriculum, she's also beyond what will be offered in the 5th grade. She told me about the wonderful opportunities that Annie would find when she starts middle school in the 6th grade. That was very reassuring to hear, as that is what we'd been hoping for. We talked for more than half an hour. It was a very positive conversation. And we promised to keep in touch.
I mentioned that the principal had called last week, and that he was extremely gracious. Rich called him back yesterday to let him know that as much as we appreciated his offer to discuss things, we were going to stick by our decision to homeschool Annie for the coming school year. He not only said he respected our decision, but he apologized to us. He said that he felt that he had dropped the ball in not staying on top of Annie's needs. We were frankly quite amazed that he was taking that responsibility upon himself, especially since we had never once approached him with our concerns. He let us know that if we should ever change our minds that Annie would be welcome back with open arms. And he even told us to feel free to contact him if we wanted to borrow any of the school's resources. How incredible is that?!!
I honestly cannot believe that we are so blessed! There will most definitely be a letter in the mail to the superintendent within the next few days letting him now what a wonderful principal he has at Winslow Elementary!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
a new adventure...
Been a while. Too busy stressing out, I guess. The whole 'school vs. homeschool' decision. It's been consuming us around here. Probably the toughest decision we've ever had to make. There just wasn't an easy answer. We love the kids' school. But No Child Left Behind has most assuredly left the gifted behind. We're not blaming the school or the teachers. Whatever. None of the reasons really matter right now. What matters is doing what's best for Annie. That's our ultimate responsibility. So...
We've decided to go the homeschooling route. Not ideal. But we're going to do our best to make it the very best for Annie that we can. At the very least, she won't spend 80% of her school time bored to tears. Hopefully, we'll jump-start that overwhelming love of learning she used to have. She still has it, actually...just not where school's concerned.
She's as torn over the decision as Rich and I are. She adores her teacher, who would be her teacher again next year because they loop from 3rd to 4th grade. She'll miss her classmates very much...they're a good bunch of kids and every one of them is her friend. And at the same time, she actually feels homeschooling would be best for her. In true Annie fashion, she even wrote a persuasive essay detailing her reasons.
It's nice to finally have the decision made. At least, I think we have the decision made. New York is one of the hardest states to homeschool in. Tons of regulations. Paperwork galore. The first step is sending the superintendent of the district a "letter of intent to homeschool". Did that early last week. At the same time, I wrote a letter to the principal of the school and a letter to Annie's teacher. I wanted them to understand our reasons why we made the decision we did. I wanted them to know how much we love the school. And I didn't want her teacher to take it personally. Anyway, last Friday I got a call from the principal. He was extremely kind. He felt bad that Annie's needs weren't being met. Wished we'd have come to him before we made this decision. Said that Annie was one of the few children he would believe without question when she said she was bored. In retrospect, we really wish we had gone to him before we made our decision. We'd talked with Annie's teacher on a few occasions throughout the year with our concerns. And each time, together we came up with ways to improve things. But nothing ever came close to being an appropriate education for her. We never approached the principal, because (1.) I guess we didn't realize there was much he could do, (2.) we didn't want to get her teacher into any kind of trouble, and (3.) we didn't want to come off as pain-in-the-ass parents and possibly make things worse. But now he wants to meet with us and see if he can't come up with a plan to make things better for Annie there at school. We're so torn. On the one hand, we hate to close any door without at least first checking it out. On the other hand, throwing this whole issue back into the ring again might just be too much turmoil for us all to handle. Rich is going to call him back today. I wanted him to have a chance to hear what he had to say, too. I'm leaving it up to him to decide if we want to open this can of worms back up.
I've been incredibly busy, almost to the point of obsession, since we finally made our decision. In New York, when you homeschool, you have to submit an IHIP (Individual Home Instruction Plan) for each child. It apparently varies from district to district what they actually expect from you. I found a sample "manual" for our district on-line. (Should be receiving a real copy in the mail shortly, since we mailed our letter of intent.) Anyway, our district breaks things down into 12 subjects (math, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, science, health education, music, art, and physical education). For each subject, you must state what you will be covering and the materials (curriculum, books, videos, websites, etc.) you will be using. You also must describe how you will be evaluating the child's progress in each subject during each quarter. You're given 4 weeks to complete this from the time you receive the packet from the district.
I must admit, it all has me feeling a bit overwhelmed. I can't even really follow a pre-made curriculum. Annie doesn't fall into any one grade level. She reads (not just fluency, but comprehension and vocabulary as well) at a high school level. Her math is at about a 6th grade level. She's much stronger in the biological sciences than the physical sciences. Etc. So I am plugging along, subject by subject, trying to come up with an appropriate and challenging course of action. Trying to gather up resources. Trying to put into words how she will be evaluated.
I guess the good thing about the IHIP is that it will give me a nice plan of action to follow to actually prepare for the school year. And I've got to admit...I've got a lot of re-learning to do. For example, one of the units we're going to undertake in science is "Matter". Frankly, I don't remember a heck of a lot about the properties of matter and the structure of atoms and the periodic chart, etc. Suppose it's going to be a busy, busy summer.
We've decided to go the homeschooling route. Not ideal. But we're going to do our best to make it the very best for Annie that we can. At the very least, she won't spend 80% of her school time bored to tears. Hopefully, we'll jump-start that overwhelming love of learning she used to have. She still has it, actually...just not where school's concerned.
She's as torn over the decision as Rich and I are. She adores her teacher, who would be her teacher again next year because they loop from 3rd to 4th grade. She'll miss her classmates very much...they're a good bunch of kids and every one of them is her friend. And at the same time, she actually feels homeschooling would be best for her. In true Annie fashion, she even wrote a persuasive essay detailing her reasons.
It's nice to finally have the decision made. At least, I think we have the decision made. New York is one of the hardest states to homeschool in. Tons of regulations. Paperwork galore. The first step is sending the superintendent of the district a "letter of intent to homeschool". Did that early last week. At the same time, I wrote a letter to the principal of the school and a letter to Annie's teacher. I wanted them to understand our reasons why we made the decision we did. I wanted them to know how much we love the school. And I didn't want her teacher to take it personally. Anyway, last Friday I got a call from the principal. He was extremely kind. He felt bad that Annie's needs weren't being met. Wished we'd have come to him before we made this decision. Said that Annie was one of the few children he would believe without question when she said she was bored. In retrospect, we really wish we had gone to him before we made our decision. We'd talked with Annie's teacher on a few occasions throughout the year with our concerns. And each time, together we came up with ways to improve things. But nothing ever came close to being an appropriate education for her. We never approached the principal, because (1.) I guess we didn't realize there was much he could do, (2.) we didn't want to get her teacher into any kind of trouble, and (3.) we didn't want to come off as pain-in-the-ass parents and possibly make things worse. But now he wants to meet with us and see if he can't come up with a plan to make things better for Annie there at school. We're so torn. On the one hand, we hate to close any door without at least first checking it out. On the other hand, throwing this whole issue back into the ring again might just be too much turmoil for us all to handle. Rich is going to call him back today. I wanted him to have a chance to hear what he had to say, too. I'm leaving it up to him to decide if we want to open this can of worms back up.
I've been incredibly busy, almost to the point of obsession, since we finally made our decision. In New York, when you homeschool, you have to submit an IHIP (Individual Home Instruction Plan) for each child. It apparently varies from district to district what they actually expect from you. I found a sample "manual" for our district on-line. (Should be receiving a real copy in the mail shortly, since we mailed our letter of intent.) Anyway, our district breaks things down into 12 subjects (math, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, science, health education, music, art, and physical education). For each subject, you must state what you will be covering and the materials (curriculum, books, videos, websites, etc.) you will be using. You also must describe how you will be evaluating the child's progress in each subject during each quarter. You're given 4 weeks to complete this from the time you receive the packet from the district.
I must admit, it all has me feeling a bit overwhelmed. I can't even really follow a pre-made curriculum. Annie doesn't fall into any one grade level. She reads (not just fluency, but comprehension and vocabulary as well) at a high school level. Her math is at about a 6th grade level. She's much stronger in the biological sciences than the physical sciences. Etc. So I am plugging along, subject by subject, trying to come up with an appropriate and challenging course of action. Trying to gather up resources. Trying to put into words how she will be evaluated.
I guess the good thing about the IHIP is that it will give me a nice plan of action to follow to actually prepare for the school year. And I've got to admit...I've got a lot of re-learning to do. For example, one of the units we're going to undertake in science is "Matter". Frankly, I don't remember a heck of a lot about the properties of matter and the structure of atoms and the periodic chart, etc. Suppose it's going to be a busy, busy summer.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
meme-ing again
Found this little goodie over at Marianne's place.
1. Name and Nickname (if you have one) - given name is Debra, nickname is Debi (how original, huh?)
2. Are you named after someone - not exactly, but my parents named us by picking a first name that started with the first letter of my Dad's name and a middle name that started with the first letter of my Mom's middle name
3. Astrological Sign - Pisces
4. Do you have a journal - if you count this blog
5. Do you still have your tonsils - nope, and the old gall bladder's gone, too
6. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off - definitely
7. First feature you notice on someone you are attracted to - honestly don't know
8. What is on your mouse pad - don't have a mouse pad
9. Book you are reading right now - Mary Mary by James Patterson
10. Do you collect anything - 40s and 50s kitchen stuff, especially anything red or with tulips
11. Favorite TV Show - Criminal Minds
12. Do you wear glasses or contacts - reading glasses
13. Last movie you saw - The Long Kiss Goodnight (have had it on tape for years, finally got around to watching it)
14. Favorite vacation spot - not sure, but my favorite vacation is the one Rich and I took to Moosenee, Canada
15. Shoe size - was 7 1/2 until I had Annie, then was 8 until I had Gray, then was 8 1/2 until I had Max...so it now stands at a whopping size 9
16. Do you eat breakfast - usually eat a bowl of cereal several hours after I get up
17. Favorite cereal - Banana Nut Crunch
18. Favorite lunch meat - don't know, prefer the cheeses
19. Do you have any tattoos or piercings - 1 hole in one ear, 2 in the other
20. What color is your bedroom carpet - no carpet in bedroom, hardwood floors instead
21. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what store would it be - don't know, maybe Target (how pathetic is that?!!)
22. What celebrity(dead or alive)would you like to have lunch with - no one, to be truthful (I'm entirely too awkward around people I don't know)
23. If you were given a round trip ticket anywhere in the world, where would you go - maybe Madagascar
24. What time do you go to bed - generally 11ish
25. Favorite fast food - Wendys (the buffalo chicken sandwich) or else Taco Bell
26. Dream car I really like - couldn't care less, just so it runs
27. Do you wear a watch - used to until a few months ago when it started irritating my wrist
28. Fabric softner or dryer sheets - neither...my hubby is adamantly opposed
29. Dine in or carry out - dine in if the kids are in the mood to behave, carry out if they're not
30. Mystery or romance novels - definitely mystery, don't think I've ever read a romance
31. Early or late riser - early
32. Mayo or Miracle whip - grew up on Miracle Whip, but have been a mayo girl for quite some time (though frankly, I much prefer mustard)
33. Dill or sweet pickles - sweet, but I'm not much of pickle person
34. Chocolate or vanilla - chocolate
35. Cake or pie - totally depends on what kind
36. Steak or chicken - chicken
37. Gold or silver - silver
38. Roses or carnations - neither, much more into wildflower types like daisies and black-eyed Susans
39. Croutons or bacon bits - croutons
40. Disney or Warner Brothers - don't know
41. Desk, messy or organized - computer desk organized, scrapping desk messy
42. Coke or Pepsi - Coke
43. Summer or winter - love so many things about each season
44. Chinese or Mexican food - Mexican!
45. Rolling Stones or The Beatles - they're both ok, but I'm not a terribly big fan of either
46. Baseball or Football - FOOTBALL!
47. White or wheat - wheat
48. Action or drama - I like a combination
49. Dark or milk chocolate - only dark
50. MAC or PC - MAC
1. Name and Nickname (if you have one) - given name is Debra, nickname is Debi (how original, huh?)
2. Are you named after someone - not exactly, but my parents named us by picking a first name that started with the first letter of my Dad's name and a middle name that started with the first letter of my Mom's middle name
3. Astrological Sign - Pisces
4. Do you have a journal - if you count this blog
5. Do you still have your tonsils - nope, and the old gall bladder's gone, too
6. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off - definitely
7. First feature you notice on someone you are attracted to - honestly don't know
8. What is on your mouse pad - don't have a mouse pad
9. Book you are reading right now - Mary Mary by James Patterson
10. Do you collect anything - 40s and 50s kitchen stuff, especially anything red or with tulips
11. Favorite TV Show - Criminal Minds
12. Do you wear glasses or contacts - reading glasses
13. Last movie you saw - The Long Kiss Goodnight (have had it on tape for years, finally got around to watching it)
14. Favorite vacation spot - not sure, but my favorite vacation is the one Rich and I took to Moosenee, Canada
15. Shoe size - was 7 1/2 until I had Annie, then was 8 until I had Gray, then was 8 1/2 until I had Max...so it now stands at a whopping size 9
16. Do you eat breakfast - usually eat a bowl of cereal several hours after I get up
17. Favorite cereal - Banana Nut Crunch
18. Favorite lunch meat - don't know, prefer the cheeses
19. Do you have any tattoos or piercings - 1 hole in one ear, 2 in the other
20. What color is your bedroom carpet - no carpet in bedroom, hardwood floors instead
21. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what store would it be - don't know, maybe Target (how pathetic is that?!!)
22. What celebrity(dead or alive)would you like to have lunch with - no one, to be truthful (I'm entirely too awkward around people I don't know)
23. If you were given a round trip ticket anywhere in the world, where would you go - maybe Madagascar
24. What time do you go to bed - generally 11ish
25. Favorite fast food - Wendys (the buffalo chicken sandwich) or else Taco Bell
26. Dream car I really like - couldn't care less, just so it runs
27. Do you wear a watch - used to until a few months ago when it started irritating my wrist
28. Fabric softner or dryer sheets - neither...my hubby is adamantly opposed
29. Dine in or carry out - dine in if the kids are in the mood to behave, carry out if they're not
30. Mystery or romance novels - definitely mystery, don't think I've ever read a romance
31. Early or late riser - early
32. Mayo or Miracle whip - grew up on Miracle Whip, but have been a mayo girl for quite some time (though frankly, I much prefer mustard)
33. Dill or sweet pickles - sweet, but I'm not much of pickle person
34. Chocolate or vanilla - chocolate
35. Cake or pie - totally depends on what kind
36. Steak or chicken - chicken
37. Gold or silver - silver
38. Roses or carnations - neither, much more into wildflower types like daisies and black-eyed Susans
39. Croutons or bacon bits - croutons
40. Disney or Warner Brothers - don't know
41. Desk, messy or organized - computer desk organized, scrapping desk messy
42. Coke or Pepsi - Coke
43. Summer or winter - love so many things about each season
44. Chinese or Mexican food - Mexican!
45. Rolling Stones or The Beatles - they're both ok, but I'm not a terribly big fan of either
46. Baseball or Football - FOOTBALL!
47. White or wheat - wheat
48. Action or drama - I like a combination
49. Dark or milk chocolate - only dark
50. MAC or PC - MAC
lazy days of summer?
Isn't summer supposed to be a time to relax?
Seems like there is just too much going on these days. The last few weeks of school for the kids are always really busy (no exception this year). Annie has a field trip this week. Gray has a field trip next week. Gray also has another dentist appointment next week. The following week (their last week of school), they will both have their field days. And Gray's class is hosting an author's tea (where they will be reading their works to all who attend the tea). Monday and Wednesday nights are filled with Gray's soccer games, while Tuesday and Thursday nights are filled with Annie's soccer games.
We are hoping to maybe take a mini-vacation that weekend after school's out. Thinking of heading to Ithaca, NY. It's filled with so many neat places to go...something for each of us. Who'd a thunk it...Ithaca, NY?
Then, the following weekend is my family reunion. And Rich's parents want us to come there for the 4th. Geez...I'm exhausted just thinking of it all. (But after that, maybe we'll have a few weeks of relative calm. Aside from soccer and animation camp and flute lessons, that is.)
Quote of the day:
"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." --James Dent
Seems like there is just too much going on these days. The last few weeks of school for the kids are always really busy (no exception this year). Annie has a field trip this week. Gray has a field trip next week. Gray also has another dentist appointment next week. The following week (their last week of school), they will both have their field days. And Gray's class is hosting an author's tea (where they will be reading their works to all who attend the tea). Monday and Wednesday nights are filled with Gray's soccer games, while Tuesday and Thursday nights are filled with Annie's soccer games.
We are hoping to maybe take a mini-vacation that weekend after school's out. Thinking of heading to Ithaca, NY. It's filled with so many neat places to go...something for each of us. Who'd a thunk it...Ithaca, NY?
Then, the following weekend is my family reunion. And Rich's parents want us to come there for the 4th. Geez...I'm exhausted just thinking of it all. (But after that, maybe we'll have a few weeks of relative calm. Aside from soccer and animation camp and flute lessons, that is.)
Quote of the day:
"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." --James Dent
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