It's Labor Day weekend, and the weather is HOT! All three of us get a nice long weekend, so we're just relaxing and enjoying home. This afternoon Emily and I washed the dogs, Sheba and Hershey, by putting on swimsuits and playing in the sprinklers with them. I think we had more fun than the dogs. A little while ago Wayne opened the pool, and the three of us jumped into the cold water. At this time of year, when days grow shorter, the pool temperature drops, even on the hottest of days. I can't even remember the last time I jumped into a cold pool--years, I'm sure!
I may keep up this blog sporadically, as a creative outlet, but the focus will shift to more general themes. First, though, I'll update you on the education front.
We considered having Emily homeschool her junior and senior years through a local charter school with an active support group. We weighed possibilities, and considered how each weekday would play out. Every way we weighed it, Emily would be home alone two days each week. As loyal as I am to the concept of homeschooling, that didn't seem healthy. Since I can't quit my job, or go part time, we checked other options, and settled on an alternative program through the local high school.
The program is called "Middle College", and is open to juniors and seniors in high school. The students meet in a classroom at the junior college for daily high school classes (English and history), taught by a dedicated high school teacher. These high school classes are five days a week from 8 to 11 am. After that, each student attends the college courses of their choice (approved by a high school counselor). Middle College students must meet the same graduation requirements as high school students, and they will graduate along with their high school peers. Emily says there are 22 students in her classroom. She loves her teacher, Randy Nixon, and I think she will thrive in this program. Among other advantages, it provides Emily with a strong English and writing mentor. I still believe Emily was born to be an author, but she is not convinced. Whatever she decides to do, I have no doubt she will excel!
