Back to School

I can't believe that we are already into the new school year but here we are.

Terrible picture taken by mom at the last minute.

This year Gloria is in 4th grade, Sara is 6th grade and Dan is in 9th grade. They have all had a good first couple of days. Dan had a little bit of a crisis on day 1 when we couldn't find his ID but that all worked itself out. Everyone seems happy and I am happy to get back to a routine. Dan is going to try out for the golf team, if golf is not an option, cross country is his back up.

Here in Arizona, K thru 8th is in one building, I've never seen that before, and then the high school is separate. Even though I don't agree with some of the thinking that happens here in AZ, I have found that the way they approach education is very progressive and inclusive.

They work with homeschoolers to help them be successful. If you are unhappy with the schools you belong to (perhaps there isn't a strong band program) there is a window of opportunity each year for you to switch your kids to a school that will work better for your family. There are also many, many charter schools so that your kid who is a wiz at science will get a curriculum heavy on science. I think it's really innovative.

Most, if not all the places we've lived before, the rules and policies have been put in place for the benefit of teachers and administrators and they seem to be all about keeping both children and parents under control. Here, I feel like it is all about what is best for your kids and your family. I feel more freedom and in-turn I feel much more supportive and want to be more involved.