We started our "official" homeschool year a couple of weeks ago. B is now a 3rd grader and S is a Kindergartner...and Steve is beginning his 5th year of grad school. This is the first (and hopefully the only :) year that Steve will be in school at the same time as both our daughters! Life is interesting with 3 students to care for. I want a really good teacher gift at the end of the year :)
This is the first year I have to report to the state on B's progress as a student, so our year will look a bit different than in the past. I find it is necessary for me to be more organized, which is really good. I had to submit legal paperwork to my local school district declaring our intent to homeschool along with our objectives for the year. I have to keep a portfolio of samples of her work and progress during the year and submit it to our school superintendent at the end of the school year. B also has to undergo state testing near the end of the year and we have to hire an evaluator who will assess B's progress. PA has some of the most stringent homeschool laws in the U.S., but I am also thankful for the accountability.
S is simply delighted to officially be in Kindergarten this year! She is especially excited because she can officially participate in our homeschool co-op...she's no longer in with the Preschoolers. I am her teacher this month at our co-op and she thinks it's pretty special to be the teacher's daughter...I'm just thankful she likes me that much!
I am also thankful that we live in a country that allows parents to make the school choice they feel is best for the child and/or family. Homeschooling has been a good choice for us so far. Only God knows His plans for our homeschool years. We are open to changing how we educate our children if called to change, but also hopeful to homeschool many more years.
Blessings~
Rachel
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