Today, the boys started at their new school. The school is a charter school which means it is government funded (like public schools) but it is overseen by a board of directors. I kind of think of it as "a private school funded by the government". The education is determined by the school. For example, the public schools in our district use "Everyday Math" whereas the charter school uses "Saxon Math". They ...

With Jordan graduating from 5th grade at Homestead (the school's highest grade), its time to move on and although we're excited about the school the boys will be going to next, we are sad to say 'goodbye' to Homestead.   Jordan started at the school in 1st grade and this was the photo I took on his first day.   This is the photo I took tonight as we left the 5th Grade Continuation ...

The day has arrived. The 5th grade class of 2012 is graduating. Next year - middle school - grades 6th-8th.  The theme for this year's continuation was "bursting into a bright future".   At 6 pm the 5th grade students filed into the gymnasium and I managed to catch Jordan as he walked by.   He chose to walk with Gracyn, his on-again-off-again 'like' girlfriend.   And they took their places on the stage.   Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, ...

As part of Social Studies, the third graders had to choose a state they wanted to learn about. They researched the history, the important facts, the famous people, the tourist attractions and other information about their state.  Cullen chose Pennsylvania because we visited there in 2008.  Once all the facts and information were compiled, the students presented their findings on a trifold board which they put together with the help of the ...

The 5th graders are learning about the early settlers and how they lived after arriving in America on the Mayflower in 1620. The kids are allowed to dress up in colonial-type outfits this week. This 5th grader's name is Chris and I asked if I could take his picture because I thought his costume was great.  The students learnt various skills like calligraphy, quilting, taffy pulling, theatre & puppet making ...

Because Halloween falls on a Monday this year, the teachers decided to allow the kids to wear their costumes to school - with limits. 1. No scary costumes. 2. Normal clothes are to be worn under the costumes. 3. Costumes are to be taken off once the parade is over. 4. No make up, face paint or dyed hair. 5. No weapons even if they are plastic or toy weapons.   Over the weekend I sewed fake ...

The PTCO organize games, food and activities and many of the teachers volunteer to help with the festival.  There is lots to do including a hay ride, hair painting, face painting and plenty of games which comes with a prize of candy or (cheap) toy. There is a braai (BBQ) where you can buy hot dogs or burgers plus endless supplies of soda, popcorn and cotton candy.  The games are played in ...