Today we had our weekly family outing, 'family time.' We decided to go to a place that many have told us is a great catch all park where the kids can run, jump, and have a bunch of fun. We were wholly unprepared for the surprise we were about to embark upon.
Driving past lots of dilapidated houses and remnants of Hurricane Katrina, we did not know what to expect. Suddenly, we turn a corner and see a huge welcoming sign followed by full tennis courts, large and beautiful trees that lazily hang over the streets and create a sense of complete serenity.
We park our car, get out and begin to walk towards the amusement park that is housed within this great park. We hear cheers, screams, smell the wonderful aroma of barbecue and popcorn. With excitement, the kids jump up and down in utter surprise as we prepare to enter the amusement park. Ride after ride, they are filled with youthful joy and plan out their next move. All we hear are calls of "Can we go on that next? Can we get a snow cone? Can we play in the park now dad?"
It was hot and humid, but nothing could replace the pure delight and joy expressed by all three children as they happily ran from ride to ride. No long lines. No huge park congestion. No fear of losing your child! It is the perfect size for family fun. The park is big enough to not get completely bored, but small enough to be contained in one afternoon. There was even a great park full of a fire truck, a space ship, fairy tale depictions, and serenity. It was a veritable cornucopia of juxtapositions of imagery and imaginations.
We had to stop momentarily to eat lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, or nachos were the main menu items. Not really a great assortment, but now we know we can bring food into the park. (Mental note for next time.) After lunch, the kids went on a few more rides and we finalized it all up with snow cones and slushies.
For only the second time since we arrived in New Orleans, once we got back to the hotel, the children fell right asleep for a nap. Any day where the kids can be kids (sweat, laugh, get messy, scream, run, jump, and smile all day) is a great day!
We had a ball Laughing Out Loud, and Enjoying Our Children and Family Time Today! Find something that you can do that helps you to Laugh Out Loud and Enjoy Your Children today! No matter whether the kids are 2, 15, or 25!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Era of Public Schools
Over the last two weeks, I have gotten a rude awakening and impromptu introduction into the world of public school un-usual! Now, before I get all the teachers and administrators all riled up, let me explain.
Just one short month ago, we were chosen to move from Nashville, TN to New Orleans, LA. We were excited, but rushed to say the least. It's the middle of the summer and school starts in just a few short weeks. Believing that school is done on a zoned basis (you move into an area and go to the school in your neighborhood), we were not fully concerned. That is, until we began talking to fellow parents who informed us that the school system has definitely changed and we'll want to send our children to private or parochial school. We were then told that we should expect to spend anywhere between $5000 and $15,000 per child, per year.
I'm no brain surgeon, but when did public school get so expensive??? Why do we have to pay what used to be the equivalent of a college education, for elementary school?? I feel old and want to say, "well, in my day...."
I am a public school girl and know that there are always good FREE public schools that have high academic standards and great extracurricular activities. I searched and did my due diligence searching school sites like www.greatschools.com as well as a host of other sites given to me by local parents.
Come to find out, because of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina over 4 years ago, the City of New Orleans is still trying to revamp itself and get to a place where "normal" has a discernable meaning. The concept of "zoned school" is non-existent and there is much to learn about how the current system is operating.
There has been an infusion of Public Charter Schools, with a huge wait list (sometimes over 100-500 long) because of their excellent academic performances. The standard public schools have different things to offer, but the highest academically scoring schools not only have a potential "wait list", but may even require an application and recommendation letter. Even after submitting all required documentation, there is still no guarantee that you will get in. Once the school meets capacity, you may submit your application, but there is no guarantee of being accepted.
Home schooling our children became a very real option. We did not have a true desire to pay over $15,000/year for elementary school education. We also did not want to put the children in a low performing school where more than 50% of the children do not meet or exceed the state minimum standard testing scores.
What to do, what to do?
As a concerned parent, I put out a call to all my friends in Facebook land and got some great responses. I went to the public schools and talked with the administrators, secretaries, principals, and anyone else who would give me information. I got all my applications and supporting documents turned in the same day I received the applications. I displayed a genuine concern as well as knowledge for the process that we were embarking upon. I showed care for my children and for the quality of education that we desired for them to receive.
I basically did my due diligence. I prayed daily and kept abreast of new information. I did not stop until I had a definite answer of "No, we are at capacity and cannot accept any more children." or "Yes, your children are accepted and school starts on August 11th."
So, today, I finally got the answer I really wanted to hear of "Yes, your children are in!" Believing in the power of prayer, connecting with the administrators, and becoming informed about the public school system has paid off. My children will be attending one of the top 5 Public schools in New Orleans! I am excited because I believe in the quality of education that my children will receive and the fact that it's going to be "free."
Parents with children in school, value the educational system that you are a part of; be supportive of the staff and professionals teaching your children daily; and be an involved concerned parent.
So today, I am Laughing Out Loud and Enjoying My Children. I invite you to do the same.
Just one short month ago, we were chosen to move from Nashville, TN to New Orleans, LA. We were excited, but rushed to say the least. It's the middle of the summer and school starts in just a few short weeks. Believing that school is done on a zoned basis (you move into an area and go to the school in your neighborhood), we were not fully concerned. That is, until we began talking to fellow parents who informed us that the school system has definitely changed and we'll want to send our children to private or parochial school. We were then told that we should expect to spend anywhere between $5000 and $15,000 per child, per year.
I'm no brain surgeon, but when did public school get so expensive??? Why do we have to pay what used to be the equivalent of a college education, for elementary school?? I feel old and want to say, "well, in my day...."
I am a public school girl and know that there are always good FREE public schools that have high academic standards and great extracurricular activities. I searched and did my due diligence searching school sites like www.greatschools.com as well as a host of other sites given to me by local parents.
Come to find out, because of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina over 4 years ago, the City of New Orleans is still trying to revamp itself and get to a place where "normal" has a discernable meaning. The concept of "zoned school" is non-existent and there is much to learn about how the current system is operating.
There has been an infusion of Public Charter Schools, with a huge wait list (sometimes over 100-500 long) because of their excellent academic performances. The standard public schools have different things to offer, but the highest academically scoring schools not only have a potential "wait list", but may even require an application and recommendation letter. Even after submitting all required documentation, there is still no guarantee that you will get in. Once the school meets capacity, you may submit your application, but there is no guarantee of being accepted.
Home schooling our children became a very real option. We did not have a true desire to pay over $15,000/year for elementary school education. We also did not want to put the children in a low performing school where more than 50% of the children do not meet or exceed the state minimum standard testing scores.
What to do, what to do?
As a concerned parent, I put out a call to all my friends in Facebook land and got some great responses. I went to the public schools and talked with the administrators, secretaries, principals, and anyone else who would give me information. I got all my applications and supporting documents turned in the same day I received the applications. I displayed a genuine concern as well as knowledge for the process that we were embarking upon. I showed care for my children and for the quality of education that we desired for them to receive.
I basically did my due diligence. I prayed daily and kept abreast of new information. I did not stop until I had a definite answer of "No, we are at capacity and cannot accept any more children." or "Yes, your children are accepted and school starts on August 11th."
So, today, I finally got the answer I really wanted to hear of "Yes, your children are in!" Believing in the power of prayer, connecting with the administrators, and becoming informed about the public school system has paid off. My children will be attending one of the top 5 Public schools in New Orleans! I am excited because I believe in the quality of education that my children will receive and the fact that it's going to be "free."
Parents with children in school, value the educational system that you are a part of; be supportive of the staff and professionals teaching your children daily; and be an involved concerned parent.
So today, I am Laughing Out Loud and Enjoying My Children. I invite you to do the same.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Who's Your Icon?
A few weeks ago, I wrote an enthralling piece of literature about the death of Michael Jackson. Sadly, blogger had issues that day and I lost it all. Here is my attempt at recreating it with the intent on the time.
I do not mourn the deaths of most “icons” or “stars” as we have deemed them. I mourn the reflection of memories that were created while listening to the songs. I remember and think of how cross generational and influential music and particularly MJ’s music was in my family’s lives. I can think of my siblings, my mother, and my grandmother all watching the same music performance, listenting to the same songs, and buying the same albums. Not since the era of “Motown” or similar music label has there been such cross generational music that can pull all family members in the same way.
I agree that some folks have taken it too far with being so involved in the lives of “stars” as though they are personal friends, however, I think it sad that a whole generation of people are missing out on a potentially bonding experience through quality music and family bonding time.
Who have you made an icon in your life? Do your children look up to you the same way you look up to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, J-Lo, or Adam Lambert? What about Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Chris Brown Lil' Wayne or the like? Who are we showing our children that they should be like? Are we taking the time to separate the icon from the person, or do we show who we are by the people we as adults idolize?
Why not make a concerted effort today to not idolize a figure or a person, regardless of arena (television, movie, preacher, singer, etc). Instead, let's work to emblazon characteristics that matter and will sustain all of us both presently and in the future. Characteristics like: love; finding joy in every situation; being a helper to others; charity; learning to laugh; being honest and trustworth; and being diligent in all that we do. There are undoubtedly more that can be taught, so consider this list a starter, and not all encompassing. The point is that we have to enjoy our children and position them to be a person of character for today and in the future. A person of character will be carried beyond "icon" status and make a difference in the lives of many.
That’s just my 2 cents!
Laugh out loud and enjoy your children today!
I do not mourn the deaths of most “icons” or “stars” as we have deemed them. I mourn the reflection of memories that were created while listening to the songs. I remember and think of how cross generational and influential music and particularly MJ’s music was in my family’s lives. I can think of my siblings, my mother, and my grandmother all watching the same music performance, listenting to the same songs, and buying the same albums. Not since the era of “Motown” or similar music label has there been such cross generational music that can pull all family members in the same way.
I agree that some folks have taken it too far with being so involved in the lives of “stars” as though they are personal friends, however, I think it sad that a whole generation of people are missing out on a potentially bonding experience through quality music and family bonding time.
Who have you made an icon in your life? Do your children look up to you the same way you look up to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, J-Lo, or Adam Lambert? What about Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Chris Brown Lil' Wayne or the like? Who are we showing our children that they should be like? Are we taking the time to separate the icon from the person, or do we show who we are by the people we as adults idolize?
Why not make a concerted effort today to not idolize a figure or a person, regardless of arena (television, movie, preacher, singer, etc). Instead, let's work to emblazon characteristics that matter and will sustain all of us both presently and in the future. Characteristics like: love; finding joy in every situation; being a helper to others; charity; learning to laugh; being honest and trustworth; and being diligent in all that we do. There are undoubtedly more that can be taught, so consider this list a starter, and not all encompassing. The point is that we have to enjoy our children and position them to be a person of character for today and in the future. A person of character will be carried beyond "icon" status and make a difference in the lives of many.
That’s just my 2 cents!
Laugh out loud and enjoy your children today!
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