It Begins.

August 2, 2011 at 4:00pm.

We did it, we registered for Virtual School. In a season full of change, what's one more? New city, new home, new education strategy. It would be easy for me to settle into a state of unease, but I'm not. I will not allow it to creep in and settle in my head. The kids will sense my anxiety, like a dog senses fear, and they'll develop their own. They are, after all, anxious little creatures. The commitment is for a school year, ONE school year. I'm in no way saying I will educate my children at home for the remainder of their primary education, but I'm not saying it isn't an option. Faith after all, will be a middle school student next year. And as scary as that seems to me, it scares her even more. The virtual education model means I'm not solely responsible for their learning, as I would be if I were to homeschool independently, but they will have a teacher other than myself. The teacher, Dr. W., is quite lovely and over qualified for the task. Her and I have a connection as she was once a teacher at my own private high school. Small world. The children will meet once a month with Dr. W. and their peers in a brick and mortar classroom. They will be required to take all state mandated tests (FCAT!) and maintain a certain level of achievement. I will be known as their 'learning coach' and my main focus will be on Kate [because she's a first grader], while Cole and Faith work more independently. Despite the term 'virtual school' only a percentage of the work will be Internet based, there is the usual amount of workbooks, book reading, science, music lessons, and art projects. All the necessary curriculum and even art supplies are provide by the program. It has been described to me as 'the best of both worlds' a blend of all that works in a homeschool model with the added support of the county school system. We shall see, we shall see. I know that there will be a fair share of days I'll feel overwhelmed and that maybe someone else could serve them better, I only hope that those days are overshadowed by the ones where the fire for learning is lit.


P.S. Cohen will be attending a public school Kindergarten. He needs to get out into the world and gain a little personal independence. Oh, the baby of the family he will always be. I wonder who will struggle with it more, me or him?


*photo taken at the BVS office during our registration.