Turkey Crafts

Spent the weekend working and trying to reclaim my virtual life. This meant catching up on blog posts I missed and rebookmarking all my favorite sites. Thanks to my I-am-going-to-die-right-now-even-though-I-am-only-five-months-old-hard-drive, I am now prepared because I have created a backup. Scary, huh? Anyway. While reading I stumbled upon this great turkey centerpiece that I just HAD to share! Even though it is a little late, it is a keeper and very classic. I do believe I NEED to make one for my table next year. What do you think? Eh?
Check out this post at White Trash Mom's blog-you are gonna love this!! Word of caution-no drinking when you read the post-trust me on this!! Who wants to go shopping for supplies?

Virtual School vs Brick & Mortar

During my blogging vacation, Monkeyboy encountered some bullying trouble in school. Some kid in his PE class decided to use him as a punching bag, not once, but twice, and the teachers did nothing. In essence, they failed to protect him. As a result, Mike and I went to the District Superintendent to log a written complaint in order for the bully and the teachers to be disciplined. Within this two week time frame, several incidents occurred in schools across the county, as well as in Monkeyboy's school, and now we are seriously contemplating virtual school.
The county offers a program similar to the one he is currently in at his Not So Safe Middle School. It is a virtual school, so he does the majority of his learning online, with a teacher facilitating the assignments and the overall program. He is required to attend labs, field trips and PE classes at a brick and mortar facility, allowing him to interact with other kids his age and within his educational track. He is still classified as a public school student within the county we live and is responsible for taking any standardized testing they require. In reality, his status is no different than if he were attending the Not So Safe Middle School he currently attends. His classes are the same, he just has the ability to work at a quicker pace, from home.
My biggest issue with homeschooling is that we may not be providing an ideal environment for Monkeyboy to learn and grow. Plus, he will not be learning to adapt to other people his own age because only his siblings will be in our home and he is used to somewhat ruling the roost.
My other issue is that he is going to have to be an independent learner and we (meaning me, since Mike is at work all day), will have to be on him and teach him to become this type of learner. I am not sure how or what skills to teach Monkeyboy so he can assume the role of an independent learner and if he is mature enough to be made responsible for his own learning. As a result, I do not want to hamper his education and am very apprehensive about assuming this role.
That being said, the biggest advantage to the virtual school is that he will be safe and will not be socializing with the derelicts of society. In addition, this program will allow him to work at an accelerated rate and really capitalize on his natural intuitiveness and love of learning. He would even be able to earn high school credit and if he continues with the program, eventually earn college credit and graduate earlier than by going to a brick and mortar school.
So, I am still here sitting, on the fence, with no concrete decision having been made. Basically, my butt is sore from hopping on and off the fence so much!
To be on the safe side, I am going to submit the application for admission and Mike and I will make a decision after speaking to the guidance counselor at the virtual school.
I am hoping we can speak to other parents whose children are in the program and get their take on how it works, the adjustment factor and so forth.
Sigh. Why can't it just be easy, right?
What do you think about homeschooling and virtual schools? Are you currently homeschooling your children or are they attending a virtual school? What do you feel are the pros and cons to this type of education? I would love to hear any thoughts you have on homeschooling and virtual schools and if you have been faced with this type of decision before.

Virtual Drama

Just a quick note to let you all know that I haven't forgotten about Mrs.Chattypants. My hard drive crashed and had to wait to receive a new one. Now, I am cooking with gas and ready to roll. I have been trying to reload all my old programs, BUT since I did not backup my hard drive, it has been a very slow process. Note to self, backup hard drive at least once a week, daily if possible. So, please be patient as I get my virtual life back.