I had too many emotions flowing to write this as school let out, but I couldn't let a new chapter of our life begin without paying homage to our fabulous last 6 years.
Lets begin with all children are unique and special individuals. One of the advantages of adopting was an awesome social worker that made us confront that our children would not be us. Biological children aren't either, but in adoption, you have to face that it is unlikely your offspring will have any of your talents or natural leanings. Are you ready to leave your own comfort box? Hold that thought. Years ago I read an article about a family that had made the rare decision to educate each of their 3 children in a different setting. One in public school, one in private school, and the other at home. When asked why, they simply stated "Each of our children has different needs." I hoped I would be so open minded. Most of our world argues that one area or the other is correct. Either we were raised that way and can't imagine anything else or we may have strong religious beliefs about one choice or another: Aren't we called to be salt and light? (public) Jesus was educated in the temple and the church has a long history of strong education (private) and finally, the Bible clearly places parents as the authority over children and we are called to teach and talk about faith to our children as we walk, sit, work etc. (home). I have long found confusing that while many are perfectly okay to send children to post secondary schools best suited to individual needs and personalities and after visits, tours and research, they make elementary choices without observation or critique. They accept what is handed to them. If I chose my child's pediatrician, whom we see a few times a year, after recommendations and research, why would I just chance where my child spends 7 hours a day, 5 days a week?
I knew my child. I knew her needs. I went looking for a school. I visited many places. Sat in many classrooms and sat down with administrators. When I walked in Holy Trinity, I almost cried. As the director walked me down a hall filled with children's art work based on a great artist they had studied, paper butterflies hung from the ceiling. The walls of the cafeteria were covered in a flower garden of thanks to teachers as part of Lutheran schools week. I saw parent volunteers in classrooms and the library. She discussed the importance of real books, not just textbooks. Here were small classes, high academic standards and an open door to parents. Science and social studies flourished in younger grades not because it would be tested, but because those are the years of seed planting. And of course covering it all was open discussion and practice of God's love, grace, standards, and forgiveness.
One of the best things about HTLS is size. Yes, it matters. Small schools and classes have fewer limits. It is easier to adjust the program for a different classes needs, or even a few children's needs. We have been blessed with awesome teachers who took every opportunity offered. Hear about a great field trip, play or program? Toss them in the van and go. Space camp, local theatre, Kentucky history by traveling all over the state. It is easier to be positive and deal with heart issues. Most importantly, Holy Trinity builds families. In classes this size, you can have the whole group plus families to Halloween parties or picnics. Over the years these people became not only my children's friends, but mine. How will I raise my kids without them?? These people who pick my kids up with no notice. Friends who bring supper, share clothes, and just love us. I know HTLS doesn't have a monopoly on good people,but they sure have a high percent of them.
HTLS isn't perfect. Like any other place we have dealt with issues like bullies or parents whom don't pitch in, or a teacher dispute. But along the way we skipped the popularity battles, clothes wars and other politics. We sent our kids off to school in their Target specials to get messy and become better thinkers- not just good students (there is a difference). And got to expose them to different races and cultures.
Tuesday, we begin a new adventure. After a year of being those open minded parents with one in home school, 2 in private, and 1 in public we are facing the reality that living where we live makes this plan almost undoable. Even with great friends to carpool, it is just too much. I can't spend, L can't spend the hours in the car (25 or so a week). We will continue to home school B as it has been a good fit for her, but J, L and H will all make the move to public. To huge schools (27 in H's class which is one of 9 4th grades in the building.) To a place where we know a few people, and there are no doubt some great people, some great teachers and of course Christians. It will be an adjustment. I have been warned to expect little parent communication and the woefully un updated web site attests to that. There will be more challenges and less flexibility. I wonder if anyone realizes that while 10,000 volumes in the library sounds impressive, when you do the math it amounts to 10 books per kid. The lack of foreign language till high school in an ever shrinking global climate is a little terrifying. But, I am clinging to the hope that a bigger school means opportunities I haven't imagined. That learning to work in this environment will make my children stronger. That the added family time will mean a better, less exhausted Mama. We are hoping above all hopes that our very angry child will be okay and after a few weeks will be as happy as L when we pull up at the building. Transitions are always hard and leaving a wonderful place makes it hard to envision the next place as good or even better, but we are going to try. Our bags are packed, we have boarded the boat, we leave behind our small bay and head into open water. The ocean awaits.
