Freshman Orientation

Ds and I spent Saturday morning from 7:45AM-12PM at his new high school for Freshman Orientation. We were split up with the parents sitting in the auditorium and the kids going off for what sounded like a pep rally (with lots of screaming and noise), a tour of the school, and small groups. I learned a lot during the first half of the morning and passed on the info to ds when we got home. Here is a snapshot of what I learned:

1. They need to have 17 credits in order to advance as a senior. They may be in their 4th or 5th year of high school, but until they have 17 credits they are considered a junior and do not receive senior priviledges.

2. GPA's can now be higher than a 4.0-AP, IB and Honors courses are weighted heavier than regular courses, so it is possible to graduate with a GPA of 5+.

3. 'Busting a sag' is not permitted and the school has zip ties to cinch belt loops if needed.

4. Underwear and excessive skin is not allowed to be shown. The school has 'high fashion' clothing available for the students to wear if their parents cannot bring them a change of clothing.

5. Cell phones are not permitted and will be confiscated. Parents must come in to retrieve them and are charged $25 (which I would pass on to my child). The school uses that money to offer rewards to solve crimes at the school. Last year they gave out almost $2,000.

6. Hats, hoodies, bandanas and sweat bands are not allowed as they obscure the face from the numerous cameras in the hallways and around the campus.

7. The school has 2 uniformed police officers and 1 security officer for roughly 2,300 students.

Do I feel comfortable sending my son to a public high school? Not really, but I am trusting that God will keep him safe until he gratuates or my husband is convicted in his heart to bring him home.

Church News

Dd just moved up to the middle school section at church this morning and loved it. She had not been happy in Kids Church, but her face was shining this morning when I picked her up after the service. I had been praying God would show us where He would have us worship and where we would all feel comfortable. We are returning again tonight for Sunday evening classes and on Wednesday evening they break into small groups where they can go in depth on different topics.

Ds 'graduated' from the middle school section to the high school section and will be attending that service tonight for the first time. I am so excited to finally feel like we are 'home'.

Successful Plane Ride

Dd made it home in one piece and very happy. She was taken to the unaccompanied minors room at the layover airport which had snacks, a movie and board games. She said it was nice to fly solo because you don't have to talk to anyone. For all of you who know my dd, that statement is hilarious! I don't remember a time when dd did not like to or desire to talk, and talk, and talk. Ds and I barely made it to the gate on time as her flight arrived 20 minutes early. I could have just waited at security and they would have brought her to me, but I wanted to meet her at the gate and had to get a special boarding pass to get past security. We picked up pizza on the way home and had a great, relaxing evening.

First Solo Plane Ride

Dd will be taking her first solo plane ride today. She is flying from Kansas to South Carolina. Our ds has done several solo trips, but this will be dd's first. I am nervous to say the least. We paid dearly for her to fly as an unaccompanied minor, which means she will be escorted from plane to plane and we will have to show ID and sign for her on our end. Grandma and Grandpa will be allowed to go with her to the boarding area and will not leave her until she is under the care of one of the stewardesses. She has her cell phone and has been instructed to call us when she boards both planes, when each plane lands and during her lay-over. Please pray for my nerves and her safety. I know God is in control and He has His hand upon her.