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Working day
A day of end-of-the-year presentations by teens in the Diploma program. (I'm on the committee, and have been for at least 6 years, and I think 7.) This was an excellent group of kids, over all. Prepared, and knowledgeable. We have two days of these, 9 kids in all. They give their presentation (3-5 mins. on a topic of their choice), then we give feedback on that, and on the packet of written things they gave us two weeks ago.
Altho he doesn't have to (having already fulfilled all the required things), Thomas is taking advantage of the committee being "in session" to give his presentation of his Senior project. He needs every opportunity to practice those communication skills. And presenting a scientific, calculus-based project about gravity to lay people will be quite the challenge. I'm especially excited because this year for the first time, we have a business owner, who regularly speaks in public and puts together proposals and such, on the committee. His insights have been fresh and educational for some of us committee members as well as the kids. And he knows how to give good criticism. He makes it clear what you need to improve on, but leaves you feeling like yes! I can improve on it.
I don't know if I will continue on the committee since both of mine will be gone. I do enjoy it, and love helping the kids to improve. But, on the other hand, maybe they need someone fresher. Maybe I need something new. Very mixed feelings.
I just need to decide what I want to be, now that my kids are all grown up, and I have to figure out how to fill the NEXT 45 years.
The packet includes a current transcript, a summary description of what they did this year, a literature list, a cultural experiences list, and a 500 - 1500 word "personal experience essay" -- the kind of essay they're asked to do on college apps. And we give constructive criticism on everything. From grammar, to standing up straight, to choice of topic and appropriateness, to writing style, to suggesting community service (also necessary for college apps these days, and good experience for a future job), to how neatly the packet was put together (presentation counts!).
And as I say, an excellent group of kids, over all. None of them are ready to graduate this year, but that's okay. We didn't have any seniors this year in the program. We only require the program for 3 out of 4 (or if you start homeschooling in HS, then at least 2 with us, and evidence of similar scrutiny in previous schools) years, and all our seniors (Thomas, Marg, Jordon, Andrea, and Amanda) finished up those requirements last year. And since, in homeschooling, the parent has the ultimate say in whether a child graduates or not, then they don't have to worry about us "flunking" them. They just won't get a Franklin School Diploma, and instead the parent will have to issue one.
And as I say, an excellent group of kids, over all. None of them are ready to graduate this year, but that's okay. We didn't have any seniors this year in the program. We only require the program for 3 out of 4 (or if you start homeschooling in HS, then at least 2 with us, and evidence of similar scrutiny in previous schools) years, and all our seniors (Thomas, Marg, Jordon, Andrea, and Amanda) finished up those requirements last year. And since, in homeschooling, the parent has the ultimate say in whether a child graduates or not, then they don't have to worry about us "flunking" them. They just won't get a Franklin School Diploma, and instead the parent will have to issue one.
I don't know if I will continue on the committee since both of mine will be gone. I do enjoy it, and love helping the kids to improve. But, on the other hand, maybe they need someone fresher. Maybe I need something new. Very mixed feelings.
I just need to decide what I want to be, now that my kids are all grown up, and I have to figure out how to fill the NEXT 45 years.