Replies to '11/24 Great School Debate'

OMG,

I have seen a lot of your posts and truthfully you are one of the few I really agree with.  Althought, HS or US is not for my family I do think you are doing it from a good, positive place.  Many HS or US seem to have a hidden agenda- a thought process of only showing positive, good socialization to their children.  I just don't know how that is possible while still living in this world.  Things come up every day in just normal life that can/do make me uncomfortable speaking about - the gay couple at Walmart, the punk rockers at the grocery store, the scantily dressed girl at the gas station- I just don't see how if you are living an active life these things are not present.   

I have a good friend who homeschools and while I agree with her situation the mindset still bothers me.  I choose instead for my family to have them out in the world learning basic things - not to judge, not to hate (we aren't allowed to use that word in our house), and to have an accepting spirit.  True, they are not "naive" that bad people exist and to be careful but they are learning where to draw that line (I hope!).  All in all, other than school, my children are pretty much with me and my husband.   We instill our values as much as we can and hope that because we have given them a good foundation they will choose (on their own) the "right" friends.  Although, as a Christian, there are times people come into our lives for different reasons and I teach my kids that lesson as well. 

I guess I am lucky...my oldest loves school!  He brings home terrific grades consistently and we are really proud. Each year he wins some type of award for either academic or behavioral achievement- this year was the award of all awards- for both academics and behavior.  He was so proud of himself.We have chosen a community that coincides with our basic belief system.  The schools are no different.  Yes, there are rules he must follow but I feel that is a life lesson.  You can't miss work and expect to have a job very long.  All in all, we are blessed to have the community support we do.  We know many families in this area and all are "good families" with "good values".  It's comforting to provide my children with a sense of stability- I had that growing up and it was a very positive thing.