Friday, August 28, 2009

Then and Now...

Then:

2004 - Third grade and Kindergarten:




Now:

Eighth Grade and Fifth Grade






No more Butterfly and Hello Kitty backpacks. My chickadees are growing up. As you can see Leah likes to take all her key chains to school with her.

We are so excited for both of them. Leah starts Intermediate School this year and is at a new campus. She has a locker and changes classes each period.

This year Paige is excited to begin a new school too.

She will be attending a University Model School that is a Christian Preparatory School. This style of schooling was completely new to us. When we discovered this school we knew it was the answer to our prayers.

The University Model School combines the best of both worlds...Traditional school and home school. Paige will attend school three days a week and work from home two days a week. All new materials and concepts will be presented by her school teachers; then homework and projects will be done at home on the following day. A parent's role is to support and encourage and co-teach when necessary. This model of education gives students the tools to prepare for the future using a college type schedule in a Christian setting. They become independent learners and managers of their projects and work.

There are University Model schools in thirteen states right now with more schools transitioning to this model. Take a look at the website http://www.naums.net/ to learn more about University Model Schooling.

I'll be posting more about this as Paige, Keith and I experience our first year of University Model Schooling.

Sorry, I usually like to keep my post short, but....

One more thing. When it comes to schooling, there is an organization that is near and dear to my heart ~ Moms in Touch. I have been prayed with Moms in Touch groups since Paige was in 2nd grade. This year, 65 moms came for a special Back to School prayer time. If you would like to know more about Moms in Touch International, let me know in the comments section or click on the link. MITI is world-wide.



23 comments:

Ronnica said...

I've not heard of the University Model specifically, but the church I used to attend had a school with a similar strategy with their classical school, where students go 2-3 days a week and the rest of the time are parent-directed. I think it's a great idea.

Tricia said...

I look forward to hearing how the school year goes. We have similiar programs around here, but not University Model. I am still trying to figure out how we are going to do high school next year.

Sandra said...

How exciting! They really do grow up fast. What a great school to have your child participating in especially in the days we are living in.

Susan said...

The University Model is very interesting. I had not heard of this. I trust you will keep us informed as the year progresses.

The pictures really show the growth and change in your two girls :o)
Susan

The Farmer Files said...

I would love a univ model school. Do you read Queen B's blog? Her daughter attends a school like this and it seems like such a great model.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Big sigh. They grow up so fast. But I love that the backpack is still pink :-)

Your girls are turning into lovely young ladies. Keep up the good work!

xo

Cicero Sings said...

Your girls are growing up! Fun to see then and now pictures. That University Model school sounds very interesting.

Tracy P. said...

Well, at least she's still wearing stuffed animal clips. :-) Middle school already?? Wow! They are still so cute.

So glad you've got so much momentum for Moms in Touch. Love it!

Betty W said...

I´m glad you found such a unique school that fits your needs, and hope it lives up to your expectations! Happy new school year!

Unknown said...

They grow up way too fast don't they? I miss buying all the cute school stuff.

The school sounds interesting. I'm off to check out the website.

Brenda said...

Your daughters school sounds wonderful! I have heard of moms in touch and its a wonderful organization, I wish they had had that when my kids were in school.

Brenda said...

I enjoy seeing that great group of women who want to be involved especially in prayer. That's so cool.

C. JoyBell C. said...

hey!!! what's wrong with butterfly and hello kitty backpacks??? hmph!

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Oh that school sounds wonderful!!!

I saw where your moms in touch was a huge success!!!

Oh they do grow up way to fast! I can't believe my oldest is going to graduate college in 4 months!

Mrs.Oz said...

I'm excited for your new school journeys this year. Your girls are mine in two years! Well, then throw in the little brothe too:) Exact school spacing though.
I've been trying to find a Mom's group around here but still have not been able to. I think some of them may not be registered online or soemthing. Going to keep trying or start my own this year.
Have a blessed school year!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Joy, The new school sounds fabulous... It truly sounds like the best combination of educational opportunities available these days. I'm so glad you have the opportunity for your oldest to go there. Keep us posted on this new concept.

Your girls are both growing up, aren't they???? They are beautiful.

Hugs,
Betsy

Berni said...

Exciting for your daughters. I like the mix of school and home schooling and teaching them to be responsible for their own work.

My grandson is in a Montessori school for the next few years. They are a bit different from the traditional school also.

LuLu said...

Oh how the time goes by so fast. Please keep us posted on the wonderful school year, I had not heard of the University Model and it sounds amazing! I look forward to hearing more about it.
LuLu

Melody said...

Aw, what pretty girls!

The school sounds awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it.

Tiffany said...

I think I love the concept of the University Model - will be interested to hear your thoughts and comments over the coming year!

Oh - and I've looked into the Moms In Touch in my area - I was surprised to find there is a group - I'm working on finding out if they're active b/c I've never heard of them (and I live in a pretty small area, so you'd think I would've heard about it before). Thanks for telling me about them!

Unknown said...

I popped in to say Yes! Kerry Nanace is Reuben's son! This world continues to get smaller and smaller!!

Diana Ferguson said...

We've had Moms in Touch here, too. Great looking young ladies.

Gombojav Tribe said...

University Model School sounds very interesting! Glad you found something that works for your family!! Keep us posted on how it's going!