May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 2

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Last year when we were in Hawaii, Jaide did a photoshop book/journal that she brought back as her homework (in addition to the math, spelling, etc). It made for a great keepsake for her and her teacher was very impressed. It is an online company where you add your pictures and journaling and then they make a book out of it (bound, softcover). I guess you are only on line to download the program and then again to upload the book for printing. If you are on top of downloading pictures , you could probably do the book while on the cruise (a few days at a time) and then upload the book from LA or something and have it back around the same time you got home! I don't have that link now, but if anyone is interested, let me know and I will find it.

I'd also like to check this out--it sounds really interesting. As John said, it's doable in pieces on the Mac, but this sounds even easier.
Thanks!

 

[LiserAnn]

I was told that could not be done. I don't know why? They didn't tell me.

Can you ask for this rule in print? I only ask because I've heard that schools sometimes threaten this even though it's not true just because they want to keep you there. Just a thought?!

 

[LiserAnn]

That is not what I read on the Tennessee State Education site:

http://www.tennessee.gov/education/homeschool/

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §49-6-3050, parents in Tennessee may conduct a home school for their own children.

( Links for TCA will take you to Lexis Law Publishing, Legal resources/Tennessee. Follow the Search instructions found at that site to find specific items cited on this web page)

Home Schooling in Tennessee
Parents may home school their own children pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3050 by registering with their local education agency (LEA). Parents choosing this educational option must meet specified educational requirements, test the child and report attendance to the local education agency at the end of the year.

By authority of the same statute, parents may also home school their own children by affiliating with and registering with a church related school defined by Tenn. Code Ann. §49-50-801. If a parent is exercising this educational option by home schooling a child who is in grade 9-12 they must also register with the LEA they would otherwise be attending. For parents exercising this option, with the exception of grades 9-12, the testing requirements are determined by the church related school. Parents exercising this option for children in grades 9-12 must also meet certain educational requirements. Church-related schools must determine what recording-keeping requirements are in place for these parents. However, church-related schools must keep daily attendance reports which pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §49-6-3007(d) shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times, to the director of schools of the system in which the school is located or to the director of school’s authorized representative.

Noel found what I was suggesting. Noel, I have a feeling you're the one to go to if a person needs to know something....you're very good at research and finding info out!

 

[LiserAnn]

Does anyone else get the Casual Living catalogue? I thought this shirt was so cute! Could be a DOD team uniform!

Cheri-so cute and great to wear during our DOD laundry runs...

 

[fourmcds]

Kaylee,

While I can do something like this on a Mac with iPhoto and Apple's web site, I would be curious to see what you used. So if it is not too much trouble, and you can find it, I would like to check out the site!

the site I used was www.mypublisher.com

this is a link for the costco one...you get a discount if you are a costco member. It also looks like they have something for Mac uses and a way to upload iPhoto and print books (I think).
http://www.mypublisher.com/associations/costco0605/index.php?assoc=costco0605

It can be tricky to use at first, but my dd (8) was able to figure it out and didn't have problems. I am sure there are others out there, but this was the first one I found and I have done several books on it and am happy with the quality.

 

[HollyTyler]

the site I used was www.mypublisher.com

this is a link for the costco one...you get a discount if you are a costco member. It also looks like they have something for Mac uses and a way to upload iPhoto and print books (I think).
http://www.mypublisher.com/associations/costco0605/index.php?assoc=costco0605

It can be tricky to use at first, but my dd (8) was able to figure it out and didn't have problems. I am sure there are others out there, but this was the first one I found and I have done several books on it and am happy with the quality.

I've used kodakgallery.com for that and I saw that snapfish.com has something similar and I think photobucket does too. I think just about all the places you can upload photos to now have that.....VERY COOL! I did a hardcover book and one softcover through kodakgallery and absolutely loved the results. Still trying to find time to do my last cruise. And with kodakgallery, if you start your book, but don't finish it for a couple weeks, they'll send you a discount code for 20% off to finish it!

 

[birkner]

Noel found what I was suggesting. Noel, I have a feeling you're the one to go to if a person needs to know something....you're very good at research and finding info out!

Thanks for the compliment. I do love to search on the net.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I agree it is nuts and hope she will be able to use some of the statues to help her not get in trouble with the school.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the statutes. When I was on the phone with the school district this afternoon, the lady on the phone offered to read them to me. She even told me that her mother NEVER let them miss school for any reason and the head person for attendence said that they would never allow an exception for a Vacation! I got the idea that they only way around this is to disenroll (is that even a word?) my daughter and then re-enroll when we came back. We are coming back for the last three days of class for the school year. I am really upset at this point.

Tammy:
I cannot believe what you are having to go through. I pull my dd (who is currently in 3rd grade) 2x per year for 2 weeks at a time. I fill out a planned absence form and as long as she gets the work done that her teacher's send her with it is marked as an excused absence. We have never had a problem. Now, next year with the cruise I already know there is a slight issue, only because May 9 will be the last day of her WASL testing (the state test that all students need to take). We are planning on leaving on May 8 and spending the 9th in florida just to avoid any unforseen travel difficulties. I have already informed the principal and she told me they would make sure dd completes her testing a day early. I cannot imagine what I would do if WA state had school laws like Tennessee. Makes me thankful for our schools. Good luck with everything....at least you have a year to make your case and get things squared away.

Maybe you could find a doctor in the area who would write you a note and you can just call dd in sick and avoid all the problems Let me know if I can give you any help since I pull dd from school frequently and she is the same age, but I think it sounds like it is your state laws not your school giving you the headache.

Good Luck

Thanks for the suggestions, it is a state law issue for which they claim they have no authority to override.

Tammy,

If you are open enrolled into your school, you could lose your place in the school. Otherwise, there is little downsize to withdrawing your child and re-enrolling if you have "homeschooling" allowances in your state. There usually is paperwork involved.

As far as excused absences, you could have a Ed doctor write an excuse. You can find them in the phone book and it might cost you about $150 or you could have your general doctor write the note. No where did anyone say the note had to be for a medical reason.

Go read the statue for yourself. You'll find alot of loopholes in it. You're not the first person in Tenessee to take their kid on a once in a lifetime trip. Ask around, you'll find that loophole.

I like the idea about the education doctor. Since I am an assistant professor at the local university, maybe I can find one and have a talk with them. I am going to look for loopholes for sure, thanks.

Tammy,

Just a thought but what if you contacted the juvenile court in advance. Maybe if you state your case to them before hand, when the school notifies them they will already know your situation and not proceed with any type of case against you.

to you. funny how "they" always have to make thing difficult for us.

Venetia

Thanks for this suggestion too! I never thought of this one either. That might be the answer to this. However, I am thinking I might need a lawyer. Huh, a lawyer to go on a vacation! That sounds funny huh!

For everyone who has loved ones not feeling well or ill, we send all our hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery to those you care about.



Tammy,I agree, I would be mad too. This is what can give public schools a bad name, and it is appears to be no fault of the schools, sounds like it is a state law issue - which believe me, I know about in a dfferent way in Ohio.



Well . . . as a school board member, I always tell people, the public schools are YOUR schools. If you don't like something about them, get involved, and try to change it!

That being said, I contacted our Superintendent about this trip, because I did not want to be afoul of the system as a school board member, and I asked him to let me know the response to ANY parent. It would absolutely NOT be good for me to do something that any parent could not do.

Here is our Superintendent's response to me:

thanks for your note. I believe we can work through a situation like this in 2008. We will work with the teacher, I would suggest letting them know this right after the 1st of the year and working together to design some activities that would relate...journaling, etc.....

Since Sophia will be in second grade next year, it should not be a big deal as state testing does not begin until 3rd grade (and will be in May.)

This sounds like an incredible opportunity and the right time to do it.....

Let me know how I can assist when the time comes.

Tammy,

Good luck, and perservere. If it is a state law issue, call your local representative - Don't GIVE UP! When you get frustrated, vent here, and let us know. If we can help, let us know. I can't imagine school boards function that much differently in Tenn - I would be happy to write a letter to your board if it would help.

That is very very sweet of you to offer! I am astounded by the kindness of all the people on this board. I do believe it is a state law issue. It was mentioned several times that the state laws mandate that the absences must be turned in and the procedures that must be followed.

Can you ask for this rule in print? I only ask because I've heard that schools sometimes threaten this even though it's not true just because they want to keep you there. Just a thought?!

It is in print. But, I do believe that they do that kind of stuff in some school districts.

For the outpouring of support, I thank you all. I appreciate the opportunity to vent. And John, I took your advice and went ahead and added my son to the cabin. I really, really hope I can go on this cruise without my daughter getting into trouble and me getting into trouble! I just feel a little dejected, several of the people I talked to at the school district thought it was a wonderful opportunity, but still laid down the law!

 

[LisaG520]

The winner of the pool at my party got 15! A couple of us got 14, but she got the lead early and kept it all night. None of us picked The Departed for best picture, however. Did you? Did you pick Alan Arkin? That was a big surprise! Do you think the release of Norbit killed Eddie Murphy's chances?

I got 8 out of 10, missed The Departed and Foreign Film but did pick Alan Arkin - loved his performance in Little Miss Sunshine.

 

[nskjerven]

Does anyone else get the Casual Living catalogue? I thought this shirt was so cute! Could be a DOD team uniform!

here ye here ye the first motion of order to the DOD is to nominate and approve the club uniform.... I'm so going to order this shirt right now....I hope I can find them on the web.

and Leeanna is doing great. We visited this afternoon she was feeling so good she wanted to go home tonight, but I think her doctor will keep her for at least one over night.

Tammy I'm rooting for you on this one too. I've been told we should be able to have an independent study for our kids (5th & 2nd graders) if not more than 10 days of absence, but I'm totally worried about our STAR testing (CA state tests) Our kids are the top of the class and our school has a very high immigrant population and therefore has a very low ability to maintain high test scores (which of course are tied to NCLB amoung other things these days) so every top end child really makes a huge impact if they are not counted....I will pursue getting them to test early if that is an option as one person mentioned here. I think you (& we the rest of us) are wise to investigate these issues early to make the best case and plan for our children.

Off to bed now talk to you all tomorrow.

 

[been2marceline]

Thoughts, prayers and hope coming to both your sister and you!

Having suffered with back and neck pain for 22 years I am very hopeful for her!! There is nothing harder to try to adjust to!!

Karen

Woohoo!!!!

Didn't even know I got this as I posted and then got back to working! (That work always gets in the way)

So excited!!! Newbie that I am!!

Karen, wife of been2marceline and owner of the 6500th post!!

 

[disneycruising]

Tammy,

I know how frustrating it is to deal with the schools. Especially when we are the "good" parents. That are just trying to do something great for our kids!!

After spending 2 years dealing with our school district about our DD who has ADHD and aspergers. We have learned that the best defense is a parent with lots of knowledge! Go online and educate yourself about the attendance laws. Check your school district website and see what is written there. Ask the school to give you a copy of their school policy and a copy of the states policy.

Ask every parent you know if they know someone who has taken off this much time. Then, talk to that person. Ask them how they did things and why. They might know something that will help.

Find out what the consequence for taking her out of school. There might not be one!

Could it be a money isssue? Our school is alway on us about how much money they loose if the kids are not there! The school doesn't get money for children that don't attend. So they want to make sure you are there. If not they want to bring in someone that will be? Just a thought!

I hope it all works out.

I did find this website, it talks about some of the state rules for attendance. http://www.tennessee.gov/sbe/faq.html#StateAttendanceReqs

 

[been2marceline]

Does anyone else get the Casual Living catalogue? I thought this shirt was so cute! Could be a DOD team uniform!

I love this catalog but have never ordered from it. How is the quality?

Karen

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Tammy,

I know how frustrating it is to deal with the schools. Especially when we are the "good" parents. That are just trying to do something great for our kids!!

After spending 2 years dealing with our school district about our DD who has ADHD and aspergers. We have learned that the best defense is a parent with lots of knowledge! Go online and educate yourself about the attendance laws. Check your school district website and see what is written there. Ask the school to give you a copy of their school policy and a copy of the states policy.

Ask every parent you know if they know someone who has taken off this much time. Then, talk to that person. Ask them how they did things and why. They might know something that will help.

Find out what the consequence for taking her out of school. There might not be one!

Could it be a money isssue? Our school is alway on us about how much money they loose if the kids are not there! The school doesn't get money for children that don't attend. So they want to make sure you are there. If not they want to bring in someone that will be? Just a thought!

I hope it all works out.

I did find this website, it talks about some of the state rules for attendance. http://www.tennessee.gov/sbe/faq.html#StateAttendanceReqs

Thanks so much, I am checking it out.

 

[birkner]

here ye here ye the first motion of order to the DOD is to nominate and approve the club uniform.... I'm so going to order this shirt right now....I hope I can find them on the web.

and Leeanna is doing great. We visited this afternoon she was feeling so good she wanted to go home tonight, but I think her doctor will keep her for at least one over night.

Tammy I'm rooting for you on this one too. I've been told we should be able to have an independent study for our kids (5th & 2nd graders) if not more than 10 days of absence, but I'm totally worried about our STAR testing (CA state tests) Our kids are the top of the class and our school has a very high immigrant population and therefore has a very low ability to maintain high test scores (which of course are tied to NCLB amoung other things these days) so every top end child really makes a huge impact if they are not counted....I will pursue getting them to test early if that is an option as one person mentioned here. I think you (& we the rest of us) are wise to investigate these issues early to make the best case and plan for our children.

Off to bed now talk to you all tomorrow.

Tee shirts are very kewl. I second the vote for wearing them!!

Glad to hear Leeanna is doing well!!

I am so glad that my kids went to private schools so the whole issue of testing never was an issue for vacation planning.

 

[been2marceline]

BTW . . .

What I am planning is for Sophia to do journaling on the computer, in a multi-media format that when she returns, she can share words, photos, and probably video of her trip through the Panama Canal with her class!

We took Alex out in 2nd and 3rd grade. In addition to the packet of missed school work, they asked her to do a journal. We went one better and did a photo journal in a Creative Memories album, we just asked for an additional week to turn it in. It was such a success that they asked to show it around the class and the principal also enjoyed them both!

She took notes during the trips and in one journal we typed them up and included the notes in the back in one of the pocket pages. The teacher and principal really loved them! Her other journal had her notes on actual journal pages for a 7 x 7 book that we brought with us on the trip.

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

PUT YOUR HANDS UP AND STEP AWAY FROM THE JELLY BELLYS!!!!

Help! I've fallen into a bag of Jelly Bellys and I can't get out!

OK...I know that should have gone on the other thread, but I can't seem to pull myself away from this one and the rest of the DIS.

Went to a Longaberger event at the Jelly Belly factory just 30 minutes from our house (yes, just 30 minutes for you Jelly Belly fans!)

It was SO COOL We got to make our own baskets and they have Jelly Belly colors in yellow and red and special Jelly Belly tacks on the trim! I am actually going to take my DD there again on Thursday and make one for my friend who got me started (hooked) on Longaberger and then moved to New York. My DD is so excited as she loves making things and loves Longaberger!!

Karen, wife of "I don't want to SEE another basket come in the house" (so he never SEE'S them come in the house.)

 

[been2marceline]

Last year when we were in Hawaii, Jaide did a photoshop book/journal that she brought back as her homework (in addition to the math, spelling, etc). It made for a great keepsake for her and her teacher was very impressed. It is an online company where you add your pictures and journaling and then they make a book out of it (bound, softcover). I guess you are only on line to download the program and then again to upload the book for printing. If you are on top of downloading pictures , you could probably do the book while on the cruise (a few days at a time) and then upload the book from LA or something and have it back around the same time you got home! I don't have that link now, but if anyone is interested, let me know and I will find it.

Creative Memories is also doing this now with wonderful photo safe books and great touches!!

http://creativememories.com/MainMenu/Our-products-and-services/Digital/StoryBook-Creator

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

Noel found what I was suggesting. Noel, I have a feeling you're the one to go to if a person needs to know something....you're very good at research and finding info out!

I concur!!

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

OK... looks like it's just me talking at myself again and it's only 10:30 Pacific time!!

I'll return in an hour, after I work on more laundrey!!

Karen