The New Lizard Lounge

[minniesota]

Hello fellow lizards!

Checking in to grab a quick cappaccino and say hi. Sorry about all that snow some of you have been bombarded with - we have had a very dry winter so the skiers, sledders and snowmobilers are not happy. I personally can do without those white knuckle drives!

Goofy'sMuse and Tammi - Sounds like we're in the same movie! My DD13(going on 20) is also contemplating private high school. In fact, she is registered at one school already and is visiting a second one today. The school she is at today has turned away 175 kids so it's important for her to make a decision so she can give up her spot to someone else if it's not the right place for her. I feel torn and much stress - and this is only high school! At registration Monday night, they were already telling us how important her course selection is because it effects her college prospects. Yikes! We just went to school, did our homework, had fun with friends and applied to college. Got accepeted and that was it. Not any more...

Also looking at summer activities here - so far for DS it's language village, golf and drama camp. DD has plans to attend a church camp and a music festival weekend. DH and I want to make sure there's plenty of time for the cabin!

Looking forward to our trip in May - still no PS's made thos DD wants to go to a spa. Any suggestions? We're at the GF so maybe that's the obvious answer. What do you guys think?

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you, everyone! I had a great day at work today, too! I must have felt the good vibes from this thread!

Elizabeth>> Do you need to borrow salt and shovels from any of us?

I just read about children contemplating private school for HS. Has anyone gone that route yet? ie... public school for k-8 then the switch? We are thinking about it here and I would love to hear some stories out there if there are any to be had. DS wants private school, mostly for hockey and lacrosse. As parents, I know it would be a good education, but worry about him not having religious studies as often as someone who went right through the private/Catholic school system. If I remember correctly, I think one of the lizards here actually went to the HS in question, (or their husband did). Since this HS is about to move closer to me and be within a 25 minute drive it would be doable.

I am off to a DH work related dinner tonight. I'll wave to the other Michiganders as I get closer to the city!

May we all have concierge dreams!
Debbie

 

[ead79]

Elizabeth>> Do you need to borrow salt and shovels from any of us?

Ha! You can't even tell it snowed at all yesterday. Having lived in Atlanta my whole life, I think there have probably been about 5 days in my lifetime that would actually require a shovel! There have been quite a few icy days though (for the south at least). We don't have the salt trucks to deal with it, so schools/work are usually closed if it ices over.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Debbie, I've been that route once with my oldest DD and am now experiencing it with my son. Both did public school for K-8 and then made the switch. It actually was an easy decision for us because the towns school system is very close to being in the toilet. I know that neither of my children would have done well if I kept them here. They would have been numbers and gotten lost in the crowd. We found schools that matched each child perfectly and gave them the best of sports, fine arts and academics. DD is now in her 2nd year of college and my DS is only one grade away from making high honors for the first time in his life. The commute has been fairly easy with the schools only being one town away.

Tammi

 

[floridafam]

debbie,

I switched to a Catholic high school for the last 2 years of school.

The schools in Grand Rapids were going down hill FAST. I tried to put up with a lot of the problems as long as I could (fights in class and teachers not willing to do anything about it because they were too afraid of the students.)

Anyway, I switched over to the local Catholic High School even though we are not Catholic. Best thing I ever did. Class sizes were smaller, no fights, etc. The general atmosphere of the school was a little more snobby but it didn't bother me.

 

[Tess]

Thank you, everyone! I had a great day at work today, too! I must have felt the good vibes from this thread!

Elizabeth>> Do you need to borrow salt and shovels from any of us?

I just read about children contemplating private school for HS. Has anyone gone that route yet? ie... public school for k-8 then the switch? We are thinking about it here and I would love to hear some stories out there if there are any to be had. DS wants private school, mostly for hockey and lacrosse. As parents, I know it would be a good education, but worry about him not having religious studies as often as someone who went right through the private/Catholic school system. If I remember correctly, I think one of the lizards here actually went to the HS in question, (or their husband did). Since this HS is about to move closer to me and be within a 25 minute drive it would be doable.

I am off to a DH work related dinner tonight. I'll wave to the other Michiganders as I get closer to the city!

May we all have concierge dreams!
Debbie

Our kids did just the opposite--spent elementary in private parochial and moved to public at MS level. What an eye opener for them. When in Gaylord the kids went to St. Mary's. That school went from k-12. No such luck when we moved so far south and central MI. We had a parochial elementary in town, but the nearest high school was 35 miles AND no one the kids knew attended. Further, the high school is in Jackson and our kids have been raised small town. . .we had concerns about them adapting to a large school. We also had transportation issues and concerns about our ability to be involved parents given the distance from home to school compounded by very busy lives outside of school.

I really wish they had been able to stay in a parochial school--not just for the religion although admittedly that is a big part of it for us--but I truly believe the education is better. Since out kids attended two different parochial schools and a public, the differences are clear. Since they weren't able to stay in a parochial school, we've tried to impress upon them that it is their responsibility to make the most of what is available to them--take those tough courses, work harder than the rest, etc. I think they listened and I feel they will be adequately prepared for higher education when the time comes.

I sent you a PM Debbie. I wasn't sure if you were referencing our prior PMs about a parochial in your area--if so, it was my husband who attended (as did his entire family). I'd be happy to share our knowledge. I will say that if it's the religious aspect that concerns you--don't give it a thought--that particular school was filled with kids there for the education and not the religious aspect. When Ron was there, the school had as many non-Catholics as Catholics. . .it was a pretty even mix. We found the same to be true in Gaylord--many, many nonparishoners.

Anyway. . .hope you enjoyed your dinner out! District basketball tonight in our area--concessions and cheer! Woohoo. . .

 

[#1hockeymom]

Answered your PM, and thanks to everyone who wrote! BTW... I was in Gaylord two weekends ago for a hockey tournament. Gobblers is still serving great turkey dinners! LOL
I am glad to hear that there were many that were able to make the change and are happy with it. We still have two and a half years until we must make the decision, and we could possibly be moved by then so the sports issue wouldn't be there. I do know the other advantages to private school, but so far my small town school is providing a good education so on that front I am happy. If we lived where I taught, both of my children would have gone through private school from day one.

I'd love to write more, but DH is insistent we make it to dinner and not be the last people to arrive! Off to the big city!

Thank you everyone!
Debbie

 

[samnbilly]

Hello LL-I haven't been posting much either lately. Busy with sick kids, B-Days, snow days. Remind me not to complain about the heat in August after this extremely cold weather and snow. Disney in August doesn't seem that bad right now! Hope everyone is well. I guess the lounge is gearing up for the next generation of LL. Hope all of our mommies are okay.
Does anyone think this next round of discounts might include August? I don't think so, but thought I might ask. I'm booked GF=Sugarloaf, but I could be swayed with a good rate elsewhere. Any suggestions for a 2nd choice. I did BC last time so that's out for me, although I thought it was nice. Thanks for any feedback. I had a hard time last time getting an AP rate for GF for our whole stay.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Have fun Debbie. A night out, is a night out.

Hi SamnBilly. Okay, another LL to envy because she's planning a trip to WDW that's under a year . Hmmmm picking out a Disney resort, what a nice dilemma to have. Personally, I wouldn't rush back to the YC cl. I just didn't like that they closed the lounge off to guests. If I stayed in that area again, I would probably pick the Boardwalk. For cl though, I like the full, open lounge experience. I'd have to pick AKL or the Poly as option B's. I'm not into the 1979 theme that the CR has going on and I'd rather wait until there's been a rehab done there and with the WL concierge lounge before trying them out. The Poly might be too close to the GF though and have you wishing you were there. Tough choices. I've always wanted to give the AKL a try and the sunrise/sunset safari is an added bonus. I just can't convince DH yet. He has this whole transporation hangup. I haven't crossed it off the list for next year though.

Tammi

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Wow! So many jump-off points, so little time!

To Debbie... Count us among the K-8 public, HS parochial crowd... Decision ultimately made by our daughter who initially was adamantly opposed to even considering this school. She was swayed by the small community feel, warm welcome, kids who really WANT to be in school at this point. Though she's had good teachers on balance through middle school, many of the kids have become less focused. She couldn't believe that there might be a school that would have more than a handful of kids who really "liked" school! We're currently evaluating transportation options, etc, but since we're needing to upsize a bit housing-wise anyway, we may just consider a move that's closer to the school (which of course would sadden the younger two who are not yet ready to move)...

To minniesota... My DD13 just LOVED the GF! It's funny how spa treatments seem right up their alley at that age! Actually my girls' first official act upon arrival was to stop by the salon to schedule hair braiding appointments. And they absolutely loved going to afternoon tea (made me promise we'd return for a girls-only tea regardless of where we stay next time)!

To samnbilly... I agree with TammiMcMan on both BWI and AKL as possible other non-MK area choices. I've never been to either but those two definitely attract me. We did love GF on our quick December trip though and would do that one again in a heartbeat! By the way... if I remember correctly, code dates covering August came out around May 8th or 9th last year.

Anyway... to all. Have a great night... it's rather chilly here... could use some Atlanta weather!

 

[minniesota]

Goofy'sMuse - Thanks for the thought about hair braiding. And the tea would be fun I think. What did you order? Did you get one of the "packages" or order a la carte? Just curious!

DD's visit at her second choice private school basically solidified her decision to go to her first choice school. So now be will be a family who has done the K-8 public and private/Catholic HS. She also likes the small community feel. Her public high school enrollment is 2,200 and this school is 800. It also has a theater school within the curriculum that really appeals to her. Now the challenge seems to be translating her course placement - it would appear that while she qualifies for 3-4 advanced/honors classes at her public school, that's not the case in the private school. And that's just fine with us and her. We just want her to be in the appropriate level classes where she's challenged but not overwhelmed. It makes my head spin.



samnbilly - I'd have a hard time leaving the GF, especially after 3 outstanding stays in the last 6 months! But, if I had to try something different, I think it would be AKL. Those safaris would be hard for my DS to resist! I can't wait to be back at GF in May! I'm also hoping for an AP rate. Good luck with your decision.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, If you want to talk about a "small community" feeling, my DD's graduating class from Catholic HS was 43 girls. It's funny, because when she looked at colleges, that's what appealed to her most. She ended up selecting another small campus school (all girl again). I'm sure every school is different, but both my children took placement exams in the spring of 8th grade for their new schools. They also had to get current teacher recommendations to tie in with the tests.

GoofysMuse, how much of a move are you looking at making? Closer to Boston or going the other way? Transportation has been a non-issue for us. The drive for DS is only 10 minutes without traffic and DH can go in that direction for work. Most of the time he's not ready to come home until 5pm because of sports, drama or clubs. That gives me plenty of time to pick up my youngest and head home for a while. Hope it all works out for you too.

Tammi

 

[Steph H]

My goodness, I'm gone for two days, and look at all the conversation!

Good morning all!

Debbie/#1hm: Now you have me curious, which school district do you teach in (PM me if not comfy putting on the thread)? My mom teaches in Downriver, and all but I think two school districts were closed Tuesday. My mom was so thrilled to be among the lucky ones that DID close. Sorry you had to work. But how was your night out?

I'm really interested in this private vs. parochial school discussion. DS is turning three in a couple of weeks, and we're gearing up for the big decision as to where to send him to school. We will keep him in daycare preschool for another year, but after that, we plan to send him to kindergarten at the local parochial (Catholic) school in our area. EVERYONE in our neighborhood seems to attend this church, so of course they all plan to send their kids to school there. We don't attend that church, but we do attend a protestant church in town (Lutheran). My biggest worry is that they will be less inclined to take us because we are not members of the church. I know we'll pay more, and that's not a problem because it's really not that much.

Can anyone here tell me what kind of "entrance policies" a parochial school has for kindergarteners? I mean, they aren't going to make him take an extrance exam are they? Do I need to break out the algebra books and start tutoring him NOW?


Count me among those totally sick of winter! Counting down to GF warmth: 211 days 16 hrs. 17 mins. 13 secs.

I'm putting out some pecan danishes because I have a taste for them this morning. And a cappuccino, because the Starbucks next to my work doesn't open til 8am and I have to be at work at 7:30.

Enjoy your day, everyone!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Goofy'sMuse - Thanks for the thought about hair braiding. And the tea would be fun I think. What did you order? Did you get one of the "packages" or order a la carte? Just curious!
DD's visit at her second choice private school basically solidified her decision to go to her first choice school. So now be will be a family who has done the K-8 public and private/Catholic HS. She also likes the small community feel. Her public high school enrollment is 2,200 and this school is 800. It also has a theater school within the curriculum that really appeals to her. Now the challenge seems to be translating her course placement - it would appear that while she qualifies for 3-4 advanced/honors classes at her public school, that's not the case in the private school. And that's just fine with us and her. We just want her to be in the appropriate level classes where she's challenged but not overwhelmed. It makes my head spin.

Gosh, we sure are in parallel universes, minnesota! First, the GF questions... We actually went a la carte at the Tea. If memory serves, the girls and I did the assorted tea sandwiches, a cheese and fruit plate, and scones, plus we each chose a different tea (then of course we "shared"). Raspberry, cinnamon and my own fave, black currant (my DD kindly bought a tin on the sneak for my Christmas stocking). All of those were yummy! The guys were with us too... I'm thinking my DH may have had the Gentleman's Tea Platter. I know my DS had "Mrs. Pott's Tea". This was not his choice of activity... just imagine a cynical little 10 yr old sticking out his pinky while drinking his "special dark tea" (said with EXTRA sarcasm on his part ). Our server was very attuned to him though and made a big show of taking him up to the pastry bar to select his two pastry choices! He also took to "pouring" for everyone. Though DH did enjoy this event, next time it will have to be water mice or the arcade for the guys (or perhaps the pool if we're staying there)!

We're also going through the course translation thing. I know my DD would have taken all Honors/AP at our HS. Unlike yours, ours is a small school and with budget cuts hitting every year, I got increasingly concerned that budget priorities would shut down some of those offerings. Our town schools don't do Iowas but do MCAS (Mass state tests), so her performance there (which has been excellent) does give them some input along with their own placement test. But I agree that I want her appropriately placed, honors or not. It would actually be good for her to be in classes where she doesn't have to worry about getting the highest grade. I am reassured that the whole mission of the school is college prep. In fact they start working with the students in freshman year to begin assessing their college goals and readiness which I think will suit my daughter very well. Add the drama program to the academics and community service element and well... we were just convinced...

TammiMcMan... DD's new school is about 30 min from here. There is a bus (for a fee, though bus contract renegotiations might put the price through the roof), and apparently some local kids do carpool. One of the unfortunate realities of this winter (again due to budget cuts) is that one of our main commuting routes shut down several times this winter because they chose not to plow until the storm was finished. Though we enjoy our town for other reasons, if you opt out of the public schools and can't get to work on a snowy day without going a half hour out of your way to hit the highway, it seems it might be time to consider a new town! So yes, we'd be looking to stay in western Mass but perhaps on the south side of Mt. Tom rather than north of it. We'll see... changing towns also means changing schools for our other two kids, and potentially changing churches, Scout troops, sports teams, etc. I just know that I can't face the teen years with the girls continuing to share a bedroom and all of us continuing to share one bathroom! We kind of assumed we'd "upsize" in town, but am seriously questioning the logic of that at this point! We'll figure it out... moving has never been my strong suit but once it's done, I'm sure it will seem like a piece of cake in retrospect!

Happy day, everyone! Think I need an extra capp this morning, but I'll leave enough for anyone who cares to join me!

 

[Tess]

Can anyone here tell me what kind of "entrance policies" a parochial school has for kindergarteners? I mean, they aren't going to make him take an extrance exam are they? Do I need to break out the algebra books and start tutoring him NOW?

The first parochial school our children entered did require a pre-admission test. The kids were taken to the kindergarten classrooms and given a battery of social, emotional, physical, and academic tests. They were called "readiness" tests, but it was a way for the school to weed out kids who just weren't there yet. The results were examined by administration and the kindergarten teachers. Scores were given which basically ranked the kids "age" based upon results. For example, our son has mild cerebral palsy--he was fine academically, but scored low on his gross/fine motor skills--as I recall he was at about 3.5 years on a particular test. Because he did so well on his spatial tests, social skills, maturity level, etc.--all equal to his 5.5 age or above, he got the official okie dokie despite his gross/fine motor deficits.

Most parochials now require kids to be 5 before they begin kindergarten--at least that's been our experience. When my son entered, they recommended boys be 5.5 before beginning. It was the school's belief/experience that at these ages kids fared better beyond kindergarten than those who entered at early 5 or approaching 5.

Our kids were transfer students to the 2nd parochial and had been enrolled in the one referenced above. They were not tested and, in fact, our daughter spent 1/2 day in kindergarten and 1/2 day in first grade because she was too prepared for the kindergarten class offered at the new school.

So, I guess to answer your question, I would check out the prospective schools and determine their particular requirements. Some test, some don't--if they do test, you can certainly ask what type of testing, etc. and prepare accordingly. Parochial admission can sometimes be quite competitive in larger areas. As I said above, I really wish we had been able to continue our childrens' education in a parochial school. . .

 

[#1hockeymom]

We live in Holly... home of school closings due to ice on the back roads. I teach in Flint, home of "Which school will we shut down and how many teachers will we lay off this year." Which district is your mom in?

Reading all the information! Keep it coming!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Flights are back down for some days to $69 each way so with my $94 per person vouchers that would be $44 per person round trip Now I've just got to work out the dates. I can fly with oldest DD on Thursday 10/13 at 3:15PM-arrive Orlando 6:25PM or leave 8:30 am but I don't want to stress about getting to the airport and she can pretty much go to school that day. The prefered 11:10am flight is $124. Then the rest (DH, DS(4), DD(2), and most wonderful friend in the world) would join us on Sunday. Friday, Saturday and Monday flights to Orlando are still $124. That would mean DH would be home alone with DS and DD for 3 nights. Maybe he'll want us to pay the extra $55/person for DD & I to go on Friday. The $110 would be cheaper than a night at the Polynesian and we could fly on the 11am flight. I guess I better call Disney to see if I can get a room for those dates. This is so exciting. Something warm to think about!

I'm getting a lot out of reading all these school discussions. I'm still dealing with potty training issues. Our DS(4) has been giving us a run for our money-a control thing on his part as he was all trained and is always dry out of the house..... So does anyone have any ideas for keeping my smart little guy busy? He HATES sports and the cold. He loves fine motor skill stuff. We've been doing Perler bead projects which he likes but those will only hold his interest for so long. I'm thinking of getting rid of a love seat that has seen better days in my family room and getting a large table for the kids to do crafts on. They have a small childs table for coloring but we tend to do crafts at my kitchen island. More room for crafts might help. He has a Leapster which he likes (not loves). I don't let them play computer games. I figure he'll catch on to the computer quick enough once he starts school-please tell me I'm not wrong on that issue.

Goffy's Muse-Good luck with the move decisions. We don't like to think about it. Our house is pretty small. A good size master bedroom and 2 other small bedrooms. A big plus is the 2 1/2 baths but we don't have an attic, have a damp basement and no garrage. We desperately need a tool shed to get the bikes out our living room in the warmer weather! I actually want two-one for DH and one as a playhouse/storage for kids toys. Hope the girls can handle sharing a room for a long time. Our house has been in my husband's family since 1957 and it would be very difficult for us to move away from the water. We do have the room to put on a small addition but not the money. Maybe DH will go back to work when youngest is in school and we can put on that extra bedroom before the girls are teenagers.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

... I teach in Flint, home of "Which school will we shut down and how many teachers will we lay off this year." ...

Different state, same story... so sad, really. Though I'm a product of parochial schools myself, I've been a strong supporter of quality public education, both in principle and in practice. Can't help but feeling that I'm caving on my principles in the switch to private for HS, but it's hard to ignore what looks like a systematic erosion of so many schools. Tess is right... you CAN make things work as long as you combine a motivated kid, supportive parenting, enriching school and/or after-school options, etc... but gosh, was it this hard when we were growing up??

Enough of the pity party! Way to go, lovesdumbo... I just knew you'd scout out those rates! By the way... enjoy your house for as long as you can. Our plan was to be outta here in 5 yrs... so now it's been 15... it seems that having 3 kids has adversely impacted my ability to count! You're lucky that your DS has such good fine motor skills... my own 10 yr old is still working on that (half-heartedly, of course!) If you think you can manage with Legos, Knex or even Tinker Toys (small pieces though and I know your gang is still young...), I find that they still offer hours of enjoyment for my kids (they'd never admit it to their cool friends, of course! )

 

[samnbilly]

Decisions, Decisions. AKL sounds nice, but my DH must be related to Tammi's DH, because he has a lot of transportation issues also. We had such a great stay at SL in OCT. I really am hoping to get back. BWI does look nice though, but I live so close to AC, it seems kind of weird-I think its based on the Jersey Shore Boardwalk.
Hope everyone else is well.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

... BWI does look nice though, but I live so close to AC, it seems kind of weird-I think its based on the Jersey Shore Boardwalk...

So true... I think that's why we like it (though much smaller scale, of course). DH and I were both Jersey kids so summer = "going down the shore"! When the kids were young we tended more toward the lake scene as keeping track of 3 under 4 was just too nerve-wracking in a large-wave scene. It may be time for us to try a shore vacation again, though I'm much less the sun-worshipper than I used to be!