Category Archives: Midwest Parents

The Middle School Challenge: Honors Classes?

It’s finally spring and this year, for us, that means lacrosse, soccer, soccer, and yes, one more time, soccer.  I realize that I have only 3 children, and that 4 sports means I am going against a long-held personal belief that children should play one sport per season.  But that conversation is long and convoluted and we can discuss it another time.

In addition to the sports frenzy, this is also the time of year when kids heading to middle school take tests for next year’s “challenge” classes, our district’s designation for honors classes during the middle school years.  Conveniently, this testing coincides with the time of year when the sun hangs low in the sky well beyond bedtime, tricking children into believing that the school year is already over. 

Last spring, SusieJ wrote a convincing post about not taking honors classes.  Her son, as I recall, was nominated for honors math but took a look at the additional homework requirements and thought the better of it.  And what are my thoughts on the whole thing?  Head on over to Midwest Parents, to check out my post–and my thoughts–there.

Simple Thoughts About the Economy

So when I say, “I’ve decided to stop watching the economic reports on the news,” it’s a bit misleading.  I don’t really watch the news anyway.  I can’t remember the last time I saw the 6:00 news (do they still have that?) and, since my Kindergartener leaves the house at 7:15AM a couple of days a week, I’ve taken to missing the 11:00 broadcast, too.

Think I’m missing out?  Don’t fret.  I get the news, just not on TV.  I am, admittedly, a bit of a NY Times junkie.  Perhaps you knew that because of this or this or this.  No?  Okay, well, I admit it. 

What does all of this have to do with the economy, Chris Brown and Rihanna, and Conan? To find out, check out my post at Midwest Parents today.  You’ll laugh at the end, I promise.

photo credit:  cursedthing

Thoughts About Life

So why are we here?  Not here, online, on blogs, making friends with women we may never actually see, but why are we here, here.  Here on this earth.  In this world.  Why are we part of our particular family? The community around us?  Why are we friends with our particular friends and mothers to our particular children?

Heavy stuff for a Thursday morning, wouldn’t you say?  Read the rest of my ruminations over at Midwest Parents today.