I Can See the Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Who knew that 180 days could be so long? After nine years, you’d think I would be able to remember that those 180 days do come to an end eventually. As I write this, we have exactly twenty more days until the end of our school year. Twenty more days until the end of the tunnel.

Whether you school for the traditional nine months or school year round, at some point in time, you need to close out your records for one school year. Wait—close out records? You mean there’s more to the end of the tunnel than a party and a trip to the ice cream store to celebrate the completion of another school year? Yes, there is.

The end of the school year is the time to finish up your children’s portfolios, record their final grades (if you choose to grade), clean out desks (boxes, files, bookshelves, etc.), put away this year’s books and curricula, and file your state’s necessary paperwork. If you do all this now, you’ll be ready to start stocking new supplies when they’re on sale—hint, you’ll be able to see what you have and what you need by cleaning up first—and you’ll have room to bring home all the new books and curricula you find at used book fairs and conventions.

Just in case you’re wondering why I even mentioned portfolios for everyone, even those whose states don’t require them, check out my blog article entitled “Papers, Papers Everywhere—Not! or How and Why to Create a Portfolio.” Basically, you’re creating a record of your children’s accomplishments for grandparents, friends, yourself, and your school district (but only if it’s required). I am not suggesting that you give the state anything other than the minimum. This is for YOU. It’s so that when you’re in the middle of next year’s tunnel, you can look back over all that your children have accomplished and see the progress towards the light at the end.

Come towards the light, my friends. When you reach the end of your tunnel, drop me a line to let me know how you celebrated and how you organized your records. This is my latest post on Heart of the Matter Online. Come check out the rest of the site!

Sale! Sale!

The Old Schoolhouse is having a 2-Day “Take 10” subscription promotion on May 25th and 26th. For just 48 hours, a one-year print subscription is only $15! As a bonus,new subscribers get 5 FREE WeE-books of their choice. It’s the TOS Take/Get 5 subscription sale. Only good until midnight on May 26. Click on the banner above to hurry over!

End of the Year Reflection: Biggest Triumphs and Biggest Challenges

Okay, this is my first attempt at a meme. Yep, it's spelled correctly! For those of you who don't know what a meme is, it is "an idea . . . or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture" (Meriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition). In the blogging world, it's posting a blog on a particular topic and linking to others who are posting on the same topic. So, if you want to read what others are saying about their ups and downs for this past school year, head on over to Heart of the Matter.

This past year, our greatest triumph was also our greatest challenge: high school! My oldest daughter is completing her final exams for ninth grade as I type this. She will finish with all A's and B's, so we are pleased. Her biggest trials were algebra 1 and biology (like her mother!). Her biggest accomplishments, aside from academics, were coming in third place in the state Awana Bible quizzing competition (and second in their art competition), getting first place in the local science fair competition, starting karate, and lots of volunteering. She's headed overseas with my mother and a few other people for a missions project next week.

My youngest daughter's greatest challenges this year were long division (are we seeing a theme here?) and writing essays. She started competing in gymnastics this year and made it to the state level, although she did not place there. She did very well, however, and we are proud of her for persevering.

Personally, it's hard to think of just one challenge or one triumph. I did a slight career shift this past year, which was challenging because I was learning new things and sometimes waiting for a paycheck. Physically, I broke my foot nearly a month ago and that has been extrememly frustrating (and painful!). My greatest trimph has been getting published at Heart of the Matter! I am thrilled to see my children walking with the Lord, but I can't take credit for that; the credit goes to God.

What were YOUR greatest challenges and greatest triumphs this past year? They can be related to homeschooling or not. Leave me a note so I can check out your blog post about it! Head on over to Heart of the Matter to connect with others, too.

FREE, FREE, FREE!!

Who doesn't love free stuff? I sure do! TOS made their annual Freebie Directory available today to everyone--no strings attached! Click here to visit the page. Many of the freebies are trials to great curricula, many are free samples. Try it before you buy it! See new things! I can't wait to check out the Educational Diagnostic site. Check it out and let me know what your favorite find is.

E & F on HOTM's The A to Z's All About You!

Heart of the Matter continues the All About You series with letters E and F. Come on over and join the fun! Here are my answers: This one is EASY! I’ve got a daughter named EMILY and another one whose middle name is ELIZABETH. My kids rode an ELEPHANT once and I’ve been to FLORIDA once. I like to have FUN and I think FAMILIES are FANTASTIC! My FAITH is not quite as ENERGETIC as it should be. I am ENTERTAINED by FINDING EGREGIOUS ERRORS since I am an EDITOR. I wish the FOUNTAIN of youth was real, but I’ll settle FOR an occasional ESCAPE. I’m FASTIDIOUS, but not very FLEXIBLE. I’m with Jessica & her chores. I ESPECIALLY like to EAT. Click here to check out others' answers and to leave your own! Leave me a message to let me know that you're joining in the FUN!