Leaping into the future.

First, thank you to everyone who has prayed, sent letters, or just wished us well during the last month.  This has been a really, really difficult and uncertain time, and without your support, we wouldn't have managed.  

It seems appropriate to share today that we are finally ready to "leap" into a new future.  I am thrilled to say that all three of the big kids are finally enrolled in new schools for 2012-13.  

After a lot of work on the school's part, the Diocese of Camden has determined that Sacred Heart High School will remain open.   Luke registered as part of the Class of 2016 on Saturday.  He will take the general scholarship/placement exam on March 10, and we will be making arrangements for him to take the proper testing for Math and Foreign Language.  Based on the curriculum at Notre Dame, he should be able to test out of Algebra I and Spanish I, so he will take the exams in June and see where he scores. If he could skip those classes, that would be great, because it will free up spaces in future years for a wider choice of electives.  He had the opportunity to sign up for activities as well, and has opted to join the Choir, the Good Samaritan and Drama clubs, and the Forensics (debate) team.  He's a little uncertain if he'll like Forensics, but is willing to give it a try and see how it works out. Honestly, though -- if there ever was an activity where Luke would excel...it's debate!!

Unfortunately, Notre Dame did not receive a reprieve.  The Diocese determined that they were going to keep to their original plan, despite the very strong presentations that the Notre Dame School Board presented.   Because of our school family's commitment to keeping the children together, they voted to create an independent Christian academy.  Thanks to the hard work of the new Board, we now have a new home for Celia and Matthew.  They will be attending Edgarton Christian Academy this fall.  Last night was the first opportunity to enroll students, and the response was overwhelming.  Based on the parents I saw at the information/registration meeting last night, at least half of each child's class has already registered for ECA.We found out that ECA will continue with an Advanced Math program like Notre Dame's. Matthew is very glad to be able to continue with it. Math is one of his favorite subjects, and he was really unhappy to discover the other school we looked at did not have a similar program.  He was disappointed to learn that would mean basically repeating this year's math program, so being able to continue moving forward is great news to him.  Celia has decided that she is willing to go to ECA because there is a 2-piece uniform option that will comfortably accommodate her tube; she was not impressed that our other alternative was "jumpers only."  I laugh to think that it's "the wardrobe" that makes a difference to her, but can definitely see the practical consideration she was giving the clothing options.

We're all still a little nervous, but we're finally excited and hopeful for the future.  Luke set his sights on Sacred Heart three years ago, so I'm happy he is able to follow his dreams.  Celia and Matthew are happy to be with their friends.  I know not all will choose to make the transition, and am certain there will be new friends to make as well, but I am definitely reassured that they are going into a place where, despite so many changes, will still have so much stability.  We are still planning to homeschool Jude -- you can follow his progress and catch up on what Damien is doing  at Adventures with Jude (and Damien) -- and will likely opt to use a homeschool option for CCD with Matthew and Celia.  While Neal and I are pleased with the schools overall, we are definitely happy to see the tears give way to excitement, and glad that everyone is finally looking forward to September. Fall will bring an adjustment for all of us, but I am sure it's going to be great future for everyone.