Friday, May 29, 2009

A bit of a rant

Did you know that NY is one of the least friendly homeschooling states, and one of the most regulated? Did you know our local school district denied the request by two homeschooled seniors to take part in the graduation ceremony? They're not asking for a diploma from the school--just an opportunity to walk the aisle and get the diploma they earned from their parents. How hard would it be to give them their 30 seconds? I know foreign exchange students have taken part in the grad. ceremony. How is this much different? I just don't understand the flat out hostility this school district shows toward homeschoolers. When we ask to do something, they hide behind the regulations. I just want to know why they don't want our participation. We pay our school taxes. We are active in our communities. What harm is there to let a student come play the trumpet in the band, walk the aisle at graduation, or play 3rd base on the softball team? Is it fear of competition? Fear a homeschooled student will take a school attendee's position? The funny thing is, we could enroll our children tomorrow and that competition would be there anyway. We have to report to the school on our progress. The Superintendent has the authority to vouch for the adequacy of our program. We are compelled to be connected to the school system, but shunned from any activities they offer.

And that's all I have to say about that.

4 comments:

dee said...

Sounds like a letter to the editor Maureen! :) Maybe this is the moment?

dee said...

And...here! here!

Adrienne said...

I agree with Dee...let your eloquent voice be heard!!
write to editor, and send copies to each member of school board!

Mamala said...

You're finally ready to move to Florida! ;0)