30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-four

For Day Twenty-four, I am thankful for Daniel's school.

Really, I am thankful for Daniel's entire education, from Kindergarten until now (10th grade). When I was growing up, my parents specifically moved to the town we lived in for most of my childhood because of the public school system. It was highly recommended and had a good reputation for giving students the tools they needed to be ready for college and beyond. As a result, even though once Daniel came along, I was living in another state and city, I was still a strong proponent of public education. It was also not a viable option for our family to go the private school route or homeschool.

Daniel attended our neighborhood elementary school and had a great experience there. From Kindergarten through 4th grade, each teacher he had was a perfect match for his needs and he thrived there during those years. I was also able to be active in the Parent-Teacher Organization and have a lot of involvement with the teachers and faculty.

When it came time for him to go to middle school, we had the option of staying in our zoned school (which happens to be right across the street from our house) or we could go the magnet school route and put Daniel's name in the lottery to attend the academic magnet middle school across town. It was completely out of our control after we turned in the application and there was MUCH rejoicing when we got the news that his number had been drawn and he would have a place at Meigs Magnet Middle School. And if he kept his grades and test scores up, he would have an automatic pathway to the academic magnet high school (no more lottery!).

That brings us to this year. He is a sophomore at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School and except for the excessive homework they give there, he loves his classes and teachers and friends. He is challenged academically, which will help prepare him for college in a couple of years.

I am so thankful that God has guided Daniel's education through the years and have confidence that He will continue to lead him (and his parents) through the next few years of him finishing high school and deciding on where to attend college. And you have my permission to remind me of these words when things get stressful during these next stages of life! Thank you, God, that you are in control!