Edward and Michael go to school and come home on the bus. They stop by our house and pick them up every morning that there is school. It is quite away from out house. We have driven there a couple of times by buggy, but if we have to go there, we usually get a driver.
David and I are use to small schools like Susan's. We don't understand students going from room to room for classes. Why there are so many students in one school. Why students can select some of their classes. Why they even have some of the classes they have. Seeing that they are not going to college or trade school why most students have to go to 12th grade. When we go to school why the students have more say in what courses they will take than we do. Michael and Edward try to explain this to us, but we still don't understand. We don't feel that Susan is getting a lesser education than they are.
When Edward's adoption goes through, we are taking both of them out of there. After many family discussions they and we agree it will be the best for them. As they both are planning on going into farming, we don't feel any more public school education is necessary. We also explained to them that they will not be sitting around at home when they are out of school-they will be working.
The school is upset that we will be taking them out. We have heard lectures on how we are taking education away from them. They will be leading a life without a full education. Having free time and not being in school could lead them to drugs and crime-try to figure that one. They won't be able to get a great job. We tried explained that they will be working more hours a day than they are spending in school. We have been around and around.
There are some people that need a High School education, even a college education, but Michael and Edward aren't that way. We told Michael and Edward if they don't work, they will be put back into school, They understand. We are not using school as a threat, but they have to have a way of making a living. God will provide but one still has to work.
Below are another picture of the school and of the activities field outside area.
Be With God,
Jean
18 comments:
Good Morning,
This school is a big school. I was really surprised when I went and took the pictures.
It is cooler here today, in the 60's but will be moving it's way back up before the end of the week.
Marilyn
They are reconstructing the main road to get to Jean's so I thought I might go other places. One I have been planning on going to a long time, but something comes up every time I plan to go. I hope I can make it this time. It's another Amish and Mennonite area.
Marilyn
Good for you Jean. It will all be sorted out once the boys are done with the school. I think it is just so wonderful that they were so open to adapting to your way of life. God has truly blessed them with a loving, caring family.
Good Morning Vickie,
I will pass what you wrote on to Jean. How's Mabel doing?
Marilyn
Good morning Jean and Marilyn. As with every other Monday I can not wait to read what is going on in your home. I can not believe that people would think taking the boys out of school could lead them into drugs. Obviously who ever said that is not looking carefully within the school itself. I am so proud that you are doing what you believe is right for the boys. I respect that you include them in your discussions and final decisions. God brought these young men into your life because he believed it was right for them and also you and David. I think it is great that the boys want to be farmers. We need men to farm for our food. It is hard work and many young men would not ever do it. How is Katie? Is Susan enjoying being a big sister. I am so happy for all of you. Thanks for another great post Jean. Thank you for all your hard work also Marilyn for doing the blog. God bless and all of you please remember I am praying for all of you!! Veronica
One possible reason the school is upset, which you didn't mention, is losing state money. New York may be different from Idaho, where I live, so this might not be true there. But in Idaho, each school receives money from the state based on the number of students and how much time they are in school. So if two full time students suddenly leave, the school loses money. But I wouldn't expect them to tell you that!
I'm sure your boys will get all the education they need from you and David once they are legally your sons.
Thank you Veronica and Dimpie,
I will see that Jean gets your comments. Thank you for the compliments. I know New York State loses money if students leave school. Also, they feel in our state that students should have a High School Education. I don't feel a high school education is needed when you relate to Amish and Old Order Mennonite. But the state feels everyone should have the education. I know that the boys will have to keep a record of what they learn outside of school until they are 16 or maybe it is 18. This book is checked on by Social Services workers even though the boys will be David and Jean's legal children. It's to prove they are working and learning farming - a career.
Marilyn
I am sorry I spelled your name wrong Dimple. Please accept my apology.
Marilyn
I support Jean and Davids lifestyle and choices. In todays schools, the boys could learn more about drugs and crime there, than they will working at home. Not everyone is made for college either. And we well know those degrees don't guarantee great paying jobs. I think the boys will be fine and as they learn life education at home working and being raised by Godly parents.
Good Morning dynnamae,
I agree with you.
Marilyn
I wholeheartedly agree with everything everyone else has said! Blessings to all!
Thank you Melissa M.
Blessings to you,
Marilyn
I think it is great that so many of us are like minded in our thoughts!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday!! Thanks again Marilyn!!
As Dimple said, I think that part of their reasoning is money motivated, and also schools pride themselves on the percent of students that graduate. I'm not sure if money is involved in this too. I think the life that Jean and David can provide for these boys is wonderful, and raising them to learn farming is a good thing. With the Mennonite lifestyle I can't imagine that they'll have much free time to get into trouble, and it's nice to know that they'll not be sitting in front of a tv playing video games as so many other kids do. It must be very hard and frustrating to deal with the school system.
Doreen
Hello Veronica and Doreen,
I think we all agree, too. I thank you both for your comments and compliments.Jean and David do get frustrated with the school system, but I don't think the school system can do much once the adoption goes through for Edward. Social Services is also talking about Jean and David putting Katie into the public school when she is five years old. Jean and David want to put her into Susan's school.
Marilyn
I just went through all 140 something posts that are on and removed anonymous. I think I have them off all the posts. I don't like that they slow things down. Some of them have things on I don't want on New York State of Mind and I don't think you would either.
Marilyn
To add a bit to Dimple and Countryside Reflections' comments...
I wouldn't be surprised if bureaucrats at the state level track dropout rates, including by race.
If the school is like mine growing up, Edward alone dropping out would give them a black dropout rate of 33%.
Which probably at least translates into a phone call by some bureaucrat to the Superintendent demanding answers why they have such a high minority dropout rate.
Hello Matt,
You have a very good point there. None of us thought about the black dropout rate. That could be part of their problem with the school.
Thank you,
Marilyn
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