JEAN ANSWER'S MORE QUESTIONS

Our family also, would like to extend our Sympathy to Marilyn on the passing of her brother. It was a hard way to find out, so long after the passing.  I know the Lord is with her and will guide her during this hard time.

Someone asked if  our children's school had art classes like they do music?  They don't have art or music classes.  From when they are born, we sing to the children, they go to meetings (church) and hear singing, - that is how they learn to sing.  They start singing at meetings very young.

Now, that said, when they start school, they do learn songs for their Christmas play, caroling, visiting people's homes and more.  When they stand in front of the room and sing at school, it is to honor the Lord.   But the school does not have any special music classes.

Likewise with art.  There are no art classes, but that does not mean they don't do art.  Teacher may show the children how to make snow flakes out of paper or alike.  Also, she may ask the children to draw pictures for something, but there are no art classes.

Someone asked how do the kids and teachers travel for a field trip?  Most of them are walking.  A field trip may be on leaves, animals, stones, etc. They usually go no further than the little ones can walk.  Usually they take a bag lunch with them so they can enjoy it on their trip.

When they get to the eight grade - the last year of school - as a special for them they usually go on a field trip by car.  Either teacher or parents or both go with them.  Sometimes they go to Niagara Falls, or Corning Glass Works, or to the Museum in Rochester.  It is a day trip so they go and come back the same day.  The children must save up money for the driver, lunch and any expenses.  If they can't afford it, I have never known any child that didn't get to go.  Someone, unknown to the child, will give the money so they can go.

Our schools teach reading, writing, math, social studies, English and some science.  They are taught to comply with the State of New York.  Our children have to take the same states tests that the public schools do.  As I have said before, children in the Old Order Mennonite and Amish schools rate higher than most public schools.  We believe it is do to fact that we don't have any necessary subjects that the public schools do.

I know when Michael and Edward first moved in and went to public school, we had all these subjects to make choices of.  We thought most of them were not needed in life.  The four of us went around with the school many times.

Most of the time, the school has one teacher.  Sometimes a parent will come in, if the teacher feels it is necessary on certain projects.  As a parent, we can go into the school anytime we would like, especially if they are member of the School Board which David is.  Sometimes school board members go just to see how things are going, does the teacher have a problems or things she would like to discuss after school.  All parents are involved where our children go to school.

Be With God,
Jean