I think I am in love.....

For the last 3 years I have had a constant worry in my head. Where will Brooke go to Middle School? She is in the best elementary school in the district, some say the state, I say the world! We love it! We have made some family sacrifices to ensure she stays with this school but this is her last year (excuse me while i wipe away my tears) there. The middle school in our district does not have a good reputation. We have not heard good things. We did attend parent university there and left feeling better. They know they don't have a good reputation but they have assured us they are working diligently to change it. I believe them but also believe they have an uphill battle. We are very blessed that Brooke is a good kid. She's smart and of course, beautiful. I really think she will be fine whereever she goes, but should "fine" really be the goal when it comes to our kids? Ummmmm, NO! So....there are several charter schools, enterprise schools and magnet schools in a nearby bigger district. My nephew attends one. It's tough. Tough is good but is it right for Brooke? We have really done our research. Last night, we attended Open House at a charter school very close to us. It's not actually in our district but its closer than the school that is! After spending two hours there, I am in love! Brooke loves it! I love it! This is her school! The only problem is that while there are certain qualification to get into the school, and we have to commit to a certaing number of volunteer parent hours, it is a lottery school. They literally put all of the applicants into a hat and pull out names till they fill their rolls. Siblings of students already there have guaranteed placement. They normally accept 100 6th graders. Last year because of the sibling rule, they only took 60. Over 200 applied. Are the odds great? Not really but we have to give it our best shot. So this is my new mission - Get Brooke into this school!! I have a lot of paperwork to do including get her a district transfer first but I can do it! Hello - I have adopted a child, your paperwork does NOT scare me!! The other thing Brooke and I have going for us is our friends and family. We are asking you to please join us in praying about this. This is such a tough time in a little girls life. There are so many temptations and ugly things out there. I feel this school will help us keep Brooke on the right track and encourage her to blossom into the strong, smart, beautiful young woman she is destined to be. The application is due March 1st and the lottery is March 8th so it won't be too long! In case you were wondering, it's not just me that loves this school. Brooke was so excited too - we left the meeting and she was BEGGING me to let her go to school there. She even "loves" the uniforms! I explained the lottery process and she knows her chances but we are both excited and up to the challenge!


Don't forget to check out my 40x40 blog, we have decided to take this thing to Oprah! More and more of my classmates are jumping onboard everyday - visit us often and don't forget to leave your comments and even link us from your blog if you don't mind!