The End of An Era

It's hard to put into words what this ending was like. Due to some events in the lead up to recital it was absolutely not the ending we had expected it to be. And though we all struggled with a lot of emotions around this particular recital, we made sure to end it on a good note for the four of us (complete with ice cream cake). Our time as a dance family has come to a close and Emma really did shine brightly up on that stage. Over her fourteen years of dance there were highs and lows and I hope that she carries all that she learned with her (both the good lessons and the not so good lessons) with them wherever she goes and applies those teachable moments accordingly. xo 

On Graduation Day

Last year we gifted Grace a Tiffany bracelet for her graduation so we decided to continue to tradition for Emma this year. Rather than the heart (like we gave to Grace) ee chose the Tiffany arrow bracelet for Emma so that she "may always find direction". 

And Grace continued the tradition that Emma started last year when she gifted her a graduation Squishmallow! 

Some of Emma's Main Lesson Books. 

Another beautiful Small Farm flower share took its rightful place as the centerpiece for Emma's graduation day. 

And more traditions continue! Dave's parents gave Emma the matching necklace to her bracelet (just like they did for Grace's gradation last year)! I love the look on Emma's face when she realized what her grandparents had given her (and probably why I suggested she might want to take some of her daily necklaces off before going over to the church)! 😂 

Homeschool  mascots in attendance! 

We chose to do a few pictures (like this one) before everyone arrived. 

With Grandma Joan and Grandpa Ron. 

Emma and Clover. 

A second before starting the ceremony I realized I had my phone in my pocket and that I should pause and take a picture of those in attendance! It was a bit hard to fit everyone in (had this idea occurred sooner I would have had a step stool read) but I think I got pretty much everyone in nontheless! 

My speech. 

As the former valedictorian and first graduate of Under the Willow Tree homeschool, Grace delivers the alumna address. 

Emma gives her valedictorian speech. 

These three. Friends their entire lives (literally). 

A beautiful picture with her bonus grandparents!

Picture with Everleigh (who is basically Emma's little sister). 

Picture with Mrs. Dooley. Emma's choir teacher for thirteen years! 

With Uncle Grant and Miss Sarah. 

And now with Gramma Terri and Grandpa Gene. 

And of course, it was at this moment that my phone chose to be difficult and not let me take more than one picture of the same group of people (hence Emma's closed eyes on the only picture I have of her with August and Marybeth). 

Below is the speech I gave during Emma's ceremony: 

We are here today to mark two momentous occasions. First, to celebrate the graduation of Miss Emma Faith Tscherne. Second, to celebrate and honor the end of our homeschooling era. While Grace’s arrival earthside began our homeschooling journey, Emma’s graduation today culminates it. 

Emma, it has been the honor of my life not only to be your mama, but also your teacher, principal, guidance counselor and college advisor. I have loved watching you grow from that tiny redheaded baby into the incredible young woman you are today. And while there were some bumps and challenges and enough teachable moments along the way to keep us both humble, you have proven that you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it!

Your daddy and I have always encouraged you girls to speak your mind, to ask lots of questions, to ask for help, to offer support and kindness to those around you, to use the world as your classroom and to be lifelong learners. We could not be more proud that you have done all that and more! I am grateful that we get to have you home for two more years as you endeavor to complete your associates in business at MassBay before heading to Oregon to begin your studies in service dog training at Bergin College for Canine Studies which could not be a more perfect field of study/career choice for you! Combining your love of helping people, with your love of animals and time in nature is as if this college and field was made with you in mind!

 

And now, I would like to share the words of the dedication that appears at the front of Emma’s yearbook (which you are all invited to sign).

 

The Beginning of the End of an Era

 

And just like that the last homeschool letter that we will ever recive has arrived. 

Senior year for Emma is almost officially here. xo 

A New Beginning

 

A little over one week ago we received a phone call that totally changed our world! Back in January we put in application for the girls to attend Parker Charter School. As we were not sure what the 2021-2022 school year would hold for me (work wise) and the girls at Seasons of Seven wise (would they have a high school program?) we decided to cover our bases and apply. We knew it could be tricky as there aren't often many open spots for grades eight and nine but we figured what was the worst that could happen? They don't get in? And so, they were waitlisted and we figured that perhaps mid-year we'd get the call. Little did we know that we'd be getting the call one week prior to the new school year beginning but that's exactly what happened! 

After I got off the phone and my head stopped spinning I shared with David what I had just been told. He was as blown away as I was! We then discussed this opportunity as a family and the answer was clear: Grace (who was being offered a spot) really should take it. After all, this was her only chance as they don't take new students after ninth grade. And while we have absolutely loved homeschooling we knew that with me working full time that they would not be given the rich experience that they had been given all the years prior. Honestly, there was one day last spring, as Emma was making her catapult that I found myself really sad watching her. She was doing a great job, but I couldn't help but feel that that project really would have been so much better if she and a group were able to work on it together. 

With how rich their entire educations have been all these years we wanted them to have just as rich of a high school experience, too. And we knew that they would not get that at the town high school (and we knew the town high school was not the right place for them at all). We toyed with enrolling thing in one of the local Waldorf high schools but both required sizeable tuitions and were at least an hour away. We were hopeful that Parker would work out in the end and after the people we have spoken to and the tour we took (and registration today) we know that this was a school that was made for them! 

Parker is such a truly special place! It is an essential school, which means that they follow these ten common principles. They do not give traditional grades, nor a traditional diploma. To move up to the next division the students need to present their portfolios and give an explanation of why they feel ready to move up (in that subject area). To graduate they need to complete a senior project and portfolio and present that at senior exhibition. The school encourages students to think outside the box. They encourage students to embrace their mistakes. They encourage and embrace individuality and diversity. Parker truly is the stuff of dreams! 

Parker's very unique education is so very much inline with how our girls have been raised and educated. We are grateful to have been a homeschooling family all these years, and we are grateful that the girls had all the opportunities they had as a result, and became the incredible young ladies they are as a result, as well. And while we are sad that our homeschooling days are drawing to a close we are excited that they will be gaining a community of people that will step in where we left off ('cause Lord knows high school is NOT in my wheelhouse)!

To learn more about what makes Parker so unique be sure to watch this video. It captures so perfectly why we are glad that our girls will be attending! 

And so, we went to register Grace today and ended coming home with Emma registered as well! The girls are thrilled and so are we! We are so very excited to be a Parker family and cannot wait to see all that awaits them. xo