I am thinking of switching to typed lab reports. What do colleges/universities usually require? I hate to switch if it would be better to get used to writing in the lab book.

Does the SAT do this also? DD set a goal of improving her baseline ACT by 8 points over the next year to be in good shape for merit aid. She is still finishing her regular math coursework necessary to do well on the ACT, and brushing up on grammar rules and getting used to the difficult science section. She is prepared to take the test a total of 4 times to achieve this. My other dd raised her score by about 7 points over the same time period so it is very possible. Very discouraging to hear that they are automatically challenging students. I can only hope that my dd's scores improve gradually.

I am also a USF grad -- from the college of engineering, so no input on business. Definitely live on campus, and bike to class. It's a huge campus! I'm sure it has changed quite a bit since I was there.

What? I can't believe they can do this. I wonder how dramatic the improvement...yikes. BTW my dd took the Dec ACT and got her scores ~~ 2 weeks ago but they did not send an email -- she had to log in.

Adjunct salaries are particularly horrible given what students pay for tuition. In the meantime, administrators and "diversity experts" are making a fortune. It makes me not want to support the system at all.

My kids liked CLE workbooks and one time we used BJU which was colorful and fun. For worksheets, those two were the best. We tried MM once and there were too many problems, not enough review.

I'm in. I've been making great progress cleaning but need to declutter.

I love Disney but would not do it for just a day or two. Switching modes would ruin the vacation. Vero Beach sounds lovely. When I was a kid we always stayed on Sanibel/Captiva Island which is very fun with kids. There are a lot of shell beaches there, fun places to eat, bike paths, and sandy beaches too.

I just found out about repositioning cruises which are about half price. One major cruise line for instance: Holland America disclaimer: I have never been on a cruise! ETA: Disney Repositioning Cruises 2018

Haven't read responses but what I do is keep my nails fairly short and put a coat of clear polish on them. Then, when they chip, it is not visible. After a few days, put another coat of clear over the old one. In a few more days, take off the old polish and start over. This method keeps my nails strong and healthy-looking, not fancy at all - but it works! I would save my splurge dollars for pedicures, which last a long time. Good luck!

Thanks, that's encouraging!

Can anyone give an update on the Washington DC/Virginia area? Our kids are flying back there tomorrow.

One is getting better, another is still pretty sick, and I came down with it today. :sad:

5 yr journal by Levenger is wonderful.

Terabith I hope you're feeling better today.

They were already flying cross country to get here when we realized what was going on...we're managing so far by keeping the sick ones in their own room.

We have two with flu here, and 5 relatives arriving today. :crying:

I won't find out details until January when they get back from Christmas break. There is a limited amount of tutoring before school by one volunteer that I know of and the English teacher helps out with the algebra students. Beyond that I don't know except that the scores are lower than other schools in the county. It is a small community (~1000 year round residents). My older daughter went there for junior high and her entire class had six students. The school got a lot of funding by converting to a charter. I don't think they are doing badly, but there is room for improvement. Some of the things I have been thinking about include: 1. Analysis of test scores to identify key areas to improve 2. Developing a peer-tutoring program 3. Holding workshops 4. Extra time with struggling students during the school day 5. Review sheets (Kumon style)

I am interested in investigating methods that have actually worked to help students. The setting is a small charter school (K-12, each grade approx. 20 students). I know, for instance, they are starting to use Aleks. Some of us are thinking of starting up after-school tutoring, but it is not clear which methods would work best.

If you have responded to this post it would be so helpful if you could provide a link to books mentioned.

I would recommend Time and Again by Jack Finney. It is one of my favorite books and I re-read it every few years. Recently my teenager read it and gave very positive feedback.

We have this Star Trek Ornament....it talks. https://www.ornament-shop.com/2004-Star-Trek-City-On-The-Edge-i1041155.html

If the material doesn't unravel you can just cut the fingers off regular gloves. Not the prettiest option but maybe worth a try.

If that story is true, Lauer should be in jail and NBC should be shut down over covering it up.

:lurk5:Love these ideas!