Chores- yes, some, as it takes all of us to make the house run. Curfew- no, it's not reasonable to tell a 20 year old what time he has to be home. If it's past my bedtime, tell me in advance so I don't worry, and be quiet when you come in. It's rare he's out past my bedtime but when he does, he is respectful about it. Rent- no, not as long as you are in college. Alcohol- not under 21, after, it's fine if in moderation, and not driving. Church attendance- yes, we expect him to attend on Sunday, unless there is good reason not to (work, should he get a job involving Sundays).

I doubt will downsize. Probably get a house with a master on the main floor though. I want a guestroom for each child so that at holidays, there is a place for all. Plus a large kitchen, and dining room. Room for all to be comfortable.

Hugs and prayers to your cousin and your family.

True but many packs have crossover ceremonies where all the troops that are welcoming boys from that pack come, and participate in a special ceremony in which they crossover from Cubs to Boy Scouts. Our crossover ceremony was very cool and fun, yet very different than our AOL ceremony.

Regional accreditation is the most important thing. Not whether they are all online, all b&m, or offer both. I researched this subject in depth, and ended up choosing an all online school. Yes, it's a "for profit" but it is also regionally accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, the same people that accredit Northwestern University and University of Chicago, for example. American Military/Public University's reputation among government contractors and the military is extremely high. As I've said before, the rigor is certainly there. Is it Harvard quality? No. Are my classes equal or more rigorous the classes at my son's B&M state school? So far, yes. One can not assume rigor based on whether a school is public, private or for profit. Are there bad apples out there? Yes, in all categories. For info on accredidation from the govt, go to http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html#RegionalInstitutional .

Our pack was very family oriented. My younger son participated as a sibling for 2 years before he was a Tiger. When we first joined it, though, they did round up in the schools. By the time we left, they solely got new boys from siblings and the church we met in. The charter org had decided to not do school round up, to be for the church. Boys that didn't go to that church tended to choose other troops when their pack days were over. We made sure they got to see what was available. Being family oriented had nothing to do with when they crossed over, or where they crossed over to in this pack.

If I recall, please keep in mind my youngest is now a high school senior, the AOL was in November. They mostly did pack activities, PWD, and met with more troops (beyond the two required for AOL). It was never assumed they'd go to the troop associated with our pack. The den leaders took them to visit at least 5. December was a minimal scouting month, always, so that really just left Jan/Feb. Crossover was the first weekend in March.

Breakfast is an on your own meal most of the time. Cereal and bagels are always available. Eggs can be made if desired. Sometimes, I'll make pancakes. A few times a year, dh will make a big breakfast on Saturday/holiday. Lunch is just me and younger ds during the week. Lunch meat is available, as are leftovers. We tend to go out once or twice a week for lunch.

Our old pack always crossed boys over to Boy Scouts in March. Actually, the whole district did it this way. It gave them time to get to know the troop before summer camp. Arrow of Light was usually in the late fall, Blue and Gold in Feb, crossover in March.

I attend American Public University. It's all online, sister school to American Military University. It's regionally accredited, which is the most critical accreditation when it comes to degree recognition. I've taken 4 classes so far, and most of my classes have been more challenging than my son's equivalent's at a state university.

My son's school has a full time police force. Open 24/7. Real police officers, not security guards.

Campus police.

I'm hoping to owe less than last year. We have not been able to get our deductions right since moving here...... but each year we owe a little less.

:iagree:I know this is an old thread but I so very much agree with this!

Report cards on parents, no. Keeping documentation on parental contact or lack of contact, and issues the child brings to school, yes. Teachers need to be able to back up their efforts of parental involvement, and things that get in the way of teaching.

Not all parents have their childrens best interest at heart. We're a unique group here on WTM, where our children are our focus. I can't tell you how many parents I've met while volunteering, subbing and teaching who are not involved. Teachers at the kids elementary school kept good documentation on parent interaction, which helped if a parent came back later and tried to blame them for not keeping them informed. Same school was very good about keeping parents informed but you can't make them show up for conferences, answer the phone/email/note, etc. I can understand why some teachers get frustrated. Their blamed for a child not learning when the child shows up hungry, tired and/or sick. Sorry, but that is not the teacher's fault.

The after school program where my kids went (pre-homeschooling) had tutoring/homework help if the parents signed them up for it. No extra cost. The parents could choose to allow the kids to go to the play area or to the tutoring/homework area. All kids had snack and a short outside time first though. The kids had to go to the area where the parents signed them up for. If they finished their hw, they were sent to the play area.

:grouphug: I'm so glad you are all safe. I knew it was bad up there. My bil slept at his office in Tysons Corners rather than try to drive home to Ashburn. A friend sat on GW Parkway for 12 hours. Stay safe, stay warm.

The tutorial we attend charges $50 for graduation. This includes cap, gown, programs, diploma cover, cake and punch reception.

If it's a private shower (not all the women of the church invited), our church would charge a small fee to cover the custodian, etc. If all women of the church are invited (others can be invited too), then no, it's a church activity, no fee.

Ms. Patti's would be an awesome place for a girls night.... although it is a bit of a drive!

:lol::lol::lol: Almost lost my drink on that one!

:party: Awesome news!

Seven days, no renewals. higher fines than books... $1/day.

Merit aid offers can vary, even with the same school. Older ds got his merit offer in March of his senior year. Younger ds is now a senior, and got his offer in December. Both applied in early fall. Difference is younger has an ACT in the low 30s, older in the upper 20s. Both were told early on they'd been accepted in to both the school and the honors program. With younger, the honors program acceptance accompanied the merit letter.