Thought I'd share this new way to connect to other books lovers. http://dozenbestbooks.com This is a newly launched website. The youtube video at explains how it works. I already started a list for homeschooling books featuring our very own Well Trained Mind books as well as other homeschooling books I've used since beginning homeschooling in 2001. My uncle, a rabid book lover, came up with the concept and designed the website. And of course, it's free. Just a way to connect to other people who love books as much as you/we/I do.

I would have the donations made or transferred directly to a checking account held in the minor daughter's name. The parent's would probably have to be on the account but the income would be the child's. Then I would have a debit/credit card connected to the account used to pay medical bills. I would be clear on the donation website that the money is going to the child to pay for medical and related expenses. And then, I'd make sure to keep receipts for the child's related expenses, which of course could include expenses outside direct hospital bills. If the sum is large enough (or frankly, even if it's not), the child could put some of the money into a 529 plan for later if it is expected she'll use it for educational expenses. And if that's the case, I think that could be stated on the donation website as well. Extra prayers for them today.

I misunderstood. I thought the issue was income counting against the family for the two older children's upcoming university educations. As you mention, the income would count against the 14 year old, but if it belonged to her it wouldn't count against the family for the other children. Also, it sounds as if the money will be spent over the next few years which will lessen the amount she'll have to claim by the time she is old enough to attend college. Just a few thoughts I'd have if it were my family. Obviously, a very tough situation. So sorry for your friend's family. I will definitely say a prayer for them.

Can the money be donated to and put in the name of the child who will receive the benefit from the money? In other words, if it's the child's income, it should not be counted against the parents. They won't have to claim it if it's not theirs....

Thanks snowbeltmom!

They will still get a printed report at the end of January according to the College Board. From the CB website: Upcoming Dates Jan29 Paper PSAT/NMSQT score reports arrive at school

I kind of think (hope) that we'll get more information when the printed report shows up at the end of January. In the past, they have included a section about how to read the scores. Also, we'll know more when the commended score is released in April.

Thank you for posting this! :001_smile: It'll be a long wait until September!

The University of Hawaii seems to have a summer program. Universities seem to use these programs for recruiting. Here are a few links that maybe you've already found: http://kuai.crdg.hawaii.edu/store/summerprograms/core-programs/core-pm.html http://www.hawaiiala.com/individual-courses.html http://www.friendsofhawaiirobotics.org http://www.waialuarobotics.com (I think this is a school, but they might lead you to a contact person for a home school club or be valuable in some other way.) Also, what about the Boys and Girls Club through the base/post/wherever you are? If they don't currently have a robotics club, they might be willing to organize one. Lastly, you could organize a club through your public library or (if they haven't closed it already, those libraries seem to be dropping like flies) the base library. You might get a contact person from one of the local groups (Friends of Hawaii Robotics?) and see if someone would be willing to guide the group if you aren't interested in doing it yourself. Just a few ideas from a fellow (but recently retired) military nomad.

My son has attended for the past two summers for the two week session. He is a fourth year Spanish student and a sophomore in high school. He has enjoyed his time there greatly. He spoke primarily to other like-minded students and to the staff, many of whom are native speakers. In fact, his cabin staff member was a native speaker who spoke very little English. My son would like to work as a junior counselor there in the summers to come. I fully support the mission of the camps and I think they do an excellent job of giving a student a near immersion experience. We have lived overseas and know firsthand that you get out of an immersion experience (even in another country) what you put into it. I know my son's conversational Spanish and confidence speaking has benefited greatly.

The best thing you can do to support her comprehension is read the book yourself and discuss it with her. Tell her your favorite part. Ask her what she thought when something happened in the book that you found entertaining. Talk to her like a friend who has read the same book and not as a teacher with a quiz. I wouldn't make it a "reading comprehension" job, but rather a joint venture into discovery and enjoyment of a book. You will help her understand the story better as you discuss which will improve her comprehension when she reads a new book. The more you share and discuss the more she will want to read so you can talk about a new book together. It's fun to have book chats over tea and cookies. Make it a joy and not a chore. And there's nothing wrong with Junie B. and a host of other early chapter books that are silly. Kids love them. Kids read them. Reading these types of books leads to reading more complicated literature. They have to start somewhere.

As it appears we agree, your post seems to have been written only to try to find fault with mine. And now to suggest that I am being "dismissive" which quite frankly is incredibly dismissive towards me and my experiences. I have not been unkind in my postings nor have I intended to dismiss anyone. I have just offered my perspective.

I haven't suggested that anything is easy? I've only stated that I believe it is in most student's best interest to retain high school status for as long as possible while finding creative ways to help them work at their own level. I don't believe it is student's best interests to grade skip them only to ship them off to university at an early age. JMHO

I guess it depends on the state. I think 30 or 40 states have gifted education legislation. Typically, gifted ed seems to fall under the "appropriate education" required for special needs students and along with that an IEP. Nevertheless, I am kind of surprised to hear of schools in states where there is no law that will offer no accommodation for advanced students. How does a principal talking with a parent explain that while your student has passed an AP exam with a high score as a freshman or younger, that he should continue to study with age mates? Most principals I've dealt with are much more open, educated about the need for differentiation, and accommodation. And if they don't start out that way, scores open their eyes and their willingness to help pretty quickly, IME. Oh well. My main point in this thread is that once you skip, you run out of rope and you are forced to say goodbye to 15, 16, or 17 year olds (possibly younger, I suppose?) as they head off to college. Even mature younger teens can struggle and feel lost and disoriented at leaving home. Trying to sign leases and negotiate contracts as a minor isn't legal. Sending a minor off into the adult world comes with an element of danger and sadness, imo. But then, maybe I'm clingy to want my kids home as long as possible. I just realize that these years are so fleeting, and I want to enjoy my teens at home until they reach legal adulthood. There is also a competitive advantage and value to competing with age mates for slots in selective universities, too. Just my thoughts. I would have benefited from adopting them earlier on in my journey. YMMV. Best of luck in finding the best path for us all!

My son sticks out now and will again when he's ready for dual enrollment. He's a little guy and he's young for an eighth grader let alone a sophomore. I'm not sure him being away at a university or college full time as a freshman two years early would be any better or easier for him. Both of my older two children are mature and sensible. I still think being 18 when they are negotiating the adult world alone is preferable. We are close to a few universities (for example UD and Wright State) where my kids will dually enroll. If you're not close enough to a university, then you might ask the high school you find if they would consider making a suitable course for your son to take independent study with their support. The head of the math department and foreign language department at our high school have both suggested this as a possibility for our kids.