This past weekend Dominic and I went out on a movie date (Owen Wilson’s No Escape, totally not a normal Owen film I might add). After, we found ourselves at Applebee’s. We haven’t been in ages, but it holds fond memories for us because late nights at “The Bee’s” were a regular occurrence during our dating and early married years. Now, 9PM Happy Hour finds us begging to crawl into bed rather than a booth for wings and French onion soup (my personal fave). Anyways, the point is, WE WERE OUT ALONE, the kids were asleep at home with their Mimi and we didn’t have a curfew!
As I’m sure with most parents, our conversation turned to the kids. Dom can hardly believe that Jem will be in kindergarten next year. There is no doubt in my mind he will win for most sentimental dad on the first day of the 2015-2016 school year :) And this year, it’s Pre-K for my first born.
Over the last few months I visited four different preschools to determine the best fit for our girl. All my research got my mind spinning about kindergarten too. Although we have hopes and intentions to homeschool long term, with baby brother coming in December I really wanted something for Jemma that was all hers this year. Pre-K is that thing; and she couldn’t be more excited. I landed on a Pre-K program within walking distance of our home. I figure it will be perfect for getting us out of the house on a little walk and provide me with some pregnancy/postpartum exercise when I need it the most. I’m banking on Max enjoying the outing too! But honestly, pray for that kiddo, he hates leaving his sister and usually wails and makes a big scene about “Jemmie my best friend!” We’re in major countdown mode now that the calendar has turned to September. School starts in just two weeks!
For the following year, the big KINDERGARTEN, I have two options in mind. One, a long shot lottery at a spot in a subsidized Montessori program and two, nailing down a homeschooling plan, possibly with Classical Conversations leading the way. I’m feeling quite thankful that I have some months before I need to get the kindergarten ball rolling.
During my conversation with Dominic I anguished over the choices and stress and responsibility of finding an education plan that fits us well. Little did I consider that my stresses are mini mole hills when compared to others’ education obstacles.
MEET EULALIA …
Eulalia’s story makes our walk across the street seem like heaven! I’ve known all along that we are lucky to have such a wonderful school so near for Jemma, but in comparison to Eulalia and her family – it’s pretty darn extraordinary. Their commitment is evident and I’m happy to be partnering with CARE.org to keep her dream of becoming a teacher a reality.
WHY THIS MATTERS …
Statistics confirm the reality of what girls across the world experience when it comes to obtaining an education.
- Keeping girls out of school sentences them to a life of poverty and poor health
- Women earn 10-20% more for every year of school completed – Children of educated mothers are 2x as likely to go to school
- Children born to literate moms are 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5.
HOW YOU CAN HELP …
The best back-to-school gift we can give is a gift that helps more kids go to school. Kids like Eulalia. Organizations like CARE are moving mountains in the education world and by making a donation you can play a role in impacting girls like Eulalia and others like Jennifer and Laxmi.
Buy a back to school gift through CARE for as little as $10. Browse the gift catalog under the DONATE button here. Some of my top gift picks are …
- School Uniforms for 2 Girls ($38)
- Classroom Blackboard ($44)
- 2 Pairs of School Shoes ($30)
- Backpack and School Starter Kit ($26.10)
- 3 Feminine-Hygiene Kits for Teen Girls ($30)
You can also help by simply spreading the word about CARE.org. Retweet this tweet and let’s make this back to school season really count! 