Opportunity for High School students

This arrived in my in box this morning.  I thought it would be good to share in case there are other teens out there who would like to participate.

If you know students of exceptional potential with an array of interests, they may be excellent candidates for the pre-university experience of Waterloo Unlimited at the University of Waterloo.

Waterloo Unlimited Grade 11 Program: Design Theme
March 12th - 16th, 2012

Application deadline: postmarked by December 16th, 2011

From engineering and the environment to science fiction and virtual reality, students will spend a week exploring the theme of Design with a community of like-minded peers.

Cost: Program Fee: $450
    Supervised Overnight Shared Hotel Accommodation: $300

Details: http://www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca/

Please consider sharing this opportunity with your students.

Kind regards
Rae

--
Rae Crossman
Program Director, Waterloo Unlimited
Centre for Knowledge Integration
University of Waterloo
EV1   Room 206
200 University Ave. West
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
519-888-4567, ext. 35159


Waterloo Unlimited-- at the University of Waterloo-- a unique enrichment experience for high school students of exceptional potential. http://www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca/

Finding Community

Last night I met with a small group of women who were either already homeschooling high school or contemplating it.  For the first time in a long time I felt the blessing of support that I haven't had in a long time.  I have been home schooling for many years now but in the last few years I felt very isolated.  As the boys grew older I found that there were fewer families home schooling.  Covering core subjects demands more of our time.  Learning styles and academic goals seem to further separate us.

I never really felt that I fit in with the first homeschool group I joined.  Despite claims that all styles of homeschoolers were welcome I never felt that our academic approach was encouraged.  Politics came into play and pushed many people away.  A smaller network of friends kept together but now it seems that we are drifting further apart. The physical limitations and allergies my sons struggle with seem to make group activities more difficult.

I finally feel like I have found a homeschooling community that will be steadfast with us as we continue our journey.  I am so grateful for the support I have found.

Refreshed and connected

Homeschooling isn't all sunshine and cool projects, we all have some days that are better than others. There are times when we all have doubts about homeschooling and begin to think must be crazy to be pursuing this journey.   Seriously, I had a lot of doubts about homeschooling high school.  Having a strong support system goes a long way.

Tonight I am feeling recharged and energized after attending a homeschool support meeting.  Seventy one adults and 5 babes in arms.  Learned something new and shared our successes and struggles together.  I look forward to getting to know more people in the group.  Over the last few months I have felt somewhat alone because there aren't that many people I know who are homeschooling highschool.

The boys' physical limitations add a whole other aspect to homeschooling that the majority do not deal with.  Currently my youngest struggles to sit for more than 20 minutes due to hip and back pain.  In the spring my oldest had fallen and injured his wrist.  As a result he was unable to write or type.  There is always a new challenge waiting around the corner.

Thankfully there is a network of caring folks sharing the journey with us.  Thanks KWCHEA !