Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Mansfield Elementary vs. The Theme School


Kindergarten. 

My baby is fast approaching Kindergarten.

 I won’t get bogged down in the emotions of “where did the time go?” and “she is growing up so fast! “ At least not for now... I will save that post for August!  Because for now…right this minute.. there are some choices to make … BIG ones that will affect her for years to come.

Where do we send Eva Lareen to school?

We have AMAZING options! Yes! That alone is a blessing. We can choose to send her to the Newton County Theme School (a charter school in our area that emphasizes parental involvement) or Mansfield Elementary.

Each of these schools has excellent records and astounding reputations. When I say astounding reputations, I mean that I have spoken with AT LEAST 10 sets of parents from each school… and they have PASSION for their school.  It is unbelievably cool how these mothers get involved in the lives of their children and how much they jump into their school environments. I must be surrounded by some pretty AMAZING people because the media teaches us that parental involvement is a dying entity in our school system. Well, I am here to tell you that this is not always the case …because these mama’s are HOT and on FIRE with passion about the schools their babies attend. So HOT, in fact, that when we do choose which school Eva will attend I might have to go into hiding for a while and stay off of facebook. Because these Mama’s will come after me!

I am totally kidding… but I want to drive home the point that we have 2 great options… that not a lot of people have…and I am grateful.

The Newton County Theme School is relatively new to our county. It is a charter school that prides itself on academics, parental involvement, and much more.  All Newton county children who wish to attend must apply and be chosen through a lottery style drawing. We have applied and the drawing is held THIS FIRDAY…March 8th!

Mansfield Elementary is the school we are zoned to attend. It has been around forever, has a small town family environment, and I have heard that the parental involvement is like none other in the county.

I have prayed over our decision for many months. I have researched, discussed, listened, and agonized over a choice. A choice that is simply not mine to make!

Eva was given to us on October 2nd, 2007. Chad and I are entrusted with her care by her Creator. He loves her more than we ever could. Her little blond hairs are all numbered. Her future is His memory. Her life is already written. She is His!
 

He is in control …not this Mama!

This is a problem! I have always loved having control. I always think that I know best…even when the outcome of my choices prove otherwise. God has been working on this area of my life for a while. Surrender is something that does not come easy for me. I say that I trust the Lord…but do I really?

This kindergarten journey has taught me so much about myself. Lesson’s that I did not plan to learn.

For the first time I have chosen to give Eva over to Him. 100%! I choose to trust Him with her. I will not fret if she does not get chosen for the Theme School. In fact, I cannot wait until March 8th because I am excited to see the path He has chosen for her.  

You see… this is more than meets the eye. It is not about which school is best. It is not about who has the highest test scores or the smallest class sizes. It is not about where her friends will attend. It is always about Jesus.

I like the way that sounds, don’t you?

It is ALL about Jesus!

Let me explain:

 It is about who she will meet along the way.

Who will Eva meet that will LOVE and Encourage her? What teacher will He put in her path that will ignite a fire for her future? What experience is she supposed to endure to further His kingdom? Who will sharpen her spiritual gifts? What child needs to hear about the love of Jesus in a way that only Eva can share? What lives will be changed?

These are the things that matter. These are the things with eternal significance.

So, on Friday…I will march into the BOE office and watch them draw names for the upcoming kindergarten class for the Theme school. While I am there, I will be watching God in action. My prayer will be answered...her path will be chosen... and I will REJOICE!

Many of the Mothers will be upset if their children do not get in…and my heart will break for them. But I pray that God will comfort them as He has done for me. He promises that He will. I will pray that they can release their babies into His hands and Trust!

When I gave Eva over to Him…it took the pressure off of me…what an amazing feeling.

I love this verse:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." 2 Chronicles 20:15

Give it all to Him!

Kindergarten…Here we come!

And as Eva would say…”Let’s HIT the road and TEAR it up!”


 
Where does the time go?
1st day preK



 

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment