Demythifying US Education

When we first decided that we will be making the move to the US, one of the many concerns we had was regarding the education systems in the US. Somehow, depending on which 'camp' one is from, the idea of US education gave us a varied response and concerns. We were of course warned about the safety of schools and if the girls will be led astray in the system. We were also asked if we were willing to let go of their placements in the good schools. (Letitia got into a gifted program in a well known and rounded Christian school and as non Alumni non Singaporeans, it was a feat/miracle in itself). Our own concern came from whether the girls will be able to settle into the system.

We are now enjoying our summer break and upon settling in to NY, we've had the chance to attend 4 weeks of end of year school life, Grade 3 and Grade 5 respectively. The girls 'just' missed the annual 'assessment' that is compulsory to Elementary kids here. I am writing to debunk the Asian concepts about American education...

The girls on the school bus coming home.

 

If you are wondering why my kids are going to school in their PJs...here's why~

The last few weeks of school, not dissimilar to the Singapore schools, things wind down and everything is on 'relax' mode. What impressed us was the SPIRIT week that celebrated all things 'rah-rah!'. The Spirit isn't the spiritual version we are first to think of, it's about sports spirit, school spirit, team spirit and summer time!

What a fun way to wind down to the summer hols with themed days of dressing...the entire week were planned out with themed out fun activities and events to let the kids have fun. Classes will hold their year end class BBQs (school and parent supported) as a end of year party.




















This is Mathena at a School Picnic afternoon!

Another amazing thing was, the yearbook came out at the end of the year and it has a special page dedicated to the highlights that happened this school year...no, I am not talking about the school activities, eg chess competitions, the annual interschool races etc. I am talking about world news, major events, community news and highlights that helps each child remember what key moments in their year...not just within the school confines.

We recently received an electronic report card that only parents can access. All the subjects are 'marked' with the following levels. No marks, no percentages! I am now being quite a 'kiasu' parent and wondering if there are anything left out?!?? Ha ha! On the other hand, Letitia is not heading to 'Exploration Maths' which is the Singapore equal of 'Higher Maths'! Aaargh, why is this maths stuff following us everywhere..

Little M was awarded a cute "Student of the week" trophy in her 2nd week in school. What an encouragement, what a joy for her. We've only had 4 weeks of school here but we've found that a lot of energy and resources are put into the 'whole child' development of a child. Eg. there's a doctor, a few nurses, a couple of psychologists, a couple of 'counselors' and more support staff that are paid to make sure the child does well and had no reasons to NOT excel in school. School success is not measure in scores or marks until the year before they enrol into universities.

     We had to get used to reading Fahrenheits instead of Celsius in our temps but thank God for thermometers with 2 types of scales to give us an idea in our heads!

Mathena's good friend (Thank God!)

  

The girls still enjoy being at home together and when the 'day' is good, they actually help each other with the tasks that I set our for them. Am grateful that the homeschooling habit is now useful for them to be independent and motivated to get their own work done plus learn new things. They need not be awards nor given accolades! 

The girls have also found a good dance school to continue their love for Ballet. It has been a blessing that this school is only 10mins away (for shuttling them with little C in tow) and even though the schools here are more advance and harder, they still love the dance!

Singapore Maths...here NOW in NYC. Will add to this after one year with a bit more 'knowledge'!

Labor Day Thanksgiving

Today is the 2nd of September, by the 5th, we'd be in this country 5 months. It's also a long weekend with Monday off and when we have extra time with Alex at home, I can't help but be thankful.

Will post pictures soon as at the moment, my laptop is exploding in lack of space and I am waiting for Alex to help me sort the 'clear up' space function, whenever that may be, before I can load more pics in my already tight memory space.

Things to be thankful for:
1) We've had a safe and meaningful summer break and now quite 'ready' for school year to start.

2) Letitia is going into a new school environment and will be with a new set of friends and one friend she knows well. Mathena will also change classes in her Elementary school and will be 'introduced' to Singapore Maths.

3) We've created so many memories the last 2 months, it can only but be a thankfulness from our hearts.

4) We've had visitors (from Singapore) in our homes and many more meals with my cousin and new friends. We now have 2 sets of families that we can call friends who is happy to help us out in times of emergencies.

5) We will be seeing the season change to Autumn soon (another reminder of God's grace)

6) Little Carson is growing TOO QUICKLY and I am struggling to document his life...

7) Alex still has a job (we hear of retrenchments still).

8) A good church (very small) to park ourselves in and praying for God to show us where we fit (even with a toddler)

I am also reminded that I have kept this blog as a source for families and friends to look deeper into our lives to stay connected, to love and pray for us. We've always been a family that have only gotten to where we are because of the faithful prayers of many. We are reminded daily that life is never a piece of cake, it's not going to stop us from trying to make our own memories and touching lives. Again, our lives, warts and all, we give to God, to love, to keep and lastly to serve others. Stay posted!