Why do I want to go to boarding school?

I am an 8th grader, and I am applied to two high schools. I know that sounds weird. I am going half day at one the local Catholic girl schools and half-day at the local art school. But for Sophomore year I am applying to a boarding school in Louisiana. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. That must sound crazy, right? Lots of people say that parents with not a lot of time or bad children send their kids to boarding school. That's not true. I am having to beg my mom to even let me apply. I have many reasons why I want to go.

Everyone in my family is always asking me "why." Why do I want to go, why don't I pick a normal school, why why why. Well to sum it up, I want to go because of the rigorous academics, arts program, and opportunity to learn to live on my own. You could argue that the schools I am going to next year are good schools or that I don't need to live on my own at fourteen.

Academics:

Yet sometimes I am not challenged enough in the public school system. I am going to try out private school, and if I decide not to go to LSMSA, then I won't. The academics there do sound good, but I also want to surround myself with people who want to be at school. Being surrounded by kids who hate school can alter your mindset as it has to me. I used to love going to school. Now it is a thing that I have to do. I am not as excited.

Arts:

The fine arts program at LSMSA is amazing with high-quality teachers from all over the world. The high school I go to next year is the same. But when your classroom is a hop, skip, and a jump away from you it is very helpful. I have to leave in the middle of the day to drive all the way to the art school which will be a pain for me and my mom.

Experience:

I would like to be in a more college-like setting as well. Whenever I go to away-camps in the summer I come back refreshed and excited. I am more confident because I can learn things on my own and take care of myself. Going to boarding school would be similar except it is every day. Also, the cost of the boarding school is one-third of the cost of the Catholic School. That is a major plus.

Enjoying It:

If you worry that your child may not enjoy boarding school I suggest watching some videos on YouTube from kids perspectives of boarding school and read articles and blogs about the good and the bad. I will include some things that I found useful in my research below.

Being Away:

Boarding school is not sleep away camp. My mother doesn't want me to be far away, but looking at the school calendar I noticed that I won't be away long. The school has extended weekdays--days where it is mandatory that students go home. Here is a breakdown of breaks for the 2017-18 school year:

• August 12 Move-in

• August 15 Classes Start (time to settle in)

• September 1-4 Extended Weekend

• September 27-October 1 Fall Break

• October 26-29 Extended Weekend

• November 17-26 Thanksgiving Break

• December 8-January 7 Winter Break (wow)

• February 9-18 Mardi Gras Break (the dates depend on the year)

• March 23-April 2 Spring Break

• April 26-29 Extended Weekend

• May 8 Classes End

• May 19 Go Home

There are 70 break days to see your kid besides summer vacation. Some parents may then worry that their child is missing lots of school. Remember, it is a boarding school. Classes can run from 8:00am-6:00pm. And there may even be Saturday classes. Kids can check in with their teacher while doing homework.

Missing Out:

Parents also may worry that they will be out of touch with their child's life. I am going to say this. You may miss out on experiences other parents have like preparing for school dances. Also, because it is an art school, many kids may have performances that you cannot see. If your child want to go, and you believe that it is in their best interests (even if it is not in yours) then boarding school could be a wonderful experience. However try to get involved if you are worried about missing out. Join the parent's club or try and see performances when you can. Send your child a care package each month with cookies, an outfit, and a letter that you care about them and are missing them. You may be far away, but you can make it feel like you are there. FaceTime or Skype your son or daughter. You don't have to be completely out of touch.

Final Note:

To worried parents of kids who want to go to boarding school: consider everything. It's easy to get hooked up on the fact that your child will be many hours away. Consider your child before you consider yourself. A decision to let your child go to boarding school is certainly a selfless one. It needs to be focused on your child's needs. Consider academics and if they really are better than normal high school academics. Consider why your child wants to go. Think on the positive side. Yes, your son or daughter will be away for a long time but they will be able to learn in ways that they normally do not.

To students who want to go to boarding school: if this is something that you are passionate about do not give up. No matter how many times you are shut down do not yell, do not fight, but do not give up. Don't be annoying about it but stay strong to your wants. Show your parents that this is something that you are willing to work for. Tell them that it means a lot to you. If you only want to get away from your parents, then boarding school is not for you. You are living with a lot more parents than you normally would. I am hoping that my mother will consider the idea more if I get accepted as it is an amazing opportunity.

Links:

LSMSA 2017-18 Calendar:

• Calendar 20172018-LSMSA

Videos of Kids at Boarding School:

• Dorm Tour
• Boarding School: Expectations vs Reality
• Day in the Life of a Boarding School Student
• 
  
• A Day in My Life as a Boarding School Student

Documentary of Kids at Boarding School:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AizKkQF2RI4&t=40s&index=11&list=PLvph7Gsr-dHshY5dyBQldeip4Vq9nB9V7

Articles:

• 10 Facts About Boarding Schools | BoardingSchoolReview.com
• Why Your Child Should Attend Boarding School - Forbes
• What Is It Like To Attend a Top Boarding School?
•  A Student's Guide to Life at Boarding School - TeenLife
• Boarding School Demystified: The Real Deal with Being a Teen Away 
• When the Kids Come Home from Boarding School
• Sending Our Daughter to Boarding School
• How Often Do You See Your Child-Boarding School

Book Report Sunday

It has been far too long since I posted on this little blog. So I am starting my BOOK REPORT SUNDAY! thing where I just talk about what I am reading. So without further ado..........
I started this new book, Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys (click the title for the AMAZON link
). IT IS JUST SO GOOD! It's in the lives of 4 WWII refugees, Joanna, Emilia, Florian, and Alfred. And I'm not that far, but it's supposed to be about their journey to the Wilhelm Gustloff,  a ship that was sunk by Soviet Union missiles! It's really good. Here is the cover that I have. It is honestly awesome! GO READ IT!

Hey.

Hey. IDK what to  post  today           .

Stalkers Are Lurking

I got this book Stalking Jack the Ripper (by Kerri Maniscalo if the title is intriguing enough to hold  your interest) a few months ago and I've been neglecting it. I don't know why. I just started it and OMG. IT IS SO GOOD! The first sentence is literally "I placed my thumb and forefinger on the icy flesh, spreading it taut above the breastbone as Uncle had shown me." (that flesh is HUMAN FLESH btw) Here is the link for the amazon order of it. I LOVE IT! it's not for the weak stomached though. This doesn't give me nightmares mostly because I LOVE HORROR. I have watched Sweeney Todd and Sleepy Hollow (not very gruesome movies but still my favorites) over 15 times each. Now they've been taken off of NETFLIX AND I AM SO MAD! But honestly I HAVE A CRUSH ON THOMAS AND I HATE IT and I think that's what Maniscalo was trying to do. I've read the 1 star amazon reviews (as I always do. figure out what's wrong and see if you can REALLY buy it) and they make it sound bad. I DID NOT THINK SO! Anyway I hope to get the Dracula and Houdini ones soon.
BYEEEEE
~s2

Look at these pictures

These are from my partner dance showcase in 4th grade.
The last one is a funny one of my dance partner.
Just thought these were funny. LOL.
Logging off for the night.😴

READ MY STORIES ON

STORYBIRD! please. @themorning dew :)

I Hate School, But I Love Learning and YES, It Does Make Sense

I hate school. There I said it. And if any of my peers find this--that would be very bad btw--I know that you're surprised. I can practically hear you.
"Did you hear?"
"That girl who gets straight As hates school."
"She's lying."
"Doesn't she read like, fifty books a day?"
"Didn't she skip a grade?"
I'm not lying. School really makes me want to vomit. First off, I dislike kids my age except for my friends. Second, my school diminishes individuality. Third, school tests memorization not knowledge. Also, they make me read books I don't want to read.

I love learning. Now I can hear you again.
"But didn't she just say that she hates school?"
"That makes no sense."
"Huh?"
"OMG! Make up your mind."
But ah my friend...it makes perfect sense. I love reading and learning new stuff and it's SO MUCH FUN! Honestly! Learning new things sends a certain adrenaline through my veins. When I'm speaking intellectually to someone I feel happiest. When I am experimenting or reading I am most comfortable. But going to school makes me depressed, exhausted, anxious. Learning makes me happy, full of life. When reading a book, I am drinking an elixir of life. When at school, a draught of death fills me.
Now you can say that it makes no sense, but maybe you're not thinking hard enough.