Homeschool Edition

Redefining the Three Rs

By on June 17th, 2016

Relax and RechargeRelax, Refocus, and Recharge

Not long ago, I came across an online article 16 Signs You’re a Little (or a lot) Type A. The title is a bit of a contradiction because you are really not “Type A” but, as the article points out, you might be in that “spectrum of behaviors or traits.”

Now, before we go any further, I encourage you to read the article to find out if you are a little, or a lot, Type A. (In full disclosure, I LIVE 13 out of the 16 signs!)

The good news is that being “this way” can help you stay on task or give you job security, since it’s believed many employers are looking for us! The bad news is that this term was coined by a doctor who studied a connection between a certain type (A) person and heart problems. Yikes! Continue reading


Hurricane Season Preparedness

By on June 8th, 2016

Plan and prepare for hurricane season with these tips courtesy the National Weather Service.

Hurricane Prepareness TipsHurricanes are not just a coastal problem.

Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, even without it being a major hurricane.

This hurricane season, make sure you have a hurricane evacuation plan. The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane.

If you are, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. Continue reading


This Year’s Biggest Surprises

By on June 7th, 2016

Elementary SuprisesThe 2015-16 year for FLVS Flex Elementary students is coming to an end…

And what a GREAT year!

Our amazing Kindergarten – 5th grade students experience flexible and fun learning in a way that suits them. As a teacher, being a part of this amazing program has offered all kinds of opportunities to grow and connect.

So what were some of my biggest surprises this year? Continue reading


Celebrating Summer — And You!

By on June 1st, 2016

Summer FLVS studentThe end of the year is such an exciting time for our FLVS students!

Our students may continue to focus on educational goals over the summer or they may focus on other areas of growth within their lives.

Knowing your special gifts can add remarkable meaning and success to your life while helping you to become more willing to appreciate the uniqueness of others.

Many students don’t like the very thing about themselves that makes them one of a kind. Continue reading


Bye-Bye High School, Hello College

By on May 31st, 2016

Graduation 2016My four years of high school was without a doubt the longest four years of my life.

Can I get a “same here” in agreement—or was this just my experience?

While high school wasn’t horrible for me, my time there seemed to drag on like a never-ending prison sentence, with additional time added just for being an awkward teen. We moved five times between 8th and 12th grade; three of those times to different geographical regions in Florida.

It sure would have been wonderful to keep pace and consistency going from one school to the next… Continue reading


Outdoor Education and National Safe Boating Week

By on May 23rd, 2016

Boating Safety WeekOne year old. That’s how old my daughter was the first time we took her to the Florida Keys with us to go lobstering on our 20-foot Proline Center Console. While she was too little to help us catch anything, it was the start of her love for boating. My son’s experience was similar.

It was easy to fall in love with being out on the water. In fact, I think I could say that both of my kids spent half of their time in high school on the water as both were on the crew team. My daughter continued this in college. Today, as an adult, she and her husband just bought their first boat, a 21-foot Dual Console Chaparral! (Looks like boating will be a family tradition for her growing family, too!) Continue reading


The FLVS Minions

By on May 17th, 2016

Minions in the ClassroomYoung adolescents require drastically different and unique approaches to education.

Middle school educators have always understood that the biological events of puberty fundamentally disrupt the somewhat smooth development of elementary school years and has a profound impact upon the cognitive, social, and emotional lives of young teens.

In line with this important insight, educators see the need for the delivery of special instructional and administrative changes in the way that education takes place for kids in early adolescence.
Continue reading


Become a Research Jedi using Google Search

By on May 11th, 2016

Google Power UserBecome a research Jedi so you will never have to go to the Dark Side.

In a galaxy far, far away…all of Padawans turned in their research projects on time and received perfect scores every time…and…uh…wait a minute – this does sound like a fictional world!

Let’s land in the real world where a research project requires time and effort and especially some serious research skills. Cue the dramatic music and let’s begin your training! Continue reading



Celebrate Financial Literacy Month

By on April 22nd, 2016

Financial Literacy MonthToo often, parents wait until their kids are teens to begin teaching financial skills.

However, kids as early as preschool can begin to learn proper financial literacy.

As parents, we tend to focus on ensuring our kids get a proper education in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. We sometimes forget that financial literacy is just as important to learn.

It’s never too early to start teaching your children about financial literacy.  Continue reading