As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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We chose to use a cyber charter school. The best thing about cyberschooling is getting the independent homeschool experience with the charter school teacher/staff support. I know I'm not in it alone and I know there are people there to back me up and step in if I'm doing something wrong or my son's skills aren't measuring up in one are or another.
I blog about cyberschooling my second grader and you can check it out if you want. The link is in my signature. I've been blogging about cyberschooling since my son was in kindergarten, but just got to a point this year that our family could dedicate more time to the blog.
(Oops! Just noticed I deleted the link during a recent update. I'm off to fix that now!)
Great post!! I think it's important to evaluate the situation each and every year.
ITA w/this. Whenever I talk to parents who are thinking about homeschooling I remind them that it never has to be a permanent decision. If it doesn't work out, put them back in school. School will still be there.
My kids always have the option to go to school, but their lives are so full and fun they haven't had an interest in trying school thus far. It's their life, their decision. If they ever do decide to go we will support that decision 100%.
I keep telling myself that she can go back whenever she wants if she doesn't like being at home. My mom got home from her internship last night and I put some feelers out. I "suggested" maybe homeschool would be a good option since private is EXPENSIVE. She isn't happy. She said Scarlett wouldn't make it and needs to be around other people. She told me to wait for the second round of cuts next month and see what else they take. I certainly wouldn't do anything this year to disrupt her class or learning. I would absolutely wait until September. That will give me time to find groups, talk to other people in my position, talk to Scarlett, etc. I don't want this to be a rash decision and one that I regret.
I want to thank every one who has posted and messaged me about this. I really appreciate it more than you know. This is a huge decision and being a single mother, I do the decision making alone. LOTS of pressure!!! I'll keep you all updated. Thanks again
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I think Fortissimo brought up a great point. MANY of us were taught in larger classes. Coming up I don't think I was EVER in a class of less than 30. Teachers may have to look to the exeriences of the past to figure out how to handle larger classes. And they may have to rely on parents to make sure that their children are coming in ready to learn - mentally and emotionally. School isn't just baby sitting, kids have to put in effort and parents need to be more aware of what is going on in the classroom to make sure their kids aren't missing things. I think having computer access to things like gradebooks (being able to see not change ) and even lesson plans is a great tool to parents. And before you make the decision, go to the school your child will be attending and talk to the faculty and administration there and find out how they are planning to handle the new changes. And as for the things that the schools are cutting, you would be providing them yourself anyway if you homeschool, add them in. Just because the school doesn't do "yearbook" or music doesn't mean that your DD can't be involved in scrapbooking her own "yearbook" or taking music lessons.
I "suggested" maybe homeschool would be a good option since private is EXPENSIVE. She isn't happy. She said Scarlett wouldn't make it and needs to be around other people.
That is, without a doubt the most common misconception about homeschooling. When nonhomeschoolers asked me the inevitable "S" question, I used to jokingly answer that I didn't allow them to be around other people, I kept them locked in a closet all day long. Now that I've been at this so long it's just comical to me. My kids are out in the world interacting with friends and strangers of all ages and backgrounds almost every day of their lives. If that isn't socialization, then what is it exactly?
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I don't want this to be a rash decision and one that I regret.
You're very wise to think it through. It's a big step for both of you and a big time commitment. Take your time, find out what Scarlett wants. You'll figure it out.
This topic is sad for me because as we discussed in the other thread, NJ used to be known for having such great schools. It is so expensive to live here, is it worth it anymore?
But, back to your question I think homeschooling has its pros and cons, just like everything else in life. If I were you, I would enroll her in first grade and see how you feel about the education she is receiving. If it seems the budget cuts are truly affecting her education and the way you feel about the school, then you can reconsider.
It's also great that you have other passporters that have homeschooled for years and can give you great advice.
MMMD---- Aren't the cuts a disgrace? I can't imagine what else they will cut in round 2. there is nothing left. I find it horrible that we were taught to save money for a rainy day and emergencies and then the gov takes it all and uses it as he sees fit. I'm at such a loss here
So I called over to Scarletts school and asked to set up a meeting with the principle. She said i could come in now and talk with her. Just got back and am as pleased at what information she gave me. I voiced my concern about the second round of budget cuts coming this month. How much more can they take away? She said the township committe is making the decision on the next cuts but promised they would leave Scarletts class next year in 3 rooms instead of 2. The majority of the cuts will affect the middle school. Scarlett will lose life skills (health and home ec type stuff) but it will be done in the class with her new teacher. She will be down from 2 days of gym to 1 (said we are the only elementary school she knows that has 2 right now) and thats pretty much it for her level. She did let me know that Scarlett is well loved/known by all administrators and is a huge help in the class. She also said (as a mom not a teacher) that there are some aspects of public/private schools that can't be replaced at home. I am aware that she wouldn't be working with a group daily and would be more independant in her problem solving (def capable of). She also said there are no other homeschool kids in the district at this time. They had 1 in 8th grade who was very introverted and 1 in elementary who just had an irate parent who pulled her out all the time. Suggested I contact a local home school group and ask how they fill their days and replace the things they miss from being in a classroom. She was shocked I came in for this reason. Said she isn't sure how it would go since I am very involved in the pto and school activities and Scarlett is sooooo social. Lmk that I can take her out at any time and try it. If it doesn't work, to bring her back.
So in a nutshell, the budget cuts won't be that dramatic for her next year and hopefully things will improve in the next 2-3 years. They have no idea when though as the changes are all so new and unexpected. I do feel better about her going next year if that is what I decide to have her do.
I know if I keep her home, I'll have to be MUCH more organized and structured. Thanks for all of the help! I contacted a few people who homeschool per the website I was given and waiting for call backs
No advice, just pixies as you make this tough decision.
I admire folks who can homeschool. I'm not disciplined enough so DD is definately better off in a traditional school.
Our 7yo DD has had a rough couple of years and we have seriously considered homeschooling. My mom is a teacher and is fighting hard against it.
Here's how we approached it last year...we already knew that DD was lagging behind her class (we found out that she has a hearing impairment and needed to use a hearing trainer in school that they are required by law to provide, but they didn't until April -- after we threatened to bring in a lawyer...so basically, she missed a significant amount of kindergarten). So I decided to spend the summer just as if we were homeschooling. I set up lesson plans and we had a certain time each day when we did "crazy school" (I let her come up with the name and that's what she called it). By the end of the summer, I had a pretty good feel for how successful we would be and I had her pretty much caught up to the rest of her group. In the end, we decided to keep her in public school because she really did fight me a lot and we were worried about the family dynamic if that was our daily life.
However, 1st grade brought its own set of problems -- HORRIBLE bullying and a school administration who frankly didn't care! We were able to get her transferred to a new school district for this next year, but we will continue "crazy school" this summer and if we feel uncomfortable with the new school, we will pull her out to homeschool. I don't really worry about the social aspect because she goes to extracurricular activities every day and has some really good friendships there (thank goodness, because school has been a bear!)
Same here! I have several friends who homeschool and I have the utmost respect for them. I know I could not do it - nor would my kids want me to . Fortunately I am in a school district that is A rated and both of my children have less than 20 kids in each class. But these kinds of public schools are difficult to find these days. Too many budget cuts and they expect teachers to be teachers, parents, social workers, nurses, you name it
Wow! That is amazing! You don't have to share with me if you don't feel comfortable, but where in Florida are you located? DH and I have talked about moving down there a number of times but MIL keeps telling us the schools in FL are not good, etc. I knew that couldn't be completely true - figured there had to be some places with great ones but we're just getting educated about them. Less than 20 kids sounds like a dream!
Our district is very well-rated, but ds has had between 27-30 kids since K and dd has 27 in her K class. Our district, like others,is making cuts and cut all aides for next year. We are lucky they haven't fired teachers, because other nearby IL districts will have classes of 35-40 students. I told dh if it comes to that, I would either do private school or homeschool in a heartbeat. I just cannot see how a teacher can handle that many kids, esp. with kids at such different ends of the spectrum all together in one class. My son is very bright and was tested for the AP math next year. With too many kids I fear he would not be challenged and would fall by the wayside since the focus is mostly on bringing up scores of kids who need special help already. I admire teachers who do their best to give all kids a great education- it's a tough job!
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15 total family trips with stays at the Poly, AKL, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, POFQ, Pop Century, All Star Music, Movies & Sports, and Coronado Springs.
Our 7yo DD has had a rough couple of years and we have seriously considered homeschooling. My mom is a teacher and is fighting hard against it.
Here's how we approached it last year...we already knew that DD was lagging behind her class (we found out that she has a hearing impairment and needed to use a hearing trainer in school that they are required by law to provide, but they didn't until April -- after we threatened to bring in a lawyer...so basically, she missed a significant amount of kindergarten). So I decided to spend the summer just as if we were homeschooling. I set up lesson plans and we had a certain time each day when we did "crazy school" (I let her come up with the name and that's what she called it). By the end of the summer, I had a pretty good feel for how successful we would be and I had her pretty much caught up to the rest of her group. In the end, we decided to keep her in public school because she really did fight me a lot and we were worried about the family dynamic if that was our daily life.
However, 1st grade brought its own set of problems -- HORRIBLE bullying and a school administration who frankly didn't care! We were able to get her transferred to a new school district for this next year, but we will continue "crazy school" this summer and if we feel uncomfortable with the new school, we will pull her out to homeschool. I don't really worry about the social aspect because she goes to extracurricular activities every day and has some really good friendships there (thank goodness, because school has been a bear!)
Our ds, too, had some bullying issues last year w/kids in his room. Fortunately the problem seems to be taken care of this year, but I would not hesitate to take either of my kids out of school if this was a pervasive problem. For years I was picked on,teased and tormented by kids in elementary school. I think it had a terrible effect on my self esteem. I would not let my kids suffer that way, even if it meant homeschooling or even moving. Kids can be terribly mean and once you are "pigeonholed" as someone to be picked on it is very hard to get out of that role. I believe there is a fine line between teaching/helping kids to deal with problems and getting along with others, and letting them be a doormat for other kids and administration who turns a blind eye. I'm kinda passionate about this subject, can you tell? So just wanted to say think it's great you're keeping a close eye on this and are willing to take action if necessary.
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15 total family trips with stays at the Poly, AKL, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, POFQ, Pop Century, All Star Music, Movies & Sports, and Coronado Springs.
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) and even lesson plans is a great tool to parents. And before you make the decision, go to the school your child will be attending and talk to the faculty and administration there and find out how they are planning to handle the new changes. And as for the things that the schools are cutting, you would be providing them yourself anyway if you homeschool, add them in. Just because the school doesn't do "yearbook" or music doesn't mean that your DD can't be involved in scrapbooking her own "yearbook" or taking music lessons.
I think homeschooling has its pros and cons, just like everything else in life. If I were you, I would enroll her in first grade and see how you feel about the education she is receiving. If it seems the budget cuts are truly affecting her education and the way you feel about the school, then you can reconsider. 
. Fortunately I am in a school district that is A rated and both of my children have less than 20 kids in each class. But these kinds of public schools are difficult to find these days. Too many budget cuts and they expect teachers to be teachers, parents, social workers, nurses, you name it
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