Yes...I sure did file an NOI

I wrote one entry. One entry and I was sure that the blog thing just isn't for me. Over the summer, though, I realized that this might actually serve a purpose. So I'm sucking it up and giving it a try. (We did find a salamander, by the way. Well my husband and kids did, anyway!)

So, for those of you that don't know what it is, an NOI, Notice of Intent, is a form that is recommended, but not required, to be provided to the school district. It is a very controversial topic among homeschoolers.

Honestly, I generally avoid talking about this with homeschoolers. I enjoy a good debate, but not this one. Probably because, if I were to follow my own rules, I wouldn't even consider filing an NOI. When I think about the request to do so and the school districts blatant lie stating that it's a requirement when it is not, I feel very angry. I hate being controlled, especially by the government and I hate any reminder that the government owns me and my children. I hate having to answer to someone else. I hate the idea that someone else (in this situation, the government) thinks they have the right to pass judgement on me and my children. But, still, I filed an NOI for each of my children today.

Listen, I've heard lots of horror stories about the state claiming educational neglect, repeat visits (harassment) from DCF and families torn apart. I can't stand the reality that someone can come into my house and take my children away because they don't think that I'm properly educating them. However, In my town, to this point, homeschoolers are generally left alone. Except for in the beginning of each school year when the district sends out a letter explaining to us how we are required to file an NOI (even though we are not). This letter all but threatens a truancy complaint if the NOI isn't returned. To my knowledge, the school district doesn't follow up with families that don't file. But, by sending this letter they are reserving their right to do so. I file an NOI because, if I do, they'll be less likely to contact me as I've complied with their requests. I just want them to leave us alone, and I feel that is more likely if I do file the NOI than if I don't.

It really is as simple as that. Would I prefer to be brave enough to take a stand? Sure! Absolutely! But I'm not willing to risk the security of my family to prove a point. I do have my limits. I've accepted the fact, to an extent, that I live in a society where generations before me have given my government way too much power, (and where the current generation is making it worse, not better). I'm just trying to work with they system that we have to raise my children the way I want to raise them.

2015 Update - I no longer file a notice of intent form.  I actually received a letter from my local superintendent last season confirming that the NOI is, in fact, only a recommended procedure.  Kudos to him for doing his research and being respectful!

Seach for Salamanders

We've never even found a salamander. We talk to other families that have, and are always envious of their experience. We do go on lots of hikes, and we've seen some pretty amazing things. We've discovered some pretty amazing things about each other. I'm not sure that on our hikes we've even ever talked about finding a salamander, and I'm not sure that we've ever actively searched for one.

As I sit here, thinking about blogging about our homeschooling experience, this nagging thought never leaves me. What could I possibly have to tell people about homeschooling? We've never even done something as basic as finding a salamander! Isn't that a childhood right of passage?

Although, it is raining outside. There are rocks in my yard and children in my house to overturn those rocks.

It occurs to me that every home educator is on their own journey with their own passions. Everyone is searching for something. Today, we will search for salamanders in these perfect conditions and tomorrow....well. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

I'd love to write about the history of American Education, about what we spend our days doing, about how excited I am that my oldest child will be homeschooling again with us next year, about all our passions and discoveries. Another time, though. For now, we've got important work to do!