Homeschool Review: Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork #hsreviews #highschooltranscripts #homeschoolhighschool #homeschooltranscripts

I am working on the very last transcript for Long Leaf Academy (how is that even possible?), so I was happy to get my hands on Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork by Janice Campbell from Everyday Education.  I always enjoy looking at different approaches so that I can best highlight the individual education that my children have received through home schooling.  I especially appreciate Janice's reminder to make time for the things that matter.  This has been our number one goal throughout the years and we have worked to make sure that each of our children has been introduced to a variety of things and allowed ample opportunity to explore what makes them happy as they strive to realize GOD's purpose and calling on their lives.

Individuality is important and I want to make sure that my daughter's transcript reflects her personality, as well as her educational journey.  Her transcript, like her educational career, is not the same as her older sisters' and brother's transcripts.  Her interests were different than theirs and our approach to school was different for her, so her transcript must be different as well.  I also realize that even though her transcript is her individual record, it needs to be similar in form and function to the transcripts of other graduates for purposes of college entrance.  Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork helps me to do just this.  

Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork is a 138-page eBook that is chock-full of helps, advice, encouragment, and printables to make the world of high school easier for the homeschool mom to navigate.  Divided into six parts, it explains exactly what a transcipt is, who needs one and why, and how to put a transcript together that will best benefit your student.  The eBook lays out HOW to plan for high school and beyond, offers study strategies and skills that will prepare students for college, trades, and/or the workforce, and even explains how to set up a family system to easily keep high school records.  Simple, but effective goals help organize you now for later -- and sharing these with your high schoolers will help them learn to help themselves.  

Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork explains grading systems and scales, shares how to calculate a GPA, how to assign credit to courses and classwork completed, and gives printables to walk you through it all.  Janice even understands the hearts of unschooling moms and "chronically relaxed" homeschoolers and offers her Check-Off Transcript to help you lay out the organization of where you have been, where you want to be, and/or how to create a portfolio of academic achievement.  I found this section to be very encouraging and I know that you will, too, since each of our homeschooling environments is unique to our families.  The Check-Off Transcript was helpful to me in making sure that we have covered all of the basics for my girl.  Using it as a worksheet gave my daughter and I an opportunity to sit and discuss and remember everything that she has studied over the course of her high school caareer.  I will make sure to include it all on her official transcipt, but I will treasure our time together reminiscing even more.

Check-Off Transcript

All of these "helps" make Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork a wonderful resource for homeschooling families -- moms, dads, and students alike will benefit from reading and utilizing this book.  There are very specific parameters shared so that you know exactly HOW to make your transcript and there is information given to help you decide the best names for the classes your child has taken.  I really like the section titled Naming Classes as it helps me to realize the importance of all educational experiences and reminds me to structure informal learning experiences so that they can be counted as credits earned.  There are Subject Worksheets included for every subject and they have guides that help you know what life experiences you could/should include as you classify courses into Carnegie units.   I printed the Fine Arts Subject Worksheet so that we could begin to organize four years worth of attended performances.  Pulling out the calendar and sorting through our collection of playbills has brought a flood of memories.  There is more than enough real-life here to award a credit for Theatre.

The transcript information is invaluable in Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork but the additional encouragement offered makes this a must-read/must-have resource.  The Skills and Habits to Cultivate in High School section explains the importance of communication skills, writing basics, and learning MLA and APA citations.  It also discusses organization, time management, and test taking skills.  Cultivating these skills and habits early help students as they transition to college.  Professor Carol Reynolds shares Seven Strategies for a Successful First Year at College and this section should be required reading for EVERY high school student everywhere.  It discusses the importance of rest, how to deal with the "unfair" of life, advises students that deadlines in college are truly deadlines -- unlike what they might have experienced in the homeschool environment -- and discusses the importance of attending class and giving your all.  This is perfect for helping our students envision college life and begin to strategize for success.

As important as academics are, there are many other things that our students can be doing during high school that will help impact them [and others] later in life.   Six Things Your Teen Can Do While Homeschooling High School reminds us all of the many opportunities to serve and grow that homeschooling affords our children and families.  You know, mom, we are privileged to love on some phenomenal kids and I can think of no better way for us to prepare them for life than to allow them to discover their talents and passions now.  Whether it be through early college credit, volunteering within the community, or pursuing special interests and travel, the world awaits and we can help our teens discover fully who GOD has intended for them to be. 

These are exciting days.  This is the stuff that matters.  I want to help my daughter be her very best and reach her fullest potential.  I know that you want the same for yours.  I count it all joy.  

You can find out more about Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork and Everyday Education on the following Social Media outlets:

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Start early.  Begin reading this today. 

I was given the opportunity to review Transcripts Made Easy:  The Homeschooler's Guide to High School Paperwork from Everyday Education as a member of the   Homeschool Review Crew.   You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the Homeschool Review Crew thought of this book as well (or just click on the banner below.)

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Homeschool Review: Homeschool Diploma #hsreviews #HSGraduation #Diplomas

We are down to our final graduate at Long Leaf Academy and I would have it no other way than to present her with one of the beautiful diplomas from Homeschool Diploma.  Homeschool Diploma offers three different types of High School Diplomas (The Standard Diploma, The Personalized Diploma, and The Gilded Diploma) and the best part is that they are each customized to your liking.  The Standard Diploma can be customized with your school name, graduate's name, city, and graduation date.  A lovely option, it is anything but standard.  For my final graduate, we have chosen The Personalized Diploma because it can be designed to reflect her heart, as well as her education.  The third option available is the extra-fancy Gilded Diploma which is very similar to our Personalized Diploma with the additon of 23-karat gold illumination gilding.  All diplomas are available in a 6 x 8 or 8.5 x 11 size and can be perfectly designed to fit your style.

We were introduced to these high quality diplomas a few years ago when my son was preparing for graduation and I simply fell in love.  For my oldest daughters' graduations, we printed diplomas on a weighted paper.  They were nice, but not nearly as exceptional as the ones we have received from Homeschool Diploma. As a matter of fact, my eldest daughter saw her youngest sister's diploma when it arrived a few weeks ago and suggested that maybe, just maybe, I should replace hers and her sister's printed-by-me diplomas with some from Homeschool Diploma.  How's that for an endorsement?

Customizing your diploma from Homeschool Diploma is a simple process. First, I chose the 8.5 x 11 size and then began working through the steps online to create the perfect diploma for my "baby."  Through a series of drop-down boxes, you are able to choose the center seal (embossed foil or engraved), add the graduate's name and gender, and the name of your school and city/state (listing the city/state is optional, but as you can see -- we liked it), choose the wording for your diploma (there are 4 different choices and each choice has several options to make it perfectly yours.  We chose to remind our daughter that she demonstrates GODly wisdom in her life.), choose to include a special Bible verse or quote (you can choose one provided or enter your own), personalize how you would like signature lines titled, choose the paper it will be printed on and the font that will be used, pick an honors seal, and choose a diploma cover.  The one disappointment that I have in myself is that I failed to choose an honors seal when I ordered.  I'm not sure where my head was when I ordered, but I have seen a friend's diploma with the honor seal and it is absolutely stunning.  Learn from my mistake and make sure to pick a seal for your graduate.   You can see how our "finished product" turned out in the picture below.  The Personalized Diploma is such a special way to finish our years together.

For my son, I really wanted a diploma that would speak directly to his heart as he read over it and that would challenge him to strive for excellence always.  Our Homeschool Diploma was perfect for that, so I knew that I wanted the same thing for my daughter.  I especially love the line that states that she is equipped by the grace of GOD to meet the challenges of life as an adult.  I want her to fully understand and rely of that GRACE in all areas of her life.   Where elements of her education may fail, GOD will not.

Deuteronomy 11:17-18 tells us to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to GOD's word -- to "Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."  It has been of the utmost importance to me -- our number one goal in educating our children at home -- that they will know GOD's Word and understand to WHOM they belong.  Jeremiah 29:11 has been a life verse for our family, and I love being able to include it right on the diploma.  I desire for my children to always know that GOD's plans are better for them than any they could come up with on their own.

Long Leaf Academy is home. It is the place where we have nurtured and corrected, where we have studied and learned.  For us, home education is about so much more than book knowledge.  It is about growing a heart that yearns for more of JESUS everyday.  We have strived to offer a Christian education based on the solid truth of GODliness and character found in the WORD.

Our Homeschool Diploma gives us the perfect canvas to share all of that and will serve as a beautiful reminder of our expectations, hopes, and standards for our family.  You can see the details of our chosen seal in the picture below.  I think it is the perfect reflection of our school.

Graduation really is such a special time in the life of a homeschool family and Homeschool Diploma will help you pull it all together as you strive to bring glory and honor to GOD.  You can purchase caps and gowns, tassels, honor cords, medallions, and invitations.  There are even class rings, key chains, keepsakes, and announcements and invitations available.  The 8th Grade Diploma will help make the transition into high school special and there are even Cap, Gown, Tassel, and Diploma options for celebrating your Kindergarten milestones, too.  Truly, everything you need to make your graduation ceremony special is available at Homeschool Diploma.  You simply supply the graduate and Homeschool Diploma will take care of the rest.


For more information about these beautiful diplomas and other graduation items, please visit these Homeschool Diploma Social Media sites:

Facebook

Twitter @HomeschlDiploma
Pinterest

Oh, how I wish they stayed little forever.  Graduation comes ever-so-quickly.  Whatever stage you are in, enjoy these days, mom.  Before you know it, your littles will be preparing to move the tassel again.

Here's to a meaningful and memorable Graduation!  Caps off to your grads -- and to you, mom!

I was given the opportunity to review a beautiful Standard Diploma from Homeschool Diploma as a member of the Homeschool Review Crew.   Other members of the Crew reviewed high school caps and gowns as well as diplomas, kindergarten graduation items, and 8th grade graduation items.  Make sure that you visit the  Crew Review to see what they thought of all these wonderful resources.  You'll see just how much the Homeschool Review Crew loves Homeschool Diploma.  

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A Charge to My Favorite Son

 At our Graduation ceremonies, the parents usually say a few words to their graduates immediately following a video of memories.   It's a time to tell your child just how proud you are of them, a time to say "I love you", and a time to share special memories.  

I thought I'd share with you what I said to my favorite son last weekend.  Because I couldn't narrow down the pictures that I wanted to share in the video, I ended up having them all fly in at a rapid speed.  We used portions of "Mr. Blue Sky" (his choice) and "This Is Not Goodbye" (my choice) for the slide show.  I'm hoping to link it here on the blog later in the week.

My Charge to My Favorite Son:

If a picture is worth 1000 words then surely 1000 pictures at break neck speed must be worth a book, right?  Whew!  That's what happens with the oft-neglected 3rd child.  There may have been no birthday parties and there certainly is no baby book, but son, there are pictures and memories and friendships. And there has been adventure!  You, my favorite son, have never been afraid and you make the world a better place full of blue sky.

You entered this world with the regal name of Thomas Jenner McInnis and you immediately captured the hearts of those around you -- young and old.  I never knew that one boy could be as loved as you have been.  Your name changed from Thomas Jenner to Jenner to Tom Tom to J-Man to J and each change signifies true affection from the ones who call it.  

I’ll never forget the way you held up your hands and said “hold you, momma” when you wanted me to pick you up.  I’ll never forget that sweet smile and those blonde curls that followed the “big girls” through life and guarded the “baby” sister from harm – even when she didn’t mean for that rock to hit you in the head.  I’ll never forget those awkward middle school years when you were figuring out the proper timing it takes to tell a good joke – and how much you make us laugh now that you’ve finally figured it out.  I’ll never forget the night that you sat next to me on the couch and said “I’m ready to ask JESUS into my heart.”  That night is one of my favorite ever from your almost-18 years of life.  

You have been a delight and it has been an honor for this momma to have you as her son.  In all the years of “teaching,” I’m not sure who has learned the most.   You’ve taught us about army men and dirt, how deep a good foxhole needs to be, how not to ride a skateboard, that it takes diligent practice to be a ping pong champ, that ski school is cool, that there’s no crying in baseball, that sometimes the end of the spear is where life begins, and that life is best when you give it your all. 

You’ve taught us what matters.  You’ve taught us that blood matters – and you’ve taught us how to pray that it will overflow.  You’ve taught us that friends matter -- that every boy needs a band of brothers and you’ve set out to surround yourself with some of the best.  You’ve reminded us all that convictions matter and you’ve set out to be a purveyor of truth to all you come in contact with.   

When I look at you, Jenner, I see that little boy all wrapped up in this confident young man who has the world at his fingertips.  I see one of the most compassionate gentlemen I’ve ever met.  I see grace and love and I see JESUS – and other people see it too.  You are special.  GOD has had HIS hand upon you and HE created you to serve like no one has ever served before.  You were made to change the world.  Go forth in confidence that HIS plan is perfect for you and IN HIS TIME you will know.

You are loved beyond measure, my favorite son.  Absolutely, positively loved beyond measure.  Be who you were made to be and know that you’ve been prayed over every step of the way.

Thank you for indulging this momma's heart and walking along us as we do life.

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Graduation {Wordless Wednesday}

Jenner on Display

Best Friends Forever

Displaying brothers, because robots . . . 

Dad's Charge

Presenting the Diploma

Congratulations, son!

Proud Parents

Fam Jam

Grandparents Lawrence

Grandparents McInnis

McInnis Clan

When friends become family . . .

Beautiful Friends

The Grads

Let there be cake

Celebratory Crawfish

All the best buds

There are so many words that I could use to express the joy I felt Saturday.  I plan to share the graduation video and my charge to my son later this week.  I hope you don't mind.

As for today, just know I am a proud mom.

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Three Down, One to Go {Scripture & a Snapshot}

Congratulations, Jenner!


I'm joining with my friend Jennifer over at a glimpse of our life as we give glory to GOD through our photos.

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Schoolhouse Review: HomeschoolDiploma.com #hsreviews

1. 

I've graduated two daughters so far and graduation for my son is fast approaching.  I'm not sure where the time goes because it seems like only yesterday he was holding up his little hands and saying "Hold you, momma" when he wanted me to pick him up and rock.  Now all of the sudden, he's taller than me and we are in the final stages of high school.  It's crazy how it all works out.  I've only got one more year with him before he calls college home and he's only visiting us on the weekends.  That's enough to make a momma cry.

Graduation is such a special time for homeschool families.  Through the years, we've been able to tailor each ceremony and make them super special for the kids in our homeschool group.  We always have the Seniors pick their theme, Bible verse, colors, motto, and music and each family presents a video montage for their graduate and the parents give a charge.  It's a neat time for us all.  For both of the girls' graduations, our homeschool group provided very nice printed graduation certificates for each family, but I've been looking for something just a bit different for my son.  I really wanted a diploma that would speak directly to his heart as he read over it and that would challenge him to strive for excellence always.  I found exactly what I was looking for over at HomeschoolDiploma.com and I have the most beautiful Exclusive High School Diploma waiting patiently for him to complete his coursework and be deemed FINISHED.  I absolutely LOVE this diploma and am excited that it is what we'll be presenting to him next year at graduation.

Why do I love it so much?  Because it is 100% customizable.  It says everything I wanted it to say -- about school, about life, about JESUS.  It reflects the heart of the young man my boy has become and it reiterates what I've said so often about our homeschool journey.  This is about so much more than book education.  Homeschooling is about equipping our children to live in a world gone mad and offering them solid faith to stand tall for what they believe in even when no one else will.  All of this (and more) has been incorporated into the Eagle Scout's diploma.

The online ordering process is super simple and you have the opportunity to choose exactly what you want so that the finished product best reflects your graduate.  No cookie cutter graduates here.  From cover (I chose Blue Crew, Too blue since robotics has been such a HUGE part of his life.) to paper type (cream-colored stock was my favorite), font (Gothic), seal (Christian Education engraved), wording, Scripture and everything in between, the Exclusive High School Diploma makes for the perfect choice for any homeschool graduates.  Our school name, city, and state are included and help make it official.  Are we ready for this?

My life verse has long been Jeremiah 29:11 and I have been teaching it to students for years and years.  My children all know and treasure it, so I was pleased to have it as a choice for the diploma.  I can't wait for my son to see how uniquely HIM his diploma is.  

From the moment it is placed in his hands, he will be reminded that ALL glory belongs to GOD alone.  That has been the underlying lesson in everything we do.  Our lives are GOD's and I pray they reflect JESUS in every aspect -- from our rising up to our lying down.

Graduation is a special time and HomeschoolDiploma.com will help you pull it all together as you strive to bring glory and honor to GOD.  You can purchase caps and gowns, tassels, honor cords, medallions, and invitations.  There are even class rings, key chains, keepsakes, and announcements available.  Truly, everything you need to make your graduation ceremony special is available at HomeschoolDiploma.com.

For more information about these beautiful diplomas and other graduation items, please visit these HomeschoolDiploma.com Social Media sites:

Facebook

Twitter @HomeschlDiploma

Pinterest

I was given the opportunity to review HomeschoolDiploma.com as a member of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew.   You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew thought of this and other products as well (or just click on the banner below.)

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