Quiet before the Storm

Ian just graduated from an idyllic private school where most children (including Ian) felt like it was their second home. It wasn't perfect but it was close. I wish every child had the good fortune to attend a school where they could take art classes and join the chorus and perform in theatre productions and learn to play bells in the bell choir. Ian got to do all of this in seventh and eighth grade.
I feel like this time in his life is mimicking today's weather. It's totally unpredictable.

This photo was taken right before a storm blew in. We have hundreds of cherries on our cherry tree. It's pretty cool to see.

"Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, "Grow, grow."-The Talmud quotes

I don't know if you remember in my past posts how I've written about angels whispering in my ears at times. This usually happens when I am in the midst of trying to figure out something important. I'll think I am doing everything I possibly can to do the right thing. It's not like I really think I can figure it all out anyway. Let's just say, I'll be doing the best that I can. Then suddenly I get a thought in my head & I think of whatever I am working on in a different light. Out of nowhere an idea comes to me in a way I haven't thought of. I feel compelled to listen & many new ideas follow. This I believe is when the angels start to whisper. I had to share this with you because I believe in God & I think he gave us free will so we can grow in this life. I believe he wants the best for us & when he sees us struggling, he sends his angels with messages he wants us to hear. Most of the time it's hard to listen because I'm just a human, but that doesn't mean I don't try to remember too. When I do listen, I always try to remember to thank God & my angels.
When Ian was trying to figure out what high school to go to, it was very dificult. In fact he still may get other opportunities before the end of this school year. For now though, he has to meet certain deadlines. St. Anthony's & Chaminade are excellent schools. Two major factors were their size & their music program. Also Ian has an older cousin who graduated from Chaminade (& is doing amazingly well in college I must add) who took the time to answer some of his important concerns. What also helped finalize Ian's decision were two very special teachers that have been working with him since he was five, who gently pointed out some things he might consider. Just after leaving his music lesson Friday night, we sat in the car for quite some-time in the pouring rain outside of Chaminade High School still deliberating the pros & cons of each school. After calling his Dad one last time & trying to decide, Ian handed the phone to me. As I spoke with his Dad, 2 minutes later Ian simply got out of the car and stood in the park looking around.
"Anthony, he just got out of the car, I think he's had it."
"What's he doing?" my husband inquired.
"I don't know, maybe he thinks we are going inside." I said.
"Oh, you poor guys." my husband replied.
 By this time at least it was just drizzling. Then in an instant Ian calmly and confidently opened the car door, poked his head inside and said, "You know, I'm going to go to Chaminade." and with that, he shut the door.
It must have been the angels.

Chaminade or St. Anthony's?

This is a tough decision, one that will ultimately be made from the heart by our beautiful boy. I suggested he pray about it & then wait for an answer-some guidance from God. The three of us got a good feeling from both schools.
In the meantime I thought it would be fun to conduct a poll on the subject. You can participate by voting on the side bar to the right of this post. Below is a list of what we thought were pros & cons for each school that may help you decide on your answer. Also, we would love to hear your ideas. Please click on the word comments at the bottom of this post to leave yours. This is a long read, so we want you to know how much we appreciate your time & vote.


Chaminade -enrollment: 1600 http://www.chaminade-hs.org/ founded by the Marianist Bros. in 1930.

Pros:

• Excellent reputation
• All boys school
• Rigorous academic program
• Qualified students have the opportunity to complete an entire college freshman year.
• Required curriculum includes 4 years of religion, 4 years of foreign language & 3 years of fine arts.
• 90% of students are in one or more student activities
• Our student tour guide told me their day begins when their classes are over & everyone participates in after school activities.
• The school loves dogs, 2 of which I met at their open house for accepted students yesterday. I heard there are a few more that live on the grounds as well & students help walk them.
• They serve Edy's soft serve in the cafeteria.
• Students have the opportunity to use the swimming pool to do laps after school.
• 100% of of grads go on to colleges, universities & military academies.
• Wonderful String Orchestra.

Cons:

• All boys school
• School is located in a congested neighborhood
• large class sizes
• I get the impression that many boys are pressured to go there once they are accepted.

St Anthony's -enrollment 2400 http://www.stanthonyshs.org/ founded on the Franciscan principle, "Capture the heart and the mind will follow"-since 1933. Religious community: Franciscan Brothers Community in Brooklyn.

Pros:

• Ian's math & science teachers believe this is the school for him
• Excellent academic reputation
• Obvious school spirit
• Co-ed
• Required curriculum includes 4 years of Theology, 3 years of foreign language, 1 year of art, music or drama.
• 75% is considered a passing grade, & an 80% is required to obtain a letter of recommendation to any college or university.
• Located in a quiet area of LI
• S.A.L.T. Saint Anthony's leadership team is a group of students that among other good works help freshman acclimate to H.S. life.
• Their music program tours Europe & the U.S. performing for various Cathedrals & Basilicas. This year their Orchestra is performing for the Pope during their winter break.
• The students I met with were confident, friendly & well spoken.
• Students are accepted to fine colleges & universities, many with scholarships, Two of which were recently accepted to the prestigious & very difficult to get into Cooper Union -Engineering.
• I also noted that several of their students went to excellent art colleges indicating their student body consists of artistic personalities.
• Offers Honors and advanced placement programs to qualified students. These classes are smaller classes with about 15 students-a definite plus.

Cons:

• Co-ed school (though Ian I think, would like this)
• large class sizes
• large student body-800 more than Chaminade