Scheduling for 8th grade

Recently, Mackenna went through the process of scheduling classes for next year, eighth grade. (How could she possibly be going into 8th grade already?!?) She sought out an elective course for next year called PAL (Peer Assistant Leadership). She had to complete an application, write an essay, get three teachers recommendations, and then go through an interview. She was told she would find out the week after Spring Break (which was mid-March). 

March came and went and with no news about PALs. If she didn't get in, she'd be stuck taking cooking and sewing (not that there's anything wrong with that...except it’s the year 2012 and do we really still need this in the curriculum?!? I'm getting off my soapbox now...). The only bright spot is some of her friends had not yet heard either. So we continued to wait.

On April 10, she received an envelope that contained a letter that began like this:

"Thank you for your interest in the PAL program for this year. It is wonderful to see students who are interested in giving and helping others. The applications and interviews were impressive, and the committee had a very difficult task in trying to select next year's class."

So, at this point she said her stomach sank and she immediately thought she didn't get into the program.

However, the letter continued and the next paragraph began with this sentence: "I am pleased to tell you that you have been selected to be a PAL for the 2012-2013 school year."

HOORAY!!! She was so excited and so am I. They only take eighth graders and only 20 students. What a proud accomplishment!!

Her schedule for next year will consist of the core subjects (Pre-AP math, Pre-AP US history, Pre-AP science, Pre-AP ELA...that's English/Language Arts), Phys. Ed., Spanish (for high school credit) and PALs. 

Eighth grade...the last year before high school. Make time slow down!!!!!