Yes, I remember the numerous fund raisers and begging for simple school supplies like pencils, kleenex and notebook paper from school officials. Selling magazine subscriptions, over-priced wrapping paper and thousands of candy bars were a constant when my son attended both private and public schools. Kids (and parents) who didn't pitch-in were sent home notes by the under-paid teachers and over-paid administrators stating that so-and-so was not behaving with proper "school spirit." Though time-consuming (on top of LOADS of busy-work, er, homework) and frustrating, fund raisers were not the only reason that I finally pulled my son out of public school and began to homeschool him. (My list is long. I have already posted my reasons on many homeschool-related threads!)
My question to you is: After years of homeschooling, why has your daughter started attending a public school at the age of fourteen? Even though homeschooling has been a smashing success in my household, I am a realist and know that homeschooling is not for every child or parent. Were things not working out? Not being judgemental. Just curious.
The main reason for the change is that we've moved from Asia to America. I think they were doing well with homeschooling, but my wife has been offered a good job there at the same school where my daughters attend. I have to admit that it's a pretty good school and my sister, who has worked there for years, attests to that. We're at least giving them a chance and so far we have pretty good expectations.
I think my tirade against the fund-rasing scheme is fueled by the fact that earlier in the day I was not even allowed consideration for a teaching job that I am supremely qualified for simply because I'm not licensed. I am willing to get provisional licensing, but can't even apply for an interim license without being hired by a school district. And that probably won't happen unless there are literally no other applicants. I'm tired of hearing about schools being short of money when they won't be open about their hiring policies.