Junior High experience

["Paul Hill" <paulhill@moscow.com>]

	Being new to the area, and in light of the upcoming levy referendum, I
thought I'd share our experience and impressions of Moscow Jr. High.  

	Our daughter is in 8th grade; this is her 2d year there.  She is an
independant thinker, a great reader and writer, a verbal "people person"
with little hard education in Math and Science.  Coming from a Montessori
background, we were leary of the transition to a "traditional" school
system where work is graded and students' time is rigorously scheduled,
including homework time.  
  
	Our experience here took us by surprise.  The school is run by concerned
and talented administrators; the faculty is dedicated, smart, well
coordinated and fun; the curriculum is challenging and accomodating. 
Things run smoothly, and there is a good "vibe" around.  We feel our
daughter is taken care of and watched out for. The facility, while not new,
is well cared for, and the sports facilities are fabulous.  Our daughter
has found good friends and is flourishing in the tough teenage years.  
	 
	Compared with the schools in Nashville (where funding has been abysmal for
many years) we're light-years ahead.  Whether this is an argument for
spending more or for holding the line is an individual decision; but I'm
all for spending money where it really does good, and here it's really
doing good.