Our blog’s purpose is to help parents navigate the Kindergarten and elementary school phase of their children’s education. In Colorado, we are given the opportunity of “choice” in our search. This program gives parents many options when it comes to choosing a school for their child outside of their neighborhood school. The process can become overwhelming with the myriad of choices including faith-based schools, private schools, charter schools, and magnet schools – each with varying programs and curriculum.  The entire process can be very mind-boggling.

We created ScoopToo.com as a result of this daunting search and discovery process endured not long ago while researching the right school for our children. After charts, graphs, phone calls, tours, interviews, testing, researching, seeking advice from friends,  it became a huge commitment and sacrifice of time. We felt strongly about helping other parents in this arena and that a collective resource for information on related topics would help abundantly.  So, therein lies the inspiration for ScoopToo.com.

Our blog consists of school profiles, parent interviews, national and local education related articles, a Two Cents series, events, posts on educational topics we’ve researched, etc.  Please grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, kick back, and start reading.

It is our belief that the more educated you are with this process, the more empowered you will feel about making informed decisions about your child’s education. We’d love for you to spread the word about ScoopToo.com to your family, friends, and colleagues and wish you the best of luck in your journey. If you want further guidance and coaching regarding your school search, please contact Kerri to learn more about the services she provides for families.

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Please click on the link below to learn how you can take action regarding Senate Bill 13-279 (The School Facilities Bill). If you have a child in a traditional public school or charter school, you will want to learn more about this bill and its effect on public school funding. You can take action by following a few simple steps. 

https://www.votervoice.net/COLCS/Campaigns/32107/Respond

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If we want to change the world, we must educate girls–the premise to the much anticipated documentary, Girl Rising (playing in select Regal Theaters from 4/19-4/25). Click here to see if it’s playing in a theater near you. 

The documentary by Richard Robbins details the stories of nine girls from different countries and their unique struggles towards an education. The stories described as heartbreaking but inspirational showcase the power of education and its impact. 

10×10, the global action campaign for girls education, is promoting the documentary and encouraging people to get involved. Click here to see how.

Below is an article from ABC News describing the new documentary. 

If You Want to Change the World, You Must Educate Girls

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Are you a parent who is thinking about school options for middle and high school in the near future? If so, you may want to read the post below by my colleague, Leanna Harris, regarding ways in which your soon to be middle or high schooler can be an integral part of the school choice process. 

How to empower your child while still staying in control

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the role of choice when making the transition from either elementary to middle or from middle to high school.  Unlike when children are first starting their formal education in kindergarten, by 5^th and especially 8^th grade it’s important for kids to have at least some say in where they will be going to school.  But many parents understandably wonder, “what if my child chooses a school that is not okay with me?”

When thinking about the role your rising middle or high schooler should play in the school choice process, it is first important to acknowledge that from a developmental perspective, they need to have a say and a sense of ownership over where they will be going to school.  It’s not enough for them to feel good about the final decision of where they end up; they must be part of the process of actually making that decision.  So the question becomes, “how do you empower your child without giving up total control over the situation?”  Here are two important tips that will help you.

1.     Only offer choices you are ready to live with.

2.     Limit the number of choices.

Click here to continue reading this post!

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