Ever since Alyssa was in elementary school she has always wanted to go to the Las Vegas Academy for high school. I remember a time when high school seemed so far away, like everything else in the last 14 years since I became a mom, high school came in the blink of an eye.
Last November we submitted our application for her. They checked GPA, attendance, teacher recommendation and then, if you're still qualified, they set up an audition. She auditioned on January 21st with about 300 other dancers. The audition was the easy part. The hard part was the waiting to find out. We received her acceptance letter the first week in April. She was one of 50 dancers selected...wow!
Now, we are about 4 weeks into her freshman year. She is enrolled in all honors classes and still participates in the dance intensive program at her home studio, dancing at a senior level.
I think she loves the school. She has met many new friends all with passions of their own. LVA is an international studies and performing arts school. This includes vocals, piano, guitar, theater, of course dance, and creative arts. The kids that go to that school want to be at that school and you can tell. It’s a big change from just a "regular" school.
I'm proud of her for applying. For breaking out of her comfort zone and moving away from kids she has gone to school with since kindergarten and doing what was best for her, both to pursue her love of dance and to get a better education. LVA was one of the only high schools in Nevada to receive the distinguished 5 star rating. They average a GPA of 3.6 with a graduation rate of 98%.
This is where she belongs.
This is one of the main academic buildings known as main (seems like a fitting name) the campus itself is HUGE. much like a university campus would be.
Here is a map of the campus. Imagine having to go from main to the dance center. Guess thats why they have 7 minute passing periods.
That pretty much sums up the events of our lives these days.
Wrestling, dance, school, homework, doctors appointments, new puppies, laundry that multiplies faster than bunnies...it’s crazy.
Brandon is in the process of getting braces. He's in the growth plate and headgear phase. We're currently 4 weeks behind however because somehow he "lost" the strap to his headgear. Magically he found it in time for his appointment. Now, I'm not accusing anyone of hiding it...I'm just saying, seems kinda odd.
The plan was for braces to be on in August, before school started. However, like all well laid plans...this too is falling apart. (see lost headgear strap) I've got great news for Brandon though. Summer break is almost here! That means he can now wear his headgear during the day as well as at night! I know this is going to excite him. Hopefully this will push us back on the schedule.
