Becky, I think it is a really, really cool idea. I would imagine being part of AccuWeather and being designed to include minors, the best available security would be a priority in the first place. But each of us as parents knows the limits of our comfort zones. Sounds like your plan allows plenty of flexibility in the degree of participation. I hope you have time to consider opening this to Prep schools or even public schools. This in and of itself could be an extra curricular club with faculty advisors (not to mention the availability of the latest & greatest tech support from the schools' Media Specialists, etc.) Perhaps if you make a Team Starter Kit and contact local network affiliates and encourage them to sponsor a team, or school... I think it does take a good bit of time investment from the kids so they need to be the type that is already interested in this field. My own kids are probably a bit young for it...which is our good luck since it will be long successful by the time they are old enough. In the meantime we'll look forward to reading it at AccuWeather! Please do keep the forum updated... you'll be in our prayers. Congratulations, Miller:roll:
Thank you, Miller. That is really sweet. We are first rolling to program out to the homeschool community. That, of course, will include the unschoolers, also. There are so many ways this could go I am excited thinking about it. I think the biggest problem I am going to have is how to fit 26 hours into 24 ...lol The best thing is, I will be able to work from home, my daughters will be involved, and we all will be learning. For the most part when I travel they will be included, and it is a win-win situtation for us. I read the final proposal last night and was amazed at how much this little project has grown ...and taken on a life of its own. Thank you for your prayers. I meet them Tuesday! I am really thankful for all the replies I have gotten. It will be great to be able to work with the team there to address everyone's concerns. BeckyB
Jesse Ferrell just posted the first educational blog on accuweather.com. You can view it here: FRIDAY FEATURED FOTOS http://www.accuweather.com/news-blogs.asp?blog=community
I just got an email from Jesse at Accuweather that says the Weather Team pages will be listed by zip code. The reasoning is because weather information is researched by zip code. If that is a problem, there is a possibility of moving to another system without the zip code but I do not think that is the better choice. Finishing up, BeckyB
I pitched the proposal today .... ... and they loved it There are alot of changes I have to make, then pitch the idea again but it looks like it just might be a go .... I found there are many hidden treasures to the site ... including historical weather information and fun weather videos ... and the guys on staff plan to be very involved, posting weather lessons every few days ... and all free!! Tomorrow I will rework the proposal and get it back to the guys at AccuWeather ... then I will stop back here to let you all know how anyone can get involved if you would like to. I want to thank everyone who posted questions and comments. They were really helpful to me. You all are absolutely wonderful God Bless, BeckyB
My children are not particular interested into weather, but I know a few other kids in the neighborhood do. They will literally watching weather.com for hours. What a wonderful idea!
Thank you, Baseball Mom. I will post once it is up and running, maybe you could let the neighborhood kids know then? Anyone can start a team
We Are Live At AccuKidz.com Finally after all these months the website is online. You can see the sie by clicking HERE Later this week you will be able to go there at AccuKidz.com This is a totally free fun educational and socialization tool for homeschool families. We still have a way to go but I would love for you to join us. If your family is interested in starting a team instructions are HERE You do not have to use your real name or identify where you are located. There is no limit to the amount of photos and video you can upload. The site is moderated, and all photos and KidzWeather postings must be approved before they appear online. You can even use this to upload your photos instead of other servers as this site does not crash. If you have any questions please email me at AccuKidz @ accuweather.com Enjoy! BeckyB P.S. I want to thank you all for your encouragement, help and assistance you have given me as I worked on this project (and continue to do so). The wonderful people here have opened my eyes about the world of homeschooling and how wonderful it can be. I hope the site can be helpful and fun for all of you, also! {{hugs to all}}
It looks great Becky! You must be so proud. We certainly appreciate that there are people in this world like you who go after things like this in order to bring free or low cost resources to cash-strapped families.
Becky, I was reading this thread and got a chance to see your video of the flood. My nine year old daughter is starting the book THE DAY IT RAINED FOREVER in the Once Upon America series. You video will help her understand how horrible this flood was. Do you have any more videos about the floods in Johnstown? If so how do I get to those? Thank you so much. Beth
My great-grandfather was in the flood. I can remember my g'ma tell me about how her uncle had one twin under one arm, the other twin under the other arm, they opened the door and the water just rushed in on them. G'ma also had a silver tea service that had been rescued from the flood. My uncle has it now. The interesting thing was when my uncle visited the National Park site a few years back. He was talking with the park ranger, and mentioned he had family in the flood. The ranger asked the name, my uncle said it was Lorditch. The Ranger asked, "Did they spell it like this?" and pointed to his OWN name tag!!!
Thank you! We have a long way to go yet, I am happy it is finally live. It will especially fun to watch the students interact with each other. And, with it being totally moderated finally a safe place for them to be. I really like it all being free, and AccuWeather will never charge for the AccuKidz site No site crashes, either. Their computer bank is amazing. Ahh... and the best part ... FREE TOURS! Anyone live close enough to State College to go there? I have done the tour, and it is amazing. PM me if you would like to do the tour and I will help set it up for you.
I have to go out now, but I will post some links when I get back. You have chosen a really good book for your daughter. Until 9/11 the 1889 Johnstown Flood was the tragedy that had the largest loss of life. Over 2200 people died in 14 minutes. I cannot even imagine
Becky, Thanks so much. I would really love to have any information that might help us with learning about the flood. Beth
