Friday (yesterday) was the first day of classes for most of North Carolina. There is a state law that says that school can't start before August 25 (intended to benefit the tourism industry). Year-round schools are exempt. So is our high school (we obtained a waiver). That way, we can finish first semester before the Christmas break. Sixteen down, one hundred and sixty-four to go.

Pluto no longer a planet? Oh well, the textbook we're using (printed two years ago) was already sitting on the fence. We'll just skip that section now when we do the astronomy/solar system unit.