Get ready............I'm probably about to be in the minority on this one.     Out of curiosity, I emailed Scholastic regarding the contest sponsored by them and Subway.  Homeschoolers everywhere have been boycotting, emailing, etc. Subway because homeschoolers weren't included in a contest for $5000.00 in playground/athletic equipment.  Maybe it's just me, but I'm not really sure what I would do with that much stuff anyway besides donate it and that's what those companies were trying to do in the first place.

The following was the response I received.  Obviously, it's a form letter but I'm ok with that.  At least they acknowledge their mistake and are willing to do better in the future.  Hopefully, they will stick to it.

Dear Amanda Mosley,

 Thank you for writing to Scholastic regarding the Subway essay contest.  We are deeply sorry that the Subway contest has offended you and we appreciate that you shared your concern with us.

 Throughout the course of each year, Scholastic runs a number of contests and sweepstakes that are open to all teachers and students. The eligibility of this particular contest, was established to award a large group of children with the grand prize of $5,000 worth of school playground athletic equipment. We do, however, understand how home-schooled children could benefit from this type of prizing or share it with their community and we will make sure eligibility is open to everyone in all future promotions.  Please accept our apology for this error.

 Because we are unable to change the contest rules once the contest has launched, and to show our gratitude to you for bringing this matter to our attention, we hope you will send us the ages of your children and your address so we send each of them a complimentary book. We truly appreciate your feedback and will make sure a similar situation does not happen again.

 If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

 Sincerely,

 Samantha
Scholastic Parent & Child

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Posted by OTB1997

No you are not alone in your thoughts.

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Posted by diamondsintherough

I have heard of, but have never seen, Galloping the Globe. You are welcome to have this and see what you think... the reason I am giving it up is that it is too, too, too workbookish (and it is a workbook) for my kids. Dates and places, imports and exports for each state, just seemed awfully dry to me, and I didn't want to put my daughter through that. Or me, lol! If you want to look at it, it's yours. If you don't want it, maybe you can give it away. Let me know what you decide. You can eml me at johnson dot junk at yahoo dot com.
Sally

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Posted by MayTheyBeMightyMen

That was quite the hub-bub, wasn't it? We didn't make any communications to the companies involved. I'm glad some people did. I'm sure a home school group could use that kind of "blessing" for their sports programs. *shrug*

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Posted by doehillhomeschool

I saw some of the hub-bub on local e-loops, but we've been "boycotting" Subway for a very different reason---never-ending morning sickness!!

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