I haven't written my blog in so long ... I have so missed sharing ... though have been so in my own head that I wasn't sure I would make much sense. I'm trying to embrace this semi-retired 'thing'. Goal being to be able to work with children/families part time and spend time writing all of the 'stuff' I've been collecting up in this brain of mine. Send energy, please.
Let's start with the wonderful. Camp here has been beautiful. Happy kids exploring nature and loving being together ... wonderful. I am so grateful that I am blessed with the opportunity to work with children and their families - building that true love for oneself and love for learning.
Summer gardening was much better this year. Lots of veggies ... which I love.
Today, my apology comes from the core of my soul. That may sound dramatic ... but, it isn't. It is real.
During the last school year, I was privileged to work with Thunderbird Prep Academy in Cornelius, North Carolina. Patty Moreira was the managing director at the time. I had [and continue to have] such respect for her, and all that she stood for; that I went 'way' outside of my comfort zone and joined a traditional charter school. I loved their charter and I was moved by their mission statement. It was a dream come true for me. A large school [compared to my small private Montessori school], working inside of semi-traditional guidelines, working toward appreciating each child as an individual. Their 7 habits program and overall curriculum being a strength-based leadership program was so exciting for me. I recommended the school to many. I whole-heartedly believed in all that they were standing for.
The first year of any school is a struggle. Many hiccups and so much to organize, create, and balance. Thunderbird had more of their share of those. And, In my opinion, Patty handled them all with professional grace. It is always difficult to please all of the people all of the time - and because of certain forces, Patty left her position as managing director. I was beyond sad. After a couple of months of 'sulking', I decided I would meet with the new interim director and see if returning in the fall would work for me. At first, I thought it might be okay ... quickly, for reasons I will talk about later ... I decided I could not return. The charter I was so 'married' to was not going to be the basic formula for this school year. So sad.
I separated myself from the job situation ... though, how do you separate yourself from the beautiful children and their families that trusted you when you encouraged them to try this new, beautiful learning experience.? This school year has been great for some - beyond awful for others. The military-like environment is so far from the original charter. I understand [yet, i really dont] that some people like that type of environment for their children. Not me. Happy, comfortable, respected children ... learn and love to learn.
Z is 6 [just 6], I have been connected to him and his family for years. He tells me that he doesn't like school anymore and he really can't talk about it. - he won't even read with me anymore ... because it is work. ugh. R is 6 as well. He has been reading at a 5th grade level for the past year+. Now, he will only read what he calls 'little kid books' because it makes him fit better. Silly, I may be - but I think of many of these kids each day ... wondering if their beautiful differences are appreciated and embraced.
Hence, my apology. When I encouraged families to join this school, I was sure. I knew that there would be glitches in the first year ... but, I was sure that the heart and soul of all that it stood for would be more than beneficial to all children and would be embracing all families. In my educational/emotional opinion, this is no longer the situation. For that ... I am sorry.
There are many things we don't know [at least me], but, what I do know ... our children deserve an educational environment that raises them up, encompasses/includes the belief system of their families, and offers them an educational experience that works within their personal learning system.
Let's talk about education ... send me a post ... education has been my life ... our children are the most important. As parents, friends, etc ... we must stand up and make certain that our children are receiving the absolute best that they deserve.
Always remembering ... it does take a village ... together, we can do it ...
Until tomorrow xxoo
