My son is starting grade seven at a new school tomorrow. I'm excited for him because he begins a new chapter in his life, filled with new responsibilities, new friends, and new achievements. As parents we are faced with making choices we hope will stand our children in good stead, and I am confident we have made the right choice with Montessori Adolescents Program. In the school information letter this is how they describe students in the program. "Young Adolescents are also young adults. They have to be treated accordingly, most importantly, they have to be given a great deal of autonomy. We must put the young adolescents themselves at the center of the curriculum and have an education based upon their interest, concerns, and experiences in cosmic education."
A new phase in his life with possibilities and adventure, which begins with a nine day odyssey trip. The trip kicks off the school year and provides the opportunity for developing independence and bonding among the students and with their teacher. Often this will be the first time students are away from their parents for this length of time, which is the case with our son. The longest he has been away is three nights for a a school ski trip.
Oh, to have this opportunity and be in grade seven again... but nine days without the young man around hmmmm... I think it will be harder on me than on him.
P.S.
He said, "We would not have known how sucky my last school was until we experienced how awesome my new school is."
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6 comments:
Hi Angelina,
I wish your son lots of success and much satisfaction to his parents!
sound like you have made a VERY good choice. i have noticed that in general, in the public school system, things start off really well with kindergarten. the teachers are dedicated and put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into teaching, and are supported in this by the system. and it goes downwards from there. often, by the time people reach high school, there are more mediocre teachers than good ones. by the time college rolls around, no-one cares much about educational quality anymore. the montessori school is such a wonderful exception (and of course there are exceptions in the public school system, too).
Thank you Duta for your good wishes.
Isabella,
Your observations are correct and I agree. I am mystified as to the reason the education fails our children when they are our most valuable resource.
On facebook I have a number of nieces and nephews and throughout the summer their status up date was "I'm so bored". Hopefully, the change of pace will ignite their imagination and inspire learning as they begin school.
My son has an amazing teacher this year. She said, once we make a commitment to a student we support him to complete the program successfully. I told her that I wanted to enroll in her class, but alas no parents allowed.
Indeed teachers are the keys to successful students. As are supportive parents which it certainly sounds like you are. Best to your son. I know he will enjoy the nine day excursion. I hope it goes well for you too.
Monkey Man
Thank you for your kind comment.
Last night I had a dream that I lost him in a Mall of all places. I guess it was because I was thinking what if he got lost in the forest just before I fell asleep.
I am waiting for the first progress report from the camp...
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