From the Director’s Chair May 2008
Posted by msnl in : From the Director's Chair, May 2008 , trackback
Abundance
Spring is an abundant time. We have a profusion of nature around us – whether the pollen covering the car in the morning, or the cascade of pink petals from the trees along the varsity baseball field, or simply the green growing all around. We also have an abundance of activities, with what can feel like an ever-increasing pace. Many of these events celebrate our students’ work and accomplishment: lacrosse games, memoirs, Shakespeare, jazz band, field trips. Others engage students in what our program does best: learning in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings, in the arts and in academics, in sports and in social interaction. We are a school of abundance.
The lovely, wonderful thing about all of this abundant life is that it truly offers a kind of learning and growing that seem to be more elusive later in life. Who among us can boast of learning in six subjects, while playing one (or two) sports, practicing an instrument or singing, and simultaneously growing two inches, making new friends, and perhaps even spending a little time with family? I certainly can’t. Our students do this every day, though… and they do it well, and with the good spirits, curiosity, and energy that are the life of Middle School.
As abundant spring leads to summer, let us remember to celebrate our plentiful lives by taking a little time out once in a while. The crunch of exams, final projects, and the rush of year-end events is upon us. It’s during this time that our students most need our support, our calm energy, and our ability to sometimes exchange more for less. Help your son or daughter get organized for exams, and then help him or her stop studying when it’s time to take a break. Plan social events, visit games, and celebrate performances – and then take some time to just hang out at home. Share the family traditions that mark the end of a school year, the rituals which honor your child’s hard work, and which signal when it’s time to take a break. And enjoy the summer. Our abundance isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be here when you get back in the fall.
In this, the end of my first year at Penn Charter, I am blessed to share the energy, commitment, and joy at the heart of life in Middle School. I look forward to our closing celebrations of a full and happy year, and wish for each of us a restful and contented summer.
Rebecca Tatum
Director of Middle School