The studio was prepared. The special threshold to cross (a balloon arch) ready. And then, last Tuesday, they arrived. Jumping up and down. Excited smiles. Stories of summer. Extravagant hugs. Happy reunions. Curiosity for new faces.
"Are you ready to cross the threshold into the Hero's Journey of this year?" And there they went, many bolting through the threshold, following a trail of confetti to their special learning space.
At Acton we begin with FUN and building community. Carefully, we settle back into the foundation built by learners last year, helping new children learn the ropes, veterans brush up on their skills, and updating systems for this unique group.
Here's a view into our very first discussion, with samples of responses from different learners:
Are you feeling more excited or more nervous about this year’s Acton adventure?
Excited. We were gone for a long time.
I disagree. I'm a little more nervous because I don't really know what's going on!
What have you been looking forward to the most in starting at Acton--the people, or the place?
The people.
I disagree. The place. It just feels good here. A nice place to learn.
Are you most concerned about being able to work hard or being able to get along with others?
Working hard. Like when you get stuck on a math problem and get so mad you just want to give up or storm off but you take a breath and come back to it and figure it out.
I disagree. Getting along is going to be hard. I think I might be asked to turn in an Eagle Buck sometime.
Joseph Campbell said, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” Agree or disagree?
Agree. It's dark so you don't know what's inside. But when you get in there, there's a treasure.
Are you afraid of anything about this journey? Why?
I'm not afraid, but I don't know how everything works yet.
If not, do you think you will be afraid at some point this year?
I don't know yet.
Yes, I will pay attention to detail and figure it out.
The thing that stands out to me about our group this year is gratitude. Overall, there is a sense of appreciation for the privilege of going to Acton Academy Lakewood, and that feeling had positive ripple effects in everything they did. We are so thankful for a terrific group of families and learners for Year 3!
Have a great week, Molly Franklin Lucia, M.Ed. Head of School
