My neice and nephew, Morgan and Drew, finished up their academic year this evening by giving Presentations of Learning at their school. Each student makes a 15 minute presentation explaining what they learned and assessing their own growth and learning throughout the year, both academically and personally. These presentations are open to the public and the students take questions at the end of their presentation. It's incredible to listen to young people who are articulate and thoughtful and knowledgeable about themselves, their community, and the world around them. It gives my usually misanthropic critical self a rest and lets me be enthusiastic about the possibility of a better future. I kept thinking about the book I just read, Oh the Glory of it All, as I listened to these young people. It never ceases to amaze me how we cannot know the impact we can have on others, both postive and negative. Even though Morgan and Drew will likely return to public school next year, they both expressed gratitude for the genuine attention and respect they received from their teachers. I was a person who did well in public school (I've mentioned my gold-star seeking, goody two shoes, conformist behaviour before) and had some terrific, dedicated, life-changing teachers (hmm, you should go to college back East ("back East" apparently being a foreign country))-- but I wish I had gone to The Watershed School. Congratulations to the students, teachers, staff, board, and supporters of the school!
From The Watershed website:
If you learn best through experience and engaging with the world around you...
If you are eager to take responsibility for your learning and to shape your own education...
If you are excited to work with other students from different cultures and backgrounds...
If you are willing to challenge yourself to go beyond what you thought was possible...
If you want to make a difference in your community...
If you are ready for the most extraordinary educational journey of your life...
...then we invite you to take a closer look at
The Watershed School
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