Changing the World
At Acton our mission is simple, for every child, parent, or person that enters our doors to find a calling and change the world. This is a tall order but we believe that changing the world can happen with tiny steps and these steps can have big impacts for our community, a friend, and ourselves. As a parent you may agree with us that our mission is pretty cool but it’s a whole other order to see it in action and to witness the effect our school environment can have on a learner even at the young age of 5. I’d like to share a heavy and beautiful moment that both surprised and reminded me why our work here at Acton is so meaningful.
It was recess time and all learners except one 5 year old owl was outside playing. She stayed back in the coat room and was sitting on the bench with her coat on but her shoes in her lap. She looked a bit sad and I approached.
Me: Why are you inside? Do you want to go play for recess?
Owl: I don’t want to go, I’m going to stay inside.
Me: Hmm..Do you think that it would be fair if you stay inside when everyone else is outside?
Owl: No, but the world isn’t fair….you make it fair here but the world ISN’T FAIR.
Me: (gulped) You know, you are right, the world sometimes isn’t fair. Can I tell you why at our school fairness is so important?
Owl: Yes…(with big, slightly teary eyes).
Me: At Acton, we practice fairness because we believe if we are fair here we can change the world and make the world more fair. Do you know who has the power to change the world?
Owl: Who?
Me: You, and all the other Acton owls! I believe you can change the world; you and all the other kids here have the power to make the world more fair, but it starts with fairness here.
Owl: Ok. (She picked up her shoes and walked to go outside)
Kids are watching and they are aware even when we think they may not have the capacity to understand. Acton owls will change the world, both together and in their own way. That day a problem was presented, a seed planted, and hope bloomed. I was in awe of her courage.