The Year’s Heroic Journey
On the last day of the school year it invites a practice that we do well, reflection. Think back to the first day of the school year for your learner, for you! Now think of the many quests explored, badges earned, stories told, and now think of your learner and family today. How has your learner changed? How have you changed? What was new this year, what was hard, what was surprising, what filled your heart to the brim?
As I reflect on our Acton journey this year I’m overwhelmed with joy, humility, and pride in the growth learners and our Acton community has accomplished. In our second year operating as a school we had a handful of firsts. Year 2 was the first year with a Discovery Studio, the badge system was a first to try out (and it is a game-changer), the level system for Core Skills and more was a first for us and a first to have learners lead, and the hero’s journey language at Acton was new for us to use consistently and thoroughly as a process for relationship building and reflection. So many beautiful firsts and beginnings began this year, especially the bursting of curiosity, learner-led mentorship, and firsts of what we believe to be life-long friendships.
As a school we’ve thoroughly reflected on our journey at all levels, even you reflected with your learner during 360 portfolio meetings and we hope the reflective conversations of the journey have continued at home. Our Guide team reflected on their year and here’s the gems that they shared. “Even though it’s hard, I and the learners can go through hard things. I learned that the learners can manage it and it just takes patience to see it through.” “I learned that I can take time and try different experiments with them and keep trying until we all find something that works.” “I gained a stronger sense of community and how important it is to work hard, play hard.”
The Acton journey isn’t just for learners, the journey is for everyone, Guides, parents, siblings, guests. Everyone is a hero on a hero’s journey to find a calling and change the world. What better way to change the world that may feel gray than to brighten up the world with amazing children ready for adventure! Here’s what your heroes had to say about our BIG question for the year, our annual socratic question.
What is the hero’s journey?
“It’s trying to practice to be a hero and be yourself.”
“The hero’s journey works towards treasure and my treasure is friendship and hard work.”
“As a hero, I help others and see if they are hurt or sad I help them.”
“It’s where you discover your passion and what you are going to do when you grow up.”
“A journey to work hard and focus while trying to be kind.”
“It’s when you help fellow travelers and gain more knowledge.”
“A journey where you follow your passion so you can learn to do, learn to be, and learn to learn.”
Thank you for sharing your child with us, thank you for contributing to our beautiful bursting Acton community! We have so much more room to grow and I am so honored to be your family’s Guide. It is truly a privilege and joy to travel with you on this journey! Thank you.