I happened to be listening to one of those Sirius radio stations that covers politics 24-7 last week, and I heard the First Lady talking about what she thinks about when she tucks her children in at night. It led me to consider the same question—what do I think about when I tuck my children in at night?
I think about two things—today and tomorrow, or, more specifically, their todays and their tomorrows. I think about how ISW was founded and about how our school contributes to everything our family seeks for our children.
There is a great wealth of research on brain development that demonstrates that students learn best when they feel safe and loved. A little stress is a good thing—as when an assignment is due and you know you have to buckle down and finish. As a matter of fact, though, when a young brain is too stressed—when a student doesn’t feel safe around peers or teachers or when expectations are far above or far below his capabilities—the brain shuts down much of the “hardware” necessary for learning to occur. At ISW, students want to come to school. Every returning student I have spoken with in the month of August has volunteered that he/she is more than ready to return. My own children, as I tuck them in at night, talk about how they can’t wait to get back to school. Are their brains ready for learning? You bet!
Ah yes, they love school today…but will they be ready for tomorrow? Will this child be prepared–to be self-sufficient, to create a fulfilling career that does more than pay the bills, to find a lifelong partner, to be a kind and thoughtful friend and to attract a supportive circle of friends? Will this child of mine make a serious contribution to the community by using his or her talents to the fullest? This is a tall order.
Here’s what I know about education. To answer the above in the affirmative as adults, young people must learn to take responsibility for themselves and their work, to treat others with respect and empathy, to act with integrity, and to commit themselves wholeheartedly to pursuing their passions. They must confront and conquer real problems—concepts that challenge them, skills that sometimes seem unattainable, people with whom they don’t have chemistry—in order to build their intellectual and emotional muscles.
And young people need caring, respectful, smart, fun-loving adults who are willing to learn alongside them and to help navigate the complicated journey to adulthood. If ever there were a school that provides the right opportunities and the right adults, it’s ISW.
Of course there are never any guarantees. But as an ISW parent, I am confident that our school provides my children and all of our students the best chances for a wonderful today as well as the tomorrows of their dreams.