Dear STEP Parents,
The STEP Mission Statement indicates that we, the parents of STEP students, should “develop our fullest potential as parents, as we explore ways of becoming self-aware beings in our diverse community.” The Mission Statement goes on to say that it is our responsibility to “lead by example to equip our children to be students of the world.”While those are noble sentiments they are also very abstract. It would be wonderful if we could discuss on this blog the concrete measures each of us is taking to fulfill the goals of the Mission Statement.
Please share your thoughts so that all members of the STEP community might benefit from your insights.
Ken Schwarz
3 responses so far ↓
1
msrich
// Jan 16, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Something has been bothering me for some time. As the administrative figure charged with the responsibility of providing a “vision” for our STEP community, I have tried in various ways to project the vision of a parent role in this program that trancends “domestic tasks” like fundraising and providing breakfasts. Finally, in the Mission Statement, we have a written document which begins to spell out this truly substantial role of parents which is to be altruistic and ethical models, promoting the growth and success of the entire community instead of just each individual family’s “enterprise”.
I was elated to experience the clarity that emerged at the parent retreat and finally got some relief from scratching a permanent itch I have, to draw out and promote/encourage/support in parents this type of quality reflection and analytical thinking that can be modeled for our students. We need not wait for another parent retreat in September, we must continue that reflection and discussion here on the blog (that’s what this blog was intended for) and, at the dinner table or in transit. These conversations with teenagers are at first difficult, believe me I know. But we are doing what we can to stretch your children here, so its only natural that we ask you to stretch yourselves as well. After all, it is easier for teachers to teach analysis in science, history and literature to students who have experienced its mechanics close up – in conversations at home, and in the car driving to the mall.
We have stopped (I hope) talking “baby talk” to our babies and toddlers. We agree now that that habit did not strengthen their language skills to get them ready for pre-K and kindergarten. A similar principle applies with adolescents. Parents have a responsibility to model the behavior that we want to see in them, because they learn from us first. It may appear otherwise, but experience has borne out what much of the behavioral science research has been saying. Charity (which I define as compassion, altruism, and ethical behavior), together with curiousity about how the world works, and yes, critical thinking -begins at home!
Ms. Rich
2
Ken Schwarz
// Jan 17, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Let me help move this along by providing my answer to the question I raised. I believe that every thoughtful person should operate according to self-created principles that govern his or her daily life. Mine are as follows: (1) always keep learning; (2) remain open to, and in fact embrace, new things, particularly new technologies and ideas; (3) fulfill all of your duties as a parent, a citizen and as a human being.
I agree with Marva’s use of the word “charity.” Charity is one of several different types of love. However, charity also involves putting that love into action. If we really love ourselves, our children, our neighbors and our country and act in furtherance of that love, we will become the embodiment of the STEP Mission Statement.
3
Miriam Lovett
// Feb 4, 2008 at 8:56 pm
(no comment, but I was here.)
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