I think I have a problem being honest...I think I get a bit embarrassed by being honest. I'm so anxious about being rejected in some way that I'd rather keep things inside or lie about something. Part of it stems from my inability to feel completely comfortable with people. It's weird thinking about how I'll probably live my entire life without anyone truly knowing exactly who I am. For the most part, they'll only know what I want to them to know...but they'll never know that they only know a small percentage of who I am or what I believe...you know? Don't get me wrong, I think I'm the bees knees, a great all-around guy, good friend, loving husband, caring father, haven't secretly murdered anyone, but I do keep A LOT close to the vest.
The reason why I bring all this up and throw myself under the bus is that I feel somewhat guilty. We're trying to enroll The G into the South Shore Charter School. Part of the enrollment process is for a parent to write a letter stating why you child should be enrolled, how your child learns and what you (the parent) are going to do to contribute. I wasn't going to write the letter, basically nixing G's chance to enroll. I was embarrassed to honestly write about my daughter. I didn't want others to know how I felt about her, her education and our relationship. Once I reflected a bit on the potential consequences of me being an introverted knucklehead, I wrote a bare-bones honest letter. I was NOT going to write a "Rah, rah...my kid is the best kid in the world" type solicitation. The letter was due today. The Mrs already dropped it off. I reread it this morning and I glad I was able open up. I thought maybe some of my loyal readers might want to see what I wrote:
Dear South Shore Charter Public School, February 8, 2010
Initially, I was reluctant to write this letter. Maybe it’s because I’m out of practice…I used to write all the time. It seemed much easier for my wife, Aimee, to pass her thoughts along (she can be much more eloquent than I). Then, as I was looking over the S.S.C.P.S’s website I found some inspiration. This is an introduction to myself, my family and our daughter Guinevere.
I decided to reflect on my own scholastic…adventure. I use the term “adventure” because it was more about the uncertainty of each day, rather than the education. Being in a relatively large school population, I found it very easy to get lost and overlooked. Throughout each grade level, it wasn’t difficult to figure out each teacher’s expectations. I was never pushed and got by just fine using minimal efforts. In retrospect, I learned that I didn’t learn a thing and I wasn’t a better person than I started out. Fortunately for me, I was able to get to this point in my life relatively unscathed. I’ve always wondered how much better of a person I would be if I were motivated to learn earlier in life. My biggest fear has been that Guinevere stumbles into the same pitfalls I found myself in. I want “Gwen” to realize that through education, motivation and creativity she can open up opportunities to do anything in life.
It has always been our obligation to be as proactive as possible with Gwen’s education. The 2 years that Gwen has spent at the Braintree Integrated Preschool have been crucial to her educational and social development. Aimee and I have been able to watch Gwen go from a developmental “late-bloomer” to an extremely social, intelligent and gifted little girl. It would be easy to allow Gwen to go to Braintree’s public elementary school (which just so happens to be across the street), but what type of environment are we leaving her in? It would be a sin to think that our job as proactive parents are done. We have witnessed Gwen’s achievements within a creative and interactive learning system. We believe that the S.S.C.P.S.’s philosophy and dedication to student’s development reflects the type of values we want to see instilled in Gwen. Through the S.S.C.P.S, Gwen will not be overlooked, but rather she will feel part of a greater educational community. Gwen thrives when she feels that she is contributing.
We also want Gwen to know that learning goes beyond what is written in educational texts. Living a positive life, being a positive role model, enriching lives and the community around us all are values we want Gwen to learn. As parents, we do our best to teach our children these values, but why can’t they also be cultivated in school? We believe S.S.C.P.S believes in these values and will assist in Gwen’s development as a positive human being; not just a student.
Gwen enjoys a smaller class population. It’s easy for her to get lost without attention or a task to complete. She does her best work when she feels part of the process. Gwen can definitely work independently, but her attention fades within a short period of time. She can be somewhat of a perfectionist, but we would like Gwen to continue to learn that mistakes can be okay; mistakes are educational and part of life. Gwen has showed great talent with art and imagination (which I credit my wife), so she tends to gravitate towards that exclusively. We would like Gwen’s education to diversify so that includes mathematics, language and interpersonal communication. Gwen needs to work and learn with more confidence; that she has the talent and ability to discover achievement even in the face of failure.
Aimee and I intend on continuing to be Gwen’s greatest advocate. We are interested in taking part in and contributing to all S.S.C.P.S. activities. In the past 2 years, we have volunteered and participated in numerous activities run through Gwen’s preschool program. We have raised money through fundraising, are members in the P.T.O. and I’ve even dressed as Spiderman for her school’s Halloween celebration (I have the pictures to prove it). I can not stress enough how important it is to be proactive in Gwen’s development.
Hopefully this has given you a vivid snapshot into our daughter Gwen and why her education is so important to us. We appreciate your consideration for Gwen’s enrollment into the S.S.C.P.S..
Sincerely,
Yours Truly
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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