Parent - Teacher

So, last night we had our parent - teacher conference. These are ALWAYS great for me, for many many reasons. I will make a bullet list in this regards, but first I am going to say that my gratitude to the universe knows NO bounds in regards to my son's school. Each day I thank whomever brought us here, and pointed me to that place. Its been a sanctuary for my child and for me. Its making him into a self assured, honest, caring, gentle, directed and intelligent man.

The process starts with the teacher bringing out a goal sheet, AND a self assessment sheet that the child has filled out. So it proceeds with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses the child sees. The entire conversation is prepared to support the child in understanding where he is doing GREAT and where he can use improvement based on his OWN vision and not that an adults perception. What a concept huh?

This year Austin has a male teacher, and it is GREAT for him to see this man as a role model. What he is learning from bryan is to be focused and true to himself. Bryan is a gentle giant, in the sense of he is an individual that is clear and patient with his own boundaries, and gives honest, positive, and supporting advice. He isn't the only teacher to be that way, that is why his school is so special. That type of support comes from each person on campus. Its honest, caring and consistent. The way they address each other is with respect and regard. There isn't insincere compliments or humiliation or shame.

Sigh, what i wouldn't give for every child to have that kind of upbringing. Its amazing to see the difference in Austin that from other public school educated kids his age. He respects adults and talks to them with ease. He is inquisitive and unafraid of asking questions (part of that comes from me forcing him to seek answers from others).

Anyway, I'm tired of writing for now.. More on this topic in the future. I just wanted to acknowledge the growth of my part of the world.