Last night's graduation was incredible. In the past we have had "featured speakers". Two years ago we went away from that practice and have nominated three graduates to do the talking. Our students delivered a very powerful message.
When driving home with two colleagues, we talked about assessment and could honestly say that 80-90% of the grads could have delivered a speech at commencement just as good as the three chosen. We know this because our school requires our grads to present many times before they graduate.
We ended the ceremony with a video staff produced of images collected of the grads during their time at our school.
Picture the scene; the grads are sitting off to the side in cap and gowns. From where they are sitting, they will not be able to clearly see the film. So unprompted they jumped from their chairs and crowded on the floor in front of the stage like kindergarteners at a school assembly.
At that moment they rediscovered the joy of childhood knowing they would soon walk into the world as adults. Hopefully the greatest lesson they learned at our school was the ability to access this joy. This joy of fun, of silly games, of whimsy; hopefully this nugget will sustain them on the rest of their journey.
These are the moments that make my struggles seem worthwhile. It is what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes a peak experience. Those fleeting moments where everything else is quiet but that one thing, and in that one moment all was right with the world.
Thanks to all the parents and staff for making our school possible. NWPHS truly is a special place.
Here are some comments from parents whose kids graduated last night:
. Excellent - just what she needed! GREAT TEACHERS!
. As a family we are deeply grateful for the wonderful mentorship, counsel and patience all of NWPHS staff give their students. Thanks to them our daughter/grandaughter graduated!
. The school for the square pegs! They do have a home.
. What Big Box public schools can't do - NWPHS will do!
. NWPHS is a stepping stone for the future. I LOVE NWPHS!
. The experience can't be beat or matched anywhere. Fantastic!!
. A good place to be!
. Life changing. He started withdrawn and with little interest in
school after several disappointments. He is now more open, outgoing and moving on to college.
. Very fun. Enjoyable.
. This school is a wonderful opportunity and I am very grateful for it.
. My daughter did so lovely! I LOVE NWPHS! Great school!
. Great things have come from my child's education!
. Lifesaver!
. She has learned so much from all the staff and grown up to be a beautiful young lady.
. NWHPS has changed my daughters experience and whole outlook on life. Now she can fullfill her dreams.
Posted by: Jamie Steckart | 06/03/2011 at 06:41 AM
NWPHS truly is "the land of opportunity: as Jaimie has been telling me from day one. I will be taking these experiences with me and using the lessons I've learned for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for all the events that happened in my early school life because they led me to Northwest Passage. I hope that many others find this school and take advantage of all the wonderful things it has to offer.
Posted by: Liz Bloch | 06/07/2011 at 10:44 AM
Thanks Liz,
You were a joy to have at our school and you really did take advantage. We are so proud of your growth. Keep questioning and learning, i have no doubt you will be successful at anything you set your mind to. Love the cheese cake!
Posted by: Jamie | 06/08/2011 at 04:00 AM
No offense, but if there's a facebook like button, it'll be much easier for me to share.
Posted by: Elliptical reviews | 11/29/2011 at 07:28 PM