We walked Freddie's schedule last night. Some teachers inspiring, intellectually challenging. Others sort of trying to find that merge--where their vision intersects with the constitution of the school and subject. And then...the odd one--the one who believes in dialogue and that an explanation of Cotton Mather's writing (contextually) isn't as important as as his feelings on the 'dead guy'. Hmmm. We like debate at home but given the format of the class if we are convincing enough Freddie will be perceived as carrying the 'party line' of the 'machine'. Of course the above is derived from 10 minute sessions with each teacher...I could writing about the marvels of this same teacher tomorrow or next week or a year from now.
One of the greatest benefits of single sex education (from this parents perspective) is the total dedication to one physical mode of being. Dynamic, diverse, individually different--but from a 'societal' viewpoint all those fears of growing into manhood...those insecurities, needs, wants, hopes, wishes are addressed on a daily basis. There isn't a distraction, a tearing at his core being--he is to be exactly what he is with no attacks, no challenge to his physical body, no political agenda reaching out and touching him on the shoulder...turning his head to a floating question mark--one that questions unconscious biological processes. His responsibility is to be as he is and journey onward from there using his mind to the best of its ability and his resulting evaluations to shine brightly regardless of the circumstances.
This should be an intellectually interesting year. 15 year old angst and anger, the moving through frustration and knowing one is doing so (huge step) and developing that appreciation for patience.
Perhaps most importantly is continuing just plain old laughter about everything and nothing. Laughter that fills in the awkward, the speechless...the fragile gaps.