We could be heroes

The power of kindness, courage, and integrity

I was chatting with a friend recently about the firehose of challenges flooding society. From the sublime to the ridiculous, every day the news (wherever you get it) is charged with contrariness, polarizing views, and downright falsehoods. We lamented the apparent absence of leaders able to bring hope and light to the fore. Inevitably we came to talking about how we could make a difference with our devotion to making good people.

At Walden, we believe in the power of kindness, courage, and integrity. Our tagline, "making good people," reflects our mission to educate children academically and help them grow into caring and responsible individuals.

One of the quotes that inspire us is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” This quote captures the essence of what we aim to instill in our students. It teaches us that being a hero doesn’t mean being fearless; instead, it means having the courage to keep going when things get tough, even just for a little bit longer.

Bravery comes in many forms. For children, bravery can mean standing up for a friend who is being bullied, trying out for a school play even if they are nervous, or speaking up in class when they have an idea. These small acts of courage are just as important as the big ones. We encourage students to find their own ways to be brave every day.

Education is about more than just math, science, and reading. It's also about learning to be a good person. Our curriculum focuses on character education, teaching children the values of honesty, respect, and compassion. We create a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves and learn from each other.

We have programs that promote teamwork and empathy. For example, during group projects, children learn to listen to different viewpoints and work together to solve problems. This not only helps them academically but also teaches them how to be kind and understanding individuals.

Being a good person also means giving back to the community. Our school encourages students to take part in community service projects. Whether it’s organizing a food drive, helping at a local shelter, or participating in environmental clean-ups, these experiences teach children the importance of helping others.

When children see the impact of their actions, they learn that even small efforts can make a big difference. This sense of responsibility helps them grow into caring adults who understand the value of community and service.

Life is not always easy, and children will face challenges as they grow. We believe that teaching resilience is a vital part of our mission. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep trying. Just like Emerson’s hero, we want our students to learn to be brave a little longer, to keep pushing through difficulties.

Through various activities and challenges, we help children develop a growth mindset. This means they learn to see mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than failures. When students believe that they can overcome challenges, they are more likely to try new things and take risks.

Parents play a crucial role in this journey. Your involvement and support at home can reinforce the lessons we teach at school. Encourage your child to talk about their day, share their feelings, and discuss what they have learned about being brave. Simple conversations can make a big difference.

Every day, we can be heroes even in just a small way. That’s how hope grows.