Children as Active Participants in their World

Today's guest writer is Ray Wilson, Upper School Director

March 27, 2009

“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”
Sitting Bull, Sioux Chief

This quote has resonated with me throughout my educational career because of the profound charge for intentional collaboration among everyone who has the ability and position to influence children. Working in schools is the optimal place for such partnerships to take place. Whether it is the classroom teacher, administration, staff, parents, or coaches, each has a responsibility to think beyond themselves and to look ahead at the future. It is apparent that in doing so, students must be given the space and tools to be an active participant in the shaping of the world in which they inhabit.

Children have the capacity to meaningful impact the world in which they live, and the world in which they will inherit. By dwelling on the latter, it is amazingly clear that all schools have the distinct opportunity to prepare students for what lies ahead by creating experiences that aim at helping students begin their journey to discovering their sense of purpose and how, through their talents and resources, they can positively make a difference in the world.

As we plan for our high school, preparing students to be active in their community is an integral part of the curriculum. Integrating programming that promotes sustainability and eco-literacy, four-year financial planning, and philanthropy programs, RDS upper school students will be able to creatively address the demands placed upon them by the world they will inherit. More importantly, through continuous dialogue amongst all involved in the partnership, students included, a genuine understanding and willingness to work together will make our upper school a vibrant and cohesive educational community.

Many of the elements of the upper school community described above are a continuation of the dynamic K-8 program at RDS. For example, as our lower school students worked together on the Good Cents program, it became clear that a rich conversation emerged about the positive impact their decision made on society, and specifically the homeless, through their decision to support the East Oakland Community Project (http://www.eocp.net/).

As a community, we are definitely working towards a common goal of being the best we can be to support our children. There is a distinct energy on campus, embedded in the laughter and supportive exchanges between adults and students, that illustrates RDS students are engaged, prepared, and inspired to be our future leaders.

So in the words of Sitting Bull, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”

See you around campus!

Ray Wilson
Upper School Director