Welcome Ceremony for Year #2!
At Acton Academy Lakewood we embrace the importance of ritual and ceremony for young people and their families.
Every human society since the beginning of time has bonded through ritual and ceremony. Since at Acton we’re not just on an academic journey, but really dealing with the whole child and what it means to be human, we have celebrations and rituals to mark important events.
From daily repetitions, such as the same greeting every morning, to birthday celebrations and an exhibition at the end of each session, rituals mark our time together and bond us as a tribe in relationship to one another. Learners come to know what to expect and feel a sense of belonging, ownership, and security as a result.
On the first day of our first year, we invited each family to walk over a threshold (a colorful balloon arch), symbolizing the new territory of their choice to begin this journey called Acton Academy.
When we came back from the quarantine of 2020, learners were invited to run down a path, through a golden balloon arch, and follow a line of confetti back to the studio they had missed so much.
At Acton Academy Lakewood, our ceremonies are simple and simultaneously predictable/unpredictable, same old thing/always something new. We want learners to know what to expect, but for our ceremonies to never feel stagnant.
It surprised me at first, but when it comes to a ceremony really feeling like a rite of passage, going over the top cheesy and really respecting the ritual works best. Bring on the fanfare! Crank up the music! Light the candles! Pop the confetti! Speak with a serious voice! Special elements separate ceremony from the ordinary!
On September 8th, we’ll cross another threshold--this time into our second year, with two studios and several new families. Whether they are beginning or renewing their Acton Journey, we promise these families that through the Acton experience their child will
- Begin a Hero's Journey
- Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner.
- Develop deep respect for economic, political and religious freedoms.
- Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and the mysteries of life on Earth.
- Discover his or her most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems.
- Understand the importance of strong character.
- Value a healthy lifestyle of mind and body.
In turn, each family has agreed to hold down the fort of a positive home environment, celebrate their child’s progress, and when they are working through tough times, give them a hug and send them back into the game.
It’s going to be an epic journey!
Dominick and I are looking forward to this very special year, and so grateful to know each of our incredible families and their children.
Can’t wait for September 8th,
Molly