Every spring and summer, as a child, there was a chore that I looked forward to. It all began when my father would clear the garden space from the previous year. Often, he cleared the stubble by burning it off, leaving the entire area black and lifeless. The area never stayed that way long since he would soon plow it until it was all beautiful, soft, clean dirt. It was with delight that I would take off my shoes and run through the freshly plowed garden, feeling the beauty of the earth beneath my feet. I would pick up handfuls of dirt and let them sift slowly through my fingers. It was then that the planting began.
I enjoyed putting the seeds in the ground and covering them with just the right amount of dirt. Once the seeds were planted, there was nothing to do but wait to see if the seeds that were planted did indeed grow as promised. I was always excited to see the first few green sprouts poking their way through the dirt. At that point, the real work began: weeding and watering the garden so that it would grow. Many plants had runners that had to be moved and in some cases placed on a wire, a string, or lattice work to guide their growth. For weeks, many hours a day were spent taking care of those plants, and although it was hot and the work was difficult, watching the plants grow brought satisfaction.
As parents, you have prepared the mind and nature of your child; you have planted the seeds for what you hope will be a rewarding future. Here at Ignite Christian Academy, entrusted with your child's education, we partner with you to take care of those seeds as they grow. There are times when weeds spring up and must be eliminated. These are never pleasant times, but they definitely aid in the growth of your child.
At other times when the child needs to be stimulated to keep from wilting, ICA's challenging curriculum provides the necessary nutrients for growth. We partner with parents as you provide the water for that growth by providing an appropriate school environment and schedule to ensure your child's success.
Occasionally, the direction of your child's growth needs to be corrected. Your child is not left alone to survive the rigors of education. Academy faculty and advisors are in place to determine exactly what your child's needs are and to gently direct them in the appropriate path to understanding the concepts.
As in gardening, this work of tending the child's mind is not a single occurrence but a recurring event over the years the child is in your home. Unlike gardening, the fruit of your labor is often concurrent with the growth processes and continues for many seasons.
As exciting as it is to watch that garden spring up, grow, and eventually produce fruit and vegetables, this excitement pales in comparison to the privilege of seeing a child grow and respond to the challenges of a rigorous education. A heart-felt thank you to all the parents who allow us to have a part in the growth of your children; it truly is a privilege to partner with you in education.
Deborah Secord, Ed.D.
Assistant Principal