Dear First name / Parent,
 
Thank you for continuing to learn + grow with us as we prepare for the new year and a new learning model.  
 
This is Part Two in a series of three emails intended to equip you in understanding the Systems of Acton Academy.
 
Below you'll find the Acton Academy Systems overview and details on the two Core Processes of Personal Productivity + Tracking Progress:  
  1. SMART Goals
  2. Studio Maintenance
Also included:  a brief note on Traditions.  

Acton Academy SYSTEMS:
Acton's Learner-Driven Communities prepare young heroes for exceptional lives in the real world.  The three systems listed below work together in equipping heroes in forming a tightly knit Civil Society where tough-mindedness and warm-heartedness are encouraged and celebrated.  
Hero's Journey  
Living a life of meaning 
 
Community + Governance
A productive + happy place to work
 
Personal Productivity + Tracking Progress 
Measuring my own progress on my journey

SMART GOALS:
Heroes set SMART Goals each day, week, session, and year.  
Diligently setting and reporting on SMART Goals is among the most important processes or systems at Acton Academy.  
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Heroes will have the ability to set, manage, and track their SMART Goals in their online learning app, Journey Tracker or through pencil + paper.  Session One will leave plenty of room for trial and growth as each hero learns what will best suit their individual learning needs.  

STUDIO MAINTENANCE
Heroes are responsible for maintaining their own Studio.  
Studio maintenance is one of the most important systems at Acton Academy, both practically and philosophically.  
 
Maintaining the Studio helps Heroes feel ownership.  
Maria Montessori said:  “A place for everything and everything in its place.”  
Keeping their space clean and leading the Studio Maintenance System help Heroes experience freedom and responsibility in their Studio.  
 
Studio Maintenance is successful if:  
  1. It is entirely Hero-led.
  2. It becomes a daily habit.
  3. The Studio is clean.  
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A Note on Enhanced Processes in the Studio:  
As the Studio grows and matures, enhanced processes such as badges, points, and full-circle feedback/360 coaching can be layered in.  
Keeping systems simple to start is essential to ensuring long-term success.  

TRADITIONS
Unique traditions strengthen the Tribe.  Special traditions both big and small have been powerful culture builders at all Acton Academy campuses.  
Exhibitions are the real-world accountability tradition for Quests, where Heroes demonstrate for the community what they learned for that session.  

DATES TO REMEMBER:
September 1:  Welcome Party from 6:00 - 7:30PM 
September 6:  First Day of School and start of Session 1
September 16:  Field Trip Friday at 9AM:  Donuts + Dan Kinney Park.  RSVP requested - so we know how many donuts to bring!
September 29:  Acton Parent Meeting at 11:45AM - Highland Springs Country Club 
Boxed lunches will be provided. 
September 30:  Field Trip Friday:  U-Pick Apple Orchard.  Time + location TBD.  

We are so grateful for the support of this community of families and we look forward to the journey ahead!  
With gratitude,
Katy + Steve Kelly, Co-Founders
Jamie Spanner, Elementary Studio Guide
Capstone: An Acton Academy
 
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