Dear First name / Parent, Thank you for your time and attention this week as we prepare for the 2022-2023 school year. This is Part Three and the final email in this week's series intended to equip you in understanding the Systems of Acton Academy. Below you'll find the Acton Academy Systems overview and details on The Hero's Journey, Learning Arcs, and this year's Overarching Question. Also included: a note on Traditions. |
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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. |
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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 |
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By now you've probably noticed, we use words like “Hero” or “Learner” rather than “kid" or “student” to describe children at Acton Academy. This is intentional - Laura Sandefer, Co-Founder of Acton Academy gives a great explanation in this video. A term coined by Joseph Campbell, The Hero's Journey storytelling method can be found in ancient mythology as well as modern-day movies. A Hero is an ordinary person who receives a call to adventure, crosses the threshold to enter the unknown, meets a guide/mentor, encounters fellow travelers, faces trials and battles monsters, and returns home having changed. |
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The Hero's Journey is the primary metaphor for life as an Acton Academy Learner and the foundation of our Learning to Be experiences. The Hero's Journey is not a block of time, but a philosophical underpinning of nearly all activities. |
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At Capstone, we believe every parent and child who enters our doors is a genius on a Hero's Journey to find a calling that will change the world. |
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Learning at Acton follows the narrative arc of any heroic story. Just like a rocket blasting off, on its journey, and returning to earth, each year and session have a storyline with a rise and fall of energy and a return home to reflect. |
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Each Learning Arc begins with a call to adventure for the community, followed by individual and group-based trials and challenges, climaxing in an Exhibition, and ending with a communal return home for reflection and closure. In the studio, Learning Arcs take place at the year, session, week, and day levels. The pattern helps boost energy, deepen reflection, and provide a sense of rhythm, habit, and familiar ritual. |
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An Overarching Question is a deep philosophical question that helps an individual explore what it means to be a hero and focuses attention for the year. Capstone's 2022-2023 overarching question is: “What is the Hero's Journey?” Learners will spend the year immersed in seven Quests, each in its own way exploring this overarching question. |
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Unique traditions strengthen the Tribe. Special traditions both big and small have been powerful culture builders at all Acton Academy campuses. Character Callouts: The last few minutes of closing discussion are saved for Character Callouts, where any Learner can honor another for a heroic action during the day. Hero Boards: Learners' visual depiction of their Hero's Journey. Challenge Donut: Learners' reflect on an activity or period of time when they were in their comfort zone, challenge zone, or panic zone. Rubber Bands: Metaphor for illustrating Growth Mindset and personalized goal setting to stretch your personal “rubber bands.” Hero Visits: Learners welcome heroes into their Studio to share their story in a launch discussion. The key is finding heroes who will discuss their struggles, fellow travelers, call to action, and other components of their Hero's Journey, rather than share their resume. |
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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. |
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We are grateful to link arms with you as fellow travelers in this journey and we look forward to the great adventure ahead! |
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Katy + Steve Kelly, Co-Founders Jamie Spanner, Elementary Studio Guide Capstone: An Acton Academy |
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