The word pedagogy comes from the Greek paidagōgeō ... in which paidos means "child" and ágō means "lead" ... literally translated "to lead the child". And where one leads and another follows there is by definition only one path ... a shared journey.
At Northfield, we respect [and depend on] parents to act as their children's primary guide in life and learning. And as such, we come along side not to lead in "another way" but rather to offer all the assistance we can to help you [as a parent-child unit] find your way to a good education. And having traveled this way before, we believe we have some good options to present and pursue ... but always with your permission and approval. And if that is not a great enough challenge, we have a host of fellow travelers [other parent-student units] along with us on this journey ... a company of pilgrims.
In that spirit, we hope to use this blog like a road map ... well worn and creased from being opened and closed many times over the years ... but still available to bring us ALL together to survey our position and to assess our progress ... and to help us both individually and collectively make the needed corrections when a few [or many] of us appear to stray from the way.
If we are to do this successfully, we must do it respectfully ... so here are some guidelines that can help as we go.
- Please do not share this blog with those outside the school. It is for active Northfielders only. Since we will be discussing "family matters" and hope to do so without alot of internet security hassle, we must do out best to keep this blog to ourselves.
- Anyone can "comment" [without signing in] as long as they ... speak the truth in love ... then read the replies. Before you comment, try to put yourself in the place of the other person ... then your words will be both helpful and kind. If you are willing to leave your name on your comment it will help maintain both civility and gravity.
- Each grade [or badge] will have its own separate page with content managed by the faculty sponsor for that level. The sponsor will think about the specific issues associated with that level and about how they may affect other levels.
- Common issues will be "posted" on the "Home" page from time to time for everyone to review. They will be preserved in the "Blog Archive" if you wish to go back to one.
- The "Confidentially" page will give you the opportunity to communicate directly by email with the Northfield administration and board members with all candor and in complete confidence. We encourage you to let us know when you wish to speak privately for any reason ... just give us your contact information and you will hear back from us as promptly as possible.
- If we all use this blog thoughtfully, it will rapidly and powerfully help us to improve the short and long term quality of both our community and our education at Northfield ... and that is a goal worthy of all who are traveling this way.
Becky Elder, [belder@northfieldschool.com]
Head of School
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