Jam Session

     Chronically late, I sprint up THE STAIRS for the third time that day (OK, it wasn't exactly a sprint, but you get the picture).  Having designed homemade musical instruments at home, the second graders were going to be demonstrating the relationship between vibration and sound.  Mrs. Iott, elementary science teacher, had casually invited the parents to come in for a little look-see.  In their previous science class, Mrs. Iott had already sealed the deal with vibration and sound, lovingly teaching the children how to make "rude noises" involving a straw and their arm.  Science is a pretty popular class around here.

     Looking around the room, I notice almost all the second grade parents are able to make it.  I also notice some adults in socks, having taken off their wet winter boots as if at home; such a formal group are we.  One sad-eyed girl has forgotten her instrument at home.  Surveying the room, I discover her parents haven't arrived.  No worries - by the time I turn back, one mom has picked her up in a great big bear hug while another finds her some empty coffee cans to serve as drums. 

     One by one, seven and eight-year old children approach the front of the room and face the small audience of peers, parents, and teacher.   Each explains how he/she created the instrument and what, exactly, is causing the sound we hear.  We see the whole gamut:  ornately painted guitars, hand-crafted wooden dulcimers, paper towel rainsticks, simple beans in a jar, the coffee can bongos.   Some are accomplished luthiers, and others just really know how to work duct tape.  Instinctively, I feel sheepish about my own daughter's modest creation, but I notice the equality; Mrs. Iott makes each child feel that his/her sound instrument is absolutely worthy and wonderful.  

     Enter Miss Caroline, Pathfinder Admissions Director.  Having forgotten her own banjo, Mrs. Iott called down to the office and asked Caroline if she might "pop in" with her guitar.  I quietly conclude to myself that playing a musical instrument must be a required skill for all Pathfinder employees.  Seriously.  Perched on the table (again the formality...), Caroline explains how the guitar makes sound.  She demonstrates.  The children lean in and listen.   

     It's an elementary science class at Pathfinder.  I should have known.  But, still!  It's an elementary science class.  And we (and I do mean WE) are rocking out!  Caroline strums away, leading the children in song while they shake, pluck, and pound their own original instruments.  Before long, they are in the flow, unaware of the minutes that pass, just totally engaged in the musical experience of which they are all a part.  The parents are, too.  Heads bopping, knees bouncing, toes tapping.  Inspired, a younger sibling uses an empty coffee cup (again the coffee!) as a drum.  Mrs. Iott is head-banging, rocker-hands raised.  The 7th grade class, working on computers in the adjoining library, actually opens the door to hear better.  Did I mention this is a 2nd grace science class?

     I consider the elements of the past 40 minutes.  It's like a good, old-fashioned recipe made with just a few hearty ingredients that you always have on hand.  Gather children, faculty, and parents into a room in the middle of could-be-any day.  Add scientific discussion and concrete demonstrations of vibration.  Sprinkle in a little art, design, and creativity.  Fold in love, support, and community.  Pour on the music.  Drink up the experience that is Pathfinder.

-- Tricia Moore, parent

(8th grade) Ariana
(7th grade) Sierra
(2nd grade) Mariah
(Kindergarten) Glenn
(Pre-k) Vienna

On Coming Home

     "How was your break?  Two snow days!!  Kids happy to be back?  Love your haircut!"    Such went the banter this week as we trudged up THE STAIRS (is it possible there's more steps since December?  feels like it...) and introduced routine back into our lives.  I, for one, was not eager about giving up the lazy days of holiday break.  I loved having all the kids at home:  the baking, the games, the laughter and yelling, actual conversations with my middle schoolers, late night movies and snuggles by the fire, and all-day-pajama-wearing.  The busy-ness of the back to school routine didn't feel like an even exchange.
    
      We were all into our third hug by the time we reached our upper campus destination.  The inevitable karma of Pathfinder sought me out and warmed me from my toes to my heart as I sat back and thought about our first hour back.   Shane, the middle school science teacher, had crossed the snowy parking lot to yank three heavy backpacks out of the rear of our car and hoist them onto the little ones.  We passed by Mrs. Iott, elementary science teacher, lugging a cooler with Olga the turtle back to her classroom habitat.  In kindergarten, while my son Glenn got his construction groove on and began crafting a football-goal-turned-teepee out of old paint stir sticks and duct tape, I ran my fingers across the handmade woolen rug completed by the kids piece by piece this fall.  Amazing.  Vienna was received by her pre-k teacher, Trisha Short, in a swirling embrace.  (She promptly returned the love by launching about a pound of birdseed freely into the classroom while apparently exploring the concept of torque with a sand shovel.  In typical fashion, Trisha calmly responded with an affirming "that IS a cool action.  We'll sweep it up later.")

      On the way down THE STAIRS, I thought about how, in 15 minutes time, the kids and I had had an up close and personal interaction with no less than eight teachers.  And that's a pretty ordinary morning for us at Pathfinder.   I thought about how from the moment they arrive on campus in the morning to the goodbye waves at dismissal, my children are surrounded by a veritable team of unusually devoted, talented, and caring adults.  Getting back into the routine wasn't going to be so bad after all.  At Pathfinder, walking back into the classroom feels much like coming home.

- Tricia Moore, parent of 5 current Pathfinder students

Ariana, 8th grade
Sierra, 7th grade
Mariah, 2nd grade
Glenn, kindergarten
Vienna, pre-k

Welcome!

Alright...here we go! Please put your hands together for the launch of the Pathfinder Parent Perspective - the blog giving you a behind the scenes look at what really goes on at The Pathfinder School (Traverse City, MI).  This is a space where the school encourages parents to share thoughts, memories, experiences - both good and bad - about all that makes Pathfinder unique.  What better way to get the real sense of the school then to hear from the constituents themselves about the inner workings and how it has benefited their children.  In addition, it is always important and forever helpful for us to listen to the feedback from our parent community.  Like any institution, there is perpetually room for improvement, and we strive to make our program surpass the rest through careful revisions and additions.

So take a comfortable seat, and read on.
We hope you enjoy it!

Caroline Kovas
Admissions Director