February 2018
As many of you know, in mid-January Sparhawk Academy hosted its first official Open House for prospective students and their families. It was a rousing success by any measure as we welcomed friends who have followed our journey for many months as well as those whom we were pleased to meet for the first time. This past weekend, we hosted another round of family visits so others could come see what we are all about. To old friends and new, we once again extend a warm welcome. Now get those applications in!
The same weekend as the January Open House, Head of School Bob Sylvain convened the faculty for an all-day Workshop to begin the important task of shaping the curriculum and setting the tone for the school. I was privileged to sit in and listen as experienced teachers exchanged ideas on a host of school subjects: At what age should boys be introduced to the local Millis history of native Americans? What is the best poetry for young boys to learn and how do we instill a love for it? Will we teach every earth science class outdoors on our beautiful grounds? (unfortunately, no, but as many as we can!) Which great figures in Church history will most inspire boys to live their faith with integrity? At what age can most boys begin a deeper look into STEM-type topics? etc.
Clearly, these men embrace what is best about their profession: the profound responsibility for shaping the character of future generations! Discussions were not about simply the integration of subjects into a school day, but also the importance of traditions, the irreplaceable role of parents as primary educators, the natural integration social development opportunities into ordinary school days through a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.
All in all, it was a pleasure to observe; I truly wish all of you could have been there with me to see just how talented this faculty is and how eager they are to begin to teach your sons. Soon enough, we will be welcoming you to our first day of school. Bring an apple; this faculty already deserves it!