Seeing the Future

Of all the technological breakthroughs in the modern world, the invention I’d like most is a device that would let parents see into their children’s future.  You know, it is hardly possible for a mother to imagine her young child as a high schooler, let alone as an adult or a parent.

Yet, often I think many teachers are able to look into the future.  They can see how today’s foundation in learning can shape a child’s life.

Teachers see the long trajectory of life.  At our school, the passion a student brings to the hundred board, the bow frame, music class, or the map of South America is carried with him or her forever.  A lifetime of learning, growing, caring, and loving is nurtured here.

This morning, I watched a student in Mrs. John’s class unfurl his One Thousand Roll.  Over the course of many days, Lazarus had created one continuous strip of paper with each number from one to a thousand.  As the roll stretched 40 feet down the hall, I could see the pride in his eyes.   And I realized that behind those eyes is a greater sense of confidence and competence. The lesson he learned: that success comes from perseverance — “I can do it.”

Our school, Evergreen is making a difference in the lives of students like Lazarus, as it has done for the past generations of students that came before him.  And if I had a “future-seeing” device I’d see the next generation of Evergreen students.  I would see how our decisions and actions today will secure the school’s future for tomorrow’s children.

Everything grows, like Raffi sings.  It is a blessing to be part of the process.

John DeMarchi is Head of School at Evergreen School in the Silver Spring, Kensington and Wheaton area.  Evergreen serves children age 2 to grade three and uses the Montessori method of education.  Evergreen was founded in 1964.