The Adams School
P.O. Box 29
27 School Street
Castine, Maine 04421
326-8608
www.adamsschool.com
and they're off!
Rigor v. Vigor
I’ve
been using the wrong word.
In a
presidential primary season in
which even candidates for the highest office in the land have been
disputing
the differences between familiar words like
“reject” and “denounce,” I was intrigued by a vocabulary
distinction
brought to light by a school director in
We are
fairly accepting of the use of the word “rigor” as a positive term for
high
standards and accomplishments in lots of things, including education.
As it
turns out, “vigor” might be a much better choice—at least a more
inspiring term
for what we want schools and scholars to achieve, and what we want a
learning
community to feel like.
“Consider
the possibilities of academic vigor,” writes Vorenberg. “Is it not our
goal to
engage students as active, energetic learners? To empower students to
think
boldly and intensely about math concepts or scientific inquiries? Isn’t
it our
greatest satisfaction when students apply their intellectual and
creative
energy to problem solving in ways that inspire and extend our own
understanding
as teachers? I believe that we strive not for rigor but for vigorous
growth,
both mental and physical….”
As I parsed
Vorenberg’s dichotomy, the less creativity and spirit I saw in rigor.
Sure,
there’s a certain calculated cleanness and crisp clarity—and a place
for its
sense of accuracy and thoroughness. But when I think of the mission of
schools
and learning, I have to feel drawn towards that indwelling sense of
growth,
newness, health and possibility I hear in vigor.
Imposed and strict, versus enthusiastic and energetic. Dickens versus
Rowling?
Wonkham-Strong versus Tom.
“What’s in
a [word]? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?” Yes, in the
abstract.
But we also live in imaginary gardens—in a meadow with wild flowers,
where
dandelions are as good as orchids. Here at ground level, we don’t
deliberate
for long about “reject” and “denounce,” but we know the sound of vigor
like the
crack of bat hitting a line drive past the statue.
My 30 years
experience in schools corroborates the wisdom in making the switch from
rigor
to vigor. Schools I’ve visited or worked in that felt the most alive,
challenging, and inspiring are the ones that live the difference. Rigor
is a good word for intense practice, rehearsal, the
routines that
build muscle or agility or self-control. Think of piano scales, running
laps,
hitting backhands over and over against the wall, memorizing poems or
play
parts, touch typing lessons or calligraphy. But rigor is not enough.
Vigor is
the application of these: the improvised piano solo, the new personal
best in
the 100 yard dash, beating a better player in tennis, reciting that
lyric poem
or soliloquy with feeling and understanding, unleashing that pent-up
ten page
short story or delicate Haiku that needs one-of-a-kind flourishes of
the pen.
Vigor is the sum of our parts, the point on the graph where ability
intersects
with challenge; the zone where we accomplish what we’ve sought and
prepared to
accomplish; the project, or performance, or problem in which we are
effective…and know it.
No wonder
we feel most vigorous in spring: our torpid roots are suddenly yearning
to work and a little careful pruning encourages new growth.
Sugar is moving just under the bark Vigor is syrup. Have you seen a
sixth or
seventh grade boy recently? They’re like forsythia or lilacs that have
been
forced and suddenly yellow is bursting forth well ahead of their
cousins with
latent, frost-bound roots! Vigor is the sounds of our jazz band players
coming
in fourth at the state jazz fest, as well as earning individual medals
for
soloing, their first time in the competition. Vigor is new inductees
into the
VAMP Car Hall of Fame; newly competent double Dutch rope jumpers;
Calvin group
whale watchers tutoring the Bowdoin
crew on spotting and identifying Right Whales on their way to the
arctic
circle; a newly mastered Led Zep song wafting from the music room;
multicultural stories on a Saturday morning at school;
7th and 8th graders
dancing to the Chimes of Dunkirk—a French folk dance they are taking
back to
France following a many generations-stint here…in Nouvelle France.
—Todd
Food! Games!
Crafts!
Stories and puppet shows! Saturday, April 5th the Readers
Theater
Multi-Cultural Fair at
Ice Skates…Still
got a bunch lingering in the lobby. Time to take them home.
So long, Elm:
The massive elm tree by the
Baseball:
Last call for anyone interested in playing on the Penobscot-Brooksville
baseball team. Practices will take place in Penobscot at Zig Zag
field…Adams
Schoolers are welcome to join, since we do not have enough players for
our own
team.
Town Pee Wee Baseball? Questions to Sue Macomber, please.
******************************************************************************
Monday – Cheesy Chicken
Pasta Bake, Rolls, Peas, Peaches, Milk
Tuesday – Spanish Rice
w/Beef, Broccoli, Cornbread, Pumpkin Bar, Milk
Weds. – Mini Corn Dogs,
Smiley Fries, Muffin, Apple Slices, Milk
Thursday – Pizza, Salad,
Trail Mix, Blueberry Cake, Milk
Friday – Chicken Burgers,
Tater Tots, Baby Carrots, Popsicle, Cookie, Milk
***************************************************
April…National
Poetry Month!
5
French
Trip Departs for
5 Readers Theater
Multi-cultural stories.
10
Tennis ends.
13
French Trip returns.
17 Lecture by Dr. Randall
White at CHS,
19
Passover begins.
21-27
Spring
Vacation
30 Early
release day.
Results of the April 3rd
Referendum:
75 – Yes
45 – No