Dr. Palmer’s Update: May 2011

Serving as the Lower School Chapel speaker recently gave me a remarkable glimpse into the early years of a Principia education—grades 1–5.

To illustrate this year’s Principia-wide metaphysical theme: “Trust in the Lord, and do good” (Psalms 37:3), I offered some Biblical examples. Of course, the students knew about Daniel and the lions’ den and David and Goliath. I was impressed, however, when a tiny second grader piped up and outlined the Ruth and Naomi story in detail. Nothing stumped these students.

I learned to be careful about raising rhetorical questions. Whether you’re expecting an answer or not, hands shoot up and these Lower Schoolers are ready with a reply. Their energy and enthusiasm for learning is inspiring.

A few days later, I received a delightful handmade “book” with neatly written notes from each third grader. (Apparently, the classes take turns writing to thank each week’s Chapel speaker.) Becky wrote: “I learned you can ‘Trust in the Lord’ and you can do good things like the people in the Bible.” The real zinger came from Thomas: “I learned that everybody even dead people were good.”

Not only were their notes insightful, and funny at moments, but I can attest to the fact that our third graders are mastering the art of cursive writing. Their letters were beautifully written.

As we rocket toward graduation weekend in early June, I am savoring every opportunity to see our students shine. At every level across Principia, students are blooming alongside the spring flowers, showing off their accomplishments through choir and band concerts, theatrical productions, athletic triumphs, and academic successes.

I’ve been spending a considerable amount of time recently with high school seniors who are carefully considering their college options for next year. It’s an exciting transition time for these students, and I enjoy sharing the benefits of the immersive, handwrought, experiential education Principia College has to offer.

Even as we head into the final weeks of classes, the College continues to host a series of excellent speakers. Tonight, we’ll hear from Colin Beavan, the “No Impact Man” who experimented with living for a year with as little impact on the environment as possible. On May 10, architect Robert Bruegmann, an expert on urban sprawl, will speak. On May 12, author Susan Vreeland will be back on campus to discuss her latest book, Clara and Mr. Tiffany. Check the Principia Internet Radio schedule for live or recorded broadcasts of these and other Principia talks.

I hope you’ll join me for a Principia Chat “season finale” on May 24 (8–9 p.m. CDT). Tune in to Principia Internet Radio for the live broadcast. I’ll provide an update on Principia’s strategic plan—“Rising Higher, Reaching Further”—and answer your questions. If you can’t make the live broadcast, you can find podcasts and video highlights from all Principia Chats at www.principia.edu/chat.

I look forward to chatting with you later this month!