A Message from Mr. Olds

Dear Prospective Students and Families,

As the great American radio broadcaster Paul Harvey used to say, “And now, for the rest of the story”.  You may have read about The Howe School from various sources, but I would like to share a few of my personal and professional experiences as an educator.

First of all, allow me to state that I have never been associated with a learning institution as diverse and brimming with opportunity as The Howe School.  This past August, on my very first day teaching at Howe, I was greeted with “Good morning, sir” from the students.  I can honestly state how welcome it was to hear students speak with respect.  This is taught to the students well before they step foot in the classroom.  Students arrive to class prepared to learn.  Students understand what is expected of them from the very beginning, which can often be a struggle at other schools.  I encourage my students to ask questions; to challenge me if they have a difference of opinion; to think as individuals, and not simply sponges meant to absorb information just long enough to pass the next exam.  This leads to real, life-long learning.

In the teaching profession, we are to recognize and possess the ability to educate diverse groups of learners.  This has never been as true as it is at Howe.  My English classes this past year consisted of two students from Russia, three from China, one each from Barbados and the United Arab Emirates, not to mention students from every regoin of the United States.  While this may seem like a challenge it is truly an invaluable asset in the classroom.  Rather than attempting to describe a culture which I am not familiar, I have the “experts” right in my classroom that are more than willing to share their cultural backgrounds.  For instance, while reading a story relating to events during the Cold War; it became apparent that many current generation students do not understand the history of Soviet Communism.  I asked one of my Russian students to share what life was like for his parents and grandparents when they were growing up.  He stated that the economic struggle of that time was terribly difficult for them, and most Soviet citizens lived in constant terror of a U.S. nuclear attack.  It is encouraging that we have the unique ability to learn from one another, and I embrace this as a significant resource; equally important as textbooks and other educational sources.

A true example of character development unique to The Howe School is the Leadership Education Training (LET) program required for all high school students.  Far too many young people today are simply “followers”.  I can say this as a father of three teen and preteen children.  It is far easier for a young person to find an influential figure in their life, and blindly follow the direction of the crowd or to walk the path which they feel will gain them acceptance.  Many of these “followers” are led on a dangerous journey.

The Howe School creates leaders, not “followers”.  Students at Howe gain the necessary training to become leaders in their families, professions, and communities, throughout the world.  One at a time, The Howe School produces leaders who will, one day, become invaluable influences in the lives of people around the world.

Regards,

Mr. J. Olds
English Teacher / Mentor