by Paul Freedman

Head of Salmonberry School

At this time of year, when our high school seniors are duly celebrated for their achievements, it is an opportunity for parents and educators to remember the importance of ritual for marking many stages of children’s growth and development. Salmonberry School believes that taking moments to pause from the busyness of school life to intentionally create events when we celebrate and reflect on this awesome process of human unfolding is essential for nurturing young people towards healthy and mindful maturity.

This week’s school year closing at Salmonberry was a time for ritual and reflection. Students, parents, friends and relatives came to bear witness. Each student had prepared a beautiful display of their best work and learning, which visitors meandered through while the student docents proudly shared. “At the beginning of the year, I couldn’t hardly read. Now here are a few of my favorite books. I read all of them this year,” said one young student. An older student reflected, “This was one of the funniest of my lines from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Let me recite it for you!” And another recalled, “This was something I did for my personal research project on the Women’s Suffrage Movement. I learned so much!” Appreciative visitors helped students by offering feedback and accolades for all these concrete examples of powerful learning and personal growth.

Then, in quieter classroom gatherings, students formed circles, with a concentric circle of parents just outside. In this intimate venue, students remembered funny times and difficult moments alike.

“I actually cried a lot this year,” said one. “Some were good tears. Others not so much. But the teachers always let me feel my feelings and I always knew I was in a safe place. I really appreciate Salmonberry for always being my safe space.”

Later in the morning the entire school gathered together for a paper flower ritual. One by one students walked to a large array of water-filled plates where they carefully placed an enfolded and carefully designed flower. As they stood and watched, their flower slowly and magically unfolded until there was a huge community bouquet, metaphorically reflecting the diverse panoply of students. Then the multi-age circle of children and adults sang a haunting Maori prayer, Aio- ki-te Aroongni… Peace, peace, peace to the U-ni-verse.

Food was shared, games were played. Laughter and smiles abounded. Finally, it was time for the final ritual, the Angel Walk. Each child was blindfolded and gently led one-by-one through two long parallel lines of adults and friends who leaned in to whisper words of love and appreciation. “We believe in rituals here,” said teacher, Kari Van Gelder, “rituals punctuate moments along people’s sacred journeys. Graduations are important, but we need to remember to add rituals to other aspects of school life too.”