Value Education@International Magnet School

On this teacher appreciation week, I can't thank enough the efforts of the teachers, doing everything possible to educate the kids in an online and in person class amidst covid. I have been observing my son Nimal's first grade class by Mr.Hassett. I am impressed and happy about so many aspects of the class. 

As a parent, I believe, educating the kids in human values, is more important than the academic education. While there is a great focus on academics in my son's class, the focus on the values is what I like the most.  The theme in International Magnetic school is to learn to be a responsible global citizen. The school's morning pledge is my favorite. Everyday, I make sure  to stay around during the morning pledge that reads as follows - 

"I pledge allegiance to humanity and to the world that gives us life. One people united in diversity in one world united in peace with freedom and dignity for all".

What more can we ask for the kids to expect and give when they grow up? The fact that the people are one and everyone deserves freedom and dignity is a fundamental aspect of a civilized world. This message getting registered in every IMS kid's heart and mind will make them amazing global citizens. I believe that their strife will be to help the humanity as a whole transcending national and cultural boundaries.  

 The first step towards learning to respect the culture, language and practices of everyone in the society is making the kids understand that there different ways of life followed across the world and not only the way they follow. Mr. Hassett, brings this understanding in the class by encouraging the kids to greet each other in the languages spoken by all the kids in the class. The first graders morning greetings can be "Guten Morgen" in German, "Shalom" in Hebrew, "Vanakkam" in Tamil, "Bonjour" in French, "Namaste" in Hindi/Telugu, "Good Morning" in English. Now, my son knows and respects when people greet differently.

I have seen Mr.Hassett discussing with the kids about social issues like how women were not treated equal and the laws that grant them equality. Such discussions enable the kids to look around and observe the society.

A genuine appreciation from a peer is sign of professionalism. I am amazed to see this quality in the first grade children. The star of the day not just by the teacher but also by the students encourage the kids to acknowledge and appreciate their fellow classmates. I have had hearty smiles, when I heard Vihan saying "I like the way Myra read", or Charlie giving a star to Leana or Nimal for completing all the activities or staying focused.

The part of communication that I personally struggled when saying No or disciplining my son is the tone that I use. I have either given up or have been rude. By observing the tone that Mr.Hassett and Ms.Maeby use, I have become better at saying a firm No, respectfully.

When I ask my son, on why he likes Mr.Hassett's class, he says, "He makes learning fun". Making learning fun is not easy and it makes one a great teacher. In Indian culture, a teacher or Guru is regarded God for providing true knowledge to their students.  My sincere thanks to Mr.Hassett , Ms. Maeby and all the teachers at IMS. I can't be more satisfied knowing that my son is learning the values required to be a good human being. 

Happy Birthday Amma!

 Happy Birthday Amma!

I always tell my mom that I love her but not so much on how amazing she is, what I learnt from her and how grateful I am to her.  This is my note of thanks to her on her birthday. “Happy Birthday Amma and Thank yo so much!”

My mom’s life story can be fit in the novels of Ambai or Balakumran. She hailed from a broad minded middle class family. Married in another middle class family, she was one of the two financial wheels along with my dad. As a first generation working woman, she defined the standards of balance - adopting an outlook required for work and at the same time follow the traditions of a conserved Brahmin family. She figured so much early that along with work , raising me and my brother, her own hobbies are important too. Even in my generation I see so many women who sacrifice all their interests for the family and finally be frustrated about it. However, she was prudent and always figured as much time for her hobbies - be it reading or drawing kolam or watching movies. Who said 3D games are for boys. The personal computer purchased for me was mostly used by her for playing games. When my college classmates were talking about the levels in  The Wolf gang, she was there winning level over level and finishing the game.  Road rash , Super Bike 2000-   Yup those too!

I think that a good life is all about the people we have in them. One of the things that both my brother and myself are blessed with is our ability to connect with people. We have made a lot of friends and acquaintances, have experienced emotional strength and distraught through them. This was possible because of the environment she provided us with. My mother and grand mother have always happily and kindly hosted our friends. Their touch of kindness is a powerful lesson for us. 

In a recent get together with newly acquainted friends, when the topics gradually shifted from food, kids to politics all the women left the discussion. I was the only woman debating about policies and impacts. One of the male friends mentioned that it is very much difficult for men to handle such a mature political conversation like I did. When I look back, I remember heated political discussions that my mother had with men in the family and neighborhood. A Brahmin woman supporting CITU unions and Dravidian party, you can imagine the courage this requires. No doubt my independent thinking, ability to express them, all came from her.  

My mom was always content with what she had and most importantly knew to live a life. When she felt that the financial responsibilities are over she quit her job and pursued her passion- Travel. In five plus years of retired life she made close to hundred travels including the visit to the Himalayas, Srilanka and the Andamans. Best part, she did not compromise her interest because the interest was not in common with my dad. She didn’t wait for anyone’s company, and just did it.  

When I stood as an achiever in school, she was there with all her support,

When I kept messing up in college, she was there with all the support,

When I was shattered with  broken heart and failed ambition, she was there with all her support,

When I had to struggle  balancing career and my son, she was there with all her support.

Everything that I am is because she is there with all her support.

Thank you amma! Happy Birthday to you!