I Am Known
Only when a child is deeply known can we aspire to understand their learning needs. That is how we recognize when to challenge students to take a risk: too soon and their sense of self can be harmed; too late and the opportunity is lost. Knowing a child allows us to understand when extra supports and care are required. Knowing a child guides us about when to be firm, when to be gentle, when to urge, and when to listen. Knowing a child exposes us to their evolving passions and gives us permission to encourage perseverance when that passion is waning. Knowing a child opens a dialogue and reveals potential experiences through which integrity and goodness can be cultivated.
Every TMS student can say I Am Known. Being seen and understood emboldens children to explore the unfamiliar, stand their ground, support a friend, lead a cause, pursue what fascinates and push through difficulty. Relationships that create connection and trust are the secret to unlocking the fullness of a child. They ensure a student feels the security to take a chance, try something new and embrace both the effort and joy of learning.
I Am Known
To be known, truly known, means that you are cared for. You can’t really know someone without caring for them.
Knowing you are cared for gives you a foundation from which to grow, to be ambitious and bold, taking strength that comes from a strong foundation.
At TMS we hold this work as central, wrapping our curriculum and school life around our aspirational quest to know our students.
We know there is a time to challenge and a time to hold, a time to inspire and a time to listen, a time to nudge and guide and a time to lead and expect. These things can only happen if you are known.
Our students do good things, special and significant things. They are bold, courageous and authentically themselves. They can do these things because they have a foundation; they are cared for, they are known.