My grandson’s Odyssey

I am the proud and involved grandmother of a 4-year-old boy who lives in Asheville. I felt compelled to write about the wonderful education he is receiving, [which] is available to the Asheville community.

He has attended the preschool program at Odyssey Community School in Asheville for a year and a half, and I am grateful for the wise and world-conscious education that he is receiving. Through gentle, loving instruction and direction, he is learning to value and name his own feelings and those of others. He is exploring his own preferences and learning to value the preferences of his classmates — even when they differ from his own. Sharing and kindness are just what he does, not what he is told to do. Approval and support fill his days. He is happy to help the environment through careful recycling and displays a strong awareness of the destructiveness of littering. He refers to Mother Earth, understands about composting, and planting and harvesting some of what he eats.

Of course, his activities are similar to those at most preschools. He paints and sings and messes with clay. He loves the playground. But because while he is doing these things he is learning so much more than what is usually offered, I feel compelled to let the community know about this treasure in its midst.

I am a retired elementary school teacher, and I know how hard it can be to help young children to live with ease and security in a fast, confusing world. The Odyssey Community School, which runs all the way through high school, is enriching the lives of the students and families that it touches.

— Helen Eill
Chapel Hill

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.