Welcome to Down Home, San Luis Obispo Classical Academy’s blog! We are a classical school offering several options to make our education work for families with infants through high schoolers. Our signature hybrid program, which is part-time classroom and part-time home instruction, provides an engaging education for preschool through middle school (with full time options available). We also have a university model high school. This blog is meant to support and encourage on the home front because, in so many ways, the heart of what happens at SLO Classical Academy happens down home.

Semper discentes—always learning together.

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Friday Flops: The Power of What is Possible

{photo by Alex Proimos on flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0}

“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Today’s Friday Flop demonstrates the beauty of finding the silver lining in being wrong. Let’s hear from our UMS Logic teacher Jenna Burns:

In class a few weeks back we learned the three reasons humans argue (1. possessions 2. geography 3. worldview/beliefs/ideas). To illustrate worldview we looked at a handful of laws in Saudi Arabia and how they differ from our laws, and by extension our worldview. Of worldview/beliefs/ideas, I explained to the kids that worldview is the hardest to persuade someone to change. Beliefs and ideas can be changed but when it comes to worldview the best outcome of an argument is often agreeing to disagree. Then I literally said to the kids – “You could never convince me I can't drive because I am a woman, and we will probably never convince the people of Saudi Arabia that women should be allowed to drive. In cases like these, respecting our differences and agreeing to disagree is the best outcome.”

The very next day women were granted the right to drive in Saudi Arabia. Oh my goodness! It was fun following up with the kids the next time we had class. They figure I have a superpower – if I say something won't happen then it will, and they wanted me to say all sorts of things for them!

In the end, this flop reminded me of the importance of hope and communicating to our students the power of what is possible.

This is so cool! Thanks for sharing this, Jenna. What a powerful and positive message for our students.

We’d love to hear from more parents and teachers – please share your flops with us! Email Down Home about any mistakes or difficulties that ultimately made (or are making) you stronger.

The holiday season is upon us, and Down Home would like to highlight any upcoming performances or events involving SLOCA students. This is one more way to share life together, by learning what students are doing outside of SLOCA, showing up, and cheering them on. And if you’re looking for family-friendly events anyway, why not choose something that a friend or classmate is involved in? Even if you aren't able to attend the events, you can encourage these kids in their pursuits when you see them, and ask how it’s going. It’s great for the kids to know that others care. If you have any student performance events to share, please send the info to Down Home. Here's one:

Come enjoy Ballet Theatre! San Luis Obispo's world premiere of The Snow Queen, based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, December 15-17. This is a great holiday family activity. Cast includes SLOCA students Kate Fisher (HS junior), Catherine Walz (Intermediate, Track A), and Ellie Godsey (Primary, Track B). Amelia Walz (HS junior) is on the costume crew. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bt-slo.org.

And finally, here's a long list of general holiday community events coming up, for family-friendly outings (click on each for more details). Many of them are happening this weekend! If you know of others, leave the info in the comments:

SLO Holiday Parade – tonight at 7 pm

Holiday Harmony in Pismo Beach – tonight, 5:30-7:30 pm

Light Up the Downtown Holiday Celebration in Atascadero – tonight, 5-8 pm

Lighted Boat Weekend in Morro Bay – tonight through Sunday

South County Holiday Parade – December 2nd, 10-11 am

Santa's Workshop Fine Art and Craft Faire – December 2nd, 10 am – 3 pm

Santa Arrives on the Surfliner – December 2nd, 2:15-5 pm

Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake in Atascadero – December 2nd, 5:30-9:30 pm

Paso Robles Holiday Lights Parade – December 2nd, 7 pm

Cal Poly Choirs: Holiday Kaleidoscope – December 2nd, 7:30 pm

Elegant Christmas in the Village of Arroyo Grande – December 3rd, 4-8 pm

Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting – December 3rd, 5 pm