In
common understanding, an orchard is a place where fruit is cultivated. Planting
typically happens in the fall, and the fruit starts to blossom and ripen in the
spring. All along the way, the trees need water, sun, good soil, and pruning in
order to produce healthy fruit, and no two pieces, even from the same tree, are
the same.
Cultivating
fruit is hard work, and it does not always go as planned. Sometimes weather
becomes unpredictable, or other dangers arise. The farmers do all they can to protect
the fruit from the likes of frost, high winds, drought, or insects. The fruit
may end up being a different shape or color than originally thought, but the
good farmer knows that it is what is on the inside that counts.
For
the last four and a half months, I have had the privilege of being at Orchard
View Elementary School as a principal intern. I’ve seen the cultivation up
close, and lent a helping hand when I could. I’ve seen teachers cry with joy
when a student did something beyond anything imagined, and also cry with a hurting
heart because a student is suffering. I’ve regularly seen teachers come in at
6:15 in the morning when school doesn’t start until 8:40; likewise, I’ve regularly
seen teachers here until 6 or later in the evening. I’ve watched a principal dialogue
with students who have made bad choices, simultaneously doling out love and high
expectations. I’ve cried along with parents who are facing tough situations and
choices with their kids. I’ve watched interventionists, office staff, media
staff, special ed aides, cafeteria personnel, and custodial staff day in and
day out till the soil that helps our kids grow.
Although I was a mid-season transplant in this orchard, both the “farmers” and the “fruit” immediately accepted and cared for me. As a result, I was able to grow exponentially, and this orchard captured my heart. When I think of all that I am taking back with me to the Instruction Office, I picture them as seeds that will I continue to cultivate as I continue my learning journey.
