The more you learn, the less you know. A paradox that often becomes a cliche as we age. For those in education, we wrestle with this every year as our experiences create wisdom that we strive to share but cannot fully do so. We create learning opportunities that help our students grow, hoping that one day they too will recognize this paradox in themselves. But at the same time, we know that they have to strive to learn for themselves or the paradox will never be achieved.
This recently reminded of the story of the Ship of Theseus. Do you know it? It too is a paradox. Documented by Plutarch, the story tells of the great Athenian warrior Theseus, who upon his return from his exploits, anchored his ship in the harbor as a memorial. As the decades passed, parts of the ship began to rot and decay, so the original wooden planks were gradually replaced until eventually the entire ship had been made new, raising the fundamental question about identity and change: is it the same ship?
This blog often explores the development of preteen and teenagers. I am daily coaching staff, teachers, students, parents, and myself on how we persist through the changes of adolescence and the changes of society. From the launching of the internet, occurring while I was a teacher, to the launching of artificial intelligence, occuring now while I am a principal, we work from a foundation of unconditional positive regard. So when the challenges come, we have this foundation, we have our original "ship" while also knowing that we will have new "boards" in some places.
So is it the same ship? For some, they do not think so, and it is frustrating. We are no longer the same; they do not feel the memorial is being remembered or appreciated. But here is where the paradoxes connect: if a critical mass can be aware that with more knowledge one becomes more aware of the vastness of what remains to be known and the complexities and gaps we all have in our understanding, we can hold onto at least the idea, the memory of the ship. We can be aware of ignorance – there is so much more to learn – we can expand our perspectives and allow others to expand theirs – pushing one’s thoughts and ideas and accepting the differences in others – and we can be more humble – to grow in the intellectual humility that there is so much more learning yet to still do. Then maybe we also can give and receive the necessary support on the journey to the paradox’s end.
Next week is our first parent-teacher conference night. It is only one rather than two as we will repeat this two more times this year. Please come with your child. Please come with questions and use the opportunity to be a part of the critical mass. Come with curiosity, starting your collaboration with us if you are 5th or 6th grade family or new to Spectrum or renewing our connection if you are a 7th or 8th grade family. Each year has those new boards, and there are quite a few this year, but I feel it is still the original ship, and I am glad I can learn more while on it.
Weeks at a Glance
- Homecoming Week - Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10
- Pepfest - Spectrum Middle School: Friday, October 10
- Parent & Teacher Conferences - Tuesday, October 14
- Scholastic Book Fair - Spectrum Middle School cafeteria, Tuesday, October 14
- MEA Break - Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17
Open Enrollment
Help us spread the word to your neighbors, friends, family, and community:
Spectrum Schools is accepting enrollment applications for NEW students for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026, to be included in the mid-February 2026, Enrollment Lottery. Applications due by January 31, 2026.
IMPORTANT: Siblings must submit an application to be considered for enrollment.
Sign up for an Information & Tour Session with the Spectrum Registrar or call 763-241-8703 for more details.
Thank you for helping us grow our Spectrum community!