This is KR, a Fire Keeper with a dazzling array of experience and an incorrigible curiosity and excitement about education. Her primary role at school is managing our organized activities as our Programming Clerk, but she also oversees our Community Events! She’s a good fit for the job, having participated in a lot of diverse programming herself over the years, from graduate work at the Sorbonne (mostly eating croissants) to studying research biology at Stanford, to becoming a certified NY wildlife rehabilitator, to organizing and facilitating a lot of programming, from nature-based preschool programs to tutoring middle school students, to teaching French and philosophy at NYU and in high school, to creating the very popular and sweet Community Fire Circles. Whew! KR also loves to split wood (like, large amounts) and dance jigs when she finds cool mushrooms in the woods. KR came to ZDS seeking a community working towards authenticity, care, and self-expression, and to manifest her deep belief in self-directed education. She is dialed in, well-organized, and deeply excited be a member of the ZDS Staff!
Parent Involvement
Parents’ experience of the school is a crucial factor in determining their childrens’ experience of the school. Children of parents who work hard to understand our philosophy, communicate with staff, attend events, and connect with the community usually get the most out of our program.
Parents typically grow alongside their children as the family matures together within our bold, challenging, and trusting philosophy. Many parents find themselves doing things they hadn’t before enrolling their children in our school, like starting a business, taking up a new hobby, or dedicating themselves to art. Parents who remain open, think critically, and grapple honestly with questions and concerns about the program and their children’s education provide the best support for children at our school.
We depend on parents to participate on our Fundraising and Financial Aid Committees, as well as in our Assembly, our largest democratic body, which ratifies changes to our bylaws. Many parents volunteer their expertise, and there are always at least a couple who are regularly coming in to offer instruction. Parents are also needed to chaperone field trips, and most of our substitute staff are parents too.
Sending your children to a self-directed democratic school is a bold choice, and people will question it. Many parents find it helpful to attend our events and make connections with the community, and especially with other parents.