This is Matthew, but I like to call him Matty, who can often be hanging upside down off of the swing set or tree limbs. Sometimes I look out the Meeting Room window only to find Matt balancing on the Gaga Ball fence – his balance is impeccable. While his physical strength impresses us all it’s the strength of his heart and mind that we are grateful for. He is often the one we go to as our PR writer, the voice of our school, articulating what we do with such humor, heart, and an articulate grace. Maybe it’s because he uses a standing desk, forages mushrooms, and cooks all his food from the finest ingredients – a few years ago he even built and slept in a natural debris hut. He’s not afraid to pull a prank, to join imaginary games, to practice modern dance, to talk history, or to bring a controversial motion to School Meeting. He reads books and is constantly challenging himself and us. When goings get tough, and sometimes they do, he’s the one I call first – why, because he keeps his composure, he looks at every side of the situation, and then he thoughtfully and calmly lifts me right back up; his manner is subtle and genuine. The love and pride Mattthew has for our community is clear and contagious – it makes us strong. He is the quintessence of our Self-Directed Democratic philosophy and for that we are thankful.
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.