This is Paul, a STEM guy with a beard, meticulous work habits, and a passion for Self-Directed Education. Paul has a significant background both in administrative work and in education. He is the vital organizational rock of our office, and the kind of sweet, patient, and present adult so many children love to be around. Paul appreciates the freedom grounded in responsibility ZDS offers to students, as well as the decentralized power structure of the school and the opportunities here for students and staff alike to integrate and balance work and play. In his free time Paul has been hiking the Catskills and the White Mountains, and is starting to look northwards towards the Adirondack State Park. He’s been tearing up the airways traveling the world the past couple years, too. His pick-up soccer nickname is The Boot, so watch out if you ever find yourself on the field with him…
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.