This is Vanessa, Van, V, Vanny Pants, Vanoosa, Vanoogie. We call a spade a spade; Vanessa is our Matriarch and our Lodestar. Vanessa is a founder of the school, a mother to 6 former & current students,and the only remaining person who’s been a School Meeting Member for all 21 years and counting. Vanessa is the throbbing, beating, wild, sometimes bleeding heart of the school; she cares about all of us, and her care carries us like the invincible love of a parent. Sometimes I text her randomly just to test it, and she always responds within the minute, so ready to help, to talk, to be there. She’s done every job at school, she’s paid every bill, cleaned every toilet, and tied every shoe. She’s taken out the trash and she’s on the Board of Trustees. She’s a superb listener, a straight (but compassionate) talker, a first-rate synthesizer of ideas, and the boldest baddest educator you’ll ever meet. She’s also a world-class event planner and a professional photographer, a super-taster, a soccer player, a world traveler, and a poor sleeper. She’s all about it, and we’re all about her, if you can’t tell by now. She makes us better, and what could be better than that?
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.