This is Coach, a dedicated practitioner of art and sport who thrives off routine. Coach be like practice practice practice. She’s a top-notch gymnast with more bounce than basketball and more twists than Stephen King, and she’s a budding saxophonist with the hair to rival Kenny G. She’s also into color theory and comic book drawing. Her practice schedule is consistent and dedicated; she cuts time clean like a knife. Before school closed Coach was teaching a gymnastics class to two of our youngest students twice a week, and it was a huge success – she was loving teaching and her students were loving it too.
Coach says, “[Hudson Valley Sudbury School] is very cool. I doubt there are many schools like it. You can do the things you want to do, and it’s free, but there’s also rules and a structure to support you.” She really enjoyed serving on our Judicial Committee. She says, “it’s cool to participate in the judicial process. I think it works out better when other kids are deciding outcomes rather than an adult. It’s an easier way to come to it and take care of things.”
Coach, it’s so good having you in this community. You inspire us to get after the things we want, and to create the life we want. And you are sweet and funny and cool. We hope we get to hang again soon ❤️
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.