This is Litchkie, a hair-tossing, hard-talking, people-loving HVSS veteran, always ready with a smile and a kind word. At school she’s usually on the move – we catch glimpses of her gliding by windows, or in and out of doors, all day long, always with a friend, always chatting excitedly, or listening carefully, or getting something off her chest. She’s got younger friends, older friends, friends like her, friends not so much like her at all. Litchkie’s also got enough talent to make your head spin – she plays piano like Schumann, belts it out like Adele, and throws roundhouses like Jean Claude Van Damme; she’ll make your head spin right off the side of the planet! What’s even more impressive to us, though, are her powers of contemplation, reflection, and insight. She’s a brick house on suspension committees, offering good listening, wisdom, and tough love, she’s knowledgeable and involved in the school’s democratic processes, and when I asked her what she’s been working on at school lately, she said, “I’ve been trying to take things less literally and personally, trying to think things thru, understand other’s perspective. I’m making a conscious effort to talk to some students I wouldn’t normally talk to, and see if I can still be me. I’m just being a person. I feel like I have that opportunity here, I don’t have to limit myself. And I don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes. People are people and mistakes are natural. Anywhere else, if you make a mistake it’s a terrible thing, but here it’s part of what you’re supposed to do…so I’ve been writing, talking, and listening to others more.” Wow, Litchkie, we need to redouble our own efforts so we can keep up with you. THANK YOU for being such a good friend, and such a reliable person, and so generous and receptive and empathetic. We’ll walk-and-talk with you anytime, anywhere.
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.