This is Muffin, a strawberry-haired mud-chef who opens bananas the monkey way and loves strawberry yogurt with the limitless ardor of a heroine of Greek mythology (our theater coop is putting on Eurydice plus I am reading Madeline Miller’s books rn so hence the sort of random Greek references throughout, pls excuse). When Muffin began this year, she was the “littlest” among us, and she came three days a week; the other two she attended the Catskill Wheelhouse, where she was the “biggest.” Sure enough, she has been one of the best friends of the babies and toddlers who visit, but she still has that instant-coffee readiness-to-play, the moment you take one silly step, that we are most familiar with in toddlers. Biggest or littlest, she is def the giggliest and the wiggliest anywhere, the platonic ideal of yoThis is Muffin, a strawberry-haired mud-chef who opens bananas the monkey way and loves strawberry yogurt with the limitless ardor of a heroine of Greek mythology (our theater coop is putting on Eurydice plus I am reading Madeline Miller’s books rn so hence the sort of random Greek references throughout, pls excuse). When Muffin began this year, she was the “littlest” among us, and she came three days a week; the other two she attended the Catskill Wheelhouse, where she was the “biggest.” Sure enough, she has been one of the best friends of the babies and toddlers who visit, but she still has that instant-coffee readiness-to-play, the moment you take one silly step, that we are most familiar with in toddlers. Biggest or littlest, she is def the giggliest and the wiggliest anywhere, the platonic ideal of youthiness at play.
Some of our other littlest School Meeting Members’ parents work at the school, but Muffin does not have that luxury, and she has mustered the bravery of Atalanta to say goodbye every morning. To that end, she created a ritual with her parents where she waits in the office while they go outside and everybody waves goodbye through the window. 😢👋🏼
Muffin loves thinking and learning about outer space and pursuing her quarry in Pokemon Go with the determination of Artemis. She is a Director of our Playroom Coop and loves playing Spot-it w/ Trine and Garbage w/ Nana & pals, or kickball or basketball outside w/ Red Ninja et. all. She is a prolific baker of mud and other “straight from nature” products in our outdoor kitchen, and she regularly plays Queen while her friends enthusiastically attend her as “servants.” Muffin also has a regularly scheduled hour-long playdate w/ special friend Trine every week.
Muffin is generous, always sharing her snacks with hungry companions. She is considerate, offering to “watch” my four year old son, even tho she’s just a year + older. She is curious, watching carefully. We are so lucky to have her among us, oh how could we be so lucky? What gods have smiled upon us so brightly? Muffin, thank you for bringing so much to Hudson Valley Sudbury School; we hope we will bring as much to you!uthiness at play.
Some of our other littlest School Meeting Members’ parents work at the school, but Muffin does not have that luxury, and she has mustered the bravery of Atalanta to say goodbye every morning. To that end, she created a ritual with her parents where she waits in the office while they go outside and everybody waves goodbye through the window. 😢👋🏼
Muffin loves thinking and learning about outer space and pursuing her quarry in Pokemon Go with the determination of Artemis. She is a Director of our Playroom Coop and loves playing Spot-it w/ Trine and Garbage w/ Nana & pals, or kickball or basketball outside w/ Red Ninja et. all. She is a prolific baker of mud and other “straight from nature” products in our outdoor kitchen, and she regularly plays Queen while her friends enthusiastically attend her as “servants.” Muffin also has a regularly scheduled hour-long playdate w/ special friend Trine every week.
Muffin is generous, always sharing her snacks with hungry companions. She is considerate, offering to “watch” my four year old son, even tho she’s just a year + older. She is curious, watching carefully. We are so lucky to have her among us, oh how could we be so lucky? What gods have smiled upon us so brightly? Muffin, thank you for bringing so much to Hudson Valley Sudbury School; we hope we will bring as much to you!
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.