This is Phi, but don’t let the brevity of his nickname – or his abridged height – fool you; he’s a nimble, fearless skier, skateboarder, *and* surfer, a dexterous and deft bundle of skilled muscle. Not only muscle either, he’s got some robust organs besides, most notably those sonorous pipes – when he opens wide to let forth a tune in a school musical the audience’s jaws drop, too, like where is that big, rich voice coming from anyway? Phi is the life of the party, master of madcap humor and practical jokes, ready-witted and quick-smiling. He wears his heart on the sleeve of his ski jacket, unaffected; when he’s down, he cries, when he’s up he laughs exuberantly. Phi has two siblings, plus close cousins; he is a pack-animal, and, the oldest, a tender caretaker of his Littles. He packs with his friends, too, with whom he is the junior, and if they occasionally complain of him snatching at their snacks, they abide by him the way he abides by his own younger mates, and love him all the more. He’s is a fine and curious conversationalist, and not only in English; try him in Russian, or Japanese. He’s going on the big school trip to Latvia in April, so maybe he’ll pick up a few more languages. Phi is also an insightful fashionista – his clothes match him as well as the feathers of a hawk – and he brings color and shape aplenty, an abundance of aesthetic delight and vibrant energy, to our campus every day. Phi, we feel so hashtagblessed to be journeying with you, and honored to be your friends, and giddy to see what’s next.
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.