This guy is called REM, but he doesn’t get good sleep. He’s a Sudbury newbie but fits one of the classic old-school Sudbury molds: playground berserker. So far at school he’s spent most of his time everywhere at once, but mostly outside, running around with his brother Keeg (who REM calls, “the best brother in the world”) and a small posse of other prescription-strength six to nine year olds. And, naturally, he says his favorite thing about school is that he “gets to play with his friends.” REM is fun-loving and tough. He is sweet and good-natured and a little mischievous; we all feel better when he’s around, 100%.
At home, REM likes to chat with his friends and lie around on his bed. He looks up to his big sister who “has her driver’s license and $5,000.” They go to camp together every summer and swim a ton. He likes to hike with his brother Keeg, and they pick up trash while they do “to help the environment.” His favorite dinner fare is his mom’s broccoli and cheese soup.
This year REM is hoping to learn “how to climb a building.” Really? “Yes, because I climb trees but the bark gets stuck under my nails and I fall off. I land on my feet though.” He says that so far he’s loving his new school experience at Sudbury. He says, “I’ve learned that I know more than I thought I did.” REM, we are thrilled to have you with us. We appreciate so much all the learning and growing you are doing so fast, and it inspires us to redouble our own efforts to learn and grow. We hope you stick around a long long time ❤️
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.