This is Vanny, third-year Sudbury student and former unschooler, contemplative builder of quirky worlds, relentless slayer of mini-pizzas. He is gentle-hearted but courageous, like a lion with a sheep’s head (note to self this simile should be workshopped).
Vanny is a thoughtful, considerate, and fiercely supportive friend, and some evidence for this is his love of the lowly chicken. He wears chickens on his favorite covid mask and on his rain boots, and he’s got tons of chicken friends. He says, “they’re soft and sweet and they can be easily rehabilitated.” He recommends outfitting them with diapers if you want to bring them indoors.
Vanny is a creator; he makes costumes, comics, animations, screenplays, and other stuff too. His writing is dark, funny, cool, and frankly terrifying (it’s supposed to be). He says he is “very ambitious. There’s a lot I want to accomplish, but I’m realistic about it. I don’t expect things to happen overnight, or without work, but I have worked for years on my projects and I expect it to be worth it.” He already makes bank, too, he even hired a web-designer for his site, which you should check out at dancinragdollscomics.com.
Vanny appreciates having the time and space at Sudbury to “work on the things I need to work on.” He believes his social skills, work ethic, and time-management have all improved dramatically since he enrolled. He says, “it’s a place you can find your people. I’ve changed a lot since I came here. I’ve really gotten better mentally, and just as a person.” Dang Vanny man, you are such a good person. Thank you so much for everything you do for the community; you will always be welcome here ❤️
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.