This is Iliana, our generously approachable, warmly present, and keenly observant Art Coordinator. Students love and appreciate both her guidance in art creation and her ability to see, understand, support, and have fun with them. Iliana grew up in the Hudson Valley and has been drawn to the path of art since she was a teeny-tiny; she studied Art Therapy and Multimedia Art during her university days and has experience working with children in therapeutic and educational contexts. At Zena Democratic School she has found a perfect match for her temperament and her beliefs about education, and she is excited to pursue Masters work in Art Therapy. She likes to read the last page of a book before beginning at the beginning.
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.