About this project
We want to start a school! Yep, that's right, we said it...start a school! We are a group of educators, parents, activists, labor organizers, librarians, environmentalists and we are working to start the Little Lake Free School, a democratic free school, by this Fall. Free schools have a long tradition (Leo Tolstoy, Emma Goldman and Bill Ayers started their own after all) but we feel there needs to be more empowering opportunities for youth, especially as youth are increasingly marginalized and criminalized in society.
There are many provocative aspects that make free schools unique: -student-directed, non-coercive learning where trust is key -adults act as mentors and support children in their learning goals -a strong emphasis on democracy, where students, staff and parents get to make decisions during weekly all school meetings -students are taught conflict resolution though non-violent communication and mediation -because of their non-coercive role, adults can pay attention to the whole child (emotional, social, cognitive, physical, artistic) -schedule of optional classes is created equally by students and staff and can include anything from gardening to theater, science to community projects, legos to all day field trips, sitting and thinking to afternoon hikes -happy children and happy adults!
This is where YOU come in!
There are 6 core members of our group and while we have unlimited energy and enthusiasm for this school, we have no space, no materials, no financial resources. We need money for supplying the school with stuff but really really cool stuff, like 1) radical, feminist, empowering books, 2) art supplies for lino-cuts, ceramics, zines, silkscreening, origami, and photography so kids can tell their own stories through pictures, 3) gardening tools so we can grow veggies to cook and eat for a snack and maybe even sell at our local farmers' market, 4) musical instruments (making our own out of everyday stuff but also making nice high quality drums, for example), 5) woodworking tools so kids can not just make a cute bird house but maybe tables, chairs, frames, and so on, and then the boring but necessary stuff like paper, pens, sofas, staplers.
We don't need money for salary or space rental because despite the name, we are not completely free (a free school refers to the philosophy of the school). Our full tuition is $6,600 (very affordable for this area) so we need to raise money specifically for full and partial scholarships. We highly value diversity and do not want to turn away any family that wants to join us.
By giving money to our school, you not only help us start this school, but you will assert your voice by saying that you believe in children and you will be an integral part in helping to create our community.
Please visit www.littlelakefreeschool.org to learn more.
Thanks!
FAQ
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27
Backers
$980
pledged of $9,900 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 16, 2010.
Pledge $10 or more
Have your name placed on a donor page of our website.
Pledge $20 or more
Admittance to our beer tasting fundraiser in the fall and your name placed on our donor page.
Pledge $35 or more
A handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $50 or more
An original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $75 or more
A PDF copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $100 or more
A hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $500 or more
A book about free schools, a mix CD about education, a hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $3,300 or more
This is funding a partial scholarship for a student! At this giving level, you'll receive updates and a thank you letter from the child who received a partial scholarship thanks to you! And, you'll also get a book about free schools, a mix CD about education, a hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $6,600 or more
This is a FULL scholarship for a student!!! At this level, you rock! So, you'll receive a book at the end of the school year that highlights the student you supported (including art, photos, writing, and a thank you to you!). Plus, you'll get updates about the student, a book about free schools, a mix CD about education, a hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $10 or more
Have your name placed on a donor page of our website.
Pledge $20 or more
Admittance to our beer tasting fundraiser in the fall and your name placed on our donor page.
Pledge $35 or more
A handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $50 or more
An original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $75 or more
A PDF copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $100 or more
A hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $500 or more
A book about free schools, a mix CD about education, a hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $3,300 or more
This is funding a partial scholarship for a student! At this giving level, you'll receive updates and a thank you letter from the child who received a partial scholarship thanks to you! And, you'll also get a book about free schools, a mix CD about education, a hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Pledge $6,600 or more
This is a FULL scholarship for a student!!! At this level, you rock! So, you'll receive a book at the end of the school year that highlights the student you supported (including art, photos, writing, and a thank you to you!). Plus, you'll get updates about the student, a book about free schools, a mix CD about education, a hard copy of a zine of student art and writing plus an original poem or artwork inside the handmade one-of-a-kind wood cut thank you card and your name on our donor page.
Project By
Connected
MISSION STATEMENT
At the Little Lake Free School, children freely explore interests, engage and take ownership in meaningful real world activities and participate in a democratic community. Children are empowered to be self directed, socially-conscious lifelong learners. Adults provide guidance, mentoring and, the perspective of experience and love to nurture children on their journey.
VISION STATEMENT
Values
• Children have an intrinsic love of learning.
• A child will discover his or her passion when provided with support, freedom and love.
• The purpose of free education is to grow people who are self aware, autonomous and who take responsibility for themselves.
• Adults have trust in children as leaders in their own development.
• School purposefully creates adult culture that addresses anti-racism, ethics and social justice.
• Mutual respect for all people is created through awareness of everyone as an individual.
• Love is at the heart of real education.
Environment
• A positive peer culture permeates the school.
• The school is small and intimate.
• There is a strong connection to the surrounding community, including elements such as farming, gardening and art.
• Tuition is structured to be inclusive of all who want to come.
Role of Children
• Learning is self-directed, non-coercive and moves at a child’s own pace.
• Children support each other in their development as human beings.
• Students gain a connection to nature through lots of outdoor play.
• Children have practical experiences with problem-solving, conflict resolution (such as restorative justice) and nonviolent communication.
• Students learn to take responsibility for themselves and their actions.
• Students learn inquiry and critical thinking skills and making use of all available resources.
• Assessments include whole-school projects, portfolios, self-reflection, performances and community events, as determined by the students.
• Students are encouraged to have as much real world experience as possible, such as apprenticeships, mentoring relationships and field trips.
• Children experience freedom to make real decisions about their lives.
Role of Adults
• Adults help students establish their learning goals.
• Adults are consistent with children.
• Adults are self-aware and pay attention to their own expectations and biases.
• Adults are facilitators and resource providers.
• Adults teach in a non-authoritarian way and act as coaches, guides, counselors and mentors.
• Adults model real jobs, passions and skills for students.
• Adults incorporate physical, artistic, musical, scientific and other learning modalities in their teaching.
• Adults take care of one another as educators, parents and colleagues.
School Community
• The school provides a positive school experience for everyone.
• Community is created through teambuilding and sharing circles with parents, staff, and students.
• Family and parental involvement is key.
• The collaborative decision-making process empowers children, staff and parents.
• A loving environment permeates all decisions about school; students gain trust in the process and people.
