A Part of Life. . .

​ 
Memorial Day traditionally marks the collectively acknowledged beginning of summer, a time for reflection, relaxation, recreation, and (especially) growing. Everyone, kids and adults, however, have been “done” with the formalities of the academic year for a few weeks now. Yes, even at Deep Root Center where June 2nd is our last official day and where ventures, procedures, and structure are always completely individualized, voluntary, non-coercive, and non-compulsory.
 
Active participation has dwindled since the beginning of May, while lassitude has run rampant: projects are left unfinished; ideas and plans are produced at a rapid rate, but not followed through; excursions and outdoor adventures have become a daily practice; reading and staring off into space is a common sight and this past week some students simply stayed home.
 
Lest you believe I am only describing the kid’s behavior, please let me reassure you, the staff has been infected with these summertime anticipatory afflictions as well.
 
As you may have noticed, I am not expressing concern, annoyance, or even disgust by this, end of year, conduct. I fully comprehend and celebrate the necessity for downtime: a time to drift and dream, to plan and conjure, to play and cavort, and to merely rest. Our brains, especially, need time to sift, filter, and organize the multitudes of information they have accumulated over these last few months. Leisure is, indeed, a recognized and essential component in everyone’s life plan.
 
This is, therefore, your official invitation, and permission slip (if you need one), to take advantage of the summertime heat to: tune out, “veg”, explore your inner thoughts and constructs, eat watermelon, read a cadre of books, build a sandcastle, and frolic in the delights of impromptu spontaneity.  Happy summer! 

---

DRC NEWS
 
Summer Programming – Register your child today! A calendar with the weekly themes and the registration form can be found on our website.
 
Apprenticeship – DRC is hiring an apprentice to help develop, implement, and facilitate a program, based on Montessori and other child centered philosophies, for young elementary students, between the ages of 5-8. This person will be fully engaged with all aspects of Deep Root Center. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Maria.
 
End of Year Celebration- This will be our last hurrah for the academic year.  Join us, June 1st at 5:30pm, for a potluck, art show, and observance for all the hard work and achievements we have all accomplished throughout this academic year.
 
Dairy Princess Parade-
June 4th, look for the awesome, kid designed and implemented, DRC float. This is also a time to learn more about DRC. We will have a table in front of our building and tours of the facility. Bring your list of questions; we will be happy to answer them!
 
Opportunities for volunteering – We are already in planning mode for next academic year.  Our kids have expressed interest in a variety of subjects and we are looking for tutors to help them explore these on a deeper level. Your time commitment can be as little as 1 hour/week for a ten-week block. If you are interested in learning more about helping our dynamic educational community please get in touch.  Below is a preliminary list of subjects:
 
Ancient Eastern Asian Studies
Algebra
Japanese
French
Earth Science
Biology
Music – looking for someone to help develop and lead a band
Carpentry
Art – sculpture and mixed media
Psychology
Animal behavior
Working with Animals – pre vet tech
Script writing