Fool Me Once… Fool Me Twice...

When people hear about Deep Root Center's approach to education — one that focuses on self-direction and genuine respect for every child — they tend to picture bedlam. Utter chaos, with a generous side of rudeness. I understand the assumption. And I'm here to set the record straight.
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Yes, children here lead their own learning — following their curiosity, their passions, their own unfolding sense of purpose. And yes, sometimes that looks messy. Sometimes it is messy. But mess is not the same as disorder, and freedom is not the same as chaos. Our one rule — Respect yourself, everyone here, and this place — holds it all together: a clear, reliable boundary that makes genuine learning possible.

I don't make young people earn my respect — it's freely given. In my view, every person deserves to be seen, heard, cared for, and valued. That includes the child who walks in already wearing the "bad kid" label. In my experience, most difficult behaviors are signals of something deeper than what's visible on the surface. That said, even in moments of genuine conflict — even when I'm feeling genuinely angry — I will always meet a child with respect, clear, firm expectations, and natural consequences.

Which brings me to the title of this piece. Every child here gets a valid chance — a real, sincere opportunity to belong to this community. I mean that without reservation. But I will not be played, at least not repeatedly. Fool me once, and we're having a conversation: we'll name what happened and build a plan for reconciliation together. Fool me twice, and I have to own that. What I will say is this — I am not easily deceived, and once trust is broken, I grow skeptical. I know how that sounds, coming from someone who freely extends respect to every child who walks through the door. I stand by it anyway.

We carry a responsibility to our whole community — to the children who show up every day, making genuine efforts to learn, grow, and treat others well. Protecting that space is not a betrayal of any one child. It is a commitment to all of them. When I witness a sustained pattern of intentional disregard for our community and our one rule — and when repeated, honest conversations have failed to shift that pattern — the natural consequence becomes clear.

This truth extends well beyond the walls of DRC. Pattern recognition is simply how I move through the world, and in this particularly brutal and corrupt season of history — when I find myself unconsciously cataloguing every hypocrisy, flagrant grift, and act of aggression — trust becomes a scarce and careful thing. So I lean into that instinct. Unapologetically.

A consistent record of disrespect, dishonesty, duplicity, and blatant contempt will always call my boundaries forward. I make no apology for that.

Boundaries are not walls. They are the quiet, steady language of self-respect and authenticity — proof that I know my own worth and refuse to negotiate it away. I can think of few things more essential to model for the children in my care. Because how can I ask them to genuinely love and respect themselves if I am not willing — every single day, without exception — to do exactly that?

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DRC News

During this first week of Summer Break, I spent a good portion of my time deep cleaning the Center. That included a side quest of de-gunking the rug shampooer, which involved tearing it apart and not being able to get it back together. The good news is, thanks to Karter P., it is in working order again, and I can continue the job of cleaning carpets and upholstery this coming week. 
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Also, thanks to the Peet Boys for coming in to help move some furniture around. The goal is to make the space feel more open and functional. 

The torn-apart but successfully de-gunked rug shampooer...

The Chill Space is clean!

Thanks, Karter, for getting the shampooer back together!

We moved the bulky cabinet and countertop and replaced it with a dresser that holds tools and science supplies.

An old wine rack is repurposed as a Chromebook holder in the office. Each has its own slot.

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Volunteer Opportunity
We are still seeking committed regular volunteers for this coming academic year. Please get in touch if you would be excited to share an interest, talent, or skill with our students. The list below has been revised to add a few skills that some students mentioned recently. Thank you! 
COSPlay - costume creation
Photography
Drama 
Carpentry
​​Building repair and maintenance
Small engine repair
Science Classes and Labs - biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics
Computer repair
Computer programming
Game Design
D&D Dungeon Master
Magic: The Gathering Mentor
Digital art
Entrepreneurship
High Level Math - Algebra, Trig., Geometry
Social Studies - World History, US History, Medieval History, Social Justice
Baking - cakes and cake decorating
Arts & Crafts

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DRC Pop-Ups News

Deep gratitude to Janine for mentoring our DRC Pop-ups Peeps with care, kindness, and curiosity about each of their interests and aspirations for the past two years.

Thursday was the last DRC Pop-up. We will not be continuing the program in the Fall.
Homeschool consultations will still be available. You can reach out to Maria at Deep Root Center for more info.
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We are also working on other exciting opportunities for homeschool students. Stay tuned!

Three of the original Peeps that started in Sept. 2024 ended the Pop-ups Era with a last day of fun and pizza.