Individualized in Community

Every single one of us is unique - in our neurology, emotions, intellect, and ideology. When we say DRC is individualized, we mean that we are meeting every person where they are - in every one of those attributes - while consciously building a respectful, supportive community.

We expect and encourage every member to be themselves - with the understanding that they have a responsibility to the whole group.

What does that look and feel like in our everyday interactions? Honestly, it is systematic chaos of twenty-six kiddos doing their thing, following their interests, alone and together in groups, while recognizing (being reminded) that everyone else has the same rights.

How do we practice the concepts of community within that three-ring circus? In the past, our community agreement was a generic document that everyone signed off on. This year, we will be more intentional in creating it. On our first day, we will discuss what we want to be included - everyone from the youngest to the oldest can input what they feel is vitally important to our community for them to feel included. Within that contract, we will also have the details for dealing with conflicts that are certain to crop up. Using restorative practices, we will be more deliberate about exercising care for each other, even when we butt heads and disagree.

Is our community perfect? Not by long-shot - we each (adults included) make mistakes and screw up royally. But we also understand that we are all learning and trying our hardest. Sometimes, that means we will fall down in failure. All we can do is give one another (and ourselves) grace, make amends, and ask that we get up and try again the next day.

Growth is tricky. It shows up in leaps and bounds and then sometimes stalls at the most unexpected moments.

We look forward to embracing and celebrating each of those moments while flourishing and thriving together - through all the growing pains - as this new academic year commences.

DRC News

We will be back in the Canton facility on Monday! It is spiffed up and organized, and ready for all the mayhem of growth and learning.

It is not too late to join us. If you feel like DRC is where your child belongs - get in touch.

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Thanks to Casey Thompson Tree & Landscape and the Canton Community Fund for financing the project - the tree that has plagued us with worry for the past six years is down.  Casey made it look so easy.  He also trimmed up all of the branches in the front that were hanging over and entwined in the electrical lines and creating a potential hazard. In the process of making it safer, it also opened up the front yard to more sunshine.

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The new DRC-Pop-ups meet twice weekly - beginning on Thursday, 9/12, from 1:00 - 4:15 at the Massena Library meet Janine in the Warren Room. Then, on Friday afternoon (same time), the Nicandri Nature Center will host the Pop-ups.

The DRC Pop-ups are available to any homeschool family seeking social interaction and mentoring support for their kiddos. If you are interested in learning more get in touch.

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The Craft Fair and Family Fun Day is October 5th at the Norwood Village Park. Plan on joining us for some seriously good fun.