A few weeks ago, I observed that schools have remained remarkably unchanged over the past two centuries. Among the most entrenched practices is the rigid division by grade level—a system where every six-year-old automatically enters first grade to complete "first-grade work," regardless of their individual readiness or abilities, and so on up till the age of 18. This curriculum, designed around skills deemed appropriate for the mythical "average" child of that age, becomes the universal standard for all children born in the same year. Even the one-room schoolhouses of the 19th and early 20th centuries maintained these grade-level divisions, revealing how deeply rooted this approach has become in our educational DNA.

The fundamental flaw in this inherited system lies in treating arbitrary grade-level standards as natural law rather than human constructs. These carefully crafted lists of age-appropriate skills and knowledge are inventions, not discoveries—artificial frameworks that ignore the biological reality of human development. Every child follows their own timeline, yet our schools operate as if all children should reach identical milestones simultaneously. One size does not fit all. 

Perhaps most troubling is how this system systematically excludes children's natural curiosity, passions, and dreams from their education. I recognize the practical constraints—managing thirty students on individualized learning paths presents logistical challenges that seem insurmountable within traditional classroom structures. The system prioritizes administrative convenience over educational effectiveness.

The consequences are predictable and heartbreaking. A percentage of learners race through material, becoming restless and bored, their potential stifled by artificial ceilings. Meanwhile, others struggle desperately to keep pace, often without receiving the support they desperately need. Some carry undiagnosed learning differences; others simply haven't reached the developmental readiness for the concepts being thrust upon them. Both groups suffer under a system that mistakes uniformity for fairness.

As a side note, when supported and gently encouraged—when they have access to books in subjects that they are attracted to, are read to regularly, and most importantly, are not pushed—late-blooming readers often "catch up" by the time they are assessed in high school. Data often shows little appreciable difference between those who struggled early on and those who didn't.

This issue strikes at the heart of my work, even though I serve homeschooled children who have left traditional public school structures and policies. The problem persists because most educational resources—whether digital platforms or printed materials—continue to carry grade-level labels that follow us beyond institutional walls.

These labels create invisible barriers in learning environments. When children encounter "3rd-grade math" or "5th-grade reading," they don't see educational tools matched to their developmental needs. Instead, they perceive social markers that determine their academic identity and peer standing.

The psychological impact is immediate and profound. A twelve-year-old who would thrive with third-grade mathematics will often reject it outright, choosing frustration over perceived embarrassment or losing interest in learning math altogether. Meanwhile, peers working confidently through eighth or ninth-grade concepts may unknowingly cultivate feelings of intellectual superiority. This dynamic transforms learning from a personal journey of growth into a competitive ranking system that prioritizes external validation over genuine understanding.

At Deep Root Center, we regularly work through this phenomenon—reminding student members who have dyscalculia or other difficulties with math,  as well as other learning difficulties that they can make tremendous progress by working at their optimal challenge level and exploring topics that excite them, while utilizing tools and hacks—instead of being limited by the arbitrary social constructs embedded in educational materials.  We want them to understand that the grade-level system, originally designed to organize institutional learning, is of no use to us; therefore, it is one more construct that we can happily leave behind. 

The Canton Crew had another phenomenal week. We ended with a field trip to my land in Pierrepont to play in the woods. We plan on going off campus every other Friday. The Paul Smith’s VIC is next.  

The Pop-ups Peeps met at the Massena Library on Thursday.  They had fun playing board and card games.
This opportunity is open to any homeschool family. They are meeting next week at the Nicandri Nature Center on Thursday. Learn more here.

This week, I found myself conflicted about what to write. Part of me wanted to dissect the damaging effects of hate-filled rhetoric—how it spreads through influential voices and encourages violence, particularly among young men searching for identity and purpose. The subject felt urgent, demanding attention. 

However, I'm intentionally stepping away from that discussion. The discourse around online radicalization, while necessary, feels saturated with voices far more informed than mine. Instead, I want to turn toward something quieter but no less important: the moments of unexpected glimmers I witnessed over the past five days that brought me joy. Sometimes the most radical act is choosing to document light rather than dissect darkness. 

This first week back with our DRC members has been truly inspiring. While our group is smaller than in previous years, this shift has created unexpected opportunities. The intimate size has allowed us to connect more deeply with one another and establish a strong foundation built on kindness and mutual support.

I envision this core group becoming the heart of our community—a welcoming nucleus that will naturally include new members as they join us throughout the year. By taking time now to solidify our bonds and shared values of respect, kindness, and embracing curiosity, we're creating an environment where every future addition will feel immediately embraced and included.

Thus, the smaller beginning numbers feels less like a limitation and more like a gift — a chance to be intentional about the community and culture we're building together.

This is a short list of examples of joyful glimmers I witnessed from this past week that were woven into our daily routines and shared experiences:

• Our first day consisted of creating our community agreement together and then making lists of activities & projects they all want to investigate. Based purely on the conversation about our agreement, it was very apparent that this crew clearly understands the concepts of respect and kindness.
  
• The daily morning check-ins were a delightful mix of information for the day and straight-up goofiness.
  
• Daily walks after lunch were instituted on our second day; the SUNY Canton trail and the Grasse River are favorite places to explore.
  
• On Tuesday, our chefs created a list of menu ideas and on Friday they put the menu together for next week, based on the ingredients we had in the freezer and cabinets.
  
• Lilly, our apprentice, is reading Holes, aloud - a title chosen by the Book Club members.
  
• The Creative Writing group filled a jar with story-starter ideas for the future.
  
• A spontaneous game of HeadBandz popped up while waiting for lunch one day.
  
• One kiddo invited another, who has a keen interest in bugs (and rarely interacts with others due to high anxiety), to explore an ant colony in a rotten tree trunk, they researched what kind they were, all of their needs, and created a habitat for them. They then spent the remainder of the day hanging out and looking up bug videos on YouTube.
  
• Another teen was deeply engaged in his Algebra II lessons on Khan Academy. He informed me on the first day that he has an ambitious schedule set to finish the class by November. He also told me that he wants to complete highschool in three years.
  
• The Kitchen Sink Science crew completed a density experiment with water, liquid soap, rubbing alcohol, and veggie oil (including hypothesizing the results before beginning) and started building a list of future experiments.
  
• Friday’s walk included a tour through downtown to visit the Canton Farmer’s Market to purchase apples and garlic for the Center with some Farmer’s Market tokens gifted to us.
  

It was a week of firsts and making lists, a time to get to know each other, and to share ideas for the coming year. What strikes me most is witnessing young people discover their own agency. They're not just absorbing curriculum; they're actively shaping their educational journey while weaving themselves into the fabric of our community. Each choice they make—which project to pursue, how to contribute to group discussions, when to offer help or ask for it, or actively including someone who seems uncertain about how to engage with others—becomes a revolutionary act of advocacy for self and others.

This sense of ownership matters deeply. When people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued for who they are—not who they should become—something protective takes root. Meaningful engagement and authentic connection within a respectful community create resilience against the pull of extremism. Belonging here means less searching for belonging elsewhere, in spaces that might exploit vulnerability rather than nurture growth.

The lists we made this week aren’t just organizational tools; they are maps of possibility, drawn by individuals who are learning to trust themselves and the community they are building together. 

If our first week is anything to go by, we are in for a fun year filled with inspiring moments. 

These sessions are open to any homeschool family in the NoCo. If you are looking for social opportunities - to hang out with other kids to play games, get creative with arts & crafts, work on collaborative an projects, and have cool conversations, check it out.  Janine, our Pop-ups mentor, is looking forward to meeting you and your kids.

Over the years, I have written about the hacks that I’ve developed throughout my lifetime to navigate my learning disabilities and neurospicy quirks. In doing so, my main objective is to debunk the myth that using these tools constitutes “cheating.” We live in a culture that glorifies self-reliance — ”pull yourself up by the bootstraps”— yet expects obedience and conformity. These contradictory values are, at best, confusing and, at worst, detrimental to those who require adaptations and support to truly thrive. 
These contradictions create an uncomfortable internal tension when I take advantage of useful hacks. For example, I've started using Claude AI to elevate my writing. I type “improve” and then paste the paragraph I know needs some help. But each time, it comes with a nagging question about whether I'm compromising my individual voice. Still, when I step back, I recognize this as simply another instrument in my creative arsenal. More often than not, I cherry-pick rather than fully adopt its suggestions. This tool accelerates my learning—each use builds new skills and deepens my expertise. 
In truth, everyone deserves access to adaptations and supports to improve accessibility, not just those who carry an official label. The most common excuse I have heard over the years is that if you provide something to one person, everyone will expect it. My question is, “Why is that a problem?” Helping everyone achieve at their highest level is not a bad thing. I have discovered over these eleven years of working with students in a self-directed learning environment that supporting and encouraging someone in their efforts does not lead to the dreaded laziness, but to a willingness to try harder. I have witnessed the powers of intrinsic motivation expand as each individual discovers the joy of thinking for themselves and reaching goals previously unarticulated. When you help one more person succeed, we all profit.

Our society dedicates vast resources to bureaucratic systems—crafting regulations, administering programs, and gatekeeping access to essential services—yet these administrative expenses, including the costs of punishing those determined to be “swindling,” often surpass what it would cost to simply provide universal access to basic needs. We've created expensive machinery to determine who deserves help, when we could achieve better outcomes by eliminating the gatekeeping entirely.
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In an ideal world, universal access would render specialized accommodation plans obsolete. Instead of navigating complex systems to meet basic needs, every person would receive what they need to thrive. This principle extends far beyond education to encompass all fundamental human needs: healthcare, nutrition, housing, and safety.

Tomorrow, Monday, September 8th, is our first day of the 25/26 year. Digby Doo is excited to have his Peeps back.  And we are looking forward to a fun year filled with tons of exploration and growth. 

Thanks to Chris, the new bathroom is finished with new flooring and a shelving unit!

Last week, I explored the inherent comfort found in embracing culturally approved educational choices. The concept of formal schooling has been woven into the American fabric since the colonial period, beginning with the Puritan schools in the early 1600s and the first publicly funded school in Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1644. What's striking is how little the fundamental curriculum and methodology has evolved since the 1800s—a testament to the deep institutional stagnation that shapes our educational landscape.

While I'm painting with broad strokes here, my central point remains: challenging educational norms means confronting the deeply ingrained role and values that schools occupy in our collective history and identity. It means questioning not just how we teach, but what we consider essential knowledge within the curriculum. 

Our ultimate goal is to unravel the powerful grip of compulsory education and illuminate the transformative possibilities that emerge through non-coercive, self-directed learning. This isn't about rejecting education itself—it's about reimagining what authentic learning looks like when freed from institutional and cultural constraints.

Those of us practicing self-directed education philosophy need to step boldly into the spotlight. Whether we're creating vibrant learning communities, like Deep Root Center, or embracing the freedom of unschooling at home, our stories matter. By sharing the journeys of our student members, with complete transparency, we can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and help individual families envision how this approach might work for their unique circumstances—besides being a last resort for those youth who have tried hard to make school work with dismal and damaging results. 

At Deep Root Center, our fundamental responsibility extends beyond educational philosophy—it's about doing meaningful work with overarching kindness and empathy for every family we encounter. We support and encourage our student members to follow their genuine interests and curiosity while remaining open to new concepts and staying true to themselves. 

This approach provides children with something increasingly rare in our standardized world: the space and time to discover who they are and what they're capable of becoming when learning springs from intrinsic motivation rather than external pressure. When we trust young people to direct their own education, we witness the emergence of confident, creative, and critically thinking individuals who are not afraid of the messiness and mistakes required while navigating an uncertain future with adaptability and authenticity. 

The path forward requires courage from families willing to question conventional wisdom and put faith in children's natural capacity for learning. As we continue to demonstrate the power of self-directed education, we're not just changing individual lives—we're contributing to a broader cultural shift toward approaches to human development and education that mirror society's demands for young people who are confidently capable of open-minded problem-solving and, in the process, cultivating answers to the multitude of issues facing humanity. 

Over the past few weeks, several parents have confided that their children, whether Deep Root Center student members or homeschool consultees, will be returning to a formal school setting this September. At first, these decisions left me scratching my head, especially since many of these young people left school behind because it failed them in a variety of ways. Their needs and interests were overlooked, and some felt adrift—bored, anxious, unsupported, or even bullied. As I read through their messages, a deeper pattern began to emerge, hinting at the reasons behind this return to traditional classrooms. 

As I reflected on all this earlier in the week, I realized that these families, like free-flowing water, may be seeking the path of least resistance. I totally understand this impulse. There's an undeniable appeal to following the cultural norm of school attendance, where the day is structured for you, major decisions are made with little direct input, the rules are established and clear, and conforming within prescribed boundaries is rewarded. 

Despite my initial confusion, I genuinely empathize with these choices. In some cases, the inherent freedom and looseness of the Deep Root Center and self-directed learning in a homeschool setting can feel uncomfortable and unmooring and may not be for everyone. Additionally, many of these children, for various reasons, have felt disconnected throughout their lives, and perhaps they simply want to experience what their peers take for granted—in a formal educational setting. I can also imagine parents longing for the practical simplicity of a school day routine, allowing them to focus on work and the countless responsibilities required to keep their families housed, fed, and secure. 

However, from my admittedly privileged perspective of distance (my kiddos are long ago grown & gone), I also recognize the potential hidden dangers of choosing the path of least resistance. Like water invading spaces meant to stay dry, this seemingly easier route may lead to unwelcome consequences that can gradually compromise the original best of intentions.  

With that being said, I am sending all the families who are making these difficult decisions my heartfelt, warmest wishes. I sincerely hope their children discover the fulfillment, success, and growth they are seeking within the walls of a more structured environment.  

And as always, Deep Root Center’s doors remain wide open, ready to welcome anyone back with kindness and understanding if their journey takes an unexpected turn.   

The Center and Digby Doo are ready for our kiddos to return on Sept. 8th!
We have a few spaces open, if your child is seeking an alternative to school that meets them where they are at, get in touch. 

As summer comes to an end and fall approaches, you may be looking for somewhere to get involved—to share your financial resources, time, or talent. Deep Root Center relies on folks from our community to help us keep our promises to the families of the NoCo. Learn how you can get involved here. 

I believe, as a culture, we do not fully understand what true intelligence entails; most would probably say it is what you know and can regurgitate on a test. However, according to my handy Apple Dictionary, intelligence is defined as "the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills."  And Merriam-Webster concurs, also adding  “to deal with new or trying situations - also  : the skilled use of reason and (2) the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests).” (Interestingly, the second part of the Merriam-Webster definition is what anthropologists have historically used to differentiate humans from other species.) 

We often hear folks referred to as “book smart” or street smart” as if intelligence is static and one-dimensional and you either have it or don’t. We typically discount the brilliant people who are labeled with learning disabilities or those who are kinesthetically, spatially, inter or intra-personally, linguistically, musically, or the hyper-aware of the natural world — kind of smart. 

Additionally, portions of society revere the fake “experts,” who have found a wide-reaching platform for their nonsense, but denigrate the professional scientists, naturalists, and academics who follow the rules of scientific inquiry, by asking questions, acknowledging facts, and seeking out new ways forward. Some (I) would even claim that we are in an era of anti-intellectualism – it seems objectively cool to be dumb or willfully misguided, but still argue that the misinformation (lies) they spout are in fact the truth. 

With that in mind, I believe that in addition to the ability to learn new things and apply them, intelligence ultimately includes the capacity to view novel or previously unfamiliar ideas or theories with an unbiased, receptive, and open mind with the flexibility to change your perception of those things based on that fresh information. And to use that new understanding to think critically and solve problems. 

You may recognize that this all harkens back to the “Doing Better” post I wrote two weeks ago when I highlighted the Maya Angelou quote: “Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better.” 

This past week, I encountered a person who was deeply mired in some notions that were part of their belief system, which were then supported and perpetuated by their confirmation bias. They fully maintained everything they were saying and were unable to even hear anything beyond their prejudiced comprehension of what I was expressing. Based on those differences, they decided DRC is not the right place for their child. I can only hope that I gave them some information to consider outside of our conversation and that they may now know better, at least to the tiniest degree. 

This conversation was a test of my resolve to speak facts and uphold the DRC promise of inclusivity and utter kindness that we extend to everyone, while remaining courteous and polite. We will not change who we are and how we operate to gain membership. If we can’t uphold our philosophy, most fundamental values, and dedication to provide a non-coercive, equitable, respectful, transparent, and openminded environment that supports all forms of intelligence, independent investigation around personal interests, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, as well as sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, diverse ethnicities, and yes, even religious beliefs, then we are nothing.  

Summer Program Cancelled
Sadly, due to a lack of participants, our Summer Program will not run this year. We will consider providing it next August, only if we hear expressed interest. 

*Author’s Note: Due to spending all day yesterday at our Craft Fair & Family Fun Event, I am once again recycling a post, with a few edits, from several years ago. It is fun to look back and realize that our philosophy and mission have not changed in these past ten years.

Uniquely Personalized
8/31/2015

Self-directed education is the core principle behind Deep Root Center and other organizations in the Liberated Learners Network. I believe those simple words profess to the world that we are in the business of supporting one kid at a time, in the real world, according to their individual interests, needs, and desires. 

But what does that really mean? We have all heard the phrases “individualized” or “student-centered education”. Those pedagogies, in my opinion, try to bring out each student's interests within a formalized and structured curriculum and classroom or school setting. The schools that utilize these philosophies, however, offer some form of coercion (albeit subtle) and are not able to sincerely look at each student as a unique being, because their internal structure is governed by the requirements set forth by the state or the administration of private learning institutions. (You can read more about Self-Directed vs Progressive Education in an article written by Developmental Psychologist, Peter Gray, here.)

A truly self-directed education provides open options and free choice for each learner, by listening and utilizing the information gathered through multiple conversations and mentoring sessions to create a personalized learning plan. These plans often include: independent research, hands-on projects, group classes, online classes, one-on-one tutorials, and even auditing SUNY Canton classes, internships, or apprenticeships in the community. 

The beauty of this process is that the student and the mentor both understand the plan is completely organic and alive; they are both entirely willing to scrap the original, at any time, because life happens, interests change, and new experiences and explorations may expose new learning opportunities. 

Some students thrive in academically demanding situations, while others seek out a relaxed, go-with-the-flow learning experience. In the fluid, flexible, and non-coercive self-directed learning environment, these two contrasting styles and personalities mesh perfectly. 

Everyone understands that they have options and no one is being forced to do anything they do not want to do. The staff is not worried that one student who is engaged in a rigorous lesson will be influenced to leave the class simply because another is sitting at the next table, surrounded by their latest project and rocking out with headphones firmly attached to their ears. 

A self-directed education simply requires an open and welcoming environment, supportive mentors and facilitators, positive relationships, mutual respect, and the individual, intrinsic desire to learn.

By Maria Corse
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​Here’s a secret: My biggest fear is that I may appear dumb, uninformed, ignorant, or, to put it in less kindly terms, like a bumbling idiot. 
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As a high-masking neurodivergent individual, I work overtime to make sure that particular worry never comes to pass. In fact, I spend so much time managing how I am perceived that many would never, in a million years, have guessed that underneath the surface, I am a hot, anxious mess, constantly struggling to maintain the image of being calm, capable, intelligent, and sometimes even witty. 

An enormous part of this is my effort to learn, consciously use, and present correct terminology, ideas, and concepts I didn’t know much about or had an outdated understanding of until relatively recently. For example, my understanding of the issues surrounding the LGBTQIA community has increased exponentially over the past few years, as has my knowledge around disability (especially the invisible types, including the scourge of ablism), neurodivergence, and the difficult topics of extreme poverty, the unhoused, and the more recent horrors that immigrants and asylum seekers face. 

These are all things I had a basic grasp of—until I realized that folx from all walks of life are struggling hard, and I can be a better ally simply by learning more about the challenges they face every single day. 

As the great Maya Angelou famously said, “Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better.” 

It is a quote I live by. We are all out here doing the best we can. However, when you are wide open to new ideas and ways of being, including using correct and current vernacular, you can learn to be kinder, gentler, less judgmental, more generous, extra grateful for your blessings, and you may even discover hidden gems about the world that were previously concealed from your view that make life a little more meaningful. 

Author’s note: Considering that this swampy weather has officially turned my brain to mush and I have no good ideas for this week’s blog, besides whining about my intense dislike for summer heat, humidity, and pesky, head-circling, biting bugs, we are taking a look back at a post I wrote in August 2021. With a few edits, the theme is as relevant now as it was four years ago when we were all figuring out how to navigate a world-wide pandemic.

Decisions, Decisions
8/15/2021
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Every human is born with natural decision-making ability.  Unfortunately, some have lost their capacity through conditioning.  

I have always been decisive – I would say (as would those who know and love me) that determination (stubbornness) is a large part of my personality. (Now in 2025, I understand this characteristic is mostly due to my neurospiciness.) My husband, Mike, jokes that I can walk into a furniture store to shop for a couch and come out ten minutes later having made the purchase.  

I don’t waffle, and I don’t second guess; I quite, simply, jump in and go for it.  I trust the experts and the process.  However, I have always understood that nothing is permanent and, in my mind, never totally finished – everything is a work in progress.   When you learn more – you merely adjust your original calculations (in my mind this is the simplest definition of science).  

When I make those inevitable mistakes or missteps, I work to own them and rectify them.  I also understand going in that some fixes will be more expensive than others.  Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop me.  

The thing is, failing to make a decision is a decision in itself.  One that can be (way more) harmful, painful, and costly than any other path you could have actively chosen. 

Deep Root Center is here for any child who requires a different educational environment. We offer both in-person at our Canton facility and consultation services, as well as our DRC-Pop-ups. Get in touch to learn how we can help.

Last Friday, my husband, Mike, was one of the featured musicians at the Potsdam Summerfest on the second stage. He played seven of his original songs in the middle of Market Street for thirty minutes.

This major accomplishment is extraordinary for a few reasons:

• Mike is a self-taught musician who bought his first guitar at the BX when he was stationed in England in the mid-80s. Always an avid fan of music, he purchased records as a teen and young adult, and devoured and memorized all of the info on the album covers.
• He began playing seriously just a few years ago at 56, starting with mostly Jethro Tull covers and performing his first open mic in May 2022.
• Three years ago, he wrote his first song and began performing at more open mics locally and in the Adirondacks.
• Having written seventy songs to date, he spends hours practicing each week.
• Over the past six months, in addition to the Potsdam Summer Fest Gig, he has had several opportunities to showcase his talents and sometimes be paid, including playing for GardenShare at three local farmers’ markets three different times this summer through a NYS Arts regrant Program. He was off to Plattsburgh this weekend to play in another music festival.

Mike’s musical journey exemplifies how pursuing personal passions is enabled by a dedication to lifelong, self-directed learning. It also speaks to my belief that we are each constantly evolving into our authentic selves.
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To this point, some folx are always in motion—going from one project, one passion, one triumph to the next—plowing through obstacles and learning from their mistakes. Others struggle to find their purpose until it is revealed mysteriously, when they least expect it. And finally, it is important to note that only a rare few seem to know their destiny seemingly from the day they were born.

Not very many of us are even remotely close to where we thought we would be when we envisioned our lives at 18. Our life stories tell tales of major plot twists as we make decisions based on new circumstances we encounter throughout our lives. I mean, I could never have imagined that at the age of 36, a mother of two small children, I would go back to college (to study Anthropology of all things), at 48 I would quit my job of ten years that I thought I wouldn’t leave until I was a ripe old age, and having been that shy, awkward, clueless, and terrified 18 year old, it is utterly crazy that at the age of 49, I founded and now direct Deep Root Center, a not-for-profit self-directed learning center, but here we are—eleven years later at the age of 60, still going strong with a deeper understanding of my own neurospiciness.

This is why I spend my days encouraging youth to explore all the possibilities, starting with their interests. With our support, they can discover whole new worlds that they had no idea existed.

Young people should not feel like they need to commit to one path forward for the remainder of their lives. It makes me a little sad to hear a teen agonizing over certain decisions, as if they don’t choose one thing, it is lost to them forever. The world is wide open, and they should feel free to jump in, take some chances, follow their passion (whatever it is in the moment), get messy, make mistakes, and find their joy. There is absolutely no need to stagnate your growth potential for fear of judgment or failure.

​I have been busy planning fun carnival style games for this event. There will also be a creativity center set up with an abundance of supplies for anyone to make cool art. And we will have a playzone with toys of all kinds. Save the date and bring the whole family. 

Summer Program
Don't miss the Early Bird Special ending July 31st

Representation matters. Everyone should be able to recognize a version of themselves thriving in the world. When folx feel seen, they sense that they are understood and validated.

Why is this important? Simply put, it is a testament that we:

• are, in fact, human
• are not stupid
• are not lazy
• are valuable & worthy
• can achieve the things we dream about
• can make valuable contributions to our community and society

I believe that the fundamental definition of a flourishing society is one where everyone is cared for and seen! To be clear, judgment and control do the exact opposite.

Connection and engagement go hand in hand — it is hard to have one without the other. All humans crave meaningful connection, and our innate desire to relate a good story, with all those quirky personal touches, is the link that celebrates our shared human condition, especially for those of us who are neurospicy, loner types who prefer solitude over a crowded room. Mutual enthusiastic engagement in the telling provides the essential glue (and for some of us, the all-important dopamine hit that gets us out of our own heads for at least a few moments).

It may look something like this: I was standing at the Deep Root Center info table at Pride Fest in Potsdam when a man walked up to me very intentionally and said, "You look very familiar." As per usual, whenever I am in public settings here, "I replied, I grew up in Brasher." And, he said, "I live in Brasher and grew up there." It turns out that, after connecting the dots through my Dad, who was a teacher there for 25 years, I discovered that this guy is my Mom's new neighbor! He was born in 1983, the year I graduated and left, so I'm not sure how he recognized me unless I look more like my mother than I previously believed. We proceeded to share stories for another 15-20 minutes, totally caught up in the weird serendipitous six degrees of separation (which is often more like one or two degrees), here in the NoCo.

Connection and engagement are also the key to building a community (whether large or small) where everyone feels safe and cared for. Again, these two elements are accomplished simply and elegantly through shared personal narratives that ultimately help develop empathy for those who are different from us.

Unfortunately, I believe that compassion and empathy are the main components missing in today's world. Those who choose to judge, control, and punish without trying to understand the levels of hopelessness, discouragement, and pain, or even the occasional moment of joy another person is experiencing, are the reason (well, that and racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, white nationalism, misogyny, and the uber-wealthy's unmitigated obsession for acquiring more and more and more...) we are currently in this unbearable situation, where abject cruelty and inhumane barbarism is now the law of the land.

This is why connection and engagement are the main factors I look for when a new student member at Deep Root Center is settling in. The most contented and involved are those who are open and willing to try new things, join group activities, and are visibly more comfortable pursuing their interests and being themselves while listening to and accepting others for who they are.

For those who struggle to make meaningful and respectful connections, we model thoughtfulness, honesty, and kindness. We are also not afraid to discuss anything that impacts individuals or the group, including toxic attitudes that could be harmful to our community.

Furthermore, despite the ruthless examples of callousness and brutality from some of our elected representatives, we will continue to hold space with grace and empathy while empowering a culture of trust and respect in a community that is here for any young person who needs us.

Opportunity for Local Businesses
We are looking for sponsors for our 2nd annual Craft Fair and Family Fun Event to be held in the Norwood Village Park on August 9th from 10-3.
Sponsorship Levels:
Bronze - $25 - You or your business will receive a personal thank you and mention in DRC Social Media Posts
Silver - $50 - You or your business will receive a personal thank you, and a mention in DRC Social Media Posts and on our website.
Gold - $100 - You or your business will receive a personal thank you, a mention in DRC Social Media Posts, on our website, and in a news release to local newspapers, and if sponsored before July 21st your business will be featured on posters of the event that will be hung around the local area.

I have been writing the DRC weekly blog since October 2013 and maintained a semi-regular blog on various platforms for several years before that. Writing has always served as a way for me to process my emotions, explore new ideas, and reflect on my adventures with my kiddos at DRC. It is one of my many creative outlets.

Over the years, I have explained concepts related to self-directed education, emphasized the importance of supporting and trusting youth to be their authentic selves and treating others with kindness and compassion, dived deeply into anything related to neurodivergence, the challenges and gratification of working with youth in a non-coercive environment, and the importance of embracing creativity, curiosity, and play. Additionally, I have addressed various topics related to experiences that have either brought me great joy, deeply saddened me, or royally pissed me off. Yes, there have been a few rants over the years — especially over the last few months when I highlighted the "political" theater, hypocrisy, cruelty, and resulting trauma we are all enduring.  

Transitioning from MailChimp to Substack will not change any of that. It was simply time for a change. MailChimp was becoming irksome - locking me out every two weeks for "security" reasons, etc. It is an example of another good thing being taken over by a large corporation and made less friendly for the average user.

In any case, here's to another 11 years of weekly writing about the things that move me and hopefully engage you.

Thank you for coming along on the adventure.

*You can continue accessing the Blog here on our website, it will always be here for you. However, if you would like to subscribe to the Substack, find the registration box below. The DRC Blog will always be free. You can support us with a paid subscription, if you like. 

Maria

Help Wanted

We are still looking for volunteers to help with essential repairs and renovations.

Please get in touch if you have the time and skills that you are willing to share with us to complete these important projects.

You can also help by contributing to our Capital Improvement Fund. Thank you!

Dear Readers,

The Deep Root Center Weekly Blog subscription service is transitioning from MailChimp to Substack.  

Those who are already subscribed with MailChimp have automatically been moved to Substack. You do not have to do anything.

If you would like to sign up to receive the DRC Weekly Blog free via Substack register below.

In addition, the DRC Weekly Blog will always be available here on our website.

The DRC Weekly Blog is published every Sunday at 8:30AM.

Thank you!
Maria

Your words matter whether you are describing something that happened, communicating your thoughts or a wish or desire, answering a question, or explaining a new concept. This is especially true if your words are broadcast to a broad audience, whether on social media, online, at press conferences, or traditional sources. 

Intentional ambiguity, half-truths (or entire falsehoods), judgment, and "cute" wordplay (including clickbait headlines) are all red herrings for a lack of transparency and straight-up deception. These tactics stem from either fear or calculated manipulation, thuggery, and malice.

However, as a "symptom" of being neuro-spicy, some of us honestly don't automatically understand or recognize when something is innuendo, vague, or deliberate duplicity. We take everything literally and at face value, trusting that it is entirely truthful because that is how we communicate. (We even add parenthetical statements to ensure that the reader has all of the information, whether it is actually needed for total understanding or not.)

Although it may seem contradictory, this is where my innate skepticism comes into play. And within that, I do recognize outright hypocrisy quite easily. Therefore, I check everything, especially if it feels "off," "judgy," too good to be true, or comes from a dubious source. I have learned that when I don't ask critical questions, I end up being more confused, frustrated, or even dangerously misinformed. 

There are obviously a hundred different ways that your words matter—but I will keep it simple here and say that honesty and transparency, kindness, respect, and compassion should comprise the one rule that guides all of your communication and interactions. Without these foundational building blocks of society, we crumble into a dystopian, unjust world where integrity, honor, and sincerity are forever lost. 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in the Potsdam Pride Fest with an info booth and table filled with art and craft materials for free-range hands-on creativity. I had a great time celebrating Pride in our small community and talking to folx about Deep Root Center. Thank you to everyone who stopped by.

Our Pop-ups Peeps hosted Jamey and Andy from the SLC Health Initiative's Teen Help on Thursday at the Massena Library. They had a great conversation. Thank you to them both for coming in to share important info with our teens. They also celebrated a new 18 year old - Happy Birthday, Ben! And a couple of teens have joined the summer garden program at the Massena Library.

The Pop-ups will meet at Nicandri and Massena Library on Wed. & Thurs. afternoons next week - for their last time this year.

Since joining DRC in November, Charles, one of our fourteen-year-olds, has developed a passion for cooking and experimenting with recipes he finds online. On his first day, finding complete freedom in the kitchen, he made a pitcher of lemonade using bottled lemon juice.

His creative endeavors have been diverse over the past six months, extending beyond the kitchen. One of his latest projects was a black and white crocheted cat bed. Initially, he had intended to create a cow-patterned blanket, which he had spent all night designing in his head, but he ran out of yarn before completing it, so he pivoted to make the cat bed.

The one thing that has remained true is Charles' comfort level and willingness to jump into new projects and ideas with both feet, and a commitment to problem solving, without hesitation or fear of failing.

Now, during our last few days of this academic year, Charles has taken on an even bigger project that neatly circles back to his first day and that pitcher of lemonade, but also includes his keen interest in entrepreneurship.

Charles has started a lemonade business. He has upped his game, using real lemons and specially flavored syrups like black raspberry and strawberry. Each cup of lemonade is made to order with freshly cut-up and squeezed lemons while the customer waits.

He set up a lemonade stand at his house last Sunday and made $72. This past Monday, he set it up in front of DRC and recruited his friends, who are between the ages of 6 and 16, to hold signs and yell "lemonade" at passing cars. They successfully connected with folx who were happy to support their endeavors, and sold an additional $37 worth of lemonade. Every night this week, he set up the stand again at home and made even more sales (and garnered a few mosquito bites in the process).

Charles' Mom is his financial backer. In addition to the ingredients, she purchased 32-ounce containers with lids that serve as cups, a lemon-themed tablecloth, and a small bowl for the lemons.

I asked if he wanted to learn some accounting skills to keep track of expenses and income, and he told me that he already had a system devised at home. He also created a personalized logo and made stickers for each cup.

His original plan was to make it a fundraiser for DRC. This past week, after paying his Mom for supplies, he donated $103!

Yesterday, DRC had the opportunity to set up a craft table for kids to create art at the Potsdam Co-op during a special event for a Canton Apples hard ciders tasting. After clearing it with the Co-op management, I invited Charles to bring his lemonade stand. He had a great afternoon and made an additional $50. He informed me that 75% of the proceeds would go to DRC, and the other 25% would be used to reimburse his Mom, and maybe have enough to start a fund to go to Great Escape. It seems like a fair division to me. Thank you to Jessie and Dustina at the Co-op for inviting us. We look forward to future opportunities.

Charles also plans to sell lemonade this summer in front of his house and at the Lisbon Beach. I predict a very successful summer for this kiddo.

Our future relies on kids like Charles who are courageous enough to pursue their creativity and passions while developing skills to navigate the world. We need more young people who are unafraid to jump in, follow their interests, make mistakes, and view them as learning opportunities. Unfortunately, our inherently coercive educational systems incentivize convention with rewards and punishment and rarely support the outside-of-the-box innovative potential these kids have to offer.

At DRC, we are happy to follow each child's lead, lend support when requested, expect the possibility of messiness and chaos, and then stand back and watch all the incredible learning opportunities ensue. Only this time, we had the added sweet benefit of sampling delicious lemonade through the process, as he developed the recipe.

One week left for our Canton Crew! We spent plenty of time outside this past week.

The Pop-up Peeps enjoyed their time at the Norwood and Massena Libraries. They have two more weeks - finishing on May 29th.  

Another week passed in a blur, and the Canton Crew only has two left before we celebrate our graduates and all of our accomplishments, and say goodbye for the summer!

The Pop-Ups Peeps had a fantastic week at the Nicandri Nature Center and the Massena Library. They learned about Hissing Cockroaches, saw a Baltimore Oriole, made jewelry, purchased and taste-tested more weird soda flavors, and had in-depth conversations about a range of topics.

Every single day, without fail, one particular kid proclaims, "I'm bored!" And everyday I tell him, "That's good! It means your brain is taking the downtime it needs to get creative." He knows the response he will get every time, yet he continues to say it. He also understands I won't give him a list of suggested activities. For him, this statement of boredom seems to have become a ritual of sorts.


Boredom and downtime are essential. Full stop—period. Our creativity, ingenuity, and imagination are directly linked to our need for rest and quiet. That is when all of those amazing ideas burst to the forefront. The only way to capture them is to embrace those moments of boredom.

Being productive isn't always advantageous. We humans often use busyness to avoid judgment about laziness from others or ourselves.

At DRC, we provide ample time and space for daydreaming, as well as opportunities for free play because we know they are all essential for personal growth, curiosity, and discovery. Yes, we actively encourage those moments of boredom because we know that within every single "I'm bored" lies some live sparks of creative energy. We do not dictate what kids should do. Instead, we offer opportunities, support, encouragement, and resources while stepping back to follow their lead. We watch children effectively problem-solve and manage interpersonal relationships, when faced with obstacles, every single day.

When kids understand they are trusted with their own thoughts, ideas, and skills those instants of ingenuity arise more frequently, and, most importantly, they gain the confidence to trust themselves.

Explore the Possibilities isn't just a tagline, it is our motto and lived experience. 

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Dr. Tooley, from England, the author of The Beautiful Tree: A Personal Journey Into How the World's Poorest People Are Educating Themselves. He is working with VELA, an organization that supports alternative education, to gather stories for another book,The Beautiful Tree: in America and stopped in to interview me.. DRC received a $10,000 grant from VELA in 2022.

Even though DRC was closed for the last day of Spring Break on Monday, and he didn't get to meet any of our kiddos, we had a great conversation about self-directed education as it pertains to our philosophy and students. Additionally, we discussed how DRC fits into our wider community and the role we play to help young people in the NoCo move forward beyond the confines of the existing educational paradigm.

This was a short but busy week for the Canton Crew. Thursday, photographer and DRC Board President Tiffanie Jacob, came to take our annual photos for our memory book. We switched things up and went to Heritage Park for some interesting backgrounds.

Then on Friday, we took a field trip to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm and had a blast playing with baby animals. Thanks to Carmen for showing us around!

The DRC Pop-ups Peeps had fun at Nicandri on Wednesday afternoon. Then on Thursday, they bought some strange soda and did taste tests, then participated in a sticker-making activity at the Massena Library.

The Canton crew had a very full week with plenty of outside adventures, including some fishing excursions. They also moved the old couch to the shed in the backyard that they had cleaned up earlier in the week to create another cozy hangout spot. Thank you to Ian Corse for stopping in on his way home to Chicago to install the drawing tablets and programs on our computers.

The Pop-ups were canceled this past week due to illness. Janine hopes to be back with her Peeps next week at the Norwood and Massena Libraries.