There is Another Option

by Maria Corse
 
As the new academic year begins, many parents are besieged with the agonizingly familiar refrain that reverberates across the country, as well as from generations past – “I hate school”. 
 
This emphatic statement is incredibly tragic.  I think we can all agree that the acquisition of knowledge should absolutely not induce so much misery, distress, or anxiety, or, for that matter, incite such venomous, revulsion. Learning is a process that is eminently natural and should be enjoyable, fun, challenging, and inspiring.
 
School does work for some; the regimen is exactly what they need to feel secure.  For those others, it is a drudgery that simply has to be endured.  School feels constricting, contrived, unnatural, and unsafe, and, no amount of cajoling, convincing, or rationalizing will convince them to like it.
 
There is a viable and exciting educational alternative for those kids: self-directed learning empowers young people to discover their interests and passions.  It gives them permission to take the time and space to explore the world and ask important questions.  It allows them the opportunity to take on responsibility and work on solving important challenges. Yes, self-directed learning can be hard, because it places each individual in charge of their own education.  Each student has access to an abundance of support and guidance; however, they are the ones who ultimately make the decisions, and, if something does not feel right, (instead of complaining) they have the power to fix it. 
 
Learning can be fun, exciting, dynamic, and a lifelong pursuit.  It is never too late, or, too early, to choose a different educational path. Deep Root Center for Self-Directed Learning is another option, right here in the NoCo, and we accept new student members throughout the year (yes, even on the first day of school). 

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DRC NEWS
 
Our first day of the academic year is Tuesday, September 5th.  We are thrilled to welcome 18 student members – 12 of whom are brand new! 
 
Assembly Woman Visit
 
Addie Jenne will be visiting DRC on Thursday September 7th, at 11 am.  She will spend time touring our facilities and talking to our students.  We will also be discussing two pieces of legislation moving through the NYS Senate and Assembly that are related to Home School law.
 
Summer- Thank You
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Thank you to all of the participants in our three weeks of summer programming.  We had a ton of fun and look forward to providing this service, again, next year. 
 
A huge shout of gratitude to Karen Wells for producing a fabulous theater week and to Christopher Raymo for facilitating the music and art weeks while I “hid” in the office to write IHIPs and work on behind the scenes “stuff”.  ​