The SES Story

Welcome

—

by

Sarah Taylor

This book is a community effort, written by the teachers, parents and students who were part of the journey which was The Environmental Middle School and Sunnyside Environmental Middle School.  We invite you to make your own contributions to this project.  The book will be organized into chapters. 

Some suggested topics:

  • The Dream
  • Planning in Jan’s Living room 
  • Approval by the school board 
  • Finding a school
  • Open House
  • The summer before – finding furniture 
  • First Day
  • First Year 
  • Morning Meeting 
  • Camping trips 
  • Curriculum 

Guidelines 

  1. We hope the stories will be both funny and inspirational 
  2. We hope they will help other educators to build their own schools 
  3. Please don’t tell stories about people that may be hurtful
  4. If you had an experience that you need to talk about with Jan or I, please reach out.  

Comments

One response to “Welcome”

  1. Sophie Davis-Cohen

    My memories are short and sweet from SES- maybe speaks to my psyche at the time! I loved morning meeting- Watching The River Run, and all the other songs we sang. There was such a feeling of communion and connection that infected everyone- even the coolest kids weren’t immune 🙂 I remember my first slow dance to Brandy’ “Have You Ever” in the auditorium! I remember trudging around in the woods, the therapy of helping the environment, pulling out ivy and learning so much at forest sites we would visit regularly. I remember learning a lot about a “get up and go” mentality, the value of getting one’s hands dirty and just doing it! to make the world a little better. I remember so many inside jokes and adventures with my best friend Larissa, including top 5 lists and more. I remember an epic first day of school with naked barbies cloaked in aluminum foil hanging from the ceiling 😀 I remember Sarah, Jan and all the other incredible souls that made the place hum along, feeling safe and cared for. Such an incredible place- I treasure it always!

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