Learning Through Living: September 2011

Monday, September 12, 2011

Plastic Bag Rope

Plastic grocery bags are ubiquitous. And, while they may be convenient in the short run, they have a negative impact on our environment. They fly away easily, causing pollution on our land and in our oceans. Many sea turtles and other marine animals die every year from ingesting them. When they end up in the landfill, they may take hundreds or even thousands of years to biodegrade. Until we all make the shift to reusable grocery bags, this waste-stream material will continue to pile up.

At our school, we like to figure out ways to upcycle materials. Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value (Wikipedia). We found a great use for plastic bags... when braided together they make a very strong rope! See Isahopper and Batman playing with the rope they made...

If you would like to stop relying on plastic bags, Sego Lily School sells canvas grocery bags for $2 each. Proceeds support student activities! Pick them up at our school, 1533 E. Murray-Holladay Road.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Volunteers Needed!

We can always use volunteers! If you are available for any of these volunteer opportunities please call the school 801-274-9555 and talk to Alyssa or Maaike, or email us at info@segolilyschool.org. In addition to these days, we have ongoing volunteer opportunities doing maintenance, yard work, cleaning, teaching classes, gardening, etc. Please come play with us! Thank you!!!

About Our School

Children are naturally curious and want to learn. We feel it is the job of a school to nurture that curiosity. Providing our students with the time, facilities and support (when requested) to pursue their interests and unique talents is our ultimate goal.

Students of all ages can learn with and from each other. Children from age 4-18 mix freely at Sego Lily School.

Play is the language of children. Children of all ages learn through play. Play takes many forms, from a game of catch to a creative endeavor, but all forms of play are a valid and important part of a person’s development.

Learning happens everywhere, all of the time. Learning takes place in formal and informal settings, in large or small groups, with or without staff members or mentors, but all learning is initiated by the student.

Decisions should be made by the people they affect. Sego Lily School is run by the students and staff, through the weekly School Meeting. Each student and staff member has one equal vote in this managing body. The Judicial Committee, also composed of students and staff, handles rule infractions. Parents have a role in setting school policies through the Assembly, which meets annually or as needed.

FAQs

1. How do children learn at Sego Lily School?
Children are naturally curious and want to learn about their environment. When a student is given the responsibility for his education, as well as the freedom, support, and respect needed to fulfill his goals, learning begins to take place as a natural byproduct of all activities. Children challenge themselves and each other as they gain confidence and learn new skills.

2. Will my child learn everything she needs to know?
The basic knowledge of reading, writing, and math that are used by adults on a daily basis cannot be avoided by a student who is experimenting with her interests and passions. There will come a time for each student when learning these skills becomes essential to pursuing the path she is following. Allowing children to follow their own time lines can actually increase their learning curves – when motivated to read, for example, a child will throw herself into the task, learning more quickly than a child who is being told, “Now is the time to learn this.”

3. Do the students really run the school?
Yes! Students and staff work together to run the Sego Lily School. The students and staff members each have one vote in the weekly School Meeting and make all decisions needed for the school to run smoothly, including passing laws, allocating funds, and hiring staff. The Judicial Committee, composed of students and staff, handles rule infractions. School Meeting members also have a vote in the Assembly, the larger voting body which includes parents and board members, in making policy decisions such as setting tuition rates and approving the annual budget.

4. How does graduation work?
Each student, upon completing the requirements for graduation, must write and present a thesis. The topic of this thesis is “I am prepared to become a responsible adult in society.” The student must defend this thesis at the annual meeting of the Assembly. After receiving a favorable vote from Assembly members, students will receive a Certificate of Graduation. State regulations in Utah do not allow us to be accredited or to issue official state diplomas. However, most colleges will accept graduation certificates from non-accredited schools or a GED.

5. What about college?
Many students will want to continue their educations with some form of higher learning – college, university, or trade school. For these students, the statistics from the Sudbury Valley School (SVS) are in their favor! 90% of students that attended SVS from 1968 to 2004 went on to some form of secondary education. Most of these students were accepted into the school of their first choice. Students simply take their SATs and write essays for their applications, and interview with administrators when necessary. Usually a certificate of graduation is adequate for admissions. Current statistical trends in higher education suggest that having an “alternative” education is actually a benefit in the admissions process. Many prestigious schools such as Harvard and Yale Universities are looking for students who can do much more than learn what is placed in front of them. We are happy to support our students in any way we can with their application process.