"Save our parks!" was the rallying cry as over 25 Free School students and staff marched from school to the capitol on March 3rd to protest the proposed closures of over 50 state parks and historic sites by Governor Paterson. The rally was a really amazing example of democracy in action as our kids marched with beautiful tree signs, first to the Governor's Mansion and then to the Capitol. Our presence added an incredible youthful energy to the gathering of people from all around the state, and two of our students, Mona and Ana, even spoke to the crowd about why they wanted the state parks to stay open. We met state legislators who are fighting to save the parks, and learned from a group of senior citizens from Harlem about a small state park in their neighborhood that was going to cut their programs for the elderly.
The news of the governor's proposal was discussed at our Monday activities meeting that week and several students were saddened to hear the news and interested in finding ways to have their voices heard in the matter. We met to discuss the details of the Governor's plan that included the closure of Thacher Park, a longtime favorite destination for The Free School. Students wrote letters, and created a petition that was signed by over 175 people that week, and made plans to participate in the protest at the capitol. Teachers and students are eagerly waiting for the final state budget to be passed with hopes that it will include money to keep the parks open. Go online to the Parks and Trails New York website: www.ptny.org to stay informed and check out this youtube video of the rally:

A couple of weeks ago a group of brave Free Schoolers went out to Grafton for a winter snowshoe hike at Dyken Pond.  The hike was lead by Dan Yacobellis, one of our Grafton Land caretakers and an educator at Dyken Pond, which is a beautiful environemntal center about 35 miles away.  The hike was exciting as we walked across the frozen pond and discovered coyote tracks and explored around an abandonded beaver lodge.   After walking across the pond we hiked through the woods in our snowshoes, and encontered more tracks and signs of winter hibernation.  We ended our day by making a fire and enjoying our lunches by the warmth.  Check out the Dyken Pond website: http://dykenpond.org/

 Check out this link for a slideshow of photos from our trip: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/albanyfreeschool/sets/72157623143155167/sho...

We have begun to take orders for the 3rd Annual Parents' Construction Fund Apple Pie Sale. Each delicious homemade apple pie is just $14!!! Last year’s pie proceeds went towards replacing the downstairs windows and lights. This year, we have two pick up options:

1^st round: Order Pies by Fri. Nov. 13, Pickup Mon-Tues, Nov. 16-17.

2^nd round: Order Pies by Fri. Nov. 20, Pickup Tues-Wed., Nov. 24-25 (just in time for Thanksgiving!).

Sign up for a pie at School or email Corey McQuinn, Parents’ Construction Fund, at cmcquinn@nycap. rr.com.

Check out our November Newsletter by clicking on the link below. Thanks so much to our amazing art teacher Shelly for putting the newsletter together and to Ava, Autumn and the entire staff for helping out.

November Newsletter

Tuesday October 27th 6-8pm - $3 for kids $5 for adults 

The 7th & 8th grade class invites you to their annual haunted house - if you dare!!!  It will be frightful

and fun so come join us and help us raise money for our 7th and 8th grade class trip!

Hey everyone please check out our first newsletter of the year put together by our art teacher Shelly and several students at school.  Just click on the link below to view a PDF version of the newsletter on your computer. Enjoy!!!

October 2009 Free School Newsletter

Friday December 14th the 7th and 8th grade class at The Free School will be hosting the Fish Fry and Falafel dinner.

This is the first big fundrasier for their class trip in May, so please come out and support the kids.

Don't forget there will also be an amazing cake auction after dinner.

Date: December 7th

Time: 6pm

Cost: $7 for adults, $4 for kids 12 & Under

For more info call: 434-3072