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The Basics
This page covers the who, what,
when and where of the school,
but not the why.
The Clearwater School is an independent school serving children ages
4-19 (preK-12). It is based on the Sudbury model
pioneered by the Sudbury
Valley School near Boston.
Location
Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Except holidays
and vacations
Staff
To emphasize that students learn in diverse ways with the help of many
people, The Clearwater School hires "staff" rather than "teachers."
Staff are highly skilled individuals who support each student's enthusiasm,
curiosity and learning style. They take on many roles—teacher, mentor
and friend. Rather than direct, staff members follow each student’s
lead in order to assist them as they pursue their educational course.
Staff members are elected annually by School Meeting.
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Stephanie Sarantos
Stephanie Sarantos became interested in the Sudbury model by watching
her oldest child—then three-years-old—play imaginary
games for hours, days and weeks on end. When she realized that schooling
could seriously interfere with learning and growth, she became inspired
to help start a Sudbury school and joined The Clearwater School
founding group. Stephanie has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology,
and has worked with children for many years—as a nurse, dance
instructor and parent. She loves watching children grow, distance
running, swimming in fresh water and working at The Clearwater School.
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Shawna Lee
Shawna Lee first learned about Sudbury schools from
a Mothering Magazine article when her son was an infant. Wishing
she could have attended a Sudbury school and determined to make
one available to her son, she became one of Clearwater's founders
and staff members. At school Shawna loves participating in many
activities and conversations, with particular interest in films,
books, history, technology, natural science, computer and video
gaming, gardening and cooking. Continually inspired and humbled
by the determination and wisdom of Clearwater students, Shawna
is grateful to be a part of a community in which adults and children
are truly partners and equal participants in learning about themselves,
the world and each other. Before becoming involved at Clearwater,
Shawna was a docent and Raptor Center interpreter at Woodland
Park Zoo, a publicist for a local dance and performance art showcase,
and a coordinator of a traditional artisan exhibit at the Northwest
Folklife Festival. She enjoys being silly with her husband and
son, reading, singing, road trips, fiddle music, seeing movies,
day hikes and good food.
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Angelique McCaffree
Angelique McCaffree discovered The Clearwater School in her mailbox.
The school had sent information to Seattle-area Mothering Magazine
subscribers announcing a speaker from The Sudbury Valley School
in Massachusetts. At the time, her 3 young children were being
homeschooled.
She believes that individuals know what learning process works
best for themselves, including children, and it is important for
them to be given the chance to follow their instincts. From the
day her first child was born, she watched how her children thrived
and learned independently in their home environment of trust and
freedom using their own methods instead of being “taught”.
After attending the presentation she instantly felt connected
to the school philosophy and the community of people surrounding
it. She soon became involved as a parent-volunteer, then as staff.
Some of the activities she has participated in at school: Learning
Spanish, reading, games, movies, providing transportation, mediations,
giving “horsie” rides in the active room, organizing
the office, art, helping students organize a talent show and parties,
interesting conversations, building friendships, learning from
the students as much as they learn from her, and the most interesting
was, learning how to feed a snake.
Personal hobbies: Salsa dancing, reading, learning more Spanish,
walks, and spending time with her 4 children.
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Mark Filippone
Mark Filippone is a rock star. But when he's not busy playing with
his Black Sabbath cover band, you can find him at his favorite place:
The Clearwater School. After being trained in more traditional forms
of education, Mark actively sought out Clearwater to learn more
about Sudbury schools. He immediately loved the school environment;
it made more sense, and felt more natural than conventional schooling.
He wanted to spend more and more time there. He played games and
made friends and learned the rules. With the help of the students
he figured out how to handle some of the more difficult situations
that arise at Clearwater. He decided to run for a staff position
and was elected. Mark is thankful for the opportunity to learn and
grow with such a supportive community. He’s also sorry for
being too competitive when playing board games.
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