by Amy Valens | Mar 1, 2022 | Open Classroom
I love school. I always have. Yes, there were mornings in Marlene’s room when I cried with her because I missed my mom, but even then there was something that felt so right about being there. Being at school. It felt like the place I was supposed to be. It still...
by Amy Valens | Feb 11, 2022 | Open Classroom
A nervous energy fills every member of the school community before the start of the new year. A teacher in the Open Classroom is no exception. Can I do this? Am I prepared? Is the room alright? Judy’s room looks perfect. Mine...
by Amy Valens | Feb 3, 2022 | Open Classroom
When the rains started this year I remember waking up one morning and thinking: “I am retired now. Rainy days don’t mean facing all that child energy contained in a building.” But then I had a different memory of times when rainy days were amazing,...
by Amy Valens | Feb 1, 2022 | Events, Open Classroom
We are so excited to have this opportunity to bring together the creative energy of 5 decades of Open students! Go to http://lagunitasopenclassroom.com/alumni-art-show/ and register by March 1! And then think of another Open alumni who makes art, and tell them to sign...
by Amy Valens | Jan 20, 2022 | Open Classroom
The Open Classroom resuscitated my teaching career. Through years of public and private school jobs I had stalled in a profession that stifled my idealism and desire for creative freedom in the classroom. After a five year break from the...
by Amy Valens | Jan 8, 2022 | Open Classroom
Asked to describe my own experience inside Open Classroom, I find myself beyond words, for something so crucial and sacred, which saved my life and those of many around me, is beyond explanation. But, if pressed, I will begin with this: Community is the core of...
