Connections

Jackie Leckband

Perhaps it would be helpful to share our experience as a family involved with our local meeting and Iowa Yearly Meeting. Currently our son attends public high school. Why? Looking back, I think it has to do with "connections" on many levels. I will try to describe some that come to mind.

Traditions

For 20 years we have lived in the Bear Creek community. We were warmly welcomed into the community, began attending meeting, and soon felt a leading that this was a spiritual home for our family. Many members of our meeting attended Scattergood or had relatives who did. They have integrated that experience into their daily lives and the community in many ways that have touched our lives. We have heard great things about Scattergood.

Convinced Friends

Not having grown up with the Scattergood tradition in our family, it seemed difficult to think of boarding school when our son was 14. ( having only one child factored into that decision also.) We enjoy parenting and family life, but also appreciate what a good school Scattergood is.

Education options today

We live in a small rural community and have sought out options to enrich the education experience here. There are some ICN classes, and AP classes available through urban schools. Open enrollment has greatly changed the education choices for students. These are all relatively new developments, perhaps not options for Quaker families in the past.

The Unique Scattergood experience - life skills 

So....our son is able to have many of the home experiences on Connie's list. We have learned much, as we have explored this education journey. Though he has benefited from some good educational opportunities, Scattergood, in contrast, seems to offer a sense of spiritual and life connection. This is through daily interaction in a small intentional community. The possibilities for spiritual growth, emotional growth -"EQ", academics, work, and community are strong positive qualities of the Scattergood experience. They are not the focus of public school for the most part. How to share that with families.....?

Sharing the Scattergood experience 

As a parent, I envision that it would be meaningful to have a deeper Scattergood experience for families. Many seek summer classes, camps or workshops for their children. There are few Quaker offerings in Iowa. I wonder if a short summer session at Scattergood would be possible? (With a fee affordable for the students and beneficial to the school.) Perhaps it could start as a 2-5 day summer session for grades 7-12 youth, or even a family retreat. What a great connection for prospective students and families to be involved on a deeper level with the school. BEING THERE in real life could be very meaningful, especially for Friends without the Scattergood tradition.

Strengthen connections 

Many IYM Quaker youth and families visit the Scattergood campus during Iowa Yearly Meeting. That seems to be a very positive experience. The young people look forward to seeing each other and spending time at Scattergood. I wonder if there are ways to enhance those connections?

There are several students in our area who attend summer workshops at Iowa State and Univ. of Iowa. That experience gives them a familiar connection. Nearly ALL of them end up attending the college where they took the summer classes.

For several years I've assisted with the Junior Yearly Meeting programming and know that many of the youth enjoy science, math, language, art, music, etc. They might be interested in a summer workshop at Scattergood.  Providing a class or special event at Scattergood could be a bridge to connect IYM youth to the school.  A bridge that might interest them in enrolling later on. Several times I've heard parents discuss their wishes for more gatherings for Quaker youth.  I think being there and actually experiencing it, is important to making the connection.

Proposals

1. Host a retreat/ class/ or workshop for Quaker youth at Scattergood in the next year.
2. Host 2 preview days for Scattergood at the school for Iowa Yearly Meeting youth and parents to tour the school and become familiar with the people, programs, application process, tuition for Quakers etc.
3. Host a one day gathering for adults / and families at Scattergood to encourage connections within the IYM community and offer support to families.
4. Offer a "Scattergood Hill" summer workshop in the next year. Perhaps open it to the wider community.
5. Invite a committee to discern the possibilities for expanding the use of the Scattergood facilities when school is not in session. They might also research the interest and possibility of retirement living, day school and childcare on the site.