ROYALSTON — The Ladies’ Benevolent Society (LBS) of Royalston met recently, enjoying also the honor of being the first official “community meeting” held in the Village School’s brand new, not-yet-opened building on Route 68 in South Royalston. In addition to its regular meeting, society members toured the building, visiting the vestibule being dedicated in the name of the group.
Village School Director Rise Richardson told of the Village School’s history, which began in the spring of 1989, when an eclectic group of people — farmers, scientists, writers, business professionals and, of course, parents — met and decided to begin a new school based on a very old model of education. They formed the Miller’s River Education Cooperative (MREC) and opened a small preschool that September.
The school grew with the students, adding new preschool classes each year until, as it currently stands, students could be served through grade six, with multi-age classrooms divided somewhat by grade, but with an eye toward student needs, and high ratios of adults to students. Recent attendance rates have been in the 60s each year.
In 1998, just as the Village School was outgrowing their current home, The Mary E. Raymond building on the Royalston Common (formerly Royalston’s Raymond School for kindergarten and grades one and two), MREC purchased the 55-acre property that was Camp Caravan Society for Children, which served as a summer camp from 1947 to 1985, for children with multiple medical, emotional and financial challenges.
The society at its May meeting entered into the largest financial commitment to date of their 184 year history voting unanimously to raise $6,000 over three years in support of the Village School Building Capital Campaign. Meeting the commitment would entitle the society to name an area of the new building. After discussing the options, the group voted unanimously to name the entry vestibule.
During discussion, the society said it felt the interface between the community and the school and the warmth of an enclosed vestibule seemed to best mirror their “welcoming” and “inclusive” nature. The entire $6,000 was raised through public suppers, bake sales and contributions. A wooden plaque commemorating the accomplishments of the society — and recognizing that it has been “doing good work since 1824,” will be displayed in the school.
With a curriculum based on kindness and contact with nature, the cooperative pays tribute to British educator John G. Bennett, founder of the International Academy for Continuous Education, who said he felt there was an overemphasis on intellectual development, and not enough attention given to emotional life and the physical body.
The new school building supports the whole-child education philosophy, the curriculum on kindness, as well as contact with the natural world. Every classroom is flooded with natural light from expansive transoms and kid-high, openable windows, located in both exterior and interior walls. A landscape architect is ensuring each classroom and office enjoys a view of the natural world.
Teachers had a hand in selecting classroom colors from a palette which is bright and cheery, but at the same time restful. Each room is generously-sized, yet somehow retains a homey feel. There are gathering rooms for the entire school, and for parents, some of whom drive more than an hour so their children can enjoy all the Village School has to offer.
Lunches are brought from home, but there is a kitchen to allow for education in the practical art of cooking. There are places for art and music. Much to the teachers’ delight, there is storage, much of which was converted to teaching areas in the Raymond building, as more and more students discovered the Village School.
It is expected the new building — a $3.4 million project of just under 10,000 square feet — will comfortably serve the expected 75 to 90 day students divided between the five, multi-age classrooms. Outbuildings have or are being rehabilitated to serve as arts and crafts studios, a performance auditorium with a stage, and to house any number of anticipated community programs.
The cooperative has designed an expandable building to accommodate student growth. They also plan a center for continuous education, with a projected opening of 2024. Practical skills and crafts for 18-30 year olds, “centering” programs such as yoga, “gap year” programs for college-bound students, education seminars for teachers, and an adult retreat are in the plan. There is also discussion of elder day care.
Following the presentation and tour, refreshments were served by hostess Nanji Davison, who has also been involved with MREC and the Village School for many years. The Ladies’ Benevolent Society of Royalston is the second-oldest society on record for continuous service in the Commonwealth, and are currently midway through their 194 th year. Prospective members and guests are welcome at any program. Members represent diversity in ages, religions, politics, and economic circumstances.
For additional information or a 2018 program guide, contact President Laurie M. Deveneau at lmdeveneau@msn.com or 978-249-5807, or secretary Deb Nunes at dwellsnunes@aol.com or 978-249-4000.