The New Roots Project
Outdoor education for extraordinary times
New Roots is currently closed for the winter and will open enrollment for spring of 2025.
Ages:
7-12
days and time:
Tuesday and/or Thursday, 8:30AM-3:00PM
Type of Program:
Outdoor Education Enrichment Opportunity
OVERVIEW of program
New Roots is entering it’s fifth year as an interdisciplinary, outdoor, multi-aged educational program serving area children ages 7-12. Our energized group of teachers, artists, and craftspeople collaboratively run New Roots at the Willowell Foundation Land in Monkton. Our curriculum offers education grounded in collaborative and emergent learning opportunities aimed at developing student agency and confidence.
At New Roots, students will engage with curriculum built around developing wildlife skills, creating art and theater, exploring elements of science, carpentry and mathematics, community building and fire making, games, mindfulness, and so much more!
how might new roots work for your student?
New Roots Project fits both within the frame of a homeschool program and more tradition school models. Some children in New Roots are enrolled in public school and choose to spend one or two days a week at New Roots as a supplement to their education. Each school and classroom respond to this differently, but many schools are supportive of this choice. In most cases, students are able to find a rhythm between programs, and with the right support, thrive with the addition of New Roots curriculum and time outdoors. If you have questions or concerns about how to integrate New Roots Project programming into your child’s education, please contact: info@willowell.org.
New Roots is not an accredited school and cannot provide grades or transcripts for other school programs. New Roots Project may provide a student narrative discussing your child’s involvement in our classwork upon request.
New Roots Project is an outdoor program
The New Roots Project runs entirely outdoors through varying weather. For students to fully immerse themselves in this program we ask that they come prepared to get dirty, and learn through the elements of Vermont weather (it may be cold and wet). We ask that students wear comfortable and practical clothing. If you need help accessing adequate winter gear so your child can engage fully in the program please let us know- we are happy to help source warm gear for families.
class blocks
New Roots will run in three-week class blocks for the 2024-25 school year. Classes will run in morning and afternoon sessions; each day will be designated by a recommended age group. Families may choose class blocks that best fit their child’s age, educational needs and interests.
Currently until further scheduling is made, classes will run: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM
New Roots Project will continue to follow the MAUSD school calendar in terms of observing inclement weather closings, vacations, and some early release days. Class block pricing will reflect unscheduled classes that are due to early release and/or vacations.
For more information regarding the schedule and description of classes, visit our New Roots Project fall programming page. Willowell will open registration for additional class blocks in early October.
LOCATION
Stoney Meadow Lane
Monkton, VT 05443
This program will run outdoors through all weather.
Tuition and PAYMENT
Each class day runs in a three-week block, and, unless otherwise noted, is $210.00. You may select as many days in a block as is appropriate for your child’s age and interests.
Families will choose their desired class blocks and submit payment through the registration form or via check.
You may make checks payable to:
The Willowell Foundation PO Box 314 Bristol, VT 05443
Please write “New Roots” and your child’s name in the check memo.
If your family requires financial assistance for New Roots Project, please fill out the financial aid application.
teaching team
Ethan Mitchell (Co director)
As New Roots Co-Director, Ethan Mitchell brings over 15 years of teaching experience to the program through his involvement in the Walden Project and with various other programs throughout the state. Ethan’s focus is on history and mathematics, but he likes teaching a wide variety of subjects and is particularly skilled at pivoting from traditional teaching modalities toward more integrated and embodied approaches to learning. Ethan is an innovator; he's also a dad, an essayist, a researcher, and a dreamer. When not working with children, he spends a lot of time cooking, canning, coding, and doing construction.
Casey Burger (Co-director)
Casey is thrilled to be collaborating with Willowell, growing a nature-based-educational response to the social and environmental changes rocking our world today. Gardener, musician, craftsperson, and carpenter, Casey has worn many hats throughout her career as a human being and is dedicated to sharing her passions and knowledge with children. She has been running nature-based craft and cooking camps with the Willowell Foundation for the last 5 years. Originally from the Northern Catskills of New York she ventured into the NYS Public School System working with children with special needs. She went on to co-create a full time nature-based elementary curriculum at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School in Columbia County NY and worked as a teacher there before moving to Vermont in 2015.
Casey holds a B.A. in Integral Sustainable Development from Warren Wilson College; a Certificate in Biodynamic Agriculture and has training in Inclusive Social Development through the Camphill Village Academy.
Ian Gramling
Ian Gramling
Ian has served as an AmeriCorps member at the Willowell Foundation and is now a beloved teacher within multiple Willowell programs. A lifelong resident of Ferrisburgh, Vermont, and a Walden Alum, Ian graduated from the Walden Project in 2017. Ian was pursuing a degree in War and Peace at Norwich University, before beginning as an AmeriCorps member and subsequently finding his passion for teaching, sharing his deep knowledge of history and making it fun! In his spare time, he enjoys historical reenacting, primitive camping, hiking, metal detecting, playing Celtic instruments, and spending time with his family and cats.
Greyson Ersick
Greyson comes to Willowell with 15 years of experience working with kids in a variety of settings—from teaching students in public schools grades K4 to 5, to leading outdoor education groups in the woods and offering hands-on STEM programming, Greyson enjoys working with kids in any capacity, but especially loves sharing in the joy of getting dirty in the forest!
When they aren’t teaching they can be seen running a yarn shop in Bristol, VT with their spouse.
In their free-time, they can usually be found wandering around the forest, reading strange books, drawing with fancy art supplies, playing guitar, obsessing over their day planner, and writing mediocre poetry in their notes app.
