We have a razor thin budget, and are dedicated to keeping superfluous spending to a minimum. Our budget has no fat, and sometimes it feels a little too lean. If you are looking for a way to have a big impact on the day to day life of the school, you might consider donating an item from the wish list below. The wish list is compiled from the various gripes and "I wish we had a" statements that ecco down the halls from time to time.

Making one of these wishes come true would be a truly marvelous gift.

1. Industrial Vacuum(s) - We have no janitorial staff, and our school has a way of eating vacuums. Over the years we have overused a succession of small light weight vacuums designed for homes or small offices, and what we really need is a sturdy vacuum capable of surviving high volume usage. Some staff persons have even fantasized about getting backpack vacuums with which to equip our army of young end-of-day cleaners. Students would appreciate this gift as much as staff, nobody likes the smell of burnt vacuum belts, and it is a smell all too familiar.

Something like this: Powr-File Powr Pro 6Qt w/ HEPA Filter

Or: Other high power durable vacuum, wet/dry shop vac

2. Digital Projector - From time to time we find ourselves scrambling to borrow a digital projector, and each scramble comes complete with a search for appropriate cords and hook ups, and every time we end the extravaganza by saying "MAN I wish we had our own projector," to which almost without skipping a beat someone from the shadows always replies "yeah, but they cost like $1,000." We use digital projectors for movie nights, project displays, classes, the showing of the video yearbook, and at special events. We have a projection screen, all we need are the lumens.

Something like this: Dell 4210X Projector

Or: Another multi-platform compatible digital projector with 3,000+ ANSI

3. Electric Pencil Sharpener(s) - Nobody likes manual pencil sharpeners, nobody. They are dusty, time consuming, and 7 out of 10 times they are used they break the pencil and require a second or third attempt. We have become convinced that manual pencil sharpeners are intentionally made to fail, to force more consumption of pencils thereby increasing the wealth of the top-hat-and-monocle-wearing international pencil barons. Help us out by supplying us with a few electric pencil sharpeners.

Something like this: Royal Electric Pencil Sharpener

Or: Other not-too-attractive to little fingers, low cost, electric pencil sharpeners

4. Digital Camcorder - Like the digital projector, we have largely depended on the availability of volunteer camcorders to record school functions, events, footage for the year book, student projects, and creation of outreach materials. Not having our own camcorder has been a roadblock to many great student and volunteer ideas, and every year we talk about needing to find a way to get our hands on a good digital recorder. We are not picky. New or used, mint condition or a little worn and torn, we would just be happy to have one to call our own.

Something like this: Canon Vixia HF R100 4394B001

Or: Other digital recorders with multi-format compatibility, and USB connectability

5. Sewing Machine(s) - Our school has a much higher per capita seamstress rate than most schools. I guess that's what happens when you tell young people they should "make it" instead of "buying it." Oh you need new doll clothes? Make 'em. The only hitch is this, our sewing machine is a loaner, and our young craftspeople would love if the school would get a couple low cost sewing machines to place proudly in our art studio.

Something like this: Brother XL2600I

Or: Other low cost sewing machines for beginners

Other Items Often Wished For: Lab coats for big and little people, classroom science lab equipment (pyrex beakers etc), house plants, large clean/new area rugs, large restaurant buss tubs, 10+ uniformal storage bins, 10+ uniformal 20 gallon garbage cans, musical instruments, math manipulative, large hanging wall maps, board games, outdoor equipment, dodge-balls, bikes, scooters, and child size bike helmets.

Never has there been a more opportunity filled time to support the Village Free School than today. This coming school year marks a major year of transition for our staff, student body, and parent volunteers, as we embark on our journey with several new staff members, an almost entirely new board of directors, and a new executive director.

Rotational leadership is a principal we have long held to be important for our little democracy, to ensure that ideas stay fresh, energy stays renewable, and growth continues. With this exciting shuffle in leadership, we have set our aims high, and our goals are built around the desire to see our school safely transition into its next phase of life. We are working hard to ensure financial sustainability, program quality, and greater community impact.

In many ways this is a founding year for our school, and we would be happy to have your support as a founder.

Volunteer, spread the word, contribute to a project area, meet a wish of our students and staff, or make a charitable donation.