All year long as part of our “10 Year Celebration” SLO Classical Academy has been hosting dinner parties in people’s homes. Each has had a different theme, but a common purpose: to connect with other SLOCA parents and celebrate our school's vision for educating for life, together.
Last month’s Dinner Party with a Purpose (as we’ve been calling them) was held at the home of Tim and Susie Theule, as an opportunity to connect with our school’s founder. No agenda, no brainstorming session, just a chance to hang out in a comfy, relaxed setting, chat, get to know one another, and enjoy the company of a few other SLOCA parents who are “all in.”
The atmosphere was inviting and homey – simple white linens with candles in mason jars and appealing succulents in small white containers scattered around the table. The food was prepared by Cade and Joy Newman (who are secret gourmet chefs, in case you didn’t know!). Their irresistible appetizers kept us coming back again and again to the kitchen island, where Savory French Toast Bites and Ginger’s Cheese Fondue with assorted vegetables, fruit, and fresh bread cubes were devoured and raved about.
We all sat down to a flavorful Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad, and for the main course we enjoyed Aunt Evelyn’s Chicken Stew served over Rich Polenta. Dessert was a decadent Chocolate Stout Layer Cake served with vanilla ice cream, chocolate stout (of course!), and coffee. Needless to say, we were all stuffed and happily contented after the scrumptious meal.
Although there was no formal speech or presentation, after dinner we did go around the table to share how many kids we have at school, their ages, how long we’ve been at SLOCA, and why we are still here. One parent eagerly volunteered to begin, shared her info, and answered the question about why her family is still here at SLOCA with a few simple words that rang true in the hearts of the others around the table: “We are still here because this is home.”
We all sat a moment letting that sink in, heads nodding in agreement.
Others began to share how SLOCA has changed their children and family in positive ways – how kids are thriving and want to go to school; how children can be their true selves in our school’s nurturing atmosphere; how fathers love being involved in what their kids are learning. One mom shared how she always leaves campus at drop off or pick up with a smile, because of the supportive and friendly community of parents and kids. A dad commented that he looks forward to reading the literature to his kids at night, and how that has become part of their family’s normal routine. Another mom shared how she lives 1-1/2 hours away but that the drive is worth it because she sees that this is right place and path for her son. It was genuinely moving and affirming to hear each person’s story and heartfelt reflections.
By the end of the evening, everyone around the table had shared some aspect of how they continue to be a part of SLOCA because this way of life truly has become part of who their family is. How education is not separate from family life, but is interwoven into the fabric of our lives and enriches everything else about life and family.
In the “Always Mindful” section of the April 26th weekly update, Susie spoke of the Chamber Mixer and said: “…it was like throwing a party with family.” That’s how this evening felt as well. SLOCA is family, SLOCA is home.
Thank you to ALL of our Dinner Parties with a Purpose hosts throughout the year for generously allowing parents to come together around your dining tables. And many thanks to Tim and Susie, for opening up your home to allow us to celebrate SLOCA, our home.
These dinner parties have been a wonderful way to commemorate 10 years of SLOCA. We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into one of these evenings, and that you are encouraged to keep educating for life and learning together in this community!
