Deciding the name of the free school

[BIXX]

So, those of is who are working in the free school project are almost finished with a lot of the basics, however we do need one thing: a good name for the free school. So, we decided to give all of revleft a shot at it! After a bigger list has been generated (if it is generated) there will be a poll to decide the best one.

Current possible names:

Portland Open Education Project (POEP)
The Revolutionary Portland Free School (RPFS)

Here is our mission statement, so you can suggest names in a more informed manner:

What is this free school?


The Free School Project is an attempt to form an alternative to the public and private school systems. The Free School will be absent of student-teacher hierarchy, free to attend, and the best part is, students can design their own curriculum entirely, with no required classes. There will be classes to assist you with getting your GED, so that you will have the ability to get work easier if you so desire.

Why is it being formed?


The Free School is being formed to give people the chance to grow in a way that the school system does not allow: rather than developing as a worker, developing themselves as an individual.

Where will it be?


As of now, the Free School will not have a central location, but if we get enough support, we will definitely look into getting a central location.

How will it work?


First, you look at our calendar, to see if there are any classes that sound fun or interesting to you scheduled. On the calendar you will find information such as what classes are available, when they will be, where they will be, the skill level required to succeed in them, and finally the style of learning that will be utilized such as Socratic circles (which are a form of group discussion), peer to peer learning (when one person teaches another individually), and many others. If there is a class that you want to take but we don't have it scheduled, we will issue a community call-out to try and set up a class for you. If it is not possible to schedule that class through the school we will do our best to get you connected with someone who can help you out. And if you have a skill or knowledge that you want to spread, then you can email us at ___________ to schedule the class.

[Sinister Intents]

The Revolutionary Free School of Portland seems adequate, but long. Another name that could be used is not something I can think of readily. I'm a business student, wanna see some stuff relating to the organization and how to market it?

[synthesis]

Why not just the Portland Free School? I don't know if I'd include the word "revolutionary" because there's not really anything revolutionary about it. (I don't mean that in a negative sense, I just mean that the project itself isn't related to revolution, and you risk putting form over function by describing it as such.) "Portland Free School" is specific, unpretentious and conveys the meaning; let people discover the ideological origins as they dive into the program.

[Bala Perdida]

How about something history related like "Portland Modern School" or maybe "Portland Popular Academy".

[Taters]

Flee acronyms. Portland Free School is fine. Or maybe just free school.

[BIXX]

While I like keeping it at "the portland free school" the only issue is that there have been other schools that called themselves "free schools" but really have been nothing of the sort, so I kinda wanna separate this from that if possible. Suggestions?


The Revolutionary Free School of Portland seems adequate, but long. Another name that could be used is not something I can think of readily. I'm a business student, wanna see some stuff relating to the organization and how to market it?


I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Like how are we planning on getting people interested in the school? Or are you offering to help? Either way, the answer is yes.

We prolly are right now gonna use posters, with some catchy phases that kinda explain what the free school is, then have a pictures of bored students. Also, possibly, a logo (which has not been worked on at all). Then it will have some contact info.

[Bala Perdida]

Also, possibly, a logo (which has not been worked on at all). Then it will have some contact info.
I can help on the logo. I can't make a vector, but I can make a PNG. If you want to draw it first I can trace it on the computer. Or if you have anything in mind I might be able to sketch something.

[BIXX]

I can help on the logo. I can't make a vector, but I can make a PNG. If you want to draw it first I can trace it on the computer. Or if you have anything in mind I might be able to sketch something.


Awesome, thank you. I really have no idea yet for the logo but I will have an idea soon, I'm sure.

[Bala Perdida]

Awesome, thank you. I really have no idea yet for the logo but I will have an idea soon, I'm sure.
Oh no problem. Just start sketching, or get a sketch from someone and it'll come to you. If not that you can list some symbols and colors you want in it and I can take a crack at it. Although my sketches aren't the best, and I can only guess. So, best you sketch out first or have someone you physically know (not online) sketch it so you can get a better look.

[synthesis]

While I like keeping it at "the portland free school" the only issue is that there have been other schools that called themselves "free schools" but really have been nothing of the sort, so I kinda wanna separate this from that if possible. Suggestions?

People's Democratic School of Portland.

Nah, personally I think you should differentiate yourself from those other free schools by what you do rather than what you call yourself. Don't put too much stock into the name; like, the University of Chicago sounds like a state school, but most people who've heard of it know it as a "prestigious institution." What I mean is, if you get a good program going, people will judge you by that rather than by what you decide to call yourself.

[consuming negativity]

Adding "people" in somewhere could perhaps give it a touch of subtle ideology. For example, "People's Free School of Portland" (PSFP) or "Portland People's Free School" (PPFS).

Something to bring attention to though, I'm not sure if you all should have that your goal is to provide an alternative to public/private schooling. The reason being that I don't think it will actually be possible upon the founding of the school for children to get High School diplomas from your group. Although it's certainly a fantastic goal to work towards, I don't think you should misrepresent what you are providing; which is access to education, free of charge.

[synthesis]

From what I understand, it's not supposed to be accredited for diplomas; it's just supposed to help people get their GEDs and such.

Speaking of which, if you're initially going to be based exclusively in Portland, and it sounds like you are, you should start working on ways to differentiate yourselves in the public eye from SEI, who seem to have had the market cornered on this stuff, so to speak.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

The naive anarchic free school, perhaps?

Seriously, how is this going to work without people who have experience in education? I think it's a damn fine idea to push for a shift in the boundaries between student and teacher authority, and to have students involved in curriculum design and uptake, but you're shooting yourself in the foot if you're not going to have professional educators involved in the design and implementation of the project.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Adding "people" in somewhere could perhaps give it a touch of subtle ideology. For example, "People's Free School of Portland" (PSFP) or "Portland People's Free School" (PPFS).

Something to bring attention to though, I'm not sure if you all should have that your goal is to provide an alternative to public/private schooling. The reason being that I don't think it will actually be possible upon the founding of the school for children to get High School diplomas from your group. Although it's certainly a fantastic goal to work towards, I don't think you should misrepresent what you are providing; which is access to education, free of charge.

Why should a school be ideological, though? That's the last thing it should be. The best education system would surely be immune (to as great a degree as possible) from ideological meddling, and instead be one that is styled in a democratic way, teaches with progressive techniques, and aims to allow students to study what they want for the purpose of acquisition of knowledge as well as skills, as opposed to just the latter to fulfil capital's wants.

I don't think making a school a 'people's' school or flying a red flag of Lenin over it necessarily improves anything about a school. It's the aims, purpose, and style and quality of teaching and learning that makes a school/education system excellent.

[Domela Nieuwenhuis]

So, those of is who are working in the free school project are almost finished with a lot of the basics, however we do need one thing: a good name for the free school. So, we decided to give all of revleft a shot at it! After a bigger list has been generated (if it is generated) there will be a poll to decide the best one.

Current possible names:

Portland Open Education Project (POEP)
The Revolutionary Portland Free School (RPFS)

Here is our mission statement, so you can suggest names in a more informed manner:

What is this free school?


The Free School Project is an attempt to form an alternative to the public and private school systems. The Free School will be absent of student-teacher hierarchy, free to attend, and the best part is, students can design their own curriculum entirely, with no required classes. There will be classes to assist you with getting your GED, so that you will have the ability to get work easier if you so desire.

Why is it being formed?


The Free School is being formed to give people the chance to grow in a way that the school system does not allow: rather than developing as a worker, developing themselves as an individual.

Where will it be?


As of now, the Free School will not have a central location, but if we get enough support, we will definitely look into getting a central location.

How will it work?


First, you look at our calendar, to see if there are any classes that sound fun or interesting to you scheduled. On the calendar you will find information such as what classes are available, when they will be, where they will be, the skill level required to succeed in them, and finally the style of learning that will be utilized such as Socratic circles (which are a form of group discussion), peer to peer learning (when one person teaches another individually), and many others. If there is a class that you want to take but we don't have it scheduled, we will issue a community call-out to try and set up a class for you. If it is not possible to schedule that class through the school we will do our best to get you connected with someone who can help you out. And if you have a skill or knowledge that you want to spread, then you can email us at ___________ to schedule the class.

Please PLEASE, don't use POEP. That's Dutch for shit...

[Anglo-Saxon Philistine]

All-Portland Communist School (Bolshevik).

Now that that's out of my system, I think you should stick to three terms or less. Calling the school "Portland People's Socialist Democratic Federative Free School" just doesn't work. Have you thought about using the name of a historical figure? I think "Marie Equi Free School" has a nice ring to it.

[mindsword]

The best way to name any organization is to gather all the members, let everyone come with suggestions, then cast votes.

[Red Economist]

You might want to look up Summerhill in the UK for ideas (in case you haven't heard of it already).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summerhill_School

Would suggest the following if you want it burnt down within a week. :grin:

Communist Cultural Conspiracy of Portland (CCCP), Portland Revolutionary College (PRC),The Portland Revolutionary Academy for Voluntary Association (PRAVDA) and The UnAmerican School for Socialist Revolutionaries (USSR).

Or more seriously, Portland School for Free Education (PSFE)/Portland School for Humanist Education (PSHE) to 'fit in' better. I hope you've got a 'hard hat' on for this, as teaching is a steep learning curve between discipline and negotiation- and that's just the kids. (Both my parents have worked in education in the UK).

[Xena Warrior Proletarian]

How about something history related like "Portland Modern School" or maybe "Portland Popular Academy".

Portland Modern School - PMS :laugh: I'm so immature...

[BIXX]

Please PLEASE, don't use POEP. That's Dutch for shit...


Holy shit I'm dying

Edit: but this is exactly why I'm consulting people, so shit like this is ironed out.

[consuming negativity]

Why should a school be ideological, though? That's the last thing it should be. The best education system would surely be immune (to as great a degree as possible) from ideological meddling, and instead be one that is styled in a democratic way, teaches with progressive techniques, and aims to allow students to study what they want for the purpose of acquisition of knowledge as well as skills, as opposed to just the latter to fulfil capital's wants.

I don't think making a school a 'people's' school or flying a red flag of Lenin over it necessarily improves anything about a school. It's the aims, purpose, and style and quality of teaching and learning that makes a school/education system excellent.

I meant it more along the lines of the ideology of the educators which is influenced by more political, social, and economic beliefs. Free education in and of itself, along with accessibility and such, are all based in certain philosophical ideas. You can't really have history or economics or frankly much of anything relating to education without a certain amount of inherent bias. We would refer to it as just telling the truth, but even whether or not the truth is moral or just or whatever in the first place could be argued if I felt like being annoying enough to do it.

But yeah, don't fly a red flag with Lenin on it outside the school. :p

[Slavoj Zizek's Balls]

Drop any connotations with revolution. If you don't, you'll turn away a lot of interested people. The only ideology you ought to be dealing with is one that at least offers a comprehensive understanding of as many different views as possible.

[Quail]

Sounds like a cool idea. You should try to stick with a simple name though. I think something like Portland Free School is fine, because it's simple but tells people all the information they need to know. Or if you want to distance yourselves from the traditional notion of a school, perhaps you could call it something like Portland Free Education Society. I don't know. Something simple anyway.

[Yet_Another_Boring_Marxist]

Drop any connotations with revolution. If you don't, you'll turn away a lot of interested people. The only ideology you ought to be dealing with is one that at least offers a comprehensive understanding of as many different views as possible.

if the purpose is to spread revolutionary consciousness then this is the worse possible thing to do, though obviously that may not necessarily be their intention.

[Xena Warrior Proletarian]

if the purpose is to spread revolutionary consciousness then this is the worse possible thing to do, though obviously that may not necessarily be their intention.

I disagree. Most people are actually open to communism and revolutionary ideas (once they are explained properly, and the lies dismissed) - but they have been taught to run away from these scary words.

[BIXX]

Well, it seems you all think that keeping it at "The Portland Free School" is the best idea, is that the general vibe I'm getting?

If so then I'll get right on the email/logo, then get everything to our graphic designer.

[Sinister Intents]

I'll post the stuff I mentioned earlier later :) I have to go through my marketing and business stuff

[BIXX]

Anyone got any ideas for a logo? I'm not entirely sure what would represent the school well, so if anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

[BIXX]

Update: logos are in the initial processes of being drawn up.

[blake 3:17]

Utopian Peeps Academy

[Domela Nieuwenhuis]

Cooperation Of Methodical Majority Involved Education school?

[Bala Perdida]

If you're looking for ideas, the first thing that comes to mind is something like an insurrection fist holding a book.

[Domela Nieuwenhuis]

If you're looking for ideas, the first thing that comes to mind is something like an insurrection fist holding a book.

http://lifnb.com/files/site_images/books-not-bombs.jpg

[BIXX]

If you're looking for ideas, the first thing that comes to mind is something like an insurrection fist holding a book.


I was thinking about find something that appealed to liberals a bit more. For example something that showed cooperation (probably a hand passing something to another hand, or two hands building something, or whatever). That way I can maybe get some liberals more interested in the free school.

[Domela Nieuwenhuis]

I have a great book for you to use!

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130814224201-31-marijuana-horizontal-gallery.jpg

[BIXX]

I have a great book for you to use!



http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130814224201-31-marijuana-horizontal-gallery.jpg


Well shit I thought my idea was original hahahah.

[Redcanadian123]

How about The Portland Socialist Learning Center.

[Domela Nieuwenhuis]

School of Non-doctrinairy Education? (serious about this one)


ps. Noone noticed the joke in my previous name-proposition, but Rocinante?

[BIXX]

Totally just did, hahaha.

[Comrade Jacob]

Freedom school of free freedom, freedom.

[BIXX]

We've decided to call the school the "freedom democracy freedom language of smiles club for learning".

Truth be told though I think it's gonna be either "Portland Modern Academy" or "Portland Free School".

[Bala Perdida]

We've decided to call the school the "freedom democracy freedom language of smiles club for learning".

Truth be told though I think it's gonna be either "Portland Modern Academy" or "Portland Free School".
I got the sketch done during the week. I'm trying to find the time to make the it on the computer. I did get started though.

[BIXX]

I got the sketch done during the week. I'm trying to find the time to make the it on the computer. I did get started though.


No worries! Thank you so much by the way!

[Ele'ill]

yay portland free school

[Sabot Cat]

Some of my suggestions:

The Portland Alternative Center for Education (PACE)
The Portland Alternative Learning School (PALS)
The Portland Alternative Schooling System (PASS)
The Portland Egalitarian/Equal Alternative Center for Education (PEACE)
The Portland Revolutionary, Equal and Free Alternative Center for Education (PREFACE)

Although Portland Free School fits in with other free schools, and it's short, so that probably works the best.

[Sea]

Classless Classes

[MarcusJuniusBrutus]

Portland Community School