Open Community School Records, 1971-1979

Open Community School Records

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Collection Overview

Title: Open Community School Records, 1971-1979

ID: OGLMC1361

Primary Creator: Open Community School (1970-1979)

Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 01/02/1998

Subjects: Education, Grand Forks - Education

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Open Community School Records consist of three series.

Series 1: Executive

Series 2: Students

Series 3: General

Collection Historical Note

The Open Community School opened its doors for the first time in 1970, in response to a need for an alternative means to educate students. It allowed students to explore their own interests, more than the traditional educational environment allowed. The Open Community School was a private school, serving the needs of 30 students per year. It started with one certified teacher, with parents, other students, and volunteer teachers serving as additional facilitators of learning. The school had no grade levels, as students were expected to learn at their own level and pace. No report cards were given, just periodic evaluations of learning. Parents played a vital role in the school. They provided monetary support and also helped to clean the school, and assisted in other daily activities. Financial problems plagued the Open Community School throughout its existence and it was forced to close in 1979.

Subject/Index Terms

Education
Grand Forks - Education

Administrative Information

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: Elizabeth Hampsten, UND English Department

Acquisition Method: Donation; Acc.98-2193

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Open Community School Records. OGLMC 1361, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid migrated to Archon in June 2014.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Executive],
[Series 2: Students],
[Series 3: General],
[All]

Series 1: Executive

The Executive series contains materials that describe the operation of the school, including the school's Articles of Incorporation, description, goals, meeting minutes, financial information, and general correspondence.

Box 1

Folder 1: Articles of Incorporation, Description, Goals, and State Requirements for OCS, 1971-1976
Folder 2: Finances, May 1971-April 1976
Folder 3: OCS Meeting Minutes, February 1971-October 1977
Folder 4: Correspondence (General), August 1971-June 1979

Series 2: Students

The Student series includes state information regarding media center materials and some student works.

Box 1

Folder 5: Media Center Information, 1970-1976
Folder 6: Student Works, 1971-1973

Series 3: General

The General series contains newspaper articles regarding the Open Community School and examples of other alternative schools.

Box 1

Folder 7: Newspaper Articles Regarding the OCS, 1971-1979
Folder 8: Examples of Other Alternative Schools

Department of Special Collections
Digital Finding Aids