ALC Mosaic

Our Spring Artisan Market is shaping up to be a great one! The kids here are proposing to spend their student finance money to bring in the BIGGEST bounce house we can fit here, and we have some yummy food lined up in addition to our awesome vendors and FREE clothing swap!
Our vendors will include health, including chair massages, local honey, baked goods (vegan and gluten free!), dog care, unique artwork, stationary, hoola hoops, slushies, and more!
PLEASE save the date and share with your friends. ALL are welcome, and the more the merrier. Our students cherish these markets and love it when they are full and busy 💖💖💖






www.tacticwater.com

Snow day fun!!! What winter for Charlotte!!!

One of our founding facilitators and a group of students who identify as dyslexic wrote an article about dyslexia in an SDE setting - something there is very little information about currently. Check out their published article in the Alliance for Self-Directed Education 's magazine, Tipping Points!

Dyslexic Kids Wrote This Article in a School that Forces No One to Read or Write | Alliance for Self-Directed Education In this article you can find out what dyslexic kids, who have grown up together in a self-directed setting, have to say about reading, reading instruction, community, and dyslexia. Spoiler alert: Consent and listening to kids are prime in our story even when they rub against what adult voices in SDE...

Our hearts are so heavy this week. Nate, you are a gift to this world and you will be so missed.

Nate and his family joined Mosaic at our beginning in 2013. We were fortunate to have their family as a part of our school for so many years to follow, and as extended community members as they moved away and grew older. Nate was so resilient and strong and was a miracle child through all the challenges his body threw at him. He is now without pain and free, however his family and loved ones are missing him greatly.

If you know Nate and his family and desire to do something in his honor, consider donating to Outdoor Academy and mark your donation "in Nate's Honor." He had such an amazing high school semester there full of joy, learning, and exploration before his cancer returned. The link is shared in the Keep Nate Great post.

Additionally, direct donations can be made to his mother via venmo as she has taken much time off of work to care for Nate and will be needing more time to figure out how to navigate life without her sweet boy.

In my grief, I am uncertain about how to even articulate or how to craft prose that embodies the emotions that we are feeling here at the Keep Nate Great Camp. Our world has taken a major hit.

Sunday, October 19th, 2025, at 4:15 am, Nathaniel David Trinca, a.k.a: Nate, N.D., Nay Nay, Little Fish, My love, Sweet baby boy, and dozens of loving nicknames- transitioned from home and the comfort of his room to the Kingdom of heaven.

He was not alone, he was not in pain, and it was very peaceful.

The details of how he arrived at that moment are no longer significant; just know that he is no longer burdened by the restrictions of his body that were a result of the battle that he had to endure. He did not lose; he won everlasting freedom. We all know that he is safe and free of any sickness. Those who know Nate well know how private he is and how much family means to him. I filtered much of what was happening at Nate’s request. For some time, he was almost embarrassed by his illness. He did not want to overburden his friends.

There are so many beautiful ways to remember Nate, playing your favorite video game, mostly Pokémon or Super Mario, eating your favorite chocolate bar, sipping on a chocolate milkshake, or dancing to your favorite song. But most of all, spending time with your close family. Nate has a depth of love for his family that is impenetrable.

Dearest Little Fish,

My sweet, dear son. You were born on a Sunday, and you left us on Sunday. I know that you would say that is “Ironic”. I remember so vividly holding you in my arms when you came home. I never wanted to let you go, I don't know how I ever will. You have had to bear the unthinkable for your whole life. Congenital Heart Defect and Brain Cancer. The overarching fear of what's next, and for that, I am so sorry. Alas, you are brave and rose above every challenge that came your way with Valor! I have a well of tears for missing you that is so deep, it will take a thousand lifetimes to dry up. You are so uniquely and unapologetically you, that is what I most admire about you, my beautiful boy. I will see you in every beautiful thing. Every sunrise, every star, and I will feel you when the wind blows, when the rain falls, and when I feel joy or love. You and I have a connection that transcended this plane. We are forever quantumly entangled. I had the immeasurable honor of being your mommy for 7,044 days and counting. I love you so very much. I already miss your Eskimo kisses. I could write a lifelong letter of all of the memories, but for now, it is Good night, my love, sweet dreams. You will always sit in the seat of my heart. Love always, Mommy.

We have chosen at this time not to plan a celebration of life, this will happen at a later date to allow our family time for bereavement. We are taking time to travel to be together, love our surviving children, and be supported by friends and loved ones. Instead of flowers, if you are feeling drawn to, we ask that you make a donation to Outdoor Academy in Nate's honor. (link below) Please include "In Nate's Honor" in the comment

https://www.enf.org/donate/

If you would like to further support our family, you are welcome to donate to our travels via Venmo to

For gas, coffee, food and Airbnb's.

Since Nate's transition was at home, it is difficult to be there we just need some time away to process.

We love when parents (and kids!) self-organize to invest in the interests of young people and embody what it means to take action and create the life you want!

Please consider chipping in and help the new ALC Mosaic Sports Program set sail!

Donate to Let's GO! ALC Sports Program needs your help!, organized by Gretchen Hollifield We’re excited to announce that ALC Mosaic is starting its very firs… Gretchen Hollifield needs your support for Let's GO! ALC Sports Program needs your help!

Save the date!! Our next Artisan Market is Saturday, September 20th from 11-3. This is always a great time for family fun. All are welcome, current families, past families, and anyone just wanting to come and enjoy some cool artisan vendors, food, a bounce house and meeting new people. Please share and invite your friends!

If you are a vendor and want to have a table with us, please email [email protected] or send a DM via Instagram or Facebook

One of our former students could use your votes for Athlete of the year! Show Ethan some love with your vote!! He's an incredible soccer player with some big dreams 💗

Vote for Ethan to be featured in a 3BRAND ad in Sports Illustrated and win $25,000! Ethan Has Been Living Soccer For 10 Years, His Character Grows Daily And Is The Most Committed Human I’ve Ever Met!

One of our loved community members is going through a challenging time. She is experiencing a medical crisis and needs support to help her and her kids so she can rest and recover, and is unable to work for a period of time. Please consider sharing and contributing if you are able 💙

Donate to Support for Claire & Family in Medical Crisis, organized by Jessica Ferguson Hello, beautiful souls who are receiving this message, I hope you are w… Jessica Ferguson needs your support for Support for Claire & Family in Medical Crisis