Session 2: Year 8, Week 9 In Review
Session 2 Wrap-Up: Learning, Growing, and Celebrating Together
spark studio
Spark has officially blasted off into Fall Break!
What a beautiful final week of Session 2! Our learners spent the week putting the finishing touches on Exhibition plans and creating an experience that invited families to journey through space with us. From placing the planets in orbital order and considering their proximity to the sun to diving deeper into what makes each planet unique, there was so much discovery happening across the Studio.
One of the best parts was watching learners transform the space itself. They were fully engaged in decorating, preparing, building, and imagining how their families would experience the Exhibition. So much educational content was uncovered along the way, but one of our favorite reflections was simply this: it was so much fun. When learning feels this joyful and engaging, it helps build a genuine love of learning and sparks the kind of curiosity we work to fuel every day.
Alongside all of this, we are continuing the important work of learning how to live together. Conflict resolution, building the tribe, and strengthening relationships remain a daily part of Spark as we continue laying the foundation for our Four Pillars: Learning to Be, Learning to Learn, Learning to Do, and Learning to Live Together. These foundations are growing in the work, the play, the challenges, the conversations, and the ways learners care for one another.
Thank you to all of our wonderful parents and our supportive community for helping make Spark such a special place to learn and grow. We are so grateful for the way you partner with us.
Have a beautiful, restful, and rejuvenating Fall Break!
lower elementary studio
Overview
This week, Heroes reflected on how their choices affected themselves, their teammates, and the Studio. Through 360° Feedback, they gave and received honest feedback about Running Partners, Squad participation, Exhibition teamwork, focus, responsibility, and how they responded to challenges. Guides also evaluated Studio DRIP to see how independently Heroes managed the day, including transitions, Core Skills, Studio Maintenance, teamwork, accountability, awareness of what needed to happen next, and problem-solving when challenges came up.
As Heroes continue on their Hero’s Journey, DRIP serves as a mirror, not a level. We are not leveling Heroes based on DRIP scores. Instead, DRIP helps them notice where they are showing Desire, Resourcefulness, Initiative, and Persistence, and where they still need practice. Our goal is to help Heroes name the areas that will move them toward greater self-direction and stronger ownership of the Studio. Growth is not always even. There may be seasons when Initiative is stronger than Persistence, or Desire is stronger than Resourcefulness, and that is okay. What matters is noticing it, learning from it, and continuing to grow.
Exhibition Reflection
Exhibition was a real turning point for our Heroes. Only one team earned a Green Light. Every other team earned either a Yellow Light or Red Light and had to explain to parents and guests why their work had not met the Green Light requirements. This created a powerful moment of ownership and accountability as Heroes reflected on the choices they made, the instructions or deadlines they missed, and what they would do differently next time.
For families, Exhibition offered a clear window into the learning behind the final product and showed that some of the most meaningful growth can happen when the outcome is not what we hoped for. The best next move is not to rescue, excuse, or overcorrect, but to help your Hero reflect. Ask what happened, what choices led to the outcome, what they learned, and what they will do differently next time. Listen before offering advice, avoid blaming teammates, and help your Hero identify one or two specific habits they will strengthen in Session Three. The goal is to turn disappointment into ownership, problem-solving, and a clearer plan for growth.
Question of the Week
In Session Two, Heroes practiced Hearing the Call, noticing where they were being asked to grow. In Session Three, they will focus on Facing Resistance, what happens when growth gets hard.
What challenge are you facing, which DRIP habit will help most, and what can help you take the next step?
Some Studio examples families can use to help Heroes think:
Desire: Choose Math and Language work each day that will help me grow.
Desire: Speak up when something matters instead of staying quiet.
Resourcefulness: Ask for help when I am stuck.
Resourcefulness: Use feedback, tools, or my Running Partner to solve a problem.
Resourcefulness: Tell someone when they hurt my feelings and work toward a solution.
Initiative: Start my work without waiting for reminders.
Initiative: Manage my time and transition when it is time to move on.
Initiative: Do my part during Studio Maintenance without being asked.
Initiative: Speak up and contribute during group work.
Persistence: Keep going when work feels hard or frustrating.
Persistence: Stay focused when my friends are talking or playing.
Persistence: Fix mistakes instead of rushing to be finished.
Persistence: Keep working after receiving difficult feedback.
Heroes who share their family’s discussion with a Guide before Morning Launch after the break will earn 15 Bonus Points on their Work Plan.
Heroes can earn an additional 25 points by hosting a Dream Team meeting to reflect on their Session Two Exhibition Status. Talk about what the status showed about their choices, what they learned from the experience, and one goal they want to carry into Session Three. To earn the points, bring a photo with the Dream Team and 2 to 4 suggestions from Dream Team members for how to grow in Session Three.
Virtual Day Plans
Please use the 2026–2027 Virtual Work Day Plans for tomorrow’s virtual day. The plan includes a recommended Core Skills schedule, Math and Language activities, DEAR or creative writing, and movement breaks.
upper elementary studio
Exhibition, Seed Money Decisions, & Closing Out Session 2
Upper Elementary closed out Session 2 with a bang! From pitching prototypes for real funding to establishing new Studio self-governance rules, our Heroes finished the session strong.
Quest Exhibition & Seed Money Intentions
Heroes spent Monday and Tuesday finalizing their physics toy designs and polishing their sales pitches. Exhibition was a huge success—learners were thrilled to pitch their creations for real seed money! A sincere thank you to all the parents who attended and generously contributed $5 to support the event.
Following Exhibition, we held a Socratic discussion with the Heroes about the core intention behind investment funding: growth. Receiving seed money means investors believe the product can generate a real return, and using that $5 wisely could turn their $30 initial capital into much more for the upcoming Business Fair.
We empowered the teams to decide how to manage their funds. Some chose to allocate the money directly toward purchasing fair materials and securing their booth space, while others decided to divide the funds among team members. We will continue to hold a mirror up to the learners as they experience the direct outcomes of their financial decisions.
Badge Submissions & Revisions
As Session 2 wraps up, Heroes have been working diligently to submit their final badges across Quest, Civics, and Story Arts.
Action Item: Many learners still need to complete initial badge submissions or revise badges that were denied. Learners can complete, revise, and resubmit their badges at any time during break or at the start of the next session.
Studio Self-Governance: Council Contract Enforcement
Our Town Council updated the Studio's self-governance system by refining the enforcement process for our Contract of Promises.
The Council voted to adopt an updated version of last year's "Strike Columns" framework, introducing two key changes:
Council-Only Recording: While any Hero can bring a contract breach to the Council's attention, only Council members are authorized to record official violations.
Sequential Escalation: Any contract violation now advances a learner sequentially through the strike system (from Strike 1 to Strike 2, etc.), rather than requiring multiple violations of the exact same rule to escalate.
Looking Ahead: Talent Showcase for Session 3
On Thursday, we invited all learners to share their unique personal talents with the Studio. In Session 3, we will begin crafting a collaborative group performance that highlights these diverse skills.
Thank you for a fantastic Session 2! Enjoy a restful break, and we look forward to seeing everyone back in the Studio soon.
middle school studio
Creativity, Connection, and Answering the Call
Wow, this Session has flown by! In just four short weeks, our Middle School heroes have brainstormed, collaborated, experimented, revised, and brought their ideas to life. Throughout the Session, we've seen what happens when learners are given the freedom to explore their creativity, take ownership of their work, and learn from one another. From imaginative projects to thoughtful conversations, our Studio has been buzzing with opportunities to grow, connect, and discover what we're capable of accomplishing together.
Quest: Waste to Workshop
As our Waste to Workshop Quest comes to a close, our heroes have been stretching their creative muscles and discovering the possibilities hidden in everyday materials. What began as brainstorming and big ideas has grown into hands-on upcycling workshops designed to bring fun, creativity, and belonging to others.
Peer feedback played an important role as teams tested ideas, solved problems, and made meaningful improvements. From clay and painting to sewing and more, learners embraced the beautiful mess of creating something new!
Civilization: The Reformation and Thirty Years' War
In Civilization, we wrapped up our exploration of the Reformation and its lasting impact by diving into the complex relationships that shaped the Thirty Years' War.
Through discussions about allies, adversaries, and shifting loyalties, learners examined how religion, political power, and competing interests influenced European civilizations during the 1600s. Using maps and flowcharts, heroes made their thinking visible as they explored the connections and boundaries between different groups.
Story Arts: Sharing Our Voices
Our authors reached an exciting milestone in Story Arts this week as they shared their first complete short story drafts through a Gallery Walk!
This was more than an opportunity to showcase their writing. It was a chance to celebrate progress, practice giving meaningful feedback, and recognize the courage it takes to share something you've created with others.
As learners step into the role of editors of their own work, they're discovering that their voices matter. By thoughtfully considering feedback and making intentional revisions, they are building confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for the creative process.
Each story is uniquely theirs, and each new draft is another opportunity to grow as storytellers and answer the call to make a difference in the world.
Community: Growing Stronger Together
One of the most meaningful parts of our week was the continued focus on teamwork and relationships, especially among Running Partners.
Our heroes practiced offering one another kind, honest, and constructive feedback, celebrating strengths while encouraging growth. They are learning that being part of a strong community means listening, showing grace, taking responsibility, and choosing to support one another even when things get difficult.
As we head into break, we're grateful for the creativity, courage, and heart our heroes brought to this Session. We hope families enjoy some well-deserved time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate all the growth that has taken place.
We look forward to welcoming our heroes back, ready to keep growing, creating, and answering the call together!
high school studio
Clothes Less Traveled: The Second Life Project
This week, our Heroes wrapped up our latest Quest, “Clothes Less Traveled: The Second Life Project,” and what a Quest it was!
Over the past several days, Heroes took on a real-world challenge connected to Clothes Less Traveled, a local thrift store, and explored how unsellable clothing could potentially be given a second life rather than simply being discarded. Along the way, they weren’t just completing a school project—they were practicing the kinds of skills they will need in college, careers, entrepreneurship, and everyday life.
Real-World Skills in Action
Throughout this Quest, Heroes practiced:
Project Management — managing timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables
Research & Market Analysis — investigating the problem, competitors, customers, and existing solutions
Design Thinking & Problem-Solving — defining a problem, generating ideas, testing solutions, and improving them
Product & Service Development — turning an idea into a usable solution
Financial Analysis — considering costs, savings, revenue, profit, and break-even
Sustainability Analysis — evaluating environmental impact and responsible use of materials
User Research & Feedback — gathering and applying feedback from a real client
Prototyping & Iteration — creating, testing, and improving multiple versions of a solution
Professional Communication & Pitching — clearly presenting and defending an idea
Collaboration & Teamwork — communicating, dividing responsibilities, navigating challenges, and solving problems together
And perhaps most importantly, they had fun doing it! There is something pretty special about watching Heroes get invested in a challenge, work through disagreements, laugh together, and genuinely care about the solution they are creating.
A Change of Plans
While we were looking forward to sharing all of this work at our exhibition, unfortunately, the exhibition has been postponed. We will announce the new date as soon as it is confirmed.
The good news? The work itself was not lost!
Heroes still received meaningful feedback throughout the Quest, continued working through revisions, and used their Running Partners to provide peer feedback and approvals. Running Partners also took time to evaluate one another’s performance—not just the final product, but how they showed up as teammates, collaborators, and learning partners.
That process is an important part of our Forest model: the goal isn't simply to finish something; it is to reflect, receive feedback, improve, and demonstrate growth.
Core Skills Still Matter
With the time dedicated to Quest, we had a little less Core Skills time than we typically do. However, we made sure Core Skills remained part of our schedule rather than disappearing altogether.
And Heroes can expect even more dedicated Core Skills time during Session 3!
Our goal is always to balance meaningful, authentic project work with the foundational skills Heroes need to continue progressing academically.
Reflection Day: Looking Back & Moving Forward
We closed out the week with Reflection Day, and this may have been one of my favorite parts.
As a Studio, we took time to step back from the work and look at our systems, our processes, and the way we work together. Heroes reflected on what is working, what isn't, and what we can improve moving forward.
And they had some great ideas.
Reflection isn't just about asking, “How did I do?” It's about asking:
What can we do better next time?
We also took time to celebrate one another, recognize the work that went into this Quest, and simply enjoy being together as a Studio.
And, of course, no celebration is complete without pizza!
As we head into break, I hope our Heroes take some time to rest and recharge. Breathe deeply. Enjoy the people around you. Love one another. And take a moment to be selfless.
Sometimes the most meaningful learning doesn't happen while we're working on a project. Sometimes it happens when we slow down, look around, and remember that we're part of something bigger than ourselves.
Have a wonderful break, Heroes! We’ll see you soon.
Math Lab
We have officially wrapped up Session 2, and we are looking forward to some well-deserved downtime next week! I hope everyone enjoys the break and has an opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time doing the things they enjoy.
📐 Math Lab Tomorrow’s Virtual Day
Before we head into the break, learners should use tomorrow’s Math Lab time to practice their recommended IXL skills in preparation for our second IXL Flex Diagnostic of the year. The diagnostic will be administered during the week we return from break.
Our goal is to celebrate growth and progress, and I am excited to see how much our learners have grown!
During Session 2, we focused specifically on the Fractions strand, so learners have had plenty of opportunities to strengthen their fraction skills. Tomorrow is a great opportunity to continue practicing fractions or explore recommendations in any of the other strands.
💻 How to Find Recommended Practice on IXL
To practice for the Flex Diagnostic:
Sign in to IXL.
Click “Assessment” at the top of the screen.
Learners will see recommended practice lessons for each strand.
They can choose to work on any or all of the strands to prepare for the diagnostic.
Encourage your learner to focus on the skills that IXL recommends. The goal isn't simply to complete as many questions as possible—it is to build confidence, strengthen skills, and show growth.
Thank you for your continued support of our mathematicians!
I hope your family has a wonderful and restful break. I look forward to seeing everyone return refreshed, recharged, and excited to continue our mathematical journeys together!
Enjoy the break! 🌟