Early Lessons, Lasting Growth: Laying the Groundwork for a Remarkable Year

spark studio

The First Step Into the Forest
Imagine standing at the edge of something brand new—your very first day of school. Your backpack feels a little too big, your heart beats a little too fast. So many thoughts whirl around: Who will help me? Will I make friends? I want to go, but maybe I don’t. I’m scared… but also, I think I’m ready.

That mixture of excitement and nerves is completely normal. In fact, it’s how many of our learners felt as they stepped into the Studio for the first time. The unknown can feel big and wild—like a forest we’re just beginning to explore. But we’ve already started to find our path.

During our second week, we’ve focused on learning how to be, how to do, how to learn, and how to live as a community. We’ve spent time outdoors, laughing, collaborating, and playing games that connect us. Inside, we’ve dived into lessons in practical life, sensorial experiences, language, math, and art. These activities are not just about learning facts—they're about understanding the world around us and the people in it.

As we settle into our Studio routines, the learners are starting to discover what helps our space run smoothly. They’re learning that it takes more than just following instructions—it takes patience, peace, and a shared sense of responsibility. That’s why we’re working on creating a Contract of Promises, written by the learners themselves. It’s a reflection of what they believe is important when being part of a school community.

This is just the beginning of our journey together. Like explorers in a new land, we’re learning to read the signs, trust each other, and listen to the quiet voice inside that tells us when to speak, when to help, and when to grow.

Stay tuned each week to see how our forest path unfolds. There are so many adventures ahead.

lower elementary studio

Week Two of Becoming a Crew
Week two, and Lower Elementary is now in full swing! We have focused on the keys to becoming a part of our crew during Quest. We have also talked about boundaries—how to have good ones and how to recognize what is our own responsibility.

In Story Arts, we dove deeper into conflict and tension and how we use it to create a more interesting story, with learners sharing or acting out their own true or very creative battles against nature, others, or a situation. In Civilization, we became members of a Japanese Shogunate and discussed how it felt to be a part of that realm.

Platforms are being steadily conquered in Zearn (for math) and Lexia (for language). Ms. McKenna introduced Inventure Lab, with squads participating in design thinking challenges that even included one fantastic glitter bomb!

Books are being discovered in our DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time, and several learners have chosen to spend extra time reading this week just because they are enjoying it!

Learner check-ins are also in full swing, so please be on the lookout in your inbox for a Zoom summary of that meeting for your own learner.

It is truly such a privilege and pleasure to see such joy for discovery; we are looking forward to a fantastic year!

upper elementary studio

Settling Into Routines
This week, our learners began to sink into the rhythm of the school year. Many were eager to dive into core skills and start earning points. Since it was our first week of core skills, everyone was on “Soaring,” choosing their own time and place to work. Next week, seating will shift based on each learner’s freedom level. Those who need extra guidance will receive support in goal-setting, pacing, and developing self-direction. We’ll continue to introduce supportive and empowering structures over the next several weeks, rolling them out one week at a time.

Signature Learning Experiences
We launched all three of our main Signature Learning Experiences:

Quest – Learners collaborated to identify essential guilds for running our Studio smoothly. Guildmasters were appointed, and on Thursday, learners applied to become apprentices in their chosen guilds. Next week, they will define the major functions of their guilds and present them at Exhibition.
Story Arts – Heroes explored sketch comedy by forming improv groups and playing warm-up games to spark creativity.
Civ – Learners began designing the board and rules for a game where medieval empires compete for world influence. This Friday, we’ll start exploring how the Roman Empire influenced the spread of Christianity, our main focus for Sessions One and Two.

We’re also excited to launch Calling Cards, a new Signature Learning Experience, in Session Two. Session One will be spent designing a great plan for it.

Learner-Directed Projects
Some learners have already begun developing their own badge plan passion projects. Projects in progress include: designing a quiet space for deep focus and building a closet shelf for microwave storage (as the microwave line is long).

Learners ahead on badge work will continue to have opportunities for projects like these. Next step: completing detailed proposals.

Other News
On Thursday, we elected our first Student Council. These learners will help mediate conflicts, uphold our norms, plan events, and lead the Studio—serving as the signoria to our arti (guilds).

Looking Ahead
Upper Elementary is a key transition from Lower to Middle School, where learners develop resourcefulness and self-direction. This year, we’ll be building “ninja moves” for lifelong learning—and we’re eager to see the growth ahead!

middle school studio

Week Two: A Week of Growth and Creativity in the Studio
This week in the Studio was full of collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning.

We began by revisiting our Studio Contract. After testing our first version, learners reflected on what worked, what didn’t, and what needed strengthening. The result? A second draft that feels more authentic, more practical, and—most importantly—truly learner-owned.

We also launched our first Running Partner challenges. Learners set goals, shared them with a peer, and offered approvals and feedback. The process reinforced the idea that progress is not just personal—it’s supported by our community. Setting goals suddenly felt more real when you had someone alongside you.

For the first time, we gathered in Circles to discuss conflict resolution. Learners practiced our Middle School process for voicing concerns respectfully and listening openly. This was a key step in building a culture of trust and equipping Heroes with tools to navigate challenges with confidence and empathy.

In our second round of baking experiments, learners explored dairy-free recipes. From substitutes like oat milk and coconut oil to testing texture and flavor, they experienced how small changes in ingredients can lead to big differences in outcomes. The kitchen buzzed with curiosity—and more than a little excitement for taste-testing.

In Civilization, the focus turned to medieval scribes and their illuminated manuscripts and maps. Learners asked: Were scribes recorders of truth? Storytellers? Guardians of memory? The conversation sparked powerful questions about how history is shaped not just by events, but by those who choose what gets written down.

Story Arts brought a special highlight: a visit from a real television writer. Learners got a behind-the-scenes look at a writer’s room—the collaboration, the brainstorming, and the rewrites. Even more exciting, the expert gave feedback on their original character descriptions, offering tips that made their writing feel more connected to the real world of TV storytelling.

Across every activity this week, one theme stood out: iteration. From rewriting contracts, to revising goals with peers, to rethinking recipes, to reimagining history, to refining characters—learners experienced the power of drafting, testing, and improving. Excellence isn’t about perfection on the first try, but about returning again and again with new insights and courage.

high school studio

Growth, Goals, and Great Conversations
What an incredible second week it’s been! Our Heroes took meaningful steps toward building strong connections and sharpening their skills for the journey ahead. We dedicated time to Running Partners, where Heroes supported each other with badge approvals and opened up on a deeper, more vulnerable level. These conversations not only foster accountability but also strengthen the bonds that make our Studio thrive.

We also began weaving Core Skills into the daily rhythm. Many Heroes have already jumped into math, science, and Deep Books, setting goals that will challenge and inspire them throughout the session. Our Math Lab continued to be a space for both fun and focused learning—a perfect mix of curiosity and challenge!

Another exciting highlight? Practicals have officially started! Heroes have already delivered some thoughtful and creative pitches, giving us Guides a fresh glimpse into their ideas, strengths, and passions. It’s truly inspiring to see their courage and creativity shine.

And last but not least, we kicked off Story Arts, diving into the fascinating world of communication and conflict resolution. From exploring different conflict styles to learning practical strategies for navigating disagreements, our Heroes are gaining tools that will serve them well in the Studio and beyond.

Week 2 reminded us that growth happens when we balance hard work with meaningful reflection and collaboration. We can’t wait to see what next week brings!

All five blogs are now polished and ready. Let me know if you'd like help combining them into a single post or newsletter, or if you need title ideas again!

Session 1: Year 8, WeeK 2 In Review