Session 2: Year 8, WeeK 6 In Review
Prop Makers, Game Shapers, and the Art of Accountability
spark studio
The Day the Lights Went Out in Spark
What do you mean no lights? No work? No computers?!
It all started with a clue from the Phoenix:
“You must live as we did long ago!”
Suddenly, everything changed.
Did you know houses were once made of dirt and hay?
Our first challenge was to head into the woods and build shelters—but not just alone—we formed guilds, each one bringing a unique spark of creativity. Before we knew it, learners were mixing mud and transforming the birdhouse into a full-on mud house!
Creativity at its finest.
We prepared food and spices, sewed pouches, shaped clay, and explored what life was like before electricity. The energy (ironically!) was electric—full of curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on discovery.
Some learners even carried the experience home, trying the challenge with their families—no screens, just stories, imagination, and connection.
We hope you found some joy in those quiet moments, in the stillness of the now.
Fare thee well, brave time travelers.
Until the next adventure...
lower elementary studio
This week, our learners have been discovering the power of double-checking.
Whether in academics, projects, or community responsibilities, we’ve been asking: How do we know if we’re meeting our goals if we don’t keep track and check? This practice has helped learners see that accountability isn’t about perfection—it’s about paying attention, noticing what we’ve done, and making room to grow.
Our conversations as budding scientists have deepened as well. Learners explored the scientific method as a tool to help answer questions and explore new ideas. They practiced making qualitative and quantitative observations—noticing details with their senses and with numbers—and reflected on how our first try at something is rarely our best. Instead, each attempt gives us new information that can guide the next.
In Story Arts, we’ve begun the challenging and exciting work of being historical consultants—shaping three-dimensional characters that can help bring the story of the Middle Ages to life.
This week in P.E., learners even had a visit from a Squire, who shared what life was like for knights, including the skills and discipline required. Meanwhile, in Civilization, we traced the time leading up to the Middle Ages and learned how the fierce Vikings left their mark on Europe.
To strengthen accountability in our daily work, we’ve introduced a new Running Partner Check. This peer practice helps learners double-check their points and stay responsible for recording work properly. Our newly elected Council has also stepped into their roles with enthusiasm, guiding our Studio in the work of learning to live together.
It has been a full and flourishing week in the Lower Elementary Studio—one marked by curiosity, responsibility, and the joy of learning together.
upper elementary studio
We’re well into week two, and learners are diving deep into their work with energy and curiosity.
Signature Learning
Civ – Learners finalized their historical characters for the Renaissance Fair Exhibition, choosing figures ranging from explorers like Amerigo Vespucci to artists like Michelangelo to political thinkers like Machiavelli. Research has begun as they dig into who these people were, what they wanted, and how they might have used an investment if someone had given them support.
Story Arts – Swordfighting choreography took center stage this week. Learners practiced new techniques—blocks and slips—using foam swords and consistent partners. Each move is introduced carefully and practiced step by step. In Write Now, learners will channel this excitement into writing vivid fight scenes. Next week, we’ll cast Richard III and the Kingmaker for our performance. On Friday, we look forward to hosting professional stunt experts, including parent Glenn Foster, who will bring medieval weapons, lead a shared writing activity, and give a combat demonstration.
Quest – This week, learners engaged their senses by testing essential oil samples on cotton balls and rating the scents. On Thursday, we welcomed guest speaker and aromatherapy expert (and parent) Samantha Wakefield, who shared her knowledge and guided the project further as learners mixed scents together and gauged each other’s reactions.
Other News
Level-Specific Badges – Ana became the first learner to step into the Level 4 Socratic Discussion “hot seat.” She launched a thoughtful conversation about crochet, even connecting it to the world’s largest crocheted blanket.
P.E. Alignment – Our P.E. Guide, Shamira, brought in a medieval reenactor this week. Learners were thrilled to explore medieval armor and weaponry, and both lower and upper heroes got the chance to test their skills in a friendly shield and foam sword match.
Big Question of the Year – “How is the world changing, and how can I grow myself up in it?” This week’s theme was double-checking. During launch, we studied the story of the Gimli Glider and learned how mistakes—like confusing pounds with kilograms—can have dramatic consequences.
Art – In art, learners began designing costumes for Exhibition. They are encouraged to bring in large shirts, fabric, and props to help bring their Renaissance characters to life.
Enjoy your weekend!
middle school studio
This week in Middle School, creativity, learning, and exploration took center stage.
Quest – Heroes began coding their “games for good” using Scratch and Tynker. The goal is to design games that align with Thrust Interactive’s mission: “We want our games to help solve problems and create solutions in the worlds of health, education, and fun.” Younger learners play-tested an early version of one game, giving feedback that will guide debugging and new features next week.
Story Arts – Heroes explored prop making. They studied favorite props from TV shows and films, analyzing how those objects connect to a story’s characters, situations, and themes. A few heroes were also chosen to serve on the Excellence Committee, which reviews hero submissions on JourneyTracker and provides comments, approvals, and feedback. Interest in serving was high, showing excitement for this leadership opportunity.
Civilization – We examined how people in the Middle Ages misunderstood the spread of disease, particularly through the Miasma Theory during the Plague of Justinian. Heroes’ challenge was to create metaphors and experiments that could disprove the theory for someone living in that time.
Studio Governance – Our new Council was also elected for Session Two. Their first projects included clarifying the Strike system, creating a Party Committee for upcoming events, planning for a Town Hall, and voting on updates to Studio Maintenance. We are eager to see their growth as leaders in Studio self-governance.
Technology Policy Update – Guides also introduced an updated Technology policy in which phones and gaming devices are no longer allowed at lunch. We believe this will be best for Middle Schoolers to encourage time for eating, connecting, outdoor time, and disconnecting from screens.
high school studio
This week in High School was full of creativity, collaboration, and preparation as our heroes moved closer to their upcoming Exhibition.
Early in the week, they presented a prototype for their user, gathering feedback and sharpening their designs before the big showcase. Alongside this, heroes practiced their presentation and public speaking skills, learning the art of sharing ideas with clarity and confidence.
In Studio Launches, we had a thoughtful conversation about group dynamics—how to balance leadership and listening, and why making sure each person’s voice is heard makes our work stronger.
Meanwhile, heroes finalized their math portfolios, another important step in their mastery journey, and continued pitching practicals, all part of building their unique mastery transcripts.
We also officially launched into Quest, while continuing our Story Arts work in parallel. With the Haunted House right around the corner, the Studio is buzzing with multitasking energy—heroes balancing storytelling, design, and engineering as they bring their vision to life.
It’s inspiring to see our high schoolers leaning into challenge, owning their learning, and creating work that reflects both creativity and discipline. The path to Exhibition is never easy, but the journey is where the real growth happens.
Staff Highlight
This fall, our Lower Elementary heroes have been diving into something extraordinary thanks to McKenna’s creativity—her very own Inventure Lab (adventure + invention)! In this unique experience, heroes step into the role of engineers, designing and building their own projects from the ground up. The energy in the Studio is contagious as learners brainstorm, test, and iterate on their designs, knowing that their final creations will be pitched to the GA Tech Adventure Lab. McKenna’s vision has given heroes both the freedom to dream big and the guidance to bring those dreams to life. The best part? They’re having a blast while learning.
–Onward