Diving Deep: Marine Biology, Ancient Mysteries, and the Art of Expression

Check out this week’s updates…

spark studio

As the sun rose above the horizon, casting a warm glow over the courtyard, a group of tiny bugs gathered for their first-ever Friendsgiving "Rise and Shine Bugfast" celebration. Led by Benny the beetle, they scoured the lush grass for the finest scraps: dewdrops glistening like diamonds, a crumb of pumpkin pie left behind by a careless picnic-goer, and fragrant herbs to enhance their feast. Each bug brought its own unique flair—Zara the firefly lighting the scene with her gentle glow, while Larry the ladybug shared stories of adventure. As they feasted and laughed together, the bugs discovered that even the smallest creatures could create bonds as warm and bright as any human gathering.

This week, we kicked off Spark Session 3 with a focus on bugs! We crafted paper spiders, collected the pesky stink bugs that seem to invade our Studio, delved into research about insects from around the globe, and uncovered a wealth of fascinating facts.

Disclaimer: While our research revealed that bugs are quite nutritious—rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and a staple food source in many regions (with the Congo consuming over three tons of mealworms annually)—we encourage learners to resist the temptation to eat them!

Get ready for a thrilling bug adventure! We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you at our Bugfast at the end of the session!

Lastly, we’ve introduced a fun new tradition: weekly shares centered around a specific letter! Each learner has a designated day to bring their item, and we encourage them to stick to that day. If they’re unable to attend school on their share day, they can bring their item the day before or the day after during the same week. We ask that the items be something special and educational—no toys, please!

Please follow the schedule below:

Monday: Leo, Elliot, Auggie, Siro, Carter
Tuesday: Grace, Ezra, Safi, Hannah, Rowan
Wednesday: Hadley, Trey, Liam W., Winnie, Josie
Thursday: Claira, Liam James, Able, Verayna, Wilder
Friday: Fiona, Sloane, Fletcher, Amani, Alyse, Mecca

The letter for the week of October 28th - November 1st is “O”

lower elementary studio

This week kicked off with a thrilling splash! We’re diving deep into Marine Biology with an exciting Quest and exhibition, where learners will select their favorite ocean creature to explore and create a stunning exhibit around. But that’s not all! We’ve also launched our Story Arts program, where creativity flows as learners craft their own poems and share them in the Studio. Together, they’ll produce a collaborative audiobook filled with their original verses and lyrics to present to Spark at the end of the session. And in Civ, we’re embarking on an epic journey through prehistoric times, uncovering the fascinating beginnings of organized civilization. Get ready for a grand adventure throughout this session!

upper elementary studio

Our heroes have plunged into the depths with the kickoff of our Marine Biology Quest! This week, they explored the ocean's water column layers through an engaging, hands-on activity that combined science and visual learning. Using liquids of different densities, they created a layered representation of the ocean’s depths—a fascinating experiment that revealed the unique challenges marine animals face in different zones. Additionally, our heroes gained insight into the essential work of conservation experts and the significance of conservation status, learning how ecologists prioritize resources to protect vulnerable species.

In Civilizations, we launched our exploration of the Copper Age by donning our investigative hats and examining the ancient murder mystery of Ötzi the Iceman. Heroes began their journey into forensic anthropology, learning to analyze ancient artifacts and clues from the past.

This session’s Story Arts covers the beautiful intersection of poetry and songwriting, as the two forms often inspire one another. Be sure to ask your hero about their poems this week, how their views on poetry may have evolved, and what they’re excited to create next.

Here’s to more discovery and creativity in the weeks ahead!

middle school studio

This week at The Forest School, we launched an exciting new River Rescue Quest, where heroes dove into the study of ecosystems and began assembling their own self-sustaining habitats. This project allows students to explore the importance of balance in nature and sustainability, cultivating hands-on skills in ecology while considering the environmental impacts crucial to maintaining healthy waterways and ecosystems.

In Story Arts, creativity soared as learners brainstormed and designed their own original anime characters. This writing and drawing exercise allowed them to explore various storytelling techniques while blending their love for anime with unique character development. To enhance their skills further, learners participated in a tutorial on drawing anime faces, led by our Art Guide. This practical session focused on mastering anime’s distinct facial features and expressions, giving learners a solid foundation for their character sketches.

Meanwhile, in Civilization (Civ), heroes embarked on a fascinating historical journey as they explored the story of the Cape York meteorite. This incredible piece of history traces how a meteorite’s impact helped an ancient civilization transition from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. Learners examined the scientific and cultural significance of this event, discussing how pivotal moments like these can shape the course of human development and technology.

It’s been an inspiring week filled with creativity, discovery, and the excitement of learning. Learners engaged with various subjects, from Art and Storytelling to History and Environmental Science, showcasing their versatility and passion. These activities reflect our commitment to fostering an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging learners to draw connections between the world around them and the stories they create.

We can’t wait for our Contract Signing on Monday and our Field Trip next Wednesday!

high school studio

This week, our heroes dove into the "What the Health: Exploring Food Science Quest," where they got hands-on with the science and ethics of food. One of their first major steps was planning their Exhibition from scratch—finding a target audience and identifying a community need to serve. Watching them take full ownership of this process was eye-opening, reminding us that when adults step back, heroes often step up to the challenge with remarkable capability and drive.

In addition to the Food Science Quest, learners advanced in their year-long Story Arts project. They collaborated with industry experts, receiving valuable feedback to refine their work and make it the best it can be. These real-world connections continuously inspire them to elevate their creativity and skills.

During Civilization, they explored FDA food regulations and compared U.S. food production practices with those in other countries, leading to discussions on the “why” behind additives in U.S. foods.

Parents, a few key reminders for next week: Parent-teacher conferences begin—please make sure you’ve scheduled yours with Brittney (Juniors and Seniors) or Eleah (Freshmen and Sophomores). Also, our Monday Contract Signing field trip departs promptly at 8 a.m., so please arrive on time.

Session 3: Year 7, WeeK 12 In Review