Session 3: Year 7, WeeK 14 In Review
Empowering Growth: Progress, Assessments, and Parental Support in Our Learning Journey
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
Rise & Shine Bugfast
This week, the Spark Studio heroes embraced the magic of outdoor play with an exciting new addition—our sandbox! As we unveiled the sandbox, there was a burst of excitement as the heroes gathered around, eager to learn the “rules of engagement.” Shoes quickly came off, and little feet plunged into the cool, grainy sand, sparking an immediate sense of adventure.
The simple pleasure of feeling sand between their toes transported the heroes into a world of imagination. They set to work building castles, creating intricate sand structures, and inventing stories that wove together all their creations. The sandbox became a hub for collaboration as heroes shared ideas, divided up roles, and cheered each other on.
Beyond the pure joy, outdoor play offers a wealth of developmental benefits for learners. It builds their gross and fine motor skills as they dig, mold, and carry sand. Socially, it encourages cooperation, patience, and communication as they work together. Perhaps most importantly, play in natural settings fuels creativity and problem-solving, giving learners the freedom to explore and create without boundaries.
Watching our heroes dive into this week’s sandbox adventure was a beautiful reminder of the power of play. We’re excited to see what else they discover as they continue to connect with the world around them!
We can hardly believe there are only two short weeks left in the session. We are eagerly working to create a bug-filled, adventurous breakfast for you. We’ll gather together to build community and break bread. Look for an invitation from SignUpGenius early next week if you’d like to volunteer to bring an item to share with others.
Conferences are coming to a close, and we have enjoyed meeting with you and your learner to discuss their progress and get to know you better. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up, click the link below.
Have a beautiful weekend.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller
lower elementary studio
What an exciting week in Lower Elementary! We were thrilled to welcome two experts this week. A big thank you to Keith Williams for joining us in Story Arts and helping us harness the power of rhythm and creativity to turn our poems into songs. In Civilization, we explored early tools and the development of crafts and craftsmanship, and we were delighted to welcome Master Potter Mr. Coffey to speak to us about pottery. Our Marine Biology Quest is going swimmingly, and many of us are ready and excited for the upcoming field trip to Jekyll Island. Please check your emails for the link to the recorded Zoom meeting for more information. For those not attending, the Studio will still be open, with our own Ms. Amber leading the way!
upper elementary studio
This week was full of engaging learning experiences and hands-on projects! Our Marine Biology Quest took an exciting turn as learners each selected a marine animal to become experts on, studying everything from unique adaptations to the specific habitats these animals call home. They also explored the human threats impacting these ecosystems, including pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Each learner is now well on their way to becoming a specialist in their chosen animal, laying the groundwork for our upcoming field trip to Jekyll Island, where we’ll observe marine life up close and continue building on our conservation knowledge.
Our Civilization challenge took learners back to the Copper Age with the intriguing case of Ötzi the Iceman. Acting as forensic investigators, they analyzed artifacts and clues surrounding Ötzi’s life and untimely death, uncovering insights into the daily life, tools, and survival skills of early humans. This hands-on exploration of archaeology and history has sparked curiosity and critical thinking.
In Story Arts, learners tapped into their creative side by writing original songs, exploring rhythm, lyrics, and the power of storytelling through music. Their enthusiasm and creativity have brought a fresh energy to the studio, and it’s been inspiring to see their talents shine.
All in all, it’s been a week of exploration, discovery, and creativity. We’re looking forward to seeing these young experts in action as we journey to Jekyll Island and continue uncovering the mysteries of the past and present!
middle school studio
In Quest, heroes focused on environmental science with hands-on labs using water samples gathered from Panola State Park. They tested these samples for pH and nitrite levels, analyzing the data to assess current water quality. The lab experience culminated in a formal lab report where heroes presented their hypotheses, data analysis, and conclusions. Following these findings, they have now started drafting proposals to improve water quality at Panola, building both their scientific knowledge and environmental stewardship.
Council led a Town Hall, allowing heroes to exercise leadership and represent their peers' voices. Town Hall was an engaging forum for heroes to discuss Studio concerns, share ideas, and participate in shaping their learning environment. Additionally, the Hero Bucks store opened, celebrating heroes’ positive choices. Over the past two weeks, heroes have earned Hero Bucks by demonstrating kindness, responsibility, and respect, which they can use to "shop" for items in the store—a rewarding experience that reinforces positive behavior.
In Civilization, heroes explored ancient history by diving into the world of ceramics in the Bronze Age. After researching the role and significance of ceramics, they examined and analyzed images of artifacts from that time period, using their observations to predict the items’ uses. This exercise encouraged critical thinking and imagination as heroes connected history with tangible artifacts and practiced hypothesizing based on historical evidence.
Looking ahead, the final two weeks of this Session will include the CCRA test and YouScience assessment for Middle School learners. These assessments offer heroes a chance to showcase their academic growth and self-discovery. Parents can look forward to reviewing the results on Friday, November 15, for insight into each hero's learning strengths and areas for growth.
high school studio
This week has been full of progress and growth! Learners began taking the CCRA and YouScience assessments, essential tools to help them understand their strengths and interests. If your learner missed any of the testing, no worries—makeup sessions are scheduled for next week. Please ensure they’re present on Wednesday and Thursday so they don’t miss out!
For those who missed the Fall Parent Conferences, be on the lookout for an email from Brittney or Eleah. This will include an update on your learner’s badge plan status and progress.
As a reminder, each hero is expected to have at least one check-in session scheduled with a guide based on their badge progress. Additional check-ins can be requested anytime through Slack, email, or in person. Juniors and seniors have specific check-in times, shared via email, and are expected to attend unless they’ve communicated otherwise.
Thank you for your support in helping our learners thrive! Have a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to another productive week ahead.