Session 4: Year 7, WeeK 18 In Review
Designing Minds and Storytelling Voices: A Creative Kickoff to Session 4
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
Celebrating Cultures
One of the most joyful parts of our Studio is our Family Culture Shares. These special moments bring us together to celebrate the unique backgrounds, traditions, and stories that shape who we are. As we share and learn about each other’s cultures, we deepen our connections and gain a greater appreciation for the world around us.
This month, we’ve embarked on an exciting journey to explore not only our personal roots but also the customs and traditions of people from around the globe. From how they live, the clothes they wear, and the foods they enjoy, to the special celebrations that unite families and communities, every discovery sparks curiosity and wonder.
One particularly delightful tradition we recently learned about is St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th in many parts of the world. The history of this day is rooted in the story of St. Nicholas of Myra, a kind and generous man who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus. Known for his selflessness and love for helping others, St. Nicholas became a beloved figure, leaving small gifts for children, such as coins, nuts, or fruits, often in their shoes or stockings. This day serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of kindness, giving, and thinking of others.
In preparation for St. Nicholas Day, the heroes eagerly cleaned their cubbies, excitedly awaiting his arrival. When they returned to school the next morning, their faces lit up with joy as they discovered whether St. Nicholas had visited. The gleaming smiles and delighted giggles filled the Studio, making the experience magical for everyone involved.
These moments remind us how wonderful it is to celebrate the diversity in our world while discovering shared values of generosity, love, and community. We’re excited to continue learning about more traditions and cultures as we explore the incredible tapestry of life across the globe!
The letter of the week is “H.”
lower elementary studio
Dear Parents,
Our learners have kicked off the session with a focus on collaboration and teamwork! They’ve been solving puzzles, cracking codes, and crafting riddles to sharpen their skills.
We’ve also been exploring storytelling, inspired by a guest speaker—our very own Mrs. GG—who shared how her grandparents’ work ethic shaped her life. It was a meaningful moment for all of us.
To top it off, we celebrated our creative poetry and songwriting challenges from Session 3 by reviewing our music video, "Calvin in a Fat Cat." While we are unable to share the video due to our photo policy, we are excited to debut it at the Exhibition so you can enjoy their masterpiece as well!
upper elementary studio
This week, we kicked off Session 4 with The Great Mysterious Quest! Learners dove into solving escape rooms, assembling puzzles, and deciphering a secret message that unveiled their quest: Collaboration and Puzzles. While this session is only three weeks long, it promises to be jam-packed with fun, challenging puzzles, and opportunities for creative design. We’re excited to see the learners put their collaboration skills to the test in this thrilling quest!
In Story Arts, we began exploring the concept of social capital through Dream Teams. At The Forest School, we believe that building a strong circle of support and mentorship is one of the most important steps on the ladder to success—whatever that may look like for each learner. This year, we’re encouraging learners to think beyond their family circle and identify people who can hold them accountable and provide mentorship. These Dream Team members should ideally attend at least a few exhibitions each year and be ready to discuss the learner’s academic progress and broader goals.
This weekend, have a conversation with your learner about potential Dream Team members—they might surprise you with their thoughtful choices!
In Civ, we’ve embarked on a fascinating journey into ancient writing techniques. This week, learners explored Mesopotamia and the invention of cuneiform, one of the earliest known writing systems. They practiced writing their names in cuneiform, experimenting with both paper and clay to experience this ancient form of communication. It’s been incredible to see learners connect with history in such a hands-on way!
Stay tuned as we continue to unlock mysteries, build connections, and learn about the incredible ingenuity of ancient civilizations. Here’s to another inspiring session!
middle school studio
This week, learners demonstrated incredible growth, creativity, and leadership across various areas.
In Story Arts, they refined their professional skills by submitting polished resumes on JourneyTracker and Writable.
In Quest, learners explored their strengths through YouScience assessments, identifying their top 10 apprenticeship options and reflecting on their interests and non-interests. Those currently apprenticing logged their hours, while groups tackled creative problem-solving challenges, submitting innovative solutions as posters, videos, or presentations. These activities fostered self-awareness, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Civilization offered a thought-provoking exploration of culture and language. Learners reflected on how personal and cultural experiences influence how words are represented through images and took on the challenge of illustrating abstract concepts. Their submissions included translations, definitions of logographic writing systems, and thoughtful responses to reflection prompts, encouraging deeper connections between history and communication.
In Wellness, learners broke into small groups, each focusing on one of the seven habits. Together, they planned content for a video series to explain these habits to middle schoolers. This project combined teamwork, creativity, and communication, reinforcing essential life skills while preparing them to share valuable lessons with a younger audience.
A major milestone this week was the election of a new Council and the establishment of a new Excellence Committee. These leadership teams will guide the studio with fresh perspectives and a commitment to upholding community values. Their efforts set a positive example of collaboration and accountability.
Throughout the week, learners balanced individual growth and group accomplishments. From improving resumes to brainstorming creative solutions, reflecting on communication, and planning Wellness projects, they embraced challenges with enthusiasm and curiosity. Their ability to engage meaningfully with peers and the community continues to shine.
Thank you for supporting their journey as they grow into thoughtful, creative leaders. We’re proud of their progress and excited to see what they accomplish next!
high school studio
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." – Albert Einstein
Welcome to Week 1 of Session 4! Our heroes have started the session strong, diving into exciting new topics and challenges.
In Civilization, they explored the evolution of Design Thinking—a creative problem-solving approach used by innovators around the world. Heroes began applying this process to their Learner Design Course, crafting unique ideas and solutions.
In Story Arts, our young creatives stepped into the world of voice acting. They learned how to use their voices to bring characters and stories to life, experimenting with tone, emotion, and storytelling techniques.
Looking ahead, next week promises to be equally exciting as heroes focus on Quest activities and begin preparations for their Exhibition.
- Onward