Lights, Learning, and Leadership: A Studio Spring Showcase

spark studio

Springing Into Action: A Week in Review
As the days grow warmer and the sun shines brighter, we’re fully embracing the new season of growth. This week, we've spent more time outdoors, using the fresh air to refresh both our minds and bodies. It’s the perfect time to connect with nature and feel that rejuvenating energy that spring brings.

One of the highlights this week has been our storytelling sessions. Using puppets to work through various scenarios that pop up in daily life has proven to be both fun and effective. The laughter that fills the room during these puppet presentations is truly infectious, making learning and problem-solving a joyous experience.

In addition, spelling has been buzzing around our space lately. We’ve decided to kick things up a notch with a spelling bee by level. It’s been a fun challenge, though some of us get a bit nervous going up against friends. But in the end, it’s all about learning and having fun together.

Lastly, conferences are wrapping up. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up yet, there’s still time to secure your spot and join us for a valuable conversation with your Guide.

With spring in full swing, we’re energized and excited for the weeks ahead. Here’s to growth, learning, and a lot of laughter!

The letter of the week is “n.”

Reminder: Please send in anything found or recycled, such as objects in nature, wood scraps, magazines, old toys, etc.

lower elementary studio

We’re thrilled to share some exciting moments from this week!

Quest: A Journey Through Nature
In Quest, our learners had the opportunity to explore some fascinating creatures! We dove into the world of beavers, armadillos, and the great diamondback rattlesnake. Students learned about their habitats, behaviors, and the important roles these animals play in the ecosystem. The hands-on learning experiences were both fun and educational, sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Civilizations: A Deep Dive into History and Belief Systems
In Civilizations, learners had the chance to engage with the rich cultural history of the Hindu religion, specifically focusing on the caste system. Through activities and discussions, they explored how this social structure shaped ancient and current societies. In addition, we introduced learners to the belief systems of the Abrahamic traditions, offering a broader understanding of how religion has influenced civilizations across the world.

Story Arts: Our Very Own Podcasting Studio
In Story Arts, we kicked off a creative new project—recording in our very own podcasting Studio! Learners are exploring the art of storytelling through audio, enhancing their skills in communication, voice work, and storytelling through sound. It's an exciting way for learners to express their ideas and narratives, and we can't wait to share the results with you and the Spotify world.

We’re proud of the growth and exploration happening in our Studio. As always, thank you for your continued support! If you have any questions or would like more information about what we're working on, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

upper elementary studio

Exploring Nature, Culture, and Collaboration in Quest, Civ, and Story Arts

This week in Quest, our learners uncovered the secret lives of the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. While these furry creatures may be adorable, they also play a crucial role in our ecosystem as primary consumers and important prey species. They help maintain the balance of our natural but increasingly rare Piedmont prairies. Ask your learner about the difference between rodents and lagomorphs—what sets rabbits apart from other small mammals?

We also explored food chains and food webs, examining how every organism contributes to keeping our ecosystems balanced. Learners discussed how human activities—such as habitat destruction and climate change—can disrupt these natural systems. Through hands-on activities and discussions, they reflected on how conservation efforts can help protect biodiversity.

In Civilizations (Civ), we continued tracing the migration paths of ancient Polynesians, uncovering how these master navigators spread across the vast Pacific Ocean. Learners examined how Polynesian wayfinders used stars, ocean currents, and ecological knowledge to settle islands thousands of miles apart. We also explored how Polynesian cultures continue to thrive today, preserving traditions such as canoe voyaging, storytelling, and sustainable resource management.

In Story Arts, learners have been putting the finishing touches on their team-building activities. They have been carefully following guidelines and practicing their activities in the Studio to ensure everything runs smoothly when they present them to other Studios. This hands-on work has been an opportunity for learners to refine their collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills in a fun and creative way.

Additionally, we have been focusing on kindness and empathy toward our peers. Conflict is a natural part of life, both for children and adults, but how we respond to conflict makes all the difference. We are working on strategies to navigate disagreements in a way that respects boundaries and fosters a positive Studio environment.

If you’re interested in supporting your learner’s development of these skills at home, we recommend The Compassion Project, an online course designed to teach children about empathy, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution. If you’d like to get your child started on this course, feel free to reach out to Gage for more details!

As always, we are proud of our learners’ curiosity, growth, and leadership!

middle school studio

A Week of Learning, Service, and New Feathered Friends

This week in our Studio has been filled with exciting experiences—from expert visits and service projects to deep discussions and even a few new fluffy additions!

Our learners had the privilege of an expert visit for their Food Justice League Quest. Our guest, Jilea Hemmings of Nourish and Bloom, sparked meaningful conversations about food access and equity. This real-world connection inspired learners to think critically about how they can make a difference and helped prepare them for Exhibition.

Meanwhile, members of the National Junior Honor Society took action by serving at a local Mobile Food Pantry, demonstrating leadership and compassion while supporting their community. Preparation for our off-campus TED Talk-style showcase is in full swing, with learners refining their speeches and adding powerful insights to their presentations. Their dedication to public speaking and sharing their ideas is inspiring!

In the Studio, small-group Circles allowed for social-emotional learning, giving learners space to reflect, connect, and strengthen their community bonds. Parent conferences also continued, fostering conversations about progress, challenges, and growth.

In Civilization, learners tackled a thought-provoking historical question: If Ashoka’s leadership improved society and banned the slave trade, why did these issues return later? They explored five big ideas, identified three cultural benefits of the Maurya Empire, and crafted insightful reflections.

Perhaps the biggest excitement of the week—we welcomed three baby ducklings into the Studio! Learners are taking responsibility for their care, observing their growth, and embracing the joys (and challenges) of nurturing these new feathered friends.

From hands-on service and historical inquiry to public speaking and animal care, this week was a beautiful blend of learning, leadership, and love for all living things!

high school studio

Lights, Camera, Action! Story Arts Filming Begins

This week, our heroes stepped onto the set to begin filming for Story Arts, diving into the exciting yet demanding world of movie production. As the cameras rolled, they quickly discovered that while being on set can be thrilling, it also requires dedication, patience, and perseverance to stay focused through long hours of work.

The experience has given them a firsthand look at the reality of filmmaking—the gritty, behind-the-scenes work that often goes unseen. It’s not just about capturing the perfect shot; it’s about managing time, solving problems on the fly, communicating clearly, and working as a cohesive team.

Along the way, they are developing valuable character traits that are essential to success on a movie set, such as:

Adaptability
Strong Communication
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Work Ethic
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Creativity
Professionalism
Resilience

In the meantime, they are also working on their inventions for Quest, dedicating time to core skills, and networking with the many experts who have invested in this project. These experts not only bring a wealth of industry knowledge but also inspire our heroes to push themselves creatively and professionally.

Whether they’re on set filming, brainstorming their inventions, or connecting with professionals, each hero is discovering the strength it takes to bring a vision to life. As the project continues, we’re excited to see their growth—not just as artists, but as dedicated, collaborative team members.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this creative journey!

Session 6: Year 7, WeeK 33 In Review