Session 7: Year 7, WeeK 37 In Review
Cracking Codes, Crafting Stories, and Celebrating Growth
spark studio
Designing for the Future
A B C, It’s Easy as 1 2 3!
This week, we went on a word adventure—because learning letters can be just as fun as singing do re mi!
We started with a big surprise… A cow was stuck in the mud on the island of CVC words! (That means words like cat, mud, and pen—they follow a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern.)
But this wasn’t just any cow—he needed our help! So, we all became letters and got to work. We had to unscramble clues to set him free. We sounded out words, shouted out letters, and worked together like a team of super spellers!
Once we solved all the puzzles, we gave the cow a big push—and whoosh! Off he went to the Land of Blends, where he could join his friends like bl, cr, and sm. He was so happy!
We learned that letters and sounds can be a big adventure. So next time someone says, “A B C is easy as 1 2 3,” we’ll say… “Maybe! But it’s also a lot of fun!”
The letter of the week is S.
lower elementary studio
History, Bugs, and the Birth of Arthropod Theater!
This week in Studio, we launched into exciting new territory across all three core challenges!
In Civ, we cracked open RIP VIP, a fascinating book that explores the very important people of the past who’ve shaped history—and we’re digging deeper by discussing who gets to tell those stories and why that matters.
Over in Quest, learners officially stepped into the role of entomologists, kicking off their study of arthropods, arachnids, and insects—using their very own (thankfully not alive!) specimens to investigate and observe.
And in Story Arts, our learners formed the first-ever Arthropod Theater Company! After auditions, they divided into teams for acting, costumes, stage, and prop design as they prepare for a performance of Bugbeth (a very buggy take on Macbeth—thank you, Mrs. Brooke!).
Mark your calendars for Exhibition—you won’t want to miss this production!
Podcast Update: We haven’t forgotten about our Studio podcast! Production slowed a bit over break (Mrs. McKenna was a little busy moving into a new home the past few weeks), but the episodes are in the works! Be sure to subscribe to catch the amazing creations from Session 6 as they drop!
Spotify link
upper elementary studio
Welcome to Session 7!
Wow, it’s hard to believe we’ve made it to our final session of the year! Time has truly flown by, and we’re excited to finish strong with some thought-provoking and creative Quests.
Pollinator Quest
In Quest this session, learners will be exploring the essential role pollinators play in our ecosystem and food systems. They’ll take on the challenge of designing real-world solutions to the problem of habitat and pollinator decline—including creating a pollinator-friendly path in our local community. This ties directly into environmental stewardship and problem-solving, and we can’t wait to see what ideas bloom from their research and collaboration!
Civilizations: Ancient World Religions
In Civilizations, we’ll begin a thoughtful exploration of ancient world religions. This will include early belief systems from Mesopotamia, Vedic traditions, and the roots of major global religions. Our goal is to foster understanding, respect, and curiosity. We encourage you to speak with your learner about how we can learn from and appreciate other religions while still honoring our own personal beliefs. If you have questions about how this is being presented, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Story Arts: Zines!
For Story Arts, we’re tapping into some creative nostalgia! Fellow millennials may remember zines—self-published mini-magazines that were all about expression, creativity, and community. This session, learners will create their own personal zine using their writing, artwork, poetry, opinions, and even how-to guides or reviews. It’s an open-ended medium that allows them to showcase their unique voice. This will also serve as their final writing practical for the year.
We’re so proud of all the growth we’ve seen this year and look forward to finishing this last chapter with curiosity, creativity, and purpose!
As always, thank you for your continued support.
middle school studio
A Mystery-Filled Adventure!
This week in Middle School, we launched headfirst into mystery, music, and Roman politics—never a dull moment around here!
Monday kicked things off with a dramatic twist as the Murder Mystery Co. transformed our Studio into a crime scene. Heroes stepped into the action as detectives—and even suspects! Two teams cracked the case, setting the stage for our new Quest: Whodunnit. The experience sparked tons of ideas for how we might build suspense and surprise into our own upcoming mystery event.
Tuesday was all about sound and storytelling. In Story Arts, heroes began creating an original soundtrack for our Mystery Night. Some composed melodies using keyboards, while others experimented with digital tools to design their own spooky, suspenseful tunes. Next week, they'll take things up a notch by using AI to help produce full tracks for Exhibition!
Wednesday focused on plot development. Heroes wrote out their whodunnit storylines by hand using the classic five-part story arc. No computers—just paper, pencils, and creativity. Each learner worked to invent a mystery that would keep audiences guessing, complete with compelling characters and twists.
Thursday brought us into the ancient world during Civ. Picture this: Julius Caesar has asked the Roman Senate to make him “dictator for life,” and our heroes were the senators. They debated whether his leadership earned him that right or if Roman history warned against it. Using real historical evidence, each learner made their case and presented arguments to peers and Guides. After voting, they reflected on the real-life outcome—and whether Caesar’s fate was the result of his leadership choices.
Friday wrapped up with a blend of fun and focus. As heroes helped prepare for the upcoming Middle School Dance, they also worked together to pitch their mystery plots and cast votes for their favorite ideas to develop for our final Mystery Exhibition.
From solving fake crimes to debating real ones, this week was all about engaging minds and igniting imagination. We can’t wait to see where our stories take us next!
high school studio
Back in Action and Gearing Up for the Finish Line! 🎓
This week, we jumped straight back into filming mode with energy and focus! Our heroes have been hard at work wrapping up their scenes, and we’re thrilled to say that our short film is nearly complete. The final day of filming is set for Monday, and we can’t wait to celebrate the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this project. Woohoo!
As we shift gears, next week we’ll be diving into Civilization, exploring the rise and impact of societies throughout history. It’s always a fascinating, discussion-rich Quest, and we’re excited to see what insights and questions our heroes bring to the table.
With the end of the school year approaching, things are getting real! We’re now zooming in on schedules, deadlines, and final deliverables. Many projects and assignments are coming due, so now is the time for some serious time management and prioritization.
Parents, we need your support! Please check in with your hero this weekend to review what’s left on their plate and when it’s due. Open communication now can help avoid stress later and ensure they finish the year strong.
Let’s keep the momentum going!
Until next week!