As the Eagles progressed through Session 2, they embraced new challenges, pushing themselves to achieve higher goals while enjoying the journey. Building on the tools they developed in the first session, they relied on their Running Partners to stay accountable. They worked diligently to earn higher Freedom Levels, which motivated them to strive for excellence. Additionally, they explored the community by visiting the Livermore Public Library and utilized its resources to expand their capabilities further and enrich their learning experiences. By combining their studio government tools and real-world exploration, the Eagles continued to strengthen their ability to learn independently and deepen their understanding of how to learn effectively. They also strengthened their tribes with group activities such as a field trip to Dell'Osso Family Farms and holiday festivities. The session closed out with a beautiful concert by all the studios and celebrating their hard-earned achievements.
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Sparks Studio
Session 2 Newsletter
Monday, October 7 - Friday, November 22, 2024
Hello Acton Friends and Family!
Session 2 was full of building upon the systems and contracts created in the first session, along with new learning experiences and concepts! Our Fall was filled with many special trips, celebrations and exploration.
Systems and Contract Building
Sparks continued to build upon the systems and contracts that found their origin during our first session. Our learners recommitted themselves to our Sparks Contract agreement, and refreshed our “Rules of Engagement” agreement as well. Sparks have also continued to use the Peace Table as a place to resolve conflict and take a moment to find their inner calm, and have reviewed our “Music Guardrails” as well in order to help us focus and learn to the best of our abilities in each part of our days and weeks.
Botany Quest
Session 2’s Botany Quest was a wonderful way to learn about plants. Our Sparks took a deep look into the parts of a plant, the life cycle of a plant, and the various types of plants that grow in different habitats. Our learners focused specifically on how a pumpkin grows from a flowering vine, how a great oak tree grows from a little acorn, and how a dandelion has its own unique way of spreading its seeds. Sparks then took a dive into the Amazon Rainforest and studied various exotic plants that grow in that part of the world.
CORE
Sparks have continued to work hard during CORE work times each morning. Each Spark is on their own individual learning journey as they continue to develop their math, reading, and writing abilities. While some Sparks are working hard to improve their handwriting and punctuation skills, others are making great strides in their math skills as they begin to understand more double-digit addition and subtraction, as well as some basic multiplication. As for reading, Sparks are able to read simple passages and answer questions that require critical thinking and show true reading comprehension.
Sparks have also done a great job jumping into computer learning. While the majority of our Sparks have begun with a program called Typing Club to instill Digital Literacy skills, others have continued using reading and math programs they already were using. In the next session, we are excited to have all our Sparks use a reading program called Nessy and a math program called Dreambox.
Discovery Time
Discovery time continues to be a wonderful opportunity for Sparks to utilize Montessori hands-on tools that enhance their learning. In the afternoons, Sparks use counting beads, sight word blocks, digraph cards and more to help them improve their reading and math skills in a practical and kinesthetic way.
Geography: South America
Sparks Eagles were able to integrate studying about South America with their Botany Quest when they learned about the Amazon Rainforest. Sparks were delighted to learn about a wide array of amazing plants in the rainforest, such as Orchids, Passion Flowers, Lobster-claws, Water Llilies, Birds of Paradise, and the Cacao Tree. Many of our Sparks created their own clay versions of these plants when they created their rainforest habitats.
Physical Education
Sparks have been continuing to enjoy their time in the gymnasium four mornings a week. A nice routine has been formed, as each day a different Spark is our appointed “Gym Leader” who leads us all in a variety of stretches and warm-up activities. After this, the gym leader selects a game or activity for the remainder of gym time. These games often include a fair amount of running as Sparks have been loving “Freeze Tag”, “Zombie Tag” and even the occasional Quidditch match this session.
Music
In Music class with Ms. Prezleigh, Sparks have continued to learn about the basics of creating rhythm and musical harmony as a group as they kept practicing their list of Country songs. By the end of the session, Sparks often would sing these songs with each other at various parts of the day, showing how much they had been familiarizing themselves with music and lyrics.
Art
Sparks have furthered their artistic abilities and interests over the course of this past session. Many Fall-themed art projects filled our Friday afternoons as Sparks created water-color spiderwebs, oil pastel trees, ornate Fall leaves, and even cornucopias! Sparks have been building more confidence in executing their creative processes.
Field Trips: Livermore Library & Dell’Osso Farms
Our Eagles were able to take two special trips this session! At the library, they reinforced their literacy skills in a setting that instilled a love of reading! At the farm, Sparks had a plethora of delightful experiences, from taking a train ride to going through a Haunted House, to checking out a Petting Zoo, to race car driving! This was certainly a memorable time for all!
Halloween & Friendsgiving Celebrations
Our Halloween and Friendsgiving celebrations were both wonderful times to come together as a whole Acton community and take part in a variety of games and activities that make the Fall season so special. A costume parade, yummy treats, and an amazing array of delicious dishes made these celebrations very enjoyable for all.
Badges
Sparks have received quite a few badges from all their hard work in Session 2! These badges include Math, Reading, Writing, Geography, Botany, Gym, Art, Music and Studio Maintenance. Each Spark put forth a strong effort in order to continue building their skills and competency in each of these areas.
Exhibition
Eagles worked hard to create their Amazon Rainforest habitats for Exhibition this session. Sparks used clay to make rainforest animals and flowers, tissue paper to make leaves and waterfalls, and also collected real leaves to bring to life their creations! Our learners have now had a hands-on look at life in the rainforest.
Closing Statements
We are proud of Sparks for their hard work during Session 2 to keep growing their minds and bodies as they improve their learning skills in so many crucial areas of growth. We are looking forward to a wonderful Session 3!
Elementary Studio
Session 2 Newsletter
Monday, October 7 - Friday, November 22, 2024
Hello Acton Friends and Family!
Session 2 was a whirlwind of creativity, exploration, and celebration for our Eagles. From dissecting fish to navigating deep-sea challenges, collaborating on meaningful projects, and celebrating with loved ones, the past seven weeks have been nothing short of remarkable.
Studio Government and Systems
This session saw the introduction of Freedom Levels, a new addition to studio government that has enhanced accountability and motivation. By meeting their weekly goals and excelling in 360 peer reviews, the Eagles earned privileges such as peer collaborations, personalized schedules, and brain breaks. This system fostered trust, teamwork, and personal growth within the studio.
Marine Science Quest
This session’s Marine Science Quest took the Eagles on a deep dive into the wonders of the ocean. They explored topics such as coral reefs, deep-sea ecosystems, and the challenges facing our oceans, such as pollution. Hands-on activities included dissecting fish to understand their anatomy and role in the food chain, researching and presenting their “Biggest Question About the Ocean,” and brainstorming innovative solutions to address oceanic problems. Their hard work culminated in the Exhibition, where they showcased their projects and shared a game they designed with family and friends. It was an incredible display of their creativity and dedication.
Civilizations
In their Civilization studies, the Eagles journeyed through Early Modern Times, exploring pivotal moments like the discovery of the New World and the ethical dilemmas of exploration, the reign of King James I and the Gunpowder Plot, and Henry Hudson’s quest for the Northwest Passage. Through debates, role-playing activities, and discussions, they honed their critical thinking and communication skills, considering multiple perspectives on complex historical events.
Writers Workshop
Writer’s Workshop offered a unique challenge this session with the creation of six-word memoirs. Eagles used brainstorming techniques like mind maps to capture their essence in just six words. This exercise pushed them to think deeply about word choice and self-expression while collaborating with peers to refine their work. The six-word memoirs were not only creative but also a testament to the Eagles’ ability to articulate their individuality.
Writing Excerpts
"Grind at home, cook at school" - Nicholas C.
"Nice Alexia, playing with cute pets" - Alexia P.
"Elite sports machine, lovely human being" - Kaiden S.
Music
In this session, the Eagles prepared for their Exhibition concert with Ms. Prezleigh. The Eagles learned all about the history and impact of country music as a genre. They spent weeks practicing and singing songs such as “ Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver and “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks. A few of the ES Eagles were even brave enough to sing solos and play the piano to highlight their special talents.
Physical Education
The Eagles exercised their ability to run a mile under 10 minutes this session. They always started with a warm-up, some exercise rounds, and followed by trying to beat their time in running a mile. Some of the Eagles got their mile in under 7 minutes! They were able to achieve this by doing drills, sprints, and relays. They also learned some new interesting P.E. games before finishing their gym session like Jail Break and Spider Tag. The Eagles surely came out stronger and faster this session.
Dell'Osso Family Farms
Field Trips
This session was packed with engaging activities and field trips for our Eagles. They had the opportunity to explore the community by visiting the Livermore Public Library and checking out books for their Deep Books projects. Then they went for a visit to Dell’Osso Family Farms to partake in fall festive activities and continue to build their tribe through teamwork as they navigated the corn mazes and challenged each other through the obstacle courses.
Spirit Week and Halloween Parade
The Eagles had a blast showing out for Spirit Week that led up to their Halloween Parade and party. They collaborated with their studio mates to dress up for their class themes and then went all-out for the parade. There were so many interesting and fun costumes! A big thank you to the Parent Reps who made the parade and party possible!
Journey Meetings
Journey Meetings were another significant highlight of the session. These student-led presentations allowed Eagles to reflect on their accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the future. Families had the opportunity to see firsthand the growth their learners have achieved this session and the exciting plans they have moving forward. The Student Exhibition followed shortly after, where the Eagles confidently shared their Marine Science projects, Deep Book essays, and creative endeavors. The enthusiasm and pride they displayed in their work were truly inspiring.
Exhibition
To wrap things up, the eagles completed their session with writing scripts for the Exhibition, and hitting those last badge-earning goals. There was a fantastic spirit of collaboration both within their studio and with others, all to ensure the families had a memorable Exhibition experience. The eagles presented their projects they worked diligently throughout the session and presented their research from their Quest challenges. Finally, they were presented with the badges they earned from progressing through their core programs with excellence.
Friendsgiving
Session 2 wrapped up on a high note with a Friendsgiving celebration. Thanks to the incredible support of our families, the Eagles enjoyed a potluck filled with delicious dishes. This event was a wonderful opportunity for them to relax, reflect, and celebrate their hard work and the sense of community they’ve built together.
Conclusion
As we head into the holidays and prepare for Session 3, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication and support of our families. Your involvement plays a vital role in the Eagles’ Hero’s Journey, and we are excited to see what they will accomplish next.
Middle School Studio
Session 2 Newsletter
Monday, October 7 - Friday, November 22, 2024
Hello Acton Friends and Family!
This seven-week session has been an exciting and transformative journey for our Middle School Eagles. From tackling new challenges to bonding with one another, we've seen progress and growth in every area as each Eagle has embraced their learning and taken on their responsibilities. As we reflect on the session, we'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Acton community for their support and to the Eagles for their hard work. You’ve made this session a memorable one, and we can’t wait to continue this adventure together!
Genre: Hero's Allegory
Over the past several weeks, our MS Eagles have dived into the session’s Genre of Hero’s Allegory where they have taken on storytelling. The Genre builds off their foundational work in the previous session, where they crafted Hero’s Essays and explored the hero’s journey in their own lives. In this session, Eagles took it a step further by writing fictional allegories of a hero, exploring how their character faces and overcomes challenges like distraction, resistance, and victimhood.
Each Eagle’s allegory has been a product of creativity, self-reflection, and perseverance. The process has given the Eagles a fresh perspective on the challenges they encounter in their lives, helping them understand how to approach obstacles with a fresh, more adaptable perspective — something we hope they carry with them throughout their journey at Acton.
Quest: Decision Making - Game Design
This session's Quest focused on Decision Making through the art of Game Design. Our MS Eagles have been busy designing and prototyping their own board games, applying a decision-making tool they’ve learned about during the session. They’ve created intricate game mechanics, developed rules, and worked tirelessly to ensure their games are not only fun but also meaningful.
These games are designed to help the player navigate real-life challenges through decision-making—much like a hero facing pivotal moments in their journey. Whether it’s balancing pros and cons or time management, the Eagles have learned how each choice can impact the outcome of a game and, by extension, life. The process of play-testing, refining, and improving their games has provided invaluable lessons in both creativity and decision-making.
CORE
Every week, the MS Eagles have engaged in CORE periods, where they set their own academic goals and worked independently in areas such as Math, English, and Science. Working at their own pace, MS Eagles have made great strides in their academics, reaching their set goals time and time again. The dedication and persistence they’ve shown will serve them well as they continue their journey through the upcoming sessions.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education period this session was focused on both physical coordination and teamwork. Beyond individual challenges like pushup drills and plank variations, the MS Eagles have been mastering the game of Quidditch. Quidditch is a fantasy sport that combines dodgeball, basketball, and capture the flag into one exciting P.E. activity. This game has been a hit, providing a fun way for Eagles to practice collaboration, agility, and quick thinking. Each session, P.E. continues to offer opportunities for Eagles to develop focus and resilience, both physically and mentally.
Music
In Music with Mrs. Prezleigh, the Eagles have been practicing songs of different genres starting this session with Country Music. They’ve been learning, practicing, and performing songs such as Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks, and Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver. These songs have not only allowed the Eagles to develop their musical skills but have also allowed them to connect with one another through shared creativity.
Music continues to be a source of energy and joy for the Eagles, as they develop their voices and learn how music can enhance their overall academic experience. We encourage them to keep practicing the songs they encounter throughout the year as part of their musical development. Music is more than just a class—it’s a space where Eagles can express themselves, build confidence, and have fun together.
Community Exploration
This session saw the return of Community Exploration, where our MS Eagles ventured out of the studio to expand their horizons. Whether it was a scavenger hunt at the Livermore Library or CORE periods at Inklings Coffee Shop, Eagles had the chance to engage with local spaces, participate in challenges, and learn more about the community around them.
These off-campus experiences provide valuable opportunities for growth and allow Eagles to connect the dots between their learning and real-world experiences. We look forward to more exciting adventures as our Eagles continue to explore and expand their horizons.
Field Trip: Dell'Osso Family Farms
This year’s trip to Dell'Osso Family Farms was an unforgettable experience! Our MS Eagles enjoyed the seasonal activities at the farm, from navigating the challenging corn maze to visiting the haunted castle. Eagles also had the chance to feed farm animals, ride the farm train, and pick out pumpkins to take home. The trip was a perfect blend of fall fun and community bonding.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the Eagles to build relationships, create memories, and embrace the joy of the season. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience this tradition together and look forward to more exciting field trips as the year progresses.
