2024-2025 Session 6 Newsletter

Session 6 was filled with excitement for Eagles! From enjoying new studio arrangements, to pulling off the Children's Business Fair, to finishing another round of Journey Meetings, to a fun trip to a local theater performance, learners had meaningful experiences at every turn along the way! Also, MS got to go on a trip to Chicago, ES welcomed a new Eagle, and Sparks had the opportunity to learn about Robotics! Never a dull moment!

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Sparks Elementary  Middle School

Sparks Studio

Session 6 Newsletter

Monday, April 7th - Friday, May 16th, 2025

Hello Acton Friends and Family!

Session 6 was full of exciting learning experiences! From learning about Zoology and African animals and their habitats, to an enthralling lesson in Robotics, to putting on the Children’s Business Fair, to completing another round of Journey Meetings, to attending a delightful local theater performance, to pulling off another Exhibition, this session was certainly packed with both meaningful work and fun!

Systems and Contract Building

Sparks have been spending time during daily afternoon reflections selecting character trait cards for themselves and their friends that highlight progress in displaying a variety of essential attributes. These include having a growth mindset, being a risk taker, being fearless, having a loving heart, being self-motivated, being respectful, staying calm, partnering with others, showing curiosity and being productive. Learn to be!

Zoology Quest

Session 6’s Zoology Quest involved learning about the skeletal systems, eating habits, location patterns, and habitats of a variety of African animals. Each Spark enjoyed choosing a different animal from Africa to draw and write about. Learners created their own reports that shared whether their animal is an endoskeleton or exoskeleton; vertebrate or invertebrate; omnivore, carnivore or herbivore; migrate or hibernate; as well as which habitat it lives in.

Badges

Sparks earned many badges this session, the newest being for the Zoology Quest. Eagles also continued to work on building Reading, Writing, and Math skills. Gym, Art, Music, and computer learning abilities were further expanded as well.

CORE

Sparks have continued to build upon their Reading, Writing, and Math skills. Learners have been focusing on using punctuation correctly; ordering reading passages accurately; improving their handwriting; adding and subtracting large numbers; multiplying and dividing with symbolic pictures; and reviewing fractions, telling time, and counting money.

Discovery Time

Discovery time continues to provide hands-on activities which help Sparks to further develop reading, writing, math, geography, and science learning. Learners have been using parts of sentence phrases to build complete sentences. Eagles also have been exploring 3D shapes; weighing colorful cubes; using math beads to add, subtract, multiply and divide; and solving spring flower Sudoku puzzles!

Geography: Africa

Sparks loved learning about Africa this session! Taking a close look at the various habitats that make up this continent opened the minds of learners to many different forms of abode. From the desert, to the savanna, to the forest, to the mountains, to the rivers and wetlands, Africa has it all! Eagles created a giant collaborative map of Africa and used a variety of colors of sand to indicate these amazing habitats.

Physical Education

Sparks have continued taking turns as daily “Gym Leader” and starting off each gym period with some warm-ups and stretches. After running some laps, the leader chooses a game and learners are still loving many different versions of tag! Eagles also enjoy juggling with scarves, jump rope, and bumping the volleyball.

Music

Music with Ms. Prezleigh this session allowed Eagles the opportunity to continue learning about the genre of Reggae. Sparks have been really honing in on building their rhythm and tempo. Learners have also been continuing to use new instruments, such as a new piano, maracas, a tambourine, and a xylophone.

Art

In Art, Sparks have created their own Easter eggs, written and colored Mother’s Day cards, painted beautiful watercolor backdrops for African savanna silhouettes, and made pretty spring flowers with fork prints and pipe cleaners! The session ended with learners molding play dough into the shapes of the safari animals they have been studying.

Children's Business Fair

Acton Eagles did such an amazing job making this year’s CBF a success! Sparks set up an exciting array of products, from sparkling jewelry, to Lego car inventions, to uniquely crafted rock kits and beautifully painted rocks, to yummy lemonade! Learners did a fantastic job practicing entrepreneurial skills throughout the process of preparing for and carrying out this remarkable event!

Robotics

Session 6 also included an amazing chance for Sparks to learn about Robotics! Thank you to Alexia’s mom, Heidy, for spending a morning teaching young learners about the important concepts of coding and the algorithms that are necessary to build a robot!

Field Trip: Bankhead Theater

Eagles had the special opportunity to attend the play Finding Nemo JR. at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. It was so fun to support MS Eagle, Ally, who performed in the show! After the production, Eagles enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grass outside the theater, followed by a delicious frozen yogurt treat!

Exhibition

Session 6’s Exhibition provided another significant time for learners to share with their families all that they have been learning. Kicking it off with music and introductions outside was a fun way to enjoy the lovely weather! Eagles were able to then present their animal reports and collaborative map of Africa, as well as invite their families to create their own animal diagrams. 

Closing Statements

Sparks have learned so much this session, from understanding Robotics, to studying African Zoology, to pulling off an incredible Children’s Business Fair! Thank you to all the families for the wonderful continued support. Enjoy your break and see you in Session 7!

Elementary School Studio

Session 6 Newsletter

Monday, April 7th - Friday, May 16th, 2025

Hello Acton Friends and Family!

We are excited to report the progress our ES Eagles have achieved as Session 6 draws to a conclusion. They have done a great job, and we look forward to seeing how they will continue to flourish in Session 7. Here is a recap of all the fun things we have done at the ES studio!

Writer's Workshop: Technical Writing

The ES Eagles have been diving into technical writing during Writer's Workshop. They were tasked with creating three distinct sets of instructions: one on how to use a software program, one on how to build something, and one on how to make something. Within each category, students choose their own topics and test their instructions with their peers. This process helped them strengthen their organizational skills and learn how to clearly communicate steps for completing specific tasks. They also gained insight into their own approaches to giving and following directions. Additionally, they practiced giving thoughtful and constructive feedback on their peers’ instructions as the workshop progressed.

Quest: Edison's Lab Quest

The Edison’s Lab Quest had Eagles excited about taking on the role of scientists in Edison’s Menlo Park Lab! They were able to write, design, and draft patents in addition to conducting experiments and accounting for experiment expenses. The Eagles were outfitted with lab suits and safety goggles and prepared to go forth as hero innovators as the ES Studio was converted into a science lab. Each week, they worked together in small groups of three to perform tasks that walked them through the process of recording, investigation, experimenting, and self-education. They learned how to solve problems, recognized the difference between invention and innovation, faced and conquered failure, and experienced the delights of exploration.

Physical Education (P.E.)

Our Eagles have been staying active and motivated during P.E. through a mix of team sports, individual challenges, and fun games. Encouraged by their peers, they’ve been completing weekly 1-mile runs, building both their endurance and sense of teamwork.

Each session begins with stretching to promote flexibility and reinforce essential movement skills and communication. One of the highlights of this session was designing and completing a group obstacle course, where Eagles put their collaboration to the test and cheered each other on every step of the way.

Music

This session, music lessons at the ES Studio have been all about exploring the vibrant world of reggae! The Eagles were introduced to iconic artists such as Atomic Kitten, Bobby McFerrin, No Doubt, The Specials, and, of course, the legendary Bob Marley. 

Eagles had hands-on opportunities to play instruments like the xylophone, box drum, circle drum, piano, and ukulele, while also learning the notes that accompany each one. The lessons focused on reggae’s signature elements - offbeat rhythms, deep baselines, and distinctive drum patterns. With the guidance of Ms. Prezleigh, our Music Guide, the Eagles discovered the laid-back, captivating sound of reggae through both instrument play and joyful singing.

Field Trip: Bankhead Theater

Our Eagles had a fantastic time on their field trip to downtown Livermore! Joined by supportive parent volunteers, they attended a lively production of Finding Nemo Jr., which was a big hit with everyone. The performance, full of singing and vibrant acting, kept the audience completely engaged from start to finish.

Outside the theater, the fun continued with a sunny break from the studio. The Eagles enjoyed playing volleyball, running around, and eating lunch together during a cheerful picnic on the grass. To top off the day, Ms. Kate generously treated everyone to a frozen snack - a sweet ending to a memorable outing!

Civilizations

Through Session 6, Eagles have been steadily and diligently working through their civilization studies, focusing on The Story of the World – Volume 3: Early Modern Times. Their commitment and perseverance paid off as they successfully completed the final chapters of the book, wrapping up with chapters 37 through 42. This section of their learning took them on a fascinating journey through the complex political landscapes and historical developments of diverse regions around the world, including Africa, America, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Through these chapters, learners examined the rise and fall of empires, the impact of colonization, revolutionary movements, and the ways in which different nations navigated internal and external conflicts during the early modern era. These global stories provided valuable insight into the interconnectedness of world history and helped students build a broader understanding of how past events shape our present.

Learn to Be

Our Eagles have been making impressive strides in developing their independence, organizational skills, and interpersonal growth. They’ve shown increasing confidence in engaging in thoughtful conversations, not only with their Guide but also with one another - openly discussing both their differences and shared experiences.

It’s been inspiring to watch them face their fears head-on and navigate difficult conversations with maturity and empathy. They've supported one another through challenges, demonstrating resilience and teamwork, and have even taken the initiative to create thoughtful solutions to the problems they encounter.

Children’s Business Fair

Our Eagles dedicated themselves to building outstanding businesses in preparation for the Children's Business Fair at Dublin’s Emerald Glen Park, and their efforts truly shone through. As Session 6 wrapped up, their focus shifted toward entrepreneurship - and the results were nothing short of impressive.

Each Eagle did a fantastic job managing their booth, confidently engaging with customers, answering questions, demonstrating excellent customer service, and promoting their products with creativity and enthusiasm. The pride they took in their work was clearly visible throughout the event.

A special congratulations goes to our ES Eagles, Ellie and Alexia, who were recognized with the “For Highest Business Potential” Award. Ellie earned the honor for her creative venture, Doggie Deli, while Alexia received recognition for her unique business, Lunita Maker. 

We are so proud of all our young entrepreneurs!

Exhibition

During Session 6, the Eagles had a meaningful opportunity to share their learning journey at Exhibition! In the days leading up to the event, they put in thoughtful preparation, and their hard work paid off with a warm and positive response from the families who attended.

Eagles proudly presented the newly updated ES Studio layout, their Quest project posters, and interactive instruction stations from Writer's Workshop. The Exhibition served as a celebration of their hero’s journey, highlighting growth, creativity, perseverance, and a strong sense of community.

Closing

We invite the ES Eagles to take time to consider how far they have come this session and to keep learning both inside and outside the Studio. We're excited to see how the Eagles will perform in the last session of the academic year, as there is still so much to discover!

We appreciate the ongoing participation and support from each and every one of our families. Let's end the year on a high note since it's already been an amazing year! I hope everyone has a restful, enjoyable, and relaxing break. We look forward to seeing you all for Session 7!

Middle School

Session 6 Newsletter

Monday, April 7th - Friday, May 16th, 2025

Hello Acton Friends and Family!

Coming back from the session break, the MS studio hit the ground running, energized, focused, and ready to make the most of the jam-packed session. The anticipation for the MS Chicago trip fueled the early weeks, and the momentum of city development carried through the rest of the session. This session held many big-ticket events, and we are excited to share them with you below.

Genre: I, Socrates

This session's Genre challenge took the form of deep literary analysis through the theme "I, Socrates." Each Eagle selected a myth that embodied themes of heroism, tragedy, or transformation. They explored archetypes and crafted essays that went beyond plot summaries to uncover a deeper understanding of the stories’ themes and their relevance to modern day.

Through Socratic Smackdowns, Eagles took turns leading and moderating their own Socratic discussions, using prepared questions to spark debates and philosophical inquiry. These conversations were thoughtful, and at times intense, demonstrating how much our Eagles are capable of when given the space to lead.

Quest: Physics II - Electricity, Lights, and Cities

In "Electric City," Eagles transformed cardboard, LEDs, and circuit boards into bustling cities powered by their own hands. Using breadboards, resistors, switches, and lots of trial and error, they built fully functioning electrical systems to light up homes, shops, and public spaces in their imagined towns. The Eagles divided into two collaborative teams to develop distinct city identities: Penguinton and Downtown Disney. They approached the task like real engineers - learning to test, refine designs, troubleshoot systems, and communicate within the team. In the end, they had developed a city with a functioning lighting system!

Civilizations (History)

Civilizations sparked the interest of the MS Eagles this session with the history of Guns, Germs, and Steel. Each Civilizations period requires an Eagle to share 200 words in response to a question, followed by a group discussion led by the Eagles on the topic. The discussions ranged from how one would handle the spread of diseases such as malaria or the black plague, and the morality of the weapons developed with gunpowder.

Physical Education (P.E.)

Throughout the session, Eagles continued to challenge themselves in physical education through games that built coordination, endurance, and strategy. Whether it was volleyball, relay challenges, or group games, PE time was filled with sweat and spirit.

Many Eagles set personal time goals at the start of the session for their mile run. Their growth in this part of our PE program has been evident. PE has also been a key opportunity for Eagles to wind down from deep academic focus and re-center themselves through movement and play, an essential part of their development.

Music

Music this session had a powerful pulse, as the Eagles explored the Reggae genre in preparation for their Exhibition performance. Led by our wonderful music guide, Ms. Prezleigh, they practiced rhythm, harmony, and the art of musical storytelling. They experimented with a variety of musical instruments, and came out of the session with new music skills and understanding behind Reggae!

Field Trip: Bankhead Theater

This session included a special field trip to the Bankhead Theater to see Finding Nemo Jr. starring our very own MS Eagle, Ally, as Mr. Ray! The trip blended appreciation for the performing arts with pride in a classmate’s hard work and talent. The Eagles greatly enjoyed this showing and were excited to support the talents of those within our studio.

Children's Business Fair

The Children’s Business Fair (CBF) was a success! With booths set up across Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, our Eagles brought months of planning, product design, and marketing to life. From homemade crafts to edible treats to customized accessories, the creativity on display was astounding. Some highlights included those who sold out of their products by the end of the day, and our MS Eagle, Azra, who won Highest Business Potential from a panel of Tri-Valley locals.

Many Eagles reflected on lessons learned about budgeting, communicating, managing disappointment, and celebrating success. We hope the entrepreneurial spark continues long after the fair is over. Thank you to all families who attended, supported, and shared the event with your networks. Your encouragement means the world!

Annual MS Trip: Chicago, Illinois

It finally happened - the long-awaited adventure to Chicago! For some of the Eagles, this was their first time planning and navigating a trip, and the excitement was electric from the moment they stepped onto the plane. This wasn't just a vacation - it was a deep dive into independence, responsibility, and discovery.

The week was packed with exploration, challenge, and joy. Our Eagles visited more than 15 locations. Beyond the museums and attractions, the real magic happened in the in-between moments: Learning to navigate Chicago’s buses and L-trains using only Google Maps and group consensus, collaborating on meal decisions, and building trust, flexibility, and leadership as every Eagle took turns navigating, guiding, and supporting the group.

Learn To Be

The trip wasn’t without its hiccups, lost cards, tired feet, and missed connections, but the Eagles handled it all with grit and grace. They learned that patience is essential, that group travel means thinking of others, and perhaps most importantly, that they are capable of so much more than they thought. We are deeply proud of every Eagle who embraced this journey with courage and heart. Special thanks to our chaperones, who struck the balance between giving freedom and providing support.

Exhibition

Our Session 6 Exhibition was a celebration of creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Eagles proudly presented their Genre launches, offering deep reflections on the myths they studied. Through thoughtful essays and Socratic questioning, they invited families into a dialogue about heroism. The studio then lit up, literally, with the debut of MS’s Electric Cities: Penguinton and Downtown Disney. Families explored glowing buildings powered by hand-wired circuits, guided by Eagles who explained the science and teamwork behind them. This Exhibition was more than a showcase - it was a moment of connection and celebration of how far these young heroes have come.

Closing

This session closed not only with lights from our Electric City, but with heartfelt reflections. Eagles wrote letters to their future selves, shared their personal growth during Journey Meetings with family, and said a warm goodbye to an MS Eagle and friend. They celebrated who they’ve become and set their sights on who they want to be.

As we move into our final session of the year, we carry with us the memories, lessons, and relationships built during this Session 6. Thank you, families, for being partners in this journey - your presence at exhibitions, flexibility with field trips, and encouragement of our learners make all the difference.