2025-2026 Session 4 Newsletter

Session 4 was a focused and energizing chapter for our community. Across studios, Eagles worked with determination and care, welcoming new learners, rising to high expectations, and completing meaningful work with excellence. From our shared experience at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to the joy and connection of our Valentine’s Day celebration, this session balanced hard work with community, reflection, and fun. As learners wrapped up projects and followed through on commitments, their growth as capable, collaborative, and intentional individuals was on full display.

Now, as we head into a well-earned break, we invite you to read on and celebrate the learning, character, and accomplishments that made this session so special across each studio.

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Sparks Elementary  Middle School / LaunchPad

Sparks Studio

Session 4 Newsletter

Monday, January 6th, 2026, to Friday, February 6th, 2026

Hello Acton Friends and Family!

Welcome to our Session 4 wrap-up! This session Sparks learners traveled through time, exploring history with curiosity, creativity, and courage. From stepping into the shoes of inspiring historical figures to discovering the cultures of African and ancient Egyptian civilizations, learners embraced their Hero’s Journey through imagination and hands-on learning. A special visit to SF MOMA added another layer of wonder, inspiring observation and artistic thinking as we closed the session celebrating growth, confidence, and joyful exploration.

Systems and Contract Building

As we moved through Session 4, Sparks continued strengthening the studio systems that support a respectful, learner-driven environment. Learners revisited their shared promises and practiced self-managing daily routines, from morning launches to clean-up, reinforcing responsibility, teamwork, and accountability within our community.

This session, we added a meaningful new tradition focused on celebrating kindness. Sparks introduced a studio Kindness Jar, where learners add wooden beads during afternoon reflection to represent positive and thoughtful choices they made throughout the day. This simple ritual has encouraged learners to notice their actions, celebrate one another, and take pride in contributing to a caring studio culture. Once the jar is filled, Sparks will enjoy a special celebration to honor their collective efforts.

Time Travel Quest

Our afternoon Quest this session invited Sparks to step into the past through a “Time Travel” adventure. Learners selected historical figures to research, write about, and eventually portray through dress-up and presentation. This immersive experience allowed Sparks to connect with history in a personal way, building confidence as they shared stories about the lives and contributions of important figures from the past. Learners embraced the opportunity to explore who these heroes were, what challenges they faced, and why their journeys still matter today.

As part of our exploration of Africa this session, Sparks also took a special look at ancient Egyptian civilizations. Learners were fascinated by early innovations, cultural traditions, and especially the written language, eagerly practicing how to write their own names in hieroglyphics. By blending history, creativity, and hands-on discovery, this Quest encouraged curiosity, storytelling, and a growing appreciation for how people and cultures shape our world.

Character Badges

Character growth continues to be a meaningful focus in the Sparks studio, woven into our daily reflection and community culture. Each afternoon, learners participate in a character recognition ritual where they select a trait card for a peer who demonstrated that quality during the day. This practice encourages Sparks to notice positive behaviors in one another and builds a strong sense of appreciation and connection within the studio.

The traits Sparks celebrate include being calm, demonstrating partnership, showing a loving heart, practicing respect, embracing a growth mindset, displaying curiosity, taking risks, staying self-motivated, working productively, and acting fearlessly. By regularly reflecting on these qualities, learners are developing the language and awareness to recognize character growth, both in themselves and their peers, reinforcing the idea that strong character is just as important as academic learning.

CORE

During morning Core time, Sparks continued strengthening their foundational math, reading, and writing skills through self-paced, mastery-based work. Learners practiced addition and subtraction, both with and without grouping, while also exploring fractions, telling time, and understanding money value. This session introduced Sparks to early multiplication concepts and rounding to the nearest hundred, giving learners opportunities to stretch their thinking and build confidence with new challenges.

In literacy, Sparks worked with longer reading passages to deepen comprehension and critical thinking. Handwriting Without Tears remains an important part of our routine, helping learners develop clarity and confidence in their writing. Learners also continued enjoying the Nessy program to support spelling and language development. Throughout Core, Sparks demonstrated growing focus, persistence, and pride in their progress as they worked toward their individual mastery goals.

Discovery Time

Discovery Time continued to be a meaningful space for Sparks to follow their natural curiosity and explore learning through play and hands-on investigation. This dedicated time encouraged independence, problem-solving, and joyful experimentation as learners chose activities that sparked their interest.

During Session 4, Sparks engaged with a variety of enriching materials and games. Learners practiced place value using the abacus and Montessori math beads, sounded out words with phonics booklets, and explored Africa-themed puzzles that connected to our session studies. A favorite addition was a new “Time Machine” game that challenged learners to place historical events in chronological order, reinforcing their understanding of time and sequence. Sparks also enjoyed building words with Bananagram tiles and experimenting with a STEM activity involving blocks, a ball, and a string, discovering basic physics concepts through trial, error, and teamwork. These moments of exploration continue to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.

Writer's Workshop: Africa

This session, our cultural and geography exploration centered on the rich ecosystems of Africa. Sparks investigated the continent’s diverse habitats, discovering how geography influences the plants and animals that live there. Through observation, discussion, and hands-on activities, learners built a growing understanding of how animals survive and thrive in different environments.

Sparks were especially excited to dive into animal classification. Learners practiced distinguishing between vertebrates and invertebrates, sorting animals by diet, omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores, and exploring the defining traits of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. Examining African wildlife provided a meaningful context for these scientific concepts, sparking curiosity and lively conversations while strengthening learners’ ability to observe, compare, and categorize the natural world.

Physical Education

Physical education this session focused on building endurance, teamwork, and confidence through increased collaboration with the older Eagles. Sparks joined the larger group three times each week, embracing new challenges and strengthening their sense of belonging within the broader studio community.

On Mondays, Sparks ran the mile alongside older learners, developing stamina and perseverance. Wednesdays and Fridays brought energetic group games like kickball that encouraged cooperation, sportsmanship, and joyful movement. Sparks also continued their own dedicated gym time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing them to practice skills in a familiar environment. This balance of independence and shared activity supported both physical growth and confidence as learners rose to new challenges.

Science

Science this session gave Sparks opportunities to explore big concepts through simple, hands-on experiments. One favorite activity was our “Dancing Raisins” experiment, where learners observed buoyancy and gravity in action as raisins moved up and down in carbonated liquid. This experiment sparked lively discussion about the three states of matter and encouraged learners to make predictions, observe closely, and share their thinking.

Sparks also investigated density through a float-or-sink sorting challenge, guessing which objects would stay on the surface and which would sink. These playful experiments helped learners connect scientific ideas to real-world experiences while building curiosity, observation skills, and confidence in asking questions, all key parts of developing a scientific mindset.

Music

Our studio continued to be filled with rhythm, movement, and joyful expression during weekly music time with Mr. Elijah. This session, Sparks chose the song “Happy” to learn, sing, and dance to, eventually performing it during Exhibition. Learners embraced the upbeat energy of the song, showing enthusiasm and confidence as they practiced together.

The song quickly became a cheerful thread woven into daily studio life, with Sparks humming and singing throughout the day. Beyond the fun, music time supported important skill development, including rhythm, coordination, listening, and expressive movement. Most importantly, it created shared moments of joy that strengthened our studio community and encouraged learners to shine.

Art

Art this session continued to bring the studio to life with creativity, imagination, and hands-on exploration. Sparks enjoyed making beaded bracelets featuring colors representing different African country flags, painting winter wonderland scenes using shaving cream, and tracing shapes to create fun and expressive pictures.

Learners also created their own historical artifacts as part of their Time Travel Quest, bringing their chosen figures to life through art. This included a peanut plant diagram for George Washington Carver, a flight map for Amelia Earhart, and a light bulb diagram illustrating the basics of electricity for Thomas Edison. These projects allowed Sparks to connect artistic expression with cultural, historical, and scientific learning, showcasing both creativity and growing mastery of fine motor skills.

Field Trip: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Sparks had a wonderful adventure visiting SF MOMA this session! The day began with a picnic lunch at a nearby park, where learners enjoyed eating together, playing on the lawn, and even climbing trees, a perfect way to build community and enjoy the outdoors. After lunch, learners explored the museum’s many artistic treasures, including the exciting KAWS Exhibit and the captivating atrium bridge with its one-way color tunnel. This special outing offered Sparks an inspiring blend of creativity, curiosity, and fun, leaving them with memories and ideas to bring back to the studio.

Valentine's Day Celebration

We closed Session 4 with a festive Valentine’s celebration that was full of fun, connection, and reflection. Sparks spent an hour enjoying board games of their choice, followed by gym time playing school-wide games that encouraged teamwork and laughter. Learners participated in a Valentine’s card exchange with friends, created cards for loved ones, and shared in a delicious lunch with plenty of treats. The celebration also included dedicated time for session feedback and reflection within each studio, allowing learners to recognize their growth, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to the next session with excitement.

Exhibition

Session 4 Exhibition gave Sparks another wonderful opportunity to celebrate learner leadership and creativity. Learners dressed as their chosen historical figures, shared their biographical stories, and displayed artifacts they had created to represent their heroes. During studio breakouts, parents and families interviewed Sparks as they embodied these figures, asking questions and engaging deeply with their learning. The event began with music as Eagles sang together, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere, and concluded with badge ceremonies to recognize each learner’s individual growth, accomplishments, and character development. It was a meaningful moment for learners to showcase their hard work, creativity, and confidence to their community.

Closing Statements

As we wrap up Session 4, we are inspired by the curiosity, creativity, and courage Sparks have shown throughout the session. From exploring history and African ecosystems to engaging in hands-on science, art, and physical challenges, learners have embodied the spirit of the Acton Eagle: independent, thoughtful, and always ready to explore new ideas. We closed the session with joyful celebrations, Valentine’s activities, reflection, and Exhibition, marking a meaningful end to a rich and exciting session. We are proud of every learner’s growth and look forward to carrying these experiences and insights into the adventures of the next session!

Elementary School Studio

Session 4 Newsletter

Monday, January 6th, 2026, to Friday, February 6th, 2026

Hello, Acton Friends and Family!

This session has been another meaningful chapter in our ES Eagles’ Hero’s Journeys. Throughout the weeks, learners engaged in focused work, creative projects, and daily challenges that encouraged both academic growth and personal responsibility. Eagles practiced taking ownership of their learning by setting goals, revising their work, and persevering through moments of struggle. From collaborative studio moments to independent deep work, learners continued to build confidence and self-direction. The exhibition was a powerful highlight, as Eagles proudly shared their learning and reflected on the effort behind their work. Beyond academics, learners strengthened important Learn to Be skills such as responsibility, resilience, and interpersonal awareness. While challenges arose, they became opportunities for growth, reflection, and problem-solving. We are incredibly proud of the determination, courage, and growth our Eagles demonstrated throughout this session.

Quest: Chess

Throughout this session, Chess Quest challenged Eagles to think strategically, plan, and remain focused under pressure. Learners developed their chess skills through a combination of guided games and digital lessons using ChessKids.com, enabling them to practice both independently and through live play. Eagles worked on piece movement, opening strategies, and anticipating their opponent’s next move as games became more competitive. Chess became more than a game; it served as a powerful tool for developing patience, problem-solving, and intentional decision-making.

Just as importantly, our Chess Quest supported growth in our Learn to Be skills. Eagles practiced sportsmanship by learning how to win with humility and lose with grace, even during high-intensity matches. Moments of frustration became opportunities to strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, and respect for opponents. By the end of the session, learners demonstrated increased confidence, perseverance, and accountability skills that extend far beyond the chessboard and into their everyday Hero’s Journeys.

Writer's Workshop: Sports Magazines

In Writer’s Workshop, learners focused on the creation of a Sports Magazine, allowing them to step into the roles of authors, designers, and editors. Learners planned and developed multiple pages, including articles, game or event pages, practice plans, advertisements, and letters to their readers. Eagles practiced organizing information clearly, adding relevant details, and making thoughtful design choices to create magazines that were both engaging and easy to read. Through drafting and revising, learners learned that strong writing and presentation take time, effort, and careful attention.

Writer’s Workshop also supported growth in important Learn to Be skills such as responsibility, focus, and perseverance. Eagles worked to manage their time, follow formatting expectations, and revise their work to improve clarity and quality. While revisions and neatness were sometimes challenging, many learners demonstrated resilience by returning to their work and making meaningful improvements. By the end of the session, Eagles took pride in their completed Sports Magazines and the ownership they showed throughout the creative process.

CORE & Deep Books

Eagles continued to strengthen their academic skills through focused CORE work while engaging deeply with their Deep Books. Studio time reflected growing independence as learners balanced daily responsibilities with long-term reading and writing goals. Eagles practiced sustaining attention, managing their workload, and following clear formatting expectations to present thoughtful, well-organized work. Many learners showed increased confidence in advocating for themselves and adjusting strategies when faced with challenging material. As the session came to a close, Eagles demonstrated readiness to share both their learning and growth during Exhibition.

Music

During Music with Mr. Elijah, Eagles came together to sing See You Again, practicing rhythm, listening, and expressive singing. The song created a meaningful moment of reflection as learners focused on teamwork, timing, and supporting one another’s voices. Singing together strengthened our sense of community and provided a thoughtful way for Eagles to connect through music.

Physical Education (PE)

PE continued to provide Eagles with opportunities to stay active, engaged, and energized. Lessons focused on building physical strength, coordination, and teamwork while encouraging learners to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. Eagles brought enthusiasm and positive energy to each class, especially during team-based and competitive activities. Through these experiences, learners practiced cooperation, communication, and respectful competition. PE also offered valuable moments for Eagles to reflect on perseverance, sportsmanship, and working together toward shared goals. Overall, PE supported both physical growth and social development in a fun and motivating way.

Field Trip: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

This session also included a meaningful field trip to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where Eagles explored the KAWS: Family exhibit. Learners engaged thoughtfully with the artwork through careful observation, discussion, and reflection, making personal connections to the themes presented. Eagles considered how color, form, and expression can communicate powerful ideas and emotions without words. The experience encouraged curiosity, open-mindedness, and creative thinking as learners shared interpretations and listened to different perspectives. Visiting the museum provided a rich real-world learning opportunity that deepened our studio discussions and inspired Eagles to see art as a meaningful form of communication.

Holiday: Valentine's Day Party

To close out the session, Eagles came together for a Valentine’s Day celebration rooted in community and gratitude. Learners decorated and exchanged cards, shared laughter, and took time to appreciate one another’s efforts and kindness. The celebration created space for reflection as Eagles looked back on their learning, growth, and shared experiences this session. It was a joyful opportunity to recognize friendships, express gratitude, and celebrate the collective journey before heading into a well-earned break.

Learn to Be: New Learners

This session, we were excited to welcome a new Eagle into the ES studio. Their presence brought new energy and perspectives that enriched our conversations and learning. Our Eagles demonstrated kindness, openness, and leadership as they supported one another and helped create a welcoming environment. Together, they continued to strengthen the studio culture and build a connected, supportive community.

Exhibition

Exhibition was a meaningful celebration of our Eagles’ learning and growth this session. Families had the opportunity to see learners engage in Team Chess, where collaboration, strategy, and sportsmanship were on full display. Eagles also proudly showcased their Deep Books and Sports Magazines, sharing both their finished work and the thinking behind it. Learners spoke with confidence about their reading, writing, and creative process, highlighting the effort, revision, and perseverance that went into each piece. Exhibition served as a powerful reminder that learning at Acton is about the journey as much as the final product, and our Eagles rose to the occasion with pride and ownership.

Close

This session has been an outstanding one. We are extremely proud of the commitment our learners showed in staying focused and completing their work with care and excellence. Through Chess Quest, Eagles challenged themselves to think strategically, collaborate with teammates, and persevere through competitive moments. In Writer’s Workshop, learners demonstrated creativity and ownership as they planned, drafted, revised, and published their Sports Magazines. Across both experiences, Eagles consistently displayed dedication, responsibility, and resilience. Their growth this session reflects not only academic progress, but also the confidence and independence they continue to build as learners.

We look forward to Session 5!

Middle School / LaunchPad

Session 4 Newsletter

Monday, January 6th, 2026, to Friday, February 6th, 2026

Hello Acton Friends and Family!

Session 4 was an energetic, curiosity-filled journey as MS and LP Eagles leaned into collaboration and leadership while deepening their scientific thinking. This session marked an important shift as learners navigated higher expectations, welcomed new community members, and increased cross-studio collaboration. From hands-on labs to moments of creative expression, the studio buzzed with focus and perseverance as independence continued to grow.

Throughout the session, Eagles balanced rigorous academic work with meaningful moments of community connection. As they tackled complex scientific ideas, strengthened long-form writing, and stepped into leadership roles, learners showed growth not only in knowledge but also in confidence and ownership of their work.

Quest: Biology 1 - Evolution

This session launched our yearlong Biology journey with an emphasis on foundational concepts that lead into evolution. Eagles explored cells, plants, animals, and humans through research, labs, debates, and collaborative challenges that brought learning to life. Dissecting blue crabs and squid, extracting DNA from plants and themselves, and participating in Socratic discussions around ethics, cloning, GMOs, and human development helped make abstract concepts tangible and engaging.

When challenges arose, such as a malfunctioning blender during a DNA lab, Eagles demonstrated resilience and ingenuity. Rather than giving up, they adjusted their approach and worked together until they succeeded. LP Eagles stepped confidently into expanded leadership roles by creating detailed models, guiding MS learners during labs, and hosting learning experiences as local “experts.” Across the Quest, Eagles displayed curiosity and courage while strengthening their ability to connect scientific ideas across disciplines.

Genre: Biology Hero Biography

In writing, MS and LP Eagles explored the lives of biology heroes who challenged the thinking of their time. Learners researched figures such as Gregor Mendel, Charles Darwin, Jane Goodall, and Carl Linnaeus, examining not only their discoveries but also the character traits that allowed them to persist, question norms, and ultimately change the course of science.

Eagles moved through outlining, drafting, revising, and polishing full-length biographies, building stamina and independence as writers. The revision process stood out this session as learners thoughtfully applied feedback and refined their work before binding final pieces. These biographies invited Eagles to rethink what heroism looks like by highlighting courage, curiosity, and a deep commitment to truth within scientific history.

CORE & Deep Books

Throughout the session, Eagles continued to challenge themselves academically through CORE in addition to wrapping up their second Deep Book of the year. Studio time reflected increased independence and accountability as learners balanced long-term goals with daily responsibilities. Many Eagles demonstrated maturity by managing their workload, sustaining attention, and advocating for their learning as Exhibition approached.

Music

Music added joy and connection to the session while supporting confidence and creative expression. Learners practiced collaboration and performance skills that strengthened their sense of community. Music remained a space where Eagles could take risks, support one another, and celebrate shared accomplishments.

Physical Education (PE)

In PE, Eagles brought enthusiasm and sportsmanship to each activity. Learners challenged themselves physically while reinforcing teamwork and resilience. PE continued to provide an important counterbalance to academic rigor by offering movement, stress relief, and opportunities for cooperative play that strengthened studio relationships.

Field Trip: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Our field trip to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was a highlight of the session. After a picnic on the neighboring lawn, the learners enjoyed the beautiful weather in SF. Eagles represented the studio with responsibility and respect as they explored the KAWS Family Exhibit and additional galleries. Learners engaged thoughtfully with the artwork, shared observations, and appreciated the opportunity to experience a major museum exhibition together. This trip reflected the trust they earned through dedication and consistent effort leading up to the visit.

Holiday: Valentine's Day Party

To close the session with celebration and connection, Eagles enjoyed a Valentine’s Day party filled with creativity and reflection. Learners decorated and exchanged cards, shared laughter, and took time to look back on their learning journey. The celebration offered a joyful pause to appreciate friendships and effort before heading into break.

Exhibition

Session 4 Exhibition was a proud celebration of learning as families experienced the depth and creativity of the Eagles’ work. Learners confidently guided guests through Biology stations focused on cells, plants, animals, and humans, demonstrating hands-on labs and explaining complex concepts with clarity.

The Biology Bee added excitement as Eagles answered randomly selected questions, showing both knowledge and courage. Biology Hero Biographies reflected weeks of research, writing, and revision, while studio conversations highlighted the academic and personal growth Eagles achieved throughout the session.

Close

Thank you, families, for your dedication, trust, and partnership throughout Session 4. Your intentional support played an important role in the Eagles’ growth as learners and as a community. We are proud of the perseverance and leadership your Eagles demonstrated, and we hope you enjoy a restful, refreshing break. We look forward to continuing this journey together next session.