Sept 21-25

Eagles have been hard at work these last 5 weeks learning Acton expectations, traditions, and systems.  Sometimes, even creating their own! 

Every Friday, Eagles hold a Town Meeting. During this time learners get the chance to submit problems, solutions, encouragements, or frustrations they are having in the studio. 

Last week during Town Meeting, an Eagle expressed concerns over dishonesty and suggested a solution.  The last few days, the Eagles have been working hard to create and implement their own "Ticket" system to hold one another accountable. 

At the end of the day, Eagles discuss promises they wish to have as a part of their Studio Contract for the year.  This will be signed by the Eagles at the Exhibition, with the promise to follow and uphold their contract. 

In art, we have explored our creativity by creating suncatchers and toilet paper roll creations.  They chose to have a competition based on the most creative and well designed piece.  Congratulations Layla! She won with half the Eagle's votes with her dragon from Rescue Riders! 

Sharks and Minnows was a hit this week in PE and the Eagles love doing conditioning at the middle school track! 

Our goal this session continues to be creating a tribe where Eagles feel welcome, loved and seen.  We have been spending many hours a week on free play, game time, and team building. 

 

The first week of school, team building challenges left many Eagles in their Panic Zone- frustrated at their fellow Eagles and the task.  Now, it's amazing to sit back and watch them work together to complete a challenge!  (Ask your Eagle about the blanket challenge they were able to complete!) 

Next week begins our preparation for the first Exhibition! The Eagles are excited to showcase their hard work and show you around their studio. 

Week 4 - SMART Goals

This week has introduced many more firsts for our Acton Eagles!

This week, Eagles began setting SMART goals.  These goals focus and drive their Core Skills time, encouraging Eagles to take control of their learning.  At the end of each work session, Eagles do a quick reflection of their work and progress.  

 

Eagles wrote the final stories of their Memoirs and will be working to revise and edit next week, preparing their pieces to be shared at the Exhibition. 

 

We completed our first trial of the Acton Olympics, where Eagles are tested in 4 areas; max plank hold, 40 yard dash, 1 minute of burpees, and a long run (400m ish).  Our Eagles had some awesome accomplishments! 

In a few months, Eagles will be challenged to beat their previous scores. 

In art, we explored nature by creating Journey Sticks.  We also learned about the art of pointillism and used the technique to create our own masterpieces. 

 The Eagles are hard at work refining their studio into a place where kindness, individuality, and hard work are celebrated.   

Week 3

 Hope everyone had a great four day week.  These first 3 weeks have flown by! 

Thursday, we spent our PE time in the church's fellowship hall, where the Eagles got in some sweaty conditioning.  They worked hard on perfecting their squat form for the upcoming Eagle Olympics! 

This week, Eagles discovered new ways to learn Language Art skills. Through the use of online programs, fabulous mentor books, and their peers, Eagles are hard at work on Grammar, Reading, and Writing. 

They are currently drafting their memoirs, working on making simple stories interesting through their word choice. 

In art, Eagles have explored various materials.  They have created galaxies with pastel chalk and painted with watercolors.  

Studio Maintenance has been completely passed over to the Eagles. After lunch, Eagles take care of their space to the satisfaction of the Germ Checkers before going to Free Time. 

Eagles have broken the studio into 4 areas that are expected to be in pristine condition before leaving.  Miss Flo, the church custodian, complimented them for their fabulous cleaning! She was shocked the room (and bathrooms) were taken care of by young learners! 

A few afternoons a week, Eagles are split into Game Squads. The focus is FUN while learning teamwork, how to settle disagreements and improve social skills. 

I am blown away by the deep thinking and independence that happens each day in our studio! These learners are growing in their confidence to be independent learners, leaders and fellow travelers.

 

Weeks 1 & 2

 We are 9 days into our Hero's Journey at Acton Academy and these Eagles have been hard at work! 

We jumped right into day one with Socratic Discussions.  Since then, Eagles have practiced explaining their thinking, decided to raise their hand when choosing to share, and earned their choice of snack time by upholding the Rules of Engagement.  

Eagles have been working hard on their Lip Dub and are excited to showcase their hard work at the Exhibition in October.  They even earned a pizza party by meeting their own set of standards; everyone in the group being kind, paying attention, knowing their part and recording the song in its entirety! 

After earning their Chromebooks by displaying their understanding of the tech guardrails, Eagles began Core Skills time.  The schedule is split into two work zones; quiet and collaborative time.  Learners are already hard at work showing mastery of various Math skills on Dreambox and Khan Academy.  

Ask your Eagle what resources they are using to learn these new skills! 

Next week, learners will begin work on their Language Art skills. 

Eagles are learning about their studio-mates through Hero Boards and Bubble Maps that will be displayed in the studio and at the Session's Exhibition. 

This week also kicked off PE time, where Eagles are learning new skills, working as a team and developing good sportsmanship.  At the end of PE each day, Eagles take time to recognize the great sportsmanship they see in their classmates.  

We are excited for the first Exhibition on Friday, October 2 when the Eagles will show some of what they've been working on this session and how they track academic progress.