Welcome to the sixth Launchpad Newsletter of the year! This week was considerably shorter compared to prior weeks: Monday we had off for Columbus Day, Friday we went to Alpine, and we spent most of Tuesday on a field trip. So, our usual work load was spread out over 2 and a half days. On Tuesday, we took a field trip to the Lincoln Center in NYC, a building complex for the performing arts. During this trip, we learned the history of the different buildings that make up the Li

Quest! This week, we finished and reflected on the conversation we had with a friend or family member outside of the Studio. We also started preparing topics for the Exhibition and learned how to avoid arguments in conversations, as the goal of any conversation is not to take part in an argument. To practice this skill, we spoke with other learners about our opinions on different topics since these types of conversations often lead to arguments.  Genre! This week, we finished

What a week it’s been for the Discovery learners! The studio has been buzzing with excitement as we near the end of the session, with projects wrapping up and new experiences unfolding every day. Writer’s Workshop: This week, learners continued working on their interviews. The main challenge throughout this project has been learning how to hold meaningful conversations and ask thoughtful questions. Many of the topics discussed included plans for the future, favorite things ab

Hello Parents, Learners, Families, and Friends, I hope you all had a wonderful week! Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in Discovery: Writer’s Workshop: As you know, we’ve been focusing on conversations in Writer’s Workshop. Last week, learners researched and watched several interviews to identify great communication techniques. Some learners even created Google Docs where they listed their top five tips for being good listeners in a conversation. We also began drafting q

Quest! This week, in Quest, we talked about vulnerability and why it is important to ask for help or share your emotions and feelings with others when needed. We also had a conversation with a Discovery learner, wrote a brief summary of that conversation, and then prepared to have another conversation with a family member or a friend outside of the Studio. This week, we had a lot of interesting experiences in Quest and learned many things. Genre! This week, in Genre, we prepa

It's hard to believe, but we've already completed 5 weeks of school! Time flies when you're having fun, right?  First off, let's give another HUGE round of applause to the Sparks for their incredible victory in the 2025 Acton Academy Zone 6 Lip Dub!  Now, let's recap the week's adventures: Mindset Monday: We kicked off the week with a focus on friendship. After reading "The Not So Friendly Friend" by Christina Furnival, Sparks shared insightful ideas and tips on navigating fr

Welcome to the fourth Launchpad Newsletter of the year! Last week, we did a lot of research and took notes for Genre and Quest, and this...

Civ! - This week, for Civ, we researched Christopher Columbus and what occurred after he had reached the New World. We learned about how...

Hello parents, learners, families, and friends! I’m so excited to share this newsletter—it’s my first one of the year! Let’s jump right...

This week has been filled with motivation, collaboration, and self-discovery for our Sparks! Mindset Monday  was all about inspiration!...

Welcome to the third Launchpad Newsletter of the year! To start off, in Civ, we researched the Magna Carta on Wednesday, learning of it’s...

Civ! - This week, we began our Civ studies for this session, covering the period from Gutenberg and the Printing Press through King Henry...

Dear Discovery Families, Week three was an exceptionally busy one in the Discovery Studio!   Many learners finished and hung up their...

This past week has been a whirlwind of learning, connection, and exploration for our Sparks! Motivation Monday kicked off with a...

Welcome to the second Launchpad Newsletter of the year! This week was filled with setting up the foundations for the entire year. If you...

Hero Boards This week, learners completed the writing for their hero boards  and were ready to bring them to life. On Thursday, they...

Greetings Discovery Families, It’s hard to believe it is already the end of week two! The Discovery learners have accomplished much this...

Our second week at The Sparks' Tribe was an absolute whirlwind of motivation, collaboration, and discovery! Motivation Monday kicked off...