From the Spark Studio
From Miss Anna: We made it through our first session! Thanks to all who attended our Exhibition. It was genuinely a beautiful experience for me to watch the Heroes give studio tours to their families. I reflected on that first morning of school as each child arrived with hesitation to explore the studio with their family – what a huge contrast to Thursday afternoon! Every one of our Heroes had complete ownership of this space and our processes. They were confident in sharing how they spend their days and excited to share their presentations. I am so proud of them.
I am so glad we do things a little differently at Choice (like holding exhibitions instead of tests) so I can reflect on how much they’ve accomplished in so little time. I am so lucky to be a part of the CHOICE family!
From the Elementary Studio
From Kara & JeVonne: It was a whirlwind week in the elementary studio! So much to celebrate and meaningful reflection as we move forward.
We began Tuesday morning with a trust walk; all the heroes completed the challenge (with a few bumps along the way). During the Socratic discussion that followed, the heroes decided that while we spent session #1 getting to know one another, we will spend session #2 learning to trust and be deserving of one another’s trust. The heroes also signed their governing documents (their contracts) signifying that they each want to be part of this tribe moving forward. As I watched them sign, I reflected on what they each contribute; I am so grateful that they all committed to continue their Hero’s Journey with us.
There was genuine care and concern exhibited at the end of the tournament quest, making sure that everyone felt included and honored. Several of the heroes came up with spontaneous, humorous awards for each other, and their discussion of trials faced during this quest was frank and forthright, showing determination to keep progressing in their collaborative skills. I heard comments of encouragement and an awareness of other people that I haven’t heard in the past. They are developing leadership skills and intentional kindness.
Their first exhibition exceeded our expectations. Their thoroughness of planning, practicing and then executing was impressive. The guides didn’t even keep track of time – the heroes did it all! It was beautiful to watch different heroes step into their challenge zones to complete their exhibition roles. During our reflection on Thursday the heroes came up with suggestions for making their 2nd exhibition even better… watch out parents!
As we look back over session #1 we are so grateful. Grateful for these 29 heroes who came in as strangers and chose to become a tribe. We are grateful for both the difficult and fun challenges they have shared; and look forward to more progress and joy in session #2!
Our outdoor celebration on Thursday was delightful all around with a field trip on foot that everyone enjoyed. They were a happy tribe, getting cars to honk for them, drenching themselves in the water feature at the new downtown park, and cheering each other on in kickball and soccer. Pure joy on their faces as they ran (and crawled) through the water together
