Session 4, Week 5
Some of the most meaningful moments in a school day aren’t planned on a schedule, posed by a guide, or captured in a photograph. They happen in passing, in play, in quiet choices, and in brave ones. For example, lunchtime is always fun for guides to observe what heroes will do with unstructured time, but this Wednesday offered something special—a truly magical moment. Behind the school, DS heroes were guiding a game with SS heroes. In the gym, DS and FS heroes were joyfully playing together. Out on the turf, a giant group of DS and FS heroes eagerly engaged in flag tag. This wasn’t a scheduled school wide games, it just happened naturally; there was precious participation, irresistible inclusion, and undeniable unity. It was a gift just to witness this choice moment at CHOICE—one of those fleeting, powerful reminders of what’s possible when community leads the way.
In the Spark Studio
The field trip to the Loveland Aquarium was undeniably special. Sparks joyfully connected classroom learning to real-life animals and habitats, marveling at what they recognized and understood. Touching stingrays, starfish, and anemones brought learning to life, while seeing the true size of these creatures—both tiny and enormous—expanded their sense of wonder. It was hands-on, heart-full learning at its best.
In the days following the aquarium visit, the learning lingered. Sparks excitedly retold stories and discoveries, with one hero even flopping on the floor to reenact how the otters moved. The experience clearly made a lasting impression.
Play truly showed itself as meaningful work this week. As Maria Montessori said, “Play is the work of the child,” and Spark heroes demonstrated this beautifully as they discussed, debated, and voted on real-life studio challenges—from muddy shoes to caring for plants and staying focused during Work Cycle. Their solutions were thoughtful, creative, and completely their own.
One quiet but powerful moment unfolded when a hero accidentally spilled tiny math pieces. Without hesitation or complaint, several heroes rushed over to help. No spotlight, no praise requested—just instinctive care for one another.
During Choice Work Cycle, heroes explored how to care for the world around them, then took action by organizing a trash hunt around the school. They collected an enormous amount of garbage and excitedly shared plans to transform the trash into future creations. Their upcycling mindset continues to shape how they see possibility everywhere.
Another special moment appeared during a conflict. As a guide supported two heroes, a third hero stepped in, offering help. With calm voices and open hearts, the heroes repaired hurt feelings and made a plan—entirely on their own. The guide simply stepped back and watched something special unfold.
In the Fire Studio
Some special moments only happen once. This week there were loud unique moments as heroes gathered to cheer on a peer after a painful fall while ice skating and rallied joyfully around an alumni hero at the rec center. There were also brave, quiet victories—a usually reserved hero sharing an opinion during Socratic discussion, and a hero gently offering to mediate a conflict for peers in the resolution room.
Halfway Day itself was something special to celebrate. Heroes were recognized for reaching the midpoint of their reading, writing, and math goals, then enjoyed playful “halfway” challenges—measuring and dividing objects, creating half-patterns, and completing half-portraits with partners. Many worked with someone new, and collaboration became part of the celebration.
Other special moments occurred repeatedly throughout the session, such as an older hero sitting daily with her younger running partner so he didn’t have to do his Writer’s Gym alone, another hero celebrating often with the guide as he felt his focus grow immensely through the session, and that special feeling the studio uniquely has when every hero is deeply engaged in a book during D.E.A.R.
Variety show practices added another layer of magic. Heroes courageously shared acts that reflected their individuality, creativity, and joy. One particularly special moment came when a nervous hero was gently encouraged, and gained the confidence to practice her act. It was also special to watch the heroes cheer each other on and show up for each other as they watched each performance. There really is something special about the culture and support in the Fire Studio!
Week 5 of every session always brings something special, and in Physics: Newton’s Toy Shop, this continues to be the case. This is the week when ideas turn into action. Heroes are designing toys that incorporate at least one Physics concept — brainstorming new inventions or taking existing toys and making them better (or, as the Heroes say, “funner”). They sketch their visions, build concepts, and in some cases, move all the way to a final product.
For some Heroes, coming up with the idea itself felt like the hardest part. In those moments, older Fire Studio Heroes and a few Delta mentors stepped in to help spark creativity. Watching one Hero help another focus, encourage, and move forward is always a moment worth noticing.
The materials requested alone spark curiosity. As Guides, there’s often a moment of wondering, “What in the world will that be for?” — followed by amazement as these creative minds bring their ideas to life.
Another special moment showed up in quiet honesty: Heroes confidently sharing that their prototype didn’t work — and then immediately shifting to, “So here’s what I’m going to change.”
One especially special moment happened when a Hero left her string balloon hanging in the middle of the studio overnight to dry. Surrounded by temptation for 2 days, not a single Hero touched it. When it was finally ready to pop, the studio gathered around to watch together. That kind of respect — fifty Heroes honoring someone else’s work — is something truly special.
That spirit extended beyond projects. A group of heroes voluntarily cleaned the studio before maintenance, wiping tables, sweeping floors, and even rolling up rugs. When maintenance officially began, other heroes noticed and appreciated the effort.
These are the moments that make Week 5 special — creativity, respect, perseverance, and a growing belief that ideas can evolve into something real.
In the DELTA Studio
In Quest, heroes continued hands-on learning as family pets were brought in, offering one last opportunity to observe animals up close. These experiences sparked curiosity and meaningful connections.
Exhibition preparation ramped up with an energetic burst of creativity. Clay animals, posters, and zoo elements filled squad tables, each addition reflecting teamwork and pride in shared work.
Thursday brought a truly special experience: a parrotfish dissection lab. Guided by a volunteer parent, heroes learned fascinating facts about parrotfish anatomy, diets, and even their role in creating white sand beaches. The room buzzed with curiosity as heroes exclaimed, “Look at this!” and shared what amazed them most.
Emotional maturity showed up in powerful ways. Two heroes—one boy and one girl—talked through hurt feelings with honesty and tears, choosing communication over pretending nothing happened and keeping hurt inside. During Jolliness, heroes played a childhood game where they practiced saying kind things to one another. Although it was a game, and there was definitely some friendly ( or not so friendly) competition at times, there were special moments when I heard beautiful sincere compliments from heroes to one another.
During P.E. middle schoolers joyfully played sharks and minnows and duck duck goose, reminding us that play still matters at every age.
Deep Book discussions brought some thoughtful reflection, especially during a lively conversation around the question, Is it ever okay to lie? This group leaned in with laughter, debate, and genuine engagement.
There was joy in quieter moments too—heroes delighting in a new baking experience, taking time to draw and listen to a story during a landing, and even a hero making amends for a snarky comment by choosing to clean others’ dishes as an apology. Small actions, big meaning.
Something special doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it’s loud and joyful, sometimes quiet and brave. This week, across every studio, those moments showed up in connection, courage, creativity, and care for one another. Whether fleeting or repeated, planned or spontaneous, each one reminded us that the heart of CHOICE lives in these everyday, extraordinary moments—if we’re lucky enough to notice them.