Session 5, Week 1
We didn’t ease into this week — we hit the ground running. From stepping bravely onto the stage at our annual Variety Show to accepting a top-secret mission during our spy-themed treasure hunt, Heroes launched into Session 5 with energy and momentum. New squads formed, running partners were chosen, schedules shifted, quests began, and fresh goals were set. The energy was high, the pace was lively – heroes were leaning forward instead of holding back.
Our annual Variety Show deserves its own spotlight. From our youngest to our oldest, heroes showed that it is bravery and creativity needed to participate, not perfected talent. We saw piano performances — including from heroes who had never played before — energetic dance routines, juggling acts, comedy sketches, lip syncs, monologues, and impressive yo-yo tricks. We even welcomed CHOICE alumni back to perform – once a Hero, always a Hero! Heroes made mistakes, were courageous, laughed and cheered for each other in a heart warming way.
In the Spark Studio
The energy in the Spark Studio during Montessori work cycle this week was incredible. They said things like “Can you help me make this more challenging?” and “I worked so hard — I’m so proud of myself!”
This session Spark heroes are learning about life cycles and different ways scientists have chosen to characterize animals and categorize them. They started off learning about vertebrates vs. invertebrates. Heroes completed challenges exploring the different types of animals in each group and comparing different traits. One day the challenge was to imagine they woke up with no bones. How would they adapt their body to be able to survive? Some heroes imagined new body parts, one said they would learn to wiggle like a worm. Others drew adaptations like a motorized wheelchair.
Heroes finished the week observing Wassily Kandinsky’s art, learning about complementary colors on the color wheel, and experimenting with color as they tried to grasp the concept of concentric circles. It was interesting discussing with the heroes afterwards that most preferred color combinations next to each other on the color wheel instead of complementary colors. Several heroes found they couldn’t stop painting after the challenge, completing multiple unique works of art.
Each afternoon in the Spark Studio ends with a cheer led by the Hero of the Day. The cheer is centered around something meaningful from the day. One favorite this week was, “We love everything about CHOICE!” And while that maybe isn’t true, all the time, at every moment, that is what they were feeling! The Spark heroes really hit the ground running this week!
In the Fire Studio
In the Fire Studio, Session 5 brought new studio groups, new Running Partners, new council and squad leaders, and for some, new Guides. Change can stretch comfort zones, especially when close friends are in different groups, but Heroes stepped forward anyway. Hitting the ground running sometimes means embracing the new with courage.
Session five is a session of experiments! While the heroes are experimenting with robotics in quest, they are also experimenting with a new goal system and schedule in core skills. This week, the heroes started using their new core skills log and weekly tracking sheet. If they earn a black out (by completing all of their weekly goals on their bingo sheet), they get to put a gem in the gem basket. When the studio reaches 100 gems, there will be a celebration! The heroes also experienced their new core skills schedule. A few heroes chose not to focus on their core skills during their first core skills blocks, and quickly discovered how much they had to cram into the last core skills block in order to get a black out on their bingo sheet. This is one of the great things about learning at CHOICE: the heroes choose how to spend their time, and they experience the consequences.
Week 1 of our 5-week VexGO Coding & Robotics Quest is officially underway — and so far, there simply does not seem to be enough time in the day to build and play! Because this is a shorter session, Fire Studio Heroes know they have some focused work ahead to be ready for Exhibition. Monday kicked off with a favorite tradition — a game to discover squad members. While this Quest won’t be as squad-heavy as others, Heroes still get time to connect during R.E.B.O.O.T. (Reset Energy: Bodies Out Of Technology). With coding and robotics being computer- and chair-heavy, we’ve talked often about how important it is to move our bodies to refresh our brains. The movement games have quickly become a highlight.
This week, Heroes explored their VEX GO kits — learning how to care for materials while building simple machines. They discovered how adding wheels, axles, levers, and inclined planes can make hard jobs easier. By Thursday, many began choosing to work with a buddy to complete more complex builds. The collaboration, experimenting, problem-solving, and natural helping of one another has been one of the most beautiful parts of the week.
Looking ahead, Guides are considering small adjustments to allow for optional deeper dives as curiosity continues to grow.
We also added a weekly Creative Writing block. Each Hero received a personal writing book and three prompts to spark ideas (unless inspiration struck on its own). With just pen or pencil and a quiet room, imaginations went to work. A few felt stuck at first. Many didn’t want to stop. Some even asked to take their books home. There’s something magical about giving the mind space to wander freely.
Creator Time rotated to a new art genre this session, and the excitement to get messy was real. One Hero asked if he could use pencil instead of the NU pastels for the panda challenge — absolutely yes. The pride in his finished piece was unmistakable. Sometimes confidence begins with simply being allowed to add your own flair. Week 1 is in the books, and the energy is high. If this pace continues, Exhibition is going to be something special.
In the DELTA Studio
In the Delta Studio, Heroes found new squads and running partners, taking time to reflect on what they want to improve this session — both individually and as a squad.
Tribe-building landings were full of energy and support. Heroes played several games that didn’t involve winning and losing. Although it wasn’t history, it was fun to hear all the historical events and people the heroes chose to represent.
And learned that sometimes supporting a fellow traveler is more important than winning.
Civ brought high engagement and fun as heroes discussed the Mayan, Aztec and Incan empires and then created – either pottery or their own new game.
This session’s individualized Passion Quest has launched with excitement. From wood burning to baking, auto mechanics to painting, Heroes are diving into what genuinely interests them. When research is self-chosen, curiosity deepens and effort follows naturally. Mini-quests in meditation, personal finance, and mathemagics are on the horizon!
P.E. brought creativity and laughter as once again heroes showed you are never too old for tag!
This week was not about easing in. It was about jumping in with energy, courage, and intention. New systems, new partnerships, new quests, new stages – Heroes chose to participate, support one another, and work hard. When you hit the ground running together, the momentum carries you farther than you imagined.