Session 1 Week in Review - Week 2
Zoom Gatherings
Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:
Monday: Monday’s Community Builder included a short film premier featuring Louis’ re-enactment of What I Did Last Summer, which was an optional challenge presented to learners during week one. Thanks Louis, for taking on the challenge! Then, we discussed our 26-27 theme of the year: What is a good life?, and had learners go into breakout rooms and create a Venn Diagram showing their similar and different ideas about what makes a good life.
Tuesday: Tuesday’s Human Skills Launch was all about The Rules of Netiquette; how to act and behave respectfully in online spaces. It prompted some interesting discussion and brought up some funny, albeit awkward, moments for some of us.
Wednesday: Wednesday’s Skill-Builder focused on Squads (Running Partners), why they are important at FSO, and how being part of any group and taking your responsibility seriously is an important life skill.
Thursday: Thursday’s “Young” Changemaker launch was about a young nation called America, and how signatures from a small group of people built the future for millions of people. Learners weighed the impact of their own signature, and what it really means to sign a commitment to something.
Week 2 Highlights
The momentum from Week 1 has carried right into Week 2. . . and then some!
Dream Team Shoutouts
A big congratulations to Alexis, Sam, and Elliotte for sending out their Dream Team emails! If your learner hasn't sent theirs yet, this is a great week to check in with them. Every learner should have everything they need to reach out to their prospective Dream Team members by the end of next week. Ask them who they're inviting and why, it's a great conversation.
Badge Plans Taking Shape
Learners are continuing to arrive at their check-ins with strong badge plans already in progress. The level of intention and preparation we're seeing this early in the year is genuinely exciting. Well done to everyone who is hitting the ground running!
Know Your Landing Page
Seniors and High School learners each have their own dedicated landing page on Headrush packed with important information, make sure your learner is taking full advantage of what's there. Also a friendly reminder: ALL required Zoom links live on the learner landing page in Headrush. Check-in links are different from the regular Studio weekly meeting links, so knowing where to look matters!
Exhibition Is Coming
Next week, learners should be making their final decisions about what they'll present for Exhibition. They have two great options: a finalized Badge Plan walkthrough covering the platforms, badges, books, and experiences they've chosen for the year, or a finished product from an approved badge (Quests, Civs, Story Arts, and Electives tend to be the most popular choices). Start that conversation at home if you haven't already!
Clubs Are Launching!
We are so excited to welcome two brand new clubs to FSO this year: All Things Machine and Baking Club joining our long-standing Soccer Club with even more clubs still in the pipeline. Clubs are one of the best ways for learners to get to know each other, discover new friends, and bond over shared interests. Encourage your learner to jump in!
Building Our Studio Community
This week we highlighted the power of squads and the significance of signing your name as we prepare to update this year's Studio Contract of Promises together. There's something meaningful about a community that holds itself accountable — and our learners are already leaning into that.
Family Conversation Starters:
What is a Good Life?
This week's angle: Friendship and Belonging
A good life is rarely built alone. This week, as learners think about Dream Teams, clubs, and community promises, ask them:
What makes someone a good person to have in your corner?
Is there a difference between having a lot of friends and having the right friends? What's the difference?
What kind of friend do you want to be this year?
Thank you for continuing to partner with us. It is a joy to show up for your learners every week.
