Session 1 Week in Review - Week 5
Zoom Gatherings
Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:
Monday: Monday we had a learner-led launch facilitated by Nadia. Her launch was based on a hypothetical situation that had learners balancing truth and perceived safety. They had a great discussion about one's duty to be honest when it might hurt more than help.
Tuesday: Tuesday we met together for a dress rehearsal for Exhibition. Learners connected with their breakout room groups, divided up the roles, and did a tech check to make sure everything worked smoothly.
Wednesday: Wednesday was our Session 1 Exhibition. Learners did a great job with their presentations. A special shout out to all of our new learners who powered through nerves and uncertaining and got through their first Exhibition. We also have to applaud Jovanni on his hosting!
Thursday: Thursday learners reviewed their Exhibition feedback, reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses. They also completed 360 Feedback for at least one other learner in the Studio, rating them on trust, collaboration, and empathy. We ended our last launch of the session with our Contract Signing–each learner signing their name as agreement to upholding the Studio Contract and holding others accountable as well.
Week 5 Highlights
Exhibition Session 1: What a Showing!
We are so proud of every single learner who presented at our first Exhibition of the year. Across the board, guests praised our learners for their professionalism, their depth of knowledge, and the genuine quality and creativity of their projects. For a first Exhibition, this was an exceptionally smooth and impressive showing. Take a bow, FSO.
A special thank you to Jovanni for stepping up to serve as Exhibition Emcee for Session 1. Hosting an Exhibition takes poise, preparation, and a willingness to lead — and he did it beautifully.
Exhibition Highlights
There were so many standout moments it's hard to know where to begin so we'll just give you a small glance in case you missed one:
Omari shared stunning photos from his Teaching Art Apprenticeship at The Forest School, giving guests a window into real, hands-on work happening beyond the screen.
Nadia delivered a clear and engaging badge plan breakdown, including a self-selected timeline for completing it. She also walked guests and learners through how she found her current apprenticeship. Her presentation opened the eyes of both guests and fellow learners to just how flexible and customizable learning at FSO truly is. Not just what you learn, but when and how you choose to complete it.
Elliotte added a fun quiz at the end of her presentation to engage her guests, a creative touch that had everyone leaning in.
Asher demoed his character costume build and shared his plans to turn it into a DIY Story Arts badge. Watching something handmade come to life in an Exhibition setting was genuinely exciting.
Aleem shared something he created for a Make challenge that not only impressed guests but sparked some lively and thought-provoking discussion. That's the mark of work that actually means something.
Sam walked guests through the work he's been doing on a bike for his Repair It Quest. and then, in true FSO fashion, took it a step further by turning a 3-day eat-what-you-catch camping and fishing trip into a one-off Quest challenge. That is exactly what we mean when we say learning can happen anywhere, anytime. And yes, you can absolutely get school credit for it.
Kate shared the TBR (To Be Read) list she created for her Bookfluencer Story Arts badge, a project that is as creative as it is thoughtful.
Alexis brought real intentionality to her feedback process by incorporating an "I like, I wish, I wonder" structure directly into her Exhibition slides, along with a trivia question to get guests engaged. This wasn't just a presentation strategy; it reflects how deeply Alexis values feedback and how thoughtfully she wants to help her guests give it well. That kind of self-awareness is something many adults still strive for.
A Promise Worth Signing
This week, our studio community reached an important milestone: we officially signed our Studio Contract of Promises for the year. These are the commitments our learners have made to themselves and to each other: to show up, to be honest, to support one another, and to build a studio culture worth belonging to. There is something meaningful about putting your name on a promise. We are proud of every learner who signed it.
Family Conversation Starters:
What is a Good Life?
Our learners didn't just present projects this week, they showed guests work they genuinely cared about. Costumes built by hand. Bikes repaired and ridden. Books chosen with intention. Apprenticeships that matter.
Ask your learner:
What does it feel like to share something you made or worked hard on with people who are paying attention?
Is there a difference between doing something for a grade and doing something because you care about it? What does that difference feel like?
What is one thing you are working on right now that you would actually want to show someone and why?
The bar has been set high FSO, and something tells us you're just getting started. Thank you for continuing to show up with your whole selves.
