Session 3 Week in Review - Week 13

Zoom Gatherings

On Monday, we brought back Circles for the first time in 2025-2026! Learners split into Middle and High School Studio groups, and went around the “circle” answering two questions that encouraged learners to reflect, be vulnerable, and build deeper trust and community with one another. We look forward to incorporating Circles back into our Zoom Gatherings the remainder of the year! Tuesday’s launch was led by Amara, one of our Seniors. She facilitated a launch on Littering, and provided thought provoking Socratic scenarios and open-ended questions for the Studio to discuss. It was Amara’s first launch at FSO, and she hit it out of the park! Wednesday’s Skill-Builder was on the learning modality of Make. Guide’s walked learners through a Make challenge, and as a group, learners shared which option they would choose to create, and how they would interpret the instructions creatively. Middle school co-created a Make product together, while high school learners each choose an option to produce a quick draft of. 

Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:

  • Learners opening up to one another during Circles

  • A  great learner-led launch by Amara 

  • Amazing “A-ha moments” happening as Guides model strategies for creatively interpreting open-ended Quest, Story Arts, & Civ challenge instructions; they are beginning to think outside the box and see the potential for creative freedom in their work!

Week 13 Highlights

This week was full of courage, creativity, and connection as learners continued to show what self-direction looks like in action!

  • Empathy in Action: Shoutout to Amara for an outstanding Practical presentation on Empathy, one of the most challenging mastery credits to demonstrate. Her ability to show depth, reflection, and understanding set a high bar for excellence. Amara also led her first learner-led launch, sparking a meaningful studio-wide discussion about litter and personal responsibility for our shared environment.

  • Courage & Grace in Debate: Shoutout to Louis for taking a stand, defending his position thoughtfully, and responding to constructive criticism with maturity and grace. His willingness to engage deeply in discussion models what true growth and respectful dialogue look like.

  • New Clubs Emerging: Learners have been busy pitching new club ideas to reflect their diverse interests - everything from Newspaper to Art and more in the works! We can’t wait to see which one will officially join the FSO lineup next.

  • Welcome & Wow: Our newest learner, Anna, continues to impress! She’s hit the ground running, submitting pitches, starting badges, and showing strong self-direction right from the start.

This week highlighted what makes FSO so special: learners who think deeply, take initiative, and support one another as they grow. Keep it up, FSO!

Family Conversation Starters

  • What makes empathy one of the hardest mastery credits to demonstrate?

  • How did the discussion about litter challenge or change your perspective?

  • What does it mean to defend your stance and stay open to feedback, like Louis did?

  • If you could start a new FSO club, what would it be and why?

  • What’s something you did this week that showed self-direction?

Tyler Thigpen