Session 7 Week in Review - Week 31

Zoom Gatherings

Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:

Monday: Monday, Reyan presented a launch about sports, and learners discussed weighing the pros and cons to help choose between two things.

  • Tuesday: Tuesday, Eliza led an informal launch that allowed learners to provide feedback for things they’d like to see at FSO next year. 

  • Wednesday: Wednesday, Guides went over the new guidelines for the After-Action Reviews that will take place later this session, and provided time for learners to ask questions and share ideas on creating the presentations.

  • Thursday: Thursday, our Young Changemaker launch focused on Max Alexander, who by the age of 10, was a designer at Paris Fashion Week. Learners discussed what it means to “be ready” to do something, how to know when it’s the time to begin something, and if it’s worse to fail or never try something. 

Week 31 Highlights

This week was filled with momentum, milestone moments, and powerful reminders of what’s possible when learners truly take ownership of their education:

  • Big Goals, Big Progress: Shoutout to David for completing his final learner-led launch and pushing toward an ambitious goal - finishing both Level 7 and Level 8 by the end of Session 7 so he can officially begin his high school journey in the fall. What an incredible example of drive and determination!

  • Nearly There!: Congratulations to Nebhan and Nadia for completing almost all of their badge plans for the year. The consistency and follow-through this takes is no small feat. Well done!

  • On the Brink of Graduation: A huge shoutout to Amara for finishing all of her academic credits! She’s now working on her final two Practicals before officially graduating. We are so proud of everything she has accomplished.

  • Learning That Truly Fits: More and more learners are embracing just how customizable learning can be at FSO. Recently, we’ve seen incredible, co-created badges including:

    • Data Science through Call of Duty

    • Esports Performance & Strategy Systems using Fortnite

    • An interdisciplinary badge combining Greek Mythology, Short Story Writing, and LEGO building
      The realization that passions, whether in gaming, storytelling, sports, travel, or beyond, count as real, meaningful learning is powerful. The empowerment, relief, and excitement that come with that understanding have been incredible to witness.

  • FSO Beyond the Studio: This week, Ms. Eliza shared FSO’s model with a group of virtual and hybrid educators at a meeting sponsored by Lenovo. They were truly blown away by what FSO learners are accomplishing.

  • Leading by Example: A final shoutout to all FSO learners for not only owning your education, but for learning and overcoming out loud. You are actively inspiring educators to rethink what’s possible for young people. That impact is real and it matters.

This week was a powerful reminder: when learners are trusted, challenged, and supported, they don’t just meet expectations, they redefine them.

Family Conversation Starters:

  • What does it feel like to work toward a big, long-term goal like David’s?

  • How does customizing your learning change your motivation or excitement?

  • What’s something you do for fun that could also count as learning?

  • What does it mean to “learn out loud,” and how can that help others?

  • What are you most proud of being close to finishing this year?


Tyler Thigpen