Week in Review - Week 6

Zoom Gatherings

This week’s Zoom Gatherings held some great discussions and important learning. Monday, learners were tasked with a community-building project, in which they collaborated with their team to design a minimum viable product (MVP) that solves a real need for a specific group of people. Learners will continue this Entrepreneurship project in the coming weeks. In Tuesday’s launch, learners split into a Middle School and High School group, and each were given a conundrum to discuss that was about what, when, and how we share things with Studio-mates. Each group brought back their solution to share with the school-wide group. Wednesday, learners dove into another skill-builder that was all about using Headrush, covering features and instructions for things learners are still finding tricky. Thursday’s launch was another young changemaker launch called The Year That Could Change Everything. Learners stepped into the shoes of Rishab Jain, a 14 yr old who developed a software to help treat pancreatic cancer and had to grapple with family, pressures, concerns about his age, and shouldering a large impact at a young age

Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:

  • Some truly brilliant products developed during the Entrepreneurship group project

  • A particularly engaging launch on Thursday, that just felt special

  • Seeing learners continue to build bonds, be brave in voicing their opinions, and learning to live together in fun and conflict

Week 6 Highlights

This week brought milestones, collaboration, and celebrations across the studio:

Studio Contract Finalized Soon:  We are down to the final two versions of our studio contract! Learners will decide on the final format Monday and will hold a signing ceremony before the end of Session 2.

Celebrating Courage:  Congratulations to senior Amara for completing her first Practical! Practicals can feel nerve-wracking, especially when you’re new to FSO, so this is a huge accomplishment.

Living Together in Community:  A special shoutout to Matiana, who has grown braver in sharing her voice and is intentionally finding and sharing connections with studiomates around the world.

Collaboration Rising:  We’ve seen a steady increase in learners giving feedback to one another as part of their badge work—our community is becoming stronger with every exchange.

Halfway Point Check-In: We’re officially halfway through Session 2! Learners should be setting SMART Goals (weekly and/or daily) to stay on track with their badges and credits.

The growth we’re seeing—in courage, connection, and collaboration—is setting the tone for a powerful second half of the session.


Family Conversation Starters:

  • Which version of the studio contract do you think will best support your growth—and why?

  • What was most challenging and most rewarding about Amara’s Practical? How would you prepare if it were you?

  • How has someone in the studio encouraged or inspired you recently?

  • What feedback have you given or received this week that helped you grow?

  • What SMART Goal do you want to set for next week, and how will you hold yourself accountable?





Tyler Thigpen