Week in Review - Week 8

Zoom Gatherings


Monday’s Zoom Gathering, learners were tasked with an important question: If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one comfort item you would want to have, and discussed why with their group. On Tuesday, Aziza facilitated a learner-led launch on AI. Wednesday’s skill-builder focused on strategies for working through the Relate learning modality, with breakout rooms for middle and high school discussion on age-appropriate strategies and tips. Thursday’s young change maker launch focused on a discussion about if athletes should also be activists, and was based on a young man in Kenya that was a pro soccer (or football) player and an activist for tree conservation and renewal. Each breakout room had excellent conversations about if athletes should be free to use their platform for social change, or if being controversial is appropriate for a pro athlete.


Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:

  • A fun, no pressure team building activity

  • Guides gently pushing learners towards taking a stance on issues during the Socratic launches

  • Powerful debate and back and forth discussion on tough issues

Week 8 Highlights

This week was full of celebration and growth as learners stepped up with courage, ownership, and excellence:

  • World-Class Practicals: Shoutout to Shriya and Amara for delivering practical presentations of the highest caliber, showcasing a wide variety of meaningful evidence to prove mastery. They set an incredible example for their peers!

  • Respectful Communication: We’ve seen real growth in learners assuming positive intent, staying respectful, and beginning to ask clarifying questions in their written communication. These habits go a long way in shaping a studio culture where every learner feels seen, heard, valued, and respected, regardless of our differences.

  • Learner-Led Launches Shine: Congratulations to Aziza for leading another engaging learner-led launch. These launches are quickly becoming a studio favorite and an exciting showcase of learner leadership.

  • Ownership in Learning: Learners are taking stronger ownership of their badge plans and learning. Across the board, we’re seeing more comfort with the model and platform as they push through challenges and hurdles. The result? Increased agency, deeper engagement, and well-earned victories on the other side of those battles.

This has been a week of learners proving to themselves—and to each other—that they are capable of excellence. Well done, FSO!

Family Conversation Starters

  • What evidence would you choose to showcase your mastery in a Practical?

  • How does assuming positive intent change the way you respond to others?

  • What stood out to you in Aziza’s learner-led launch?

  • How did you take ownership of your badge plan or learning this week?

  • What challenge did you push through recently that made you stronger on the other side?

Tyler Thigpen