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Discovering Voices Continues to Fly High
For three days in mid-January, the Middle School ascended to the second phase of the Discovering Voices: Taking Flight program. In November, there was a day of figurative and literal flight-related workshops. Last week, each grade delved deeper.
The fifth grade got down to business building Ideal Schools. Architect Jim Rogers shared design fundamentals and students cut, pasted and assembled their visions of an ideal school. An array of recycled items were used to create a Jungle Dome School, Paradise School, and a School for Spies just to name a few.
The sixth grade had a Nations and Migrations theme and contemplated “Where do you go when you can’t go home?” Through small workshops, students created imaginary nations and articulated national missions, anthems, sports, and flags.
The seventh grade launched with the secret mission: “How do we shape or influence our flight into the future?” Students were divided into five houses: blue, pink, purple, yellow, and green. Each house was challenged to imagine a world without one of the following—creative expression, human interaction, human rights, technology or a healthy planet. There were discussions and workshops which culminated in multi-media presentations. The students used videos, websites, skits, speeches and songs to share what they learned about their topic. One example was the purple house’s video on the impact of technology.
The eighth grade flew to the future with its To Infinity And Beyond: Full STEAM Ahead theme. History teacher Chris Phelps started it off with some inspiring words while decked out in a Buzz Lightyear costume. The eighth graders explored what the future has looked like through sci-fi movies, literature, and technology. The eighth graders then recorded their predictions of the future. After much brainstorming and collaboration, they either designed a future product or wrote a story depicting the future.
The exploration and creativity continue this spring when the entire Middle School gathers to share their experiences and musical performances.
View the January 2016 Discovering Voices photo gallery.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
