If We Built A School... Update #1
February was a busy month.
We have a sign!
As many of you know February 1st marked the first day “in” our new space. While this process started long before, being able to walk into our physical space and start to get out hands dirty was so exciting!
Having done this a time or two already, we were able to hit the ground running with a plan in place for construction, electrical work, painting, furniture ordering and so much more.
Our goal for stage 1 of the project was to turn the previous 700 sqft. gym space into our multipurpose “community room”. This space has been designed to serve a variety of needs; most immediately, it will be home to our Toddler + Preschool studio programming through June. It will also be the new landing spot for Forest Friday programming on days where weather does not allow for us to be fully outdoors.
We spent February…
Painting the entirety of the community room, associated bathroom, and gross motor nook / rock wall corner.
Installing new electrical for a ceiling mounted bluetooth projector to allow for easy student and staff presentations during the school day, community building “movie nights”, and to enable Elementary Guides to easily share supportive virtual content with children on demand.
Planning an incredible mural with your children and watching the talented Rachel Gloria Adams bring their ideas and experiences to life.
Moving the studio space in the center of town into the new community space, assembling furniture, and staging the room for programming set to begin March 1st!
Outside of the Community Room, work was happening in the rest of the school too…
We started the work of opening up the classroom spaces in both Learning Suites to allow the natural light into all of the rooms.
We walked through the space with a designer to think through flow, aesthetics, flexibility, and cohesiveness. Each Learning Suite will consist of a variety of spaces: soft seating, quiet or “sensory friendly” areas, areas for collaboration and project based learning and independent work, and space for freedom of choice within a developmentally appropriate area.
When we weren’t planning to tear down walls, we were busy reflecting on our curriculum and developing new community partnerships designed to enrich our program.
The first component of our curriculum that we are investing in is: Music Education.
Next year, Monday’s will be for MUSIC! You can learn more about both of our music instructors here. In addition to the curriculum outlined below, there will be a limited number of 1:1 weekly lesson opportunities in ukelele, voice, keyboard, or percussion or guitar (there will be a small additional fee assocaited with this - details forthcoming) for those interested. We will continue with the tradition of holding musical gatherings in both the Winter and Spring. We’re so excited to partner with Amanda and Rob, and believe their incorporation of both kindness, self love, and world music will be an incredible complement to the other learning opportunities at Roots!
Musical Explorations for grades k-1
Introduction to age appropriate musical concepts
Introduction to world music
Exploration of families of instruments
Students learn through listening, play, visual, and physical embodiment of concepts
Hand Harmonies for Kids
Singing and playing music as a group
Musical Foundations for grades 2-4
Musical concepts deeper understanding
World music exploration
Singing and playing music as a group
Hand Harmonies for kids
Ukulele beginner course
Bucket drums
Students learn through listening, play, visual, and physical embodiment of concepts at an age appropriate level
That’s all for now - thank you for reading this far! Your belief in our program is a big part of what keeps us moving forward. We will send another update soon, along with some opportunities for volunteer work and community support.
In Gratitude,
Jackie + the Roots Academy Team