A New Space For Our School
Sparks Studio-Session 5-Week 1
Moving the school and preparing for a fresh beginning has stretched me in all the ways transitions tend to do—but the heroes have risen to the occasion beautifully. They’ve handled change with grace, curiosity, and an open-hearted welcome to new friends.
This week we welcomed Oliver (5), Jace (6), and Cali (4)into our studio. To help everyone learn names and build connection, we played a simple blanket game: two heroes held up a blanket between teams, one hero stood on each side, and when the blanket dropped, the first to correctly say the other hero’s name won. Teams rotated, laughter erupted, and by the end, everyone felt a little more like they belonged. The heroes loved it.
Our new host church greeted us with such generosity—welcoming banners, a message on the marquee, and cookies on Monday to celebrate our arrival. Gail, the administrator, has been especially thoughtful. On Thursday, the heroes will be writing thank-you notes, because gratitude is something we practice, not just talk about.
Once settled in, the heroes quickly discovered the board games and played for hours. They explored the new building, the yard, the third floor, and the park across the street—mapping their world through movement and play. We officially launched our Entrepreneurship Quest, where heroes began handling real money, practicing counting coins and dollars, and asking thoughtful questions about where money comes from. Their observations were sharp—one hero even noted that the government makes the money banks use, while another enthusiastically announced that it was made in China. (I worked hard to keep a straight face.)
This led naturally into a meaningful discussion:Can money buy happiness?Some heroes thought yes—because toys make you happy. Others suggested money could help you do kind things for people, which makes happiness spread. Then one courageous hero raised his hand, waited his turn, and said simply, “No. Money doesn’t make you happy. Jesus does.” Moments like that remind us why listening matters.
Another highlight was watching workers stretch the carpet in the Sensorial room. The heroes were fascinated by the knee-kickers and the long lever pole spanning the room. Once finished, they ran back and forth across the space again and again, delighting in the transformation. They also tested the new carpet in the gray room we’re turning into another studio—still under lively debate about who it’s for. There was dancing, jumping, and shared joy on soft ground.
After school, we made great progress: the Montessori Sensorial/Science room and Math room are set up, reading boxes are ready, computers are live, and—after searching many boxes more than once—we found our treasure maps, circle time plans, and Rules of Engagement exactly where they were meant to be. Bit by bit, the school is coming together.
As we settle into our new space, we’re spending intentional time practicing respect—how we care for our studio, listen to one another, and participate in circle time. Sparks heroes are still learning these skills, and missteps are a natural part of the process. When challenges arise, we guide heroes through repairing the moment using our four-part apology, and occasionally offer extra support and space to reset before returning. Our focus is always on growth, belonging, and helping each child succeed within the community.
Change can be messy. Growth often is. And through it all, the heroes continue to show us what courage, joy, and community look like in real time.
