Photos: Friendsgiving Lunch, Christen leading a peer meeting, science experiments, and parent happy hour
This month at The Open School has been full of energy, creativity, and connection as our campus buzzed with activity. From student-led classes and new workshops to exciting community events, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and celebrate together. Here’s a look at what’s been happening on campus this November!
Photos: Aaron at Miami Sudbury School
We kicked off November with a special collaboration between our school and Miami Sudbury School. Aaron Browder, one of our staff members, swapped places with Miami Sudbury’s founder, Christen Parker-Yarnal, for two weeks. This exchange brought fresh perspectives and new inspiration to both schools, enriching our communities in countless ways.
Photos: Christen from Miami Sudbury visiting The Open School and a student leading math class while Aaron is away
While Aaron spent time in Miami, one of our students stepped up to lead a Pre-Algebra class on campus. This incredible example of student leadership highlights the opportunities our learners have to take ownership of their education and share their knowledge with others.
Photos: Various on campus classes and workshops being offered
Our campus has been brimming with exciting workshops this month! A lovely parent volunteer continues to host a “How to Start Your Own Business” workshop, encouraging students to explore their entrepreneurial potential. Christen, from Miami Sudbury, also brought her expertise to one of our High School peer meetings with an Enneagram of Personality workshop. And, another wonderful member of our parent community, shared his skills in Gardening and Permaculture and introduced students to slacklining. These offerings have added richness and variety to our days, sparking curiosity and creativity.
Photos: Play practice for Hell’s Cafeteria
Creative energy is running high as students prepare for their play, Hell’s Cafeteria. From writing and directing to performing, students are taking the lead in this production. We can’t wait to see their hard work come to life on stage!
Photos: Parent Happy Hour and Friendsgiving
November has brought many opportunities for our community to connect. Parents gathered for a Happy Hour on campus, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying conversation on a rare chilly evening in Southern California. Parents also connected this month with some friendly trivia competition, getting together to put their knowledge to the test at a local trivia night. We also celebrated Friendsgiving Potluck Lunch, where students and staff came together to share food and gratitude.
Photos: Chore time, making boba, fresh orange juice, and Jackbox
Every day on campus offers something new! Chore time has been a daily practice in shared responsibility, read more about this new practice in our blog post. While Idea Box activities have kept things fun and dynamic. Students proposed and led activities like boba making, baking, fresh-squeezed orange juice popsicles, and even Roblox sessions during community hours. Jackbox has also continued to be a great community building activity. Weekly field trips, including Monday walks to gourmet burgers and Starbucks, brought some off-campus adventures into the mix.
Photos: A variety of on campus activities
November has been a month of growth, creativity, and connection on campus. We’re grateful for all the moments, big and small, that make our school community so special. Stay tuned for more happenings next month!
