Middle School: Finding Their SPARK

What does it mean to understand your strengths, and then use them to make a difference? At the beginning of the year, Grades 5 and 8 explored that question through workshops with World Leadership School. 

Grade 5 students began with SPARK, an exploration of interests, gifts, and experiences that make each student unique. Students considered not only what excites them, but how those individual "sparks: can positively impact the people and communities around them. Each student developed a personal SPARK statement, now displayed on puzzled pieces in The Landing (Grade 5 hub), as a visual reminder of the individual gifts that make up their community. 

Grade 8 students took the idea one step further, examining how their individual strengths can shape the way they lead. Through real-world examples and reflection, students developed a broader understanding of leadership and considered the question: How can we use our gifts to make our community better and become leaders of our Middle School? 

Students are learning that their interests and strengths carry greater purpose when they understand how to use them best.