Embracing Project Based Learning

Dear FALA Community,

We have some exciting updates!  After years of discussion regarding the value of project-based learning and observing student engagement during our Intercession week this year, we have created a school calendar and bell schedule that dedicates specific time and resources for project-based learning.

Important changes and concepts to note:

• School will begin at 8:30 am and release at 3:20 pm.

• Core academic classes will meet daily in a 45-minute block.

• Arts electives will remain on the traditional block schedule.

• An optional 5th hour has been added back to the schedule to increase our offerings for students. The 5th hour (now known as 9th hour) will be from 3:25 pm to 4:55 pm.

  • Sample offerings include aerial arts, theater, game design, brass/woodwinds/percussion, studio and recording arts, computer science, and more.

• FALA’s grading periods will now be on a quarter system.

• Wednesdays will look different at FALA:

  •  Every student will experience 2 blocks of project-based learning, resulting in a modified schedule and shortened day with release at 1:20 PM.

  • The projects will be interdisciplinary and have options for multi grade collaboration, and opportunities for labs.

  • At the culmination of each quarterly project, there will be an Intercession, resulting in 4 Intercessions per year!

  • Fridays will be a full day.

The changes to the schedule are a result of intentional educational design, streamlining resources and examining academic and behavioral data. The current schedule with core classes every other day combined with time off for the many Monday holidays and snow days has resulted in tremendous gaps and weeks where teachers do not see their students. The block schedule will continue for arts electives.

It is no secret that education continues to be disrupted by the fallout of COVID. In order to increase academic engagement and meaningful opportunities for our students, we have to modify the way students think critically and apply their education.  Our faculty and staff are very committed to FALA’s mission and vision and are excited to participate in a new model of education. We are reimagining our arts, academics, and leadership programs to empower our students as makers, content creators, designers, collaborators, and co-creators of their own learning.

While the calendar looks different, we have actually been instructing through project-based learning in our classrooms for years. In the 2023-2024 school year, students were able to experience over 30 different experiential learning trips and community engagement activities.

The school counselors are meeting with students this week to orient them to the schedule and to assist in course selection. Attached is our academic calendar.  We will send home a copy of the calendar and bell schedule with your student.

Onward, FALA!

Kara Kelty, M.Ed