What’s Happening
From September’s opening day to June’s closing ceremonies, we document and share events from all over our campus in an attempt to continuously communicate all the diverse goings-on at The Unquowa School. From school-wide events, assemblies, visiting presenters and other highlights from around campus, here’s a sample of what’s happening…
Unsung Heroes 2025
Posted by Krissy Ponden
The seventh graders worked on an in-depth project-based learning assignment focused on the unsung heroes in history during their visual arts classes. Unsung heroes are individuals who accomplished incredible acts of bravery and compassion during their lifetimes but remain largely unknown to contemporary generations. Each student selected an Unsung Hero and researched their story by identifying important events, historical context, and relevant artifacts. They also reflected on how the hero’s story is relevant today and what we can learn from their character traits and actions. The students then created a work of art in a media of their choice that illuminates the hero’s story and honors their contributions. Students wrote artist statements demonstrating their learning and sharing the insights they gained from doing this project. The projects were shared with our school community during an evening art reception and presentation where students read their statements alongside their work. To view their individual projects in detail, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/arteffects/project-galleries/2025-projects
Voices of Change 2025
Posted by Krissy Ponden
The 8th annual Voices of Change reception was held in a pop-up gallery space in the Unquowa dining room. Eighth graders explored social, political, and environmental justice issues that matter to them and created works of art that advocate for awareness and positive change. Each year the topics that students select serve as an informal cultural gauge that gives adults a glimpse into what is on their minds. This year students tackled gun violence, social media addiction, mental health, and climate change, among others. One of the most important aspects of this trimester-long project is the in-depth research that each student is tasked with to help them understand the issue from a variety of perspectives in order to inform their artwork. The students completed the project by writing artist statements that were displayed alongside their work. Additionally, each student participated in a video interview where they explained their topic, how they showed it through their artwork, and what they hope will change in the future. View their individual projects in detail, visit: https://kponden25.wixsite.com/voices-of-change-202
I Smell Empanadas
Posted by Diane Nietupski
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, our grades 4th through 6th Spanish students participated in a flavorful cultural experience—making empanadas! This fun and educational activity was a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with Hispanic culture beyond the textbook.
Guided by Chef Adam, they rolled up their sleeves, filling and folding their pastries. The kitchen buzzed with excitement, laughter, and teamwork as students embraced each step of the process. It was a perfect blend of culinary creativity and cultural learning.
¡Buen trabajo, estudiantes!
From Caterpillar to Butterfly: A Magical Journey in Kindergarten
Posted by Ann Palm
In our Kindergarten classroom science recently fluttered to life in the most magical way! Our young learners dove into the fascinating world of butterflies, exploring each stage of their life cycle with wide eyes and curious hearts. We have let our butterflies go free to explore their new world and we wished them a safe journey.
Little Learners, Big Teachers
Posted by Stephanie Satonick
This week, second graders took on a very special role- they became teachers! They paired up with the first graders for a shared reading activity. Each second grader chose a book and read aloud to their younger buddy, modeling fluent reading and expressive storytelling.
But the first graders weren’t just listening- they had an important job, too! As their second grade partners read, the first graders were on the lookout for silent e words. Every time they spotted one, they pointed it out and wrote it down on their whiteboard with excitement and pride.
Second graders showed leadership and responsibility, while the first graders practiced their phonics skills in a fun and meaningful way. We can’t wait to do it again!
Learning Mandarin is So Much Fun!
Posted by kellyyeh
This past month was filled with exciting activities for our students! We learned animal names in Mandarin and played a fun Chinese character “Spot It” game—which the kids absolutely loved. They also practiced writing Chinese characters through interactive games.
To help remember the animal names, students created adorable animal crafts. This not only reinforced their vocabulary but also supported the development of their fine motor skills.
Our 3rd graders even tried their hand at Chinese calligraphy, and they did an amazing job! It was so impressive to see their concentration and creativity shine.
To wrap it all up, the 3rd graders used a special communication sheet to walk around the classroom and chat with their classmates in Mandarin. It was wonderful to see them confidently using the language in real conversations!
