Dogwood students were seen giving hugs and sharing giggles. Their excitement resonated throughout the beautiful, sunny day. The story that unfolds from this exhibit is spectacular because it illustrates the work of the teachers and families too.  It is obvious how dedicated our teachers and families are to this process of learning. We’re so thankful that the High welcomed us to let the work shine! Congratulations, Dogwoods!

APP goes into the community as well as inviting it in. Dave, one of Chattahoochee Nature Reserve Center’s animal rescue heroes, joined the Poplar morning meeting with two special guests- Ruby, a one-eyed screecher owl, and Pockets, an orphaned opossum. Dave also invited the other classes to meet the special animals. Children wondered about the animals’ families and learned their stories of rescue. The children, with all their excitement, kept their voices low so they would not scare Ruby and Pockets. What a great way to interact with animals that may live in our own backyards!

If it hasn’t been reiterated enough, here is it again: we love our community! APP is so grateful to be apart of Atlanta and have Atlanta be apart of our school!

Each small group was faced with different challenges such as consistency, tools, and safety. Curators were given the opportunity to problem-solve and decide how to present each piece. A representative teacher of each class provided an idea of how they visualized their classroom’s work and collaborated with the Dogwood curators. The curators also learned how to document their own work of curating the show by taking pictures and drawing notes on their clipboards. The Dogwoods accomplished what they might consider adult work and learned it was at times difficult and maybe even stressful but well-worth it.

It is apparent that the works of children is recognized and appreciated in this space, especially thanks to the Dogwood class. Thanks, curators!

After discussions and much research, watching Mr. Gravel’s TEDtalk, Building the City We Want to Live In, was a major source of information and inspiration. Children expressed their concerns and disapproval of traffic and air pollution and discussed what they love and don’t love about Atlanta. They built a miniature Atlanta Beltline to visually conceptualize connections.

Today the Father of Beltline joined the Loblolly Pines for their morning meeting to answer questions and tell us more. They also took him on a tour of the miniature Atlanta Beltline. His visit had a powerful impact on the class made obvious by their energy and excitement to share their work and experiences.

We at APP are so appreciative that someone we believe is making a positive difference as well as setting a foundation for the future of Atlanta took time to share with us. The Atlanta Beltline is a wonderful representation of community values that we strongly value at APP.

From these observations, many questions come up as researchers:

What language do we use around food and dietary needs? (i.e. vegetarian, vegan)

How do we show sensitivity to the dietary/physical/emotion needs of others?

Why do we eat what we eat and why is it important to be aware of what we eat?

How does food affect our bodies? (i.e. allergies)

The momentum of the children and teachers’ research was celebrated at the end of the week. They prepared their classroom, apple crisps, and invitations for the Sparkleberry class. They also created a vegetable skeleton to serve on their set tables.

Children are a constant source of inspiration and surprise. They unravel mysteries daily as well as posing new ideas and questions that challenge thinking for each other and the teachers. The willingness to be adventurous, like trying the broccoli fresh from the garden, is a direct result from investigating their interests. Exploration opens so many doors and windows.

The Cypress class visit the office window after checking on the broccoli that's growing in the garden.