by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 23, 2026 | Uncategorized
Our 6–8 students’ learning adventure at the Global Wildlife Center continued to unfold in new and exciting ways. Each day brought new opportunities for discovery, connection, and real-world learning:
This morning at Global, Cali transports us into the world of the long leaf pine savannah, first through a digital presentation in the tree house (our outdoor classroom perched above the pastures), then in the field among the pines. We examine needle bundles, pine cones, and bark to differentiate each species. Cali’s enthusiasm for saving milkweed for monarch butterflies before the pasture gets mown leads us to helping her dig up milkweed for replanting elsewhere. To reach the pasture, we are treated to a private ride through the pastures. With our feeding cups full, we attract crowds of hungry critters, hoping for a mouthful of nutritious treats.
Global’s capybaras have been tugging at our hearts since our first day when we watched them grazing along the pond’s edge and swimming group laps around the water’s edge across from our “tree house” where we meet each day with our naturalists. Mikayla and McKale introduce us to the family, supplying branches of delicious leaves, according to the capybaras, so we can feed the gentle creatures. They love their treat and us petting them and rubbing their bellies. How do we know that? Capybara whistles and grunts tell us “Please don’t stop! We love this!”
After lunch the Center’s two tortoises decide to make an appearance, moving slowly and steadily from their shelter onto the grass. McKale allows us to go into the enclosure to meet the girls, who, thinking we might have tortoise treats, follow us around.
Before dinner, we plunge into the Bogue Chitto River and float, pushed by its current until we cool off and shed the dust of the Global fields and pastures. Splashing and carousing together, both in the river and water park, we end our adventures today wet and joyful.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 16, 2026 | Blog
Continuing our look back at our 6–8 trip to the Global Wildlife Center—here’s what the experience looked like on Day 2.
Screeches of delight reverberate throughout our van as Phoenix kids spy animal after animal materializing out of our research books to spread out across the pastures right in front of us.
Giraffes tower over rolling landscape, heads high in trees excited Jay at first glimpse. Leon exclaimed over herds of axis deer roaming the landscape, while Jake eyed feathery rheas beside the van.
Zebras kicking up dust and dodging each other hold Gavin’s attention while graceful black bucks show off their twisted antlers to Fiona’s delight. Alfie stares in disbelief at the roaming giraffes because he cannot imagine seeing a giraffe outside of a zoo. He shouts in joy at seeing Capybaras, his personal research subject.
Our first experience at Global Wildlife Center is perfect; warm sunlight embracing us, a light breeze keeping us cool in the Louisiana spring painted by blooming shrubs, and wandering herds of wild animals capturing our attention as we head for the visitor center.
We meet Mikayla and McKale, our expert guides for the week, for an introduction to the Global Wildlife Center while Cali, the Center’s horticulturalist, explains the importance of plant management before we take a much closer peek at the animals around us.
Antelope, eland, bison, countless varieties of deer, Watusi cattle, zebras, rheas, and giraffes follow us as our tractor pulls us across the landscape in open air wagons. To supplement their usual graze and hay we have plenty of healthy animal treats for the hungry creatures who clammer after us begging for handouts. Giraffes gently lean in to snuffle food pellets from our hands, deer follow scooping up leftovers from the ground. Bison and Watusi cattle reach their impressive skulls and horns close, open their mouths waiting for us to pour the tasty morsels into their mouths. Some of us are lucky to get “kissed” by a Watusi, whose spit on our hands assures 7 years of good luck. Others feel the sandpaper tongues of Bison reaching for food. Zebras kick and shove, vying for treats. We are lucky to be so close to such captivating creatures.
Dr. Canyon then invites us into her lab to explain how she works to make sure every animal at GWC stays healthy or gets treated if compromised. To her delight we ask question after question in true Phoenix fashion, feeling her excitement and dedication to her job as the on-site veterinarian. We examine tools she uses to diagnose and treat animals on the property. Clearly she loves her patients even if some avoid her when they need her most. After spending time in the lab, we begin to feel a bit like vets ourselves.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 14, 2026 | Blog
A few weeks ago, our 6–8 students traveled to the Global Wildlife Center for an immersive learning experience. Each day, one of their teachers captured reflections from the journey and we’re excited to share them with you:
After escaping New England’s icy temperatures and cold winds, Phoenix kids are delighted to be in New Orleans’ French Quarter; warm and sunny, and resonating with music. We are excited to be learning in Louisiana for the next week. As we drive through narrow streets lined with colorful shotgun houses, shops, and restaurants we are drawn into the magic of NOLA’s architecture and culture, its history and music, its people. Starting at Jackson Square, we walk, hearing from our guide along the way, until we arrive at Armstrong Square. There we are mesmerized by Doreen Ketchen, Queen of the Clarinet, sending her sweet jazz into the air. We learn she is famous for her technical brilliance and expressive sound, and for playing for four Presidents. NOLA’s colorful culture surrounds us through its music, paintings, and food.
Before we leave the city we meet with Phoenix alum, Brian Sidlauskas, professor at Tulane University, and Director of the Tulane University Biodiversity Research Institute and his daughter, Fiona, for lunch at the Gumbo Shop, where we enjoy chicken gumbo, and other NOLA specialties. A sweet praline is the perfect finish to our French Quarter day.
by Kerri Consalvo | Mar 19, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
At The Phoenix School, learning is an adventure — and sometimes that adventure begins with a simple walk down the street.
A few weeks ago, our students visited the Peabody Essex Museum, one of Salem’s greatest cultural treasures. Because we are intentionally small and deeply rooted in our community, opportunities like this are not rare field trips or special occasions. They are a natural extension of our classroom.
Close Looking, Deep Thinking
During our visit, students explored exhibits featuring glass blowing, woodworking, ceramics, and fashion. Rather than simply observing, they were invited to engage as thinkers and interpreters.
In one gallery activity, each student received a single adjective, words like “earthy” or “simple.” Their challenge was to search the gallery for a work of art that embodied that description. Students looked around, studying textures, shapes, materials, and colors. They discussed their reasoning with one another and made thoughtful decisions about which piece best matched their word.
They then sketched their chosen artwork in their wonder journals. This kind of exercise builds depth of understanding — encouraging students to look carefully, think critically, and trust their own perspective.
Materials, Craft, and Curiosity
In another interactive challenge, students examined pieces in the gallery and worked to determine whether each was made from wood or glass. What clues could they find? How did the material influence the form? What techniques might the artist have used?
These conversations extended naturally from our studies back at school, connecting art, science, craftsmanship, and design.
We concluded our visit in the museum’s Create Space, where students used Model Magic to design original pieces inspired by what they had seen. Some focused on texture, others on form or material. Each creation reflected careful observation and personal expression.
Why This Matters
Experiences like this exemplify what experiential, individualized education looks like in action.
At Phoenix, students don’t just learn about art — they analyze it, interpret it, question it, and create in response to it. They develop real-world skills: observation, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. They learn that their voice and perspective matter.
Our ongoing relationship with the Peabody Essex Museum allows students to return again and again, building familiarity, confidence, and increasingly sophisticated thinking over time. The museum becomes not just a destination, but a partner in learning.
And perhaps most importantly, students come to see their city as a place of possibility: a living classroom filled with resources, inspiration, and connection.
When learning extends beyond four walls, curiosity expands. That is the power of a Phoenix education.
by Kerri Consalvo | Feb 25, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
This year, our students have been volunteering regularly at the Salem Pantry, where they sort food, support distribution, and learn about food access right here in our local community. These experiences are not only about helping others, they are about developing a deeper understanding of the systems that shape people’s lives.
What stands out most is not just what our students are doing, but how they are doing it: with care, curiosity, and a genuine sense of responsibility for others.
As one student reflected after a recent visit: “We were there for two hours? It felt like 30 minutes!”
That sense of joyful engagement is at the heart of a Phoenix education. When students are immersed in meaningful, real-world work, they don’t just learn, they connect. They ask questions. They reflect. And they begin to understand their role in a larger community.
Learning Through Real-World Experience
Community service at Phoenix is a powerful extension of our project-based approach to learning. Through their work, students are:
- Building compassionate hearts by living empathy, not just talking about it
- Developing a global perspective grounded in real-world understanding
- Practicing responsibility, teamwork, and initiative
- Discovering that meaningful change begins with showing up
These are the kinds of experiences that lead to a depth of understanding that lasts.
Growing Compassionate Global Citizens
At Phoenix, we often talk about preparing students to be global citizens. That journey begins close to home. By working alongside organizations like the Salem Pantry, students see how communities support one another. They begin to understand that the world is full of diverse experiences and that their actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. This is how empathy grows — not from a lesson, but from experience.
Learning That Lasts a Lifetime
Whether our students are just beginning their journey or our alumni are carrying these experiences into high school, college, and beyond, the lessons of community engagement stay with them. They leave Phoenix not only with strong academic skills, but with a sense of purpose and a belief that they can contribute and make an impact.
