by Kerri Consalvo | Jun 12, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
Our graduation ceremony is one of the most cherished traditions at The Phoenix School. More than just a celebration of moving on to the next grade or graduating from middle school, it is a reflection of each student’s unique journey, growth, and accomplishments throughout the year.
At Phoenix, every student has a moment to shine. One of the highlights of the ceremony is hearing each child share their proudest moment from the year. Their reflections remind us of the many ways learning happens—not just through academics, but through creativity, perseverance, friendship, and personal growth.
The ceremony also features heartfelt speeches from our graduating 8th graders. Their words often bring laughter, tears, and gratitude as they look back on their years at Phoenix and share their hopes for the future.
Music is another special part of the celebration. Students have the opportunity to perform with the orchestra or band and join Daisy in song, showcasing the confidence and talents they have developed throughout the year.
A favorite Phoenix tradition is our personalized student awards. Each child receives a special award that recognizes the qualities, strengths, and achievements that made them stand out during the year. These awards celebrate the unique gifts every student brings to our community.
The creativity of our graduating class is also on full display. The 8th graders’ artwork is exhibited throughout the venue, alongside their impressive 3D self-portraits. These projects offer a glimpse into who they are as artists, thinkers, and individuals at this moment in their lives.
Graduation is always a beautiful reminder of what makes Phoenix so special: a community that knows each child deeply, celebrates their individuality, and honors their growth. We are incredibly proud of all our students and especially our graduating 8th graders. Congratulations to each and every one of them on an unforgettable year.
by Kerri Consalvo | May 21, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
There’s something powerful about sharing your voice—not just in a classroom, but out in the world.
At our recent Poetry Slam at Gulu-Gulu Café, Phoenix students did just that. After spending time writing their own poetry, each student selected a piece to read in front of an audience of families, friends, and even café patrons. It was a brave step, and one they met with creativity and heart.
Students collaborated on group poems before stepping up to share their own individual work. Their writing reflected the depth and range of their learning experiences, with poems inspired by topics like Artemis II, our Global Wildlife Center trip, birds, and personal “I Am” reflections.
We were especially moved by the way our community showed up for one another. Some of our younger students felt nervous, but they weren’t alone. Older students stepped in as leaders, offering encouragement and standing beside them as they presented. It was a beautiful example of the multi-age connections that make Phoenix so special.
Students explored a variety of poetic forms, including cinquain, limerick, villanelle, abecedarian, and tanka. Experiences like this reflect what we value most at Phoenix: empowering students to take risks, express themselves authentically, and support one another along the way. Watching them stand in front of an audience and share their voices was truly something special.
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.
