by Mistral Dodson | Mar 7, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, TPS Travel Study Program
Imagine our delight when daylight reveals Glen Canyon in all its glory, a scene only nature can paint, filling our picture window. Retracing our inky black path from last night, we head out in bright sunshine to meet Edmonia, Allison, and Alex, National Park Rangers, at Lees Ferry.
We begin to understand the pioneers who came west. Edmonia shares stories of early settlers like the Lee family who failed at mining for coal and gold, and the Johnson family who planted orchards of peaches, almonds, apricots, plums, apples, pears, fig, nectarines, and quince, which we learn taste like sour apples x10! Looking up at the steep canyon wall, it’s almost impossible to believe settlers with mule-driven wagons managed to ascend to the top on such a narrow and treacherous trail.
In keeping with our philosophy to give back to our communities, The Phoenix School EarlyAct Club springs into action. As we watch Colorado River rafters run the rapids, we pick up beach trash to keep the park pristine. Alongside rapids to the placid bay, we wander, plucking every unnatural item from the ground. We are proud to be official National Park volunteers today.
With insider information from Edmonia, we head to Navajo Bridge where we might see California Condors who sometimes sit under the bridge waiting for morning air to warm so they can catch thermals allowing them to soar high in their search for carrion. We are incredibly lucky today! Three condors perch contentedly under the bridge, in plain sight. We take advantage of tables nearby to work on journals when the condors take flight and circle near enough that it feels as if we can reach out and touch their gigantic wings. What a treat to see such immense and impressive raptors so close.
Horseshoe Bend leaves us in awe. It is almost indescribable. We do our best to communicate what we felt at our first glimpse.
Arlo: Following craggy cliffs down from their sandy surfaces only barely puts into perspective the daunting and deceiving size of the curved gorge.
Alfie: Colorado River tranquility surrounds colossal layers of history
Sattva: Trees look like bushes, people look like ants
Levi: Imposing with high jagged rocks
Fiona: I thought the pictures were impressive, but now looking at the true sight, I realized I missed many details; the layers, the people, and literally the elephant in the room, the size of the canyon walls.
Gavin: Its scale is confusing and awe-inspiring.
Audrey: Copper rocks create a foundation so large it feels like the pictures we have seen before became reality. Droplets of water push each other along, moving as one, creating the distinct shape of Horseshoe bend
Mira: Massive fiery orange rocks encase a slow spiraling river as I watch from above….I am in awe.
Paul: A place so vast that humans are ants
James: Not even on the same planet anymore
Mike: beyond the pictures
Dave: doesn’t even look real
What will tomorrow bring?
by Mistral Dodson | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, TPS Travel Study Program
We are off to Glen Canyon early today, knowing that every hour brings us closer to our final destination. Along the way we marvel over saguaro cacti standing guard over seemingly barren desert landscapes. Like sentinels, they stretch spiny limbs upward. Some have only a single trunk, others have multiple appendages. Why aren’t they all similar? We discover most have holes, learning later that woodpeckers carve spaces that become nesting bowls.
A special break along the way finds us at the Rio Verde River, where an active eagle’s nest is monitored by Kyle McCarty of Arizona Fish and Game. Kyle and his wife, Michelle, set up scopes so we can observe the bald eagle parents tending the nest, and hopefully get a glimpse of the nestlings. It is an extraordinarily rare treat when our patience is rewarded as one tiny eaglet pokes its downy head up for us to see. Surely it senses a flock of friendly “fire birds” visiting from afar.
Montezuma’s Well lures us in for a quick stop along the way. Ancient peoples evolved from hunters and gatherers to a sedentary people who settled at Montezuma’s Well because the thousands years old water pushing up to the surface of the Earth became a natural cistern for irrigating crops, allowing for permeant settlements. We hike to the deep well, a sink hole, and to ruins of ancient dwellings before climbing back into our van to continue our journey.
Arizona’s vastness quickly becomes crystal clear. Ever changing landscapes stretch before us, constantly changing mile after mile as we travel north to Page. Saguaro clusters turn to flat land grasses, tree dotted plateaus, then, in a blink of an eye, snow covered roadsides and mountains. Vegetation morphs to rock and back again as our elevation changes. Golden copper light reflects off plateaus bathing all in its warmth before a blood red sunset steals the scene, painting streaks of reds and purples across the sky. Blackness envelopes us. We see nothing but a ribbon of highway ahead, wondering what surrounds us on each side; a mystery to be revealed in tomorrow’s light.
by Mistral Dodson | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, TPS Travel Study Program
The day has finally arrived. Nine Phoenix 6th-8th graders are ready to embark on their Travel Study Trip to Glen Canyon, Arizona. Anticipation is in the air. For some, this is their first trip. Others are experienced Phoenix travelers like James, whose 8th grade trip to Glen Canyon was canceled so now he joins us as a skilled assistant. We all have expectations and wishes for our trip.
Alfie imagines “The glossy sunset shining at me as if it wants to suck me into it. I just rest now, in silence, peace. Glen Canyon holds innumerable adventures, but for now, it is tranquil.
Levi sees Glen Canyon as “a magical mesa of river, rock, flora, and fauna at the surface, caves, ancient drawings and rock below. I look out the window at the view with promises of adventures to come.”
In Paul’s imagination, he feels “a wind blowing over my face. I look over a shadowy cliff and see water flowing faster than ever. It feels like I fell asleep and woke up in a dream. I realize where I am; the place I studied. The land I dreamt of is finally here and so am I.
Fiona remembers her trips to the Everglades and St. John as she imagines this year’s trip. “Lighthearted laughter echoes off the canyon’s amber walls. What once was warmth from golden hues parting from the sun against my cheeks turns to a warm response from a strongly woven community. Through wetlands and turquoise waters, to now rocky canyons and rivers, my people never let me fall from their ever-growing cradle.
Mira has “been so nervous since we boarded the plane and I’m nervous now because the day ahead is essentially a mystery to me, but I think about that first-step feeling into the canyon that I’m looking forward to. One more look out the window fuels me with confidence. I know I’m up for this challenge.
Audrey is thinking about the day ahead. “The idea of trudging up the steep foundation of the canyon makes my heart race with anticipation, but at the same moment, I’m anxious and worried for the adventure I will face. This land is not what it was, once a home for thousands of Native Americans with families and peaceful lives. After ghastly wars and conflicts, it is a place to remember, honor, and celebrate. I hope to keep that in mind when on the trail. I am ready.
Sattva anticipates a special connection. “I want to be set free from technology, hoping that I can learn and discover more about Glen Canyon, not just Glen Canyon, but myself. Exploring the wonders of the world as a Native American myself will help me understand my own roots. I might not be Navajo, Apache, or any other indigenous tribe, but the native peoples believe that no matter who you are, you are connected to everything.
Gavin is “simultaneously exceedingly excited and nervous. I don’t know much about the trip so the only things I’m anticipating good or bad are living with other people in a place I don’t know, and an all-day school experience with little or no free time. That’s what it seems at least, though the views and experiences are going to be amazing. I haven’t had an experience like that in my life.”
Arlo imagines himself “in the ancient canyon, rushing water filling away the bedded cliffs. Despite the sufficient research regarding the history of the mesa, I am certain I will carry on learning about the area; like the Colorado River forever changing the canyon that is my mind.”
After a long evening traveling from Boston to Phoenix and then to our hotel, we were happy to succumb to sleep, anticipating our journey to Page, AZ the next day when our study trip would actually begin.
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 10, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Every student is a leader in themselves, and they learn this EARLY at The Phoenix School.
Confidence is at the core of this skill, and this is often the first thing stripped from kids when they go to school. Confidence is built when students are given choice, autonomy in their learning, challenged at their level, and a leader in their school community (regardless of their age or grade).
Social interactions are a crucial aspect of leadership development at The Phoenix School. Take Rowan, for example, who recently exhibited remarkable leadership qualities during a classroom interaction. He approached the teacher’s table to share concerns about another student, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and accountability. What sets The Phoenix School apart is the empowering environment that encourages students like Rowan to not just report an issue but actively participate in finding solutions.
In this particular instance, Rowan concluded that he was not only heard but also empowered to go back and help solve the problem at his table. This kind of dynamic engagement fosters a sense of ownership and teamwork among students. It goes beyond the traditional role of a student and establishes them as active contributors to the positive development of their learning environment.
At The Phoenix School, social interactions become learning opportunities, and every student is encouraged to be a proactive part of their community. This approach not only shapes confident individuals but also nurtures a culture of cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving — qualities that are essential for thriving in the real world.
The commitment to cultivating young leaders is evident in every facet of The Phoenix School’s approach to education. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about building well-rounded individuals who are prepared to take on leadership roles and make a positive impact in their communities. The journey towards leadership begins early at The Phoenix School, and the results are empowering students to become not just learners but leaders in their own right.
#LeadershipDevelopment #EmpoweringEducation #YoungLeaders #ThePhoenixSchoolExperience
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 9, 2024 | Blog
In the realm of education, where every brushstroke counts, we firmly believe that art is more than just a subject—it’s a fundamental pillar of a child’s educational journey. At The Phoenix School, we embrace the idea that art is not confined to a canvas but rather, it permeates every aspect of our students’ learning experience.
From the strokes of traditional self-portraits to the intricate details of science drawings, and the marvel of 3D-engineered artwork for projects, art is interwoven into the very fabric of what we do. It serves as a dynamic force, nurturing creativity and empowering students to think beyond the ordinary, encouraging them to approach problems with innovative solutions.
Critical thinking, finds its roots in the decisions our students make while experimenting with various artistic techniques. Through meticulous analysis of their work, they are continuously improving, laying the groundwork for a future where adaptability and innovation are key.
Yet, the impact of art stretches far beyond the canvas. It is a conduit for teaching students to observe, interpret, and communicate complex ideas visually—a skillset of immeasurable value in an increasingly visual world.
Art, at its core, plays a transformative role in our students’ development. As they immerse themselves in the creative process, they evolve into individuals who can navigate the complexities of the world with a unique perspective. It’s not merely a subject; it’s a foundation for a brighter future.
Join us in celebrating the transformative power of art in education. Let’s champion creativity, critical thinking, and establish a foundation for lifelong learning. Together, let’s illuminate the pathways that lead our students to a future shaped by the beauty of artistic expression.
The Phoenix School is not just an educational institution; it’s a canvas where each stroke contributes to a masterpiece of lifelong learning and boundless creativity.
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 5, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Working with students of different ages contributes significantly to a child’s social-emotional growth in various ways. We notice these benefits daily at our school:
- **Peer Relationships:** When students of different ages interact, kids develop relationships with peers who may have diverse perspectives, experiences, and interests. They learn to navigate various social dynamics and build a broader network of friends.
- **Empathy and Understanding:** A mixed-age environment promotes empathy as children learn to understand and appreciate the differences in age, abilities, and backgrounds. They develop a more nuanced understanding of others, fostering compassion and tolerance.
- **Mentorship and Role Modeling:** Older students serve as mentors and positive role models for younger ones. Younger children inadvertently teach patience, communication, and problem-solving skills to old students. We see a sense of responsibility and leadership in the older students as they model behavior, skills, and attitudes toward learning.
- **Social Skills Development:** Interacting with peers of various ages teaches them how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with individuals of different age groups, preparing them for a variety of social situations in the future.
- **Adaptability and Flexibility:** In a mixed-age setting, children encounter different communication styles, learning paces, and social expectations. This helps them become more adaptable and flexible, as they learn to navigate diverse social environments.
- **Increased Confidence:** Younger children feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence when they are able to engage with older peers successfully. Older children, in turn, gain confidence and self-esteem by taking on leadership roles and providing support to younger students.
- **Social Problem-Solving:** A classroom of mixed-aged students exposes kids to a range of social situations and conflicts. This allows them to develop problem-solving skills and learn to navigate social challenges independently or with minimal guidance from adults.
- **Community Building:** A mixed-age environment fosters a sense of community and belonging. Kids learn to appreciate the strengths and contributions of each member, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
We invite you to step through our doors and become immersed in an interactive and engaging large, open space filled with a rich array of opportunities for authentic learning for Kindergarten through 8th grade.
