Blue Rock School

Students across grade levels write haikus together, read to each other, work together on art projects, teach each other new skills, walk up the front steps hand in hand in the morning, and grow new friendships. Weekly multi-grade collaborations between younger and older students develop social skills, encourage problem-solving and critical thinking, and provide our Middle Schoolers with the opportunity to take on the formative role of mentors.

In Kindergarten science, the children are encouraged to observe and investigate, and they take it very seriously! Hands-on work with plants, rocks, sand, and water provide material to nourish both a sense of wonder and understanding of basic scientific inquiry.

The BRS garden provides a space for scientific observations, hypothesis and experimentation. The children learn how plants, bugs and weather work together. But most importantly, they grow, harvest, cook, compost and through the process, develop a deep connection with the natural world, and a desire to care for our planet.

The seventh & eighth graders built their very own automatons, under the guidance of skilled artist Skye Leith, in the Blue Rock makerspace lab. Throughout the development of their unique automatons, they acquired core mechanical and engineering skills and used their critical thinking to problem solve and troubleshoot during the process. The final creations were fun and breathtaking!

In first grade we have ended the past two years making a quilt and writing a book. The students carve their own stamps to personalize their “square” with something they’ve enjoyed during their first grade journey; then they sew their quilt pieces together on a real life sewing machine with the assistance of Wendy, our very own skilled seamstress. Using their growing writing skills, they also research a topic that speaks to them, write a first draft and then, using their strong work muscles, magically transform it all into a beautifully illustrated book that they present and read (sitting by the celebratory quilt) to the whole school and to their visiting families!

Did you know that making art triggers powerful changes in your brain by promoting the growth of new neurons and rewiring your neural pathways? According to neuroscience, art, no matter the medium, has profound neurobiological impacts and benefits, including an increase in the the ability to learn and to make better decisions. At Blue Rock, art comes in many forms and is deeply rooted in the school’s educational philosophy and hands on learning.

Every Spring, the Blue Rock children from 1st through 8th grade, work hard as they research, write and create their personal end-of-year project, that they then present to the whole school and to their parents and relatives. The practice of presenting to others of different ages reinforces learning, builds confidence, elicits questions and inspires!

Last night we said farewell to our eighth grade graduates! They shared heartwarming reflections of their Blue Rock journey before parents, grandparents, teachers and alums sent them off with diplomas, a glass of cider and a slice of cake. The ceremony was followed by our whole-school end-of-year picnic. We wish everyone a wonderful summer!

Last night, the Middle School students took their audience on a cosmic journey in their adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time. The spectacular adventure featured three astral beings, fantastical creatures, a malevolent telepathic entity and a dark planet, but most of all, humans exploring the power of love to overcome fear, and the dangers of conformity and intolerance. Both actors and spectators came together after the performance for a celebratory snack.