Wednesdays provide an opportunity to build schedules that “flex” the day and accomplish things that might not be possible in a more traditional schedule.
By Emma Simmons and Steve Collins, Grade 7 Teachers
This fall, Grade 7 students did some digging into the Graland archives to learn more about the school’s history using primary sources from its founding days. During this project, students and teachers alike were reminded that Graland has been a leader in progressive teaching practices in Denver since the 1920s. While taking learning beyond the four walls of a classroom and out into the wider world is nothing new for Graland teachers and curricula, the new Flex Day schedule has provided a systematic way to incorporate curiosity, agency, and empathy into student learning on a weekly basis.
The Grade 7 teaching team has worked hard this first semester to take full advantage of Flex Days and the opportunities they provide to build community, enhance our intergenerational service learning and memory box work, and prepare students for their class trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring.
So far, the class has enjoyed intramural games on campus planned by the Grade 7 student council, adventured to CU Boulder to tackle individual and team challenges on their high-and-low ropes course, and traveled to Downtown Denver to visit Civic Center Park, the State Capitol building, and the Judicial Learning Center at the Colorado Supreme Court. Utilizing their new schedule, the Grade 7 students have also spent time with Jiminy Wicket, a local organization that uses croquet to promote intergenerational play and connection, and volunteered with A Little Help, a local non-profit that connects neighbors of all ages through service projects.
In just a few short months using the new Flex Day schedule, the Grade 7 team has witnessed students stepping into new roles, pushing themselves to grow, and cultivating compassion for others. Visual arts teacher and student council advisor, Andrea Crane, reflected that Flex Days have given student council members a chance to “brainstorm, delegate, work together, and compromise” when planning events for the class. Grade 7 English teacher Kelly Gaudet added, “It has been so rewarding to see students lead their peers with confidence.”
When asked to reflect on all of the Flex Days so far, several Grade 7 students were excited to share their experiences. According to Grade 7 student Sebastian Meyers, “I liked how Jiminy Wicket works to connect different generations through a game that is really fun to play.” Grade 7 student Kendall Anderson added, “I enjoyed going to the CU Ropes Course because it was really fun connecting with our advisory in a way we had not before.” For Grade 7 student Henry Edelmann, the field trip downtown has been the highlight of the Flex Day schedule so far. “I liked the trip to Civic Center Park because I have never been inside the State Capitol or any State Capitol, and I thought that was so cool, and the tour was awesome,” Edelmann said.
As the year continues, the Grade 7 teaching team plans to keep using Flex Days to expand and enhance how we cultivate curiosity, inspire leadership, and build community. We aim to take students off-campus to local museums, provide time and space for student-led activities, and dive deeper into our theme of intergenerational connection. In many ways, Grade 7 student Isabelle Jurek captured the energy and possibilities of upcoming Flex Days best when she said, “I’m excited for everything that is to come.”