Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends! 

This year, Annie Wright’s Lower School is inviting families to join in the fun with a new series of monthly challenges designed to bring classroom learning home. Through hands-on activities inspired by the school’s specialist teachers, students and their families can explore new interests, try something different, and make memories together.

Each month, a different specialist teacher will be featured, offering fun, hands-on activities inspired by their classroom. From music and Spanish to technology, mental health, sports, books, and art, the challenges give families a chance to experience more of the learning happening at school.

“The hope is that students and families will enjoy some hands-on activities together, while also increasing parent knowledge about the things happening in those spaces at school,” explained Ann Dicks, Director of the Lower School. “Our specialist teachers are experts and have a lot to share with families.”

The program is already sparking creativity at home. One family even turned the Music Monthly Challenge into a family band, playing instruments together. As more challenges roll out, Ann hopes to see families share their experiences and celebrate their learning with the broader community.

“I am most excited to share the fun ideas teachers are coming up with, and to offer some fun activities to do outside of school that may be new and offer risk-taking opportunities for parents as much as kids. It is my hope families can do new things together and have fun doing so,” said Ann.

For Ann, the greatest opportunity is helping families discover new interests and create lasting traditions together. She has firsthand experience of bringing school activities home with her own children!

“Mostly, I love the idea that a spark could be lit of new things students and/or families will love doing and traditions could be built. My own family pulls out the ofrendas each Halloween night that my own sons made when they were in the Lower School, celebrating and learning about Día de los Muertos,” said Ann.

Learning doesn't have to stop when the school day ends. Through these monthly challenges, Lower School families can extend classroom experiences into their homes, making room for creativity, connection, and a little bit of the mess and magic that come with learning together.