Where Curiosity Leads to Excellence: Student Spotlights September/October 2024

At the River Campus Clubs Fair, middle and high school students showcased strong leadership and teamwork. As they advocated for their clubs, students engaged actively with peers—encouraging, collaborating, and sharing ideas. The event shared their passion and highlighted how Headwaters fosters growth through community-based learning, empowering students to lead and support one another.

Primary Bluebirds recently held their first “sewing circle” of the year, where young students learned to thread needles, practice basic stitches, and work on larger projects. Sewing offers many benefits in early childhood, including improved hand strength, pre-writing skills, and key aspects of Practical Life: order, concentration, coordination, and independence (OCCI). While initial projects may not be perfect, the focus is on learning and process. Families are encouraged to ask their children about the experience and celebrate their efforts to foster confidence and pride in their work.

The K-1 Swifts are deepening their understanding of word problems by integrating Texas Longhorn football scores and point spreads into their lessons. This multifaceted approach combines math, language, and critical thinking, enabling students to not only improve their math skills but also enhance language comprehension and analytical abilities. Using real-world data like sports scores adds an engaging, practical element to learning, making it both fun and relevant.

“The Hopeful” is a monthly newsletter generated by 6th grade students. It contains student-interest with timely events. The tagline is “The’ Hopeful’ is a newsletter that amplifies positive news in the world.” We love how it allows students to explore topics they are passionate about!

An Early Elementary student has a clear passion for math! During Before Care, he often asks for equations instead of opting for free play. Recently, he completed a 12x12 Pythagorean chart in under nine minutes! His enthusiasm and skill have his teachers excited to see him continue as a "Math Master.”

Senior Randy Wright serves as a TA for Natalie Turner’s Outdoor Education Class, guiding Centering, managing transitions, ensuring safety, organizing students for activities, and modeling good sportsmanship. He also shares personal experiences, like college applications and work. Natalie praises Randy as a natural leader who effectively connects with middle schoolers, responds well to guidance, and adapts quickly to changes.

Early Elementary Owls visited the Bird’s Nest property to continue their shelter-building project. They practiced safety skills, learned to identify suitable materials for building, and sorted sticks by size. The activity emphasized problem-solving, teamwork, and structure. Back in class, students reflected on the experience, discussing what they observed, felt, and wondered. Responses ranged from excitement about being outdoors to curiosity about the next steps in the project. This hands-on learning is sparking creativity and deeper thinking as the project progresses.

In Lidia Galarza’s IB Spanish Classes, students effectively used LEGO pieces to create scenes that help them visualize their writing topics and demonstrate reading comprehension skills. This hands-on method enriches the writing process and encourages creativity, curiosity, and exploration as they develop their ideas.

In our YCC Casita, a nineteen-month-old has completed their work, and now, with both hands, returns the work to the proper place on the shelf. While it may seem small, this child demonstrated effort and learned to focus on the process. A sense of purpose is created and the child is guided by committed educators who engage students with intellectual respect.