Second-grader Ariella prepares a healthy, fun snack during her Pagosa Peak Open School Peak Week intensive June 5-9.
By Emily Murphy | Pagosa Peak Open School
Farming, engineering, museums, hot springs, jam bands, outdoor art and storytelling: Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) staff set the stage for a week of mixed-age experiences where students mingled with others they do not normally and chose adventures in their learning.
“I learned a lot about science and I had so much fun,” said kindergartner Piper.
Students got to choose their Peak Week options with their families through the Peak Week catalog, outlining experiences for all students K-8. Options included things like “Urban Experiences in Middle School” with a trip to New Mexico; Stillwater Music Company, where students learned to perform four songs for their school audience; and Outdoor STEM, where students faced engineering challenges in multiage teams.
“I love Ms. Rain so much,” fourth-grader Quinn said of her creatives advisor, who took Quinn’s Peak Week group to Ghost Ranch for an outdoor watercolor painting experiences and history lesson. “I had so much fun this week and got to be with my friends from other classes.”
Southern Roots Farm hosted an intensive for the second year, where students learned where their food comes from, made healthy snacks, harvested the farm’s produce and planted rows of veggies.
“She has chickens and a bunny that live there, too,” second-grader Brantley said.
PPOS students have three weeks left to the school year and returned Monday eager to share their experiences with their classmates, many of whom hadn’t seen each other for the week.
First-grader Rueben plants rows of vegetables at Southern Roots Farm during the Pagosa Peak Open School Peak Week June 5-9.
