Annie Fuerst, Director of Innovation
Post Date: October 18, 2024

This week, the innovation team presented about last spring’s community birding project at the annual MassCUE conference at Gillette Stadium. Upon returning to campus today, we are scanning and folding the final zines for our table at the Watertown Library Zine Fest on Saturday and preparing to welcome families to the Admissions Open House on Sunday. While participating in three major events in one week may sound like a whirlwind, I’ve found myself surrounded by a buzzing energetic joy all week.

That’s the power of ‘The Share.’ It’s the crucial step in any design process—whether it’s the scientific method, student book publishing, the engineering design process, or our own ‘Learn-Do-Share’ Capstone framework. While often seen as the final step, The Share isn’t just a formality or conclusion; it’s a pivotal moment in learning, forcing us to synthesize our work, tie up loose ends, and get ready to invite others into our process.

Presenting at MassCUE highlighted just how powerful The Share can be in all of its meanings. As we worked together to prepare, we had the opportunity to reflect on the rich collaboration and sharing of ideas that made it all possible—from teachers weaving bird-related activities into their curriculum to students diving into their roles as community scientists. At times, the act of preparing to share felt more like a celebration of the collective effort behind the project. We carried this celebratory energy with us to MassCUE, where the questions, feedback, and excitement that other educators shared with us infused the project with fresh energy and opened up new possibilities for how we could continue and expand the work.

Zine Fest offers another form of The Share. Our students have been creating zines that reflect their creativity, interests, and learning, and now they get the chance to share those voices with a public audience. Last year, we saw students beaming with pride as they saw their zines featured alongside other local artists and makers. One memorable moment came when a student was asked to autograph her zine for an attendee—an experience that filled her with joy and a sense of accomplishment. These interactions show just how meaningful it is for students to see their work valued by others, and they remind us of the importance of an authentic audience in building confidence and creativity.

After bringing Belmont Day out to the world this week, we’re excited to close it out by bringing prospective families in for our Admissions Open House. Sharing within our own space gives us the chance to reflect on what makes our school such a vibrant place for learning. It’s a moment to celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration that fill our classrooms and showcase the innovative opportunities that set our students apart, and it allows us to communicate that with those who might join us in the future.

The Share isn’t just a final step. It’s where learning deepens, connections are made, and possibilities for creation expand. The Share opens the door to new connections, fresh insights, and the next exciting phase of discovery and creation.