Last Friday, Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th graders took a trip called “Big River Journey”. This was an extension of the field trips that 6th graders took last year as part of our “River Year.” We started the day at Fort Snelling State Park doing land-based activities before boarding a riverboat for a science-based afternoon onboard the boat. We ended the day at Harriet Island in downtown St Paul. Activities included: Artifacts Soldier Hike Cultural.. Read More
Wolf Ridge Trip 2015
Each autumn, Friends School of Minnesota 7th and 8th graders head north to spend a week at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. We do this trip to learn about the natural environment of the area and to build community. Students challenge themselves on the rock wall and outdoor ropes course. They take classes and study streams, wetlands, and geology. At night, they do astronomy and a night hike, led by science.. Read More
Winter RAVE at Coldwater Spring: Prairie Restoration
Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th graders made seed bombs for the National Park Service as a service project. These were prairie seeds rolled in compost, sand, and soil, and left to dry until spring. Everyone is invited to participate in throwing the seeds at Coldwater Spring as part of the parks prairie restoration project. Winter RAVE at Coldwater Spring Saturday, March 14, 1-3pm Coldwater Spring 5601 Minnehaha Park Drive South.. Read More
River Trips with 5th and 6th Grades
In December, Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th grade students visited St. Paul’s Water Treatment Facility. Students learned all about where St. Paul’s drinking water comes from and how it is treated for safety before reaching our taps. Every time I take this tour I have the same impression – this is so impressive, interesting, and important that every person in St. Paul should take the tour. As always,.. Read More
New Art Studio in Action!
Lately I have been reflecting on how the new art studio has affected my teaching. I am still in awe of the space and realize that it has become what I used to dream about—an inspiring creative space for discovery, exploration, deep thought, and joy. It is truly an art teacher’s dream room! The kindergarten class has been working with clay and thinking about two questions: “What things can be.. Read More
Fifth and Six Grade Trip to Eagle Bluff 2014
Friends School of Minnesota 5th and 6th graders had a great time on their three-day, two-night trip to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota! The visit to Eagle Bluff met several objectives for 5/6: Community-Building Building a sense of community at the beginning of middle school is a very important part of what we do at Friends School and who we are as a Quaker, progressive education school. We.. Read More
Fall Harvest Celebration with the Hi-Rise
Middle school students and teachers joined the Hamline Hi-Rise Garden Club and other hi-rise residents for the 2nd annual Fall Harvest Celebration. Our neighbors grew raised bed gardens to promote healthy eating with a Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant. Last Monday, everyone gathered on their patio for light refreshments. The garden club assisted other residents harvest the produce and enjoy the fruits of the season. The event coordinator Ann Dwyer Tranvik from.. Read More
Engineering Club – Solar Boat Regatta
Seventeen 7th and 8th graders joined the Friends School of Minnesota Engineering Club. Advisor Steve Moe (middle school science teacher) worked with students to build a solar boat to race in the Minnesota Solar Regatta in May. The Minnesota Solar Regatta is an annual event sponsored by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society. Teams participating in the Solar Regatta build or modify a working boat (large enough to carry one student pilot) to compete in.. Read More