Spring Spire Snapshots: Campus Happenings and Highlights

Welcome to Spire Snapshots, your peek into the exciting activities and events happening around The Spire School campus! From hands-on projects to festive celebrations, our students and staff continue to inspire us with their creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. 

Spring is in the air at Spire, and our students and staff have been engaged in a variety of enriching experiences, from cultural celebrations to hands-on scientific experiments. Here’s a look at what’s been happening on campus this month! 

A Visit from Penny, Our Therapy Dog

One of the most beloved guests at Spire, Penny the therapy dog, made her monthly visit, bringing comfort and joy to students and staff alike. Her presence always brightens our day, reminding us of the positive impact of canine therapy. 

Exploring Science: The Flame Test Experiment 

Dr. C’s science class was filled with bright colors and curiosity as students conducted a flame test experiment. They observed how different metals emit unique colors when heated, learning firsthand about the chemistry behind fireworks and the fascinating world of electron energy emissions. 

Celebrating Global Cultures 

On March 14, Spire hosted our annual World Culture Day, a cherished tradition that highlights the diverse backgrounds of our community. This year’s event featured an exciting lineup of cultural performances, including African drumming, Flamenco dancing, and Polish folk dances. Students also engaged in hands-on experiences with music from Israel, Japan, and China, as well as multilingual presentations on different cultures. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Tudisco and everyone who contributed to this vibrant celebration! 

Student Art: Stamps of the World 

In honor of World Culture Day, students created unique stamps representing different countries and cultures. This creative project encouraged them to explore cultural symbolism and artistic expression while celebrating global diversity. 

Spreading Love with Valentine’s Door Decorating 

Our Life Coaches led a fun and festive Valentine’s Day Door Decorating Contest, where students showcased their creativity and teamwork. The halls were filled with colorful, heartfelt displays that added warmth and excitement to the season. 

GenerationSOS: A Conversation on Mental Health and Resilience 

On February 25, Spire welcomed Beau from GenerationSOS, a nonprofit organization that provides a platform for young adults to share their experiences with mental health, social pressures, and substance use. Beau’s candid and inspiring talk resonated with students, and we appreciate his time and openness. 

Pathways Speaker Series: Inspiring Career Journeys 

Spire’s Pathways Speaker Series continued with engaging presentations from professionals eager to share their career experiences. In February, we welcomed Troy Pinkney, a Child Life Specialist, who spoke about supporting children and families in healthcare settings. In March, we heard from Michael Oppenheim, a sergeant with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If you’d like to recommend a speaker for next fall, please contact Mrs. Strom at lstrom@spireschool.org. 

Staff and Parent Engagements 

• Staff Professional Development: Teachers gathered for a full day of learning and collaboration, including a presentation from the Adoption Assistance Program at UCONN Health and preparations for next year’s NEASC accreditation review. 

• New Staff Introductions: We are excited to welcome Mr. Matthew Goodwin, Academic Dean, and Ms. Delphine Chollet to the Spire team. 

• Parent Mid-Year Check-In: Parents had the opportunity to step into their child’s shoes by attending Japanese class, creating Zentangles in Art, exploring AI, and joining Life Coaches in group sessions. 

• Parent Book Club: This month’s book, Attention: A Love Story by Casey Schwartz, sparked great discussions. If you’re interested in joining in the future, email lstrom@spireschool.org. 

• Parent Potluck: A wonderful way to connect and share favorite family dishes, parents gathered for food and fun at a Spire family’s home in Fairfield, CT. 

Thank you to everyone who continues to make Spire a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring place to learn and grow. Stay tuned for more updates in the next Spire Snapshot!