A New Twist on Friday Groups

Elementary Friday Groups Bring Hands-On Learning, Creativity, and Cross-Age Connections

The Elementary teachers noticed how much fun Middle School students were having with Friday Groups and decided it was time to join in! Last week, students in Lower, Middle, and Upper Elementary participated in their very first session of Friday Groups: studio-style enrichment classes that invite students to explore interests, try something new, and connect with classmates across age groups.

Elementary Friday Groups offer students an exciting introduction to this favorite Middle School tradition. Each session runs for five to six weeks, and students are placed in groups based on their top three choices. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students can discover new passions, build confidence, and get a taste of the Friday Groups experience—a tradition that continues and expands in Middle School.

On Friday afternoons, students gather in mixed-age groups to create, experiment, and play. Offerings this session range from science experiments and sewing to drawing, bookmaking, games, and community service. These groups provide wonderful opportunities for students to build new friendships, deepen their knowledge, and learn from one another in ways they might not during a typical school day.

Middle Elementary teacher Tulie shared, “The first week went great! It is nice to get to know kids from the younger levels while also getting to see some of my old students I don’t work with anymore.”

We’re thrilled to bring this tradition to Elementary and look forward to seeing what students discover, create, and learn together over the coming weeks!