Algebra (Melanie) We began the year by playing the game Charty Party to familiarize ourselves with interpreting line graphs. Then we learned a little about the mathematician Al Khwarizmi, whose name gave us the word algorithm, and the origins of Algebra. We have been using the game “Dragon Box” and adapted it to paper and counters. We reviewed positive and negative numbers and then, using the concept of zero-pairs, we created simple equations and solved for x. Additional resources we are using include Amplify online activities (formerly Desmos) and Kuta worksheets.
American Government (Ben) This class has been going very well so far. We began the Year discussing various stories, causes, documents, and figures foundational to the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, and Constitution. We discussed the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and how they were addressed in the Constitution. As we began to dive into the constitution, students were sent home with pocket constitutions that they can read along with and bring to class to reference. We spent two weeks discussing congress in detail, and we are currently focusing on the executive branch. If anyone is interested in the slides I've been making and using they can feel free to reach out to me! The regular attendees, Rosie, Jace, Lysander, Finn0, Finn1, Milo, Max, Jared, Emmett, Silver, Luna, Jasper, Daniel, and Cassidy have all been wonderful and it's so heartening to watch them engage with the material. We have had a lot of fun so far and I hope that everyone is as excited as me to continue learning about The American Government.
Bread and Desserts (Loran) Our small group meets every Wednesday morning on Zoom and bakes together from our own homes. So far this year, we have made Peach Upside Down Cake, Savory Zucchini Bread, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Pāo de Queijo, Apple Crumb Cake, Dinner Rolls, Blueberry Muffins, and Cottage Cheese Bread.
Chemistry (Melanie) This class is focusing on a simplified version of the periodic table (the first 20 elements) in order to understand atomic structure and bonds. We have been discussing various topics such as electromagnetism, phosphorescence, and chemical reactions. Members have been using Lewis dot diagrams to model molecules. We have done several labs to explore the concepts in a hands-on way. We are starting to write balanced chemical equations for some of the reactions we have done. Members are also keeping folders with handouts and lab sheets as well as taking notes.
Chronology (Josh) We've been bouncing around history in this class. We began with a survey of all believed-to-be-known time. We followed with days on the 20th century, the Renaissance, and ancient Greece.
Dungeons and Dragons (Jace and Yarrow) Class has been going great. So far, the players have fought many hellish beasts and have started obtaining magical artifacts to take down Asmodeus, the ruler of the 9 Hells, who has gone crazy. Everybody seems to be having a generally good time, and it’s very silly and fun.
The First Hundred Numbers (Josh) In this class we're trying to look into the essence and qualities of numbers. We've discussed and compared Roman Numerals to our base 10 numerals. We've discussed the ideas of bases, including base 12 and base 60 (clocks). One day was devoted to a guest teacher presenting math puzzles. Currently we're filling in a table of numbers 1 - 100 and examining them closely in terms of their geometry and how they break down into their prime factors.
Hiking Group (Loran) We have had an enthusiastic group of 16 “regulars” on hikes so far this fall, with occasional visitors, and several parents helping with driving. We’ve already visited many beautiful places, with only one day when it was raining hard enough to shift from a hike to a soggy walk around the Riverview Cemetery in Sunderland. So far our hikes have included Sugarloaf Mountain, Brightwater Bog, Rattlesnake Gutter, White Rock, Mt. Warner, Mineral Hills, and East Leverett Meadow.
Hot Topics (Josh) This is an open discussion forum for discussing what's on people's minds and varies on any given day. Thanks to Emme and Loran for their presence in the weekly discussions.
How do we know it’s true? (Airlie) In this class, we've been developing critical awareness of the ways we come to know and believe what is true about the world around us. We began the class with what appeared to be (and indeed was) a rock in the middle of the table and a philosophical discussion of perception and reality. We agreed that, for the sake of this class, we will assume that there is a world external to ourselves and we are all able to access and make judgments about what is in that world through our senses. Since then, the students have chosen fascinating topics: Is anything truly random? Are there alternate universes? Did Google really make a computer that uses alternate realities to perform calculations? We've used these questions to learn about scientific meaning making and how to evaluate the quality of YouTube videos when we have to rely on experts to explain complex topics like Quantum Mechanics. We used the press walk-out of the Pentagon on 10/15/25 to discuss journalistic ethics and how the new rules that prompted the walk-out violated them. My use of AI to research and summarize materials for that class was a source of concern to several students. So, we will be spending the next few weeks doing a deep dive into the mechanism, hazards, and ethics of generative AI. The fact students questioned the information I gave them and asked me to justify my use of AI suggests the class is going well.
Immersive Explorations (Saleem) Our classes started with a brief introduction to the art movements that influenced immersive multimedia art, including surrealism, dadaism and bauhaus. We created some collaborative drawings through the process of playing a game called The Exquisite Corpse. Most recently our group has been creating mixed-media art inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem, Hope is a thing with feathers.
Inside Out Sculpture (Emily) We began this class by discussing the concept of what might be considered a sculpture that references the interior and exterior at the same time, and we looked at several examples. The group was most inspired by the work of Rachel Whiteread, which led to an exploration of plaster gauze (which is plaster pre-applied to gauze that you dip in water to activate and then apply to surfaces to create solid forms). Some students used chicken wire as a base for their form; other students made plaster casts of their own body parts; still others used cups, balloons, and bowls as shapes for casting, and later re-assembled those dried plaster parts into new forms. The next material we might use to make sculpture will be determined by group interest.
Let’s Build a World (Aaron) We started our year by talking about fictional worlds that resonated with us and thinking about what sorts of genres and themes we wanted our world to reflect. After a class or two of brainstorming and collaboration, we decided on a steampunk setting that explores themes of dystopia and utopia, oppression, industrialization, and hope in the face of uncertainty. We then talked about the history of steampunk as both a subculture and a genre, and ways in which it reflects the themes we're interested in exploring. Our last several weeks have been devoted to fleshing out our world's basic shape, including climate, geography, and some magical strangeness. Overall, we're off to a great start, and I'm excited to see where our group takes us next.
Lunch Class (Ellen) Such a sweet group of dedicated folks! We’ve been working our way through a variety of meals including: Caribbean-Inspired Breakfast Bowls, Spaghetti & Garlic Bread, Veggie Stir Fried Rice, Creamy Potato Leek Celeriac Soup, Bean Burritos, Pasta in Rich Sauce, and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup. Everyone is developing excellent teamwork, knife, and cleaning skills.
Making a Scene (Saleem) So far in movie making class we have learned about the basic elements of film making, including camera angles, lighting, and composition. We've also broken into smaller groups to create original scripts based on an object prompt. These ideas have been further developed over the last few weeks by creating outlines and storyboards. This week we worked as a whole class to write and shoot our own short horror film!
Markers and Water (Emily) We began this class with using the most common type of marker: washable markers. We used broad tip and fine tip markers, then "painted" our marks with water, turning the process into a new way of making watercolors. From there, we experimented with acrylic paint markers with brush tip and broad tip; then, moved on to ultra fine tip permanent markers. Currently, we are experimenting with grayscale markers, which are alcohol markers. In class, we supplement our experimentation by watching videos of various techniques, examining professional artists' finished works, and giving feedback on each other's creations.
The Marvel Multiverse (Finn)
Montague Sing (Josh) In this class, we travel to Montague Town Common from 2-3 every Friday. We learn songs sung by the group there and occasionally some of us bring a song or two to teach! Some members (and a volunteer teacher - thank you, Teresa!) have invited friends or family to join us some days. Everyone is welcome and this event happens every day (including weekend and holidays) from 2-3 for those who want to attend on their own!
Mysteries of the Mind and Spirit (Ann) Mysteries of the Mind and Spirit is off to a great start! We have four dedicated members who are engaged, curious, and reflective. We have been focusing recently on techniques for developing awareness of our intuition and of the energies within us and around us, with the idea of honing an awareness of self and fostering self-confidence.
North Star Band (Josh and Saleem) Band has been working on performing two original songs written by different members of the group. We have also been
reviewing and have tried out other song possibilities.
Open Maker Room (Melanie) The Maker Room has been buzzing with all kinds of activity this fall. There’s been woodworking, glasswork, sewing, painting, sculpture, costume making, drawing, jewelry making, beading, and collage. We have also been discussing shop safety and creating protocols for training members in proper tool use so the materials can be available to everyone outside of class time as well.
Open Studio (Saleem) So far some folks have been using open studio to prepare performance pieces for our upcoming Winter Celebration performance. These have primarily been musical numbers including drumming, voice, guitar and keyboard. This is an open format class that anyone is welcome to drop-into on Fridays from 10-11am.
The Peaceful Art of Ki (Josh) In this class we've been having a lot of fun, sometimes playing, sometimes exploring some basic aikido movements and techniques, as well as breathing and stretching.
A People’s History (Adrie) In the People’s History class, we’ve covered a broad range of topics so far this fall, including queer cowboys, the history of bread, the Bubonic Plague and plague doctors, the history of Islam, and the Haitian Revolution.
Plants and Animals (Melanie) This is a very open-ended class and we have followed various member interests thus far including locating and checking the openings of the vast network of woodchuck tunnels on our property, looking at pond water and moss under the microscope, collecting grasshoppers and katydids to identify, buying and planting more plants for our garden, dissecting owl pellets and a squid, and planning an outing to a local farm animal sanctuary. We have also had one guest speaker, a naturalist from Martha’s Vineyard who told us about birds, butterflies, grasshoppers, and other insects.
Play Video Games Together (Quinn) The class has been going very well. We've mostly been playing Smash Bros, but on the 20th we played a tower defense game. we'll also probably start playing racing games soon once we get enough controllers.
Scene on Radio (Ellen) We’ve jumped into deep and rich conversations about season 3 of the Scene On Radio podcast: MEN. This season is far-ranging and we’re a little less than a third of the way through so far - exploring the roots, evolution, and ongoing intricacies of sexism, misogyny, and patriarchy in the USA. The group has been consistent, thoughtful, reflective, and engaged, as we grapple with these big issues together.
Schooling! (Ken) Each class begins with the yin-yang of “schooling is essential” and “schooling is a waste of time”. Send along your pop culture references such as Calvin and Hobbes, Pink Floyd, Malala, and more to be used as openers. What are the primary goals of schooling, what are some of the alternatives along the lines of North Star, and who are our allies? We watched the dramatic reentactment of the Summerhill Recertification conflict. More to come!
Service Trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico (Loran) In September and October we formed our group and divided up responsibilities for various aspects of planning the trip, including finding convenient and affordable plane tickets, rental car, and lodging; securing volunteer placements; and researching leisure time activities. Everyone in the group has committed to presenting two classes. So far we’ve learned some basics about Puerto Rico’s economic struggles, how World Central Kitchen fed residents of the island following Hurricane Maria, and the importance of Bad Bunny as an iconic cultural figure, including his recent Puerto Rican residency and his upcoming appearance at the Super Bowl. We have discussed fundraising, and several group members have been performing yard work to raise money for the trip. Several other fundraisers are also underway.
Sexplorations (Becca and Carly) This six-week workshop, presented by Tapestry Health, covered the following topics: What is Tapestry?; Sexual orientation, gender identity, empowerment: Safer Sex barrier methods/STIs/pregnancy; Exploring reproductive anatomy and functions; Communication/consent/boundaries/healthy relationships; Communicating about sex with partners; Online safety/media literacy/safer sexting; and Narcan training with harm reduction team
Social Issues (Ken) This is a challenging time to follow the news. Every day seems to have a new, unexpected, discouraging event. What is real and lasting? How are people resisting? What actually is happening with immigration, the National Guard, health care, Gaza, Venezuela, and the government shutdown? Diversions include sports scandals, jewelry heists, and other more entertaining items.
Spanish Club (Josh) Spanish Club has learned and studied songs, the alphabet and pronunciation, simple expressions, and has begun using a free online course, Spanish Language Transfer, to learn about the culture and language of the Spanish-speaking world. Thanks to Loran and Teresa for being part of the teaching team!
Theatre: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Ellen) What a huge group of wonderful players! So far we’ve been focusing on some foundational acting exercises, developing our group bond, and reviewing main plot and character points in the original book. We have a lot to do to take this story onto the stage, but we are setting ourselves up well to do that work!
Theodore’s Movie Class (Theodore) My second year of my movie class is going pretty well, I've only done one longer two week movie so far, all the rest have been short enough to fit into an entire class (with time for discussion at the end) My new research tool has been going to the Northampton library or going on a website that has the old Springfield newspapers and finding out when a certain Classic Film showed originally. In Northampton i've been using the microfilm machine which is more of a time consuming process with some help and frustration to find theater ads. When i have a little or longer time after showing part of a film i try to discuss a history of the film or I have gone to showing Looney Tunes somewhat related to what we watched. The first year of Popular Music with Josh has been going well, Josh and i each do presentations on a certain artist or genre we like, And i now know that i am capable of holding down the fort if Josh doesn't come.
The 20th Century Through Music (Josh) In the first couple months we’ve covered early recording/radio days and the roots of jazz and some of its relatives, including the blues, western sing, and swing. Artists featured include Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Milton Brown, Benny Goodman, plus a special Halloween music day!
Volunteering at Amherst Survival Center (Loran) We have a strong group that shows up every Friday to volunteer in the fresh food distribution area at Amherst Survival Center. Our routine starts with helping to set up for the day. We unload the donations truck when it arrives, then begin the process of sorting out the boxes of food. We direct everything to the correct area (fruit, veggies, bread/desserts, pantry), categorize the items, and stock them on the shelves in preparation for 12:00 distribution. We do this work outdoors, all year round (in spite of yellow jackets, rain, cold, etc.) If we have extra time we do additional pantry support work indoors.
Volunteering at Sunderland Public Library (Aaron) Our small but mighty volunteering group has settled into a comfortable rhythm at the Sunderland Library, with a lot of support from their Young Adult Librarian, Jared. After a couple weeks getting to know the space, we started tackling some basic library skills, including pulling holds from the shelves, and reshelving books. We've continued to hone these skills while learning more about the library layout, and we are starting to discuss more volunteer tasks like curating programming.