CULTURE OF CREW

At Renaissance, we work with care and intention to create a school culture where everyone feels like they belong. We want every student, staff member, and family who walks through our doors to know they’re part of something special. Our Core Values guide us in everything we do. We use language that is inclusive and meaningful, helping all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

We build this sense of belonging by creating a positive, respectful, and supportive environment. Trust, shared values, and strong relationships help us grow together and work as a team.  At the heart of our school is the idea of Crew—the belief that we are stronger together. We focus on building strong connections between students, teachers, and families, and we work every day to strengthen those bonds.

Circles

Crew Circles

Every school day begins with a Crew Circle—a welcoming routine that builds community, strengthens relationships, and prepares students for a successful day of learning.

Held in a circle, Crew Circles lasts about 20–30 minutes and includes four key components:

• Greeting – Students and teachers greet one another by name, fostering respect and connection.

• Sharing – Students take turns sharing meaningful moments or thoughts, while classmates listen with care and curiosity.

• Group Activity – A fun, quick activity brings everyone together to practice social or academic skills—like singing, playing a game, or reciting a poem.

• Morning Message – Students read a short message from their teacher that previews the day’s learning and sets a positive tone.

Crew Circles helps students feel seen, heard, and ready to learn—creating a consistent, caring start to each day.

Closing Circles

Each school day ends the way it begins—in community. Closing Circle is a peaceful, five- to ten-minute routine that helps students reflect, reconnect, and leave school feeling accomplished and valued.

Much like Crew Circles, Closing Circle creates a calm and supportive space. Students and teachers come together to share highlights from the day, recognize growth, and express appreciation for one another. It’s a time to celebrate learning, build confidence, and set a positive tone for tomorrow.

By ending the day with intention and care, students leave feeling grounded, connected, and ready for what’s next.

Solitude

Drumming

Drumming brings people together—creating a strong sense of connection through shared rhythm and movement. In a drum circle, everyone has a role: to lead with courage and vulnerability, or to follow with focus and intention. Together, students experience the power of unity—many hearts beating as one.

Drumming is an ancient tradition that continues to inspire and unite people of all ages. There's something universally inviting about a drum—most can't resist the urge to join in! And the best part? Everyone can participate, no matter their age or musical experience.

In drum circles whether it's all school, grade level or classroom, students:

• Learn to listen, lead, and collaborate

• Build confidence and empathy

• Experience joyful teamwork through music

Drum circles are more than music—they’re community in action. They break down social barriers and foster a deep sense of belonging and shared purpose.

The Beat

The Beat is a school-wide gathering held on select Wednesday mornings throughout the year. It’s a time when our entire Renaissance community—students, staff, families, and even members of the wider community—come together to celebrate, connect, and reflect on our shared core values.

Led and created by students, The Beat is more than just an assembly. It’s a meaningful opportunity for students to build confidence, leadership, and community spirit. As they plan and lead these events, students practice public speaking, audience etiquette, collaboration, and creative expression. They learn to take risks, reflect, and persevere—essential life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Each crew leads The Beat at least once during the school year, engaging in a thoughtful planning process that encourages teamwork, courage, and challenge by choice. Through this experience, students grow as leaders and learn what it means to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Buddies

At Renaissance, our Buddy Program pairs older and younger students to build friendships, foster mentorship, and strengthen our school community. Through regular activities—like reading together, helping with projects, or just spending time as a team—buddies learn the value of empathy, leadership, and connection.

Older students gain confidence as role models, while younger students feel supported and included. Together, they create a culture of crew where every student feels seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

Outdoor Learning Environment

Our Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) is more than just a playground—it's a space where imagination, exploration, and learning come alive. Designed as an extension of the classroom, the OLE offers natural areas for creative play, quiet reflection, and hands-on discovery.

Students use this space as:

• An outdoor classroom for real-world learning

• A service learning site that supports environmental stewardship

• A natural schoolyard that inspires curiosity and connection to nature

We believe outdoor spaces should be planned with the same care and intention as indoor ones. Nature provides a wide world of opportunity—offering children the freedom to explore, take risks, and find peace. Research shows that time in well-designed outdoor environments can reduce stress, boost focus, and support social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

By nurturing students’ love for the outdoors, we help them become thoughtful caretakers of the natural world—today and for the future.

Showcases of Learning

At Renaissance, Showcases of Learning are powerful student-led presentations that highlight each learner’s growth, voice, and purpose. Every year, students reflect deeply on their academic journey and personal development to answer three big questions:

• How Do I Learn with Passion?
• How Do I Act with Courage?
• How Do I Change the World?

With pride and confidence, our 3rd and 6th grade students share their reflections with a panel of community members, showcasing not just what they’ve learned—but who they’ve become. These presentations celebrate student ownership, authentic learning, and meaningful growth.

Closing Ceremony

Before our sixth grade students begin their next adventure, the Renaissance community comes together to celebrate their journey with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony.

The event begins with a final drum circle, uniting the entire school in rhythm and reflection. From there, each sixth grade crew gathers for a more intimate celebration—where students are honored for their personal growth, academic achievements, and the unique strengths they’ve shown during their time at Renaissance.

It’s a powerful send-off that reminds our students of who they are, what they’ve accomplished, and the courage they carry with them as they take on new challenges.