(Left to right) Andrew Farmer, Devaughn Wooten, Aria Baca, Perisha Rodriguez, Morgan LazzellBug on a Rock: Ryan FraserNotes in the Field: L-R, Mireya Cisneros and Anna LeadbetterClasses officially started on Monday August 8 for the Aldo Leopold Charter School's Middle School program but students didn't sit at desks. With 32 new 6th graders and 45 returning 7th and 8th graders the teaching staff led their annual "Mini Villages Challange" activity that challenges students to think creatively, work in teams and get to know each other on many different levels.

The week long Mini Village Challenge starts with small groups designing and building their villages. As the Challenge progresses, groups are faced with opportunities and obstacles that encourage group cohesion, creativity and some very deep thinking about how actions have consequences and communities can "go it alone" or "work together" to make a better way of life.

"We like to see the older students get to know and support our new students" Mark Cantrell, 6th grade teacher, said. "It is amazing how this week in the outdoors sets the tone and expectations for the entire year ahead."

Students are required to name their village, develop a government, economy, and take on particular roles as the activity evolves. Each of the 12 groups had a Leader, Co-Leaders, Historian, Diplomat and Communications Specialist. At the end of the week each group made presentations to the entire school that highlighted their experience, knowledge acquired and what they liked about the Challenge.

Middle School Education Assistant Jennifer Bjornstad said: "One thing I saw this year, particularly with the large numbers of new 6th graders was a tremendous willingness by the older students to take time to get to know and listen to each other. These students really care about each other."

This Mini Village Challenge is a wonderful example of how Aldo Leopold Charter School fulfills its mission of providing an engaging and challenging educational program emphasizing direct experience, inquiry learning, stimulation of the creative process, and stewardship of the community and natural environment.

Aldo Leopold Charter School is a public charter school open to students in grades 6 through 12. It is located at 1422 Highway 180 East in Silver City.

All photos by Dave Chandler