What is Genius Hour?   Genius hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom. It provides students a choice in what they learn during the last 45 minutes of each Friday.

Why is Genius Hour important? Students take ownership in their own learning. Genius Hour sparks curiosity, giving students an opportunity to become their own Genius. Genius Hour encourages lifelong learning, imagination, perseverance, self-awareness, adaptability, as well as other life-lessons.

When is Genius Hour? Genius Hour will happen every Friday for 45 minutes. During this time, students will research and complete an inquiry project based on their passions, digging deep into what motivates them.  They will be learning research skills, refining their organizational skills, reading nonfiction articles, developing questions, writing, preparing a project and presenting. The possibilities are endless!

Who will participate? Any 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student who has completed all of their daily assigned work.  Students who do not complete their daily classwork, or who are not working to the best of their ability will not be able to participate in Genius Hour.  These students will attend a tutoring session where they will have the opportunity to complete work and receive additional support from Randall teachers.

Genius Hour at Randall is made up six academies lead by the following teachers: 

STEM I Academy: Rachelle Love

STEM II Academy: Anna Curran

Spark-Creative Academy: Ashley Bridges

Students in this academy are interested in fine arts area.  Some students are painting masterpieces or designing comics. Others choreograph dance or vocal performances. Some students are interested in culinary arts like making homemade pizza and baking and decorating cakes.  

Spark-Fashion Academy: Schyler Tate 

Students have chosen this academy that taken an interest in the fashion industry. They are exploring the resources needed to make jewelry, clothes, and shoes. Some students design shoes or a clothing line.

Spark- Sports Academy: Whitney Broughton 

This academy is all about sports! Students in this academy are interested in learning more about their favorite NBA or NFL players or learning special techniques to shoot a basketball. Others are interested in learning more about gymnastics.

Star Academy (Homework): Claire Dowling, Stephanie Moergen 

Students that have not completed assignments throughout the week come to this academy to make up their work.