New school suits her just fine

Kori Jane Spaulding, a sixth grader at Cornerstone Academy, is pictured with new friends (top row, from left) Naz Nabavi, Kori Jane Spaulding, Carolina Garcia, Sydney Donelson, Kate Crow, (center row) Hanna Landa and (bottom row) Dylan Dial.

When people ask me what school I go to, I know that there are a ton more questions coming. It is like the word “Cornerstone” is a trigger. I don’t blame them because my school is no ordinary school. Or should I even say school? It is more like a year-long summer camp but where you happen to learn a lot.

Cornerstone Academy is a Spring Branch ISD charter school that has kids from all over the district. My friends are not afraid to try new things and are ready to embrace their differences. The teachers make us work hard but in a fun way. It is a project-based school, so we don’t have to read textbooks. For example, we do book clubs on novels that go along with what we are learning in social studies. 

I am working harder than I ever have, but I am also loving school more than ever. Besides academics, we also switch electives or what they call CESITs (Career Explorations, Special Interests and Talents). We explore new things all the time.

I got to learn the guitar for six weeks, which showed me that I am not really meant to play an instrument. There are puzzles, origami, Minecraft, pottery, glass fusion, dance and more. I have learned some cool things like doing a demi in dance, how to knit, and score clay in pottery. I even made a stained-glass nightlight in my glass-fusion class. And I have not even mentioned the theater program! Cornerstone is known for its annual musicals. Families from around the district come see it every year. Last year they did Cinderella, and I can’t wait for the announcement about what next year’s musical will be so I can audition. 

We are building a new campus next year, and we get to have a slide instead of stairs!

I was scared to go to middle school because everyone says it is some of the worst and hardest years ever. Everyone I know who has been at my middle school has loved it, and I am no exception. I was so excited when my name got picked from the admissions lottery. Go, Cougars!

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to [email protected]. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.