On December 12, The Main Street Academy (TMSA) held the Peppermint PBL Pathway Showcase to highlight the incredible depth of real-world learning taking place across all grade levels. TMSA scholars were fully immersed in hands-on, authentic projects that connected classroom learning to meaningful, real-life applications.
Our youngest learners brought learning to life through a vibrant farm-to-table experience.
K-4th grade PBLS:
- Kindergarten proudly served fresh salad they helped grow and prepare, demonstrating an early understanding of nutrition, responsibility, and healthy choices.
- First grade expanded their impact by exploring solutions to keep our oceans clean, showing empathy for the environment and a strong sense of stewardship.
- Second grade became young entrepreneurs, engaging in bartering and economic decision-making as they learned the value of trade, resources, and collaboration.
- Third grade dove into earth science, investigating volcanic eruptions and developing creative, research-based solutions to reduce their impact on communities.
- Fourth grade hosted a full-fledged Georgia State Fair, seamlessly integrating Georgia history, economics, teamwork, and presentation skills in an engaging, interactive experience.
Our specials teachers elevated the showcase by highlighting the Forge to Flight Aviation Initiative, exploring multiple standards and career pathways connected to aviation and innovation. Students experienced real-world applications through a live school store, where they could purchase fresh vegetables from our schoolwide garden—while learning that vegetables and eggs will be available for sale next semester. Technology was seamlessly incorporated as students created their own commercials to promote the Forge to Flight initiative, blending creativity, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
5-8th grade PBLS:
- Fifth grade explored family, resilience, and historical challenges through Esperanza Rising and the Dust Bowl, making powerful connections between literature, history, and cultural identity.
- Sixth grade took on a global challenge by designing solutions to improve access to clean water, emphasizing problem-solving, engineering, and social responsibility.
- Seventh grade focused on wellness and personal growth through their “Fit to Be Fabulous” projects, promoting healthy lifestyles and self-awareness.
- Eighth grade inspired audiences with their theme, “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it,” confidently presenting themselves in future careers and demonstrating leadership, vision, and purpose.
The Peppermint PBL Pathway Showcase was a true reflection of TMSA's commitment to student-centered, real-world learning. From farm-to-table experiences and environmental problem-solving to economic decision-making, wellness, innovation, and future career exploration, every grade level demonstrated ownership of learning, creativity, and critical thinking. The showcase highlighted how collaboration between students, teachers, and specials programs—especially through the Forge to Flight Aviation Initiative—creates engaging, meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Peppermint students didn’t just learn about the world; they actively worked to improve it, proving that when learning is authentic, students rise to the challenge and soar.