Spark Online Academy
Family Newsletter - July 19, 2021
Message from Mrs. Johnson
Greetings, Spark Online Community!
Only one month left until we welcome the inaugural classes of Spark Online Academy to the 2021-2022 school year, and we could not be more excited! Our Spark staff is busy putting together carefully curated collections of hands-on learning supplies and tech-enabled applications to ensure engaging and interactive experiences are ready to go for day one.
Listening to our community in designing Spark Online led to a truly unique online learning model grounded in building caring relationships with our students and developing rigorous, engaging, and interactive learning pathways specific to our learner's strengths, interests, and needs. Our school without traditional structures opens up a world of opportunity for our students to learn through experiences and development of the skills for success in college, career, and life. We leverage technology and flexible schedules to keep us connected with each other and our local and global community. Our carefully selected tools and applications allow new ways to communicate and interact with the world and opportunities for our students to find their voice and have more control of their learning environment.
In this newsletter, you’ll find:
information about our orientation, supplies, and equipment distribution
a note about students supplies and learning environments for success
scheduling information
ongoing opportunities to have your voices heard
As always, please reach out with any questions or information needs. It’s an honor and privilege to partner with all of you in the success and development of our learners.
Committed to your student's success,
Julie Johnson
Principal, Spark Online Academy
719-328-4302 Office
719-322-6270 Cell
Important Dates Ahead
Orientation and supplies distribution
These sessions will provide critical information for success in learning experiences for day one and throughout the school year. We recognize that our students and families need to have the equipment and understanding of the tools for accessing learning successfully and for our parents/guardians to know how to best support their children in their success. Please note that you may choose to attend during only one slot for the 6th-8th grade times and the K-5 timeframes if you have siblings in multiple grades. Our 6th-8th grade teachers will only be available for your orientation on Monday, August 2, and our K-5th grade teachers will only be available for your orientation on Tuesday, August 3. If you have children enrolled in elementary and middle school grades, please plan on attending a session on both days.
Kindly complete the RSVP form linked below to help us plan for the best orientation experience.
LINK TO RSVP RESPONSE FORM FOR ORIENTATION
Monday, August 2
Grades 6-8 Family/Student Orientation, device, and supply pick up
6th grade 1:00-2:00
7th grade 2:00-3:00
8th grade 3:00-4:00
Trailblazer Elementary
2015 Wickes Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO
80919
Tuesday, August 3
Grades K-5 Family/Student Orientation, device, and supply pick up
K-1st grade 1:00-2:00
2nd-3rd grade 2:00-3:00
4th-5th grade 3:00-4:00
Trailblazer Elementary
2015 Wickes Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO
80919
Monday, August 16
First day of school for all students
Student supplies and tips for successful home learning environments
Being an online school, creating the learning environment at home falls on the responsibility of our parents and guardians. Therefore, rather than buying supplies at this time, this is an ideal time to get the learning area and conditions optimal for your student. The link below provides suggestions to consider as you prepare for your child's success this year.
Schedule overview
More details will be provided by our educators at our orientation including CAB (Creative and Active Beginning) time and blended learning structures during learning rotation blocks.
Below is a schoolwide overview of each learning day.
Let's hear from our students and families!
We have scheduled times with our professional recording studio in D11 and chances to participate in local and national news interviews to have your voices heard. Please get in touch with Mrs. Johnson if you would like to be part of this opportunity to share your story.
719-322-6270
About Spark Online Academy
Email: julie.johnson@d11.org
Website: d11.org/Spark
Location: Trailblazer Elementary School, Wickes Road, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Phone: 719.328.4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparkOnlineAcademy
Twitter: @D11SparkOnline