Spark Online Academy
Family Newsletter - January 17, 2022
Message from Mrs. Johnson
Greetings, Spark Online Community!
We are off to a successful start to 2022! Beginning the quarter with our student-led conferences allows our learners to get grounded in knowing themselves and creates a foundation for growth and development acquired through goal setting and reflection.
Self-knowledge and regulation, goal-setting, and action planning are all essential skills for success in life regardless of the path taken after K-12 education. These skills take intentional effort from parents, educators, and adults that have an influence on a child's development.
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend, this quote from his "The Purpose of Education" paper published in 1947 draws reference to the importance of worthy objectives.
"The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate."
Spark Online strives to develop the life skill of setting meaningful objectives and plans to attain those objectives through our student-led conferences and embedding our D11 Graduate Profile competencies LINKED HERE in student learning experiences.
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
January
- 17 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Schools closed)
- 18-21 - ACCESS English Language Proficiency State Assessment for English Language Learners
- 25 - 8th-grade Spark Online High School Open House (virtual) 6:00 - 7:30 pm
- 27 - Spark School Accountability Committee meeting (virtual) 6:00 - 7:00 pm
- 1 - 11 - 2nd-grade CogAt assessment (universal screening for gifted potential)
2021-2022 School Year Calendar - English
What are these kids up to? So much good!
Compassion Passion Project
TV Interview
Outdoor Learning Spark Hour with Catamount Institute
Learning and a smoothie? Sign me up!
Let me show you how to make a smoothie!
Playground break!
We want to hear and see more of the great things our learners are doing!
Pictures and information about the great learning happening with our Spark students can be sent to debra.depalo@d11.org
Here comes high school!
This unique pathway puts Spark graduates at an advantage by including real-world experiences and skills in most demand by colleges and employers as part of their comprehensive education. Significant planning in partnership with District 11 leadership and community businesses, organizations, and agencies to bring a high-quality, experience-based learning pathway to graduation.
Spark Online will host a virtual open house on Tuesday, January 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. 8th-grade students and families with residency in Colorado may attend to learn more and participate in a Q & A session.
Spark School Accountability Committee
Our Spark Online Academy School Accountability Committee (SAC) quarterly meeting is on Thursday, January 27 from 6:00-7:00 pm. This meeting will be held virtually. Please RSVP to Debra DePalo debra.depalo@d11.org . Once she receives your RSVP, she will send the meeting link.
Agenda items include:
- Review of the Unified School Improvement Plan (USIP) and comprehensive strategic plan
- Review winter benchmark testing data
- Overview of the high school expansion plan
Partnering with Catamount Institute for Spark Hour
Doherty Senior Research Project Support Request
Please consider supporting Marynn with her project by completing the survey linked below:
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