Spark Online Academy
Family Newsletter - March 20, 2023
Message from Mrs. Johnson
Greetings, Spark Online Community,
It's springtime in Colorado! Time for sudden weather changes, daylight savings sleepiness, and remarkable learning happening in our classrooms.
I want to give a big shout to our K-8 parents for participating in your student's Spring conference last week and to our students for their hard work in preparing to share their successes and challenges in working toward their goals. Your partnership is critical in our student-centered learning model. We know it can be stressful for students to present their learning to parents and teachers, and we're so proud of the courage they've shown in doing so. They are building skills to set themselves up for success in life, including goal setting, action planning, and communication. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you would like a recording of their conference.
I'd also like to acknowledge our high school students who completed their quarter three portfolio defense presentations on March 7. It's been a pleasure watching our high school students grow in confidence, responsibility, and communication skills in presenting their mastery artifacts with an authentic audience. These young people are leading the way in making a difference in the world, and I couldn't be more proud of them.
Last, and most certainly not least, I'd like to acknowledge our amazing instructional staff for making all of this possible. The many hours of planning and collaboration to bring the best learning to our students and building positive, caring relationships with every learner does not go unnoticed.
Parents and students, please join me in thanking our teachers for the work they do each day by sending a quick email or voicemail to thank them for their efforts in bringing rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning to students each day. There is also an opportunity to nominate a teacher for the Crystal Apple award in the newsletter below.
As always, we are proud to partner with you in bringing connected and relevant learning to our students.
Empowering learners every day,
Julie Johnson
Principal
719-328-4302 office
719-322-6270 cell
State Mandated Testing Information
All Colorado students in 3rd through 8th grade are scheduled to take the Colorado Measure of Academic Success (CMAS) test in April. State and federal law require testing to measure overall academic performance as measured by Colorado Academic Standards. For Spark students, this testing will be conducted at Trailblazer Elementary School, 2015 Wickes Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
The CMAS test consists of three sections of ELA testing and three sections of math testing for 3rd-8th, as well as three sections of science for 5th and 8th grades. The following schedule provides students with half-day testing so they can do their best. Spark teachers and staff will be at Trailblazer to supervise students and proctor testing. Please use the links below to access testing information for your student's grade level.
State and federal law require PSAT testing for all 9th and 10th-grade students to measure overall academic performance as measured by Colorado Academic Standards. For Spark students, this testing will be conducted at Trailblazer Elementary School, 2015 Wickes Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
I like to move it, move it!
Ms. Campbell broke out some dance moves with students at Brick or Click.
Pioneers Museum Field Trip
4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students learning about Colorado Springs history in the historic courtroom.
Food Pantry
About Spark Online Academy
Website: www.D11.org/SPARK
Location: 2015 Wickes Road, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Phone: 719-328-4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparkOnlineAcademy
Twitter: @D11SparkOnline