Spark Online Academy
Family Newsletter - November 14, 2022
Message from Mrs. Johnson
Greetings, Spark Online Community,
With Thanksgiving approaching quickly, it's a great time to reflect and remember the practice of gratitude. It's easy in the hustle and bustle of our lives to become distracted away from a mindset of gratefulness. Below are a few favorite quotes on gratitude.
"So it is not happiness that makes us grateful. It's gratefulness that makes us happy," David Steindl-Rast.
"Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly live with love—be there for others—bring a little light into someone's day. Be grateful and live each day to the fullest," Kyo Maclear.
I have much to be grateful for, including the students, staff, and families of Spark Online. Whenever I need a reminder to live with a grateful heart, I need to pause and think of all the people who make this school a safe and joyful place to learn.
As usual, lots of things are happening at Spark Online! Please read the newsletter carefully to be aware of the significant events in the weeks ahead!
We wish all a joy-filled Thanksgiving week!
Empowering learners every day,
Julie Johnson
Principal
719-328-4302 office
719-322-6270 cell
We need your help!
The 5Essentials Parent survey is only open for a few more days! This completely anonymous, 20-minute survey is designed to give your principal, teachers, and staff a better understanding of how you feel about your school and district and how connected you feel to your child's learning. This information is used by the superintendent, principals, and teachers. It will help us know where we need to improve communication and engagement with you so that we can all be on the same team to support your child. Your name and contact information will never be used, and results will be reported directly to the school. We appreciate your time to help us become better at partnering with you and supporting your child.
Honoring our Veterans
On Friday, November 11, Spark students engaged in many activities to learn about and honor those who serve or have served our country in the military. Here are links to a few activities experienced in different classrooms if you would like to explore and learn more!
Virtual Field Trips:
National Museum of the United States Air Force
National Museum of the US Navy
Gettysburg National Battlefield
Virtual Tour of Washington D.C.
Writing Letters to Veterans
Other Activities:
Health Matters
The school nurse will contact you if your child has missing vaccinations. It may be as simple as checking your health records and submitting records of vaccinations. Your school nurse will let you know what is missing so that you can make an appointment with your child’s provider to update their shots. Many older students are missing a Tdap vaccination (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis). One dose of Tdap is required for 6th through 12th grades.
Parents may complete an exemption based on religious, medical, or personal beliefs as well. Exemptions must be updated annually. Please let Katie Bots, RN, our school nurse if you have questions. Kathleen.bots@d11.org or (719)-357-0393.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
As we approach the holiday season, we consider what we’re thankful for. While some are fortunate to have a roof over our heads and food on our tables, there are those of us who struggle to meet these needs. Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week occurs November 13-20th and is designed to educate, draw attention to the problems of poverty, and spread awareness about local resources for those in need.
If you need assistance or are looking to get involved in helping families in your community, check out the resources below.
Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week - Find useful resources and ways to get involved in your community.
Feeding America - Feeding America is a national food bank assisting millions of families with food insecurity.
Homeless Shelter Directory - The Homeless Shelter Directory will help you find shelters in your area.
Health & Human Services - Health & Human Services provides resources and agencies to assist those experiencing homelessness.
Colorado Springs School District 11 partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance and insurance status.
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use and would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language.
- Visit www.caresolace.com/d11 and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Please join us at the Educating Children of Color Summit on January 14, 2023, at Colorado College. This event is free for parents and students. The registration deadline is December 16.
Building Outdoor Leaders Today (BOLT)
We are continuing our partnership with the Catamount Institute in bringing meaningful outdoor learning opportunities to our students.
Catamount Institute partners with Kids on Bikes and the COS TOPS Rangers in our BOLT program. This is a free program for teens in the Generation Wild of the Pikes Peak grant that normally costs $495. The program includes Saturday excursions and an overnight trip to Moab during Spring Break! Apply now if you're interested!
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