Novy Fanicon, a 1st-grade student at the Rancho Cucamonga Student Center, is the February 2026 Student Artist of the Month. Her artwork is entitled “Dream Team.”
Novy likes to draw rainbows, “everything pink,” herself and her brother in the park using Sharpies, crayons, and paint. And, she said, you “can’t forget the glitter.” Besides art, she enjoys collecting stickers and making organic makeup (e.g., lip balm, lip gloss, and blush).
Springs Journey Homeschool High School senior Leonardo Flores Rodriguez is a star soccer player. While he’s on the road participating in games, he completes his studies online.
Leo joined the Journey program to balance academics with his interest in soccer. Teacher Kyle Pieterse said, “Leonardo receives excellent grades, high standardized test scores, and participates in our dual-enrollment program with Barstow Community College.”
Springs’ Temecula Student Center (TSC) teamed up with the Professional Women’s Roundtable, a local non-profit organization in the Murrieta/Temecula Valley, for its first annual Peanut Butter Drive, reported Melissa Targos, program facilitator. TSC staff and families donated more than 50 jars of peanut butter to local food pantries for distribution to needy families from Lake Elsinore to Temecula.
Audrina Rodriguez, a 2nd-grade student with the Venture Online program since kindergarten, enjoys reading. Her favorite book series are “The Baby-Sitters Club” and “Dork Diaries.” She said, “You can always find me with a book in my hands. I take books everywhere I go and read whenever I can.”
The seven-year-old also likes drawing and spending time with her sisters. Her favorite parts of the Venture program include interacting with her teachers and fellow students during daily live sessions. She is also participating in Learning Center classes, and said, “Right now, I’m taking a class called The STEAM Team, where we do hands-on science experiments and fun projects. It’s one of the best parts of my week.”
Springs’ High School Learning Center staff, who serve 142 students across four campuses, gathered for a professional development session with a Hawaiian Christmas theme, reported Sherri Duckworth-Kemp. Participants discussed best teaching practices; teacher Ron Thompson presented a lesson on using online tools to engage students in daily academic vocabulary practice through a gaming-style platform.
Journey Homeschool High School senior Cohen Bringhurst was named the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month, reported Nicole Collins, Vice Principal.
Cohen has been attending Springs schools since 2nd grade. He has a 4.4 GPA and has completed 10 college courses. He has finished a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway in Health Science and completed an internship at his father’s dental office. When not at school, he is active in his church. Continue reading
The Classical Community of Orange County at the Santa Ana Learning Center, serving approximately 170 students, recently hosted its first history festival of the school year, reported Linda Larson, homeschool director. This year’s focus is early American history, and all classes spent the fall studying the diverse regions of Native American peoples—exploring their clothing, local resources, homes, and art. Continue reading
Selah Gurkin, a 3rd grade student in Springs’ Venture Online Program, participates in All Star Cheer. The Buena Park resident likes competitive cheer, she said, because it “allows me to move around, be loud, and work with my team.”
Kennedy Brande, a 5th grade student at the Enterprise Learning Lab, is a competitive roller skater. She took first place in the National Roller Skating Championship in Reno, Nevada; her competitions include figures, dance, toe loops, and a creative dance program. She is working to qualify for the 2026 National Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, to be held next July.
The staff at Springs’ Palm Academy is working hard to motivate their students to excel in the school’s ST Math Program, with students in teacher Salina Perales’ 3rd-4th grade class taking first place among the grades, reported Michelle Pantoja, TOSA Admin. The school has also kicked off an Attendance Challenge to improve attendance, she said.
Springs Charter Schools are parent choice schools where the community is our classroom. Our mission is to foster the innate curiosity of our students, empower their parents, and promote optimum learning by collaboratively developing a personalized learning program for each student.
Eagle = Choice, Freedom, Initiative
River = Community
Book = Empowering Parents (Knowledge is Power)
Torch = Curiosity, Passion for Learning
Hands = Collaboration
Keys = Personalization, Unlocking the Student’s Potential
Oak Branches = Continuous Lifelong Learning
