Eighth-grade students at Springs’ Bear River Student Center held the mock trial ¨The People vs. Matsumoto: A Murder Trial.¨ In preparation students held mock trials for two other cases, then each class separately did their initial trials for practice before competing against each other. Parents, staff, and 7th grade students participated as jury members.
Springs’ Magnolia Student Center “had an amazing assembly that was full of staff and student engagement for our 2nd-12th grade students (about 600 total),” reported Vice Principal Jamie Secoda Martinez.
Principal Kim Ballantyne-Morse of Springs Del Rio Student Center reported that the school’s facilities team built a handball wall for students over winter break. She said, “Our students were excited and are looking forward to using it during recess.
Emma Szuch, a 3rd grader with Springs’ Virtual Academy, is the Student Artist of the Month for February 2023. The young Upland resident likes to create art using colored pencils, crayons, and markers. She added, “Sometimes I like painting, too.”
Springs Keys, Arrow, and High School Learning Center staff participated in a professional development day with Dr. Jennifer Martin presenting about Supporting Student Success.
iShine 7th grade student Kaysen Chaffin won the Junior World Finals Bull Riding competition held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in December. To qualify, participants must be one of the top three bull riders in their region and then go on to be one of 100 riders competing in Las Vegas. Kaysen said, “It’s the most prestigious rodeo for which a youth could qualify.”
Springs’ Cherry Valley Student Center created a Winter Wonderland Workshop where families chose crafts to create while visiting with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Student art was on display for visitors to enjoy, and student council members presented a hot cocoa and cookie fundraiser. Principal Tammy Slaten said, “Our families had a blast and are looking forward to this event’s return next year.”
Springs’ Virtual Village teachers provide students with as many hands-on and team-building opportunities as possible, said Principal Lanise Goosby. Students have completed innovation projects and built mock ecosystems. Ms. Goosby said, “Our team takes full advantage of our occasional in-person meetings, and we use this time to learn and laugh together.”
Morgan Mobley, an anchor, and reporter for KCTV5 news, was the guest for Venture Online’s speaker series. She talked about her work and answered student questions.
Springs Bear River Student Center closed out 2022 with a Christmas musical theater performance led by musical theater teacher Pam Goodwin. Additionally, the school held its annual spelling bee. Winners included Profess Adhikari, Noah Chaidez , and Nalaya Phillips.
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
