October 2024 Springs eNewsletter

In an effort to help employees achieve their educational and career goals, in 2017 Springs launched its Employee Education Support Program. Since then more than 600 have taken advantage of the educational opportunities offered to them, reported Annette Butler, the program’s founder. These include Heather Dugan, Springs’ Director of Payroll, whose story was featured previously in the Springs eNewsletter (click here to read it).

“I earned two associates degrees at no cost other than books, with the help of the Employee Education Support Program.” noted Heather.

Springs’ Empower Academy has opened in Smyrna, Tennessee with nearly 200 students K-5, reported Principal Shane Wickwire. The school is temporarily being housed at the Boys and Girls Club of Smyrna while construction on the school’s permanent building is underway.

Renee Gooding is the new Bear River Student Center principal.

Renee is a graduate of Cal State University San Marcos who began her teaching career in private school where she taught first grade for many years before coming to Springs. She began working at Springs’ Da Vinci Student Center in Lake Elsinore in 2014 (the location was changed after problems with flooding). She notes that writing is her favorite subject and that she has attended several conferences on teaching writing to the primary grades.

Hudson Downen is a 1st grade student with Springs’ Venture Online program whose flexible schedule allows him the opportunity to follow his passion—desert racing. He began racing at age two, following the example of his father, who is also a desert racer.

Springs’ Cherry Valley Student Center had a week of student council campaigning, speeches, and voting as students ran for president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and class representative, reported Principal Tammy Slaten. The week included candidate speeches followed by electronic voting by students.

Springs Homeschool held its annual math extravaganza with 179 students and 113 parents participating, reported Nikkole McAdoo, Springs’ events and community engagement coordinator. This interactive event, facilitated by the Homeschool staff, focused on play-based learning, and encouraged students to explore math concepts through creativity and perseverance rather than relying on memorized formulas or procedures.

Karla Moreno and Nolan Arevalo are Springs juniors who participate in the National Honor Society (NHS) and as part of the program volunteered at the non-profit House of Mexico, reported Erin Riley, Journey Homeschool High School vice principal. The pair hosted a cottage at Balboa Park, she said, and provided information about Mexican culture and about the community events organized by the House of Mexico.

 The Montessori Voyage and Virtual Academy staff are excited to kick off the new school year, reported Lanise Goosby, Virtual Village principal. Kick-off events included a Virtual Back to School Event with more than 200 participating. Lanise said, “The staff did a fantastic job communicating with students and parents, setting the stage for what’s to come.”

Springs Murrieta Student Center is participating in the Choose Love movement, reported Principal Julia Krisel, which “is a proactive solution that addresses the root cause of violence to prevent it before it starts.” The program seeks to create safer schools “by teaching students how to use nurturing, healing love in any circumstance.”

Learning Center programs are “booming,” reported Homeschool Director Lori Loucks, with 1,800 Homeschool students taking classes, the highest amount ever. Center staff was able to increase class offerings at six sites and “the year has been off to a great start with successful meet & greet events and a month of great hands-on learning.” Class offerings include Oceanography, Legion of Legos, Celebration of Books, Magnificent Mathematicians, Guitar, and Sign Language.

Click here to find the Learning Center closest to you, for class schedules, and additional information.