Did you know? NASA offers free access to information on events, internships, college and pre-college experiences, educator experiences, and other opportunities related to NASA missions on their website! Explore NASA…
Did you know? NASA offers free access to information on events, internships, college and pre-college experiences, educator experiences, and other opportunities related to NASA missions on their website! Explore NASA STEM opportunities now!
…eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up your eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds…
Please see below for a special message from our directors!
Dear SCVi Families:
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the big event, which will take place from November 27 to December 1 in The Village at SCVi.
Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up your eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Book Fair online during these dates. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25.
Every online purchase will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping.
The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!
Happy reading,
Martha Spansel-Pellico & Chad Powell
School Directors
…which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school…
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that child care options will be available at SCVi starting with the 2024-25 school year. Understanding the impact of the closure of PlayMakers, which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school as well as during school breaks.
Starting this August, SCVi will offer before-and-after-school care. In addition, we are developing a summer camp program. For the foreseeable future, both programs will maintain the same fee structure that PlayMakers previously offered. We are also happy to inform you that we will be able to accept CCRC payments for families who qualify.
While we are still fine-tuning the details, our goal is to provide convenient, safe, and supportive child care options for all our enrolled families. For more information or to register for these programs, please contact Business Manager Donna Wood at donna.wood@scvi-k12.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to our SCVi family and serving your child care needs.
Yours in service,
Martha Spansel-Pellico & Chad Powell
SCVi School Directors
…9th Grade 9th Grade Fall Retreat New York & Boston or Europe Camping 10th Grade Europe (London) New York & Boston or Europe Camping 11th Grade Service trip to South…
“A person cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
Student travel, while always optional, is a valuable part of the learning experience, and at SCVi we highly encourage our learners to take advantage of these incredible opportunities to venture out and explore our country and the world. These experiences go a long way to help students understand themselves and others.
Students are encouraged to fund-raise for trips, which can be as much fun and facilitate as much bonding as the trip itself!
Good Reads
6th/7thGrade
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Contact us to schedule a tour and experience the SCVi difference for yourself.
If you’re interested in enrolling, please click below:
Read the story at KHTS!…
“For over a decade, SCVi Charter School in Castaic has been known for its cutting-edge arts and aerospace programs. Since its founding in 2008, SCVi has been a beacon for…
“For over a decade, SCVi Charter School in Castaic has been known for its cutting-edge arts and aerospace programs. Since its founding in 2008, SCVi has been a beacon for the visual and performing arts. In 2014, aerospace projects became a focal point of their rigorous project-based learning curriculum….”
Read the story at SCVTV!…
If you love technology, computers, coding, electronics, competitions, robots, and having fun, have we got something for you! SCVi High School’s brand-new FIRST Robotics Team will be meeting every Wednesday…
If you love technology, computers, coding, electronics, competitions, robots, and having fun, have we got something for you! SCVi High School’s brand-new FIRST Robotics Team will be meeting every Wednesday in Wordsworth during G block. Coding or computer experience is not required. See Mrs. N. or Dane for more info. Come check it out!
Please email lynne.nirattisai@scvi-k12.org for more info.
…which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school…
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that child care options will be available at SCVi starting with the 2024-25 school year. Understanding the impact of the closure of PlayMakers, which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school as well as during school breaks.
Starting this August, SCVi will offer before-and-after-school care. In addition, we are developing a summer camp program. For the foreseeable future, both programs will maintain the same fee structure that PlayMakers previously offered. We are also happy to inform you that we will be able to accept CCRC payments for families who qualify.
While we are still fine-tuning the details, our goal is to provide convenient, safe, and supportive child care options for all our enrolled families. For more information or to register for these programs, please contact Business Manager Donna Wood at donna.wood@scvi-k12.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to our SCVi family and serving your child care needs.
Yours in service,
Martha Spansel-Pellico & Chad Powell
SCVi School Directors
…which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school…
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that child care options will be available at SCVi starting with the 2024-25 school year. Understanding the impact of the closure of PlayMakers, which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school as well as during school breaks.
Starting this August, SCVi will offer before-and-after-school care. In addition, we are developing a summer camp program. For the foreseeable future, both programs will maintain the same fee structure that PlayMakers previously offered. We are also happy to inform you that we will be able to accept CCRC payments for families who qualify.
While we are still fine-tuning the details, our goal is to provide convenient, safe, and supportive child care options for all our enrolled families. For more information or to register for these programs, please contact Business Manager Donna Wood at donna.wood@scvi-k12.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to our SCVi family and serving your child care needs.
Yours in service,
Martha Spansel-Pellico & Chad Powell
SCVi School Directors
…which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school…
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that child care options will be available at SCVi starting with the 2024-25 school year. Understanding the impact of the closure of PlayMakers, which many families in our community relied on for child care, we have been actively working to develop programs that will meet our enrolled families’ needs before and after school as well as during school breaks.
Starting this August, SCVi will offer before-and-after-school care. In addition, we are developing a summer camp program. For the foreseeable future, both programs will maintain the same fee structure that PlayMakers previously offered. We are also happy to inform you that we will be able to accept CCRC payments for families who qualify.
While we are still fine-tuning the details, our goal is to provide convenient, safe, and supportive child care options for all our enrolled families. For more information or to register for these programs, please contact Business Manager Donna Wood at donna.wood@scvi-k12.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to our SCVi family and serving your child care needs.
Yours in service,
Martha Spansel-Pellico & Chad Powell
SCVi School Directors
Read the story at the Santa Clarita Valley Signal!…
…and community building. “This is collaborative problem-solving, and communication is key,” Kreiger said. “Learners have to talk things out, and this is a helpful skill in math problem-solving.” Kreiger, who…
By Michael Niehoff
Education Content Coordinator, iLEAD Schools
Engaging learners in math problem-solving can be difficult. Many educators have turned to challenges and games to increase participation. At SCVi Charter School, 7th grade math facilitator Carolyn Kreiger has successfully taken that concept to the virtual environment.
Like many schools, SCVi has been in distance learning since March 2020. During this time, third-year facilitator Kreiger has been experimenting with virtual escape rooms. Kreiger said that these are web-based rooms conducted through Zoom. Her learners work as teams to complete a puzzle or challenge in a fixed time. See Kreiger’s Halloween Escape Room as one example.
The purpose of virtual escape rooms, according to Kreiger, is to foster and create collaboration, teamwork and community building. “This is collaborative problem-solving, and communication is key,” Kreiger said. “Learners have to talk things out, and this is a helpful skill in math problem-solving.”
Kreiger, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and earned a bachelor’s degree in math at UC Berkeley, said that learners respond to the fun, social and game aspect of these challenges.
“Learning should be fun,” Kreiger said. “With these challenges, learners choose their own teams and have fun working together for a greater purpose.”
Kreiger said that the learners respond well to the gamification aspects of escape rooms. “There is a competitive aspect to this,” Kreiger said. “There are also opportunities for each learner to shine based on individual roles, responsibilities and strengths.”
These experiences go beyond fun and allow learners to build skills. “Learners develop consistent thought processes, problem-solving and logic skills,” Kreiger said. “They have to figure out what’s being asked of them and learn to figure out where the clues are, and that’s math in a nutshell.”
Kreiger said these experiences have helped her build instructional and facilitation strategies. “As a facilitator, I can design with everyone’s ability in mind, and every learner works at their level,” Kreiger said. “ I am better able to see how to support different learners and their abilities.”
According to Kreiger, the successful teams are the ones who learn to delegate, assume different roles and responsibilities, and ultimately maximize the use of the group.
“I love to pop into breakout rooms and have learners tell me what they are working on and how they are approaching the problem,” Kreiger said. “Again, it’s about their ability to discuss the problems they are solving.”
Kreiger’s learners seem to be thoroughly enjoying these immersive experiences. Chloe, a 7th grader at SCVi, said she enjoys the escape rooms because they provide the practice she needs in a fun and engaging way.
“For me, studying at home makes it hard to communicate and talk to other learners about what to do, as I get somewhat nervous. Despite my shyness, the escape rooms make it so that we are able to share ideas and find solutions to each problem in a way that seems natural to me,” she said. “Also, escape rooms are way more entertaining than just solving normal math problems because they allow you to search for the answers, and there are several ways to solve the puzzles.”
Although learners have not yet designed their own virtual escape rooms, Kreiger said the learners’ year-end project may involve this exciting challenge.
For educators interested in developing virtual escape rooms, Kreiger recommends using Google Sites. They are also welcome to contact her via email as well.
Going forward, Kreiger said she will continue to use virtual escape rooms intermittently. Currently, she is working on a probability project with this driving question: How can I create a game of chance where I win all the time?
“My goal,” Kreiger said, “is to keep my learners challenged and engaged any way I can.”
If you love technology, computers, coding, electronics, competitions, robots, and having fun, have we got something for you! SCVi High School’s brand-new FIRST Robotics Team will be meeting every Wednesday…
If you love technology, computers, coding, electronics, competitions, robots, and having fun, have we got something for you! SCVi High School’s brand-new FIRST Robotics Team will be meeting every Wednesday in Wordsworth during G block. Coding or computer experience is not required. See Mrs. N. or Dane for more info. Come check it out!
Please email lynne.nirattisai@scvi-k12.org for more info.
If you love technology, computers, coding, electronics, competitions, robots, and having fun, have we got something for you! SCVi High School’s brand-new FIRST Robotics Team will be meeting every Wednesday…
If you love technology, computers, coding, electronics, competitions, robots, and having fun, have we got something for you! SCVi High School’s brand-new FIRST Robotics Team will be meeting every Wednesday in Wordsworth during G block. Coding or computer experience is not required. See Mrs. N. or Dane for more info. Come check it out!
Please email lynne.nirattisai@scvi-k12.org for more info.
…joy by inviting the whole family to participate in our new Fall Family Fun Challenge! We’re challenging your family to create a short and creative video response to this prompt:…
Dear SCVi families,
As we get into the rhythm of distance learning, one of the highlights for us as a team is viewing our SCVi families’ photo submissions to ileadschools.org/stories. We miss our learners and families so much, and it brings us joy to see you engaged in learning at home and on the go. We want to expand the joy by inviting the whole family to participate in our new Fall Family Fun Challenge!
We’re challenging your family to create a short and creative video response to this prompt: “What I love about SCVi.” Put your own spin on it — you can dance, sing, act, etc. Most importantly, have fun!
Submit your video here:
We can accept files or links to your public social media posts. If you send us a video, we will consider this approval for use on our school websites and social media accounts. Please do not include images of video conference screens showing learners. For questions — or to email your submission instead of using the form (please include school name) — email stories@ileadschools.org.
…joy by inviting the whole family to participate in our new Fall Family Fun Challenge! We’re challenging your family to create a short and creative video response to this prompt:…
Dear SCVi families,
As we get into the rhythm of distance learning, one of the highlights for us as a team is viewing our SCVi families’ photo submissions to ileadschools.org/stories. We miss our learners and families so much, and it brings us joy to see you engaged in learning at home and on the go. We want to expand the joy by inviting the whole family to participate in our new Fall Family Fun Challenge!
We’re challenging your family to create a short and creative video response to this prompt: “What I love about SCVi.” Put your own spin on it — you can dance, sing, act, etc. Most importantly, have fun!
Submit your video here:
We can accept files or links to your public social media posts. If you send us a video, we will consider this approval for use on our school websites and social media accounts. Please do not include images of video conference screens showing learners. For questions — or to email your submission instead of using the form (please include school name) — email stories@ileadschools.org.
…joy by inviting the whole family to participate in our new Fall Family Fun Challenge! We’re challenging your family to create a short and creative video response to this prompt:…
Dear SCVi families,
As we get into the rhythm of distance learning, one of the highlights for us as a team is viewing our SCVi families’ photo submissions to ileadschools.org/stories. We miss our learners and families so much, and it brings us joy to see you engaged in learning at home and on the go. We want to expand the joy by inviting the whole family to participate in our new Fall Family Fun Challenge!
We’re challenging your family to create a short and creative video response to this prompt: “What I love about SCVi.” Put your own spin on it — you can dance, sing, act, etc. Most importantly, have fun!
Submit your video here:
We can accept files or links to your public social media posts. If you send us a video, we will consider this approval for use on our school websites and social media accounts. Please do not include images of video conference screens showing learners. For questions — or to email your submission instead of using the form (please include school name) — email stories@ileadschools.org.
…Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. We use project-based and social-emotional learning…
If you can believe it’s already February, can you imagine the end of the school year at tuition-free TK-12 Santa Clarita Valley International’s (SCVi) is right around the corner? Whether you’re planning your summer(!) or just want to sync the family calendar, here are important dates for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year:
Grades TK/K:
Monday – Friday 8:45am-12:30pm
Grades 1st – 5th
Monday – Thursday 8:45am – 3:15pm
Friday: 8:45am – 1:04pm
Grades 6th – 8th
Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 3:15pm
Friday: 8:30am – 1:04pm
Grades 9th-12th
Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
Friday: 8:30am – 1:04pm
*All Fridays are early release days.*
Look at all these fun events on our calendar!
February
Mon-Friday 2/5-2/16: Fun Run Fundraiser
Mon-Friday 2/12-2/16: Spirit Week
2/19: NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ Day Observance)
March
Sunday 3/10: Daylight Savings Time Begins (SPRING FORWARD one hour)
Tuesday 3/19: Information Night
Wednesday 3/20: Lottery Applications Close
Mon-Friday 3/25-29: Spirit Week
April
Mon-Monday 4/1-8: Spring Break NO SCHOOL
Friday 4/19: Earth Day Celebration
Friday 4/19: Middle School Film Fest
May
Thurs-Friday 5/16-17 K-5 Assessments
Friday 5/24: NO SCHOOL
Monday 5/27: NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day Observance)
June
Mon-Friday 6/3-7: Last Week Assessments, Conferences & Showcases of Learning
Friday 6/7: Last Day of School
Want a printable PDF? More events? Looking for other answers? Contact SCVi to ask a question, take a tour, or enroll at our TK-12.
About SCVi:
Santa Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. We use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. We incorporate technology into every component of our curriculum, and we value and encourage development of leadership skills by inspiring confidence and character in each of our unique learners. Join our innovative school today!
…where teams of learners have come up with scientific research projects that successfully launched to the International Space Station for testing, or living history programs where learners re-create scenes from…
Consider this for a moment: What would be an ideal way to learn about flight and all that it involves? Do textbooks, lectures, and maybe a few videos help learners gain a firm grasp and understanding of the concepts?
What if, instead, kids could learn about the magic of flight through hands-on experiments in the classroom, logging time with flight simulators, seeing a glider up close on campus — and culminating their studies with an actual glider flight?
At SCVi, learners have the opportunity to do just that through our partnership with a local soaring academy, and it’s just one example of how SCVi embraces real-world experiences as a way for kids to fully immerse themselves in the learning process.
Particularly in light of how we emphasize 21st-century skills and preparing learners for the work world, tangible experiences help elevate the learning process.
Other examples include our DreamUp to Space challenges, where teams of learners have come up with scientific research projects that successfully launched to the International Space Station for testing, or living history programs where learners re-create scenes from history.
Real-world experience is at the heart of what can make project-based learning (PBL) truly exciting, challenging, and rewarding for learners. When PBL is infused with real-world experiences, learners develop crucial skills while they’re still in school. Additionally, these experiences can provide learners with deeper insights into career areas they may want to pursue. Furthermore, kids find that their success isn’t defined merely by a grade but by the experience they gain through the process.
Finally, learning that incorporates real-world experience helps learners become familiar with professional environments. Besides learning the subject content, learners develop skills crucial in the work world, including clear and timely communication, thinking critically, problem-solving, and time management.
As part of a well-rounded PBL curriculum, real-world experiences are essential to iLEAD Lancaster’s mission to help kids be free to think and inspired to lead.
