Starting Tuesday, August 13, enrolled learners are invited to enjoy free breakfast and lunch every day they’re at school. We encourage learners to enjoy both meals, ensuring full bellies and…
Starting Tuesday, August 13, enrolled learners are invited to enjoy free breakfast and lunch every day they’re at school. We encourage learners to enjoy both meals, ensuring full bellies and nourished minds, ready for learning!
Starting Tuesday, August 13, enrolled learners are invited to enjoy free breakfast and lunch every day they’re at school. We encourage learners to enjoy both meals, ensuring full bellies and…
Starting Tuesday, August 13, enrolled learners are invited to enjoy free breakfast and lunch every day they’re at school. We encourage learners to enjoy both meals, ensuring full bellies and nourished minds, ready for learning!
At SCVi, it is our mission to create a learning environment where students are free to think and inspired to lead. Throughout your child’s years at SCVi, we will provide…
At SCVi, it is our mission to create a learning environment where students are free to think and inspired to lead.
Throughout your child’s years at SCVi, we will provide many opportunities for them to express their voice and exercise choice in their learning. Our goal is to spark your learner’s curiosity and invite them to use their strengths and increase their capacity to solve real-world problems, work collaboratively with their peers, and present their learning to the community.
As a result, you’ll witness your child enjoying and retaining their academic learning, developing critical and creative thinking skills, becoming adept communicators, and consistently applying what they learn through meaningful action.
We welcome you on this exciting journey as we witness learners becoming confident, capable, and ready to take on the challenges of the world.
…never pretend to be anyone else other than my best self,” she said. Influence of the SCVi Community Ultimately, Lopez-Fasanella said that it was the people who made the difference…
iLEAD is an acronym that stands for International, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Development, the Arts and Design Thinking. To many in the iLEAD Community, these are more than just words. They represent a mindset and an approach to the world. Not only do iLEAD staff take these words to heart, but the learners often do as well. That’s the case with iLEAD SCVi Alum Amanda Lopez-Fasanella – one of the inaugural iLEAD learners and member of the first SCVi Graduating Class of 2014.
Her life and career since leaving SCVi have been everything from exciting to unique. And through all of her educational, work and life experiences, she said she has carried the lessons she learned from the people she worked with during her days at SCVi.
Currently, Lopez-Fasanella is starting her master’s program in Art History at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. She had always planned on living and working overseas. Her initial plan was to volunteer in Ukraine in 2020. However, the pandemic derailed that plan.
“It has always been my dream to live in another country for an extended period of time,” said Lopez-Fasanella. “Since my hopes of volunteering in Ukraine were put on hold, I looked for other opportunities.”
Her Undergraduate College Experience
Lopez-Fasanella studied Anthropology / Archaeology at Franklin & Marshall College, a small liberal arts institution in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In addition to the coursework in her major, Lopez-Fasanella said she discovered Art History in her fifth year.
“My soul was touched. I discovered that I was naturally inclined to the subject,” she said. “I quickly understood that I was not finished with my education.”
Although her college experience was not project-based, she said her PBL background from SCVi became relevant once again as she prepared for graduate school and work beyond.
Lopez-Fasanella said a professor described the skills and attributes she would need for a career in Art History. This professor listed things such as being detail-oriented, self aware, innovative and being community oriented to name a few.
“What she described aligned perfectly with the skills that are cultivated at SCVi,” she said. “I realized then and there that I could do this because of my project-based learning at SCVi.”
The Impact of SCVi
Lopez-Fasanella acknowledges that most schools encourage their learners to dream about a better future, but that not all schools create and foster the necessary culture where all learners believe that is possible. She said that SCVi cultivated and instilled a particular kind of independence in her and her peers where they each enjoyed unique and special opportunities.
“SCVi operated this way at their core,” she said. “They sincerely encouraged us to ‘dream big’ each and every day.”
When it comes to transferable skills and mindset, Lopez-Fasanella cites what lesson is at the forefront of her SCVi memories and what has served her well throughout college and beyond.
“SCVi taught me to never pretend to be anyone else other than my best self,” she said.
Influence of the SCVi Community
Ultimately, Lopez-Fasanella said that it was the people who made the difference for her. She said that all of the SCVi facilitators and staff were highly engaged in appreciating where each learner was on their learning journey.
“Our facilitators fostered creativity, imagination, innovation and encouraged us to present work that represented a true version of ourselves,” she said. “They led by example and I consider all of them role models.”
Of all the lessons learned at SCVi, Lopez-Fasanella said ultimately that she was and continues to be inspired to change the world. She said when she reflects on who has influenced her the most, she always thinks of her SCVI family. She said she fondly remembers the impact and influence from Cheryl Sena, Dustin Lengning, Elsa Williamson, Danjila Kuric, Kim Adams, Gris Ibarra, Malaka Donovan, Dan Molik, Matt Watson, Luke Salzarulo, and Sheldon Sparks.
“They all really had an impact on me too great to put into words,” said Lopez-Fasanella.
She said all of the aforementioned offered her thousands of life lessons. However, she does admit that some stand out to her. For example, she said Cheryl Sena was like a mother figure who taught her the value of being reflective. She added that Malaka Donovan taught her to look at the world differently and openly. Finally, she said that Dan Molik taught her the impact of doing what you love and doing it well.
“Together they changed my life,” she said. “They helped me realize that I have the power to change my life and the lives of others.”
Finally, she said the collective lesson from SCVi was that we all have the ability to impact the lives of others. She thanks SCVi for this lesson and for acknowledging that learners are more than curriculum.
“I’ve learned to treat the rest of the world like my peers, and my life like my classroom,” said Lopez-Fasanella.
New SCVi Winter Spirit Wear Come see the new spirit wear items in the lobby now Zipper Hoodies Pullover Hoodies Sweat Pants Scarves …
New SCVi Spirit Wear Come see the new spirit wear items in the lobby now Zipper Hoodies Pullover Hoodies Sweat Pants Scarves Senior Spirit Wear Order your new Senior wear…
…iLEAD community. “I could not have been happier when I heard the fabulous news of Dustin’s selection to the SOFIA AAA program — I may have cried a bit,” said…
One of the many tenets of project-based learning is authenticity – learning that is as relevant and real world as possible. When it comes to authentic science learning, iLEAD SCVi Facilitator Dustin Lengning has taken this to a whole new level.
Lengning has just been selected as an educator to fly on NASA’S SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) – a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to serve as a mobile space observatory. SOFIA flies into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet and operates above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. This allows astronomers to study the solar system and beyond in ways that are not possible with ground-based telescopes.
All of this is part of the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Program that Lengning applied to this past fall. After recently learning he had been accepted, Lengning indicated how excited he is to be part of an elite program that allows researchers to observe from almost anywhere in the world. SOFIA enables studies of transient events that often take place over oceans where there are no telescopes. For example, astronomers on SOFIA studied eclipse-like events of Pluto, Saturn’s moon Titan and Kuiper Belt Object MU69. Other examples include the next flyby target for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft to study the objects’ atmospheres and surroundings.
“I am excited about flying on SOFIA and seeing how the instruments work and the data that gets collected. Being a part of something historical is something I could only have dreamed of,” said Lengning. “I am extremely excited about which places in our universe we will be studying and what the astrophysicists plan for us.”
With training webinars already underway, Lengning will continue to learn everything he needs to know over the coming months in order to prepare for his flight this fall. His training includes blended learning professional development consisting of webinars, asynchronous content (an upper level astronomy course) and hands-on workshops. Additionally, Lengning will have several immersive experiences and continued collaboration with experts and other participants in the program.
Others in the iLEAD orbit are excited for Lengning and this unique opportunity as an educator. iLEAD Director of STEAM Activities Kathleen Fredette – herself one of the original six educators selected to fly on SOPHIA in 2011 – said that this is truly a full circle moment for her. She said that Lengning fits NASA’s SOFIA and the Airborne Astronomy Ambassador educator profile perfectly – someone who will take this incredible privilege and create connections and further opportunities for young people he serves in the iLEAD community.
“I could not have been happier when I heard the fabulous news of Dustin’s selection to the SOFIA AAA program — I may have cried a bit,” said Fredette. “It’s quite an accomplishment and I look forward to seeing what project ideas emerge from his experience.”
For Lengning, this is part of one of his primary goals – continuing to model lifelong learning to his learners, while also always considering new project ideas. He said he wants to continue to broaden his expertise to help both his learners and the entire iLEAD Community.
“For me, it is always about being better than I was; leveling up myself not only for me, but for my learners,” said Lengning. “I always want to push myself into bigger and better things so I am excited to see where this endeavor takes me.”
Lengning’s message to his fellow educators is to continue to challenge themselves in their own learning and positions as role models.
“Our learners are always looking up to us. When we do things that are hard, it tells them that they can do the same thing,” he said. “I hope my learners can see what I am doing and choose to also push themselves into scientific arenas that interest them.”
…new families to our vibrant school community and highlight the exceptional learning opportunities we offer. Here’s what you can expect: Enjoy music performances Explore art and project displays Learn about…
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to our upcoming SCVi New Family Welcome event on Friday, May 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This gathering is designed to introduce new families to our vibrant school community and highlight the exceptional learning opportunities we offer.
Here’s what you can expect:
We look forward to seeing you there!
Dear Families of English Language Learners, You are cordially invited to our English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting, an opportunity to provide valuable input on the English learner programs offered…
Dear Families of English Language Learners,
You are cordially invited to our English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting, an opportunity to provide valuable input on the English learner programs offered at SCVi, and to join the conversation on how to ensure academic success for our learners. The meeting will take place in the Village on Wednesday, May 24, at 4:00 PM. We look forward to working with you.
_____________
Estimados padres/tutores/familias,
Está cordialmente invitado a nuestra reunión del Comité Asesor de Aprendices de Inglés (ELAC), una oportunidad para brindar información valiosa sobre los programas para aprendices de inglés que se ofrecen en SCVi y para unirse a la conversación sobre cómo garantizar el éxito académico de nuestros alumnos. La reunión se llevará a cabo en la Villa, el miércoles 24 de mayo a las 4:00 pm. Esperamos con interés trabajar con usted.
…new families to our vibrant school community and highlight the exceptional learning opportunities we offer. Here’s what you can expect: Enjoy music performances Explore art and project displays Learn about…
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to our upcoming SCVi New Family Welcome event on Friday, May 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This gathering is designed to introduce new families to our vibrant school community and highlight the exceptional learning opportunities we offer.
Here’s what you can expect:
We look forward to seeing you there!
…new families to our vibrant school community and highlight the exceptional learning opportunities we offer. Here’s what you can expect: Enjoy music performances Explore art and project displays Learn about…
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to our upcoming SCVi New Family Welcome event on Friday, May 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This gathering is designed to introduce new families to our vibrant school community and highlight the exceptional learning opportunities we offer.
Here’s what you can expect:
We look forward to seeing you there!
New SCVi Winter Spirit Wear Come see the new spirit wear items in the lobby now Zipper Hoodies Pullover Hoodies Sweat Pants Scarves Senior Spirit Wear Order your new Senior…
New SCVi Winter Spirit Wear Come see the new spirit wear items in the lobby now Zipper Hoodies Pullover Hoodies Sweat Pants Scarves Senior Spirit Wear Order your new Senior…
New SCVi Winter Spirit Wear Come see the new spirit wear items in the lobby now Zipper Hoodies Pullover Hoodies Sweat Pants Scarves Senior Spirit Wear Order your new…
New SCVi Winter Spirit Wear Come see the new spirit wear items in the lobby now Zipper Hoodies Pullover Hoodies Sweat Pants Scarves Senior Spirit Wear Order your new…
…up You can place your order in several ways: Restaurant Website Storefront Walk-In Phone Call Notice: Orders from third-party delivery apps do not qualify for this fundraiser. Please read the instructions…
Meet up with your friends and family for a tasty meal before or after you see our High School Theatre production of Grease! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all three!) at Corner Bakery in Valencia and raise funds for Scarlet Foundation, benefitting SCVi.
RSVP now!
To participate in this fundraiser, you can…
You can place your order in several ways:
Please read the instructions below for the ordering option of your choice, so that Corner Bakery Cafe knows you are with the GroupRaise Meal for Scarlet Foundation, and 25% of your meal’s price will be donated back!
…Adventures Have in Common As much choice as there is at our small, tuition-free school, some things are just a given, like: –Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is essentially building…
Your learning adventure in school should be just that: your own! Plus exciting, challenging, confidence building, and unique. At Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School, a tuition-free TK-12th grade public school in Castaic, California, we offer so many great learning paths. Here are some of your options at our WASC-accredited school.
Our small, tuition-free public school has a very intentional approach to 21st-century education. Learners are active participants in their learning process and are able to connect ideas and concepts together in practice. What kind of participation? How about…
Learn another language starting in kindergarten or even first grade? We offer dual language immersion in Spanish.
Don’t want to learn another language? That’s great — we have that path too!
And by “path,” think more of a shared multi-use road given there’s so much overlapping in learning and collaboration in our multiage and open classrooms. And don’t forget creativity and play! We are serious about our play-based learning no matter where a learner is on a path.
Is science a passion and coming up with a project to send to space appealing? SCVi learners are invited to participate in the DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge. Their mission? Learn the fundamentals of space exploration, including microgravity, scientific experimentation, and proposal writing.
With our emphasis on project-based learning (PBL), maybe in high school you opt in to our International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-Related Programme. Or because of your confidence in PBL, you choose a career-connected learning path.
Perhaps, after learning about aerospace and aviation every year in our lower school, you decide to learn how to fly a glider in 8th grade. And if that’s not enough, for our 2024-25 year, you could join our new Aerospace Career Technical Education pathway in grades 9-12!
Want even more in high school? Take college classes for free through College of the Canyons. You really have so many ways to succeed at SCVi.
As much choice as there is at our small, tuition-free school, some things are just a given, like:
–Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is essentially building positive social character by supporting a learner’s development of emotional intelligence, life skills, and community engagement. SCVi integrates SEL directly into the curriculum. We use the Leader in Me’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People education series to promote engagement, belonging, and well-being.
–Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) personalize goals and instruction for each child. We believe that learning should be interest-driven, peer-supported, and focused on powerful outcomes.
–Arts program integration into our projects. We love using the arts as a way to express our creativity! Whether through dance, music, theatre, media, or visual methods, the arts are often viewed as the thread connecting multiple subject areas and are an invaluable part of the PBL process.
-Opportunities for self-directed learning. Learners develop an ability to set goals, monitor their own progress, and reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement.
-We support and care for ALL our learners at SCVi. We take the time to meet learners where they are academically and socially and help them learn and grow into their full potential.
-We offer a safe space for our learners to grow, take appropriate risks, and gain confidence in themselves.
-We host Advisory (Morning Meeting for grades TK-5) where learners and facilitators have an intentional time to focus on making connections, learning conflict resolution and exploring problem-solving ideas.
-Our devoted staff support students with coaching and guidance aimed at a win-win solution using the Love and Logic discipline approach.
-Our Learner-Led Conferences (LLCs) include a Report of Progress that contains a narrative of a learner’s development, both academically and socially.
-Project-based learning! PBL is truly at the core of all we do. We love it because it promotes collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving in an exciting and definitely engaging way.
Which path will you choose? We are here to help, every step of the way. Enrolling now!
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!
…not in session, the Summer Meals Program (SFSP) provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas. Click the link below to quickly and easily find summer meal sites…
We want to make sure all our families have access to meals this summer. Please see the tools below if you need assistance.
When school is not in session, the Summer Meals Program (SFSP) provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas. Click the link below to quickly and easily find summer meal sites near you:
To locate meals for your family, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE, or visit www.whyhunger.org/find-food.
…not in session, the Summer Meals Program (SFSP) provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas. Click the link below to quickly and easily find summer meal sites…
We want to make sure all our families have access to meals this summer. Please see the tools below if you need assistance.
When school is not in session, the Summer Meals Program (SFSP) provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas. Click the link below to quickly and easily find summer meal sites near you:
To locate meals for your family, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE, or visit www.whyhunger.org/find-food.
…not in session, the Summer Meals Program (SFSP) provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas. Click the link below to quickly and easily find summer meal sites…
We want to make sure all our families have access to meals this summer. Please see the tools below if you need assistance.
When school is not in session, the Summer Meals Program (SFSP) provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas. Click the link below to quickly and easily find summer meal sites near you:
To locate meals for your family, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE, or visit www.whyhunger.org/find-food.
