June 7, 2012
TO: Michael Green, SuperintendentFROM: Asha Riley
RE: Lewis River Academy Monthly Update
2011-2012 School Year:
Last year at this time Lewis River Academy was just an idea, now a full year later we are an accredited school that has served over 40 students! What a journey. It's been a joy to work with kids from such a wide range of experiences, from families that travel the world to those who struggle with health issues it's been neat to see how our school was able to serve each unique need. Mr. Knudson our teacher is largely responsible for this successful school year. Since the beginning he has worked tirelessly to not only make it a reality but a truly excellent option for home-study families in our district. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you and the school board for supporting our vision for an online academy. Without your continued support LRA wouldn't have become a reality.
2012-2013 School Year:
As of this week we have filled all our enrollment slots for next year and officially doubled in size. In anticipation of this I have hired an additional teacher. I am pleased to announce Mrs. Kim Knudson will be that teacher. She is not only an excellent instructor, skilled to teach a variety of grade levels she also brings specific experience with technology and reading instruction at the primary grades. I believe she will not only be an excellent teacher for us, but her vision and experience will enhance and build our school into an even more attractive option for local home-study families.
Next year we look to achieve another milestone and complete the state's Digital Learning Provider application. This is a comprehensive program review by the state in which we must demonstrate evidences that we meet a list of 54 criteria. The categories of criteria include, course content and instructional design, assessment practices, classroom management, school based support, technology, staff development, and program management. It will be a major undertaking but I am confident we will be able to demonstrate our program meets each criteria. We will have until February 2013 to submit our portfolio of evidences and should receive notice of our approval status by June 2013.
Upon receiving this status I believe the school will be fully established program that can grow to serve a larger number of students.