Academic Pentathlon
This course is designed to prepare students for the Academic Pentathlon Regional Competition put on by the network of Independent Study of Schools. Students will work through the thematic curriculum using the online platform through Schoology and participate in office-hour meetings with their regional coach, April Glauner. Competitions are 100% online.
About Academic Pentathlon
In short, an Academic Pentathlon is an event comprised of five tests and a written essay. Students will take these tests during:
- a scrimmage competition
- a regional competition
- a state competition (qualification-based)
- a national competition (qualification-based)
An important detail to note is that students of any GPA can join. Teams are required to have a mix of student grade/academic levels, comprised of students with lower grades, students with average grades, and students with high grades. This means that AcaPen is for EVERYONE! Check out the Pentathlon website for further national details.
Elementary School Students Preparing for Academic Pentathlon
To participate in the Academic Pentathlon as a 6th, 7th or 8th grader, it’s great that you're already thinking ahead! The competition consists of five different events, and each one tests different skills. Here's a breakdown of the skills you should prepare for:
1. Literature:
- Skills: Reading comprehension, analyzing stories, understanding themes, characters, and plot.
- Preparation: Read books at your grade level or higher. Practice summarizing stories and discussing their themes, characters, and important events. Get familiar with different genres like fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
2. Mathematics:
- Skills: Solving math problems, understanding basic algebra, geometry, and word problems.
- Preparation: Review math concepts like multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, area, perimeter, and basic algebra. Practice solving problems quickly and accurately.
3. Science:
- Skills: Understanding science concepts like earth science, biology, physics, and chemistry. Ability to think critically and apply knowledge.
- Preparation: Study topics in science that are covered in your grade. Learn about ecosystems, the human body, forces, energy, and natural resources. Be ready to answer questions or solve problems based on your knowledge.
4. Social Science:
- Skills: Knowledge of history, geography, and cultures. Understanding timelines, historical events, and the relationship between people and places.
- Preparation: Study U.S. history, geography, or world history that’s typically covered in middle school. Practice identifying places on maps and understanding historical events and their impacts.
5. Fine Arts:
- Skills: Understanding art, music, and dance concepts. The ability to analyze and interpret works of art.
- Preparation: Look at art pieces from different periods and cultures. Listen to different types of music and try to understand their characteristics. You might also learn a little about famous artists or musicians.
General Tipcs
- Time Management: Practice balancing time between subjects. Each event has a time limit, so working efficiently is key.
- Critical Thinking: Many of the events will require you to think critically and apply your knowledge to solve problems. Practice doing this through mock quizzes or by solving different types of problems.
- Practice: Join study groups, practice with older students, or work with your teacher to get used to the competition format.
- Stay Organized: Keep your study materials organized, and create a study schedule to make sure you're covering all the topics.
Learning Opportunities FAQ
What are some things I can use my planning amounts for?
- Art supplies connected to learning classes or unit lessons in curriculum
- Novels, unit lessons, reading improvement programs, writing improvement, learning in literature, etc.
- Course work materials, such as academic textbooks, workbooks, curriculum materials, and learning software via online or CD
- Academic programs (online curriculum, independent curriculum, activities, etc.)
- Educational games related to math, science, English, STEAM, etc. (puzzles, bingo, vocabulary cards, flashcards, etc.)
- Activity kits related to core or extracurricular classes
- Physical Education and sport/athletic items if they are considered non-consumables. Examples include items such as balls, bats, nets, tennis rackets, and jump ropes.
- Rental equipment bundled with an learning service (music lessons, sport leagues, etc.)
- School technology equipment (i.e. laptop and printer) from school Tech Center
- Educational items
Monarch River Academy understands that each child is unique. Therefore, if there are special circumstances, such as a 4th grade student who is ready for 6th grade reading materials, please communicate with your Independent Study Teacher, so that the appropriate materials can be purchased. We work hard to accommodate each individual student’s needs.
What are some things I cannot use my planning amounts for?
- Anything labeled non-educational
- Any religious based products
- Any furniture, organizational products, storage, personal laptop case/bags, or household items
- Personal items such as uniforms, pads, shoes, cups, or mouthguards
- Any expenses involved in athletic or performing arts competitions including entrance fees or travel fees
- Large items such as bicycles and backyard trampolines
- Household products, yard equipment, clothes, and non-educational toys
Who can I contact if I’m having trouble placing an order, logging into my account or need other support?
Your first point of contact for ordering issues should be your Independent Study Teacher.
What is the definition of consumable?
Consumables are items that the student completely uses up while they are enrolled with our school and therefore cannot be used by another student.
What is the definition of a non-consumable?
Non-consumables are items that can be used again by another student.
What are the non-consumable category groups?
All items in the following categories are considered non-consumable and must be returned as school property when you are done with them or when you withdraw from the school:
- Technology, Electronics, and Media (CDs/DVDs)
- Novels, Textbooks and Teacher Manuals
- Science Equipment
- Math Manipulatives
- Musical Equipment
- Athletic Equipment
- Games and Puzzles
Can I use all of my planning amounts in one academic semester?
Planning amounts are deposited into students’ accounts twice each school year. Parents/guardians can spend up to the current account balance at any given time.
How will I know when I run out of planning amounts?
You will be able to view your remaining balance when you log into your family’s Ordering System account. Please contact your Independent Study Teacher for assistance.
Can I be reimbursed for any purchases I made through my own money?
No, the school cannot reimburse families for purchases made in the past, present, or future. All products/services need to be requested through the Ordering System and the school will order and pay for materials/services.
Can I keep the products?
All items are purchased through the school with state education funds and are considered property of the school. Non-consumables need to be returned to the school office(s) when the student withdraws from the school. They may be returned earlier if the items are no longer needed for student learning.
How do I return our non-consumable items to the school?
You may hand the items back to your teacher at any meeting or at the end of each semester/school year.
What is the turnaround time for an order placed through the Ordering System?
Order times vary due to the amount of orders being placed daily by families. Wait times can run up to 4 weeks. High peak order times are July-September and December-January. The school leaves ordering open all year.
How do I order student ink?
You can order ink through the Ordering System as a product.
Why isn’t my requested vendor on the approved list yet?
Service vendors are required to submit an application for approval before they become an approved school vendor. Processing and approval is often dependent on how long it takes for a vendor to typically submit their completed application packet.
What if I would like to order products/materials from a vendor that is not on your approved vendor list?
To place an order, vendors must be listed in the Vendor Catalog. When you place your order, if your vendor is not found during the Vendor Catalog search, a red warning will populate on the search screen, and you will be prompted to request the addition of the vendor. Fill out the linked survey and a member of the ordering department will review the request and provide updates via email.
