Science and Social Studies Updates
Students in grades TK-6 will continue to be able to study standards outside of their grade level standards in the area of Science and Social Studies. However, to serve our students well we will be slightly changing the requirements to ensure all our students are meeting grade level expectations. Our goal is to partner with you to provide students with an educational plan that ensures they are working on grade-level standards within these subject areas while also allowing students the flexibility and autonomy to study a variety of educational topics that they are interested in learning.
Beginning for the 24/25 school year we use grade-level outlines for any student who is not using a complete curriculum for Science and Social Studies. This will primarily apply to students who choose to complete science and social studies using the expedition pathway and/or are participating in co-ops or completing unit studies. Students will be able to pick a new topic to study each LP and then select from a menu of learning activities to complete to demonstrate depth of knowledge on the topic. These learning activities will represent the body of work that is to be reviewed by your teacher each Learning Period. These grade-level course outlines will ensure students are engaging in robust, grade-level appropriate learning while also providing them with an avenue to explore and study areas of interest. We believe that by maintaining a high standard of academic excellence for our students and allowing them the ability to pursue areas that interest them they will have meaningful learning experiences that will increase student achievement and grow them into independent learners.
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.
