K–12
One district option
A Shamokin Area program designed for students across grade levels.
Explore SPEAR
Flexible K–12 learning • Local school connection
A different way to learn. Still your school.
SPEAR pairs flexible online learning with personalized planning, local support, district opportunities, and a clear path forward through Shamokin Area School District.
Requesting the form does not complete enrollment or commit your family. SPEAR reviews each returned submission, verifies the request with the parent or guardian, and provides a confirmed start date.
Already enrolled? Go to Current Students & Families →
SPEAR at a glance
Flexible by design. Still connected to your district.
Four practical reasons families explore SPEAR—not filler, but the details that shape the experience.
$0
No tuition
Available without tuition for eligible district residents.
T–Th
Local help nearby
Learning Center support is available Tuesday–Thursday, 8–11 a.m.
SASD
District-connected future
Students earn a Shamokin Area transcript and diploma after meeting requirements.
Start with the student
What does your student need from their school day?
Start with what your student needs most. Explore how SPEAR’s flexibility, structure, and local support can help—and the routines that support success in virtual learning.
Choose one to exploreHow learning works
One program. Three age-appropriate learning experiences.
SPEAR uses the same core platform across K–12, but the balance of live connection, independent work, Learning Coach support, and graduation planning changes as students grow.
More guided
Live connection with an active Learning Coach
▶ Watch the K–6 experience
Students begin in Homeroom with a Learning Coach, review the live-lesson schedule posted in course information, and complete assigned Pearson work.
What families should expect
Watch K–6 Learning Kits ↗- Live lessons are highly encouraged, but they are not required.
- Independent Pearson work continues between scheduled sessions.
- Adult support is strongest for routines, organization, and asking for help.
Growing independence
Regular check-ins with room to build confidence
▶ Grades 7–8 video plannedStudents start with Homeroom, To-do, and Calendar, then use posted teacher office hours, WebMail, feedback, or SPEAR support when a question appears.
What families should expect
See the Learning Coach role ↓- Most coursework is asynchronous within the approved schedule.
- Shamokin Area teachers teach most courses; Pearson teachers may teach selected courses.
- A Learning Coach monitors routines and progress as independence grows.
Plan-driven
Flexible learning built around a graduation plan
▶ Grades 9–12 video plannedStudents follow an approved course schedule and graduation plan, using Homeroom, To-do, Calendar, teacher feedback, office hours, WebMail, and local support.
What families should expect
Explore opportunities & pathways ↓- Most coursework is asynchronous within the assigned schedule.
- Guidance reviews credits, graduation requirements, and the student’s goals.
- College, career, credit-recovery, athletics, and other options may fit an approved plan.
What stays consistent across every grade
Pearson Connexus organizes courses, assignments, feedback, grades, and course communication. SPEAR adds local staff, district services, planning, and support.
Teacher office hours Built-in opportunities for questions, feedback, and course support.
Weekly live Wellness Check A regular check-in to identify student needs, review progress, and agree on next steps.
The exact daily schedule follows the student’s current Homeroom, course directions, and approved learning plan.
Ways to shape a SPEAR plan
School life & belonging
Stay connected to Shamokin Area teams, clubs, activities, arts, and district experiences.
Connection • teams • activities
Teams • arts • activities
Sports, clubs & school life
SPEAR students may participate in active Shamokin Area clubs, teams, field trips, arts, activities, and events when they meet the same applicable requirements. Approved in-person courses may include band and orchestra when scheduling and capacity allow.
Teamwork • strategy • connection
eSports
Eligible SPEAR students can remain connected through Shamokin Area's eSports program, subject to current team, schedule, participation, and academic requirements. Shamokin Area has competed in Rocket League through the Central Susquehanna Esports League.
AI-assisted original created for SPEAR; not a photograph of SASD students or its eSports room.
Career pathways
Connect online academics with technical education and supervised workplace experience.
Technical education • Co-Op • work
Technical education
Career & Technical Education
Eligible students may combine SPEAR with an approved NCCTC pathway. Guidance confirms current programs, eligibility, applications, scheduling, transportation, capacity, and how the pathway fits the student's plan.
Photo source: Northumberland County Career & Technology Center.
Co-Op • workplace experience
Co-Op & Work-Based Learning
Co-Op can connect eligible high-school students with supervised workplace experience while they continue an approved SPEAR plan. Guidance confirms eligibility, supervision, scheduling, credit treatment, transportation, and plan fit.
Photo provided by a SPEAR student and used with permission.
Academic flexibility
Shape coursework, graduation planning, and college-credit options around an approved student plan.
Courses • credits • planning
College credit
College credit
ACE and other approved dual-enrollment routes can allow eligible high-school students to complete college coursework while continuing their SPEAR plan. Guidance confirms the current college, course, eligibility, cost, schedule, and credit treatment.
Official logos: Commonwealth University and Luzerne County Community College. Used with permission; marks remain the property of their institutions.
Broader course options
More course choice
Pearson's Pennsylvania K–12 catalog can extend options beyond courses offered directly by SASD. Actual availability depends on grade, prerequisites, staffing, scheduling, course status, and the approved plan.
Image source: Pearson.
Recover credit • move forward
Credit recovery
Eligible students can recover missing credit for previously unsuccessful coursework through an approved course plan. Guidance confirms the course, timeline, assessments, and transcript treatment.
Image source: Pearson.
Credits • requirements • goals
Flexible graduation path planning
Guidance reviews completed credits, remaining graduation requirements, and family goals. When appropriate, Guidance maps courses and next steps that may support an accelerated graduation timeline.
Image source: Pearson.
REAL OUTCOMES. REAL VOICES.
Why families choose SPEAR.
Flexible learning matters most when students can see a path forward, families know where support lives, and graduates stay connected to their school.
Real outcomes. Real voices.
Why families choose SPEAR.
Flexible learning matters most when students can see a path forward, families know where support lives, and graduates stay connected to their school.
99% graduation since 2020
Among SPEAR seniors who remained enrolled through the school year.
Begin college while in high school
Eligible students may combine SPEAR with approved college courses through current district agreements.
Learn through work and technical pathways
Eligible students may combine SPEAR with approved CTE, Co-Op, and work-based learning experiences.
Begin with a clear plan
SPEAR helps the family understand the learning model, setup steps, support routes, and confirmed start date.
REAL OUTCOMES. REAL VOICES.
Why families choose SPEAR.
Flexible learning matters most when students can see a path forward, families know where support lives, and graduates stay connected to their school.
The examples below show where future consented student and family stories can appear. Images and sample wording are illustrative, not real SPEAR testimonials.
Student perspective
“SPEAR gave me a flexible way to catch up and keep working toward graduation while I stayed connected to my school.”
Sample wording only. Replace with a consented, fact-checked student story.
Learning Coach perspective
“The Learning Coach tools and local support helped our family build a routine and know where to ask for help.”
Sample wording only. Replace with a consented, fact-checked Learning Coach story.
Graduate perspective
“I found a path that worked for me, completed my requirements, and still graduated as part of Shamokin Area.”
Sample wording only. Replace with a consented, fact-checked graduate story.
Connections Academy programOnline classroom powered by Connexus®
The platform behind SPEAR
The power of Pearson. The advantage of staying local.
SPEAR pairs Pearson’s national experience and established online-learning program with Shamokin Area’s local people, district services, in-person support, and college, career, and school-life connections.
National experience
National scale behind the SPEAR experience.
Pearson has spent more than two decades supporting online schools. These figures show the scale and experience behind the program SPEAR brings home to Shamokin Area.
- 1M+K–12 students served since Connections Academy opened in 2001
- 400+district, board, and chartering-authority partnerships reported by Pearson
- 100K+full-time students served each year in partner schools
- 20+years building and supporting online schools
Network figures describe Pearson and Connections Academy, not SPEAR enrollment or outcomes.
Made local by SPEAR
National power. Local school advantage.
Families do not have to choose between a proven national program and people, services, and opportunities rooted in their own district.
- K–12one Shamokin Area virtual-learning option
- $0tuition for eligible district families
- 3Learning Center mornings each week, Tuesday–Thursday
- 99%graduation since 2020 among SPEAR seniors who remained enrolled through the school year
- Shamokin Area transcript and diploma after requirements are met
- Nearby Learning Center and local technology support
- College credit, NCCTC, Co-Op, and career pathways
- District athletics, arts, clubs, and activities
- Teacher office hours and a weekly live Wellness Check
- Guidance and district services that know the community
Connectivity assistance, field experiences, eligibility, schedules, transportation, and availability can vary. Ask SPEAR what is current for your student.
Recent Pearson-reported data
A network still investing in student outcomes.
These are Connections Academy network figures published by Pearson. They are not SPEAR-specific outcomes and do not guarantee an individual result.
Read Pearson’s 2025 data release · Read Pearson’s Class of 2026 report
Student + school + home
Nothing important stays hidden.
A Learning Coach is the student’s parent, guardian, or other approved adult who supports the school day from home. The role is simple: help with routines, notice patterns, and connect the student with help. The student owns the work; families do not have to guess how learning is going.
School first. SPEAR is a Shamokin Area School District program built around a public-school mission. Pearson provides the online platform; local educators, district services, and family relationships remain at the center.
Visibility without hovering
Stay informed and keep living life.
Transparency should lower a family’s worry, not create another full-time task. SPEAR makes important information available when you want to look and sends a clear automated summary at the end of the week.
Observer access from almost anywhereUse a connected phone, tablet, or computer to review coursework, pace, grades, missing work, submissions, and teacher feedback.
The Progress Check comes to youAn automated end-of-week summary brings the most important indicators together without requiring constant platform checks.
Communication does not depend on one channelPearson notices, teacher messages, ParentSquare communication, and district records each provide another line of visibility.
Automated end-of-week Progress Check
One useful summary. Fewer surprises.
Family schedules get busy and real life is not perfect. The Progress Check lets families start with one reliable summary instead of searching through every Pearson screen or worrying every five minutes.
- Sent automatically at the end of the week
- Six verified fields gathered into one view
- Observer is there for a closer look when something stands out
Academic Progress CheckEnd-of-week review
The real report contains these six fieldsVerified against the ParentSquare report layout
StudentStudent name
Course ScoreCurrent course-and-score summary
Missing AssignmentsTotal late assignments
Total TimeTotal time recorded in Pearson
Last LoginMost recent reported login
WellnessCurrent reported wellness status
Start here, then open Pearson when a course or assignment needs a closer look.Summary fields may vary with current reporting.
Made-up end-of-week reportFictional example · Week ending October 23, 2026
Example onlyStudentJordan Sample
Course ScoreEnglish 9: 87% · Algebra I: 79% · World History: 91%
Missing Assignments2 total late assignments
Total Time11 hours, 31 minutes
Last LoginOctober 23, 2026 · 1:42 p.m.
WellnessCurrent
Suggested next step: open Pearson to review the two late assignments and contact the teacher if directions or feedback are unclear.All values are fictional; field names match the real report.
Important information reaches families more than one way.
Each channel has a specific job, so a family can stay connected without living inside every account.
Pearson ObserverOn-demand access to coursework, grades, pace, missing work, submissions, and teacher feedback.
Pearson notices + WebMailCourse and account notices plus communication from course teachers.
ParentSquareDirect messages, time-sensitive alerts, and the monthly SPEAR newsletter by email, app, or text according to account settings.
ParentVUEOfficial district attendance information and student-record updates when posted.
Notification delivery depends on each account’s settings, and systems may update at different times. Pearson Observer remains the direct view into coursework and grades. Current families can review the family account guide.
LOCAL SUPPORT
See SPEAR. Know where help lives.
Visit the Learning Center for in-person help, or use a short video to see the SPEAR story before requesting more information.
Local support
Choose the help the student needs.
Local support has two sides: a place to build a productive school day and focused tutoring when coursework needs extra attention. Select either route to see how it works.
SPEAR Learning Center
A local place to focus, get help, and move forward.
Need a boost? The Learning Center gives students a structured space to work, build confidence, and connect with support teachers. The team can help your family plan a next step when coursework or the daily routine feels difficult.
What students can do here
- Get Pearson Connexus guidance
- Review student progress
- Meet the support team
- Connect with teachers
- Set aside focused work time
- Free breakfast and lunch
Plan your visit
Tuesday–Thursday
8:00 AM–11:00 AM
8:00 AM–11:00 AM
Breakfast is available to students who arrive at the start of school; lunch is available to students who stay until 11:00 AM. Families are encouraged to call ahead.
Call SPEAR: 570-509-2870
Targeted academic helpAfter-school tutoring
Free for SPEAR students
Work through the course content that is holding progress back.
After-school tutoring adds focused academic help beyond the regular day. Students can bring a difficult concept, current assignment, or pattern of missing work and leave with a clearer next step.
- Current assignment support
- Help with difficult concepts
- Missing-work recovery
- A plan for what to do next
Monday–Thursday · 2:25–4:00 p.m.Call SPEAR for current access and location details.
Ask about tutoring
Course-specific help is also available through teacher office hours. Times, access details, and support availability can change; current course and SPEAR directions control.
Quick answers for prospective families
Questions before choosing SPEAR.
Choose a question for a short answer and a useful next step. SPEAR can help your family understand how the program could fit your student.
Is SPEAR part of Shamokin Area School District?
Yes. SPEAR is the district’s K–12 virtual learning program, connecting students to local staff, support, programs, and school events.
See the program factsIs tuition charged?
No tuition is charged to eligible families who live in Shamokin Area School District. Requirements may vary; SPEAR can confirm what applies to your student’s plan.
Ask about eligibilityWhat does learning look like at each grade level?
- Grades K–6: Live connection and active Learning Coach support. Live lessons are encouraged, not required.
- Grades 7–8: Growing independence through assigned independent coursework and teacher office hours.
- Grades 9–12: Flexible coursework, posted office hours, and an approved graduation plan.
Who teaches and helps my child?
- Course teachers handle lessons, assignments, feedback, and academic questions.
- SPEAR helps with setup, progress concerns, and connections to local support.
- Guidance helps with credits, graduation, college, career, Co-Op, and credit recovery.
Can SPEAR include college credit, CTE, Co-Op, or credit recovery?
These pathways may be available when your student is eligible and the option fits an approved academic plan.
- Identify the option your student wants to explore.
- Ask SPEAR to connect you with Guidance to review eligibility, scheduling, and how it fits the student’s plan.
- Have Guidance and SPEAR confirm the details before making plans around an option.
Can students join clubs, athletics, arts, and school events?
SPEAR students may participate in active Shamokin Area clubs, teams, field trips, arts, activities, and events when they meet the applicable requirements.
Explore school-life opportunitiesWhat technology is provided, and where do we get help?
Every enrolled SPEAR student receives a district-issued Chromebook and charger.
- Tell SPEAR during enrollment if internet access or another technology need could create a barrier. The team can explain available support options.
- If a device or login stops working, contact SPEAR for help reaching the appropriate support team. Never send your password.
How do special education, Section 504, counseling, and other services continue?
Required services and supports continue according to each eligible student’s current plan and district process. Contact SPEAR to identify the appropriate district contact.
Ask for a student-support conversationIs SPEAR the right fit for every student?
No single format is right for every student. SPEAR requires regular work, communication, a dependable routine, and family monitoring.
Think about your student’s routine, independence, and support needs. SPEAR or Guidance can help your family consider fit.
Review what virtual learning requiresDoes requesting a form enroll my child immediately?
No. Requesting a form does not complete enrollment or commit your family.
- Request the form, then complete and return the form SPEAR emails to you.
- SPEAR reviews the returned submission and verifies the request with the parent or guardian.
- The family receives a confirmed start date and directions to begin.
Prefer a conversation? Email the SPEAR team or call 570-509-2870.
Already enrolled? Find quick guides for your school day, accounts, and support.
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?
How enrollment works
No instant commitment. We guide your family from the first request to a confirmed start and setup plan.
Ready for the next step?
How enrollment works
No instant commitment. We guide your family from the first request to a confirmed start and setup plan. Ask SPEAR what orientation and setup support are available for your family.
- 1Request the formProvide parent or guardian contact information.
- 2Complete and return itSPEAR emails the form for the family to submit.
- 3Review and plan next stepsSPEAR reviews and verifies the request, then coordinates any needed orientation and setup.
- 4Receive a start dateThe family receives verification, a confirmed start date, and directions to begin.
MORE COURSE CHOICE
Keep your plan open.
Pearson curriculum can extend approved course options. Guidance confirms availability for each student’s plan.