Spear Newsletter - August 2026

Dear Spear Families,

 

 

Welcome back to a new school year at Spear Virtual Learning Academy! We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and achievement with our students and families.

 

 

A strong start begins with consistent routines. Students should log in to Pearson Connexus every school day, review their course dashboard, complete lessons and assessments, and communicate with their teachers whenever they need help. Daily participation means engaging in meaningful coursework—not simply logging in.

 

 

Families are encouraged to check the Connexus Observer Dashboard regularly and monitor ParentSquare and Pearson Connexus email notifications. These tools help families follow grades, pacing, attendance, and missing work before small concerns become larger ones.

 

 

This Week: Orientation and Course Access

 

 

Students should log in this week and complete the Orientation course if one has been assigned to them. Regular classes will appear in Pearson Connexus by Monday, August 24. Please review the full course list as soon as it appears.

 

 

If a student in grades K–12 is missing a course or needs a schedule change, complete the K–12 Schedule Change Form linked in the resource section below using the student’s district Google account.

 

 

Please make sure your contact information is current, your student has a dependable daily workspace, and everyone knows how to reach the Spear team. We look forward to partnering with you for a successful 2026–2027 school year!

 

 

ParentSquare is the district’s primary communication system. Families should keep their contact information and notification preferences current. Students and observers should also monitor Pearson Connexus notifications for grades, teacher feedback, enrollment changes, and other course activity. The absence-excuse link is provided below.

August 25 — First Day of School Spear classes start

August 28 — School Closed

September 4 and 7 — School Closed

October 9 — School Closed

October 15 — Teacher In-Service; no school for students

October 30 — Halfway Point of the Semester

 

Dates are based on the Shamokin Area School District 2026–2027 academic calendar. District Act 80 early-release days do not affect Spear. Students should follow their regular virtual schedule on those days. Please watch ParentSquare for updates, detailed times, and Spear-specific announcements.

 

Weekly Wellness Checks

 

A new Pennsylvania requirement calls for one real-time visual wellness check with every student enrolled full-time in the district’s virtual program during each instructional week of three or more days. During the check-in, students must be visible and communicate in real time with a Spear staff member.

 

Spear will begin sending each student’s scheduled wellness-check dates next week. Please watch ParentSquare for your student’s schedule and make every effort to attend the assigned check-in. If your student is absent or your household experiences a documented internet or power outage, contact the Spear team promptly so the check can be rescheduled within the same instructional week.

 

These brief check-ins help us confirm student well-being, verify participation, and connect families with support when needed.

 

A Strong Start Matters

 

The routines students build during the first weeks of school set the tone for the year. Daily engagement, steady progress, and timely communication will help students stay on track and feel supported.

 

Thank you for your continued partnership.

 

Sincerely,

The Spear Team

(570) 509-2870