The K12 Zone Report

We’ve launched powerful new tools to make teaching in the Zone smoother and more dynamic than ever! Here’s what’s new:

👥 Breakout Groups

Quickly split your class into small groups — no teleporting needed! Students only hear/see their group, no matter where they are. Groups auto-generate (max 5 students each), and you can shuffle or move students as needed.

🔦 Spotlight (NEW!)

Want everyone focused on a presenter? Use Spotlight Mode to pin your video in the center. Students can’t move or close it — perfect for presentations and performances.

🎥 Camera Access Control

Moderators can now turn all student cameras on/off with a single toggle. Grant or revoke individual camera access in real-time.

🎤 Microphone Access

Same as above — you can now globally mute students and give mic control to individuals as needed.

✋ Raise Hand Feature

Students can now click “Raise Hand” to get your attention. You’ll see them listed in the Social Hub with a visual cue and sound alert.

🔴 Broadcast Recording

Moderators can record themselves while broadcasting! Recordings are saved in the dashboard for playback and download.

💬 Direct Message Control

You can now turn Direct Messages on or off in your world via World Settings > Messaging.

🙈 Turn Off a Student’s Camera

If a student has something distracting on screen, Moderators can now temporarily turn their camera off. (They can turn it back on later.)

👤 Platform Ban Tool

Need to escalate a student concern? Use the new Users tab in the dashboard to search by email or username and apply a platform-level ban.

You can now create your own custom classroom, club, or event space directly in the K12 Zone — instantly! 🎉

Just click the orange ➕ button, choose a template, name your world, and assign your students. It’s that simple. (How-To Video Below)

Once your space is live, level it up with Zone Design 101 — a live, weekly training that covers:

✅ Layouts & object placement
✅ Interactive tools & student-friendly design
✅ Creative best practices

👉 [Register here for 2:00 PM CST]
👉 [Register here for 3:00 PM CST]

🎥 Zone Design Training Recording
If you can't wait for the next live training, feel free to watch the past recording below!

⏩ Catch up with these helpful recordings:

🎥 Tour a real classroom Zone — see how one teacher brings her virtual room to life
🤖 Design with ChatGPT — use AI to spark creative ideas and build faster

📩 Have questions or need help? Feel free to email Nick Hoover at nhoover@k12.com.

📅 Now happening Wednesday, July 30th at 1:00 PM ET

🔗 Click here to register

Curious how the K12 Zone can support career readiness and CTE goals? Join us for an updated info session packed with new ideas and real examples!

We'll explore:
🎓 Creative ways to bring CTE programs into virtual spaces
📘 Best practices for implementing student leadership & workplace skills
💬 A live Q&A for your school-specific questions

Whether you're a CRE Coordinator, counselor, or admin, this is your chance to reimagine what's possible for career pathways in the Zone.

✨ Let’s turn virtual space into real-world preparation!

It’s never too early to start planning your first-week fun in the Zone! We’ve created a list of 80 ready-to-go activities, organized by grade band — 20 for each (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12).

💡 From emote games and classroom scavenger hunts to virtual murals and Connect 4 tournaments, this collection makes it easy to build excitement and connection right from day one.

👉 Use the tabs at the bottom of the doc to explore by grade level — and start planning now!

Summer’s flying, but it’s not too late to run a one-time activity — and earn a $50 gift card when it runs in all 4 Zones!

🎤 Karaoke or trivia
🎮 Game tournament
📚 Read-aloud or story sketch
🎨 Art class or DIY craft
🧁 Snack demo
🎉 Talent show or pet parade

💡 We handle logistics — you just show up!

👉 Got an idea? Send it in and we’ll help make it happen.

🎉 After a short break last week, the K12 National Zones are now open again — Monday through Friday, 11 AM–7 PM ET — and newly enrolled students should now have access.

📌 Reminder: Students age 12 or under must have parent consent completed before they can enter.

🆕 We’ve added a new walkthrough video to help parents through the consent process. Please feel free to share it with families to ensure a smooth login experience.

🔗 Helpful Links:
✅ Available Worlds (Zone Login): zone.k12.com
✅ Zone Consent Site: www.consent.k12.com
🎥 Parent Consent Walkthrough Video – See Below

Thanks for spreading the word — we’re excited to welcome even more students into the Zone this summer!

Get ready for an epic after-school gaming event! The National Zone Game Jam is back and better than ever — and this time we’re diving into Roblox favorites like:

🕵️ Mega Hide and Seek
🌪️ Natural Disaster Survival
🍼 Adopt Me
🌈 Color Block Bridge

📍 Where: 6–8 National Zone
📅 When: Wednesday, July 23
🕓 Event Starts at 4:00 PM EST
⏰ Please log in by 3:30 PM to get set up

This fun, interactive experience is all about community, connection, and friendly competition. 🎉
👉 Register here!

Note: Students age 12 or under must have a signed parent consent form on file to participate.

Let the games begin!

Calling all young artists! Join us in the National Zone for a fun and silly directive drawing lesson with Mrs. Spangler — perfect for summer creativity and connection!

🗓️ Thursday, July 17
🧒 K–2 National Zone: 12:00 – 12:20 PM ET
🧒 3–5 National Zone: 12:30 – 12:50 PM ET

Students should bring:
✏️ Something to draw on
✍️ A writing utensil
⭕ Optional: Ruler or lids to help make circles

This short, guided activity is a great way for students to explore their imagination and connect with others — all while drawing goofy aliens and monsters!

📢 Schools: Please share this with your K–5 families! Let’s make art together in the Zone!

If you’re unable to attend the K12 Zone 101 Training for Teachers, no worries! You can catch up anytime by watching the recording linked below.