VPA-AZ Spring Newsletter

Spring is a season of growth, sunshine, and new beginnings. Check out these fun facts about this colorful time of year!

• The first day of spring is called the Vernal Equinox, when day and night are almost exactly the same length.
• Many animals wake up from winter hibernation in the spring, including bears and groundhogs.
• Spring is when many baby animals are born because the weather is warmer and food is more plentiful.
• Flowers like tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms begin to bloom after the long winter months.
• Birds migrate back north during spring after spending the winter in warmer climates.
• Spring showers help plants, flowers, and crops grow. That’s why people say, “April showers bring May flowers!”
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 each year to remind us to take care of our planet.

We are excited to welcome the newest member of our team to the Virtual Preparatory Academy of Arizona! Our counselors play an important role in supporting students’ academic success, well-being, and future planning. Please join us in giving them a warm Wolf Pack welcome as they begin supporting our students and families.

This is my 13th year as a school counselor and I am thrilled to be here!! In my previous years in school counseling, I was an elementary counselor in Douglas, WY & a high school counselor in Cheyenne, WY. I am passionate about helping students feel supported, confident, and ready to change the world! I believe every student has unique strengths and I love encouraging them as they discover those strengths and grow along the way! I am a Chicago native but I've called Wyoming home for my entire adult life! Outside of work, I am a Mom to my 9 year old son, Cole. I enjoy reading, sewing and creating things, being outside, and cheering my favorite Chicago sports teams & UW Cowboys!!! Please feel free to reach out if you ever need anything! I am looking forward to getting to know the students and families!

Students across Arizona recently completed the AZELLA Reassessment. We extend our sincere appreciation to all of our English Learner (EL) students for their hard work and focus during the assessment, and to families for your continued encouragement and support.

AZELLA score reports are expected to arrive by summer break. Shortly thereafter, you will receive an individual report detailing your student’s performance and overall proficiency level (OPL). Students who achieve an OPL of Proficient will successfully exit the EL program.

We look forward to celebrating your student’s growth and accomplishments in English language proficiency with you!

Our ELL team had the opportunity to attend the Kagan Cooperative Learning Conference on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Maricopa. During the conference, the team participated in engaging sessions focused on cooperative learning strategies designed to increase student engagement, collaboration, and academic language development.

Thank you to everyone who joined life coach Quinn Lindsay for the recent workshop on effective communication in an online learning environment. During the session, students and families explored common communication challenges in virtual school, practiced guided scenarios, and learned practical strategies to create a more positive digital learning experience.

If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the discussion, you can access the recording here for reference:

At Virtual Preparatory Academy of Arizona, our leadership team is committed to ensuring that every student experiences a learning environment that reflects our mission of personalized, meaningful education. In this edition of Leading the Mission, members of our leadership team share brief reflections on what student success means to them and how individualized learning experiences help each student thrive. These insights highlight the intentional work happening behind the scenes to support our students, families, and educators every day.

Student success at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Arizona means ensuring every student makes meaningful academic progress while building the skills needed for college, career, and life beyond high school. Through personalized learning with family support, flexible pacing, and targeted teacher support, we create an individualized learning experience that meets students where they are and helps them overcome barriers that may have limited their success in traditional settings. Our focus on rigor, innovation, and peer interaction ensures that students remain engaged, supported, and prepared for future opportunities.

Student success means helping each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building the confidence and skills they need for future learning. In our virtual elementary school, teachers support success by getting to know each student’s strengths, needs, and learning style so instruction feels meaningful and accessible.

Teachers create individualized learning experiences by differentiating instruction, offering flexible supports, and using regular check-ins and data to adjust lessons so every student can make progress and stay engaged.

Student success means helping each student reach their full potential, both academically and personally. It’s measured not just by grades, but by growth, confidence, engagement, and progress toward graduation and future goals. It also means providing the right tools and environment to address learning gaps, deliver targeted instruction, and maintain strategic communication.

We personalize learning by reviewing each student’s strengths, needs, and goals, then providing flexible pacing, tiered support, and regular feedback. By building strong relationships and maintaining open communication, we ensure every student feels supported and motivated to succeed. We set high expectations and work consistently with students to help them meet those expectations.

Attention Learning Coaches: Please log into the Parent Portal with your school issued google Username and Password. Then, complete your student’s re-registration. Completing this now helps ensure your child’s schedule and support are ready for the first day of school next year.

Questions? Reach out to the Technology Service Desk. ​​​​​​​ 833-426-7457 or via chat/web at https://4amphlp.accelschools.com/.

For all attendance questions or to report an absence, please contact our Attendance Line at 307-365-6440 or email us at attendance@vprepaz.org. We’re here to help ensure every school day counts!

Contact the School Operations Manager, Taylor Sorensen at tsorensen@accelschools.com for assistance.

Join our upcoming SEL Parent Sessions, designed to support families in helping students build essential social and emotional skills. Led by educator and life coach Quinn Lindsay, these virtual sessions will cover topics such as motivation, stress management, time management, and emotional resilience. Sessions take place on select Tuesdays at 5 PM AZ / 6 PM WY, offering practical strategies to help students thrive both academically and personally

Fun Friday after a long week of Spring themed Non-Fiction Books!

Family income forms play a crucial role in supporting our school and students. As you receive this form from our office, please take a moment to complete it. Family income forms are essential for determining eligibility for various federal and state funding programs. These forms help schools qualify for funding that supports educational resources and services.

Please visit our website for more information regarding special programs and child find. https://arizona.virtualpreparatoryacademy.com/special-programs/