Weekly K12 Zone Guide
April 16th

WHAT'S NEW IN THE ZONE
Game of the Day – A New Surprise Every Morning!
Every weekday in April, a brand-new game is added to the K12 Zone’s National Gaming Area—ready and waiting when the zones open at 9:00 AM ET!
So far, students have discovered Falling Cubes, Mini Golf, Knight Dash, Word Search, and Mildly Infuriated Birds… and there’s still more to come!
🕹️ These quick, interactive games are a great way for students to explore, take a break, or challenge friends throughout the day.
💬 Gaming Time also happens daily at 4:00 PM ET in the National Zones—an open invite for students to log in, play together, and connect with others from across the country!
🏆 Two Exciting Student Challenges – Big Rewards Up for Grabs!
🏆 TWO STUDENT CHALLENGES – TIME TO SHINE!
Right now, students across the country are building, filming, and creating inside the K12 Zone—and your student could be next!
🎥 Get REEL – Win $250!
Encourage your student to submit a one-minute video sharing how their K12-powered school helps them discover who they really are. It’s a meaningful way for them to tell their story—and they could win $250!
🧱 Minecraft Build Challenge – Make Their Mark!
If your student loves Minecraft, this is their chance to leave a legacy. They can design anything they’d love to see added to the K12 Zone. The winning build will be added permanently to the National Zone for everyone to explore.
📅 Deadlines to Know:
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Minecraft Build: April 25
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Get REEL Video: June 30
💡 How to Enter: Students log into the National Zone and click on the challenge signs—it’s that easy.
Let’s help our students step into the spotlight and show what they’re capable of. Whether they’re a builder or a storyteller, these challenges are a fun and powerful way to be seen and celebrated.
🚨 Submissions can be made inside the National Zone.
K12 ZONE UPDATES
New Emotes Just Dropped – Which One’s Your Student’s Favorite?
We’ve added three brand-new emotes to the K12 Zone—fun little pictures that pop up above your student’s avatar to help them express how they’re feeling or react to what’s happening in the Zone.
From silly to serious, emotes give students a creative, lighthearted way to connect with others in real time.
🆕 Check the new emotes out below!
And more are coming soon!
💬 Ask your student which emote is their favorite—and why! It’s a great way to start a conversation about what they’re doing and enjoying in the Zone.
🎉 Need a Boost? The Learning Coach Community Has You!
As we head into the final stretch, don’t do it alone. The Learning Coach Community is your space for support, encouragement, and helpful tips to finish the year strong.
Join the conversation today in the K12 App or log in via the OLS below!
Let’s cross that finish line together! 💬🏁
🧠 Did You Know?
In the National Zone, your student can personalize their locker or desk—and seniors can even upload a photo of their car to the brand-new Senior Parking Lot! 🚗✨
Has your child claimed their space yet? It’s a fun way for them to express themselves and feel more connected. Encourage them to log in and make it their own today!
Customizable Student Desk
Customizable Student Lockers
Senior Parking Lot
🌍 EXPLORE THE WORLD — FROM HOME!
Get ready for new adventures each week with K12 Virtual Field Trips! These interactive, online experiences bring students face-to-face with marine animals, farm rescues, world-class art, and more — all from the comfort of home.
Every trip is designed to spark curiosity, build real-world knowledge, and make learning exciting for students of all ages.
🗓️ Upcoming Field Trips:
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Invertebrate Investigation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium – April 16 @ 2:30 PM ET
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Rescue & Care for Mini Horses, Donkeys & Ponies – April 23 @ 2:00 PM ET
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Caring for Highland Cows 101 – April 30 @ 3:00 PM ET
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Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary Tour – May 7 @ 2:00 PM ET
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Totally Turtles (World Turtle Day Special) – May 21 @ 2:30 PM ET
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Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop (Norton Museum of Art) – May 28 @ 3:00 PM ET
🎥 Miss a trip? Recordings are available to watch anytime!
Let your student explore jungles, aquariums, farms, and museums — without ever needing a permission slip.
👉 Check out the full list and register below:
🎨 Creativity Lives Here: Join the K12 Zone Art Club!
Does your child love to draw, paint, or create? The K12 Zone Art Club is the perfect place for young artists to connect, share their creativity, and have fun!
🧒 This club is available for students in the K–2 and 3–5 National Zones.
🎨 Weekly meetups are full of themed projects, inspiration, and student showcases—and your child is welcome to join in anytime!
📬 Want updates about upcoming Art Club events and highlights?
Check out the newsletters below and sign up to have them delivered straight to your inbox!
🌟 Navigating K12: Learning Coach Orientation! 🌟
New to K12? Want to make the most of the K12 Zone and Learning Coach Community? Join our Navigating K12 webinar, designed to help you feel confident and connected! This session will walk you through the K12 Zone, where students can learn, explore, and make friends, and introduce you to the Learning Coach Community, a space for parents to share resources, get support, and connect with other families.
📅 Register now and take the first step toward a successful and supported school year! 🚀
☕ Connect, Share & Support: Coffee with the Coaches
Learning Coach Coffee Chats – You’re Invited!
Being a Learning Coach is a big job—but you don’t have to do it alone! Coffee with the Coaches is a relaxed, virtual space where Learning Coaches from across the country can come together to share stories, ask questions, and learn from one another.
💬 Whether you're brand new or a seasoned pro, these chats are a great way to:
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Connect with other Learning Coaches
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Get helpful tips and encouragement
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Learn about tools and events that support student success
📅 Coffee Chats are hosted every Thursday at 10:00am (CST)
Click the link below to register!
K12 Zone Quick Facts
- The K12 Zone is monitored by K12 moderators trained on the Zone layout and code of conduct, as well as how to interact with students within the Zone and what action to take if a student breaks the code of conduct.
- Your student can access their school’s K12 Zone and the National K12 Zone through their school’s OLS.
- The National K12 Zone is open from 9 AM–9 PM (ET), Monday through Friday. Each school K12 Zone’s hours are different. For questions about your school’s K12 Zone, please contact your school directly.
