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The K12 Zone Report

July 23rd

The K12 Zone Report July 23rd
The K12 Zone ReportJuly 23rd
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๐Ÿ†• New Moderator Pop-Up Settings โ€” Hereโ€™s What Youโ€™re Seeing ๐Ÿ†• New Moderator Pop-Up Settings โ€” Hereโ€™s What Youโ€™re Seeing

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To make it easier to manage your Zone before entry, moderators will now see a pop-up labeled โ€œUpdate World Settings?โ€ when entering a world. This modal gives you quick control over student access and communication features.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ You may see some or all of the following options, depending on your worldโ€™s status:

๐Ÿ”“ This world is currently closed.

Check this box to open the world for students.

๐Ÿ’ก Youโ€™ll only see this option if the world is currently closed.

๐Ÿ”‡ Silent Mode is currently on.

Check this box to turn Silent Mode off, which allows video, audio, and chat.

โœ… Box is checked by default.
๐Ÿ’ก Youโ€™ll only see this if Silent Mode is currently on.

๐ŸŽค Microphone Access is currently off.

Check this box to allow students to unmute and use their microphones.

๐Ÿ’ก Youโ€™ll only see this if mic access is currently turned off.

๐Ÿ“ท Camera Access is off.

Check this box to allow students to turn on their cameras.

๐Ÿ’ก Youโ€™ll only see this if camera access is currently turned off.

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๐Ÿ‘€ What Students See: โ€œBefore You Enterโ€ฆโ€ Pop-Up

When students (non-admins) enter a world, they now get a quick overview of what to expect. This helps avoid confusion when certain features are restricted.

Hereโ€™s what might appear:

  • ๐ŸŽค Microphones are off โ€“ Their mic is off. They can raise their hand to ask for permission to speak.

  • ๐Ÿ“ท Cameras are off โ€“ Camera is disabled. They can use "Audio Mode" to see more of the world.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฆ Spotlight is on โ€“ Their movement and access to tools are limited while someone is presenting.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Breakout Mode is on โ€“ Students can only interact with others in their small group.

๐Ÿ” This screen updates automatically based on which settings are active.

๐Ÿ†• Smarter, Smoother Classroom Zones โ€” Watch Whatโ€™s New! ๐Ÿ†• Smarter, Smoother Classroom Zones โ€” Watch Whatโ€™s New!

Big news for teachers: your Classroom Zone just got a major upgrade! These new tools make it easier than ever to manage, engage, and connect with students โ€” all without breaking your flow.

๐Ÿงฐ Whatโ€™s New:

  • Breakout Groups โ€“ Instantly split students into small groups, no teleporting required.

  • Spotlight Mode โ€“ Lock the focus on your screen for presentations or performances.

  • Raise Hand โ€“ Students can now signal you with a click โ€” plus sound alerts in the Social Hub!

  • Mic & Camera Control โ€“ Toggle everyoneโ€™s access in real time โ€” or turn off just one studentโ€™s cam.

  • Broadcast Recording โ€“ Record your lesson while live broadcasting.

  • Direct Message & Ban Tools โ€“ Turn DMs on/off and apply platform-level bans from your dashboard.

๐ŸŽฅ See it all in action below!

New K12 Zone Classroom Tools July '25

๐Ÿ“š The K12 Zone Knowledge Base Is Now Live! ๐Ÿ“š The K12 Zone Knowledge Base Is Now Live!

Whether you're brand-new to the Zone or a seasoned builder, weโ€™ve got great news:
The K12 Zone Knowledge Base is now live โ€” and itโ€™s packed with step-by-step guides, visuals, and videos to help you make the most of your Zone.

๐Ÿ”Ž What youโ€™ll find inside:

  • What is the K12 Zone?

  • How to navigate and use student tools

  • Creating, editing, and customizing your own classroom world

  • Plus loads of tips, videos, and examples!

๐ŸŽฏ How to log in:

  1. Go to stridepdcenter.com/login

  2. Donโ€™t know your credentials? Click โ€œLost your password?โ€

  3. Check your inbox for a password reset email from Stride Professional Development

  4. Set a new password and log in!

โœ๏ธ Not in the system yet?
Fill out this quick form to get access.

โ“ Need help? Email:

  • Stacy Kirshner: skirschner@k12.com

  • Patricia (Trish) McShea: pmcshea@k12.com

How to get to the K12 Zone Knowledge Base

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Build & Design Your Own Classroom Zone โ€” No Form Needed! ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Build & Design Your Own Classroom Zone โ€” No Form Needed!

You can now create your own custom classroom, club, or event space directly in the K12 Zone โ€” instantly! ๐ŸŽ‰

Just click the orange โž• button, choose a template, name your world, and assign your students. Itโ€™s that simple. (How-To Video Below)

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

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

๐Ÿ‘‰ [Register here for 2:00 PM CST]
๐Ÿ‘‰ [Register here for 3:00 PM CST]

๐ŸŽฅ Zone Design Training Recording
If you can't wait for the next live training, feel free to watch the past recording below!

โฉ Catch up with these helpful recordings:

๐ŸŽฅ Tour a real classroom Zone โ€” see how one teacher brings her virtual room to life
๐Ÿค– Design with ChatGPT โ€” use AI to spark creative ideas and build faster

๐Ÿ“ฉ Have questions or need help? Feel free to email Nick Hoover at nhoover@k12.com.

How to Create A Classroom Zone
Zone Design 101 How to Edit & Enhance Your Space

๐Ÿ’ผ NEW DATE: Career Pathways in the K12 Zone โ€” Live Info Session ๐Ÿ’ผ NEW DATE: Career Pathways in the K12 Zone โ€” Live Info Session

๐Ÿ“… Now happening Wednesday, July 30th at 1:00 PM ET

๐Ÿ”— 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:
๐ŸŽ“ Creative ways to bring CTE programs into virtual spaces
๐Ÿ“˜ Best practices for implementing student leadership & workplace skills
๐Ÿ’ฌ 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.

โœจ Letโ€™s turn virtual space into real-world preparation!

๐Ÿ“š 80 Back-to-School Zone Activities โ€” Ready to Use! ๐Ÿ“š 80 Back-to-School Zone Activities โ€” Ready to Use!

Itโ€™s never too early to start planning your first-week fun in the Zone! Weโ€™ve created a list of 80 ready-to-go activities, organized by grade band โ€” 20 for each (Kโ€“2, 3โ€“5, 6โ€“8, and 9โ€“12).

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Use the tabs at the bottom of the doc to explore by grade level โ€” and start planning now!

80 Back-to-School Zone Activities & Events

๐ŸŽจ Still Time to Host in the K12 Zone! ๐ŸŽจ Still Time to Host in the K12 Zone!

Summerโ€™s flying, but itโ€™s not too late to run a one-time activity โ€” and earn a $50 gift card when it runs in all 4 Zones!

๐ŸŽค Karaoke or trivia
๐ŸŽฎ Game tournament
๐Ÿ“š Read-aloud or story sketch
๐ŸŽจ Art class or DIY craft
๐Ÿง Snack demo
๐ŸŽ‰ Talent show or pet parade

๐Ÿ’ก We handle logistics โ€” you just show up!

๐Ÿ‘‰ Got an idea? Send it in and weโ€™ll help make it happen.

Click Here To Sign-Up

๐Ÿ“ข National Zones Are Back โ€” And Ready for New Students! ๐Ÿ“ข National Zones Are Back โ€” And Ready for New Students!

๐ŸŽ‰ After a short break last week, the K12 National Zones are now open again โ€” Monday through Friday, 11 AMโ€“7 PM ET โ€” and newly enrolled students should now have access.

๐Ÿ“Œ Reminder: Students age 12 or under must have parent consent completed before they can enter.

๐Ÿ†• Weโ€™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.

๐Ÿ”— Helpful Links:
โœ… Available Worlds (Zone Login): zone.k12.com
โœ… Zone Consent Site: www.consent.k12.com
๐ŸŽฅ Parent Consent Walkthrough Video โ€“ See Below

Thanks for spreading the word โ€” weโ€™re excited to welcome even more students into the Zone this summer!

How to Complete Parental Consent/Adult Verification
National Zone Consent Flyer
Steps for Consent Flyer
Consent How-To PowerPoint
Consent FAQ Document

๐ŸŽฎ National Zone Game Jam โ€” July 23! ๐ŸŽฎ National Zone Game Jam โ€” July 23!

Get ready for an epic after-school gaming event! The National Zone Game Jam is back and better than ever โ€” and this time weโ€™re diving into Roblox favorites like:

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Mega Hide and Seek
๐ŸŒช๏ธ Natural Disaster Survival
๐Ÿผ Adopt Me
๐ŸŒˆ Color Block Bridge

๐Ÿ“ Where: 6โ€“8 National Zone
๐Ÿ“… When: Wednesday, July 23
๐Ÿ•“ Event Starts at 4:00 PM EST
โฐ Please log in by 3:30 PM to get set up

This fun, interactive experience is all about community, connection, and friendly competition. ๐ŸŽ‰
๐Ÿ‘‰ Register here!

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

Let the games begin!

MORE RESOURCES MORE RESOURCES

K12 Zone How-To Guide
K12 Zone Editing Smore
K12 Zone POC Smore
K12 Zone Guide
K12 Zone Sharepoint
Daily Activities in the National Zones
K12 Zone Updates
K12 Zone 101 Training for Teachers
If youโ€™re unable to attend the K12 Zone 101 Training for Teachers, no worries! You can catch up anytime by watching the recording linked below.
K12 Zone 101 Training for Teachers
K12 Zone Editor Practice

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out: nhoover@k12.com If you have any questions, feel free to reach out: nhoover@k12.com

Nick Hoover
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