VPA-AZ Fall Newsletter

Hello families,

It is hard to believe that October is already here! It seems like we just started school and welcomed everyone back to a new year. I hope that this newsletter finds you and your student(s) doing well and that the beginning of the year has been a positive experience. Please feel free to contact your teacher or me if you have any questions or concerns.

Being a parent of six children, I know how busy life can get. I know how hectic life can get and finding time to finish assignments or even read gets challenging. Please do your best to set a routine to read together, check over schoolwork or just discuss the live sessions from the day. Help your student keep a positive attitude toward school and his/her academic work. Your partnership with us in supporting your student will increase her/his success in school and beyond. We appreciate all you do for your student and we want to support in any way we can.

Dear Families,

October is a month full of energy, growth, and community spirit. As the season changes, let’s remember that every day is a chance to grow, to support one another, and to strive for excellence. It is a wonderful time to focus on kindness, respect, and responsibility, values that guide us not only in school but in life.

As we move deeper into the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the progress our students have made so far and to thank our families and staff for their continued support. Together, we are building strong foundations for both academic and personal success. Our students inspire us daily. Each one is unique, resilient, and navigating challenges, academic or personal that often go unseen. They work hard in a world that can be tough, and our staff works just as hard to help bridge the gap.

This month brings many opportunities for learning and connection. From fall activities and classroom projects to upcoming parent-teacher conferences, we encourage everyone to stay engaged and involved.

Let’s pause to celebrate the wins, extend grace to ourselves and each other. Whether you’re a parent, student, or staff member, your role matters deeply. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community.

Dear families,

Happy Fall from our virtual classrooms! It’s been wonderful to see our students growing in confidence, building connections online, and engaging in creative learning each day. As we move further into the school year, we’re so proud of the effort, resilience, and curiosity our young learners continue to show.

In a virtual environment, family support makes all the difference. Thank you for helping your students stay organized, logging in daily, and encouraging their learning from home. Together, we’re creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Wishing you and your family a joyful fall.

Hello families,

I hope you’re having a wonderful week! Just a reminder about a couple of important things to help our students stay on track and make the most of their experience at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Arizona.

Attendance Matters – Even in a virtual environment, logging in and staying engaged every day makes a big difference in student success. Each day counts!

Income Forms – If you received an income form from our Operations Team via email, please take a moment to fill it out. These forms help our school continue to provide valuable resources and opportunities for every student.

Remember, we’re always here to help! Whether you have a question, run into a small hiccup, or just need a little guidance, we can connect you with the right person or team. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community.

Pumpkin Fact: Pumpkins are actually fruits, not vegetables! People have been growing them for thousands of years, and they’re packed with vitamins that help keep you healthy.

Squirrel Prep: In the fall, squirrels gather and hide nuts to make sure they have enough food to last through the winter.

Apple Season: Fall is peak apple season! That’s why we see so many apple orchards and fall festivals, apples are at their juiciest and tastiest this time of year.

Ms. Lydic

“I have been teaching and developing curriculum for over 19 years, and I am so excited to bring that experience to our class. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors with my two boys riding and training Quarter Horses on our ranch.”

Ms. Robinson

“I love to teach EL students! I have 3 grown children. I love animals!!”

Ms. Denninger

“I love teaching and being with my students! I live near Downtown Phoenix with my husband, Mike, and son, Luke. We have two big dogs, a fat cat, and a pond with lots of Koi fish.”

Our middle school students have been busy learning, creating, and collaborating! From engaging projects to exciting class discussions, there’s so much happening in our virtual classrooms. Click the buttons below to explore highlights from each subject and see what our amazing students have been up to!

Check out these easy and delicious fall-inspired treats that kids and families can make together! There’s something tasty and festive for everyone.

State testing is mandatory, in-person for all Arizona students in grades 3–9 & 11. Please mark your calendars for testing dates: March 30 – April 10, 2025.

More details will be shared in February 2025, but we encourage families to plan ahead so students are ready to shine on testing day. See the attached flyer for more information.

Please see the attachment below for a preview of where to access the dashboard, how to log in, and answers to frequently asked questions. If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our Operations Team.

A new feature of the Parent Portal will allow our school to securely collect documents directly through the platform. This includes, but is not limited to, contact information updates and school form acknowledgements.

Consistent attendance is a key factor in student success. Every course provides essential instruction, meaningful interaction, and opportunities for academic growth. When students attend regularly, they stay connected, engaged, and on track to meet their educational goals.

We understand that life happens, but we encourage families to prioritize attendance and communicate proactively with our team when challenges arise. Together, we can ensure every student has the best chance to thrive.

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.

Everything you need to know to keep your kids safe on Halloween.

Our middle schoolers had an amazing time at the very first meeting of the Middle School Social Club on Friday, September 15th! The theme was “Bring Your Pet Day,” and it was such a joy to see students and teachers light up while showing off their pets, from fluffy puppies to curious cats (and even a few surprising critters!). 🐾

The Middle School Social Club is quickly becoming a place where students can connect, laugh, and just enjoy time together outside of class. The club meets once a month on the 3rd Friday, and next up is Halloween Trivia 🎃👻 on Friday, October 17th at 10:00 AM in the All School Assembly course. We can’t wait to see everyone there for more fun and community building!

Why it’s great:
Creating a thankful jar encourages gratitude and reflection, making it a meaningful activity for families.

Steps to create:

1. Find a jar or container.

2. Decorate the jar with stickers, ribbons, or paint.

3. Cut small pieces of paper for writing.

4. Each day, write something you're thankful for and place it in the jar.

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/

We’d love to see all the amazing things our students are doing this season, both fun and academic! Did your child create a fall-themed craft, try a new recipe, or complete a cool school project? Send us your photos, and they might be featured in our upcoming newsletters!

Send photos to: Taylor Sorensen at tsorensen@accelschools.com

Let’s celebrate our students’ creativity and hard work together, we can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Parents and guardians may request information about the qualifications of their teachers at any time by emailing our Operations Manager, Taylor Sorensen at tsorensen@accelschools.com. These are also available at our school office at 433 N Hall in Mesa, AZ 85203.