The K12 Zone Report

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We’re excited to share a brand-new resource now available to all students: the Camp K12 Zone — an interactive, self-paced adventure that helps students learn how to navigate the updated Canvas/K12 School (OLS) system with confidence.

Camp K12 is designed especially for:
• Students who are new to K12
• Students who need extra support with the new platform
• Anyone who could benefit from a guided tour of the updated systems

Inside the Zone, students explore eight learning stations alongside Strider and Brave, covering everything from the Dashboard and Calendar to Courses, Grades, Submissions, Inbox, and more. Each station includes:
🎥 Short video walkthroughs
📘 Helpful guides
❓ Quick comprehension questions
🎉 Fun emotes to unlock

Teachers can share this resource in two ways:
1️⃣ Direct link: https://zone.k12.com/camp-k12
2️⃣ Or have students access it through the K12 School (OLS): Resources → K12 Zone → Available Worlds

👉 Please encourage your students to check out the Camp K12 Zone this month, especially those who may need extra support getting comfortable with the updated Canvas/OLS experience.

One of the most requested student features has officially arrived — avatar accessories are now available! Students can now personalize their look with mix-and-match shirts, pants, and hats, giving them even more ways to express themselves inside the Zone.

Here’s how it works:

🎨 Choose the customizable avatar option
Before entering a world, students can select the new customizable avatar. (All original avatars will still be available.)

🧣 Add accessories inside the Zone
Once inside, students can pick from a variety of clothing and hat options to create their look.

💾 Save the avatar
After customizing, students simply click “Save Avatar” and return to the world.

📺 Quick tutorial
Share this short video with your students to help them get started:
https://youtu.be/3hyIqRANx18

👉 Be sure to let your students know this feature is now available!
It’s a great opportunity to spark engagement, creativity, and conversations about digital identity in your classroom or zone sessions.

If you haven’t joined the K12 Zone Teams Channel yet, now is the perfect time! This space was created specifically for teachers and staff who use the K12 Zone, and it’s quickly becoming one of the best places to connect, collaborate, and get inspired.

Inside the channel, you can:

💡 Ask questions and get quick support from the K12 Zone HQ team and other teachers
🌟 Share creative ideas for classroom zones, activities, and student engagement
📸 Show off what you’re doing — screenshots, events, bulletin boards, student creations, and more
📚 Learn from other schools and see how they’re using the Zone in innovative ways
🚀 Hear about new features and updates early so you can plan ahead

This channel is designed to help you feel supported, spark ideas, and build community with others who are using the Zone every day.
Whether you’re brand new or a Zone pro, we’d love to have you there!

👉 Click here to join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3A9kyvIzw2jq_SEDzbUschxJGpDPzgJ6fhZkkEO3MrB7c1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=28f60243-a15d-4c9a-8d6d-66a6000c1d97&tenantId=4696492d-646d-4d3c-9465-6c5a36f31a16

The holiday season is arriving in the National K12 Zone, and we want your students to experience all the fun! Beginning December 1, all National Zones will transform into a festive Winter Wonderland filled with snowy scenery, cozy lights, and lots of seasonal surprises.

Then, from December 3–18, we’ll kick off the 12 Days of Winter Magic — a special event packed with daily activities, themed experiences, and engaging live events your students will love.

Here’s what’s happening across the Zone:

🎤 Live Events: holiday karaoke, winter baking, trivia, gaming, and a special reading of The Polar Express
🎨 Activities: brand-new avatar accessories, winter crafts, a Winter Art Walk, and seasonal interactives hidden throughout the Wonderland
🎁 Giveaways: chances to win gift cards, K12 swag, and other festive surprises

This is a fantastic month to encourage your students to log in, explore, and join the fun. Help them jump into the magic — there will be SNOW much to enjoy!

Have you ever noticed a student’s avatar suddenly sitting down with a laptop in their hands? (It looks just like the attached image!)

This is a built-in indicator that the student is still logged into the Zone, but currently working in another browser tab. They are not actively in the world at that moment.

Why this is helpful:

• You’ll know the student hasn’t disconnected — they’ve simply switched tabs.
• If a student seems unresponsive or not moving, this may be why.
• Great for monitoring during class use or activities that require active participation.

A small detail, but so helpful for understanding what your students are doing behind the scenes!

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.