The K12 Zone Report

Did you know teachers and school staff can create their own custom classroom, club, event, or sandbox zone directly in the K12 Zone — instantly? 🎉

Just click the orange ➕ button, choose a template, name your world, and assign your students. (How-To Video Below)

📢 Important Update: Finding Your Zone
Newly created zones will not appear on the Available Worlds page. A recent glitch that made them show up there has been fixed — this keeps the list from becoming too long to navigate.

If you create an event or club zone and want it listed on the Available Worlds page, please email me so it can be added.

To avoid losing track of your zone:

• Favorite it in your browser or bookmark the URL.

• If you forget the name or URL, you can still find it from inside any zone.

🎥 Watch this quick tip on where to look:

1. Go into any zone (National or School).

2. Click My Account in the top menu.

3. Select Worlds → My Worlds → View All.

4. You’ll see a list of every zone you’ve created.

🎥 New! How to Add or Change Usergroups
Want to update which students have access to your zone? This short video shows you exactly how to add or change your Managed User Groups so the right students can join.

🌐 How to Access the K12 Zone — New Walkthrough Video!
Whether you're a teacher, staff member, or student, accessing the K12 Zone is easy — and we’ve made a quick video to show you how!

🧭 You can reach the Available Worlds page (where you’ll see all zones open to you) in two ways:

🔗 Direct Link:
zone.k12.com/t/auth/sso-worlds?autosso=true

📚 Via Canvas:

1. Log in to login.k12.com

2. Open your Canvas dashboard

3. Click on Resources

4. Select K12 Zone

Both methods take you to the same Available Worlds page, where you can choose the national or school zones based on your grade level and access permissions.

📅 NEW: How to Schedule a Class in the Zone with Canvas
Teachers can now create events on the student’s Canvas calendar and link them directly to their classroom zone. Once the K12 Zone is fully integrated with PowerSchool and Canvas (expected Sept./Oct.), you’ll be able to add your Zone directly to the student’s schedule for even easier access.

📹 Watch the short videos below to see exactly how it works.

Teaching in the Zone just got even smoother. The latest update brings a suite of powerful tools to make instruction more flexible, interactive, and in your control — all without slowing you down.

🚀 New Features You’ll Love:

• 👥 Breakout Made Simple – Instantly launch small group work with one click — no portals needed.

• 🎯 Spotlight Mode – Keep focus on a student or your screen share.

• ✋ Raise Hand – Get instant visual and sound alerts when students need you.

• 🎙 Live Mic & Camera Controls – Grant or revoke access for everyone or just one student.

• 📽 Record Your Lessons – Save broadcasts for replays or documentation.

• 👻 Incognito Mode – Observe without being seen — your avatar and video disappear, and you’re hidden from the user list.

• 👯‍♂️ Users Drawer – All classroom tools in one place: manage breakouts, control mics/cameras, spotlight users, and more.

• 🚨 Reports Drawer – Review user, message, and Gaggle reports from the last 72 hours without leaving the Zone.

🎬 Watch the walkthrough video below to see these tools in action!

We’ve streamlined how parents give consent for students under 13 to access the National K12 Zone.

What’s new?

• Consent is now collected directly during the K12 enrollment process—no more third-party sites or extra steps for new families.

• Parents create an account in the Enrollment Portal and complete consent as part of enrollment.

• Existing families can update or provide consent anytime by logging into www.consent.k12.com using their enrollment credentials.

• The process is simple: Parents go to My Account > Student Consent, select their student, and save changes.

This easier process helps ensure students get timely access to safe, social learning environments in the Zone

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

🔎 What you’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!

🎯 How to log in:

1. Go to stridepdcenter.com/login

2. Don’t know your credentials? Click “Lost your password?”

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

4. Set a new password and log in!

✍️ Not in the system yet?
Fill out this quick form to get access.

❓ Need help? Email:

• Stacy Kirshner: skirschner@k12.com

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

Make it easy for students to explore! A directory with clickable teleports lets them instantly jump to different areas of your Zone — from classrooms and game spaces to resource hubs and event areas. It’s a simple way to keep navigation smooth and engagement high.

🎥 Watch the video below to learn how to set up your own teleport directory.

It’s never too early to start planning your first-week fun in the Zone! We’ve created a list of 80 ready-to-go activities, organized by grade band — 20 for each (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12).

💡 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.

👉 Use the tabs at the bottom of the doc to explore by grade level — and start planning now!

Our K12 Classroom Showcase is back! This is your chance to inspire other educators by sharing how you use your classroom zone.

We’re looking for teachers who already have a classroom zone and are open to letting us visit and film a short walkthrough or lesson. Your example could help others see what’s possible — and as a thank-you, you’ll receive a $50 gift card if selected.

✅ Requirements:

• Must have an existing classroom zone

• Be willing to allow a short virtual walkthrough/filming session

👉 Interested? Fill out the form below to apply!

Do you work with students who are creative, tech-savvy, or love making videos? Encourage them to apply for the Stride Student Advisory Council (SAC) — a hands-on, internship-style program for K12-powered students nationwide.

As SAC members, students will:
🎥 Create real social media content for K12
🤝 Collaborate with professional marketing mentors
🗣 Share student perspectives in exclusive focus groups
📝 Build a creative portfolio with blog posts & design projects

🎯 Perfect for students interested in: Marketing, content creation, communications, or digital media.

👉 Apply here:

Stride Student Advisor – Social Media Content Intern
📩 Questions? Contact Rachel Strange at rgreenebaum@k12.com

Mark your calendars! The next National Zone Game Jam is set for Wednesday, August 27th, and it's going to be another epic after-school event packed with games, fun, and friendly competition.

📍 Where: 6–8 National Zone
📅 When: Wednesday, August 27
🕓 Event Begins: 4:00 PM EST
⏰ Login by 3:30 PM to ensure students are ready

🕹️ This interactive experience is all about building community and connection in a fun, game-filled space. Make sure students register ahead of time! Registration Link

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

👇 Check out the flyer below for full details:

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.