K-8 WKOA Program Suspended Starting Fall of 2024

Starting next school year, in the Fall of 2024, we will no longer offer WKOA as an option for students in grades K-8. Given dwindling enrollment in these grades and the resources required to offer this online option, the program is no longer sustainable for K-8 students. WKOA will remain an option for high school students in grades 9-12. We will be able to offer components of WKOA to K-8 students within the in-person school setting on a case-by-case basis. Students in grades K-8 this school year will be able to finish the year in the WKOA program. 

We understand that this decision will be disappointing or concerning for some students and families in grades K-8. Ms. Gubbins will continue to be available to students through the end of the school year and will assist in the transition back to the classroom.

Factors in This Decision

The WLWV K12 Online Academy was first created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school district had been exploring high school online learning prior to the pandemic and retained the program K-12 to explore continued interest post pandemic. During the last three years, the district has seen WKOA enrollment at the primary and middle school levels steadily decrease and only a very small number of students are currently enrolled. Most K-8 families previously enrolled in WKOA are finding that in-person learning is the preferred learning environment. Operating WKOA requires an increased level of enrollment to maintain the investment in dedicated staff members and a high quality online learning platform. We are no longer able to continue the K-8 program in a manner that would allow students to experience the success and support we know they are accustomed to. 

WKOA Continuing for High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Enrollment in WKOA remains strong at the high school level and we have seen our students in grades 9-12 experience success in the online learning setting. Our older students display the ability to learn independently and better navigate some of the challenges that online learning can sometimes create. We are pleased to be able to continue offering WKOA to our high school students next school year and into the future. 

Unlike some online charter programs or schools that are separated from their school district, our model is uniquely integrated within each of our neighborhood schools. This advantage allows our students to still stay involved with their neighborhood friends, school activities, field trips, principal and office staff, school counselor, library, theatre program, athletic program, district art shows and a variety of events and resources while learning from home. Your child remains a student of their local school in the WLWV school district and we remain committed to their success.

The WLWV K12 Online Academy consists of three tiers to ensure students receive the best online instruction possible while meeting Oregon Senate Bill 819 requirements. Learn more about WKOA's format below. 

Tier 1: 

All WKOA students engage their full course load in STRIDE and have access to a live, synchronous teacher for 380 minutes every day. Open support blocks are scheduled for all key subject areas.

Tier 2: 

All WKOA students are invited to join age-similar peers for lunch and recess during the school day.  

Primary students are invited to join specials (music, wellness, library, and world language classes) with a live partner class. Music, wellness and world language classes meet twice a week. Library visits occur once a week. WKOA students may also attend regularly scheduled meetings with our WKOA K-8 TOSA in the school library. Additionally, WKOA students may join their neighborhood school for special events or assemblies during the school day.

Middle level students are invited to join PE/Wellness and related arts classes.

Parents should contact the WKOA K-8 TOSA to schedule time to join their neighborhood school or schedule a class. The WKOA K-8 TOSA will make a connection with an appropriate staff member at the school to facilitate a visit.

Tier 3: 

All WKOA students are invited to sign up for after-school enrichment classes, athletic teams and clubs.

WKOA students are also encouraged to attend after-school community events, celebrations, athletic events, etc.

K-8 Synchronous Teacher Support Schedule

Zoom style meetings will be open for the duration of the following times. Students may choose to join the meetings when they need help and/or wish to participate. Zoom links can be located in your student's Clever account or Google classroom.

• 8:00 - 9:00 Social Studies/Science 60 min.
• 9:00 - 9:30 Morning Meeting (Gr. K-5 Check-in) 30 min.
• 9:30 - 10:50 Language Arts 80 min.
• 10:50 - 11:50 Art and Electives 60 min.
• 11:50 - 12:20 Lunch Bunch 30 min.
• 12:20 - 1:20 Math 60 min.
• 1:20 - 2:20 Social Studies/Science 60 min.
• 3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Check-in Meeting (Gr. 6-8) 30 min.  

380 min.