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Nationwide, research is consistently showing that over the course of their summer break, our kids are losing some of the critical skills they have previously learned. One study showed that when students are given a test at the beginning and end of their summer break, they score significantly lower at the end of their summer break, even though it's the same test. It’s what experts call Summer Learning Loss.

According to Reading is Fundamental, “the greatest areas of summer loss for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, are in factual or procedural knowledge.”

Summer learning loss has some serious consequences, which is why many parents and educators are asking school districts around the country to consider changing school calendars to accommodate differences in student learning.

While discussions about what changes should and should not be happening to school calendars, we, as parents, can do our part to ensure that our kids continue learning throughout their summer break.  

If you’re a new K¹² family (Welcome!) or a returning family (Welcome back!), we know that you need support even when school is not in session! We have rounded up some information about the many ways you and your family can gear up and get ready for the 2012-2013 school year.

First, have you visited our Facebook page yet? We have a team working ‘round the clock making sure we monitor and try to answer every question posted on our page.  And this year, most of our schools have their own Facebook pages!  Use the ‘Explore our Schools’ option on the K¹² Facebook page to find your school.

Secondly, K¹² Start, our 2012 School Year Guide website, is back this year!

K¹² Start, available via your OLS, goes over all the information most parents need to know so they are first day of school ready.  You will find key information like school calendars, school policies and information about local school events.   Parent support session schedules, short video tutorials and our popular online summer camp schedules are also readily available.

World Oceans Day is a day to learn about ocean conservation and how the future of ocean conservation is in the hands of young people around the world.  This year, each participating zoo or aquarium will host family events with a  1, 2, 3 and the Seas theme, with the goal of encouraging children of all ages to creatively examine how numbers and counting play an important role in protecting our oceans.

As a proud partner of the AZA, K12's Rhythm of Conservation program is helping elevate the awareness of conservation efforts through positive, optimistic messages and information to inspire families to become personally involved in making a difference.  

Earlier this month, we held our K¹² Distinguished Leadership in Education Awards Ceremony to honor and celebrate the finalists and national winner of the K¹² Distinguished Leadership Award in honor of Lori Funk.

Lori was the founding Academic Administrator for Georgia Cyber Academy and oversaw all curriculum and instruction at GCA.  She had a real passion for helping students and teachers achieve their potential. Thanks to her leadership and contributions, the school has grown to be one of the largest and most successful online schools in the country.

Sadly, a sudden and rare illness claimed Lori's life on August 27, 2010.

Her passing touched many throughout the K¹² community. As a way to honor and celebrate her many contributions, the K¹² Distinguished Leadership Award in honor of Lori Funk was created.