-
What is Family Choice Day?
Family Choice Day is a new initiative for the 2024-25 school year that allows families to choose how and where their students learn every Friday. Early release will move from Wednesdays to Fridays and families will be able to choose from program options delivered on campus, at home, or other designated locations.
-
How will campuses operate on Fridays?
Campuses will continue serving learners in person five days a week, with Fridays designated as “Family Choice Day” for flexible learning options. Fridays will be an early release day with optional after-school programming.
-
What is the schedule for Monday through Thursday?
Monday through Thursday will be full school days, at least 7 hours in length, with no early release on Wednesdays. Specific schedules will be communicated during the month of April.
-
Are families required to participate in Family Choice Day?
Yes, families are required to make a choice for each student, each semester. Families and schools will have the option to request a change quarterly, as available.
-
What are the choices for Fridays?
Families can choose from the following options:
- Choice 1: Learn On Campus (half-day on-site programming)
- Choice 2: Learn at Home
- Choice 3: Special Programming as available or Flexible Offsite Opportunities (internships, Experiences, etc)
-
Is there optional after-school programming on Fridays?
Yes, campuses will offer optional half-day programming for on-site attendance. After-school care arrangements will be available for the half-day afternoon on Fridays.
-
Are there opportunities for parents and families on Fridays?
Yes, Fridays may provide opportunities for family engagement through volunteer opportunities and unique programming in partnership with ASU or other partners.
-
Are there any special considerations for certain students?
Some students may be required to be on-site on Fridays for additional support, resources, or legal requirements (IEP minutes, EL minutes).
-
How can I get more information or address concerns?
For more information or to address concerns, please reach out to the school administration. Stay tuned for detailed updates as we approach the implementation of this exciting initiative.
-
When will the detailed schedule be available?
The detailed schedule for the 2024-25 school year will be communicated by mid-April or sooner. Stay connected for updates!
Family Choice Day
More choice.
Unlimited possibilities.
Family Choice Day offers flexible scheduling for ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest students. On Fridays, families can choose where and how students will learn for a more engaging and relevant learning experience.
How does it work?
Families will make a choice for each student, each semester. Families and schools will have the option to request a change quarterly, as available. Choices for Friday learning include:
1. Learning on campus:
Students attend half-day programming at an ASU Prep campus, or attend special programming at an ASU campus. Activities include:
- Academic intervention and catch-up time
- Enrichment programming
- Special field trips
- On-site internships
- Other planned offerings
See below for more detailed Friday curriculum offered at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest.
2. Learning at home:
Students will learn from home, completing a “Friday Playlist” with options for online and/or offline learning, including:
- Family field trips
- Out of school enrichment programming
- Internship at an approved site
- Digital electives
- Completing homework and curriculum must-dos
- Students may have opportunities to come to a campus to participate in other planned offerings
Click here for the At Home Learning Thriving Kit and the Family Choice Day At Home Must Dos for families.
Q1 ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest Onsite Offerings
Currently, ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest is offering Friday onsite activities with the below courses for Quarter 1.
Garment League (Grades K-8)
- Fashion Design: In this class, students will explore the fundamentals of fashion design, including sketching, fabric selection, pattern-making, and garment construction. They will have the opportunity to create their own unique fashion pieces.
- Modeling: Our modeling class will cover essential skills such as runway walking, posing, and photography modeling. This class will boost students’ confidence and poise, preparing them for potential careers in modeling.
- Fashion Styling: Students will create outfits and fashion imagery based on a concept as well as learn personal styling techniques and personal shopping.
- Media Production: Taught by industry professionals, this specialized class will introduce students to the world of media production in the fashion industry. They will learn about photography, videography, and fashion marketing, gaining valuable skills for future endeavors.
Offered in partnership with The Garment League.
Leadership Lab: Igniting Student Potential (Grades 3-8)
Elementary and middle school leadership classes aim to instill leadership skills and qualities in students from a young age. These classes typically focus on developing skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making:
- Students learn about the importance of responsibility, empathy, and integrity in leadership roles.
- Activities may include group projects, role-playing scenarios, community service projects, and discussions on topics like goal setting and conflict resolution.
- These classes provide a supportive environment for students to explore their potential as leaders and to develop the confidence and abilities needed to make a positive impact in their school and community.
CodeCraft: Ignite Your Digital Creativity (Grades 5-8)
A coding class for elementary and middle school students typically focuses on introducing foundational concepts of programming in a fun and engaging way:
- The class may cover basic programming languages like Scratch or Blockly, which use visual blocks to represent code, making it easier for young learners to understand.
- Students might learn how to create simple animations, games, or interactive stories through step-by-step projects.
- The curriculum usually emphasizes problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity.
- Hands-on activities and projects are common, encouraging students to experiment, explore, and express their ideas through coding. Teachers often incorporate elements of storytelling or game design to keep students motivated and excited about learning.
- Additionally, coding classes for younger students may include elements of computational thinking, such as breaking down problems into smaller steps, recognizing patterns, and designing algorithms. Collaboration and teamwork are often encouraged, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can share ideas and learn from each other.
Overall, the goal of coding classes for elementary and middle school students is to lay a solid foundation for further exploration in computer science while sparking interest and curiosity in technology.
Group and Master Class Music Lessons (Grades 3-8)
Students will engage in group lessons (3rd-4th grade) and masterclass lessons (5th-7th grade) on an instrument or voice part of their choice that will contribute to their 5th and 8th grade music capstone projects:
- Students will use this direct instruction to best serve their current music literacy and performance needs while giving them the extra opportunity to explore meaningful repertoire outside their regular music class.
- For some groups, their lessons may culminate in mini-recitals or creative projects throughout the year to showcase their growth.
- Students in the master class structure will regularly engage in group feedback and reflection, finding similarities between their own learning and their peers.
STEAM-Exploring Worlds: A STEAM Odyssey (Grades K-8)
STEAM class will integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into one cohesive curriculum. The goal is to provide students with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration:
- These classes may involve various activities such as experiments, coding projects, robotics challenges, art projects incorporating scientific concepts, and engineering design challenges.
- They may also include guest speakers, field trips, and real-world problem-solving projects to engage students and show them the relevance of STEAM subjects in their everyday lives.
FitFusion: Sculpt Your Strength, Shape Your Stamina and Mind (Grades K-8)
This athletic class for elementary and middle school students would aim to be inclusive and engaging for all skill levels:
- It would typically incorporate a variety of sports and activities to cater to different interests and abilities.
- The class might include traditional team sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as individual sports like track and field, tennis, and gymnastics and activities and games such as chess.
- The focus would be on developing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching, while also fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for physical activity.
- Sessions could be structured to include warm-up exercises, skill-building drills, game-based activities, and cool-down stretches.
Teachers or instructors would likely adapt activities to suit the age and ability level of the students, providing modifications and challenges as needed. The goal is to create a positive and supportive environment where all students feel encouraged to participate and improve their athletic abilities while having fun.
Family Choice Day FAQs for Parents
Learn more
For more information about Family Choice Day, contact your principal or school counselor, or schedule a time to speak with an advisor.