Section 1: Kaleidoscope Overview
Welcome to Kaleidoscope
We are excited to be able to offer a variety of classes, resources, and events for the community during our 2022-23 school year. This handbook is meant to be a comprehensive guide for Kaleidoscope families, but we realize that questions might arise that are not covered in the handbook. Please contact us with any questions that you may have. Kaleidoscope families also receive regular communication and updates via our monthly online newsletter.
What is Kaleidoscope?
Kaleidoscope: Keweenaw Alternative Education Organization was founded on the belief that all families should have a say in their children’s educational pursuits. To achieve this goal, we established Kaleidoscope to provide structure, organization, and efficiency to a vendor model partnership with the Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw (CLK) School District’s Virtual Programs. Kaleidoscope is a non-profit organization that is overseen by a Board of Directors composed of parents and other interested community members.
What is Kaleidoscope's Mission?
Kaleidoscope provides holistic support and engaging learning experiences to families through classes and community events.
What are Kaleidoscope's core values?
- We are inclusive
- We are non-discriminatory
- We operate in a collegial spirit
- We embrace mutual respect
- We strive to embrace many educational philosophies
What does it mean to be a Kaleidoscope Member?
2022-23 Kaleidoscope Membership is defined as follows:
- Students enrolled in Kaleidoscope electives for either semester during the 2022-23 school year.
- Students enrolled in Kaleidoscope classes for either semester during the 2022-23 school year.
- Kaleidoscope staff members with contracts that fall within the 2022-23 fiscal year (August 1st 2022-July 31st 2023.)
- Immediate family members (spouse and children living in the same household) of Kaleidoscope staff members.
- Active (currently serving on the board) Kaleidoscope board members.
- Immediate family members (spouse and children living in the same household) of active Kaleidoscope board members.
Kaleidoscope members pay free or reduced tuition for special events and summer classes, and also have early registration access for certain events. Members also have access to pages on the Kaleidoscope website that are not available to the general public.
Members are encouraged to bring any suggestions or concerns they may have to the Kaleidoscope administration so that those suggestions or concerns can be addressed directly in an appropriate manner. If a family feels that Kaleidoscope administration is unable to resolve an issue satisfactorily, they may bring the issue to the Kaleidoscope Board of Directors for consideration.
Members understand and accept that Kaleidoscope reserves the right to refuse enrollment or participation to anyone for any reason except on the basis of race, religion, disability, or other legally protected status.
What is the Vendor Model for a Virtual Programs Partner?
The State of Michigan provides funding for students via a virtual program offered by a public school district (Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw, CLK), to take elective classes not related to core subject classes (reading, writing, science, math, etc). The Vendor Model allows a partner organization like Kaleidoscope to manage those elective funds in the manner the organization chooses.
Why has Kaleidoscope chosen to use the vendor model?
The Vendor Model allows Kaleidoscope to manage elective funds provided by the State of Michigan to registered member families in the manner our organization chooses. Accountability is governed by our Board of Directors, directly responsible to all participating families. Every family has a voice in the policies, procedures, and management of their elective funding.
Kaleidoscope Registration
Does my child need to be homeschooled in order to enroll in Kaleidoscope classes?
No, your child does not have to be homeschooled in order to register with Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope accepts four categories of students:
CLK Virtual Programs: Shared-Time Student
A shared-time student is able to take up to five non-core electives through CLK’s Virtual Programs Partners, funded by CLK. Students who are enrolled in an online public school (such as Connections Academy, K-12, or other state-funded online public schools) are NOT considered homeschooled students.
CLK Virtual Programs: Full-Time Virtual Student
A full-time student is able to take at least one non-core elective through CLK’s Virtual Programs Partners, funded by CLK.
Traditional CLK Student
A CLK student is able to use one of their non-core school electives through CLK’s Virtual Programs Partners, funded by CLK.
Self-Pay Student
A Self-Pay student does not need to be enrolled in any CLK programs and can pay out of pocket for any Kaleidoscope electives or classes. Any student who has reached their maximum of electives funded through CLK may enroll in additional electives as a Self-Pay Student. This is also an option for students who are enrolled in public school, virtual or not, that is not associated with CLK or UPVA.
What personal information does Kaleidoscope retain about my child?
- Your child’s name, date of birth, grade, and address.
- Contact information for up to two parents/guardians for your child.
- The number of electives that your child will be enrolling in through Kaleidoscope.
- The specific electives that your child will be enrolling in through Kaleidoscope.
Additional information collected by the CLK School District is not retained by Kaleidoscope.
Why do I have to pay a fee to register my child with Kaleidoscope?
Kaleidoscope charges an administration fee of $10 per elective in order to offset administrative costs and to ensure that those students who register will follow through on their commitment to Kaleidoscope. We do not want the fee to prevent any student from being able to participate; if your family would like a fee waiver, you may request a full waiver, a partial waiver, or a payment plan here. Registration fees for the 2022-23 school year will be due in October.
Can my child be registered with both Kaleidoscope and another CLK Virtual Programs Partner?
Yes, your child can be registered with both Kaleidoscope and another CLK Virtual Programs Partner. CLK Students and CLK Virtual Programs Students may not exceed their allocated funded electives. For example, a CLK Virtual Programs: Homeschool Student could choose to take one elective with a partner other than Kaleidoscope, and would then only be able to take four funded electives through Kaleidoscope. Self-Pay Students are not limited by elective restrictions.
Virtual Electives
Virtual Programs Partners in the State of Michigan are required to have a virtual component for each elective to document learning, and each component must meet Kaleidoscope and CLK policy.
- Electives must meet standards for rigor and duration.
- Each student must engage in a weekly lesson.
- Lessons will vary in length and complexity depending on the age-range of the student.
- All Kaleidoscope families will receive instruction on how to use Seesaw, our approved learning platform.
What is the purpose of weekly virtual content?
Your child will have access to weekly virtual content via the learning platform Seesaw. Each elective will have 28 weeks of content, 14 weeks per semester. The assignments for the whole semester will be available at the beginning of each semester so that a student may complete the work at his or her own pace. This content primarily serves two purposes:
- It demonstrates the content, duration, and rigor expected by the State of Michigan for electives.
- It offers a starting point for students who may want to expand their studies of a particular subject beyond what is taught in class. Many of the virtual resources provided can be used to further independent study.
What is Seesaw?
Seesaw is the learning platform that Kaleidoscope uses to manage our virtual content.
How do I use Seesaw?
You will receive Seesaw login information for your child at the beginning of the school year. In order for your child to use Seesaw, you will need to follow the Seesaw tutorial most applicable to your device.
Seesaw Tutorial for Desktops and Laptops
Seesaw Tutorial for Mobile Devices
Each semester’s assignments will all be available at the beginning of the semester. Your child can log in to complete the assignments once per week or create their own schedule for completing the work. To do the assignments, your child will need to log in to Seesaw and check their activities in each class. They will be asked to engage with virtual content (either directly on Seesaw or through an external link) and submit an activity response using one of the following options:
- type a response within Seesaw
- draw a response within Seesaw
- record an audio response within Seesaw
- record a video response and upload it to Seesaw
- take a photo and upload it to Seesaw
- create a file and upload it to Seesaw
An instructor will respond to your child’s activity response using Seesaw’s comments feature.
What if I have technical issues?
You can request technical support at any time. If you encounter a technical issue that cannot be overcome, Kaleidoscope administration will work with you to find other ways of completing the activities.
What if my child is not able to complete an activity?
We understand that there could be a variety of reasons for a child not completing a virtual activity. Please contact us so we can discuss the situation and work out an alternative plan.
Optional Learning Experiences (OLEs)
Kaleidoscope students may choose to add content to their classes in the form of Optional Learning Experiences.
What are Basecamp OLEs?
Basecamp Optional Learning Experience classes meet once a week at Kaleidoscope L’Anse or Kaleidoscope Hancock and include hands-on activities led by an instructor in a small group setting. Classes may take place online (via additional online content, live-streaming with the instructor, or other similar scenarios) in case of school closures, snow days, or other emergencies.
What are Explorer OLEs?
Explorer Optional Learning Experience classes are based at either Kaleidoscope L’Anse or Kaleidoscope Hancock, meet at varying times and locations, and include hands-on activities led by an instructor in a small group setting. Classes may take place online (via additional online content, live-streaming with the instructor, or other similar scenarios) in case of school closures, snow days, or other emergencies.
What are Solo OLEs?
Solo Optional Learning Experiences are student-led and are ideal for students who want to take lessons or classes in the community or expand on their Virtual Elective in their own homes. Students and families plan these OLEs themselves, and Kaleidoscope provides funding, resources, and support.
Are there restrictions on who can teach my child?
There are no specific restrictions on which Community Experts can teach your child. All instructors hired by Kaleidoscope have completed background checks.
Uses for OLE Funding
Explore the ways you can use your child’s Optional Learning Experience funding.
Curricula
This might include teacher manuals, student manuals, workbooks, and books.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B to create a violin class. I’m buying music lesson books, music theory books, sheet music, and composition paper.
- Example 2: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m buying bird identification manuals.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Skiing C. I’m buying a book on how to ski.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Cultures B. I’m buying a book about how to learn French.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in STEAM A to create a puzzles class. I’m buying a book on logic puzzles strategy for kids.
Non-Consumable Items
This might include any physical resources and manipulatives that could be used in the class, that would be reusable after the completion of the class.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B. I’m buying a violin and a music stand.
- Example 2: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m buying binoculars.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Skiing C. I’m buying a pair of skis.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Cultures B. I’m buying a French dictionary.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in STEAM A. I’m buying puzzles.
Consumable Items
This might include any physical resources and manipulatives that could be used in the class, that would be depleted during the course of the class.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B. I’m buying rosin.
- Example 2: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m buying a sketchbook and colored pencils.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Skiing C. I’m buying a notebook for journaling about ski lessons.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Cultures B to study French. I’m buying ingredients to cook a French meal.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in STEAM A. I’m buying a 3-D puzzle that will be glued together.
Lessons and Classes
This might include ongoing lessons and classes, or individual events, that are taught by someone in the community or online.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B. I’m enrolling my child in violin lessons with a local teacher.
- Example 2: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m enrolling my child in a local bird-watching class.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Winter Sports C. I’m enrolling my child in ski lessons.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Languages B. I’m buying access to an online French class for kids.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in Build A. I’m paying a local Community Expert to help my child with puzzles strategy.
Performance and Event Tickets
This might include performances, workshops, or presentations. Tickets can be reimbursed for the child enrolled in the class as well as one adult chaperone.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B. I’m buying tickets for my child and me to attend an orchestra concert.
- Example: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m buying tickets for my child and me to watch a presentation by a visiting scientist.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Skiing C. I’m buying tickets for my child and me to watch a downhill ski competition.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Cultures B. I’m buying tickets for my child and me to attend an international food festival.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in STEAM A. I’m buying a visit to an escape room for my child and myself.
Subscriptions
This might include magazines, kits, or online resources that include a monthly fee.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B. I’m buying a subscription to a youth music magazine.
- Example 2: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m buying a subscription to a monthly nature activity kit.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Skiing C. I’m buying a subscription to an online youth ski magazine.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Cultures C. I’m buying a subscription to a monthly kit with resources to cook international foods.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in STEAM A. I’m buying a subscription to a monthly puzzle club.
Memberships and Admission Fees
This might include museums, science centers, arts centers, sports centers, or other facilities that require a fee. Fees can be reimbursed for the child enrolled in the class as well as one adult chaperone. Family memberships are acceptable.
- Example 1: I have enrolled my child in Music B. I’m buying a membership to a History of Music museum.
- Example 2: I have enrolled my child in Nature A. I’m buying tickets for my child and me to visit a natural history museum.
- Example 3: I have enrolled my child in Skiing C. I’m buying a membership to use the local ski hill.
- Example 4: I have enrolled my child in World Cultures. I’m buying a membership to a natural history museum.
- Example 5: I have enrolled my child in STEAM A. I’m buying tickets for my child and me to go to a science museum.
Kaleidoscope Non-Traditional Optional Learning Experiences
Kaleidoscope provides Optional Learning Experiences that go beyond our regular lessons, classes, and materials.
Themed Media Content
Resources and activities that follow a monthly theme are shared on our social media platforms three times a week. Each month’s theme relates to the content of one or more Kaleidoscope electives. This themed media content is free and available to the public.
Group Experiences
Group Experiences are activities outside of regular electives that allow a group of Kaleidoscope students to participate in an Optional Learning Experience together. Any Kaleidoscope parent/guardian, staff member, or instructor may choose to facilitate a Group Experience.
Special Events
Kaleidoscope’s goal is to offer at least one special event per year related to each elective. Most special events are available to families either free or at a low cost. Families will be informed of special events via Kaleidoscope’s website, newsletter, social media, mailing lists, Seesaw, and by instructors.
How do I gain access to Kaleidoscope’s themed media content?
This content is available to anyone who accesses our social media platforms:
Kaleidoscope Purchase and Reimbursement Process
Depending on your child’s elective, you may have funding available to put towards Optional Learning Experiences.
What is required from me before making purchases with my funding?
Be sure that your child meets the qualifications for purchases:
- Enrollment in Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw (CLK) School District’s Virtual Programs or enrollment with Kaleidoscope as a scholarship student
- Registration with Kaleidoscope
- Completion of CLK Count Month requirements (not applicable to scholarship students)
- Consistent completion of virtual assignments
What am I allowed to purchase with my funding?
Items purchased for a class must be used by the student to actively further their knowledge in that subject, must not be considered “core material,” and must be within the values of Kaleidoscope.
Kaleidoscope identifies core material as follows: “Curricula that an instructor would use as a primary source in teaching their child skills appropriate to their ability level in mathematics, science, social studies, or English language arts.”
If you are unsure if an item would be considered “core,” please contact us for clarification.
Kaleidoscope can reimburse purchases made for both goods (consumable and non-consumable physical items) and services (lessons, classes, etc.)
How do I purchase materials?
You can purchase materials yourself and save the receipts in order to be reimbursed by Kaleidoscope. Receipts can be submitted using our online Elective Purchases Form.
Can Kaleidoscope make my purchases for me?
Kaleidoscope can make your purchases for you. Requests for direct purchases can be made using our online Elective Purchases Form. This form is available on each student’s tab on their family’s Kaleidoscope webpage. The following restrictions apply to direct purchases:
- They will only be processed after Count Month Requirements have been met.*
- They will be submitted by Kaleidoscope Staff 7 to 10 days after requests.
- As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Kaleidoscope can make some purchases without paying tax. If your purchase is being made through Amazon.com you may want to purchase it directly through Kaleidoscope so that the purchase is not taxed.
*Exceptions are made on request for families in good standing, or when Kaleidoscope has organized an event that can be paid for by families as a direct purchase.
Are there restrictions about what I can purchase with my funding?
Read through our Elective Funding Policy to fully understand which purchases will be reimbursed by Kaleidoscope.
Do my purchases need to be pre-approved?
No, your purchases do not need to be pre-approved. If you prefer to have them pre-approved, however, you can submit an online pre-approval request using our Elective Purchases Form.
How can I keep track of my reimbursements?
You can keep track of your reimbursements for each elective by printing out copies of the Elective Spending Tracker Worksheet. You can also check your student’s funding levels via your family page on the Kaleidoscope website.
What are some of the ways I can use my Solo Optional Learning Experience funding?
See Uses for Optional Learning Experience Funding for examples and ideas.
Solo Nature
Create your own Optional Learning Experience using Kaleidoscope funding for lessons or classes in the community and at-home activities. Click here for more information about our Solo Optional Learning Experience classes.
COVID-19
COVID-19 has brought about a unique set of changes and challenges for the past few years. Kaleidoscope will continue to follow both required and recommended guidelines from the CLK School District, the Upper Western Peninsula Health Department, and the State of Michigan. Please review our COVID-19 Plan to learn more about this.
How will COVID-19 affect Basecamp and Explorer classes?
In-person classes will be most affected by our COVID-19 Plan. All students, staff, and family members in our buildings will be expected to follow the most recent COVID guidelines. Staff will regularly disinfect surfaces. Instructors will adapt their classes as necessary, either by rescheduling or offering additional virtual material.
How will COVID-19 affect Solo Optional Learning Experiences?
Optional Learning Experiences in the community may need to be canceled or rescheduled. Kaleidoscope offers support for families that might need to adapt their plans.
Kaleidoscope Governance
Kaleidoscope is governed by a Board of Directors. Membership on this Board is available to any interested family members or community members. The Board meets on the second Thursday of every month, and as needed on the fourth Thursday of every month. Family members and community members are welcome to attend Board meetings.
2022/2023 Board of Directors
Chris Amidon, President
Art Pontynen, Treasurer
Emma Dorst, Member-at-Large
Kiko de Melo e Silva, Member-at-Large
Tim Reitz, Board Secretary
Christy Wilson, Staff Representative
2022/2023 Staff
Michelle Nielson, Executive Director
Erin Gregorcich, Programs Coordinator
Erin Lempkowski, L’Anse Coordinator
Meg Shaw, Hancock Coordinator
Shannon Hilaire, Administrative Assistant
Jessica Cadeau, Instructor
Dan Choszczyk, Instructor
Tiffany Nygord, Instructor
Zack Olson, Instructor
Emily Svenson, Instructor
Christy Wilson, Instructor
Amanda Knapp, Substitute Instructor
Kaleidoscope 2022/2023 Calendar
Kaleidoscope follows the academic calendar of the CLK School District.
The 2022/2023 calendar can be found here.
Section 1: Kaleidoscope Overview
Kaleidoscope Contact Information
admin@kaleidoscope-education.org
Kaleidoscope
PO Box 64
Houghton, MI 49931
Kaleidoscope L’Anse
830 N Main St
L’Anse, MI 49946
(906)281-5647
Kaleidoscope Hancock
417 Quincy St
Hancock, MI 49930
(906) 481-1965
Section 2: Kaleidoscope Policies and Procedures
Elective Funding Policy
Kaleidoscope can reimburse families for approved expenses directly related to their electives, up to a maximum amount of half of their elective funding for the first semester and half of their elective funding for the second semester.
Criteria for making purchases
Purchases made for a class must be used by the student to actively further their knowledge in that subject, not be considered “core material,” and be within the values of Kaleidoscope.
What does it mean to “actively further their knowledge”?
- Purchases must relate to the course objectives listed in the class.
- Purchases can include curricula, community lessons and classes, performance tickets, entrance fees, memberships, subscriptions, travel expenses, non-consumable items, and consumable items that directly relate to class content.
- Purchases that actively further knowledge in one class might not do so in another.
What does it mean to “not be considered ‘core material”?
- Kaleidoscope identifies core material as follows: “Curricula that an instructor would use as a primary source in teaching their child skills appropriate to their ability level in mathematics, science, social studies, or English language arts.”
- State of Michigan policy states the following:
- Grades K-8
- Section 166b of the State School Aid Act (388.1766b) states: “A nonessential course in grades 1 to 8 is a course other than a mathematics, science, social studies, and English language arts course required by the district for grade progression. Remedial courses for any grade in the above-listed essential courses are considered essential. Kindergarten is considered nonessential.”
- Grades 9-12
- Section 166b of the State School Aid Act (388.1766b) states: “Nonessential courses in grades 9 to 12 are those other than algebra 1, algebra 2, English 9-12, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, geography, American history, world history, the Constitution, government, and civics, or courses that fulfill the same credit requirement as these courses. Nonessential elective courses include courses offered by the local district for high school credit that are also capable of generating postsecondary credit, including, at least, advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses. College level courses taken by high school students for college credit are nonessential courses. Remedial courses for any grade in the above-listed essential courses are considered essential.”
- Grades K-8
What does it mean to be “within the values of Kaleidoscope”?
- Kaleidoscope has adopted the following values statement:
- We are inclusive
- We are non-discriminatory
- We operate in a collegial spirit
- We embrace mutual respect
- We strive to embrace many educational philosophies
Reimbursement Requirements
Students must:
- Be enrolled in Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw School District’s Virtual Programs.
- Register with Kaleidoscope
- Complete the State of Michigan Count Month Requirements
- Submit responses to their Kaleidoscope Virtual Elective assignments
Requesting Reimbursements
- Receipts and invoices can be submitted at any time after August 1st. This will be done via the Reimbursement Request Form.
- Receipts and invoices must be submitted to Kaleidoscope between August 1st and June 14th of this fiscal year, and must be dated within that time frame.
- Reimbursements can be requested until June 14 of this fiscal year. After this date no further reimbursements for the fiscal year will be processed and any remaining balances will be forfeited.
- Items on a receipt that are meant to be reimbursed should be highlighted or otherwise marked.
- Purchases such as tickets, travel, and memberships should reasonably include only the child enrolled in the elective and up to two parents/guardians as chaperones. Family memberships and similar purchases can be reimbursed in full.
- Students are allocated a set amount of funding per elective for the first semester, and a set amount of funding per elective for the second semester.
- Due to Count Month requirements, reimbursements for the school year will not begin until November 15th. Families with a financial need may request early reimbursements.
- An individual receipt can include purchases up to the full per elective amount for the year. However, reimbursements will be allocated as follows:
- After October Count Month requirements are met, up to half of the per elective funding can be reimbursed in the first semester.
- After February Count Day requirements are met, requests up to the full total of per elective funding can be reimbursed in the second semester.
- Kaleidoscope Administration will review receipts.
- If an item is flagged as potentially not meeting the purchase requirements, the reviewing administrator will request a more detailed written description from the parent/guardian as to why that item falls within the purchasing guidelines. Kaleidoscope staff may make a determination as to whether or not to reimburse that purchase.
- If the Director and parent/guardian disagree over this process, the matter will be voted on by the Kaleidoscope Board of Directors.
- After the fifteenth day of each month and before the first day of the following month, Kaleidoscope staff will issue one reimbursement check per family.
- Kaleidoscope staff will distribute reimbursement checks to Kaleidoscope families, either in person, through direct deposit, or through the mail.
Note: Kaleidoscope staff cannot sign checks or make direct purchases for themselves or their family. These transactions must be carried out by an alternate staff member.
Pre-approval Process
- If a parent wishes, they can request that a purchase be pre-approved by Kaleidoscope staff.
- A written request for pre-approval must be sent via the Pre-Approval Form.
- The purchase will be approved or denied within 7-10 business days.
Reimbursable Travel Expenses
Travel by airplane, train, bus, boat, or car between your home and the place of learning for the child and one adult chaperone.
Chaperones
Purchases such as tickets, travel, and memberships can include the child enrolled in the elective and up to two parents/guardians as chaperones. Individual items purchased for use by chaperones will not be reimbursed.
Retaining Items
Any items (consumable and non-consumable) that remain after the class is complete may remain with the student.
Direct Purchases
While reimbursement is the preferred method, Kaleidoscope can help families pay for services directly if needed, rather than via the reimbursement process.
- Direct purchases made by Kaleidoscope on behalf of a family must adhere to the same guidelines as purchases made for receipt reimbursement.
- If you need a purchase to be made directly by Kaleidoscope, fill out the Direct Purchase Form. It will be the responsibility of Kaleidoscope administration to make this purchase.
Purchase orders must be submitted after Count Month requirements have been met. Once approved, purchases will be made within 7-10 business days. Families with a financial need may request early direct purchases.
Shipping & Handling and Taxes
Kaleidoscope will reimburse for shipping and handling expenses as well as sales tax.
Parents as Instructors
Kaleidoscope parents may be reimbursed for expenses incurred as instructors for Optional Learning Experiences if they meet the following criteria:
- Complete the Parent Instructor Form
- Demonstrate qualifications in the field in which they will be instructing
- Receive written Board approval
Submissions to the Parent Instructor Form will be reviewed by the Board within one month of submission.
Virtual Instruction and Optional Learning Experiences
When CLK schools are operating virtually, Kaleidoscope Optional Learning Experiences must also happen virtually. Elective spending requests for Optional Learning Experiences dated during these virtual-only times will not be funded through CLK student elective funding, but may be funded by Kaleidoscope through other funding streams.
Kaleidoscope Group Experience Policy
Funding may be requested for optional group learning experiences. These experiences must meet the following criteria:
- must be within the values of Kaleidoscope
- must have a clear purpose
- must be outlined in the Group Experience Form
- must be intended for three or more Kaleidoscope students from two or more families
- must be organized by a Kaleidoscope staff member, parent, or guardian
- must be submitted at least one month in advance of the experience.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Director and submitted to the Board to be voted on. Proposals that meet the criteria will be granted, provided that funding is available. If a proposal is denied, the Board will provide a written reason for the denial. Proposals that have been denied may be resubmitted if Board-requested changes have been made.
Kaleidoscope Self-Pay Policy
- Self-pay students will be held to the same Kaleidoscope rules and community standards as shared-time and full-time students.
- Steps to determine enrollment availability:
- Set maximum class size based on instructor recommendation and social distancing capabilities.
- Allow shared-time and full-time students to sign up on a first come first serve basis, and at this point, ensure that there are enough students signed up to have the class be financially feasible. The number of students required will vary, and will depend on the length of class, instructor pay, and supplies/curriculum budget.
- Allow self-pay students to register for the remainder of class slots.
- Tuition:
| Self Pay | Full Year | 1 Semester |
| Virtual Elective | $310 | $170.50 |
| Basecamp or Explorer Class | $150 | $82.50 |
| Virtual Elective + Basecamp or Explorer Class | $410 | $225.50 |
- Self-pay students do not have to pay the separate $10 registration fee per class.
- Class tuition is due up front prior to the start of classes. If paying by the semester, the semester rate applies.
Whole Life Wellness II (HANCOCK, Mondays, 9:30-10:15, AGES 11+)
Horsemanship C (ages 13+)
Learn about horse care, horse science, horse psychology, horseback riding, and rider fitness. Develop a solid base of knowledge that students can apply to any real-life interactions they have with horses.
Includes one Athletics Optional Learning Experience. 
Instructor: Erin Lempkowski
Solo Horsemanship
Create your own Optional Learning Experience using Kaleidoscope funding for lessons or classes in the community and at-home activities. Click here for more information about our Solo Optional Learning Experience classes.
Tae Kwon Do Weapons (L’ANSE, Wednesdays, 12:30-1:15, instructor approval required)
Tae Kwon Do I (L’ANSE, Wednesdays, 1:15-2:15)
Tae Kwon Do II (L’ANSE, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:30, experience required)
Tae Kwon Do III (L’ANSE, Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00, instructor approval required)
Self Defense (L’ANSE, Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00)
Whole Life Wellness II (HANCOCK, Mondays, 9:30-10:15)
Kaleidoscope COVID-19 Policy
COVID-19 Plan; School Year 2022/20223
The purpose of this plan is to identify policy and guidelines for Kaleidoscope Optional Learning Experience (OLE) classes that will run during the 2022/2023 school year. Guidance for this document will be taken from local school district administration, the State of Michigan, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Kaleidoscope Board of Directors. This plan will be included in the Staff, Instructor, and Family Handbooks, and all Kaleidoscope stakeholders will regularly be updated as policy and guidelines may continue to evolve throughout the school year which may require revisions.
The following guidelines apply to students and their family members, faculty, staff, visitors, and contractors on Kaleidoscope property beginning August 2021.
- Face masks- The use of face masks is optional.
- Due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant, CDC recommends universal indoor masking by all students (age 2 and older), staff, teachers, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
- Basic disposable masks will be provided, if needed.
- When feasible, classes will be held outside.
- Employees and contractors will follow Kaleidoscope L’Anse cleaning protocols.
- Cleaning supplies will be regularly audited and replaced.
- Hand Sanitizer will be provided to individuals at the Kaleidoscope L’Anse.
- Families with students taking courses at the Kaleidoscope L’Anse location will sign the 2022/2023 Health Agreement.
- Students, teachers, and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness and be referred to their healthcare provider for testing and care.
Seesaw Login Procedures
Seesaw Login Procedure for Desktops and Laptops
Is this the right Seesaw login procedure for me?
- Go to the login page on the Seesaw website.
- Click on “I’m a Student.”
- Where it says “Email,” type in your login email (this will be assigned to you by Kaleidoscope.)
- Where it says “Password,” type in the login password (this will be assigned to you by Kaleidoscope.)
- Click on “Student Sign In.”
- You should see your child’s name in the upper left hand corner.
- Click on your child’s name in the upper left hand corner and read through the list of electives. If any of the electives listed are not what your child is signed for, or any are missing, please email programscoordinator@kaleidoscope-education.org with that information.
- Click on an elective.
- Click on “Activities” on the right side of the page.
- Select an activity that your child has not yet completed.
- Read through the instructions for that activity.
- Click on the green “Add Response” button
- Respond in whichever way the instructor has asked for a response (there may be multiple options.)
- Submit your response.
- Repeat as necessary until all elective responses have been recorded.
- Click two times on your student’s name in the upper left hand corner and select the red “Sign Out.”
- You have completed your weekly Virtual Documentation.
If you encountered any issues with Seesaw, or have any questions, send an email to programscoordinator@kaleidoscope-education.org with the heading Virtual Documentation so that Kaleidoscope administration can address your concerns.
Seesaw Login Procedure for Mobile Devices
Is this the right Seesaw login procedure for me?
- Download the Seesaw Class App (not the Family app)
- Open the Seesaw Class App.
- Click on “I’m a Student.”
- Click on “Google/Email Sign In.”
- Where it says “Email,” type in your child’s login email (this will be assigned to you by Kaleidoscope.)
- Where it says “Password,” type in your child’s login password (this will be assigned to you by Kaleidoscope.)
- Click the blue “Sign In” button.
- Click on the icon in the upper left hand corner and read through the list of your child’s electives. If any of the electives listed are not what your child is signed up for, or any are missing, please email programscoordinator@kaleidoscope-education.org with that information.
- Click on an elective.
- Click on “Activities” on the right side of the page.
- Select an activity that your child has not yet completed.
- Read through the instructions for that activity.
- Click on the green “Add Response” button
- Respond in whichever way the instructor has asked for a response (there may be multiple options.)
- Submit your response.
- Repeat as necessary to complete all elective activities.
- Click on the icon in the upper left hand corner of the screen to display your child’s name.
- Click on your child’s name.
- Click on the red “Sign Out” text.
- You have completed your weekly Virtual Documentation.
- If you encountered any issues with Seesaw, or have any questions, send an email to programscoordinator@kaleidoscope-education.org with the heading Virtual Documentation so that Kaleidoscope administration can address your concerns.
Section 3: Kaleidoscope Worksheets and Forms
Elective Spending Tracker
This is meant to be a tool to keep track of your own purchases and reimbursements, and does not need to be turned in with your other Kaleidoscope paperwork.