1. What does “CLK Virtual Programs” mean?
The Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw (CLK) School District operates a department called Virtual Programs. A variety of online programs, many with in-person components, are run through Virtual Programs.
Students who participate in Kaleidoscope through CLK’s Virtual Programs use the following options:
Shared-Time Program
Students who use the shared-time program take only electives (music, art, etc.) and NOT core subjects (math, language arts, etc.) through CLK. They enroll in those virtual electives through a partner organization such as Kaleidoscope, and can participate in in-person classes along with the required virtual electives. They receive between 1 and 5 electives each year depending on availability.
Full-Time Program
Students who use the full-time program take both electives (music, art, etc.) AND core subjects (math, language arts, etc.) through CLK. They enroll in their electives through a partner organization such as Kaleidoscope and enroll in their core subjects through a CLK program such as UPVA, Lincoln Learning, Bookshark, Edmentum, or CTE. They receive between 1 and 3 electives each year depending on the requirements of their core program.
2. How does the partnership between Kaleidoscope and CLK’s Virtual Programs work?
Kaleidoscope is a non-profit organization that works as a partner with the CLK School District. Kaleidoscope works with families to help them enroll with CLK and works with CLK to make sure that all paperwork is handled as required by the Michigan Department of Education. CLK is allocated funding by the state for all students enrolled in their district, and passes on a portion of that funding to Kaleidoscope for any students enrolled through Kaleidoscope as a partner organization. This allows Kaleidoscope to offer electives and classes to CLK Virtual Programs students at no cost.
3. How do I know if my child is eligible to participate in this program?
Eligible students are those who meet the following requirements:
- NOT enrolled with an in-person or virtual public school district, unless that district is CLK (private school enrollment is acceptable)
- Lives within Houghton County or any adjacent county.
- Entering kindergarten through 12th grade in September (kindergartners must turn 5 by December 1st.)
Students who are not eligible to participate in CLK’s Virtual Programs can still take classes through Kaleidoscope as Independent Students.
4. What do I need to know before registering my student?
CLK collects the following information about your student:
- Copy of birth certificate
- Vaccination record or waiver
- Proof of residence
Your student will be required to:
- Complete a weekly virtual lesson for each elective in which they are enrolled.
- Innteract weekly with a CLK mentor about their electives.
5. How do I register my student with Kaleidoscope through the CLK School District?
- Sign up for the CLK Virtual Programs Shared-Time Waiting List.
- Gather your paperwork (copy of birth certificate, vaccination record or waiver, and proof of residence) so that you can immediately enroll your student when they are moved off of the waiting list.
- Learn how Kaleidoscope Virtual Electives and Optional Learning Experiences classes work by reviewing our Electives page.
- Once you have received communication from CLK that your student has been moved off of the waiting list, you can register with Kaleidoscope here. Registration for new students will be processed beginning May 13th, 2024.
6. How do I know if my student has been moved off of the CLK Virtual Programs waiting list?
Once your student has been moved off of the waiting list you will receive an email or phone call from CLK Virtual Programs staff letting you know how to enroll with CLK and how many electives your student has been allocated.
7. Is Kaleidoscope staff available to help me navigate this process?
Yes. Staff members are available throughout registration via phone, email, Zoom, and in person at both Kaleidoscope locations.. If you’re not sure which electives are right for your student, a staff member can go through your options with you. Fill out our contact form or send us an email if you would like a staff member to contact you about registration.
8. Will I have to pay anything?
Kaleidoscope requests a $25 non-refundable membership fee per student for CLK students. This helps to offset administrative costs and also serves as a commitment from families that their students will participate in the electives for which they have registered.
We realize that this is not a financial option for all families, and we do offer waivers or payment plans to families that request them.
9. How many electives will my student be allocated by CLK?
Shared-time students are allocated between 1 and 5 electives depending on availability. Full-time students are allocated between 1 and 3 electives depending on the requirements of their core program. Electives can be used with Kaleidoscope or other partner organization. You should receive notification from CLK as to the number of electives your student has been allocated.
10. Can my student take more than one of the same Virtual Elective?
No; students can not take two of the same elective. If your student is interested in several classes that are in the same category Kaleidoscope staff can work with you to make appropriate elective selections.
11. Is each Optional Learning Experience class only available under one Virtual Elective?
No. Kaleidoscope’s Optional Learning Experience classes and virtual electives are grouped into four categories: Arts, Nature/STEAM, Athletics, and Culture. For each elective a student may take any Optional Learning Experience classes in the same category. For example, if a student wants to sign up for Tae Kwon Do, which is in the Athletics category they could sign up for any Athletics elective (Health, Horsemanship, Ice Skating, Skiing, or Sports Sampler.)
Visit our Electives Page to explore our
Virtual Electives and Optional Learning Experiences.