Tag Archives: Antelope Valley Charter School

Stay Connected to iLEAD AV Studio with ParentSquare

iLEAD Antelope Valley Studio uses ParentSquare for school-to-home communications. Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:

  • Receive messages from the school via email, text, or app notification. (Download the iOS App or Android App.)
  • Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 PM.
  • Communicate in your preferred language.
  • Direct message facilitators and staff.
  • Sign forms and permission slips, sign up for events or to volunteer, and more all from your desktop or mobile device.

If you haven’t yet done so, please see below for instructions to activate your account.

Igniting Curiosity: Explore the World of Science at iLEAD AV Exploration

At iLEAD AV Exploration, science is a way of thinking, exploring, and understanding the world. Our approach to science goes far beyond memorization. Our goal is to unlock kids’ curiosity, inquiry, and a deep appreciation for the scientific method. We emphasize hands-on activities and experimentation to solidify conceptual understanding and develop scientific fluency. At our TK-8 free public school independent study program in Lancaster, CA, our educational facilitators guide learners on an exciting exploration into the fascinating world of science.

A Progressive Scientific Journey Through the Grades

At iLEAD AV Exploration, science education is a continuous and carefully structured journey, progressively building knowledge and skills from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade. Our curriculum is designed to introduce fundamental scientific concepts at an age-appropriate level, expanding in complexity each year. Learners explore a wide array of disciplines, including physical sciences (like forces, energy, matter, and waves), life sciences (such as ecosystems, organisms, and genetics), Earth and space sciences (covering weather, Earth’s systems, and the solar system), and consistently integrate engineering design principles across all grade levels. This comprehensive and sequential approach ensures a deep and evolving understanding of the natural world and how to interact with it through scientific inquiry and innovation.

Project-Based Learning: Where Science Comes Alive

A cornerstone of our science education is Project-Based Learning (PBL). We believe that true understanding comes from applying knowledge from all subjects to real-world problems. As the California Science Standards Framework highlights, reading, writing, mathematics, and speaking are all essential for doing science effectively.

PBL at iLEAD AV Exploration equips learners with critical thinking and collaboration skills to solve real-world problems. Our projects are designed to be authentic and engaging, mirroring challenges faced by professionals outside of school. For example, learners might analyze local water quality through scientific reports or engineer more efficient wind turbine blades. These projects incorporate real-world steps and procedures, balanced with academic rigor, seamlessly integrating ELA, math, science, and even art.

TK-8 Engineering Design Process POL in Acton 03.28.25 1

Beyond the Classroom Walls: Connecting to the Real World

We foster ingenuity and authenticity in our projects by making genuine connections to the world around us. This could involve responding to local environmental concerns or addressing current global problems. Most importantly, we encourage learners to find personal meaning in their projects, drawing on their unique values, cultures, traditions, and interests.

Measuring Success: A Holistic Approach

We are dedicated to ensuring our learners achieve proficiency in science. We meet all statewide standards and participate in required assessments, including the California Science Test (CAST). However, our assessment goes beyond standardized tests. We use a range of authentic classroom assessments, including teacher (educational facilitator) observations, portfolios, and project-based evaluations, to provide a comprehensive picture of each learner’s progress and mastery of scientific concepts and skills.

At iLEAD AV Exploration, science is an adventure, a journey of discovery, and a vital tool for navigating our world.

 

About iLEAD AV Exploration:

iLEAD AV Exploration is a free public TK-8 school independent study program in Lancaster, CA, where flexibility meets robust support. Our credentialed educators empower each family’s journey with personalized guidance, award-winning curriculum, technology, vendor funds, engaging field trips, and the convenience of free drop-off workshops. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and find us at ileadav.org/av-exploration.

Join our caring school community today!

Meet the iLEAD AV Exploration Team

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest members of our iLEAD AV Exploration family and welcome back our familiar faces! Get ready for a fantastic school year with our dedicated team, all committed to supporting your learner’s success.

Meet Our New Staff!

Mrs. Yockey

Mrs Yockey

We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Yockey back to the iLEAD family, joining us here at iLEAD AV Exploration! Mrs. Yockey brings years of experience from the charter school world, having served as an experienced homeschool Educational Facilitator (EF). She’s worked with elementary, middle, and high school learners, and even taught ballroom dance to middle schoolers in a valley-wide competition! Married with three children, Mrs. Yockey will be supporting our 2nd & 3rd grade learners.

Mr. Carle

Joining us as our new Educational Specialist, Mr. Carle comes to us with teaching experience from Oxnard and LAUSD. Married with two children, Mr. Carle is eager to connect with and get to know his learners. We know the kids will truly enjoy working with him!

Welcoming Back Our Returning Team!

Mrs. AdrieAnna Rodgers and Mrs. Talena Booker

Our Office Staff

Our wonderful office staff is here to help!

  • Mrs. AdrieAnna Rodgers (Office Manager)
  • Mrs. Talena Booker (Family Liaison, Curriculum, and Care Team)

Our EF and Admin Team

iLEAD AV Exploration Staff Meet the Team 7.24.2025

We’re delighted to have our fantastic Educational Facilitator (EF) and Admin Team returning!

  • Ms. Budke (Director)
  • Mrs. Ward (K)
  • Ms. Toval (1st)
  • Mrs. Schoelen (1st)
  • Mrs. Hernandez (3rd, 4th)
  • Ms. Taranto (4th, 5th)
  • Mrs. Doyle (5th, 6th, 7th)
  • Mrs. Delgado (7th, 8th)
  • Ms. Woodman (TK, K)

Mrs. Cynthia Haven

Special Education Staff

And supporting our learners in Special Education:

  • Mrs. Cynthia Haven (Educational Specialist)

 

 

We can’t wait for a fantastic year with this incredible team!

Stay Connected to iLEAD AV Exploration with ParentSquare

iLEAD Antelope Valley Exploration uses ParentSquare for school-to-home communications. Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:

  • Receive messages from the school via email, text, or app notification. (Download the iOS App or Android App.)
  • Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 PM.
  • Communicate in your preferred language.
  • Direct message facilitators and staff.
  • Sign forms and permission slips, sign up for events or to volunteer, and more all from your desktop or mobile device.

If you haven’t yet done so, please see below for instructions to activate your account.

iLEAD AV Exploration 2025-26 Curriculum Pickup

As we gear up for an amazing 2025-26 school year at iLEAD AV Exploration, we want to make sure families know which curriculum pick-up dates apply to them.

Returning Families

If your learner is returning to iLEAD AV Exploration, your curriculum pick-up dates are as follows:

  • Monday, July 28, through Thursday, July 31

Be sure to sign up via ParentSquare to select your time slot.

New Families

If you’re new to our program this year, welcome! Your designated pick-up dates are as follows:

  • Wednesday, August 6, through Thursday, August 7

Please sign up via ParentSquare to reserve your pick-up time.

Curriculum pick-up will take place at our iLEAD AV Exploration site.

Be sure your Master Agreement is signed before arriving.

Let’s make it a smooth and successful start to the year!

iLEAD AV Exploration Meet the Facilitator at Popsicles in the Park: August 8

Please join our iLEAD Family at Rawley Duntley Park (3334 W Ave K, Lancaster, CA) on Friday, August 8, from 10:00 AM to noon. We will have popsicles to enjoy! Make new friends, meet other families, and say hi to our staff! We will also have spirit wear for sale, including T-shirts and sweatshirts. See you there!

iLEAD AV Exploration Spirit Wear for Sale at Popsicles in the Park

Get ready to show your school spirit! We’ll be selling our iLEAD AV Exploration School Spirit Wear shirts and sweatshirts at Meet the Facilitator/Popsicles in the Park on August 8.

Why grab some spirit wear? Our families love wearing these on meetups and field trips—they help us easily spot each other in a crowd! Just look for our shirts!

Pricing:

  • Shirts: $10 each
  • Sweatshirts: $15 each

We’ll have both adult and youth sizes available. Only cash payments will be accepted.

See you there!

iSUPPORT Meeting and Get the Tea with Tina and Terri: September 2

We love our Parent Support Group: iSUPPORT! iSUPPORT is a group of parents/guardians who help plan and organize events. It’s a great way to get involved and meet other parents.

Interested in joining? Our first meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 2, at 3:00-3:30 PM. The Zoom link will be sent via ParentSquare.

Immediately following the iSUPPORT meeting, we hold “Get the Tea with Tina and Terri.” This is a time you can ask our director and lead facilitator any question you may have. We also welcome feedback, requests, and new ideas. There is no set agenda for this. It’s just a time to chat with the admin and ask questions. We will conclude no later than 4:00.

Get Ready for School with a Free Backpack from the City of Lancaster

The new school year is almost here, and the City of Lancaster is here to help! For the fourth year, they’re giving away 9,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Where to Get Yours:

You can register to pick up a backpack on Saturday, August 2, at one of these four spots:

  • Lancaster Municipal Stadium: 45116 Valley Central Way
  • Park View Educational Complex: 44327 Fig Ave
  • Eastside High School: 3200 E Avenue J8
  • Joe Walker Middle School: 5632 W Avenue L8 (No health services at this spot)

More Than Just Backpacks!

It’s not just about school supplies! Bring the whole family for fun activities. Plus, you can get free immunizations and other health services at most locations.

We are so thankful to the City of Lancaster for helping our learners start the year strong. If you need one, be sure to register for a free backpack and get ready for a great school year!

Upcoming Events

iLEAD AV Studio

  • Mon., 6/9 – Mon., 8/11: Summer Break
  • Tue., 8/12: First Day of 2025-26 School Year
  • Mon., 9/1: Labor Day – No School
  • Thur., 9/4: Minimum Day – All Grades
  • Thur., 9/4: Back to School Night
  • Thur., 9/11: Minimum Day – All Grades
  • Thur.-Fri., 9/25-26: Individualized Learning Plans

Click here for the school year calendar.

iLEAD AV Exploration (Home Study)

  • Mon., 6/9 – Mon., 8/11: Summer Break
  • Mon.-Wed., 7/28-8/1: Returning Family Early Curriculum Pickup
  • Wed.-Thur., 8/6-7: New Family Curriculum Pickup
  • Fri., 8/8: Popsicles in the Park – Meet Your Facilitator, Rawley Duntley Park, 10:00 AM to noon
  • Mon., 8/11: Parent Back to School Event on Zoom, 12:00-2:00 PM
  • Tue., 8/12: First Day of 2025-26 School Year
  • Tue., 8/26: School Pictures
  • Mon., 9/1: Labor Day – No School

Click here for the school year calendar.