Monday Message

As we near the end of the school year, it is a great time to reflect and celebrate all that we have accomplished this year. Thank you to all of…

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United Armed Forces. There are…

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated each May to recognize the contributions, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. This is…

May is Mental Health Month. Supportive families, schools, and communities build strong mental health foundations for children and teens. By teaching coping skills early, we equip them to navigate emotions…

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 each year, is a time when people around the world come together to protect our planet and promote environmental awareness. One exciting way to celebrate…

This spring, iLEAD Exploration learners embarked on a hands-on journey into game design through a Learner University project-based learning (PBL) experience. Using only cardboard and tape, learners crafted engaging carnival…

Women’s History Month, celebrated each March, is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of women throughout history. This observance began as a national celebration in the United States…

Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors all individuals who have served as President. Originally established to recognize…

Welcome back, iLEAD Exploration DreamUp Teams! A delegation of 11 learners in grades 4-9 represented us at Kennedy Space Center in Florida last week. They presented their experiment designs to…

Black History Month is celebrated every February in the United States to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. This month serves as a reminder…

A Message from Our Director Julia Kim We want to acknowledge that it has been a challenging time for many of our families and staff, especially in the wake of…

As we enter Fall Break, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for all you do for your loved ones and for our learning community. We wish you a restful and happy…

Veterans Day is celebrated every year on November 11 in the United States to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by military veterans who have served in the armed forces….

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration that takes place from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. This month is significant because it honors the history, culture,…

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, is a holiday that honors the contributions and achievements of workers across the United States. It began in the late 19th…

Welcome back! This week we begin our 2024-25 school year, and your educational facilitators are excited to support learners along their academic journeys this year. We have added more learning…

Thank you for a wonderful year filled with academic and social-emotional growth. We hope you enjoy your break and take this time to recharge and prepare for another exceptional year.

We will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. This national holiday honors military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the United States. If you would…

National Charter Schools Week is May 12-18. At iLEAD Exploration, we believe every family should have access to a high-quality public education — and charter schools deliver on this promise….

Join us in celebrating our iLEAD Exploration staff this week, May 6-10. Our passionate staff members are committed to inspiring our learners to learn and grow every day, and this is our…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our Student Support counseling team is dedicated to meeting learners’ social-emotional needs through various avenues, including counseling, Lunch Bunch, guidance lessons, and more. Visit…

Earth Day is April 22, 2024. Visit this site to learn more about the importance of this day. Visit BrainPOP for more Earth Day activities.    

Solar Eclipse There is a solar eclipse happening April 8, 2024, and it will be the last solar eclipse visible from parts of the contiguous United States until 2044! Review…

We hope you enjoy your break! Take time to rest and recharge, and we will see you back on April 8 for LP8.

Last week you received information on how to download the secure browser in preparation for CAASPP testing. We will begin our state testing window when we return from spring break….

We continue to celebrate the contributions of women in various fields through educational programs and exhibits during the month of March. We invite you to explore our BrainPOP lessons to help you…

Digital Learning Day, observed nationally each February, is dedicated to the celebration of technology and its integration into our current academic practices. Learn more about this day with this collection…

Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. Explore BrainPOP to learn more about…

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist who had a seismic impact on race relations in the United States, beginning in the mid-1950s. Among his…

Exploring the Arts: Spring Session Now Open We are thrilled to announce that we will continue our Exploring the Arts opportunities throughout the spring semester. The following opportunities are available:…

Last week we hosted our annual Entrepreneur Fair. It was a huge success with over 100 learners participating. We are so proud of the creativity and effort that went into…

Family Literacy Month Did you know that November is Family Literacy Month? iLEAD hopes to encourage a love for literacy. We have created an Award-Winning Reading Challenge to focus on…

October is cyber safety month, and last week was Digital Citizenship week. BrainPOP offers many lessons that will help learners understand digital etiquette and teach them how to be safe…

Did you know that October is Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Awareness Month? This month was designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1985. Learn more here.

Every year from September 15 to October 15, we honor our ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America during Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15 was chosen…

We are excited to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. Each year we do our best to improve on the last, and this year is no exception. We have…

Dear iLEAD Exploration Families, We will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. This national holiday honors military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the…

As we continue to move in May for National Physical Fitness Month, we want to share a few resources to finish off the month. May: National Fitness Awareness Month Mental…

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at the Acton Curriculum Library! Browsing hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 AM to 4:30 PM. If you are unable to make it to the…

This week the nation is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. We encourage you to reach out to your educational facilitator (EF) or teachers and take some time to thank them for all…

May is National Fitness Awareness Month. During this month, we are focusing on physical fitness and how that improves our mental health and well-being. Check out these Move Your Way…

The Student Support Counseling Team at iLEAD Schools is hosting an Education and Health Awareness Campaign for the 2022-2023 school year. Each month, various awareness topics are discussed through presentations,…

This month we celebrate diversity. To start this month off, we would like to share this resource with you. It addresses the importance of identity and how you can put…

Mathematical Awareness month was established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan as a means of promoting and building an appreciation of mathematics. Guess what! April is also Poetry Month, so…

The Student Support Counseling Team at iLEAD Schools is hosting an Education and Health Awareness Campaign for the 2022-2023 school year. Each month, various awareness topics will be discussed through…

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we encourage you to take a look at the resources below to learn more about the contributions of women to our history….

Women’s History Month is a monthlong celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. The observance began as a weeklong celebration in 1978 organized by the school district of…

This Monday, February 20, we will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington’s birthday, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed…

iLEAD Exploration joins in celebrating Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month to celebrate the achievements of African…

Lunar New Year is an Asian festival celebrated at the turn of the lunisolar calendar. Traditionally, celebrations run from the eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of…

This Monday, January 16, we will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This national holiday is an opportunity to serve our communities and take…

This week is Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) and Hour of Code December 5-11. Coding is an essential 21st-century literacy skill and gives learners another way to show what they…

National Special Education Day is celebrated every year on December 2! This day commemorates the anniversary of our nation’s first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,…

November 13th-19th is LA vs Hate’s UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK.  This is an opportunity to build inclusive communities, businesses, and schools while rejecting bias, bullying, hate, and bigotry. To learn…

In observance of Veterans Day, there will be no school November 11, 2022.

It is with great sadness that we share on October 8, 10th grade iLEAD Exploration learner Michael “Mikey” Reyes passed away unexpectedly. Mikey was an amazing brother and friend. He…

Habit 2:  Begin With the End in Mind As a recap, we have already discussed Habit #1: Be Proactive. Since we already know that you’re the driver of your life,…

As we make our way through October, we wanted to remind you of our Learner Free Days October 10-12. Facilitators will be busy collaborating and planning exciting learning opportunities during…

September is suicide awareness/prevention month for all grades. If you have questions on this topic, please contact your student support counselor through our student support counseling page or follow us…

The Student Support Counseling Team is hosting an Education and Health Awareness Campaign for the 2022-23 school year. Each month, various awareness topics will be discussed through presentations, flyers, and…

Each month, we will focus on one Schoolwide Learner Outcome, or SLOgan of the month, which will help everyone in iLEAD work on an area for growth and success together!…

Park Days We are excited to celebrate the start of the 2022-23 school year with Park Days! View a list of upcoming park days HERE. Reach out to your EF…

Welcome back to another year of learning! We are excited to partner with your family for the 2022-23 school year, and create a personalized learning plan that will help your…

We hope that you take some time to relax and rejuvenate over the summer break. Be proud of another successful year of independent study. We look forward to seeing you…

On Saturday, May 21, friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of Michael T. Boore, Jr. Michael was a tenth-grade learner with Exploration. He was competitive, loved his two…

Social Emotional growth plays an integral role in the academic culture here at iLEAD Exploration. With all that is going on with our current climate, being mindful of social emotional…

Please join us as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. We take the month of May to recognize the historical contributions of Asian Americans. Please take a look here…

Don’t forget to show your Educational Facilitator how much you appreciate them this week.

The SLOgan this month is GRIT. Below are a few activities you can use to learn more. Have fun with it and talk about it with your educational facilitator.  Coloring…

This month’s SLO is grit, a character trait that demonstrates strength of will. People with grit show a passion and perseverance for long-term goals, as many things require tenacity. On…

April is National Poetry Month! Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in…

We hope that you continue to celebrate the women in your life. Simple gestures can make a big impact. Below are a few more resources to celebrate Women’s History Month:…

Daylight Savings took effect today, March 13th. Don’t forget to spring forward and enjoy an extra hour of daylight!

We are excited to continue celebrating great women in history this month. We hope that you enjoy reading about these 20 influential women who made history.

According to History.com, Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society, and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United…

Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February and is an opportunity to acknowledge our leaders in government. Watch this video from PBS.org to see how the holiday…

Happy Valentine’s Day. The best things in life are better with you.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we would like to share some resources and events that you may want to investigate to learn more about this rich culture:…

Black History Month In February, we honor the achievements of Black Americans and recognize their impact on U.S. history. Black History Month originally began in September 1915 when Harvard-trained historian…

On January 17th we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Observed on the third Monday in January each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only national…

We will continue to celebrate Native American Heritage Month as we explore “Living Nations, Living Words.” This is the signature project of Joy Harjo, the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate and…

November 11 is a commemorative day to salute all the men and women who have protected our country! Please take a moment to recognize and show gratitude to someone in…

Native American/American Indian Heritage Month  According to PBS.org, Native American Heritage Month has evolved from its beginnings as a week-long celebration in 1986, when President Reagan proclaimed the week of…

Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Italian-American Heritage Month is an annual designation observed in October. During this time, we celebrate the Italian-American culture, and spread the word about the traditions that come with…

The California Department of Education (CDE) in collaboration with Common Sense Education will celebrate CDE Digital Citizenship Week October 18-23, 2021. You can find resources and lessons through the Common…

This month we are recognizing National Italian Heritage Month. If you would like to learn more about Italy and its rich culture, please take a look at this Grand Tour…

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, iLEAD Exploration would like to recognize  Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She was nominated to the Supreme Court by…

On behalf of iLEAD, we would like to congratulate our graduating class of 2021. You made it through unprecedented times. Your willingness to persevere is a testament to your hard…

This month we are celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Please take a look at the links below to learn more: Library of Congress: Asian Pacific Heritage Month  

iLEAD Exploration learners are invited to participate in two upcoming aerospace opportunities. Wednesday, April 14, at 4:00 p.m.: DreamUp to Space Virtual Mission Info Meeting Monday, April 19, at 4:00…

Happy spring break! We will be closed Monday, April 5, through Friday, April 9. We look forward to seeing you when classes resume on Monday, April 12. We hope you’ll…

The month of March provides an opportunity for teachers and learners to explore women’s contributions, obstacles, and successes throughout history. For a list of lesson plan resources to continue your…

Patsy Mink is a trailblazer! She is a third-generation Japanese-American, who became the first Asian-American woman (and the first woman from an ethnic minority group) to be elected to the…

Top of the world to you! During the month of St. Patrick’s Day, Irish-American Heritage Month is celebrated to acknowledge the tremendous role Irish immigrants and their descendants have played…

In honor of Women’s History Month and this month’s SLO, optimism, let’s take a minute to learn of the accomplishments of Marie Curie. Her optimism seemed to have no bounds!…

March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to the celebration of women’s cultural, historical, and societal contributions. Here is a fun resource for learners…

Celebrate Black History month with virtual experiences hosted by museums and other cultural institutions.

February is Black History Month. iLEAD’s complimentary subscription, BrainPOP, offers many topics and resources to learn and explore the contributions, culture, and achievements of black people both this month and…

From all of us at iLEAD Exploration, we wish you a wonderful winter break! We hope you’ll take time to rest, make special memories with your families, and do the…

As our learners enjoy a well-deserved fall break from November 23 through 27, 2020, we wish you all a restful and safe Thanksgiving holiday. We will return with a full…

Happy Veterans Day! With deep respect and boundless gratitude, we thank you, veterans. Each year, we honor and thank all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces….

Daylight Saving Time ended today, November 1, 2020. Did you know that 32 states are considering (or have enacted laws) to end Daylight Saving Time? Until Federal Law changes, though,…

Apple Day is a holiday which is celebrated on either October 21 or the weekend closest to October 30 each year. It is a celebration of all things concerning apples…

With the change of a calendar page comes the new monthly School-wide Learner Outcome (SLO): growth mindset. As educators, we encourage our learners tackling new tasks or challenges to have…

iLEAD Exploration learners are officially on summer break! The 2020-21 school year begins on Monday, August 24, and our weekly Monday Messages will resume then. We wish you and your learners a restful break….

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and…

Dear Families, As we head into another week, we would like to say thank you for the love and encouragement you have brought to others through your independent studying experience…

Dear Families, As events continue to unfold regarding the Coronavirus, we know this has been a busy week of transition in your homes. Throughout the week, one mindset that has…

Dear Families, With the decisions of this past week, it has only made us increasingly thankful for the opportunities we get to spend time with our independent study families at…

Dear Families, We’ve explored six of the seven habits and why they’re important to us and our learners at iLEAD, and hopefully by this point you feel more equipped and…

Editor’s Note: This article is one in a series on the pillars of iLEAD’s educational philosophy and approach.  Whether in the classroom, the workplace, relationships, or life in general, learning…

It’s not too late to celebrate Black History month with your learners! Here are some lessons you might integrate into your learning both now and all year long! K-5 lesson…

Dear iLEAD Exploration Families, In two weeks, we will be sending a brief survey to gain insight into your perception of our school’s effectiveness. We need your feedback in order…

Hello, Families! “In the long run, if it isn’t a win for both of us, we both lose. That’s why win-win is the only real alternative in interdependent realities.” — Dr….

Hello, Families! This week, we look at Habit #3: Put First Things First. This habit, which all of us at iLEAD are working to put into practice, is about identifying…

Hello, Families! Please be sure to sign up for iLEAD Exploration’s spring webinars by clicking on the webinar you wish to attend on the flier below.

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. This holiday…

Happy 2020! We hope everyone had a fun and restful winter break. Each new year, people tend to reflect on habits and set personal goals for the upcoming year. Whether…

We wish you and yours a restful winter break December 23 through January 10. Coursework and the Monday Message will resume Monday, January 13. Have a joyous, peace-filled holiday season!

“Smooth and clean and frosty white, The world looks good enough to bite. That’s the season to be young – Catching snowflakes on your tongue.” ⁠—Ogden Nash Welcome back! We…

As our learners enjoy a well-deserved fall break from November 25 through 29, we wish you all a restful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones. We will return…

Happy Veterans Day! With respect, honor, and gratitude, we thank you, veterans!

We hope everyone remembered to fall back and enjoyed an extra hour of sleep!

Picture Days for the 2019-2020 school year are here! CLICK HERE to review the information and choose a picture day that works best for your family.

Friday, June 7, is the last day of school for the 2018-2019 school year! We are SO PROUD of each of our learners and the amazing effort they put forth…

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic…

Backpacks Full of Hope returns to Puerto Rico! Last year, a group of 19 iLEAD learners and chaperones traveled to Puerto Rico over spring break to assist with relief efforts…

iLEAD’s first talent show and artisan bazaar was a huge success! We would like to express our deep appreciation to Urban independent studyers, one of our amazing vendors, who graciously let…

Come out and support iLEAD performers and artisans at Exploration’s first talent show and artisan bazaar! This event will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m. in both…

Happy Presidents’ Day. We hope you enjoy your time off with your families!

On Monday, Jan 21 we celebrate the birthday of a great American hero, Martin Luther King Jr. We honor this civil rights leader on the third Monday in January every…

Welcome Back, Families! Thanks to your valuable feedback, we are excited to roll out two Monday Message formats in one email. Families can choose to either scroll down and read…

Attention all parents of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders! The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for California schools is just around the corner! Learners in grades 5, 7, and 9 will…

Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. for our exciting webinar, Using independent studying for Unique High School Opportunities. This webinar will focus on how iLEAD Exploration learners…

Dear Families, We hope you had a restful Thanksgiving break with your family and friends! By way of reminder, we have some important dates coming up: A Parent University roundtable…

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on what we are thankful for. “When you express your gratitude, you will bring joy to others’ lives. When others know joy, your life…

Each year, we honor and thank those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This year, we are observing the holiday on Monday, Nov. 12. If you would…

We are kicking off the holiday season at the OC Learning Studio with a “Friendsgiving” potluck. We invite you to join other iLEAD Exploration families on Friday, Nov. 9 from 10…

It’s that “time” again! Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end for 2018! We FALL BACK one hour Sunday, Nov 4, at 2 a.m. Check out this BrainPOP lesson…

Looking for a fun Halloween activity? On Friday, Oct 26, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., the OC Learning Studio is hosting its annual pumpkin bot challenge. If you would like to…

If you are new to independent studying or are considering it as an educational option, we would like to encourage you to join iLEAD facilitators virtually to learn more about…

There will be an Los Angeles picture day on Friday, Oct 26 at Urban independent studyers from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Urban independent studyers is located at 3852 Edenhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Please sign up…

October is one of the most celebrated months of fall. It is a time to invent, create and express your individuality through pumpkin recipes or carving contests. With Halloween just…

iLEAD Exploration’s independent study program provides families with the freedom to personalize each child’s education. Please follow us on Instagram @ileadexploration and show us what educational opportunities are afforded to your…

Did you know that this week we are wrapping up learning period one? Your educational facilitators are excited to meet with your learners. We hope you enjoy this time as…

We had a wonderful start to our year! Many learners across the counties gathered together to celebrate the beginning of the year. We are looking forward to our families connecting…

Fun Facts About Labor Day The first Labor Day was held in 1882. Between 10,000 and 20,000 workers in New York City gathered together to celebrate union workers. Grover Cleveland…

Welcome Back, iLEAD Families! This week’s Monday Message is full of exciting opportunities for the 2018-2019 school year!

Happy Graduation, High School Seniors!