Member Handbook

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. 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?

What are Kaleidoscope's core values?

What does it mean to be a Kaleidoscope Member?

Kaleidoscope Membership is defined as follows:

Students enrolled in Kaleidoscope electives for either semester during the school year.
Students enrolled in Kaleidoscope classes for either semester during the school year.
Kaleidoscope staff members with contracts that fall within the fiscal year (August 1st – July 31st.)
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 recieve free or discounted 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?

Why has Kaleidoscope chosen to use the vendor model?

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.

Independent Student

An independent 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 an Independent 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?

Why do I have to pay a fee to register my child with Kaleidoscope?

Kaleidoscope requests a membership fee of $25 per student per year. This fee helps to offset administrative costs and serves as a membership fee for Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope Members are able to attend clubs for free and receive free or reduced admission to other Kaleidoscope events. This fee is not required for all students. We understand that it is not financially feasible for all families. Waivers are available to anyone who requests them.

Can my child be registered with both Kaleidoscope and another CLK Virtual Programs Parnter?

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?

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.

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?

What if my child is not able to complete an activity?

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?

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?

Are there restrictions on who can teach my child?

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 Build and Design 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 Build and Design 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 Build and Design 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 and Design 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 Build and Design 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 Build and Design 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 Build and Design 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.

Group Experiences

Special Events

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?

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?

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?

Do my purchases need to be pre-approved?

How can I keep track of my reimbursements?

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?

How will COVID-19 affect Solo Optional Learning Experiences?

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.

Kaleidoscope Calendar

Kaleidoscope follows the academic calendar of the CLK School District.

The 2023/2024 calendar can be found here.

Contact Information

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.”

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

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

Reimbursable Travel Expenses

Chaperones

Retaining Items

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

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

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.

Independent Student Policy

Independent 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 facility 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 independent students to register for the remainder of class slots.

Tuition:

Independent Students	Full Year	1 Semester
Virtual Elective	$310	$170
Basecamp or Explorer Class	$310	$170

Independent students do not have to pay the separate registration fee.

Class tuition is due up front prior to the start of classes. If paying by the semester, the semester rate applies.

COVID-19 Policy

COVID-19 Plan; School Year 2023/2024

The purpose of this plan is to identify policy and guidelines for Kaleidoscope Optional Learning Experience (OLE) classes that will run during the 2023/2024 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.
- Disposable face masks are available.
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 current year’s 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.

Elective Spending Tracker

Waivers and Consent Forms

2023/2024 Kaleidoscope Waivers and Consent Forms