We are so excited to share some big news: Starting in the 22-23 school year, we will be offering a full middle school!

You don’t have to wait until high school to start your path to a more personalized education from the comfort of your home.

Not only is our online middle school now available to 7-8th students, but it is actually a classroom developed for today’s teens.

When you think of online school, you might think of other schools with lessons that are extremely text-heavy, have very few graphics and several (boring) lecture videos.

But iSucceed’s online middle school is different:

 

How online middle school works

A traditional school consists of going to a building and attending about six classes throughout the day where a teacher presents a topic and assigns homework.

With online middle school, students log in and learn lessons by reading, watching videos, playing games, etc. In other words, they start with the ‘homework.’ Teachers gather data from workbooks and quizzes to identify areas students are struggling. Then, online sessions are held. Teachers and students log in real-time to discuss difficulty points and expound on lessons wherever needed. These sessions are recorded, so a student can access them later.

If a student has a question, they do not have to wait for the online sessions. They can email, instant message or call their teachers. For additional personalized attention, students can schedule 1-1 online tutoring sessions.

Workbooks, quizzes, exams and other material are all completed online.

 

Semester-long courses to help students transition easily to online school

While our high school students have a quarter schedule, 7-8th grade students follow a traditional semester schedule.

To help middle school students transition smoothly from traditional to online school, middle school enroll in semesters for their core classes. Electives courses will follow a quarter schedule, allowing 8th graders to adjust slowly and be able to transition into an �Թ���9th grade schedule the when the time comes.

Just like a traditional school, students will complete about six classes by the end of each semester. The difference is they can do so from the comfort of their homes, but with an updated, award-winning curriculum. And personalized attention from teachers. And a safe way to connect with friends. And awesome school events. And clubs for our students. Need we say more?

 

A little more about iSucceed’s Middle School

 

• Tuition-free courses. No fees, no catch, just free.
• 100% online to study in the comfort of home or anywhere with internet.
• Semester-long core courses for a traditional school experience at home.
• Quarter-long elective courses to prepare students for a 9th grade transition.
• Accredited by Cognia to receive a real, quality education.
• A curriculum that’s filled with videos, illustrations, graphic novels and more to enjoy learning.
• Highly qualified teachers and certified counselors to provide individualized support.

 

Qualifications to Enroll in �Թ���Middle School

Here are the qualifications:

 

• Students must be an Idaho resident
• Students must show completion of 6th grade OR be a current 7-8th grader (grades 9–12 are available for high school)

You’ll need to provide some proof of Idaho residency and age with a birth certificate and utility bills. There will be a few other documents needed, like transcripts, to enroll. But an enrollment advisor will work with you to ensure the process is seamless.

�Թ���Middle School enrollment for the 22-23 school year is now open. The details:

• Applicants will be selected following the charter lottery process if more than 150 applications per grade are received
• The application will remain open for semester 1 until 150 spots (per grade) are filled, or until the end of the enrollment period, whichever comes first

 

ENROLL HERE.

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We’re sure half of you reading this immediately thought, “I can’t cook!” Luckily for you, this recipe is pretty easy. You will just need a little bit of patience, the right ingredients and tools, and an open mind – you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish!

Student-Friendly Pumpkin Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving

1. Flan de Calabaza (Pumpkin Flan)

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: approximately 60 minutes
• Chill Time: 4+ hours
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients to Make the Caramel��

1/2 cup��of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of water

Ingredients to Make the Custard Filling��

1.5 cups of whole milk

1 cup of pumpkin puree

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 large eggs

Tools

Small sauce pan

Medium sauce pan

Oven-safe bowl OR mold of choice

Directions

Step 1:��Start by mixing the spices into the pumpkin puree

Step 2: Make the caramel

Heat the water and granulated sugar in a saucepan (stainless steel works best) over a medium heat. Once it starts to bubble and change color, give the pan a shake or a quick stir. Let it cook and turn golden brown, but be careful it doesn’t turn dark brown and burn.

Step 3: Pour the caramel in to baking pan

Once golden brown, quickly pour into a 4.5 cup baking mold (it can be one that is specifically for flan, or any baking dish with that capacity).

Quickly make sure that the caramel coats the bottom and sides of the mold, by swirling around to drag the caramel around the sides of the mold before it hardens.

Step 4: Prepare the custard

To prepare the custard, put the milk, sugar, pumpkin and vanilla into a saucepan and heat over a medium heat until simmering. Cook until all of the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is evenly heated.��Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes, stirring every minute or two.

Step 5: Preheat the over to 325°F��

Step 6:��Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl

Step 7: Temper the egg mixture in to the custard

Making sure that the milk and pumpkin mixture is sufficiently cool (so that it won’t scramble the eggs), whisk in this mixture little by little, until all is incorporated. This process is called ‘tempering’ and basically means to slowly bring up the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them. If you just combine the two mixtures, you’ll end up with cooked eggs in your mixture. We started the process by pouring the custard mixture in to the whisked eggs in 1/4 cup batches.

Step 8: Pour the custard mixture over the caramel

Step 9: Bake the flan for about one hour in a preheated oven at 325°F��

Place the flan mold/pan into a large baking pan. Boil enough water to fill the baking pan halfway. This method of cooking��is called��‘bain marie’��and means��a container holding hot water into which a pan is placed for slow cooking.

Step 10: Let the flan chill

Remove the mold from the pan of water and allow it to cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in the fridge overnight (or for at least 4 hours).

Step 11: Chow down

When ready to serve the flan, run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen the flan. Then place the serving dish on top, and quickly flip the flan over. Lift off the mold and the flan should slide right out, covered in a golden caramel sauce. We thought it looked nice garnished with some cinnamon sticks and pumpkin decor pieces.

We’re serious, this is good stuff. Keep all eight servings for yourself or be generous and bring this along to your next family gathering. Either way, we don’t judge.

Recipe 2: Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies

Two Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies

�����Բ�����徱��Գٲ�

1 can (15 oz) of 100% pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix

Cooking spray to prepare dish

Tools

Mixing bowl, spoon, 9×13-inch baking dish

Directions

Step 1:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2:Combine both of the ingredients in the mixing bowl by stirring them together with the spoon.

Step 3:Spray the baking dish with the cooking spray.

Step 4:Pour the contents of the bowl into the baking dish.

Step 5:��Pop the baking dish in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes.

The brownies might appear under-done, so check them by inserting a toothpick or butter knife and you’ll know they are cooked through if it comes out clean.

What is your favorite dish to make for Thanksgiving? Share with us in the comments below!

• **The pumpkin flan recipe first appeared on ‘‘, published by Spanish Food Expert, Lauren Aloise

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Sometimes, a change of scenery can help the mind refresh and refocus. As an online student, you can study anywhere you can take a laptop and have stable internet connection.

We found some of the best study spots in Idaho for those days you just need out. Check them out below!

Four Study Spots in Idaho: With Wi-Fi!

1. Library! At Bown Crossing in Boise

• 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr.
  Boise , ID 83706

If you haven’t been to a public library in Boise yet, you need to! A membership is not too costly if you don’t reside in Boise, and they have a few really beautiful libraries. The Downtown Boise Library is a great option as well, but we went with Library! At Bown Crossing. You can as well for the times you want to really focus or work with another �Թ���student.

2. Moxie Java in Kuna

• 1575 North Linder Road
  Kuna, Idaho 83634

Moxie Java has a few locations throughout Boise and surrounding areas. If you’re not a coffee drinker, Moxie Java is a proud supplier of the famous ! The Kuna location is really pretty inside and has Wi-Fi (all locations do). You can check out all the locations and more info .

3. Evan’s Brothers Coffee in Coeur d’Alene

• 504 E Sherman Ave, CDA, ID 83814

For our Northern Idaho students, Evan’s Brothers actually has two locations–one in Coeur d’Alene and one in Sandpoint. This coffee shop offers Wi-Fi, coffee and delicious baked goods. There is a lot of seating, so you can get out and enjoy delicious food while you study.

4. The Book Shelf in Idaho Falls–And another coming soon!

• 575 3rd Street,
  Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
• COMING SOON:
  343 A Street

The Book Shelf is an independently owned bookstore selling “fine used books,” as they say. Their current location does not have Wi-Fi, but they do have a small seating area if you wanted to go study for an exam, or you could bring a hotspot. Big news: They are opening a second location in Downtown Idaho Falls called Winnie and Mo’s Bookshop! This location is set to open in December, will have more seating areas and most important: Wi-Fi!

To learn more about iSucceed, head here.

• Do you have some favorite study spots in Idaho to share? Tell us in the comments below!

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You’ve probably heard of the “quarantine puppy” by now, basically a dog or puppy purchased or adopted during the pandemic. For the first time since probably ever, Some breeders even had a waitlist out to a year. Whether it was finally having some time to get the pet they always wanted, feeling lonely or just wanting to pass the time somehow, several families ended up with a new furry friend.

It’s a hard shift for the dogs when a family goes from being home all day to starting work, school and activities again. It’s actually enough of a concern for some families, that they have opted to find

Now, there could be several reasons why you and your family has chosen to do online school. But, if you do have a dog at home, you might find there’s times when your “helpful fluffy study buddy” is just a bit in the way too much.

Ultimately, an occupied dog is the best kind of dog while you work on your schooling. So, in light of National Dog Day, which is August 26, we thought we would share some tips to help you keep your study assistant out of the way while you focus on school.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Occupied While You Study From Home

1. Try to get in morning exercise

A sleeping pup is an occupied pup. Granted, their snores may get loud, but that can be much better than other behaviors. Exercise is so good for your dog and for yourself! If you can wake up a bit earlier and walk, run, or bike with your dog running (depending on their energy level), it can work wonders for your morning studies.

2. Take Scheduled Breaks

Dogs really do know routines, and usually when they want to play, it only lasts for a few minutes before they’re good to go rest again. For every two hours you work, set aside 15 minutes for playing with your dog. They will get into a routine and you can hopefully train them to understand what “later” means.

3. Find long lasting chews and treats

A Kong Ball with peanut butter inside, a puzzle tray with treats or even just a pig ear can work wonders in keeping your dog happy and entertained. And hopefully, all that chewing will tire them out to lay down for a bit.

4. Make sure you have lots of toys too!

Treats are good, but not always an option, as your dog can’t just be eating all day long. Once the treat is done, get a super chewer toy, or something that makes them think. For example, Costco sells a stuffed “log” with squirrels inside for them to find and pull out. Those things that keep them thinking will be best not only to occupy them, but to once again, get them a bit tired after some play time.

5. Keep Window Open, or Shut, Depending on Your Dog

Windows can be a great resource, or can be a complete destruction to your ability to focus in while you work from home. If your dog tends to bark at people or things passing by, we recommend shutting blinds to keep its attention away from there. But if not, windows open are good for your own health and can help your dog pass the time away as you study. a few reasons natural lighting can be beneficial for your mental health and keeping focus while you study.

6. Play some TV or music in another room

Sometimes, a dog just feels a bit of anxiety with you being gone in the other room. Having some noise in the background, like music or the TV might be enough to help them relax and doze off for a bit.

7. Walks are your best friend. Aside from your actual fluffy best friend, of course

If all else fails, and your dog simply is just being clingy and won’t leave you be, there’s a chance that they either have to go to the bathroom or just have too much energy! So, let them go release it with a quick walk. It can be as short as 10 minutes and will work wonders. If you’re not feeling up to walking, playing fetch is a great way to make them run out energy while you stand more comfortably.

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Behind every successful high school graduate are incredible, dedicated teachers. It’s no different here at iSucceed! Actually, because of the online platform, our teachers find more ways to help support students through their education.

That’s why we take some time to highlight our teachers, so our current students can learn more, and non-students can see how amazing our teachers are!

Above is a photo of Mrs. Holly Wood (awesome name, right?) in her old school uniform. Read on to learn more about some of her life experiences.

Meet your �Թ���teachers: Mrs. Holly Wood

Mrs. Holly Wood was born and raised in Idaho. Currently, she lives in Pocatello, and she grew up in Montpelier, just 15 minutes from Bear Lake.

One of the things she wanted to share with our students is that she knows–in her own way–what it’s like to change schools and feel completely out of your element.

As a teen, Mrs. Wood decided to study abroad in Africa.

After completing her studies in Africa and graduating high school, Mrs. Wood went to Idaho State University. Shortly after, she decided to teach in Achorage, Alaska for two years.

All of this diverse experience prepared Mrs. Wood for teaching �Թ���students, who come from all different walks of life. Although she says she misses face to face interaction at times, Mrs. Wood loves speaking individually with each student.

Interested in iSucceed? You can learn more here.

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Behind every graduate are several dedicated teachers. We’re grateful to our �Թ���instructors, and that’s why we take a moment to shine the light on them.

How much do you know about �Թ���Virtual High School’s teachers? If you didn’t know that an online school would have teachers, you may want to start with this article.

This month, meet Ms. Tomkinson, an English instructor and College and Career Path Coordinator.

When Ms. Tomkinson isn’t teaching, you could probably find her running, reading, trying out new recipes or spending time outdoors.

Of course, Ms. Tomkinson has a passion for teaching and the English language, but she also cares about student’s preparation for post-graduation life–one reason that brought her to iSucceed.

“I wanted to teach English at the high school
level again, as well as engage with students and be involved in the process of preparing
for college, career and community involvement,” said Ms. Tomkinson. “I also want to be an influential part in
helping students explore options that will aid them in reaching their goals for life after
high school.”

Like our students (and most students at the moment!), Ms. Tomkinson works from home. Since she’s been such a great teacher, we asked her for some tips for our students:

“When working at home, I find it beneficial to have my own quiet space to concentrate. I stay organized by getting up early, planning my day,
and checking things off my list as I complete them,” said Ms. Tomkinson.

“The advice I give my students is to ask questions as soon as they come up, reach out to your teachers when they need help, and make a schedule and stick to it. I also tell them to try the 45/15 method (study for 45 minutes then take a 15-minute break and do something that requires getting up out of the chair).”

She may not say this, but we know that since coming to iSucceed, Ms. Tomkinson has made a big impact on many student’s lives. Here’s one story she shared with us:

“I met a young man and his mother shortly after they moved to Idaho from another state. They were looking into college options, but still needed to find a high school to enroll in so this student could complete his final year and graduate. I referred him to our school and got him enrolled in two college courses that will lead to a degree in the Computer Science field. He is well on his way to a solid career that will utilize his talents and help him gain valuable skills,” said Ms. Tomkinson.

We are grateful for all the work and dedication she provides to our students.

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When you’re stuck in the snow, the only way to make it through is celebrating those holidays.

It’s why Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannakuhh and many other important holidays (like National Ugly Sweater Day) start their celebrations in December.

We asked students what their favorite memories are during the holiday season, and this is what they told us.

Alexi S., Christmas Memory

“Every December my family and I like to kick off the holiday season by, firstly, putting up our Christmas tree and decorations and, secondly, watching all of our favorite Christmas movies while drinking delicious hot chocolate. Personally, I love and try to get my family to play “Elf,” “The Polar Express” and “The Charlie Brown Christmas” movies each year, but I have to be fair ��and let them play their favorites as well. Another tradition we have is going to see “The Nutcracker” play each year. Every year since I was 10, I’ve been to see the Nutcracker and it helps to really make me cheerful and ready for Christmas. I hope to continue these traditions onto my family when I get older.”

Geneive W., winter traditions

“I come from a very large family; I have about 60 cousins total between both my mom’s and my dad’s side of the family.

My first winter tradition with my immediate family is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving.�� On Friday, we take the decorations out from the attic to get ready.�� Then, when Saturday comes, we start decorating.�� My mom is inside doing some decorating, and my dad and my oldest brother are outside doing the lights around the house.�� My other brother helps my mom and my dad, and I do the same.�� The front door stays open all day with Christmas music playing inside and out.�� Meanwhile, I am going back and forth, also doing some decorating in my room.�� We do this all day, and by the evening we are very close to finishing.�� When it is too dark to finish decorating outside, we decorate the Christmas tree after ordering a pizza.�� Elf is playing during this!

I celebrate Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family.�� There are 21 of us total; my cousins and my siblings.�� We all go to our grandma’s house following the Christmas service at Mass. Since there are so many of us, we are all assigned a cousin that we give a present to, and then we all get one from our grandparents.�� Before opening any of our presents, we all hang out and our parents are getting dinner ready. Every year we have tamales, and the dessert changes every year depending on what the Swiss Colony magazine has to offer.�� After the kids eat, the adults eat and the younger kids watch a movie while the older ones do their own thing with each other.�� When this is over, we open our presents and then hang out for a while.�� Eventually, we all go our separate ways and go home for Christmas!”

Kayla T., a Romanichal Christmas

“Each year on Christmas Eve,��my family and I all meet up at one of each other’s houses and we have one big feast. I always see my cousin’s kitchen filled with food sometimes there wouldn’t even be room for anybody to sit because there is food on the tables just piled on. I am a Romanichal Gypsy and Romanichal’s are all about family and love so when it comes to presents, I get my family members something I know that they will love and that is useful to them. Sometimes we change up our traditions by adding some different things such as games or like craft things with the little kids. But by far our most favorite thing to do is we all stay up until 12 then that’s when we open our presents. Usually, the tree is barely visible because the presents are always piled high one time that we needed to put some presents in the second living room which turned out to be half filled we could barely walk. Once we are all done opening presents, we eat our traditionary cake that has Neapolitan layers, but not only do we just eat it we have an old fashioned Romanichal cake smashing. We try to avoid having caked smashed in our face though because we still try to look good for the gram.”

Other holiday stories…

“My all-time favorite Christmas memory is the first Christmas I spent with my dog. He’s the highlight of my days and my first Christmas with him will always be one to remember!” – Ayden B.

“My favorite Christmas memory was when my dog had her puppies right before christmas and we got to spend christmas with puppies. I actually have a favorite winter memory too. So, my brother has a kidney disorder and he was sick every year on his birthday in January, and last year, we went to see our cousins in Montana, he didn’t get sick that year and it was a great birthday for him!” – Paul H.

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Putting together an epic Halloween costume can be easier than you think. Keep reading for tips on assembling the perfect costume for absolutely free!

This Halloween, you don’t have to limit yourself to whatever is left on the racks or��spending too much money online, only to discover that the manufacturer’s description of clothing sizes is insanely inaccurate for typical��humans.

Now, you might be asking yourself, “What other options are there?”

The answer is simple: Closet Cosplay

We would like to introduce you to a cost effective and original costume style known as closet cosplay.��Many of you may already be familiar with the term cosplay—dressing up as a character from a book, movie or even from a video game.��Some of you might envision the over-the-top replicas adorned by attendees of , but don’t get��overwhelmed just yet! This version has a simplified twist: Every piece of the costume comes from something you already have in your closet.

These costumes are usually easier to put together (and you’ll be more likely to already own most of the pieces) if you choose a character who is a person, or at least is .

Here are some genres to help you come up with the perfect idea:

• Pretty much any
• Video game characters (Mario, Link, ��Lara Croft)
• Throwback to your favorite childhood cartoon (The��Fairly Oddparents,��Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer)
• Classic manga or anime (Naruto, The Legend of Korra, Pokémon)
• Heroes or villains (Han Solo, Harley Quinn, Star-Lord)
• Popular��primetime television characters (Agent Peggy Carter, Peter Griffin, Doctor Who)

Here are some additional visual examples to help get your creative juices flowing:

Jake from State Farm

A red polo, a pair of khakis and a headset make this a simple and recognizable costume. You can even add a name badge!

Wednesday Addams

A black dress, white collared shirt and braids help pull off this��gothic chic costume. Hum��the theme song��including the finger snapping to add a more spooky effect!��

Where’s Waldo?

A red beanie, glasses and white and red striped top will help you disappear into the crowd and have people searching for you all night!��

Rosie the Riveter

A denim top and red bandana are all you need for this empowering look from the ’40s!

Now start digging through your closet for the perfect Halloween costume!��

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