Port Orford‑Langlois Family Academy starts with enrollment open year‑round; board asks for curricular links

Katherine Hawthorne introduced the district’s new Family Academy and told the school board the program is already serving roughly 20–23 students, most of them in kindergarten.

"Anyone can enroll in Family Academy at any time," Hawthorne said, describing the program as a district‑run homeschool option that provides curricular support, tutoring and in‑person office hours. She said the district is supporting families with curriculum funding that follows enrolled students into the program.

Board members pressed on enrollment timing and transitions back to brick‑and‑mortar schools. Hawthorne and an administrator explained families may enroll midyear; transfers back into a school’s regular program typically align with semester or quarter transition points so students do not move back and forth frequently. The superintendent and Hawthorne identified themselves as primary contacts for families seeking information.

Hawthorne outlined program operations: regular communications (email lists, a newsletter and Remind), an on‑site classroom and drop‑in/tutoring hours, content‑appropriate supports for older students (the Acelus online program), and planned field trips and community activities to provide socialization for homeschool families.

Technology staff said the district ordered Chromebooks to support Family Academy families who need devices. Board members asked that Hawthorne and the superintendent circulate curricular links in advance of the November board packet so the board can review the materials that families are using before voting on any instructional‑materials approvals tied to Division 22 reporting.

The board thanked Hawthorne for bringing the program online and encouraged continued community outreach and feedback from current families.