Launch Virtual Learning

We are so proud of Launch students Andrew, Avolyn, Luke, and Thaddeus, who represented Launch Virtual Learning by leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the October 27 Springfield Public Schools Board of Education meeting!

These four students truly exemplify what it means to be Every Rocket Ready by demonstrating our core values of being Engaged, Respectful, and Responsible!

Thank you for representing Launch with such pride! We are so proud of our Rockets! 🚀❤ Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

Teacher Proud Tuesday 🎉We’re proud to recognize two outstanding members of the Launch team!
Chase Petree serves as the counselor for Launch Virtual Learning’s SPS full-time virtual high school students and has made an incredible impact in a short amount of time. Since joining the team this year, he has brought a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and a genuine heart for students and families. Through collaboration with counselors across SPS and his dedication to supporting students and families, Chase demonstrates his commitment to helping students succeed.
Jay “Hey Jay” Grawe is always finding ways to make work smarter, simpler, and more efficient. From automating tasks and developing reports to helping build our Canvas Data Warehouse, Jay creates practical solutions that save staff time and improve district-wide processes. When there’s a problem to solve or a process to improve, Jay is someone we can count on!

Thank you, Chase and Jay, for the unique talents, dedication, and positive impact you bring to our team! Your work makes a difference, and we’re proud to recognize you this Teacher Proud Tuesday!
Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

📚✨ 417 Reads is officially underway! ✨📚
Launch 3rd and 4th graders welcomed some very special visitors to help kick off 417 Reads, a Springfield Public Schools district- and community-wide initiative dedicated to expanding access to books, strengthening literacy instruction, and making reading a priority for every student. This is just the beginning! 📖 More than 150 community mentors will visit every 3rd and 4th grade classroom across SPS each month to read aloud with students, share the joy of books, and help build a community of readers. We’re so excited to see where these stories take our students! When our community reads together, our students grow together! ❤️ Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

We’re proud to share that Launch Virtual Learning has received the Award of Excellence for Tier 1 PBIS Implementation! This recognition reflects the intentional work of our staff to create a positive, predictable, and supportive virtual learning environment where all students can thrive. Through our Every Rocket Ready expectations, positive reinforcement, and a shared commitment to building connections, our team continues to show that a strong school culture can thrive beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Way to go, Rockets! 🚀 Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

Launch Virtual Learning students had an amazing day at SDC Career Day with Launch FBLA! We’re so proud of our students for exploring career opportunities, connecting with professionals, and learning more about their futures. 🚀

🎉 Principal for a Day! We were thrilled to welcome Adam Toth from Toth and Associates to our virtual school! Adam joined our live classes, connected with students, and even shared a special reading with them.
🎥 Sound ON to hear a special moment from his visit! We’re so grateful for this wonderful opportunity and for the community leaders who generously invest their time, energy, and support in our students. Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO Toth and Associates, Inc.

Congratulations to Kelsey Valis, Elementary Counselor at Launch Virtual Learning, on receiving TWO Foundation Grants! Together, these grants will support students’ social-emotional well-being, increase academic engagement, and help students feel more connected and successful in their virtual classroom.

Grant #1: This grant will support our Tier 2 intervention system by providing hands-on tools for students participating in our Motivation Behavior Academy at Launch Virtual Learning. The academy supports 4th-6th grade students who need additional help with motivation, engagement, organization, and self-management. Grant funds will provide each participating student with a school planner, highlighters, sticky notes, and a NeeDoh fidget tool. These materials will help students set and track goals, organize assignments, stay engaged during virtual learning, and practice strategies for focus and self-regulation. By pairing tangible tools with targeted skill-building, the grant will help students develop practical habits that promote greater independence, confidence, and academic success.
Grant #2: This grant will support K-6 students at Launch Virtual Learning by making weekly social emotional learning (SEL) lessons and Kindness Club activities more interactive, engaging, and accessible for virtual learners. Because students learn entirely online, they have fewer opportunities for hands-on collaboration and face-to-face social interaction. Interactive tools such as Whiteboard.fi and Kahoot will allow students to actively participate, collaborate in real time, and apply SEL skills rather than simply listening to a lesson. These engaging experiences will help students build skills in emotional regulation, coping, kindness, goal setting, and problem solving while strengthening their connections with peers. By creating a more engaging and connected virtual learning experience, this grant will support students’ social-emotional well-being, increase academic engagement, and help students feel more connected and successful in their virtual classroom.

We are grateful for educators like Kelsey who continually find creative ways to support students and help them thrive. Congratulations, Kelsey, and thank you for investing in our students!
Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO Foundation for Springfield Public Schools

This year, we are partnering with the Alliance for Healthcare Education to provide live Algebra II instruction. Yesterday, teacher Bethanie Tait and Launch administrators visited with students and got them started with their first lesson. We are excited to provide high quality instruction in math to the exceptional students at the Alliance for Healthcare Education! Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

Happy First Day of School, Rockets! What a great way to kick off the new school year! We were excited to welcome the SPS Superintendent and Deputy Superintendents to Launch Virtual Learning for a special visit. They brought smiles and positive energy as they connected virtually with our classrooms and students! We are ready, excited, and looking forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, and success! Let’s go Launch Rockets! 🚀 Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

We’re excited to kick off another amazing school year at Launch Virtual Learning! 🚀We were proud to attend the 2026 Kickoff and connect with so many amazing educators and team members across Springfield Public Schools. We’re energized, inspired, and ready to welcome our students back next week!
Let’s make it a great year, Rockets! 🚀
Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO