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Biannual Family Fun Day: AZVA Families Gather for a Day of Connection  

Community & Social
Outdoor event at a park with groups of people gathered around tables and activity stations near a basketball court. In the foreground, two individuals stand near a small foam-bordered racetrack on the grass, with toy cars positioned inside it. A person in the mid-ground is taking a photo, and tents, cones, and various activity setups are visible throughout the area under cloudy skies.

Mesa’s Red Mountain Park echoed with laughter and excitement this month as more than 1,000 Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) and Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ) families, students and teachers, gathered for meaningful in-person connection.  

Hosted twice a year, Family Fun Day brings together the AZVA and ISAZ communities from all over the state, from Flagstaff to Tucson and everywhere in between. With overcast weather and a cool February breeze, Red Mountain Park provided the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration, connection and student recognition.   

“Events like Family Fun Day is what makes our schools so special,” said Forrest Smith, Executive Director of AZVA. “Our students and their families have the flexibility to learn in a virtual environment as well as the ability to build real friendships and create strong connections. Family Fun Day brings our community to life in a powerful way.”  

A Day Designed to Foster Deeper Connections 

The layout at Red Mountain Park and hard work of K12 staff made it easy for families to participate in the festivities. On the basketball courts, teachers set up booths based on grade level so families could easily find their teachers. After students checked in, they hustled to find their designated booth, to give their teacher a big hug and participate in the activity that was set up.  

At the center of the action was a cake walk where competitors excitedly circled chairs, giggling and cheering with their peers, hoping to win treats ranging from Twinkies to full-size cakes. 

Beyond the main area there were more games for families to play, student entrepreneur booths to explore, decorative face painting and food trucks serving tasty treats and hot meals to help keep families energized throughout the day.  

Families also had access to valuable resources like the Learning Coach Community booth where they could learn more about support tools, community involvement and how to engage with their local Strider Squad.  

Spotlighting Student Achievement  

Family Fun Day is more than just a celebration and time for connection. It is also a chance for students to show off their incredible work, teach people about what they learn in class and spotlight their leadership skills.  

Members of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club showcased clinical skills learned in their nursing program through live demonstrations, including performing blood pressure checks. 

Engineering students prepared for their SkillsUSA competition by sharing their project highlighting coding, 3D printing and design principles. Their interactive booth allowed participants to color a 3D “Poké ball” designed after the popular card and video game, animated series and manga. After they bedecked their sphere, they hid it around the park and ISAZ students operated a drone to find them.   

Business, marketing and entrepreneur students also practiced for their upcoming Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA) competition. They brought along a hand-made racetrack which recently won first place in the FBLA regional competition. Students and families took turns conquering the course for a chance to spin the FBLA prize wheel, featuring student-designed prizes such as buttons, stickers, and T-shirts. 

The Power of In-Person Connection 

AZVA students build meaningful connections every day through live classes, one-on-one time with teachers, and events in their local communities through Strider Squads. Intentional school-wide gatherings like Family Fun Day bring that vibrant online community together in person and further strengthen the relationships students already share. 

During Family Fun Day, students from every grade, along with their families, get to meet teachers face-to-face, explore AZVA’s diverse programs and pathways, and enjoy time together at the park. It truly offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility of virtual education combined with meaningful opportunities to connect in person. 

The next Family Fun Day will be hosted in the fall. In the meantime, families are encouraged to reach out to teachers, administration or their Strider Squads to learn about any and all upcoming in-person activities. Learn more by visiting the Strider Squad page here! 

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