Pod Programs
SHAPA offers a pod program! Like all students at SHAPA, students in one of the pod programs are assigned a mentor teacher to guide their curriculum selections and offer support. In addition, pod students have an optional in-person component to their school week.
Our two popular pod programs are located in Sheridan, McMinnville, and starting fall 2025, a third pod in Scappoose and a fourth in St. Helens. The Sheridan Pod serves K-5th grade students for in-person learning, the McMinnville Pod serves K-12th grade students for in-person learning. The Scappoose Pod will serve 6-12th grade students for in-person learning, and the St Helens Pod will serve K-5th grade students for in-person learning.
Contact our registrar with any questions!
Susan Watson: swatson@sheridanallprep.org
New Programs
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, SHAPA is excited to launch a new learning pod in Scappoose for students in grades 6–12, and a new learning pod in St. Helens for students in grades K-5.
These pods will operate Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a supportive, in-person option alongside our full-time virtual instruction model. Students will continue their online coursework Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with the added benefit of in-person pod days for connection, enrichment, and hands-on learning. The pod experience includes access to Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, early college opportunities, SHAPA-funded curriculum and enrichment activities, and field trips across Oregon. These new pods are designed to offer flexibility for families while providing meaningful opportunities for academic and social engagement.
Meet our Team:
Position: 6-12 Mentor Teacher/Scappoose Pod Teacher
Education: MS in Science and Math Education, BS in Biology
Mrs. Claxton can’t wait to start the Scappoose Pod. She comes to SHAPA with 24 years of teaching experience, with grades K-12. She loves to integrate art with math and science, and is anticipating building fabulous memories at one of our newest pods.
Position: K-12 Mentor Teacher/Sheridan Pod Teacher
Education: BS in Business Administration/Public Relations, MS.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction
This is Lyndsay’s first year at SHAPA and 11th year in education. She has worked with a range of grade levels at Sheridan School District and is excited to stay within this wonderful community and support students and families in their educational journey. Lyndsay has two young boys and enjoys going on RV adventures around the Northwest with her family and friends.
Position: K-5 Mentor Teacher/St. Helens Pod Teacher
Education: BA Art- Elementary Education
Allison is thrilled to be joining the team at SHAPA. Allison got her Bachelors in Bellingham, WA. She has been teaching for three years, one year in kindergarten and two years in 5th grade. Allison is passionate about the arts, especially painting and photography, and loves bringing creativity into the classroom. Allison is married with a one year old son and a cat named Matilda after her favorite book. In her free time, Allison enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring, reading, and playing games.
Position: K-12 Mentor Teacher/McMinnville Pod Teacher
Education: BA in Elementary Education, MA in Curriculum; Math and French Endorsements
Michelle MacFarlane has 32 years of teaching experience in elementary classrooms, 3rd-6th grade, as well as 25 years experience tutoring/leading/counseling middle and highschool students and truly enjoys learning with and helping inspire her students. 2023-2024 is her second year with SHAPA as a mentor teacher and she is thrilled to grow in this new chapter of her life. In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, camping, time with any animal (especially horses), crafting, games, cooking, reading…
Position: Teaching Assistant/Scapoose Pod
Education: Preschool teacher for 10 years and was an aid/substitute teacher for over 12 years.
Toni is so excited to join SHAPA family! Toni worked at Scappoose Adventist school for over 12 years. Toni did before and after school care/substitute teacher/sign language teacher and office manager for 3 years. Toni is married with 3 stepchildren, 1 daughter and 1 granddaughter.
Position: Teaching Assistant/Mac Pod
Education: 3 years experience as the Teaching Assistant at SHAPA McMinnville Pod
Stephanie has three years of experience as the teaching assistant with SHAPA at the McMinnville Pod. She finds joy in leading the Pod’s early literacy small group. She also enjoys helping students discover the techniques and tools that work best for them and their learning style in order to successfully complete their work with confidence. She is currently attending Western Governors University working towards obtaining her dual licensure in Special Education and Early Elementary Education. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, training Jiu Jitsu, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.
FAQ
Students in pod programs have the same curriculum options available to SHAPA students. Some students prefer to use teacher-selected curriculum. Others prefer to choose their own curriculum. You will talk through these choices with your mentor teacher. Please check out the Curriculum Options page for more information.
Our popular pod programs often have waitlists. If you are placed on a waitlist, you can still enroll at SHAPA. You can choose to attend a different pod or be placed with a mentor teacher who specializes in working with students in your grade band.
Students in grades K-12 can enroll in a pod.
