How Academy Online Isn't Your Typical Online School
Academy Online takes the virtual classroom to a new level with assignments and projects that allow to students to be active, exercise creativity, and enjoy the process of learning. Check out some of our favorite submissions from this spring!
That’s a wrap on our 2019-2020 school year, and with the fourth quarter held fully online, our students adjusted to a new way of learning in just a few weeks! We are proud to showcase some fun, quality projects our students completed over their final quarter. Enjoy!
One of our weekly themes was “Endurance”. Students were presented with a variety of assignments that required focus and perseverance to complete. We received a number of submissions that were creative and inspiring. Check out this “trick shot challenge” from one of our elementary students, where they were to set up a challenging shot and practice endurance until they succeeded at the shot.
The shift to online learning meant exponential opportunities to practice technology! Elementary students learned the ins and outs of iPad apps like iMovie, while learning practical skills like how do laundry! In one Creative Arts course, students created step-by-step presentations to teach others how to properly wash laundry. This was one of our favorites!
Our Jr High students’ backyard gardens are thriving! They’ve been applying what they learned in elementary gardening classes to manage pests with homemade organic sprays, and control weeds with mulching methods like cardboard and wood chips. Way to go students, we are so proud of you!
Also in Jr High, the Nutrition & Meal Prep class, emphasized skills such as proper knife grips, and how to work safely around heat in the kitchen. Their final project was to plan and execute a 3 course meal, documenting both how they used their skills, and the fellowship that was enjoyed on the other side of their efforts!
One of our high school students, Genesis, composed a poem in her Social Studies course reflecting on what they’ve learned in the class. It was a joy to see students creatively express themselves and the content they had processed through online modules.
“Life Hacks” was a favorite class with our younger elementary students. Teachers were intentional in embedding STEM skills (geometric shapes) and Language Arts skills (following and articulating step-by-step processes) into fun, creative projects.
In her 8th grade Project Development course, this Jr High student created a product called “No-Dough” to assist her in making bread and cleaning her supplies. This class trained students to create a product that met some need that they had, and could be marketable.
Memorizing and writing scripture is a component of our Language Arts courses. These are some submissions from elementary students!
This Jr High student did an excellent final project for his Visual Arts course! His video showcases the creation process.
And finally, this documentary by one of our upper elementary students blew her teachers away! The students were asked to use the videography and storytelling skills from the Documentary Making to produce a mini-documentary on a subject of their choice, something that was interesting and feasible to do within a 6-week period.
When Our Loss Becomes An Opportunity: Academy Online Goes Live!
Written by Mr. Muñoz, Elementary Vice Principal
I recently walked around the empty halls of our school building, and I felt a little sad about all the missed moments with our students over the past few weeks and the weeks to come. I miss hearing the kids laughing in the hallways and giving each other hugs. I miss seeing teachers smile at each other and share their stories. I miss glancing in the door windows to see teachers interacting with their students. While it does feel like a loss, I am reassured by remembering that with God even our losses can become opportunities.
Written by Mr. Muñoz, Elementary Vice Principal
I recently walked around the empty halls of our school building, and I felt a little sad about all the missed moments with our students over the past few weeks and the weeks to come. I miss hearing the kids laughing in the hallways and giving each other hugs. I miss seeing teachers smile at each other and share their stories. I miss glancing in the door windows to see teachers interacting with their students. While it does feel like a loss, I am reassured by remembering that with God even our losses can become opportunities.
Romans 8:28 “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.’
As a school community, we have a calling and love for God. I am challenged by this scripture today to focus on the opportunity that can come from God’s work on our behalf.
Elementary students check in with their teachers and classmates for a live session each morning, then begin their lessons for the day!
The Academy Online is one of those works, and our staff has been working with such diligence, creativity, and collaboration to prepare something special for our students. Mrs. Benoit, one of our elementary lead teachers had this to say about the program, "I am excited about the new program the Academy is rolling out and incredibly blessed to be part of something new and exciting! I'm thankful to be part of a team that works together to ensure that our students get access to the best education possible, despite the inability to come together in person. The dedication of the teachers and staff at the Academy never fails to amaze me. I'm always encouraged by the way everyone works together to continually strive to maintain access to our holistic education in a stress-free and fun manner for our students."
As we launch our program today, I can’t help but wish the doors of our school were open! At the same time, I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity in front of us through this new program. It will not only bless our students, but open up the door to bless students all over the world!