[CharterSchools] Louisiana’s Virtual Charter, Connections Academy, welcomes “mid-year” switching

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Louisiana’sVirtual Charter, Connections Academy, welcomes “mid-year” switching if yourchild needs a new school right NOW
 
  
So, the holiday break is upon you andthere is no avoiding one reality: Your child is miserable in their school. 
            
This might not be what you wanted toconcentrate on during the winter break, but it’s not uncommon.
            
In Louisiana, some families arefinding the switch to a free, public virtual school meets their needs.
            
“Changing to a virtual charter schoolis not just a change of venue, but a change of mindset,” said LouisianaConnections Academy Principal Glenda Jones.
            
According to LACA’s research, the topreasons for switching schools mid-year usually are:
 
1.    Your childlearns at a different pace—faster or slower—and the benefit of personalizedlearning and pacing from an online education will keep them engaged;
 
2.    Thetraditional classroom is not addressing your child’s needs to stay focused orrecover self-esteem;
 
3.    Your child’sathletic/performance/health schedule demands the flexibility of onlineeducation.
            
“Whatever the reason, the parentfinds that their child is constantly talking about the need to change schools.It’s important to listen to and respect your child’s feelings, and providereassurance,” said Principal Jones. “Taking time to explore what options areout there and clear communications about what a school change will involvehelps the transition.”
            
Louisiana Connections Academy is aK-12 school, and mid-year switches to the school are accepted, especially amongjunior and senior high grades.
            
More than a quarter of a millionAmerican students in grades K-12 get their education virtually. In Louisiana,2000 students are currently enrolled in Louisiana Connections Academy.
            
“The format of virtual schoolingeases the student’s adjustment period, and because learning takes place at thehome computer, the physical transition is easier too for students andfamilies,” said Principal Jones.
 
Principal Jones suggests these tipsfor a mid-year transition:
 

Do your homework.
     Make sure the school offers an     accredited program with a wide range of courses, and a proven curriculum     developed by professional educators. Talk to parents with students     currently enrolled in the school. We have a contact a Parent program that     will connect you with currently enrolled families to discuss your     questions. http://www.connectionsacademy.com/our-program/school-community/contact-a-parent.aspx

 

Plan Ahead
     Research shows that students     are more successful when they change schools at the beginning of a quarter     or semester. Find out when the grading period ends in your child’s current     school and when the new one starts. Use this info to set a target start     date for the new school. Of course, sometimes life throws you a curve     ball—like surprise job changes or family matters. In that case, guidance     and enrollment officials can help you navigate the school switch smoothly.     

 

Get Your Paperwork in Order
     Check with enrollment officials     at the new school for admission deadlines and a list of required     documents, which could include:


application forms
transcripts
birth certificate
immunization      records 
other      state-specific paperwork

 

Pay Attention to Transfer Credits
     Many schools don’t mail fall     semester report cards until the spring semester, making it tricky for some     parents to prove course completion and to get students’ credits     transferred to the new school. Parents facing this situation should check     with their new school’s enrollment counselors to find out what other,     alternative paperwork they can supply, and then they should request it     from the previous school. 

 

Maintain an Open Dialogue
     Easing a midyear transition     doesn’t end once your child has all of his or her books and supplies and     has started classes. Be sure to listen carefully and address your child’s     questions and concerns. And continue to communicate with school staff     regularly. Teachers, counselors, and administrators are there to help.     Maintaining an open dialogue with them is key to a smooth transition to     virtual school.

 
Making themid-year switch? Visit http://www.LouisianaConnectionsAcademy.com for moreinformation and updated online information session postings throughout theyear. 
 
 
 
ABOUTLOUISIANA CONNECTIONS ACADEMY 
(www.LouisianaConnectionsAcademy.com)
LouisianaConnections Academy is the state’s leading provider of high-quality, freepublic virtual charter schooling for grades K through 12. Louisiana ConnectionsAcademy offers a superior, personalized education for students, offered byLouisiana certified teachers, with the freedom and flexibility of an onlineeducation that meets the state’s standards. As an online charter school,students access their lessons anytime, anywhere as long as they have thetechnology, tools and support of their family. Accountability for meeting highacademic student performance is monitored by the non-profit charter board,Friends of Louisiana Connections Academy, Wade Henderson, President. Thecharter school is authorized by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and SecondaryEducation to accept students from any parish in the state. 1800 studentsattended for the 2014-2015 school year. Principal Glenda Jones has expanded theschool curriculum to include tutoring, summer school, dual enrollment programsand high quality electives, such as e-learning courses at Juilliard. The schoolis headquartered in Baton Rouge at 4664 Jamestown Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808.Student field trips, graduation ceremonies, parent-to-parent events and schoolinformation sessions are regularly scheduled and promoted at the schoolwebsite.
 





 

The Brylski Company
(504) 897-6110
3418 Coliseum Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
www.brylskicompany.com
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