Elite Partners with Ambassadors of Compassion for Groundbreaking Social Emotional Learning Courses
Did you know that only 5 percent of the population actually achieve the goals they set out to accomplish? There are so many obstacles and delays, which deters most of us from trucking right along towards that goal. Most do not understand that those obstacles are part of the journey, no matter what we do or experience, but what if we started our journey actually knowing that there were going to be setbacks, and were emotionally equipped to handle the setbacks? This would allow one to achieve goals and become stronger and more compassionate people in the process. That's why Elite Academic Academy has partnered with Ambassadors of Compassion (AOC), which is an innovative leadership program that equips youth with the critical skills necessary to navigate and succeed through life’s inevitable challenges. Starting this 2021 spring semester at Elite, AOC has launched its first two A-G accredited Social Emotional Learning (SEL) courses.
So what is AOC all about? Founder and President, Eric Hannah, went through struggles in his own life, which is why he noticed a gap in his education where SEL courses would have benefitted. AOC was born and immediately started making an impact on the youth in Southern California. Their goal is to impact millions of students per year through this curriculum and reset the idea that people can be compassionate with each other. They have put over 60,000 students through their extra-curricular program in the last 6 years! Hannah is very passionate about helping students with social emotional learning, so you could say he is part of the 5% that achieved his goal!
"The choices students make today have a profound and immediate effect on their future. We give students the tools to navigate through these inevitable challenges. They now have a safe place where they can have open and honest discussions about things that are affecting them".
Hannah chose Elite as the center of AOC's academic avenue, which means this will be the first time AOC is accredited with the added academic component. Through collaboration with Elite's CTE Director, Ashlea Kirkland, M. Ed., and Dr. Laura Spencer, Director of Academic Innovation, these two classes were adopted into Elite Academic Academy's Course Catalog and are now available to Elite students through Canvas Learning Management System. Students are supported through the AOC SEL Learning experience by highly qualified credentialed teachers and attend synchronous sessions with the support of Elite's credentialed School Counselor. So far, students have loved the AOC SEL courses this semester. Mrs. Kirkland is very happy with the outcome as well.
"The AOC course experience is unlike any other course! Students are highly engaged and have the ability to self-reflect on aspects of their lives in order to gain the confidence to move forward in a positive direction. Compassion is something that is hard to teach, but when the students have the opportunity to stop and look within themselves, they become better humans because of it. The academic component with the AOC courses allows for students to meet the rigorous academic standard through writing and storytelling. Student's also complete a community service project, so they learn first hand how important it is to give back to one's community."
Here is a review of the two courses and what they entail.
LIFE Course: Labor, Influence, Forgiveness, Experiences
Understanding the role that labor plays in our lives, recognizing the needs of others and the needs within our community, and taking action to help. Recognizing that we are influenced both positively and negatively by the culture and people around us, and acknowledging that we ourselves influence others. Discovering that forgiveness is a process, and understanding and experiencing the freedom and power that comes from forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and also asking for forgiveness when we offend others. Exploring the importance of building on our life experiences and those of others, and facing and letting go of any negative experiences in order to help us reach our goals and dreams and full potential in life.
RISE: Responsibility, Initiative, Service, Expectations
Exploring the characteristics of a responsible person and the need to take ownership of one's thoughts and actions to help accomplish one's goals and dreams in life. Understanding that initiative is an action step based on one's decisions that results in a multitude of lasting benefits, including strong and healthy relationships and reaching one's greatness in life. Discovering the importance of serving others and also serving the needs in the community. Examining the power of expectations in one's relationships and in one's goals and dreams, and distinguishing and evaluating the difference between realistic and unrealistic expectations and knowing how to manage them.
Our Elite Students taking the LIFE course this semester are already putting what they learned from the curriculum into action.
"Doing small things that make you happy is so important. I like to stand outside in the sun because it makes me happy" - Solomon, Elite Student.
In addition to being equipped with the skills to take on life's challenges, students will earn a certificate showing they completed an SEL course, on top of the 5 A-G elective credits they receive towards their high school diploma. It is becoming increasingly important for kids to have this certificate, as companies that hire young employees are looking at SEL along with Academics. Emotional preparation for life is just as important as the academic preparation, and businesses are taking notice of this!
Ambassadors of Compassion envisions millions of youth who are productive, self-sufficient, and compassionate citizens taking responsibility for their own lives while serving the needs of their community and world. Through our two new SEL courses, we know that our Elite students will be prime role models for AOC's vision!
Click here to get the full overview of AOC and read testimonies from students, parents, and celebrities that have been positively impacted by AOC.
How Homeschool Student Hadley Golden Crushed Quarantine with Creativity
"This job is for someone courageous, fearless, and adaptive. This is not for an individual who likes to dip one toe in the water. It is for the adventurer who will dive in headfirst and enjoys being cutting edge. If imagination does not come naturally, he or she is on the wrong playground".
Melissa Webb with Write on Webb said it was one of the most well-written inspirational papers.
"Teaching places me in the presence of great, young minds. What a gift! Exceptional students require a little inspiration and a lot of encouragement. They do all the work. Hadley Golden is a perfect example of this. She is a talented, creative, courageous, hard-working person. It is my honor to know her".
When the quarantine hit hard at the beginning of 2020, she became inspired to create. Hadley had earned the money for her Legos from her mom-daughter Origami Owl business, where she is a part of a Young Entrepreneur’s Program. She had all the tools (and time) she needed to build whatever she wanted: and she did just that!
Hadley created Golden Ticket Dream-Park with lots of unique features that allow theme parks to maximize their profitability with quarantine protections in place and some innovative perspectives in new layouts and attractions. She is also a true Harry Potter fanatic and was able to purchase most of the Harry Potter Lego Collection so that she could recreate the famed Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Perhaps as impressive as the Golden Ticket Dream-Park is her Quarantine Compound. The Quarantine Compound is home to a unique multi-generational 90-member family who is quarantining together with a considerable amount of pets too. She built a whimsical, thoughtful, and efficient home complete with a kitchen that can seat all, an outdoor Harry Potter amphitheater, water slide, pet pagoda, and more. Each room is full of detail and bunkbeds of course that reflect the personalities and hobbies of the kids who bunk there.
Teacher Highlight: Virtual Academy Content Teacher Cicely Mallett
Science is a subject that is constantly changing. Experts continue to conduct research and learn more about their areas of expertise. This new knowledge gets passed down to Educators who write these new findings in textbooks and teach it to our students. Teachers play a pivotal role in this ecosystem of spreading knowledge, which is why Elite is so happy to have Ms. Mallett on board as our Virtual Academy Science Content Teacher.
Ms. Mallett teaches Biology, Chemistry and Physical Science within the Virtual Academy. Given the construct of this Academy, Ms. Mallett works with our Virtual Students a lot via email and via zoom during her office hours. She continuously communicates with her students and their Teachers of Record to provide feedback on assignments and enrich our student's learning experience with her knowledge on the subject.
Virtual Academy Director Evan Jorgensen states:
"Ms. Mallett shines when she is working with her students, which always shows in her smile. We are thankful to have her expertise and personal touch to her courses and lessons in the Virtual Academy".
Ms. Mallett feels the same way about Elite and knows she has found a school to work for that values both staff and students.
"As a part-time teacher, I feel so engaged with the school. The morale of the staff is great and the interaction with the students and parents are easy and successful. The goodies that are giving to us frequently is not expected but I do love those too!"
She hasn't always wanted to pursue teaching as a career, but quickly realized how much she could positively contribute to her community if she became an educator.
Teacher Spotlight: Virtual Academy Content Teacher Patrick Navas
Elite Virtual Academy (EVA) students attend weekly online sessions where they receive live instruction and support from teachers and have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers. While students have the freedom to complete their 100% online coursework when and where they want, instructors like their Teacher of Record and Content Teachers help keep them on track with daily reminders, check-ins, tutoring, live instruction and corrective feedback.
One of those Content Teachers that is Mr. Patrick Navas! He is Elite's High School Social Science teacher covering US History, World History, Government, Economics, and World Geography. Needless to say those are very important courses, so Elite is lucky to have Mr. Navas, a 14 year teaching veteran, at the helm. His own love of learning and desire to impart wisdom and knowledge to others was his inspiration for becoming a teacher. His hobbies outside of teaching are weight lifting, writing, reading, soccer, tennis, badminton, and spending time with his three sons!
EVA is 100% online, therefore Mr. Navas has the ability to work from home. He researches and prepares lectures for his students, holds Zoom office hours and is continuously in communication with the students and their Teachers of Record. He fits in grading work throughout his day also! While Elite is very lucky to have him, he told us he's happy to be a part of the team as well.
"The culture among staff is very healthy and supportive. Our administrators always express appreciation for what we do so it feels good and encourages us to keep on keeping on!"
Meet Phoenix: Incredible Artist with Passion and Ambition
There’s nothing better than finding a passion to make life a little bit less stressful. Sometimes, it’s those hobbies that get you through, especially in 2020!
For Phoenix, a student here at Elite Virtual Academy, art is their thing. This student is incredibly talented, and although we certainly think Phoenix is talented enough to make it a career, art is meant to be their side passion in life.
Really, Phoenix has so much potential, they could go anywhere they want in life!
And that’s what Phoenix plans to do.
Here’s a little more about this awesome student:
About Phoenix Cassell: Artist, Social Justice Activist.
Phoenix started with Elite Virtual Academy in 2019 while living within Death Valley National Park. Phoenix has been drawing from a young age and one day it caught the eye of Mrs. Reardon, their teacher. Mrs. Reardon wanted to share it with us.
“I’ve just been drawing a lot sine I was a kid,” said Phoenix. “I don’t know what it is about art, but sometimes it’s nice to cool down. It just calms you. I haven’t taken any art classes but it’s something I love.”
Here are a few of Phoenix’s drawings, just to get an idea of their talent. Most of the art is digital, although Phoenix does sometimes sketch by hand. And what Phoenix draws ranges to anything they feel like at the moment.
“‘I feel like when I was a baby, I would just take a pen and draw. I don’t feel like it mattered much what others thought. It only mattered that I wanted to do this, and I needed to do it,’ said Phoenix”
Although Phoenix is very talented, drawing is just one of Phoenix’s many passions and talents.
“I don’t know I don’t think I’ll do art as my main thing but I will continue to do art,” said Phoenix. “I want to do something that I do for my past time and not work, then it becomes less of a hobby.”
Phoenix told us they actually started an art business for a little bit, but found that it was a stress to be told what to draw with deadlines attached. For Phoenix, art is about finding release and enjoyment.
So, what does Phoenix want to do after high school?
“I don’t know yet, but I would like to be an equality protestor, equality HR, police officer maybe. I’ve thought about those. Fighting for the country that I live in. I thought about a pilot or a flight attendant too because I love going places. I could be a president, I could be a vice president,” said Phoenix.
Social justice is something that is very important to Phoenix, as you might have noticed from the list of potential careers above. It often reflects into Phoenix’s artwork, shown below.
“I’m inspired by the things I love and am passionate about. That’s my inspiration to draw,” said Phoenix.”
Phoenix’s last main inspiration is the family dog, a Dutch Shepard.
“My dog is a very big inspiration to me. She is just a very sweet dog. Her name is Ibex,” said Phoenix.
One thing is certain: Phoenix is going to keep learning after high school.
“I have plans to go to college. I don’t know what I’m going to study in college but I am going to college,” said Phoenix. “I want to get the best education possible. I have a few years to decide.”
We love not only the ambition, but the wisdom of this Elite student. We can’t wait to see what Phoenix does next!
To learn more about Elite Virtual Academy, head here.
From Failing to Thriving: Meet Angelina, soon to be first-generation college student
When we started Elite, one of the things we wanted to be was a safety net for students who fall behind. Sometimes, a school just isn't "for them," and we wanted those students to have options so they can excel and have a great start to their future.
And it's always such a wholesome thing to see students actually accomplish excellence. Because while our (amazing!) teachers can provide support and reach out, it's up to the student to work hard.
Angelina Arriola, an Elite Virtual Academy student, has done just that! She came to us from a previous school where she was struggling and lacked motivation. Since March--right through the thick of this crazy year that we call 2020--Angelina has gotten straight A's!
About Angelina Arriola, future first-generation college student
Angelina is from a big family with six siblings. Her mom just had a baby, so Angelina is busy being a helpful big sister. Between that and other family commitments, it's time consuming to say the least. She's a driven student with dreams who didn't stop when she hit a bump in school.
"Well, the last school I was with was …the support wasn’t really good there, at least to me. I just didn’t feel very welcomed to ask questions. So, I never really asked for help, which lead me to feeling overwhelmed and then I just started slacking off a lot and I wound up getting to a point where I had all F’s. That’s what lead me to have to change schools, so I came to Elite," said Angelina.
As we've said before (but we'll say it again), Angelina went from failing to mostly A's in six months. Even with a brand new baby sister to help out with!
"I think the difference is the teachers at Elite are definitely just nicer for sure. I feel real welcome to ask for help or a retake, or just ask for anything that I need for school. It’s almost as if I’m in an in-person school, I just feel welcome to text them real quick and get the question out of the way," said Angelina.
"Ms. Lively is the best teacher I’ve ever had for sure. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn't have the motivation from the start to have good grades. I was defeated. But she's really rewarding and she makes you feel good for actually working so it’s always a pleasure with Ms. Lively."
Another small goal Angelina is working on: improving her graffiti art.
"I like drawing graffiti art, it runs on my dad’s side of the family," said Angelina. "He taught me a lot, so it’s kind of fun and special to me."
She didn't want to show us her work yet because she wants to be proud of it, but we're sure she's her own worst critic, considering most things she does is amazing!
After graduating Elite, Angelina wants to become the first person in her family to go to college. Where, she's not sure just yet, but she's leaning toward San Francisco to be far enough to have her own adventure but still be somewhat close to her family.
"I definitely want to go to a four-year college, I want to be the first one in my family," said Angelina. "And I have the support from my family to do that, and not only my family, but Elite too. So, it’s making it seem pretty possible, like I think I’m really going to do it."
Congrats, Angelina. We are so proud of you!
To learn more about the Virtual Academy Angelina's attending, head here.
Elite Student News: Noah Reyes earns a perfect AP Calculus Score!
Congratulations go out to an Elite student, Noah Reyes, an 11th grade high school student in the Elite Academic Academy Homeschool program.
Noah attempted the Advanced Placement exam in Calculus BC this past Spring and earned a 5, indicating a perfect score. Noah is self taught in mathematics and has utilized resources such as ThinkWell Homeschool courses for online video instruction and practice. In addition, he has been taking a series of college courses in chemistry and biology since 2018 at Palomar College, as well as English 100 this past summer, and has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Noah is also fluent in speaking and writing German and participated in competitive tennis before the pandemic.
Nowadays, he concentrates on mastering his ping pong skills at home for recreational purposes. Noah is just another example of one of our Elite students who is dual enrolled in college and continues to excel academically.
When he was in Middle School he was honored as one of the "brightest middle school students in the world" at an international Johns Hopkins University ‘Center for Talented Youth’ (CTY) awards ceremony last May, and qualified for CTY’s Julian C. Stanley ‘Study of Exceptional Talent’ (SET).
Congratulations, Noah. We are all proud of you!
How steer, pigs and Elite brought these sisters together and ready to graduate
If you think about your siblings--whether you're grown or are a student--you probably love them, but they get on your nerves sometimes. During our current pandemic, probably more like a lot of times.
Sometimes, it takes time to grow close with your siblings. Other times, it takes some livestock and the right school!
Kacey (19) and her younger twin sisters, Cheyenne and Cerenitee (17), have only gotten closer as they've grown. A lot of that, they say is thanks to finding a passion they all share, and having Elite there to help them pursue that passion!
Here are the Vivirito Sisters below. They raise livestock and are changing their community around them with their passion and positive energy!
Kacey, Cheyenne and Cerenitee have been raising livestock and entering competitions/selling for the past four years now. They've also recently had a steer win first place in his class; his name was Chuck.
"So how we found showing livestock—the group we’re in is Alpine Range. I feel like the reason we are so attracted to showing animals because it’s such an experience and responsibility to have and it’s worth the experience because
it’s such a strong bond you form with your animals, and it's so rewarding to showcase and have your hard work displayed for everyone to see."
"I just love the memories you make with your animals," Cerenitee added, in a Zoom meeting we had with the Vivirito Sisters.
"Yeah, it’s crazy to think that we’ve learned so much from those around us and now we’re the ones teaching the younger generation. It’s just crazy that we’re now the ones teaching the younger generation and the little kids are looking up to us," said Cheyenne.
"So, you've become sort of experts in your field," we thought. "Why do you keep going? What inspires or motivates you to continue the hard work you've done?"
"I just want to make an impact on the world that there are good things out there and you just got to get into them," said Cheyenne. "I think that’s why I keep showing, it’s very rewarding in the end because little kids will come up to you with your animals and they’ll pet them, ask their names and say, ‘Wow! You’re so cool!’ and really I’m really not, I’m just doing what I love!"
These sisters are going out of their way to empower the next generation in showing livestock by selling their quality animals at a much cheaper price than they could. Usually a sheep of good quality, for example, can cost up to $1500. Just for one. Needless to say, it's very expensive and the Vivirito Sisters don't want to see kids miss out because of money.
So they sell their sheep to kids starting out for just about $100.
"When we first started, we had very poor quality animals and we know we weren't going in to win, but we still went to play, but we did go in for the experience and learned so much in those few years. So, we want to help the next younger generation that is just starting have better quality animals for a low price. I’m really excited to see how that business takes off."
How cool is that? To not only love what you do, but take the time to pass it on and teach it to the next generation? That's just one reason why we love the Vivirito Sisters.
They don't just work hard in their passions. These sisters have all managed to catch up a school grade in the past semester alone! To them, Elite works better because they aren't so tied to superfluous work and having to attend so many meetings. It gives them the opportunity to balance their livestock work and school work.
"Our old school we were at, they wanted us on meetings all the time. They wanted us from the time we woke up to almost 8 or 9 at night, which is around the time we work with our animals, so it was very hard trying to balance it all. Our grades were slipping, even though we were trying to do all our work," said Cheyenne.
" Now, we can wake up, do our school and go do our animal work," Cerenitee added.
"Yeah, and the teachers make the meeting so much fun. It’s not just all about the school, it’s also about what’s going on in our lives. They care about our animals and it’s good to know that someone’s willing to talk about that versus it just being an hour meeting of just school. So I very much appreciate that," said Cheyenne.
It’s also very easy, well, the work is not easy, but not overbearing. It’s not bunches and bunches of homework onto school work…I think this is the best my grades have been in a long time," said Cheyenne.
"Without Elite, I don’t know where I’d be...probably be grades behind," said Kacey.
So, with all this hard work and passion, where do the Vivirito Sisters plan to be after graduation? It's actually somewhat surprising. But we couldn't be more proud.
"For me, I aged out of showing, so I want to finish here and go to college to become a vet and work with animals and help in the equine industry," said Kacey.
"For me, I would like to follow in my mom’s footsteps in becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA). I’ve always been fascinated with the medical field. Whenever my sisters gets hurt, I’m always like, “Oh, cool, I wanna help, can I help?”
"Yeah, you do that!" Cerenitee laughed.
"I guess I’m attracted to making people feel better. So, I feel like a CNA would suit me the best," Cheyenne said.
"Mine is so different from you guys!" laughed Cerenitee. "After I graduate, I want to go to college to become a makeup artist and work on the movies. Mostly in special effects makeup."
"She’s so good. It’s scary how real it looks," her sisters added.
"We grew pretty close once we started showing livestock together. There’s sometimes when we butt heads for a little bit...but we’ve grown pretty close, we do everything together. Elite has helped like crazy. I don’t know where I’d be without elite, that’s all I’m saying," said Cheyenne.
Keep working, Vivirito Sisters! You all are going to accomplish amazing things!
- Students and readers: What is your passion? We want to hear about it! Drop us a comment below!
Interested in Elite and how it can help you balance your life? Learn more here!
Outdoor Wilderness - Education You Can't Duplicate on the Computer Screen
Two new sailors stand on the pier, ready with life jackets buckled, as their instructor makes the final preparations to a Cal 25 for departure. The pair is about to set out on a weekend voyage to the Channel Islands, accompanied by their parents and a skilled crew from LifeSail. The whole family loads the vessel, excited for the experience of open-ocean sailing.
The two Bakersfield siblings, Cooper and Lillian Mills, are both enrolled at Elite Academic Academy and recently attended a summer of sailing lessons with LifeSail, a non-profit sailing organization out of Marina Del Rey. The class they took was a part of the Adventure Academy, a CTE enrichment program at Elite that is focused on outdoor education and natural awareness. Like the Mills siblings, numerous students across the United States spent their summers enrolled in nature connection and outdoor based learning programs.
A recent article from NPR writes, “Demand has surged for outdoor and wilderness programs, driven by parents desperate to get their kids off-screen and out of the house. Numerous New England wilderness schools report they could double or triple their already increased programming and still have waiting lists.” And it doesn’t stop there. Outdoor programs are gaining popularity and recognition throughout the nation.
"I think we're entering the golden age of outdoor education," says Sam Stegeman, executive director of the Vermont Wilderness School. "Because of COVID, one of the silver linings is we're finally getting huge numbers of American children outdoors during the school day."The importance of engaging with our natural surroundings is increasingly valuable in an ever-digitizing age. Many students are taking classes virtually this school year, influencing parents to look towards outdoor education as an avenue to supplement their student’s learning.
Robert, the father of the two young sailors writes, “As a parent, I feel truly blessed that my two children were able to experience sailing on the open ocean. This was an incredibly enriching program for them, during a time when most learning is happening over video conferences and emails.” Sailing truly is a remarkable learning tool; topics of physics, navigation and natural sciences are all easily woven into a fun day on the bay. Young sailors are particularly precocious when it comes to learning the ropes.
“The Life Sail program made me see things in a different perspective, making me realize how hard things may be in the beginning, but if you put your mind to it, you can do it,” says Lillian, age 13, after her summer sailing experience, “I would definitely recommend it to others.” Her little brother, Cooper had good things to say too. “The coaches weren't just my teachers but my friends. They showed me why we work for what we love and why we do it. During the life sail camp I made many friendships that will last my whole life.” Both students ended the summer with a family trip to Catalina Island, allowing them to feel the solitude of big water as the coast fades into the horizon.
The program they attended was created to facilitate long-remembered experiences with nature. The Adventure Academy is offered through Elite, a non-profit, which serves students in 8 counties throughout Southern California. “Our school is truly blazing a new trail,” says Tom Olson, the Adventure Academy Lead, “we are building a virtual outdoor education program with hands-on, real-life experiences that capstone concepts. It is inclusive and anyone is allowed to participate, regardless of skill level or background.” The course that the Mills family completed was the first section of a progression of classes that aims to give students insight into the industry of Tourism & Recreation, a facet of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Elite.“CTE is a really awesome program; it gives students the opportunity to develop life skills like working towards hard to achieve goals, particularly certifications. Just the nature of outdoor education fosters team building and camaraderie. It shows kids how to work together to solve problems in a living, changing environment. I think it helps build adaptability and interpersonal skills,” Tom explains. The school aims to expand their offerings into topics beyond the marina, such as wilderness medicine, backcountry preparedness and life skills such as fire safety and trip planning.
“We are empowering youth to think critically, take responsibility, and engage with their surroundings.” Tom says, “The natural world serves as a tool to build leaders and instills a lifelong respect for the environment. The utility of these experiences is invaluable & long-lasting.”
Here is a testimonial from an Elite Family that thrived with the LifeSail Program and credits our Community Partner for enriching their educational experience during this uncertain time.
The life sail program gave me a new perspective of the world. Mr. Matt and the life sail coaches showed me teamwork, how to face your fears, to pursue your passion, and to keep on dreaming. Mr. Matt was the organizer. But to me he is a mentor, someone who showed me what I love and who I want to be. However the life sail camp would not be if it wasn't for the coaches. The coaches weren't just my teachers but my friends. They showed me why we work for what we love and why we do it. During the life sail camp I made many friendships that will last my whole life. My experience at LifeSail was truly a time to remember. I will never forget my beautiful experience at LifeSail.
-Cooper Mills Age 11
The Life Sail program made me see things in a different perspective, making me realize how hard things may be in the beginning, if you put your mind to it, you can do it. Coach Steven is very helpful and made sure to tend to my needs, and help me with learning how to sail better. Coach Cynthia was very nice, and helped me learn how to control a jib sheet. Coach Fernando was funny, but when he needed something to get done, he made sure it got done. Coach Matt was a great coach to me. He meant business and he would always get everything done neatly and organized. Everyone at Life Sail was very influential and I would definitely recommend it to others.
-Lilly Mills Age 13
We are so grateful to Mr. Matt for creating this wonderful program. As a parent, I feel truly blessed that my two children were able to experience sailing on the open ocean. This was an incredibly enriching program for them, during a time when most learning is happening over video conferences and emails. I thank Mr. Matt and all of the coaches at Life Sail for giving my kids a life changing experience. I know they are better for it.
-Robert Mills, Father of Lilly and Cooper
Back to "online" school shopping essentials, according to students
Let's get real:
Going back-to-school shopping is not so fun.
It might sound exciting at first, sure. You could get a few outfits, a new backpack, maybe even a new awesome Lisa Frank trapper keeper (No? Not cool?). But then you get to the store. There are only two scenarios:
- You've started your shopping early. Congratulations! Now, you're struggling through the crowd that's nothing short of a Wal-Mart on a Saturday night. All while keeping the mask on and trying to keep your distance.
- You wait to do your shopping, either to avoid crowds or because you're a procrastinator. Either way, you're stuck with the bottom of the barrel, meaning you probably really will be sporting a Lisa Frank trapper keeper. It's all that's left over.
It's a much nicer thought than reality.
And that's when online students breathe a sigh of relief. Because all that's needed for online school is a laptop, your curriculum and an internet connection. Heavy binders, note-taking tools, tissues, backpacks or whatever other random item on your school supply list won't be on ours.
For many people, however, this school shopping for virtual learning is a first this year. Which makes you wonder what your child actually needs?
But that's the beauty of it: It's up to what you decide.
While your student can study wherever they want, a designated workspace is always a good idea. It helps your brain know it's time to focus. But it doesn't have to be a boring place. In fact, adding a few personal touches will make the space more enjoyable as you study.
According to online students, these are the items you actually need for online school.
Aside from a computer with internet, of course.
- A comfortable seat. Whether it’s an office chair or a bean bag, make sure you can comfortably sit for hours.
- A desk (or a bed!). Something that has room for you to sit down with a notebook and some other items.
- A snack to avoid getting ‘hangry.’
- Music to make studying enjoyable. Besides, it could improve your focus.
- Lighting in whatever form makes you happy. Lamp, lava lamp, Himalayan salt lamp, your choice.
- Something to stay cool or warm, because it’s Idaho.
- Artwork hanging on the walls. This could be your own drawings or a favorite movie poster.
- A friendly feature, like a plant or your cat, to brighten the atmosphere.
- A personal item. For our students, that meant something different. Some liked to have their camera nearby, others liked to have their favorite sports drink.
See how some online students described their personal workspaces:
“My space is unique because I always have my pup with me, I have my laptop, a notebook and my bed, I don’t have a desk. So I sit on my bed and do everything, I’ll sit outside, I have to have music going, and I have pictures on my walls.”
– Erica M.
“What makes my personal workspace unique is that I get to work at any time given. I feel comfortable and stress free. If I go out somewhere, I can take my work with me. I especially like it because I get to be home with family and grab a snack whenever I like. It can seriously be the couch, my bed, kitchen table and the patio except it really hot throughout the day. I’m also able to listen to music, helps motivate me more!”
– Salma U.
Photo submitted by Jennifer H.
“What makes my workspace unique? Everything, I have everything I need next to me, not only that but I usually have my artwork scattered all over the table or hung up on the wall. I also add motivational quotes to help me get through the day, oh and my dog who is always with me.”
– Jennifer H.
“I have my laptop, binder with paper, an extra notebook, pens, pencils and such all in my laptop bag that I set up on the dining room table every day. I don’t ever work alone while having a daughter but I get good grades, learn to multitask and I get work done nicely and organized. I guess that’s all you can really ask for to get through school.”
– Kayde P.
