When classes begin at Bradford Area School District campuses Aug. 23, there may be some students who opt to do their lessons online through the Virtual Academy.
Superintendent Katharine Pude said there are a few parents who want to use the Virtual Academy for their children this school year, but the district has revised the option so that it looks much different from last year.
“For the most part, students who attended cyber (school) last year struggled more than the students who were here for in-person instruction,” Pude recalled. “Therefore, we put more parameters in place so that we can be certain that our students who do choose this option have the structures and support necessary in the home to be successful and attend.”
She noted that it takes great discipline to learn online day after day and many children are unable to learn in this modality.
“We will allow this option for students in all grade levels in the district provided they were successful last school year, or if they transferred from another district and are interested in our Virtual Academy,” Pude continued. “We have sent out a ‘Remind’ message to parents to notify their building administrator if they intend for their child to participate in the Virtual Academy by this Friday (Aug. 13) so that they can speak with our principals to review the requirements. This will better ensure that this is the proper learning environment for their child.”
For his part, Shane Oschman, school board president, stated the district prefers that students use cyber school “as opposed to a charter school such as Agora because we are then able to provide additional help if necessary.”
Earlier this week, the school board voted to allow the wearing of masks to be optional for both students and staff this school year. The district did state, however, that this health and safety amendment could change if there should be an uptick or surge in COVID variant cases in the area.
While masks will be optional on campuses for students, Pude had noted that youngsters will still be required to wear masks on buses.
Other changes on campuses will include the elimination of taking temperatures of students entering school and barriers will be removed from around desks.
