The Tonganoxie school district soon will have a virtual school.

The board approved, 6-0, with Kathy Baragary absent, Superintendent Randy Weseman’s recommendation to begin a virtual school starting with the 2012-13 school year. Enrollment could begin as early as April, Weseman said at Monday’s board meeting.

“This is the way for us to get into the virtual school business because that’s the way the world’s going, folks,” Weseman told the school board.

Weseman said there are 30 to 40 students currently in the district who are attending virtual schools through other districts.

For the rest of the article go to District to offer virtual program

Michael Winer is the director of Leavenworth’s Carnegie Arts Center, who will be hosting the annual Greater Leavenworth Area Student Art Show, co-sponsored by the Leavenworth Public Schools and the Trust Company of Kansas, beginning with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the center, 601 S. Fifth St. in Leavenworth. About 400 or more people are expected to visit the show during that time, which will also include faculty demonstrations and refreshments.

1) How did the Greater Leavenworth Area Student Art Show begin for the Carnegie?
It’s funny, because going through the computer stuff, it’s kind of changed a bit over the years. I’m not really sure, because there’s only so much record in the computer, but I think it’s been going on for like, 20-something years. This year, I believe it’s even gotten bigger, with 13 schools participating. That includes a home school and a virtual school. We sent letters to every school in the county.

For the rest of the article, go to Carnegie prepares for student art show

“It’s important that people are both aware and know who to call if they have a question or position on something that is happening,” Sanburn said.

Doll pointed to the power of testifying in front of the Legislature when last year the school district asked that the state not drop the amount of funding each pupil receives in the district’s virtual school. That testimony helped convince the governor to not reduce the funding.

Doll and Sanburn see the group as being the base that would support a network of parents who could call, email or write to legislators about issues that affect schools.

For the rest of the article, go to Parent advocacy group to study state’s school funding plans

After reading a story in The Topeka Capital-Journal, “Virtual School a Reality,” I had a few thoughts our legislators might consider before jumping in with both feet.

I am in favor of kids having expanded opportunities in the classroom. As a society, we will benefit greatly by raising a well-rounded student. But I am concerned about the social development of a child who spends the majority of his or her educational time one-on-one with a computer and a virtual instructor.

I understand the financial appeal of this option. Reducing the number of buildings, teachers, etc., would be a great savings to the state.

For the rest of the article, go to Letter: Virtual government

About 200 virtual school students from across the state will descend Tuesday on the Capitol to earn face time with Kansas government.

The road trip for Maize Virtual Preparatory School’s students won’t be the most unusual feature of the day. The simple fact they will be in the same place is extraordinary for students who seize educational opportunity from a computer screen through a distance education model.

“Most of our learning occurs in the home environment with the virtual assistance of our teaching staff,” said Gary Lewis, director of educational outreach for the Maize school district and champion of the virtual school. “This will be a fun way for our students and families to have some time to get to know one another and have some hands-on learning opportunities.”

For the rest of the article, go to Charter, virtual school expansion a possibility

USD-379 will eventually unblock Facebook and other social networking sites on school computers.

The need to unblock these sites was addressed Monday night when a school board member reported on a session she had attended on what the school district could be doing for a virtual school and when the board reviewed a new technology acceptable use policy. This policy covers, among other things, what staff can do on social media sites while on school property and personal use of Facebook and Twitter, including who they can “friend” on Facebook.

Board member Jean Frigon reported that USD-379 students can’t do a lot of things when they take an online course “because we block so much,” including courses through Fort Hays State University.

For the rest of the article, go to School policy to allow staff on Facebook

On Friday the committee will visit the Abilene school district to see how that district runs a virtual school. The committee is planning to visit a few other virtual schools “within a drivable distance” including the one at Manhattan.

“We’re not near ready to make a recommendation, but the committee is really excited,” Frigon said.

She said compared to other school districts in the state, USD-379 is “behind” by not offering a virtual school.

Committee members investigating how to set up a virtual school at USD-379 include a high school student taking virtual classes, teaching and technology staff and a few parents. They’ve met a couple times, Frigon said.

For the rest of the article, go to Committee sees lots of possibilities for virtual school