School Spotlight: 279 Online School Gives Students a Different Option
For students at 279 Online in the Osseo School District, school is only a click away.
And for some it’s becoming a bright spot in their day.
“We have seen a lot of students find their voice in an online setting,” says Principal Kristen Hague.
Jocelyn Fang has found new confidence in online school while reconnecting with her roots.
“I kind of lost my language growing up. When I tell you about five years ago today I didn’t know how to speak Hmong at all,” said Fang.
But now knowing Hmong has become a catalyst for more positive change.
“Everything started to get better, like my relationships with people, my grades, my trust in others,” said Fang.
She is now teaching younger students.
Parents are also seeing the benefits of online school.
“The teachers that Brandon and his classmates have had are very good. When you have that and the knowledge and comfort level of being able to attend school in an environment where you know you are safe because you are at home and to begin preparing for life after high school where you’re more in charge of your destiny I think it’s invaluable to experience online school,” says Janel York.
Brandon Brown credits volunteer service as a bonus. He helps younger students with schoolwork.
“It definitely makes me feel better about myself because I know that I’m helping people and that’s kinda important to me. Not to be selfish but it looks good for college as well because I’ve been able to handle my school work and tutoring other people,” says Brown.
“There’s a desire for something different and really looking at what works for scholars and families these days is different than what it was 50-100 years ago. So, I think really I think online is the next wave of doing things differently to adapt and be responsive to society,” says Principal Hague.
See also: More Districts Plan to Launch Permanent Online Learning Option
