By: Nicole Kittelson (K-2 Teacher), Sarah Chapman (3-5 Teacher), Diana Stroud (6-8 Teacher), Cora Tormaschy (K-8 Paraprofessional), Rebekah Janke (6-8 Literacy Coach), Whitney Hofer (K-5 Counselor), and Meagan Schlecht (Coordinator)
We have learned and evolved a lot at Dickinson Public Schools over the past three years. We've verified that learning can happen anywhere in a variety of ways. We've strengthened our abilities to see various perspectives, moved towards better equity, and pulled together as teams when working on solutions. We've recognized that not all learning is replicated on a device, and there's a critical balance between online and offline activities. We've reaffirmed the significance of community, and we've built the K-8 Roughrider Virtual Academy, a school that encompasses the idea of flexible learning environments.
Our learning community is grateful for this school for many reasons. Thank you for letting us share some of them with you.
As a student, I am grateful for the Roughrider Virtual Academy because I …
- am getting smarter. I really like my teacher. -Rhys
- made a new friend and have a more flexible schedule. - Eva
- get all of my work done faster and more efficiently. -Jilyan
- love that we still get to do things in person. It's been helping my social skills a lot-Sydnee
- spend more time with my pets and family. -Lily
- have met a bunch of great and unique people. -Zechariah
- can be at home, and they send work at the beginning of the week. I can do chores and check on cows in the middle of schoolwork. -Eli
- hang out with my family while I do my work. -Damian
- like when we meet face to face on Wednesdays every month. I really like the glow room at the middle school. It is SO much fun. I like it because it is easier for me -James
- get to see everybody and learn lots of new stuff every day. -Eva
- have a teacher who helps me with any questions or concerns that I have. -Brody
As a parent or learning coach, I am grateful for the Roughrider Virtual Academy because…
- the amazing teachers go above and beyond for all their students. My son loves to sign on daily to see his friends and teachers. He loves it and so do I. -Hannah
- it allows me to spend extra time with my kids, watch them grow more with their learning, and saves us money by not driving every day. -Sabrina
- the teachers are great, the class sizes are small, and I feel that the teaching is more individualized for the students resulting in better learning. I also feel more involved in this learning. It's been so fun watching him learn too! Also, the flexibility is an added bonus. Thanks for all you do to make this program a success and fun! -Lori
- it helps our daughter succeed, and we like that RRVA has theme days where she gets to be with her classmates. - Laura & Israel
- my kids learn better and are able to be taught more at their pace of learning. -Tosha
- the curriculum is great and the schedule is very flexible. - Aaron
- I know my learner is getting the best learning possible with one on one help. - Brittany
- I am grateful to the RRVA to provide an alternative learning environment when a traditional public classroom option is not the best fit for a student. - Nolan
- it has allowed me to spend more time with my daughter, and we are very grateful for the amazing teachers! -Amber
- it allows my daughter to work in an environment that best fits her needs. -Whitney
In addition, we wanted to thank Dickinson Public Schools and our stakeholders. Many hands have played a part in this flexible learning journey, and we hope our gratitude is evident.
