GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — “One outcome of the pandemic is education is changed.. probably forever,” said Nancy Chartier reflecting on a year of learning during a pandemic.
Chartier is the executive director of teaching and learning at Green Bay Area Public School District.
She says the district is starting up an online school for elementary schoolers next Fall.
It’s in response to parents wanting to stick with virtual learning.
“We are preparing for approximately 500 students based on the number of students that have requested to remain online,” said Chariter.
But education is more than books.
Chartier adds while the majority of classes will be online, the district will provide a sort of “hub” giving students the option to meet in person.
“So that if virtual learning isn’t working out for a student participant that has signed up,” she explained. “There’s a place for parents where they can actually go.”
Parents will also be able to have in-person parent teacher conferences, Chartier says.
As for what it takes to make it happen, starting the school will mean more staffing, more technology, furniture for online students’ in person gathering place, and even small studios for teachers to teach.
“I would believe that mid August we’ll be ready to go if not before then,” Charter estimated.
While Chartier says hundreds are eyeing up the online program now, the hope is that interest grows, eventually making the online school available for grades K -12.
