On Friday, Dec. 9, Richmond County School System hosted a science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in-person event for virtual students enrolled in eSchool.
With 375 enrolled students, one of whom became Glenn Hills High School 2022 Valedictorian, eSchool has hosted events to build student connections and teacher-student bonds.
“This is [eSchool’s] second school year, and we’re a virtual school that teaches students in grades 6-12,” said eSchool Program Administrator Judy Ward. “On Fridays, we have the students come into the building and do various activities, like we’ve had Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Science day and today we’re having STEAM Day.”
Amidst 25 teachers on staff, students were guided through activities such as building bottle rockets, roller coasters, towers, bridges, parachutes for eggs and even a fun run.
As students are currently focusing on photography in art and turning in pictures at the door, artistic design is also incorporated into STEAM activities alongside mathematical calculations and science experiments.
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When it comes to learning online, Ward said students can fall into a robotic habit of sitting and interacting with a computer. In-person events such as STEAM Day allows them to get out of the house and connect with peers face-to-face rather than solely online.
“[eSchool] helped me with my grade improvement,” said eSchool student Deandre Currey, a tenth grader zoned for Butler High School.
Jakyla Harris, in eighth grade, said virtual learning was a better option for her family because her mother works from home, and sometimes needs help with Harris’ younger sibling.
Starlesha Tucker, mother of an eSchool seventh grader, said the online learning has allowed her son to learn within his own element at home, and at his own pace with extremely caring teachers. She loves in-person learning days because they help instill a sense of community when it comes to school; it prevents her child from being left out of field trip fun and allows him to participate in supervised science experiments.
“It was easier for me to participate in eSchool, because in regular school I wasn’t learning as much,” said eighth grader Tameia Houston. “Versus in eSchool we have time to be flexible and take as much time as we need to get tutored to learn our lessons, and be able to do them to the best of our ability.”
For parent Shontaye Crenshaw, eSchool made her feel more at ease with her child’s well-being while he learns from home.
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“I feel like he’s able to concentrate more and get his work done, and a lot of people worry about the safety of their children,” she said. “So, thankfully, I’m fortunate that I’m able to have my son at home. If he needs help with anything I’m there, hands-on, and he doesn’t have to worry about distractions in class.”
She believes socializing with teachers through in-person events also encourages continued partnerships with educators.
“It gives a different connection than through a screen, so you still get to see your teachers and friends,” said Harris. “You also get to learn different lessons here like patience.”
Applications to attend eSchool for the 2023-24 school year are open until Jan. 6, 2023 at midnight. To find out more or apply, visit: https://www.rcboe.org/eSchoolApplication
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
