Ohio Connections Academy Recognizes Olmsted Township Students

Jessica Glendenning and her brother Nicolas of Olmsted Township, were recently named among Ohio Connections Academy’s (OCA) Star Students of the Month for December in recognition of their hard work and leadership in the online classroom.

Jessica and Nicolas are both in the ninth grade at the statewide online public charter school. They were nominated by their teacher, Mrs. Melendez, because of their hard work and determination to succeed in class.

As Star Students, Jessica and Nicolas will be presented a certificate recognizing his achievement and be profiled in Ohio Connections Academy’s student newsletter and on the school’s social media platforms. Each month during the school year OCA will recognize students in grades K through 12 who are excelling in the virtual classroom.

“The faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy are proud to recognize students like Jessica and Nicolas and the commitment they demonstrate to our school and their community,” said OCA Superintendent Marie Hanna. “Each of our Star Students is a leader in the classroom and demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to learning – they truly deserve this recognition.”

Jessica and Nicolas came to Ohio Connections Academy in 2016 to be in an individualized learning environment that offered more flexibility and teacher support. According to Nicolas, he didn’t believe learning in a traditional brick-and-mortar school was working for him. He said the different environment, the teacher support, and the added schedule flexibility to work at his own pace interested him.

“My teachers have always been consistent in their accessibility,” Nicolas said. “It is remarkable how many of them seem to have the students’ best interests in mind, and my teachers have always been willing to work through any problem I may have.”

Jessica also appreciates the accessibility of her teachers and how supportive they are. She also likes how easy it is to interact with her fellow students in the virtual classroom.

“What I like most about Ohio Connections Academy is the space for students to interact with each other socially and make friends. Most people don't realize you can do that as an online student,” she said.

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Those who attend Ohio Connections Academy come from different backgrounds and choose full-time online school for various reasons. Some students prefer to take ownership of their education and benefit from the flexibility that virtual school offers, while others are looking for a consistent, safe learning environment.

For more information about Ohio Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.

About Ohio Connections Academy

Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) is a tuition-free, online public school for K–12 public students across the state. Ohio Connections Academy offers a uniquely engaging, high-quality education experience through a safe, social learning environment that helps students learn how they learn best. The combination of state-certified quality teachers, a proven, student-centric school curriculum, unique electives, technology tools, and community experiences empowers students to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a changing world. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com.