Utah Connections Academy Enhances Online School Experience

Salt Lake City, Utah – Utah Connections Academy students in grades K through 12 across the state of Utah have many opportunities throughout the year to make new friends and explore their passions while being a part of the Connections Academy community. The statewide, tuition-free online public school aims to foster student engagement and relationship building within its tight-knit community of staff, students, and families. Utah Connections Academy is committed to this education experience as the school introduces an array of new clubs and field trips catering to the diverse interests of students. In a recent Gaming and Technology Club survey, results found that 93 percent of students would recommend their club to a friend.

“We believe that education extends beyond textbooks, and we understand that fostering a sense of community is an important element and is essential for our students’ development,” said Erin Taylor, Utah Connections Academy’s school leader. “Our clubs and field trips offer a chance for our students to explore their interests, collaborate with peers, and develop lifelong skills. We are excited to expand our current clubs and field trip offerings to reach the interests of even more students,” she added.

Most recently, students involved in Utah Connections Academy’s cooking club visited Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory on January 17. Students also attending a field trip to Ballet West’s Swan Lake, Utah Symphony, and the Natural History Museum this February. Additionally, Utah Connections Academy has a club and field trip to spark student interest in all grade levels, including:

•Anime Club (grades 9-12) - Students can watch, draw, and discuss anime.
•Book Club (grades 7-12) - Bookworms meet monthly to discuss a pre-selected book.
•Cooking Club (grades K-12) - Students meet to practice making fun and challenging recipes each month.
•Drawing Characters & Cartoons Club (grades 3-6) - Participating students learn to draw their favorite characters and share with peers.
•Dungeons & Dragons Club (grades 7-12) - Students meet weekly to play this award-winning game.
•Kawaii Cooking with Chemistry (grades 7-12) - Participants make Japanese treats and projects with a sprinkle of science.
•Lego Club (grades K-6) - A monthly meet-up fostering creative Lego designs and challenges.
•Math Club (grades K-6) - Students practice math skills by playing games with classmates and staff.
•Minecraft Club (grades K-6) - Meeting every other week, students play the game against other students and teachers.
•Poetry Club (grades 7-12) - Each week students discuss puns, pararhyme, pentameter, personification, prosody, and everything poetry.
•SheTech (grades 9-12) - This national program is the largest industry-led STEM program to activate, engage, and inspire high school girls into STEM degrees and successful careers in STEM.
•Storybook Club (grades K-6) - A book club for Utah Connections Academy’s elementary-aged students.
•UCA News (grades 3-12) - A student-run news program announcing school news, fun announcements, and interviews with peers and staff members.
•National Junior Honor Society (grades 7-8)
•National Honor Society (grades 9-12)

“These clubs empower our students to gain confidence and compete in contests at local, state, and national levels. Many of our high school students find that participating in clubs is a great way to round out their extracurriculars and showcase their interests and passions on their college applications,” said Nathan Gealta, a Utah Connections Academy staff member who took the lead on creating UCA News. “I love watching our students find their confidence as they work on UCA News and the friendships they’ve made while doing so.”

Utah Connections Academy offers an individualized approach to learning that combines state-certified teachers, an award-winning curriculum, technology tools, and socialization opportunities. Students meet regularly in online LiveLesson® sessions and have opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers. They also have access to a variety of courses, including engaging electives, Career Technical Education courses, honors, and Advanced Placement®(AP) course options. The flexible schedule also allows students time to play sports, pursue art, volunteer, or pursue their passions outside of the virtual classroom.

Families interested in Utah Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. To learn more about the school or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.UtahConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6010.

About Utah Connections Academy
Utah Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, accredited online public school for K-12 students. Authorized under state law by the Utah State Charter School Board, Utah Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 800–382–6010 or visit www.UtahConnectionsAcademy.com.