Angelica
Learning Coach
Angelica is the Learning Coach for two of her children. Ethan is a high school student and Ella is in middle school at Tennessee Connections Academy. Angelica’s husband is in the military and the family moved from Japan to Tennessee during the pandemic. They feel that Connections Academy® helps provide at-home safety from COVID-19 and appreciate the flexibility it offers when traveling to see dad. Read on to hear more from Angelica about her experience.
Finding Connections Academy Eased Our Minds
Finding the right school during a time of instability and health concerns eased our minds. Our kids were in virtual school when we were in Japan, so the transition to Connections Academy was smooth for them. Military kids endure a lot of school changes. It was nice to get them moved into a new school so easily.
My favorite Learning Coach activity is going over the kids’ daily assignments with them. Being able to work together on assignments and projects really closes a schoolwork gap that was always there before. No more assignments lost in the bottom of a backpack or left in a locker. No more “I forgot to study for that test.” With my son, our favorite subject for working together is English language arts. With my daughter, it’s multi-media art. All three of us like PE together. It keeps us all moving.
Staying in Touch with Teachers
My communication with the Connections Academy teachers has been great. I’ve always been able to speak to a teacher if needed. I enjoy having the option to write a quick email or text or call when needed; it makes a big difference. My son enjoys the video game club. He and I did have to come to an agreement about video game time and school time, but we worked it out easily. As long as the schoolwork is done, I’m glad he is enjoying a club. He never wanted to join a school club before.
My Advice for New Families
One way that Tennessee Connections Academy prepares the kids for the future is through the autonomy it gives them over their schedules. I think learning how to manage their time wisely, mostly on their own, is important.
For new families joining Tennessee Connections Academy, my best piece of advice would be to relax and take it one day at a time. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but it really is easy to catch on. As long as you stay on top of the emails and watch over your kid’s schedule, the routine will all just fall into place. Rest assured the kids catch on faster than the parents, so that is a positive, too.
One way that Tennessee Connections Academy prepares the kids for the future is through the autonomy it gives them over their schedules. I think learning how to manage their time wisely, mostly on their own, is important.
— Angelica