MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com, a free virtual school for K-12 students, has planned five field trips during December to encourage students and staff to come together to learn and socialize.
The students, who attend public school online through MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, use the field trips to come together, support the principles and theories presented in the students’ lessons, and socialize with other MTS Minnesota Connections Academy students and parents.
During the month of December, students and faculty from the Minnesota cyber school have the opportunity to attend the following field trips:
•The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Over 100 MTS Minnesota Connections Academy students and Learning Coaches will tour the CSI Exhibit. The exhibit explores the scientific world of a crime scene investigator.
•Feed My Starving Children in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday, December 8, 2008
Students will have the chance to help pack food to be sent to starving children around the globe. During the two-hour session, MTS Minnesota Connections Academy students can expect to pack thousands of meals and make a significant different for the world’s hungriest children. Guatemala, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and India are simply a few of the countries that the packaged food will be sent.
•Ice Skating at the Oval in Roseville, Minnesota on Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Participants will ice skate at the Minnesota Oval, the world’s largest outdoor refrigerated skating rink.
•Minnesota Transitions Charter School Basketball Game in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, December 13, 2008
Students and their families are encouraged to help cheer on the school district’s boy’s basketball team. The MTS Wolves will be playing the Red Lake Warriors.
•Tours of PBS and the University of Minnesota Duluth in Duluth, Minnesota on Thursday, December 18, 2008
Participants will tour the PBS channel 8 television station to learn about broadcasting. Following the tour, students will visit the University of Minnesota Duluth campus to learn about and search for majors and visit the campus buildings.
Minnesota Connections Academy, with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., combines state-certified teachers, high quality curriculum, http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com/
Connections Academy is designed to meet the needs of students and their families who are looking for a unique public school option—those who need a flexible schedule, learn at a different pace from their peers, need more individualized attention or live in isolated rural settings. Homebound and previously home-schooled students can also thrive in the program. Connections Academy operates its full-time Internet school program in Minnesota through a partnership with Minnesota Transitions Charter School.
Families interested in free online school with some similarities to home schooling, but with the support of state-certified teachers and the accountability of public education are encouraged to learn more by calling 800-382-6010 or visiting http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.



