Connections Academy Hosts Field Trips Across the State of Minnesota

Jan. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com, a free virtual school for K-12 students, has planned five field trips during the month of January to encourage students and staff to come together to learn and socialize.

The students, who attend public school online through MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com, 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 January, students and faculty from the Minnesota cyber school have the opportunity to attend the following field trips:

• Ice Skating and Winter Fun in Hibbing, Minnesota on Monday, January 12, 2009
Students will have the opportunity to ice skate, play snow games and warm up with hot chocolate and games in the warming house at the Greenhaven Rink.

• Physics Circus at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday January 14, 2009 and Thursday, January 15, 2009
The “Physics Force” performance goes above and beyond to educate and entertain. It is the interaction between the Force members—with their blend of slapstick, prop comedy and science. It’s the grand scale and visual excitement of a Physics Force show that brings excitement and wonder to students.

• The Memorial Blood Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Students will tour the Memorial Blood Center for a look at how blood products are collected and used. Those in attendance over the age of 16 will also have the chance to donate blood.

• Bowling in Rochester, Minnesota on Monday, January 26, 2009
MTS Minnesota Connections Academy students and families are invited to participate in an afternoon of bowling fun at Recreation Lanes.  

• The Aitkin County Historical Society and the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin, Minnesota on Wednesday, January 28, 20009
Students will participate in a guided tour of the Aitkin County Historical Society museum, followed by a live presentation featuring an “immigrant” and her trunk. Afterwards, students will visit the Jaques Art Center for a slideshow and lecture about architecture.

Minnesota Connections Academy, with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., combines state-certified teachers, high quality curriculum, unique technology tools, an extensive selection of electives, clubs and community experiences to create an individualized alternative to the brick-and-mortar classroom. The curriculum is aligned to meet or exceed Minnesota academic standards. Students also participate in state standardized testing.

Connections Academy, http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com, 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 www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

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Connections Academy is a leading national provider of high quality, highly accountable virtual public schools in 13 states operated in partnership with charter schools, school districts and state departments of education. Connections Academy schools deliver top-quality, personalized education for students that combines certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences to create a supportive and successful environment for children who want an individualized approach to education. Teachers develop a learning plan for each student, whose progress is tracked through a proprietary web-based Learning Management System. In 2008-09 Connections Academy will offer grades K through 12, though some schools do not offer all grades. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.