Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) two online schools – Discovery Trails Online School and Summit Trails Online High School – will mark their grand openings with a public event at RVS’ Education Centre in Airdrie on May 1.
The celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a showcase display. Monitors will play looped videos that give a glimpse into the different elements of online learning.
At 2 p.m., the grand opening ceremony will take place, featuring poetry and music from students, a presentation from the school’s staff and students, and remarks from RVS trustees and staff. The showcase display will resume following the ceremony.
"We are proud of the offerings from Discovery Trails and Summit Trails schools," said Superintendent Greg Luterbach, in an RVS press release. "These online schools offer students another path to achieve success through a quality learning experience that works for them.
“It is rewarding to hear the different stories of how attending the online school has positively impacted students’ lives.”
RVS’ online schools were born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were made permanent schools soon after because of community demand and their success, according to the division. RVS states the online schools use a combination of real-time video interaction and instruction, online activities and resources, pre-recorded videos, and independent work.
“The experience of learning online is unfamiliar to many people, and we are excited to give this opportunity to see what our students experience day-to-day,” said Summit Trails Online High School Principal, Dave Smith. “While our students learn in many locations, both schools are truly connected communities, with their own cultures and spirits.”
Discovery Trails Online School's principal, Bob Rodgers, said the May 1 event is an opportunity to showcase those sentiments to the public and celebrate the learning that has taken place at the two new schools.
“Our students have grown and succeeded with us, and we are excited to watch them continue to flourish,” he said.
Registration for the online schools for next September is now open for Grade 1 to 12 students from across Alberta. For more information or to begin the registration process, visit rockyview.ab.ca/onlineschools.
