6th Annual Online Learning Day

OCCS participated in the 6th Annual Online Learning Day, November 18th-20th. It was hosted by the Ohio eSchool Families and Friends Coalition. While in previous years Online Learning Day involved a trip to the Ohio Statehouse, this year it was a 3-day virtual event. Online Learning Day is a special occasion for e-school families to share their stories, connect with Ohio legislators, and advocate for online learning. With Ohio legislators and representatives in attendance, e-school families have had unique opportunities to advocate for their educational choice face-to-face.

This year, out of concern for everyone’s safety during a pandemic, families were able to connect with legislators from home via Zoom sessions. One session featured an interview with Bob Cupp, Ohio Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shared a legislative update and progress on his Cupp-Patterson school funding plan. Students were then encouraged to write their legislators, call, or send messages sharing their personal experiences with e-schooling. The first two days focused on advocacy and involvement from parents, students, and the whole family. The last day involved fun and interactive activities for the students!

A few favorite sessions include:

• An interactive Advocacy Panel with Marie Hanna, Superintendent of Ohio Connections Academy; John Watson, founder of The Evergreen Group; and Bill Fritz, Executive Director of Learn 21.
• Empowering Parent Advocates – a Q&A session with noted school choice advocate, Virginia Walden Ford.
• A stress-reducing Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques session with Angie Corogin, a mindfulness educator and school wellness consultant.
• Parent and Student Testimonials – an “open mic” session for families to tell their stories of why they chose online learning and how it has worked well for them.
• An interactive Extreme Science Demo with the Imagination Station!
• Friday Afternoon Fun with Magician Nash Fung – a mind-boggling and logic-bending virtual magic show.
• Get Involved – Sessions with community organizations including NAMI, Boy Scouts of America, 4H, and the YMCA Youth in Government Program. They gave students information on how to get involved.

If you were unable to attend but would like to view the full agenda and sessions, you can still “register” in order to watch the recorded sessions here. Be sure to check out the materials page for handouts and resources you might have missed!