Virtual learners have local options for getting help with studies

As many kids head back to school Monday, some of you have opted for virtual learning with some assistance.

This school year is going to look and feel a lot different. For the first time ever, more Lee County students will start the year off online. We saw new programs develop this summer to help parents through the struggles of online learning, including supervised studies, which was the idea of a former private school teacher.

In partnership with Thrive Community Church, Mark Bost is giving middle and high school students a structured learning environment every Monday through Thursday, starting Sept. 14.

Right now, the program is designed for 15 students, but they have room to expand. Students will arrive before 8 a.m. for a temperature check and daily health questionnaire. After 45 minutes of school work, they’ll take a 15-minute “brain break” and wash their hands.

One mom who is sending her two daughters to school Monday also enrolled them in supervised studies as a backup.

“I don’t think school is going to last so I enrolled them in his program due to the fact that last year when they had to do the online learning, I had a straight-A student not turn in one assignment and drop to two ‘B’s,” said Mari Nadwong.

The Boys and Girls Club of Lee County has its own virtual learning assistance program. It runs the length of a normal school day and costs $40 a month. The CEO said there’s space for about a dozen students at each of the club’s locations.