5 Resolutions Every Online Student Should Make

5 Resolutions that every Online Student should make: 

1. Create a productive workspace:  So many online students try to work everywhere (couch, bed, floor) except a desk! Creating a set workspace can massively improve your productivity. If you are looking for some ideas, check out my blog post about home work spaces. 

2. Create a good schedule for your schoolwork:  One of the best ways to stay focused and increase productivity in online schooling is to create a good schedule. There isn't a bell telling us when to move from one class the next, but we can create this environment for ourselves! Check out my blog post for some schedule ideas! 

3. Manage your stress level:  Online school can be stressful! There isn't a teacher standing next to your desk to help manage the stress...but there are teachers, counselors, and advisors just a click away! Manage your stress level to increase greater learning. Check out my blog post for some stress reduction ideas! 

4. Pace yourself: It has been widely researched that the brain learns best when new information is brought in at a steady pace. Rather than trying to cram it all in too quickly, create a nice pace for yourself. Student Services Advisors will be contacting their students at the start of second semester to help create a nice pace in which to complete work. This pace is chosen to help your brain learn! Interested in learning more about pacing and the brain? Check out my blog post for some pacing info. 

5. Finish Strong:  Right now at BlueSky Online we are nearing the end of the first semester. Now is the best time to step it up and work at your best. If you are wondering where you should focus, contact your Student Services Advisor and your Teachers. Keep up the amazing work that you have been completing and FINISH STRONG! 

Anonymous

It's not always a Winter BREAK for Online Students!


It's almost Winter Break!


For many students, Winter Break is the chance to get outside and enjoy the winter.

Whether it be sledding:

Ice Fishing:

Or Skiing:

These are some ways that students spend their Winter Break. Then there is the way many ONLINE students spend their Winter Break! At a computer!! 


Winter Break is a wonderful time to rest and relax, but it is also a great time to catch up on school work.

One of the AMAZING advantages of Online School, is the ability to work WHENEVER and WHEREVER...even over Winter Break!!

Many online students use the Winter Break as a time to complete assignments before the end of the semester.  

Some things to think about: 

  • We only have 11 school days left in the semester. BUT we have 27 calendar days! 
  • Choosing to work on assignments just one or two days over the Winter Break will increase the amount of work time you have by about 10%! 
  • Working over the break (even if it's just a tiny bit!) will help your brain retain learning and not lose all of the foundation you have been building. 
  • Minnesota winters can be pretty rough...if it's a really cold snowy day, snuggle up with your laptop instead. 
  • Get out and enjoy the hustle and bustle. Take your laptop to a coffee shop or cafe to complete some work. 
  • Grab a group of friends and your computers to study together! It will feel like less work if you socialize at the same time. 
  • I suggest using the break as a time to catch up, but don't forget to take some time for yourself. Rest and recovery are important to a healthy lifestyle. 

The BlueSky blog will be taking a bit of its own advice. There will be limited posts over the Winter Break. Working one or two days is good for productivity, but rest and relaxation are important as well! Happy Winter Break! 

Anonymous

[Teacher Tuesdays!]: Margo Hanson


It's TUESDAY!!!
I love Tuesdays, because that means I get to spotlight another one 
of the amazing teachers at BlueSky!

This week, I would like to introduce you to Margo Hanson: 

Margo is a teacher in our Special Education department. She has also taught Biology for BlueSky in the past. 

Margo received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Earth Science from St. Cloud State University. She also holds a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of St. Thomas. 

When asked why she likes working from home, Margo's response is something that I think many of us can relate to!:  

"Working in my own quiet space really fits my life and the way my brain works."

Margo's HOBBIES: 
Indoors- Watching movies, counted cross stitch, baking pies and cookies, 
and reading murder mysteries! 


Outdoors- Perennial gardens, long bike rides, and nature hikes.


Margo has a rat terrier named Jack that her family adopted from the Humane Society. He is a fun family dog and Margo says he reminds her to PLAY during the day! 

FUN FACT: Margo was supposed to be born on Leap Day (February 29th)! Luckily she was born a few days early, so she gets to celebrate her birthday every year, instead of every four. 

When asked what she likes most about BlueSky, Margo responded: 

"I like that we are relationship-driven. 
We make learning experiences as personal as we are able, 
and we truly go to great lengths to see our students be their best."


One last fun fact about Margo. Her favorite food is.....

TACO JOHN'S!!
"Soft shell with sour cream, thank you!"

Make sure to check back on Tuesdays to meet more of the BlueSky faculty! 

Anonymous

[Reading Strategy]: Active Reading



Have you ever read the same paragraph over and over again...and it just hasn't sunk in? 

I HATE that. 

Do you want some ideas on how to help that reading to SINK IN? 

Well...you have come to the right place! 

You may remember that our school goal is Reading. And if you don't remember...check out THIS BLOG POST to read about it! 

Let's talk about Active Reading. Active Reading is a term that covers a large set of strategies to help students learn from what they are reading. Below are some ideas to try: 

  • Pre-Read:  Before you start reading, help your brain focus by asking yourself a few questions. Why am I reading this? What is the point of the reading? What am I supposed to be learning by reading this? 
  • Chunk it!: Is the reading long? Try to break it into bite-sized pieces! Read a paragraph at a time, then stop and summarize what you read. 
  • Take Notes: As you are reading, jot down what you think about the passage. Taking notes not only helps you summarize as you go, but it helps you keep focused instead of letting your mind wander...
  • Read Out Loud!: Whether you read to yourself, a friend, a family member, a dog, or a house plant...reading out loud can help keep your mind in tune with what you are reading. 


These are just a few ideas. There will be many more Reading Strategies to come to the blog! So keep checking back!

Anonymous

[Teacher Tuesdays!]: David Bjorklund

YES!! It's TUESDAY!

That means it's time to meet another BlueSky teacher. Today I am happy to share David Bjorklund:

David teaches PHYSICAL SCIENCE here at BlueSky. He also served on the School Board in the past. David has been at the school for 7 years!!

David attended both Bemidji State University and St. Cloud State University to earn his Bachelor's degrees in General Science and Life Science.

When asked about his favorite part of teaching online, David made a point that I think we can all agree on... 
I like the freedom to work on my own time. I also like not having a gasoline bill.

So true!!

David really enjoys fishing as well as spectating at the sports and arts events of his children. 

David, what do you think makes BlueSky special?
"BlueSky stands above the other online schools for two reasons. First, BlueSky staff create their own courses and are, therefore, more engaged in the content and delivery of their courses. Second, BlueSky’s philosophy revolves around student contact. No other online school offers the same availability of teachers, counselors and social workers as BlueSky Online School."

Student Contact is one of the cornerstones of BlueSky's success with students. 
So that's why you get all of those phone calls, emails, texts, etc.! :) 

David Bjorklund is just one of the AMAZING faculty members at BlueSky Online. Check back most Tuesdays to meet more of your teachers!! 

Anonymous

BlueSky Field Trip Opportunity!


A chance to hang out with your fellow BlueSky Online classmates and teachers??

AND

It's a trampoline park???

I'm IN!!!

Here are the details! Come join us! 

Field Trip to Sky Zone

Join your fellow BlueSky Online students at Sky Zone in Plymouth on Friday, December 12 from 11am to 1 pm for an active and fun day! The cost per student is $9 and students are asked to provide a bagged lunch.

You can complete the form to sign up and also make sure to fill out the Parental Consent form for BlueSky and the Sky Zone Online Waiver. These forms need to be filled out in order to participate in the event. If you have further questions, feel free to contact amichels@blueskyschool.org.

Deadline for signing up is Tuesday, December 9.

Anonymous

[For Parents]: How to help your struggling online learner


My child is really struggling with their online courses, what can I do to help? 

Parents often wonder what their role is in online education. And the answer is...it's different for every family. I know. Not the answer you were hoping for! 

I do have a list of suggestions of how a parent can actively play a role in a student's learning in an online environment. Some of these may not apply if your student is a senior and managing their work on their own. Some of these may really apply if your student is in middle school and in need of guidance. 

Here are a few tips! I hope they help! 
  • Whatever your role is BE CONSISTENT. 
    • Some parents make a daily schedule for their child to help them stay on track. While other parents check in weekly with their child's teachers. Whatever path you choose make sure that you consistently follow it the whole school year. 

  • STOP the procrastination.
    • You are your child's most important role model. Help your student understand the importance of consistently working and not procrastinating! 

  • Set BOUNDARIES.
    • Whether the boundary is "no texting during school time" or "no video games...ever", make your rules and stick by them. Learning from home has many built in distractions, try to help your child limit the temptation. 

  • Work through challenges and celebrate SUCCESS!
    • Teenagers still need their parents to help them through challenging situations. Guide your child through their struggles. On the opposite side, take time to celebrate successes! Positive reinforcement can go a long way. 

  • When your child needs HELP.
    • Many parents reach a point where they can't help their child with their school work anymore. There's no shame in this! The best thing you can do is help your child turn to someone who can help them...their teachers! BlueSky Online teachers are here to help. Most of their day is spent providing one-on-one tutoring instruction to students who need assistance. Help your child reach out to their teachers!
Whether in a brick and mortar classroom or online PARENTS play a major role in their child's learning success. Use these tips to help you find the balance that works for your family. 

Anonymous

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