Minnesota Connections Academy Recognizes Eden Prairie Student

Stella Dow of Eden Prairie, was recently named one of Minnesota Connections Academy’s (MNCA) Students of the Month for September in recognition of her achievements and leadership in the virtual classroom.

Stella, a Kindergartner at the statewide online school, was nominated by her teacher Mrs. Grivette in recognition of her hard work and desire to participate in class. As a Student of the Month, Stella will be presented with a certificate of achievement, be profiled in the Minnesota Connections Academy student newsletter and on the school’s social media pages.

Stella came to Minnesota Connections Academy this year because her parents Tom and Katie wanted their children in a well-established online school so they could stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since they started attending MNCA, Katie said their daughters enjoy the flexibility, the content and the structure of the program.

“Our girls know what to expect every day, they are rarely struggling with technology issues because the staff is so well versed and comfortable with it all,” she said.

Each month during the school year MNCA will recognize students in grades K through 12 who are excelling in the program. The following students were also recognized as students of the month for September:

• Cleopatra Wallace, 2nd Grade, Rochester
• Anika Hegrenes, 3rd Grade, Rochester
• Dorothy Korpela, 3rd Grade, South Haven
• Brooklyn Austin, 4th Grade, Maple Grove
• Chloe Preston, 4th Grade, Saint Paul
• Greta Huston, 5th Grade, Albert Lea
• Eleanor Grzesiak, 6th Grade, Golden Valley
• Jada Dougherty, 8th Grade, Red Wing
• Amelia Johnson, 8th Grade, Breckenridge

“Our students of the month demonstrate leadership and an extraordinary commitment to learning while serving as strong role models for their peers,” said Melissa Gould, MNCA Principal. “The members of our faculty and staff are proud to give these virtual classroom leaders the recognition they each deserve.”

Minnesota Connections Academy provides students statewide with a high-quality, personalized online education. The online school combines certified teachers, a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences—online and in person—to create a supportive environment for those who want an individualized approach to education.

The school is hosting free, in-person and online information sessions for interested families to learn more about virtual education and how teachers support the students. During the information sessions, families will also have an opportunity to learn about the online public school’s curriculum and interact with school representatives and other parents. A complete schedule of events is available. More information about Minnesota Connections Academy is available at www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.