MNCA Student Council Promotes Socialization and Community Service

(Saint Paul, MN) – Members of the Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) student council recently hosted a movie night event at the school’s learning center in Saint Paul to bring students from various parts of the state together for an opportunity to socialize with their peers.

Because MNCA is a public online school, students most often connect through web mail or during their LiveLesson virtual classroom sessions. The 20 members of MNCA’s student council, consisting of students in grades from 6th through 12th, plans socialization activities throughout the school year to bring students together.

In addition, the students build in community service activities for the students to collaborate and help a local non-profit organization. During the recent movie night event, the students collected clothing, coats, gloves, hair products, food and personal care items to support an organization called Face to Face.

Face to Face serves young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless in Ramsey County. The organization provides comprehensive medical care, mental healthcare, housing support, case management, employment training and support, and other social services to low-income and insecurely housed youth ages 11 to 24.

According to MNCA student council advisor Meagen Zimick, enabling the students to directly connect with their peers in a social setting while promoting school values and leadership opportunities through community service is a win/win for everyone involved.

“Because of the unique set up of our online school, it’s important to provide opportunities for the students to work together and connect in person with their peers,” Zimick said. “To build in an activity that supports the fight against hunger or serves at risk teens, the students not only learn leadership and collaboration skills, they learn the importance of serving others.”

Throughout the school year MNCA will also provide opportunities for its students to connect personally by planning field trips or “Family Engagement Activities” at museums, parks and other attractions across the state.

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. Enrollment for the 2019-20 school year remains open, and real-time, virtual information sessions are available for families interested in learning more. For a complete schedule of events and to RSVP, visit http://www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com/Events.