Lakeville Siblings Perform at MOA to Support MusicLink Foundation

Three of the four Fafinski siblings of Lakeville recently performed during the Mall of America Playathon, an event that raises funds to benefit the MusicLink Foundation. The foundation raises money for students who cannot afford music lessons.

The Fafinski's attend MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, a k-12 tuition-free online public school that students across the state attend from home. Connections Academy will be hosting a free information session about online education, Monday, March 24, from 11am-12:30pm, at the Best Western Nicollet Inn, 14201 Nicollet Ave., in Burnsville. Parents looking for an alternative to a traditional public school are invited to attend.

According to Melissa Gould, principal of MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, the program looks to increase student enrollment by 10 percent in the next year. Minnesota Connections Academy began with eight students in February 2005 and now enrolls more than 1,700 students. There are more than 52 full-time faculty members, including state-certified teachers, school guidance counselors, special education professionals, and administrative staff, including a principal and assistant principals.

“We're proud to give families another option for public school,” Gould said. "It's wonderful to see students, for whom a traditional classroom setting may not have been a fit, flourish in their online learning environment. I see kids learning at a pace that meets their individual needs; connecting with teachers one-on-one. It's very rewarding to have parents tell us that their child “loves school!”"

During the Information Session, families will meet with Connections Academy faculty, explore the school’s program and curriculum, and learn about the enrollment process. Other covered topics include: How teachers interact with students in the virtual environment; personalized learning opportunities, including options for accelerated learning and gifted programs; college preparation; socialization; the role of the parent or other Learning Coach; and the use of technology. Connections Academy meets the needs of students and families looking for an alternative to a traditional school setting—those who need a flexible schedule, learn at a different pace from their peers, need more individualized attention or seek a learning environment outside of a traditional classroom. Families unable to attend are encouraged to sign up for a real-time, virtual information session. To RSVP and for a complete event schedule, visit http://www.connectionsacademy.com/minnesota-online-school/events.aspx.