Thursday, September 27, 2012

Enrolling Online Degree Program

Enrolling in an online program during one’s academic years may not be approached with a willing attitude. It is natural to feel wary about such a system that promotes studying from the comfort of one’s home without the conventional four-walled classroom. The internet has taken over the physical classroom that is common in every nation and state, making studying possible for practically anyone, anywhere. We live in a multifaceted, ever-changing world that doesn’t conform to any one kind of technology or method. Our population is constantly growing, therefore it is imperative we look for ways to improve, change, and adapt. There are students who seek education that is closer to home, affordable, and attainable. The internet has made this desire and need possible.




Every young child and adult who wants to learn and be something in this competitive, success-driven world, where an education counts no matter where one goes, can now do so. They are given a chance to be able to hold in their hands the certification to prove that one is an educated individual is not only an accomplishment, but a privilege. Forest Trail Academy can give students that privilege whilst being seated from behind a screen in one’s own home. There’s no need to attend actual classes except of course virtually with other students who have enrolled in the online classroom. Forest Trail Academy offers students both young and mature  a chance to complete an accredited education under the guidance of a skillful, caliber-rich faculty.

The K-12 education program is designed for students worldwide right from kindergarten to the 12th grade, with the added opportunity to enter a reputable college/university. The diploma courses are a bundle of essential subjects that are taught in traditional classrooms and now available online. By choosing a diploma course that tailor-fits a student’s needs, rest assured that he/she can have the opportunity for a brilliant future. There are three categories under the diploma courses section, where each one comprises a set of credits that needs to be acquired before venturing forward.

Forest Trail Academy has a proud list of accreditations and memberships to its name. It is a member of the National Association of Private & Home Schools which is a trusted organization in cementing the futures of students.  The school is regionally accredited by AdvancEd, which is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. AdvancEd is the parent organization of the North Central Association Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) and is recognized by the United States Department of Education. These are just some of the many notable organizations that are in collaboration with Forest Trail Academy to promote and disperse knowledge not just nationally but internationally.

Parents are no doubt going to be in state of skepticism, but they can trust the workings of Forest Trail Academy and its diploma courses. What if you want your child close to home? What if they get homesick and fail to perform at school if sent to another city? What if the teaching system isn’t up to par with the changing times? What if the school fees are exorbitant owing to our rising standard of living? Forest Trail Academy recognizes a parent’s woes and helps students attain a level of certification that would matter just the same in a real classroom, though from an online perspective. If parents/students still feel uneasy about enrolling for the diploma courses, they can contact Forest Trail Academy and put forward their valuable queries.

We believe in imparting to students the same kind of knowledge that can be saturated within a traditional classroom. The idea is to not only make it uncomplicated and convenient, but to hand over this opportunity for students worldwide. Whether a student lives in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or in the United States, he/she can be sure to get unmatchable and praise-worthy results as part of our diploma courses. The faculty is a versatile group of teachers that are highly qualified in their respective fields of expertise. Each teacher has a specialized qualification and holds a high place within the standards of our academy.

The diploma courses upon quick inspection will reveal all the vital subjects that are important to cover as part of a traditional school’s curriculum. Students will receive the same kind of attention, teaching module materials, classroom sessions (video conferencing) and updated textual references. Our faculty understands the needs of each student in order to help maintain a path that focuses on personal development and strong careers.

The Online diploma courses also cater to students who are faced with unavoidable and understandable circumstances that Forest Trail Academy respects. Every student can now seize the opportunity to take part in a diploma course program that promises to make it worth one’s while. Forest Trail Academy offers an affordably accessible stage that doesn’t downplay its services as part of the diploma course programs. Students interested in other programs that the academy has to offer can browse through the many facets that are conveniently featured in detail.

The future of tomorrow lies in the hands of technology and we can do nothing more but embrace it and acknowledge its imminent influence. It can change lives and turn the impossible into the possible. Forest Trail Academy has uniquely mastered the art of using the internet to create a fitting moment for students worldwide. We have made a name for ourselves in the academic world and carved a niche that is gradually going to further solidify our purpose.

The academy allows students to complete the online course without haste and to be present for classes whenever time permits. There are no time constraints although the flexibility offered shouldn't let one compromise on hard work and determination. The chance is offered to students but it is ultimately up to them to use it to their advantage. The faculty and the academy as a united force are here to be of help and assistance to all those who enter our humble, yet highly-regarded academy. We only wish to impart the best there is through an online world that offers students a world of opportunity.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Joshua Lawrence Successfully Completes US Science Program

With keen interest in science, Joshua Lawrence, 13, continues to make his family proud in many areas despite challenges. According to his family, he is a child who continues to fight and win the odds against the Autism Spectrum (PDD/NOS).

Lawrence has not allowed his challenges to peg him back, as he recently participated successfully in a summer science program at a University in Rhode Island, USA.

Lawrence was among some 105 7th and 8th graders from various countries, including the USA, UK, South Korea and China. He was the only child from the Caribbean who attended the prestigious SPARK Summer Science Program at the ivy league Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island last month.

Lawrence of Sugar Mill Road, Lower Estate is an 8th Grade student enrolled in an accredited high school in Florida and he is a continuing student of the Sylvan Learning Center, Caguas, Puerto Rico and associated with The Valley Day School, Virgin Gorda.

Lawrence's success and achievements are commendable, as it cements that every child can learn to his full potential. However, according to his mother, Einstein Samuels, this cannot be achieved without getting the proper intervention that the child requires.

She believes that early and continuous intervention is the key. She encourages parents like herself to be aggressive and not allow any system or educator to contribute to their child's downfall. She is of the view that the time has long expired for educators and policy makers in the BVI to ensure that no child is left behind.

Meanwhile, in relation to the program, among the many interesting programs to choose from, Lawrence chose Nanotechnology: The Small Wonder From Atom To Space.

The experience and knowledge he gained will long be remembered as Lawrence participated in classmate presentations and a debate on whether or not nanotechnology should be used for medical applications.

Among the exciting experiments and hands on learning, he made an edible nano surface of candy and crackers, water filtration using nano size calcium phosphate and bone cement using jello and nano size bone mineral. The teenager also measured the pulse rate of a blackworm, which he didn't like too much.

Professor Yei Yang who taught the class, said Lawrence was able to meet the demands of the program and he was impressed with his performance and participation.

As a result, Lawrence's critical thinking skills have advanced as he is now able to view scientific and real life situations from different angles. He has a greater appreciation for science, which has widened his curiosity to learn more and ask more mind-provoking questions.

According to his family, above all, he made lots of friends and he is thrilled that learning doesn't have to be boring.

In addition to his interest in science, the teen loves traveling; plays the violin, guitar and drums; kung fu, sailing and he also loves challenging himself to use the piano.
 SPARK is a science program for curious middle school students that seek to spend one or two weeks at Brown University campus and immerse themselves in exciting science subjects and gain the foundations necessary for further scientific inquiry. SPARK brings together students with similar abilities and diverse backgrounds.

Applications are submitted and reviewed by the Admissions Committee who looks for academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and the ability to participate, and thereafter approve or reject applications. Supporting documents for the application included official school transcripts for the 6th and 7th grades with an explanation of the scoring system.

The program was introduced to Lawrence by his school.

Lawrence's mother expressed special appreciation to Joshua's school, Professor Yei Yang and the administrators and staff of Brown University, Mr. Wade Smith, Mr. Kafer Smith and Mrs. Marcella Matthews. Source from:  http://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?page=Article&articleID=1344996317

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

TEACHER FEATURE


By: Brianna Lucciano

Most teachers write lessons, assignments, and tests, grade the work and then move on. Heather Hillesheim, better known to the student body as Mrs. H., goes beyond that. She not only teaches she makes certain her students understand their work. She also gives her opinion on our work, and sends a weekly message; and most importantly makes every one of her students feel as though they are her favorite. When I asked students what words came to mind when they thought of Mrs. H the words included kind, caring, unique, patient, and funny. Mrs. H is an amazing teacher, not only am I lucky to have her as a teacher, but our whole student body is lucky enough to have her in our school.

 Mrs. H was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer my questions about her life and FTA. 

What made you want to become a teacher?
I originally wanted to be a teacher because I love chemistry. I also had a young chemistry teacher in high school that I think really set me on my path to getting my degree in chemistry. After about a year of teaching I realized that I really love high school students. I love seeing them trying to decide what kind of an adult they're going to be. 

How long have you been a teacher?
This is my 6th year teaching, though I took a year off before teaching at FTA. 

I know that you have taught in a traditional school, what made you want to teach in an online school?
When my husband got a new job I was finally able to stay home with our daughter, which had been the plan since we'd gotten married. However, after just a year I realized I really missed my work. Teaching for FTA allows me to have all of my kids, my daughter and my students too. Its the best of both worlds!

What are the benefits of online versus traditional schooling?
I think the major benefits are allowing students to work slower or faster than they would in a normal setting and flexibility of scheduling. It wasn't until I started teaching for FTA that I realized how many online students are in online courses because their schedules don't allow for traditional school. Students who are athletes, actors, and dancers. I think its wonderful that we provide a way for all students to have their needs met.  

What was your best subject in college?
I did well and really enjoyed physical chemistry and the electricity and magnetism half of physics. I also shocked myself by loving my biomedical ethics class! 

In high school, were you ever awarded, "Best Dressed", "Most Likely to be Famous", "Class President", etc...? 
I think I got smartest girl in junior high. I was the treasurer of the Science Club, but I didn't tell many people about it because it was terribly nerdy. I was also the valedictorian when we graduated. 

Do you run any other clubs other than the NHS for FTA, and what is your favorite thing about FTA?
NHS is the only club I'm running, but I am the club coordinator so I help organize things for all of the clubs, like the new forums and chat rooms. 
My favorite thing about FTA is that I feel like the administration really wants to do the best that they can for teachers and students. 

So as you can see Mrs. H is not your typical teacher, she wants what is best for each of her students and really does care. Mrs. H continues to do beyond her best for her students and her students continue try their hardest in her classes because of the teacher she is.

This is Mrs. H pictured with her husband Daniel, and adorable daughter Keely.       

 
 

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