With an ever present eye on the future, South Putnam officials have rolled out two new learning pathways for students in grades 6 through 12 beginning this academic year.
District Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith announced his district will offer the South Putnam Virtual Academy, a 100 percent online program, and the South Putnam Hybrid Academy, "Eagle Flex," where students are on campus most days following the regular middle school/high school daily schedule while online curriculum builds flexibility into their day. The two programs are tuition free, open to any Indiana student and lead to the same South Putnam diploma students have earned previously.
"For years, Putnam County families often felt their only option was an online school run from somewhere far from home. Starting this fall, there is an answer down the road," Smith said.
Smith said he and his district are aware of the fact that every family has a different situation, and they want to make it easier for Eagles to get a quality education.
"Every family's situation is different, and we built these programs so no student has to choose between flexibility and belonging. You can learn in the way that works for you and still be an Eagle, walk at graduation with your class and be part of this community," Smith said.
Discussions surrounding changing the educational model have been held for some time, according to Smith.
"The idea really grew out of listening to our families and students, but also looking at educational trends and our data. We know that one size doesn't fit all, and we want South Putnam to be an option for as many students as possible - whether that's a traditional setting, fully online, or something in between. We are genuinely excited to be able to offer this level of flexibility while still delivering the same South Putnam experience and diploma," Smith said.
And, he is fully aware that the new educational models can be used as recruiting tools for families that may not have considered South Putnam before.
"We absolutely see this as an opportunity to welcome new families into the Eagle family who may not have considered us before," Smith admitted.
"We absolutely see this as an opportunity to welcome new families into the Eagle family who may not have considered us before," Smith admitted.
One benefit of the new model is students in both programs will be considered South Putnam Eagles and will be able to participate in all teams, clubs, activities, and FFA, according to Smith.
"That was really important to us as we built this out. IHSAA guidelines will dictate athletic participation student by student, they have specific requirements for participation," Smith said.
"That was really important to us as we built this out. IHSAA guidelines will dictate athletic participation student by student, they have specific requirements for participation," Smith said.
For the Virtual Academy, students will work through an engaging, online curriculum with support from local mentors. Students in the Virtual Academy will receive a Chromebook at no cost.
With the Eagle Flex, students will spend most days on campus with their teachers and classmates. Online coursework providing room in the schedule for career experiences, dual credit work or pacing according to the student's needs.
Online registration opens July 20 for both academies at mshs.sputnam.k12.in.us/o/spcsc/page/registration. Families with questions may call 765-653-3148 or email academy@sputnam.k12.in.us for more information.
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