Students at FLEX Online aren't missing out on individual attention from teachers, rigorous learning opportunities, or quality curriculum. They are, however, missing out on passing time with peers or spending lunch period in a cherished teacher's classroom. They don't get a bus ride to connect with friends over the latest video game challenge or movie from last night. Teachers at FLEX are also missing out: missing out on tiny moments in the while students work in the classroom to lean in and make connections, on bumping into a student from last year's class in the hallway to reconnect, or inviting students to hang after school for any number of reasons.

We know from multiple researchers, including John Hattie, that relationships are the key to student motivation and engagement. As a classroom teacher for over a decade, I know that when I invested in my relationships with students they were more interested in me and my class. If you haven't been inside a classroom lately, think of it like a bank. If we invest in the 'accounts' that sit in front of me every day, it is much easier to make a withdrawl when the time comes. Withdrawls come in many forms; 'you've almost got this, don't give up' or 'take a risk and share your thought'. Deposits into these accounts look like tiny moments where connections are made, where we talk about things other than learning targets and quiz scores.  

It is these tiny moments that we are hoping to build more of with our school clubs at FLEX Online. Students have shared with us what brings them joy and we are working to develop clubs around the many different topics. Baking club, space club, chess club, poetry club... the list goes on. 

Our teachers are already going above and beyond. They work weekends to make sure that links and lessons are all ready for students on Mondays. Teachers respond to questions from students after hours so they can keep their momentum going. When students are struggling to get supplies or find books they can connect with, they make home deliveries. 

Your donation will support teachers in their ability to plan for and offer student clubs. We want to make regular and meaningful deposits into our students, this is an investment in joy. If that student feels seen and finds their tribe, it just might be the thing that keeps them coming back to school; and that investment pays dividends for a lifetime.