“Brightmont gave my daughter
confidence and helped her love learning
again.”
– Parent of 8th grader
April News
Tiffany Samson • April 6, 2020
Brightmont Transitions to Online Instruction During School Closures
Change and new routines were prevalent this past month as we transitioned all our students to online instruction due to COVID-19 school closures. Our students, parents and staff did an amazing job with getting up and running with our Google Hangouts. Since Brightmont already had procedures and technology in place for online instruction when students are sick or unable to come to school, we were able to provide continuity in education during this unprecedented time. In the first two weeks we delivered 6,000 one-to-one online instructional sessions!
Brightmont is committed to keeping students engaged in learning. Some of the new tools our teachers have been using for online instruction include a digital whiteboard for the student to see the teacher's work, an interactive Jeopardy game for review, and Google Docs for real-time feedback on assignments, manipulatives, and hands-on props. Teachers utilize the Share Screen option to provide real-time feedback on students' work. Our teachers also use outside the box ideas to make lessons interesting to students.
Brightmont Academy parent Terri applauded the efforts of our Broomfield staff last month saying, "It has been amazing seeing this side of my daughter and I'm so impressed with all of you."
How do we ensure instructional sessions are productive? We hold our students to the same standard as when they are at the campus, and the students are responding well. Before remote learning commences, we provide step-by-step documents, individual logistical support and testing recommendations to ensure hardware requirements are met. We recommend that students sit at a desk or table in a quiet, distraction-free area. This includes leaving cell phones in another room. We encourage students to be on time for their sessions and communicate if problems surface. Scheduling a routine for students is one of the best ways to achieve educational efficacy. The students have been more focused and have really been embracing this style of learning!
"This is working better for my daughter rather than the huge hassle of getting her to school every day. She is working harder than ever before!" says Brightmont parent D. Estrada.
New Students and Staff
We are pleased to welcome our new 6th-11th grade students that have enrolled at our campuses in our Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Castle Pines, Chandler, Plymouth, Scottsdale, and Seattle!
We are also really excited for our new staff and teachers who are supporting our students at our Birmingham, Broomfield, Castle Pines, and Scottsdale campuses.
Campus News
One of our Birmingham campus high school seniors recently accepted and has fully committed to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor! This is the college that he has wanted to attend "since I was born!" He is very excited, and we are so proud of him for achieving his goal! Go Blue!
Prior to school closing, our students and staff at our Deer Valley campus celebrated March birthdays! They enjoyed pizza and cupcakes! Fun gifts were given and lots of laughs were shared.
Scheduling
Brightmont Academy is now enrolling for summer and fall classes. We have flexible scheduling and scheduling preferences are prioritized to those who enroll early. Contact us to schedule classes.
Upcoming Exams
Standardized Test Exams:
- ACT® has rescheduled the April 4 exam to June 13.
- The College Board has cancelled the May 2, 2020 SAT® exam.
We offer ACT or SAT prep classes to students. The summer or fall is a good time to enroll in a test prep class for students who will be high school juniors in the fall.
AP Exams:
- Students will be able to take exams from home. Testing dates will be available April 3.
College Readiness
Upcoming college application deadlines:
- Grand Valley State University - May 1, 2020
- University of Michigan Dearborn - May 1, 2020
- University of Arizona - May 1, 2020
- Eastern Washington University - May 15, 2020
We wish everyone good health and safety as we continue to support the academic and emotional needs of students.
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