Pizza. Pop. Games. Laughter. Smiles. Fun. Excitement! Check out the Community Board or the Local Calendar for lists of events that may be of interest to you. These places give students information about where an event is hosted, what students will be doing, and the cost of the event if necessary. However, information regarding the teacher-planned outings will be emailed to each student by their teacher. It will not be posted on the Local Calendar. Beth French, the Local Development Manager of OHVA, says that “outings are casual, fun, and are what the students make of them; so be sure to go with an open mind. Try to connect with a student the same age. It wouldn’t be fun sitting in a corner all alone.” French suggest “being brave and stepping outside that line of comfort that holds one back- mingle, mingle, mingle.”

Although outings don’t seem to make students more social, they do appear to influence students to become more social. When students are around more people their own age it’s easier for them to communicate. Since they are most likely going through the same thing socially and with school it’s easier to relate with one another more than with a student in middle school. Attending events is also a good opportunity to meet face-to-face with people that students have met online, through Class Connects or clubs. Kathy Isenburg, the Local Marketing Manager of OHVA, enjoys watching students meet with each other. “When two students meet for the first time they are guaranteed to think, “Now I know what you look like!” When it’s over, students are likely walk away wearing a giant grin.”

Additionally, outings help assure the students that they aren’t homeschooling alone. The teachers are always encouraging students to attend outings, but what about the ladies putting the outings/events together? Ms. French and Ms. Isenburg both encourage students to go to more outings - especially the students in high school. “There are more K-8 students attending outings than there are high school students; this is partially because K-8 has a larger population.”

However, just because there are more K-8 students attending the event doesn’t mean high school students shouldn’t go. They should not base their decision to go to an outing on the fabrication that no one their age will be there. Note to all the high school students in Ohio Virtual Academy: this is why there are more K-8 students attending the events, because high school students don’t expect other high school students to be there. Hence barely, if any, end up coming. The more a student goes to an outing, the more comfortable a student will feel when they attend the outing/events, whether there are others there the student’s age or not. Students will still have fun even if they have to hang out with kids younger than them. Just make sure to take advantage of an outing when it’s within a comfortable grasp.

When asked, what one thing she would tell the high school students, Ms. Isenburg said that she doesn’t want them to be afraid to make the first move. “Just go up and say Hi my name is __I’m in __ grade. It’s hard being the first to break the ice, but in the end students will probably walk away with a new friend.” These events are planned carefully, and coconsciously since most things that sound fun are very expensive. Ms. French and Ms. Isenburg have to take into consideration the families that would not be able to come due to how much it costs.

Beth French is in charge of planning outings, Meet-and-Greets, and Family Fun Days. Also, she is responsible for getting big events into magazines and newspapers. On a monthly basis OHVA is advertised in parent magazines. The capability of every outing being listed isn’t possible. However, all information sessions and main events are listed in the papers. Beth enthusiastically states, "The families are great! I like the fact that when I'm talking to parents that are interested in the school there is usually a reason why they are choosing another option for their children. They're so encouraged to find out that there's another option for public education for their kids."

Kathy Isenburg is responsible for the market development for the school. When asked what she likes about her job she replied, "I like the fact that I genuinely feel like I'm helping people. It’s really cool to see a family come out for the first time, to an information session where they know very little about the school or they're just looking for their options. They're really frustrated at their current school because their students not going well or their student is behind. And they're not really sure what the Ohio Virtual Academy is, and to be able talk to them about school and the benefits of it. To see them through the enrollment process. To attend their first meet and greet and to see how excited they are that their in the school and how well they're doing. To me, that's the most rewarding part of the job that I really feel like I get the opportunity to help people."

Even though Ms. French and Ms. Isenburg enjoy their jobs there is one thing about it that they dislike: traveling. Traveling gets old after spending three to four hours in the car away from home, for four days out of every week. According to Beth French, “it would be nice if a snap of the fingers could get her there and back again.” Many thanks to both, Ms. French and Ms. Isenburg, for making Ohio Virtual Academy’s outings achievable. Get involved! Attend an Event! And don’t forget to smile.