[0:00] [Music] [0:05] These babies are are only babies one [0:07] time. We only get one time to do this [0:09] right. [0:11] EPO encouraged me to continue being the [0:16] best version of myself that I can be for [0:18] my children. [0:20] >> I think building relationships with [0:22] students happen all day every day. when [0:25] they join the Zoom checking in. We have [0:28] a lot of little conversation, finding [0:31] ways to find connections and learn more [0:34] about each other. [0:35] >> You see that there are some new things [0:37] on my shelf. [0:38] >> I have had students who come to EP [0:40] online um so they're able to put their [0:44] anxieties at ease. Maybe they are [0:46] needing to learn in a more quiet, [0:48] controlled environment and EP online can [0:52] meet that need. We've noticed that she's [0:56] way more confident because that's a [0:58] concern that some people have that, oh, [1:00] it's not in person, so it's different. [1:04] We've heard that a lot, but I can assure [1:06] anyone who's worried about that, it's [1:09] going to be fine. [1:10] >> I think students are really valuing that [1:14] focused instructional time. I think [1:16] they're appreciating that access to the [1:18] teacher. There's just a freedom and a [1:19] flexibility and a a comfort. the [1:22] students are experiencing and feeling [1:25] with that and that reduces their stress [1:27] that increases their ability to focus [1:29] and and learn. [1:31] >> One misconception about online learning [1:33] is that students are not using their own [1:37] voices or sharing or having the [1:39] opportunity to converse with their [1:42] classmates. We offer a lot of [1:45] opportunities for students to be sharing [1:47] their opinion or giving their their [1:49] thoughts either in the whole group, in [1:51] small groups or in breakout rooms. I [1:55] work hard to make sure all students are [1:57] sharing their voices in every class and [2:00] every day. If families do want to meet [2:03] up, the awesome thing about EP online is [2:05] that they can at any point if they want [2:07] to get together, the teacher is ready [2:10] and available to make that happen. [2:12] >> What I like about the online program is [2:16] that I can do it at my own pace without [2:18] having any distractions. I can do it in [2:20] the comfort of my own home. Being able [2:22] to [2:24] have him do an online program where he [2:28] can be home in his environment and still [2:32] have an amazing supportive team behind [2:35] him has been really really great and it [2:39] is exactly what we were looking for. [2:41] >> You know I am a FIAD coach. I can teach [2:45] science and a handful of things. I'm not [2:46] an English teacher. I'm not a math [2:48] teacher. I don't want to do those things [2:50] and I know there are people that are [2:52] more qualified than me to do those [2:54] things. So having a place that has [2:58] professionals that can do this that was [3:01] wonderful. [3:02] >> Eden Prairie has been incredibly [3:05] welcoming to us and it is the first [3:08] place where [3:10] we have felt so incredibly supported and [3:13] like there is a place for everyone. I've [3:15] never seen no one interact the way that [3:17] they do. So, when it comes to peace of [3:21] mind and knowing that your child is [3:23] getting the best education that there is [3:26] out there, I highly recommend it. [3:30] [Music]