SCARBOROUGH — Maine Connections Academy, the state’s first online public charter school, has selected Kathryn Small, an 8th-grade student from Norway, as its November 2021 STAR Student of the Month. The STAR Student is a Maine Connections Academy scholar, selected from students throughout the state, who represents the school’s accomplishments and spirit.
Kathryn is in her second year at Maine Connections Academy. She enjoys it because “I learn more. At first, it was a little confusing, but pretty soon I caught up and now I’m doing well. All of the teachers are great, and it’s super-easy to reach them.”
Outside of school, Kathryn trains extensively in gymnastics. Five days a week, her grandfather drives her from Norway to Westbrook, where she trains at the Maine Academy of Gymnastics. Now at Level 6, Kathryn works out year-round with a competitive team on vault, bars, beams, and floor exercises. The competition season, from December to March, has her on the road here in Maine and outside of the state. Last year, Kathryn was Maine State Champion in floor exercises for her level.
Her demanding gymnastics training is why Kathryn attends Maine Connections Academy. Working out in the gym 20+ hours a week—plus the annual competition season—requires an academic environment that accommodates her sports schedule. By taking her classes online, Kathryn can study from wherever there is an Internet connection.
Maine Connections Academy also has opportunities for live field trips, like the one Kathryn recently took to the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel. “It was really cool. They let us walk through all on our own. And I got to meet Ms. Ambrose, my homeroom teacher, whom I hadn’t met in person yet.”
Maine Connections Academy is proud to select Kathryn as the November 2021 STAR Student of the Month.
Maine Connections Academy is Maine’s first statewide, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit www.