Nov. 7, 2016
Social Well-Being As An Online Student
(Provided by CalPac, Monday, November 07, 2016)
While there are many perks to being a student at an online school, some students struggle with feelings of isolation or feeling like they are missing out on social opportunities they would otherwise have at a brick and mortar.
At CalPac, we go to great lengths to ensure that student have opportunities to interact with one another as well as experience some of the events that make high school special, including Grad Night and a beautiful Graduation Ceremony at the end of each school year.
There are many components to feeling well and happy, one of those components is having a sense of community or support outside of yourself. If you are an online student struggling with feelings of isolation, consider some of the following tips to ensure your social well-being:
Join a School Club
CalPac offers several student-run clubs that focus on different areas of interest ranging from arts and crafts and video gaming to the anti-bullying club and the photography club. Clubs are a great way to meet students outside of your grade level and classes and having a common interest with other students is a great way to establish an immediate connection.
Attend Your Live Sessions
Live sessions are mandatory for non-Credit Recovery students and are important for your overall grade but also important because it allows you to interact with your peers on a weekly basis. Regularly attending live sessions creates a sense of normalcy and comradery among students. Just as you would make friends in your classes at a brick and mortar, you will also develop friendships with your classmates as you attend your live session each week.
Check out a CalPac Sponsored Field Trip
We offer many field trips every month that are hosted by our teachers and staff. These field trips are sometimes educational and sometimes JUST FOR FUN! We understand the importance of simply getting together with your peers and enjoying a day together. Make friends in your live sessions and clubs and have the opportunity to meet up with them at school field trips!
Attend CalPac’s Wednesday Social Hour!
Every Wednesday at noon, we host a social hour for students to get together and simply hang out. Sometimes there will be guest speakers, special presentations, or just an opportunity for students to free chat and get to know each other.
If school activities do not interest you, then try joining a local gym or YMCA. Create a schedule and get out of your home to focus on your physical well-being while being around others who are doing the same thing.
Make time to get outside at least once each day.
After a few hours of studying online, it’s important to give your eyes and brain a rest. Try to get 15 minutes of sun on your face each day and take that time to breathe in some fresh air and reflect on your day so far.
Take Your School Work Somewhere New
Try doing your school work from your local library or coffee shop. Go somewhere with free WiFi and people and see if that works for you! Remember that safety is always first, so, make sure you have parent permission and, if you’re in middle school, have a parent or guardian with you if possible!
Being a student at an online school has many perks and the flexibility of our program allows you to try new, different ways to make social connections. Give one or more of these tips a try and see how it might change your routine for the better.
Contact Us Today @ (855) 225-7227.
Email - enroll@cal-pacs.org
