While most Maine schools are adapting to online learning for the first time, Maine Virtual Academy and Maine Connections Academy have been online-only for more than five years. Though students are flocking to them this year, the schools haven’t solved all the challenges posed by virtual learning environments.
School officials are weighing how to bridge expected achievement gaps that may have resulted from remote learning in the spring.
Joshua Mutshaila, a recent Casco Bay High School graduate who moved from South Africa three years ago, discusses the mixed feelings of pride and regret over a nontraditional senior year marked by the coronavirus pandemic.
Katelyn Ingerson a senior at Lewiston High School, discusses the positive memories she will hold onto from her last year of high school, despite not being able to complete the year in-person because of the coronavirus.
Georgia Howe, a senior at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale, discusses the positive memories she will hold onto from her last year of high school, despite not being able to complete the year in-person because of the coronavirus.
Amber Sandstrom, a senior at Fort Kent Community High School, discusses the day-to-day realities of finishing high school online amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Susie Strickland, a senior at Gardiner Area High School, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the end of high school — and the final dance recital she didn’t get to have.
Emily Canavan, one of 17 seniors at Southern Aroostook Middle/High School, discusses how the coronavirus has shaped the end of high school for a small, tight-knit class in rural Maine.
Ian Dow, a senior at Winthrop High School, on how COVID-19 has shaped the end of high school and dashed his hopes for winning a state lacrosse championship.
Jenna Fecteau a senior at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish, discusses how the coronavirus has impacted her last months of high school — and could change her college plans.
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